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6 October 2026
D.C. Woman Sentenced in Kidnapping and Violent Armed Robbery of Two Women Lured for a Fake ‘Babysitting’ JobRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Cierra Charity Lee, 21, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 102 months in federal prison for her role in the brutal kidnapping and armed robbery of two women she lured to a Southeast residence under the promise of a babysitting job, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“This was a calculated ambush engineered to silence a rape victim and bury the truth,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “These defendants used deception, weapons, and terror in an attempt to obstruct justice. Today’s sentence is a reminder that intimidation will never triumph over accountability, and that those who target victims to protect predators will face the full force of the law.”
Lee pleaded guilty on April 30, 2026, to kidnapping and armed robbery. Her co‑defendants, Robynn Danielle Bynum, 19, and Kayvon Edwards, 22, previously pleaded guilty to the same charges. In addition to the 102-month prison term, Judge Christopher R. Cooper also ordered Leed to serve five years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 168-month prison sentence for Lee.
According to court documents, on the night of Oct. 20, 2025, two female victims arrived at a residence near Suitland Parkway and Stanton Road SE after Lee offered to hire them for a babysitting job. When the victims entered the home’s basement, co‑defendant Robynn Bynum emerged from a back room and stabbed Victim 1 repeatedly in the back while injuring Victim 2, who attempted to intervene. Lee helped restrain both victims, binding their hands with duct tape and taking their phones, car keys, and other property.
While the victims bled and remained bound in a bathroom, Lee questioned Victim 1 about a pending rape case against Lee’s boyfriend, co‑defendant Kayvon Edwards, who was then incarcerated in Prince George’s County.
Through a series of monitored jail calls, investigators determined that Edwards orchestrated the kidnapping and attack in an effort to prevent Victim 1 from testifying. On those calls, Edwards directed Lee to restrain Victim 1, ensure she could not flee, and silence her as a witness. Lee assured Edwards that Victim 1 would drop the charges and not appear in court.
Lee and Bynum forced the victims into Victim 1’s vehicle, duct-taped their eyes, and attempted to drive them out of the District, telling them they would be abandoned in Pennsylvania to prevent their appearance in court. After striking something and flattening a tire, Lee and Bynum fled the scene, leaving the victims bound and injured in the car. Eventually, the victims freed themselves and sought help.
MPD officers found the victim’s car parked in the 3200 block of M St. and saw blood stains and pieces of duct tape on the back seat. They also noticed that the front passenger tire was flat.
Emergency responders transported both victims to GW Hospital, where Victim 1 was treated for multiple stab wounds requiring trauma‑level care. Victim 2 was treated for lacerations to her wrist and elbow.
On November 5, 2025, police arrested all three defendants. Upon a review of Lee’s phone, law enforcement found that the device’s web history contained the following searches:
• October 7, 2025, at 2:48:31 p.m.: in dc how long can you get for kidnapping
• October 7, 2025, at 2:48:32 p.m.: dc kidnapping cases
• October 21, 2025, at 1:54:21 a.m.: how much can you get for kidnapping in dc
• October 21, 2025, at 7:49:14 a.m.: md case search
• October 21, 2025, at 8:10:26 a.m.: how much time can you get for aggravated assault
• October 21, 2025, at 11:30:26 a.m.: what does concluded held mean in court
• October 22, 2025, at 12:47:10 a.m.: how to see if you got a warrant
Bynum is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 21, 2027. Sentencing for Edwards is pending.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Satter.
Message from defendant Bynum to Victim 1
Lee’s text exchange with Victim 1 offering a “baby sitting” job.
Surveillance photo shows Lee and Bynum leading the victims to a car following the stabbings.
In this photo, the duct tape (circled in red) police found in the abandoned car.
Emergency workers attend to Victim 1 who was bleeding from the four stab wounds in her back.
26cr58
Court Sentences Baldwin County Man for Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
According to court documents, on January 2, 2026, Daphne Police Department officers responded to a room at the Eastern Shore Motel following a report of domestic violence. When officers arrived, they observed a woman crying and appearing to be in distress. Wooten became combative with officers, prompting one officer to deploy a taser. The taser probes did not incapacitate Wooten, and he pulled the probes from his body with his hands. After a struggle, several officers were able to gain control of Wooten and place him under arrest.
During the arrest, officers recovered a loaded handgun from Wooten’s right pants pocket. Officers also observed marijuana in the motel room. The room was secured while officers obtained a search warrant. A subsequent search revealed marijuana and a used marijuana grinder on the bedside table.
The firearm recovered from Wooten was a Hi-Point Model C9 9-millimeter handgun. The serial number on the bottom of the firearm’s frame, in front of the trigger guard, had been damaged. The surrounding plastic showed signs that someone had attempted to obliterate the serial number, apparently using a file or similar tool. Upon closer examination, agents were able to identify the firearm’s serial number.
Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms. At the time he possessed the firearm, Wooten had two prior felony convictions: a conviction for Breaking and Entering a Vehicle in the Circuit Court of Baldwin County, Alabama, arising from conduct on or about June 17, 2025, and a conviction for Robbery in the Third Degree in the Circuit Court of Baldwin County, Alabama, arising from conduct on or about August 29, 2014.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Daphne Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney George F. May prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Convicted Felon on State Probation Sentenced to 10 Years on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Nazae Dion Maewether, 24, of Asheville, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl and illegally possessing a firearm in Asheville, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to filed documents and court proceedings, while Maewether was on probation for 2024 state convictions of possession with intent to manufacture, sell, and deliver cocaine, common law robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, law enforcement initiated an investigation into Maewether for distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and firearms. Between August and November 2025, Maewether sold an undercover agent two firearms, more than 231 grams of fentanyl, and over 59 grams of methamphetamine. On November 5, 2025, law enforcement stopped Maewether’s vehicle and arrested him. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement recovered over 73 grams of fentanyl, 14 grams of cocaine, and $1,040 in U.S. currency.
“Maewether was given a second chance but instead chose to sell fentanyl, methamphetamine, and guns,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “A 10-year sentence sends the message that putting dangerous drugs and firearms on our streets comes at a price.”
In May 2026, Maewether pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Asheville Police Department, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville 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.
Convicted Felon Indicted for Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Wendell R. McCarroll, Jr., age 46, of Albany Louisiana, with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a stolen firearm. He appeared for his arraignment and pled not guilty to the pending charges. Following the hearing, the Court ordered McCarroll detained in federal custody pending further proceedings and set his next court appearance for November 12, 2026.
According to the Indictment, on December 9, 2025, McCarroll was found in possession of a Springfield Armory 1911 EMP .40 caliber pistol, which he knew to be stolen. He was also on active parole for a previous firearm conviction which would have prohibited him from possessing any firearm.
If convicted of count one, McCarroll faces a term of imprisonment of not more than 15 years and a fine up to $250,000. If convicted of count two, he faces a term of imprisonment of not more than 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. Any imposed term of imprisonment must include a term of supervised release of up to three years after imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Kurt L. Wall praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Lyman E. Thornton III leads the prosecution.
NOTE: An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.
Butler County Man Indicted for Receiving Firearm and Ammunition with Intent to Commit Terrorism on Behalf of ISISRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Valencia, in Butler County, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of receiving a firearm and ammunition, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the firearm and ammunition would be used to commit a felony or a Federal crime of terrorism, including providing, attempting to provide, and conspiring to provide material support or resources to a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The one-count Indictment named Jonathan Hunter Kramer, 21, as the sole defendant. Kramer previously was charged with that crime by federal criminal complaint (read the complaint news release here) and remains detained pending trial.
According to the Indictment, on or about September 12, 2026, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Kramer knowingly received a semiautomatic rifle, .223 caliber ammunition, and 5.56 caliber ammunition, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe that the firearm and ammunition would be used to commit a felony or a Federal crime of terrorism, including providing, attempting to provide and conspiring to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated FTO. As alleged in the affidavit filed in support of the complaint, Kramer had been using the online persona of “Hamza Al Rashid” who claimed affiliation with ISIS, offered to share explosive manuals with others, and, just a few days prior to September 12, expressed his intent to prepare for his “mission” and that he was only missing a “weapon.”
The affidavit further details that, on September 12, agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) observed Kramer quickly depart his residence while carrying a bag. Thereafter, he acquired a long black bag from the trunk of another individual’s vehicle in the parking lot of a retail store, booked a hotel room, and visited the gun counter at a sporting goods store. FBI agents interdicted Kramer as he returned to the hotel in possession of three 30-round capacity rifle magazines and five boxes of rifle ammunition. Subsequently, the FBI executed federal search warrants upon Kramer’s person, hotel room, and residence, which resulted in the seizure of a semiautomatic rifle, five rifle magazines (two loaded and the other three each offering a 30-round capacity), a rifle bipod and scope, a total of 190 rounds of rifle ammunition, and other items, along with a handwritten note stating “DoNt look For me[.] IDK what I did buT I cant live In constant Fear[.]”
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan J. McKenna and Alyssa R. Angotti of the Western District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorneys Andrew Briggs and Matthew Hracho of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from numerous state and local counterparts, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Broward County Gang Leader Sentenced to 90 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearms, Attempt to Smuggle Narcotics into JailRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A convicted felon and gang leader has been sentenced to federal prison for illegally possessing firearms and conspiring to smuggle synthetic drugs into jail while awaiting trial.
U.S. District Judge Melissa Damian sentenced Michael Ridley, 34, of Fort Lauderdale, to 90 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to possessing firearms as a convicted felon, attempting to possess contraband in prison, and conspiring to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
“Michael Ridley was a convicted felon and gang leader who illegally armed himself, flaunted firearms on social media, and then, after his arrest, tried to continue his criminal activity from inside jail by conspiring to smuggle liquid synthetic drugs into the facility,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “This seven-and-a-half-year federal prison sentence reflects a simple reality: gang leaders who possess illegal guns and continue directing criminal activity from behind bars will be held accountable.”
According to court records, on June 12, 2025, Ridley posted a social media video showing him with two handguns at a shooting range. The video included the notation “TTB (Train to Bag),” a reference to a homicide victim’s body being placed in a bag and removed from a crime scene. Following the posting, law enforcement obtained a criminal complaint charging Ridley with unlawfully possessing the firearms while at the range.
Ridley was arrested on July 23, 2025. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement found him in possession of a firearm that had previously been reported stolen and an attached extended magazine.
Following his arrest, the U.S. sought Ridley’s pretrial detention. Ridley was a leader of the Eastside Gangsta Bloods (EGB), which operates as part of the larger United Blood Nation (UBN). The court ordered Ridley detained, and he was held as a federal detainee at two separate facilities in Broward County.
While detained, Ridley conspired with outside accomplices, including other gang members, to smuggle narcotics into the jail disguised as legal mail addressed to him. The method, commonly referred to as “paper dope,” involves saturating ordinary sheets of paper with liquid synthetic drugs.
At sentencing, the government presented evidence that Ridley possessed more than a dozen firearms and held a leadership position within EGB.
U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
FBI Miami investigated the case, with assistance from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Vaglienti prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is a part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through the PSN program a broad spectrum of law enforcement and community stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs to reduce violence crime and gun violence, and to make our local neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case numbers 25-cr-60177.
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Brockton Man Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements to Law Enforcement About Firearms Recovered at Crime ScenesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brockton man pleaded guilty today to making false statements to law enforcement regarding his transfer of 24 firearms he had purchased. More than half of the firearms surfaced at various crime scenes across the Northeast including a Boston homicide.
Klordenzsky Senecharles, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of false statements. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Jan. 20, 2027. Senecharles was arrested and charged in April 2026. He was released on pretrial conditions.
Between March 2020 and May 2021, Senecharles purchased a total of 28 firearms and later sold four of them. Of the 24 firearms still registered to Senecharles, 13 firearms were recovered in connection with criminal activity, including a Feb. 26, 2024 homicide in Boston. Senecharles told law enforcement that he had sold 21 of the 24 firearms to various Massachusetts registered firearms dealers. The firearms dealers reported that they had no record of purchasing any of the 21 firearms from Senecharles.
The charge of making false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan C. Cleary and Colin T. Missett of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Bellingham resident charged with conspiring to commit murder in connection with school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.Read the Press Release
This press release has been updated to more accurately report the sex of the school shooter in Tumbler Ridge.
Seattle – A 30-year-old Bellingham, Washington resident, James Cody Bryant, was arrested today on a criminal complaint charging conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country for Bryant’s role in a February 10, 2026, school shooting in British Columbia, Canada. Bryant was in frequent communication with school shooter Jesse Van Rootselaar in the six months leading up to the school shooting that killed six people and seriously injured others. The criminal complaint details several different ways Bryant encouraged and aided Van Rootselaar’s plan including agreeing to broadcast the attack.
“The Tumbler Ridge Secondary School shooting was a horrific tragedy for that small community and for all of Canada. Indeed, here in the Pacific Northwest we felt the pain of those families devastated by this violence,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “It is even more profoundly disturbing to learn that a resident of Western Washington had a role in the attack and took steps – providing counsel, technical advice, and money to the shooter planning such a tragedy.”
“On behalf of the FBI, I want to express heartfelt sympathy for the victims of this tragedy and their loved ones,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “No investigation can undo the fear and suffering caused by the horrific events of this February or bring these individuals back to their families, school, or community. We mourn with you. We hope the charge announced today demonstrates our commitment to pursue justice for the victims who lost their lives, or were injured, in this shocking act of violence. As part of that commitment, FBI Seattle remains dedicated to working with our law enforcement partners to hold this conspirator accountable for assisting in this terrible affair.”
“We remain mindful that no investigative milestone can undo the harm caused that day, but we hope it reflects our ongoing commitment to seeking answers and pursuing all available evidence,” says Assistant Commissioner Elija Rain, Acting Commanding Officer, BC RCMP. “I would like to thank the FBI Seattle and the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington for their partnership, professionalism, and commitment throughout this complex investigation. Their cooperation and expertise have been invaluable in advancing the work across jurisdictions and ensuring that all available evidence could be thoroughly examined.”
According to the RCMP Van Rootselaar was a male. Van Rootselaar had been transitioning and identified as female on official government identification and on law enforcement reports.
On February 10, 2026, Jesse Van Rootselaar killed two relatives and then drove to the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School where Van Rootselaar shot and killed five children ages 12 and 13 and killed an educational assistant. Van Rootselaar used an improvised explosive device to damage the school and tried to get into other classrooms by firing through locked doors. Van Rootselaar exchanged gunfire with police and ultimately committed suicide.
Shortly after the shooting, law enforcement learned Van Rootselaar had been in frequent communication with someone via the platform Discord. That person was identified as Bryant. According to the criminal complaint, Bryant and Van Rootselaar began communicating over Discord no later than August 2025, about Van Rootselaar’s plan to kill multiple people in a shooting in Canada. Numerous conversations between Bryant and Van Rootselaar are detailed in the criminal complaint. During these conversations, Bryant allegedly agreed to assist Van Rootselaar in a variety of ways: Bryant agreed to record and broadcast Van Rootselaar’s live stream of the murders; on multiple occasions, Bryant assisted Van Rootselaar in testing the livestreaming equipment to ensure it was functioning and would provide a viewable image of the planned killings; Bryant provided tactical advice on how to increase the carnage and what firearms to use; Bryant sent money to Van Rootselaar to purchase various items the shooter wanted in connection with the school attack, including a lighter that would be used to construct an explosive device detonated during the attack; mere moments before the shooting, Bryant confirmed that Bryant was receiving the livestream; and at various times Bryant advised Van Rootselaar about keeping the murder plot secret by deleting their messages and using Virtual Private Networks (VPN) for streaming the video of the shooting.
At various times leading up to the attack, Bryant assured Van Rootselaar that Bryant would not turn the shooter in to law enforcement and would be there to handle the live streaming. In various conversations between August and the February shooting, Bryant tried to talk Van Rootselaar out of doing the attack. But ultimately, Bryant did not contact law enforcement and agreed to handle the live streaming just minutes before the attack. Even after Van Rootselaar had killed two family members, there was time to intervene before the school shooting. Van Rootselaar could not get the family car started to head to the school. Bryant gave advice about how to get the engine to turn over, allowing the shooter to put the school shooting plan in motion.
Conspiracy to murder persons in a foreign country is punishable by up to life in prison.
The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg with assistance from the Justice Department’s National Security Division.
bryant_court_filed_complaint.pdfBaltimore County Softball Coach Pleads Guilty to Child Sex CrimesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore County softball coach pled guilty in federal court, today, to charges connected to sexually abusing a former player who was a minor at the time.
Michael Joseph Pusateri, 59, of Nottingham, pled guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor. Pusateri also recently pled guilty to sexual child abuse against the same victim in Baltimore County Circuit Court, resulting in a 10-year sentence.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger; and Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).
According to the guilty plea, from at least March 2025, through July 2025, Pusateri coerced and enticed a minor victim, who was 16 and 17 years old at the time of the abuse. Pusateri groomed the minor victim through text messages and coerced and enticed the child into sending him sexual images. He then saved the messages and CSAM on his cellphone. Additionally, Pusateri sent the minor victim several pictures of his genitals.
After law enforcement seized his cellphone, BCPD uncovered over 400 phone calls between Pusateri and the minor victim from March 21, through July 25. The minor victim met the Baltimore County softball coach when she was approximately 8 years old. The victim joined Pusateri’s club softball team, when she was 11 or 12 years old, where he coached her through the time of the abuse.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.
Pusateri faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, with a maximum of life in federal prison, for coercion and enticement. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. Sentencing is set for Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2027, at 2:30 p.m.
A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office, and BCPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn who is prosecuting the federal case.
For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md.
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Aiken Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Gun Following Five Points Traffic StopRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Devron Jakell Duncan, 33, of Aiken, has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On Feb. 15, 2023, a University of South Carolina Police Officer was patrolling the Five Points area of Columbia. Around 2 a.m., the officer stopped a vehicle driven by Duncan. Duncan refused the officer’s commands to stay in the vehicle, pushed the officer, and ran. After apprehending Duncan, USCPD officers searched the area and found a loaded 9 mm pistol that Duncan had tossed. Further investigation revealed that Duncan’s girlfriend was the purchaser of the gun and had previously told law enforcement that Duncan stole the gun from her residence.
Duncan has prior convictions for domestic violence, illegally possessing a firearm, and kidnapping, among other offenses. These offenses prohibit Duncan from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Chief United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Duncan to 33 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the University of South Carolina Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Timmons prosecuted the case.###
AIDS Healthcare Foundation Agrees to Pay $1.44M to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles, California, has agreed to pay $1.44 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting or failing to delete false or invalid diagnosis codes in order to increase payments that it received from the Medicare Advantage program.
“The government relies on Medicare Advantage participants to submit accurate, substantiated diagnosis codes that are adequately documented in a medical record to ensure proper payment,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will continue to protect the public fisc and hold accountable those who receive inflated payments by knowingly providing or failing to correct false information.”
“The integrity of our federal healthcare programs, including Medicare Advantage, must be preserved,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “We will not tolerate companies undermining the interests of Medicare patients for financial gain.”
“Medicare Advantage organizations have a responsibility to ensure the accuracy of diagnosis codes they submit for payment. When entities fail to correct information they know is wrong, they undermine the integrity of a program millions of seniors rely on,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Miranda L. Bennett of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS‑OIG). “HHS‑OIG will continue to safeguard taxpayer funds by holding organizations accountable when their failures inflate federal payments and compromise program trust.”
Under the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program, also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare beneficiaries may opt out of traditional Medicare and enroll in private health plans offered by insurance companies known as Medicare Advantage Organizations, or MAOs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) pays the MAOs a fixed monthly amount for each Medicare beneficiary enrolled in their plans. CMS adjusts these monthly payments to account for various “risk” factors that affect expected health expenditures for the beneficiary. In general, CMS pays MAOs more for sicker beneficiaries expected to incur higher healthcare costs and less for healthier beneficiaries expected to incur lower costs. To calculate the payment amounts, CMS uses a health-based risk adjustment model — the Hierarchical Conditions Category (HCC) model — that takes into account diagnoses reported by healthcare providers. In general, the more severe the diagnosis or costly the associated treatment, the higher the risk score and the higher the corresponding payments to the MAO. Diagnosis codes submitted to CMS must be supported by the beneficiaries’ medical records and be accurate, complete, and truthful, based on the best knowledge, information, and belief of the MAO making the submission.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) provides care and services to HIV patients in the United States and other countries. AHF’s Managed Care Division (doing business as Positive Healthcare Partners) operated special needs MA plans for Medicare beneficiaries who have HIV and lived in Florida, Georgia, or California.
The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, for payment years 2017 to 2023, AHF failed to timely investigate and delete diagnosis codes that were either inaccurate or not documented in medical records. Beginning in around 2017, AHF’s risk adjustment coders conducted chart reviews to identify inaccurate or unsupported diagnosis codes for deletion. As part of this process, AHF’s risk adjustment coders maintained “Delete Research” spreadsheets, which listed diagnosis codes they identified as potentially lacking support in the medical record but needing further research. Although AHF knew that it was required to investigate and delete inaccurate and unsupported diagnosis codes within 60 days, AHF failed to timely investigate and delete the codes. AHF did not delete most of the inaccurate or unsupported diagnosis codes in the “Delete Research” spreadsheets until 2024 or 2025 — well after AHF was on notice that the codes potentially lacked support and only after being notified of the United States’ investigation.
The United States further alleges that, for payment year 2017, AHF knowingly submitted diagnosis codes for HIV (ICD-10 B20) where the diagnosis was not documented in any medical record for a face-to-face visit, in violation of CMS requirements that all diagnosis code submissions must be documented as a result of a face-to-face visit.
The civil settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Donna Irons, a former risk adjustment coder at AHF. Under the qui tam provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Irons v. AIDS Healthcare Foundation d/b/a Positive Healthcare Partners, Civil Action No. 23-cv-2160 (C.D. Cal.). Ms. Irons will receive $259,200 as her share of the federal recovery.
AHF received credit under the Department of Justice’s guidelines for taking disclosure, cooperation, and remediation into account in False Claims Act resolutions, Justice Manual § 4-4.112. In addition to cooperating in the government’s investigation and enhancing its compliance program, AHF proactively remediated its conduct during the course of Department’s investigation by submitting deletes for diagnosis codes that, based on review of medical records, were not supported.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
Trial Attorney Tiffany L. Ho of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Desmond Jui for the Central District of California handled this case.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
5 October 2026
Yankton Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Joshua Hollum, 47, of Yankton, South Dakota, was sentenced on September 24, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine actual and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Hollum to a total of 180 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Hollum’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On February 4, 2025, Nebraska State Troopers responded to reports of a hit and run on Interstate-80 in Buffalo County. They found a silver vehicle with heavy front-end damage and smoke coming out of its engine. Hollum was identified as the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. When directed to exit the vehicle, he had a loaded syringe sticking out of the breast pocket on his t-shirt. The syringe was seized and the liquid inside tested positive for methamphetamine.
Troopers arrested Hollum and his vehicle was searched. Troopers found a backpack on the passenger seat, which contained methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, 9 clonazepam pills, 8 buprenorphine pills, marijuana, a loaded Sig Sauer P320 handgun with an extended magazine containing 17 9mm rounds, an additional extended magazine containing 30 9mm rounds, unused plastic bags, and a digital scale with drug residue on it.
The controlled substances were sent to the State Patrol Crime Laboratory. The lab confirmed at least 400 grams of methamphetamine actual, 0.9 grams of cocaine, 1.2 grams of heroin, and 4 grams of fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the TRIDENT and CODE Task Forces which is made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22-county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska and includes the North Platte Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Ogallala Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Western District of Oklahoma's "Operation 922" Domestic Violence Initiative Continues to Save LivesRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – As October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, United States Attorney Robert J. Troester highlights the successful partnerships and impact of Operation 922, a local Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative in the Western District of Oklahoma to hold violent domestic abusers accountable for violation of federal firearms laws.
“You cannot have safe neighborhoods without first having safe homes,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “When domestic violence escalates to involve firearms, the likelihood of death for the abuse victim or responding law enforcement increases exponentially. Simply put, Operation 922 is a targeted strategy to save lives by holding domestic abusers accountable for violation of federal laws before their violence escalates.”
“Operation 922 demonstrates the life-saving impact that comes from bringing law enforcement agencies together to address the intersection of domestic violence and firearms,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brian Garner. “When a violent domestic abuser is prohibited from possessing a firearm, identifying and removing that firearm can prevent further violence and potentially save a life. ATF is proud to work alongside our federal, state, local, and tribal partners to hold these offenders accountable and to ensure that firearms do not become tools of intimidation, control, or further violence in our communities.”
“The Oklahoma City Police Department has long shared a strong partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office, out of the Western District of Oklahoma,” said Oklahoma City Police Chief Ron Bacy. “Together we investigate and prosecute violent crimes, particularly those involving domestic violence, especially given the staggering domestic violence statistics in our state. This collaboration includes our joint efforts through the Operation 922 initiative.”
“Palomar is proud to have partnered with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma since the beginning of Operation 922. Together, we have helped protect hundreds of women and children from violence, hold dangerous offenders accountable, and make our community safer,” said Palomar Chief Visionary Officer & Founder Kim Garrett-Funk. “We commend Bob Troester and his team for their leadership and unwavering commitment to justice. We are honored to stand alongside partners who share our belief that every person deserves to live free from violence and fear.”
The Problem
According to a 2025 report, Oklahoma ranks among the top in the nation for women murdered by men in domestic disputes. The danger from domestic abuse, however, extends beyond the home; one of the leading causes of firearms-related fatalities for police officers is responding to domestic abuse calls. Moreover, domestic violence is not limited to specific geographic areas but exists in all neighborhoods (wealthy and poor) and in all communities (metropolitan and rural).
The Strategy
Launched in 2018, Operation 922 brings law enforcement and prosecutors together with a clear direction and common purpose: holding violent domestic abusers accountable. Operation 922 prioritizes the prosecution of violent domestic abusers primarily using federal firearms laws, most of which are found in 18 U.S.C. § 922, from which this initiative takes its name.
All told, Operation 922 has used more than 20 federal statutes to target these violent offenders. Common federal charges include, but are not limited to, illegal possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person (1) previously convicted of a felony offense, (2) previously convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, (3) under current felony indictment, or (4) subject to an active domestic violence related Victim Protective Order, and (5) making false statements to federally licensed firearms dealers. Given the focus on violent abusers, federal prosecutors often seek the defendant’s pre-trial detention after arrest, in part to limit the abuser’s ability to return to the home and exert control and intimidation over victims while trial is pending. Similarly, federal prosecutors often seek substantive prison sentences after conviction with Operation 922 offenders averaging 76 months in prison.
The Partnerships
Operation 922 is a collaboration of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors across the Western District of Oklahoma. To date, cases have originated in 26 different counties—well over half the counties in the district.
From its inception in 2018, Operation 922 has maintained a pivotal partnership with Palomar, Oklahoma City’s Family Justice Center. Palomar brings together multi-disciplinary resources under one roof to meet the specific and multiple areas of need experienced by the victims of domestic abuse. This partnership is critical to provide the necessary victim services and support to those suffering from abuse.
Results Since 2018
Since 2018, Operation 922 has had phenomenal results:
- 433 defendants have been charged
- More than 96% have already pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial.
- More than 90% have already been sentenced, receiving average federal prison sentences of 76 months.
- More than 33% were identified known gang members.
- Law enforcement has seized from these defendants:
- 606 firearms, and
- 18,068 rounds of ammunition.
The following press releases over the past two years are examples of the breadth of Operation 922’s impact:
- Oklahoma City Man Receives Statutory Maximum Sentence for Illegally Possessing Ammunition Connected to Shooting of Unarmed Man – (September 15, 2026)
- Oklahoma City Felon Sentenced to Twelve Years in Federal Prison after Pointing a Firearm at Three People Inside Vehicle - (July 13, 2026)
- Alva Man to Serve Six Years in Federal Prison for Firearm Possession after Threatening and Strangling Woman - (June 8, 2026)
- Lawton Man in Illegal Possession of 11 Firearms while Subject to a Protective Order is Sentenced to Serve 57 Months in Federal Prison - (June 3, 2026)
- Oklahoma City Man with Violent Criminal History Sentenced to 12 Years for Firearm Offense - (April 22, 2026)
- Lawton Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Gun Charge after Shots Fired during Domestic Dispute - (March 6, 2026)
- Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve More Than Three Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm Possession - (January 22, 2026)
- Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve 55 Years in Prison Following Retrial after Shooting Woman in Metro Parking Garage - (January 14, 2026)
- Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm Possession Following Shooting - (January 7, 2026)
- Oklahoma City Man Lands in Federal Prison for Possessing Firearm While Subject to Protective Order - (November 25, 2025)
- Midwest City Man to Serve a Decade in Federal Prison after Pointing a Gun in Road Rage Incident, Shooting at a Home, and Other Incidents Threatening Violence with a Firearm - (July 28, 2025)
- Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms, Including Sawed-Off Shotgun, Lands Mustang Felon in Federal Prison for More Than Seven Years - (July 24, 2025)
- Illegal Firearms Possession Lands Lawton Man in Federal Prison for Seven Years Following Domestic Violence Conviction - (June 27, 2025)
- Canadian County Man to Serve Decade in Federal Prison following Domestic Violence Incident with Pregnant Woman Involving Firearms - (June 4, 2025)
- Illegal Firearm Possession Lands Oklahoma City Man in Federal Prison for Six Years Following Domestic Calls to Law Enforcement - (May 21, 2025)
- Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve More Than Four Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Ammunition Possession after Attacking Woman at Club and Her Home - (May 9, 2025)
- Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve Six Years in Federal Prison after Domestic Violence Call Leads to Illegal Firearm and Ammunition Possession Conviction - (April 24, 2025)
- Road Rage Shooting Lands Oklahoma County Man in Federal Prison for More Than Seven Years for Illegal Firearm Possession - (March 18, 2025)
Training Beyond Western Oklahoma
Since 2018, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has trained more than 2,500 federal, state, local, and tribal officers and prosecutors nationwide on Operation 922. More than half of that training has taken place in Oklahoma. Western District of Oklahoma prosecutors have also provided national training to other U.S. Attorney’s Offices who have used Operation 922 as a model for a similar strategy in their districts.
For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit justice.gov/psn. More information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma is available at justice.gov/usao-wdok.
- 433 defendants have been charged
West Bridgewater Man Sentenced to over Six Years in Prison for Drug Conspiracy and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A West Bridgewater man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for drug conspiracy and firearm charges, following a series of arrests targeting gangs in the Brockton and Randolph areas.
Lue Andrade, a/k/a “Poncho,” 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy to 80 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In July 2026, Andrade pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and four counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. In February 2026, federal complaints were unsealed against seven defendants charged with drug and firearm crimes.
Andrade was arrested on Dec. 17, 2025, following searches at numerous residences and stash houses associated with the Brockton-based Harvard Street Gang and their Randolph-based affiliates including Andrade’s residence in West Bridgewater and his stash house in Brockton. In his residence, two handguns, ammunition, multiple pounds of marijuana and packaging materials were seized. The stash location was a second-floor apartment that was set up as drug repackaging workshop. The apartment contained dozens of pounds of marijuana, some of which was discovered in hidden compartments within the walls. In the basement, two rifles, a pistol, an extended magazine and various ammunition were also seized. Andrade was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior state conviction for drug dealing from 2016.
The drug conspiracy to which Andrade pleaded guilty went back to March 2023, when authorities executed search warrants at Andrade’s then-residence in Bridgewater and a different stash apartment in Brockton. In that stash location, a backpack containing hundreds of grams of fentanyl and cocaine were recovered.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations, Boston Division; the Abington, Acushnet, Ashland, Boston, Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton, Chelsea, East Bridgewater, Medford, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Stoughton, Taunton and West Bridgewater Police Departments; Plymouth and Suffolk County Sheriff’s Departments; Massachusetts Department of Correction; and the Plymouth, Norfolk and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Cutshall and Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Weaponization Working Group Releases Report on Garland Memo That Chilled Parental Rights and Warned Parents Could Be Domestic TerroristsRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department’s Weaponization Working Group issued a report detailing how Biden Administration officials at the Department of Justice explored avenues to prosecute parents and protestors who spoke to school boards and school officials during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Today’s report focuses on the production and circulation of an October 4, 2021 memorandum sent from Attorney General Merrick Garland to the Director of the FBI, the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division, the Director of the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, and United States Attorneys.
On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14147 to eliminate the political weaponization of federal agencies. To many Americans, Attorney General Garland’s memo embodied the misuse and weaponization of government power. This report fulfills the February 2, 2025 directive from Attorney General Pam Bondi to review the Memo and the report ordered by the President in EO 14147.
The report details how, despite being presented with very little evidence of actual violence or violent threats against school administrators and at school board meetings, Garland arrived at a memo which claimed, “in recent months, there has been a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence.”
The Working Group’s report makes clear that the ideological inspiration for the October 4, 2021 memo was a September 29, 2021 letter from the National School Boards Association to President Joe Biden in which the organization urged the federal government to consider that “these heinous actions” “could be equivalent to a form of domestic terrorism and hate crimes.”
The Working Group officially acknowledges what many Americans already assumed: that as Biden Administration actions chilled the exercise of parental and free speech rights, parents who lawfully exercised their parental rights and freedom of speech were often targeted by members of the educational establishment.
Among the most egregious findings, exhibits show that individuals in the Biden White House and Attorney General Garland’s advisors wanted to involve federal law enforcement and prosecutors in matters involving parents and school boards. Further, the Memo established a task force to find federal enforcement options for investigating and prosecuting parents and the FBI opened 25 “Guardian assessments” on parents. One FBI whistleblower disclosed that a mother was investigated because she “is a gun owner” and belonged to a “right-wing mom’s group.”
After thoroughly reviewing internal communications and investigative records, the Working Group found that more than a dozen DOJ and FBI personnel raised concerns with the Memo and its directive, including:
- “Stupid, stupid, stupid”
- “they might as well rename the damn thing the Anti-MAGA Task Force”
- “ridiculous,”
- “challenging from a First Amendment perspective”
- “potentially dangerous ground”
- “horrible”
- “confusing”
- “look[s] political”
- “a partisan exercise aimed at those who do not support the Administration”
- Would “tarnish reputation as an apolitical law enforcer”
- “very messy and political”
- “nothing remotely federal”
Despite internal pushback, emails show Attorney General Garland issued the Memo, influenced by White House officials. The Working Group confirms the Memo was the product of pressure exerted by the White House and wrongly weaponized the Department of Justice against parents.
The Trump Administration and Attorney General Todd Blanche have made securing parental and First Amendment rights a top priority. In addition to the investigative Report, the Department of Justice is taking the following steps:
- Parents and other participants at school board meetings who became the subject or target of an FBI Guardian assessment as a result of the Garland Memorandum will be offered the opportunity to review the Guardian.
- A disclaimer will be added to Guardian assessments associated with the Garland Memorandum. The majority of these Guardian assessments have been closed or discontinued, but this disclaimer will note that the Garland Memorandum raised serious constitutional concerns, and so any Guardian assessment resulting from it should be read with caution.
- The Department will review the files of anyone who was investigated under the Garland Memorandum to determine if their constitutional rights were violated. To the extent such a violation is found, the Department will issue a formal apology and institute internal controls as necessary to prevent repeating the violation.
- Through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, the Department is partnering with the National Association of School Resource Officers and awarding them $1.5 million to develop and deliver a series of training and technical assistance directly to our nation’s school resource officers. The goal of this grant is to increase the organization’s capacity to inform school employees regarding the rights of parents in our primary and secondary educational system.
- Through the Office of Justice Programs, the Department is prioritizing additional funding to provide resources and training to schoolteachers and staff about the First Amendment rights of parents and the rights of parents to direct and guide the upbringing and education of their children.
This report follows letters sent earlier today by Department of Justice and Department of Education leadership to all 50 state attorneys general on parental rights. The letters can be viewed here.
The Justice Department remains committed to defending Constitutionally protected civil liberties, especially the First Amendment rights of all Americans. Individuals with concerns about unconstitutional conduct are encouraged to come forward; the Department will evaluate such matters without fear or favor.
Read the full report here.
U.S. Department of Justice Obtains Settlement on Behalf of National Guard Medic for Alleged Employment Discrimination by Texas Memory Care FacilityRead the Press Release
A federal judge in Austin has approved a settlement between the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, on behalf of Army National Guard Combat Medic Specialist Maria Opara, and Texas-based University Village Memory Care (UVMC) to resolve allegations that UVMC violated the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). The lawsuit arises from UVMC’s demotion, and ultimate termination, of Specialist Opara because she went on leave to fulfill military orders.
“It is unlawful to demote a servicemember because of her service in the National Guard, and also unlawful to terminate a servicemember because she refused to accept such a demotion,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department is proud to vindicate servicemembers’ rights under USERRA and will continue to ensure that they can serve our country without fear of being demoted or losing their civilian jobs because of their service.”
“So many of our servicemembers call the Western District of Texas home, so we do all we can to protect their rights while they are out protecting our freedoms,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “Our servicemembers — the men and women who, along with their families, sacrifice so much to protect our nation and its citizens — can be confident the Justice Department will hold employers accountable for unlawful acts committed against our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.”
The settlement agreement resolves Specialist Opara’s claim that UVMC violated USERRA when it demoted or attempted to demote her from her position as a night shift supervisor to a lower paying position because of her military service. The settlement also resolves Opara’s claim that UVMC violated USERRA when it terminated her employment when she refused to accept the forced demotion. The settlement includes monetary relief in the amount of $15,000 to Specialist Opara and requires UVMC to update its policies and procedures regarding employees’ USERRA rights, including training all UVMC employees on those updated policies and procedures.
USERRA protects the right of uniformed servicemembers to reemployment in their civilian jobs following absences due to military service obligations and provides that servicemembers shall not be discriminated against because of their military obligations. The Justice Department prioritizes the enforcement of servicemembers’ rights under USERRA. Additional information about USERRA can be found on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/servicemembers as well as on the Department of Labor’s website at www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra.
U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Justice Reaffirm Parents Are Not Terrorists and Have the Right to Direct their Children’s EducationRead the Press Release
Today, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) sent a joint letter to all state Attorneys General reaffirming the Trump Administration’s commitment to protecting parental rights. The letter puts Attorneys General on notice that under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), parents have the right to know and be informed of the most sensitive and personal information pertaining to their children. ED and DOJ also announced a new enforcement action against the Los Angeles Unified School District in California (LAUSD) for policies that require staff to keep sensitive information hidden from parents.
The Trump Administration’s message is clear: the era of silencing, harassing, and targeting parents is over, and their rights under federal law are non-negotiable. Five years ago, the Biden Administration weaponized the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate parents who attended school board meetings, including setting up a dedicated snitch-line. The infamous October 4th memorandum came after the Biden White House coordinated with the National School Boards Association to label parents as “domestic terrorists.” Today’s letter and enforcement action also come on the same day the DOJ’s Weaponization Working Group released its report exposing the memorandum’s creation.
“Parents are children’s natural providers and protectors,” said Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. “The Biden-Harris DOJ labeled concerned parents as threats for exercising their right to know what was happening at their kids’ schools. This Civil Rights Division stands with parents, and we will continue to partner with the Department of Education to enforce parents’ rights under federal law.”
“Under the Biden Administration, parents were the enemy. They were labeled as terrorists, targeted, and investigated by a government weaponized against them,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “That era is over. The Trump Administration is acting with unprecedented energy and purpose to restore parents’ natural rights as the primary protectors of their children. The Department of Education is committed to fully enforcing FERPA and PPRA. We are grateful to the Department of Justice for partnering with us to hold rogue schools accountable, including the Los Angeles Unified School District, and urge all state Attorneys General to work with us in upholding the letter of the law.”
Additionally, ED partnered with DOJ to take enforcement action against LAUSD for policies that violate FERPA and PPRA. These policies direct district employees to “privately ask the student how they want to be referred to when communicating with parents/legal guardians” and to keep a students’ self-professed “gender identity” “private” or “confidential,” including from parents. LAUSD’s parental secrecy policies have allowed students to make life-altering decisions in secret, unbeknownst to their parents.
Compare this to the Biden Administration that opened several investigations into parents, some of which were led by the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division and Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate. One FBI field office interviewed a mother because she was a member of Moms for Liberty, which it disparaged as a “right wing mom’s group.” Another FBI tip launched an investigation into a father opposed to mask mandates because he “fit the profile of an insurrectionist.”
Read a copy of the letter here.
Background:
FERPA and PPRA are federal privacy laws enforced by the Department's SPPO. FERPA protects the privacy of students’ education records and safeguards parents’ rights to access their children’s education records, seek amendments to those records, and exercise control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information. PPRA requires schools to provide notification and attain written parental consent when conducting surveys, analyses, or evaluations asking students for certain sensitive and private information such as sex behaviors and attitudes, religious beliefs, mental and psychological problems.
These statutory obligations were emphasized and clarified in the SPPO’s recent Dear Colleague Letters issued in March 2025 and August 2026.
In June 2026, the Department partnered with DOJ to provide more responsive and coordinated enforcement of our nation’s parental and civil rights laws with the goal of continuing investigations uninterrupted while also cutting red tape and expediting enforcement.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Launches Renewed Training Initiative to Empower Older Adults to Combat Elder Financial Fraud and AbuseRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes and FBI Atlanta’s Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Robert Gibbs launched a renewed training initiative to empower older adults in the Middle District of Georgia on financial fraud and abuse, as crimes targeting this population continue to climb rapidly, with the FBI reporting a 37% increase in reported crimes in 2025 compared to the year prior.
U.S. Attorney Will Keyes and FBI Atlanta’s SSRA Robert Gibbs speak to residents of the Pruitt Health Active Assisted Living Community in Macon, Georgia, on Oct. 2, 2026.
“We want to support older adults as they take proactive steps to protect themselves from individuals who target them for financial fraud and abuse,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Under the direction of the National Fraud Enforcement Division, we are using every available tool to combat financial fraud, including specialized training designed to help older adults recognize the signs of financial crimes, safeguard themselves, and report suspected wrongdoing. This layered approach strengthens prevention efforts and ultimately helps reduce the victimization of older people.”
“Overall, while violent crime is dropping dramatically here in Georgia and across the nation, elder fraud continues to increase as criminals target some of our most vulnerable,” said Robert Gibbs, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta's Macon office. “We want to provide older adults with every possible resource to protect themselves. It is important for victims to not be ashamed and report the crimes when they happen.”
“The U.S. Attorney and the FBI did an outstanding job explaining just how easily seniors can become targets of scams. Their message reassured our residents that there is no shame in being scammed, what matters is reporting it,” said Mary Hudson, the Assisted Living Administrator of Pruitt Place Peake Active Assisted Living Community. “I’m grateful for their commitment to sharing this program with our community and helping protect our seniors.”
U.S. Attorney Keyes and SSRA Gibbs spoke to residents at the Pruitt Place Peake Active Assisted Living Community in Macon on Friday, October 2. During the hour-long presentation and conversation, participants learned how to recognize warning signs of financial mistreatment, common tactics used in financial scams, and how to protect themselves from these crimes. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) data, in 2025 there were $7.7 billion in losses from over 200,000 victims. This is a 37% increase in complaints from 2024. For more information about these types of crimes, please visit https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/common-frauds-and-scams/elder-fraud.
For more information about how you can bring this training to older adult and senior living communities or community groups within the Middle District of Georgia, please contact Dion Lyons, Law Enforcement Coordinator with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, at [email protected] or call (478) 733-9659.
This training is offered as part of the National Fraud Enforcement Division’s efforts. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
U.S. Attorney and DEA San Antonio Field Division Announce New Overdose Task Force to Combat Drug Related OverdosesRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas and the Drug Enforcement Administration San Antonio Field Division announced the establishment of an Overdose Task Force aimed at investigating overdose cases in the San Antonio metropolitan area.
The Overdose Task Force was employed in support of a Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) operation on Oct. 1. Together, the task forces executed a search warrant on three residences near the 1000 block of Torreon Street after allegedly observing multiple hand-to-hand controlled substance sales. The exchanges allegedly occurred out of the homes as well as a vehicle regularly parked outside the residences. Eight individuals were encountered in total. Three individuals were arrested and charged via federal complaints. All three federally charged defendants are previously convicted felons.
Valerie Samaniego is charged with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, which carries a sentence of five to 40 years in federal prison. Samaniego allegedly possessed 141 grams of a substance testing positive for fentanyl as well as a handgun, both hidden in the floors of a residence.
Alfredo Alejandro is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture, which also carries a sentence of five to 40 years in federal prison. Alejandro was allegedly found in possession of 128 grams of methamphetamine, 71 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture, 131 grams of cocaine, and 165 grams of various unknown pills, as well as a short barrel shot gun and an AR style rifle. A criminal complaint also alleges that law enforcement officers encountered more than 100 small baggies, digital scales with narcotics residue, along with $3,000 cash at Alejandro’s residence, consistent with drug distribution.
Alejandro Reyes is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. He was allegedly found in possession of 27.58 grams of methamphetamine and 29.01 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture. Reyes has allegedly been previously observed completing hand-to-hand narcotics transactions from his vehicle outside of a Torreon Street residence.
“The DEA’s Overdose Task Force, in collaboration with the Homeland Security Task Force, is allowing law enforcement entities across varying levels of government to combine their efforts against the fentanyl problem,” said U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons. “These task forces exist for local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to collaborate in our shared mission, to eradicate crime in our community, and sweep dangerous drugs off our streets, ultimately protecting our families and enabling Americans to live their lives, enjoy the blessings of liberty, and pursue happiness.”
While the DEA San Antonio office has been investigating overdose cases in the area, the establishment of this new joint overdose task force will help dedicate federal, state, and local resources to overdose investigations and utilize several investigative resources and tools to bring those responsible for overdoses to justice.
“Fentanyl-related overdose deaths are declining nationally, but that does not mean our work is over,” said DEA San Antonio Division Special Agent in Charge Miguel A. Madrigal. “The DEA San Antonio Division will pursue those who devastate our communities by trafficking fentanyl and other illicit drugs, leaving families shattered and innocent lives lost. We have zero tolerance for those who profit from poisoning our communities, and we will continue working alongside our law enforcement partners to hold them accountable and protect the public.”
The Overdose Task Force includes state, local, and federal counterparts, including the DEA San Antonio Division, San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, UTSA Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI.
“This Task Force brings together local, state and federal partners to save lives, hold drug traffickers accountable, disrupt the supply of dangerous drugs, and connect those in need with resources,” said San Antonio Police Chief Jesus "Jesse" Salame.
The United States continues to face an unprecedented and evolving drug threat driven by illicit fentanyl, which is increasingly mixed with a dangerous array of synthetic substances emerging in the illicit market. These combinations are making an already deadly drug supply even more unpredictable and lethal.
Fentanyl-related deaths have declined over the past several years, yet fentanyl remains the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18-45 years old. Last year, DEA intensified its fight against the deadly threat of synthetic opioids with the launch of its Fentanyl Free America initiative. To submit a tip regarding a possible violation of controlled substances laws and regulations, visit https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF comprises agents and officers from FBI; ICE HSI; DEA; ATF; U.S. Border Patrol; USMS; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Department of Transportation; IRS Criminal Investigation; Texas Department of Public Safety; as well as local police departments and sheriff’s offices, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas.
A criminal complaint 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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U.s. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana Observes Domestic Violence Awareness MonthRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana is proud to join the U.S. Department of Justice and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) in observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October.
U.S. Attorney Kurt Wall stated, “Far too often we have seen victims of domestic abuse hesitate to cooperate when they have been the victim of a crime. This might be because they blame themselves or they are fearful of the unknown if they come forward. It is critical that we support victims of domestic abuse and let them know that help is available for them to break this cycle.”
The Department of Justice funds essential victim services through various grants that have been awarded throughout the Middle District of Louisiana. There is help available, including the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE(7233). Additionally, OVW’s Resources for Victims and Survivors webpage lists coalitions that can direct victims to local resources and services, as well as opportunities to get involved.
Two western Montana men, part of drug ring, sentenced to prison for trafficking methRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – Two men from western Montana who transported and sold meth as part of a large drug trafficking ring were sentenced to prison Wednesday, said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith.
Michael James Storey, 57, of Hamilton, who pleaded guilty in May 2026 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, was sentenced to seven years in prison with five years of supervised release.
Jade Taylor Budd, 31, of Frenchtown, who pleaded guilty in May 2026 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, was sentenced to 10 years in prison with five years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Storey and Budd, independent of each other, were bringing methamphetamine into the Missoula area and selling it. The two had ties to the same drug trafficking operation, which Missoula law enforcement had begun to investigate in 2024.
Officers pulled over Storey on Feb. 6, 2025, and found 13 grams of methamphetamine in his car. On his phone were messages coordinating a trip to Spokane, Washington, with Jamie Maki, a co-defendant, to buy more meth. He told investigators he and Maki traveled to Spokane twice to make purchases, buying a half pound on the first trip and one pound on the second. He estimated he was selling 3 to 5 ounces of meth a week.
Maki was arrested on drug trafficking charges earlier this year.
Budd was stopped at a Missoula Burger King on July 4, 2024, after police got reports of people using drugs in the parking lot. Officers searched Budd’s car and found pre-packaged bags of meth. They searched his phone and found messages between him and two others that indicated he was trafficking meth and looking for buyers.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Missoula Drug Task Force conducted the investigation.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
Two MS-13 Leaders Found Guilty in D.C. of Racketeering Including MurderRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Two members of MS-13, a violent transnational criminal organization, were found guilty on Friday in U.S. District Court for conspiring to participate in racketeering activity, including murder and other charges stemming from their roles in killings and drug trafficking in the Washington, D.C. area, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“These two MS-13 leaders ran a violent criminal enterprise fueled by murder, violence, and drug trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “One of these defendants even ordered hits from inside a prison in El Salvador. By the time these criminals get out of prison, they’ll be too old to think about murder and mayhem.”
Moises Humberto Rivera-Luna, 56, of El Salvador, and Tokiro Rodas-Ramirez, 44, a dual citizen of Honduras and El Salvador, had been extradited to the United States to face these charges. Rivera-Luna was found guilty of RICO conspiracy, including murder and drug trafficking. Rodas-Ramirez was found guilty of RICO conspiracy, including murder and drug trafficking, as well as discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement of the verdict were Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. Acting Special Agent in Charge Kai Wah Chan, and Interim Chief Jeffery W. Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
“This conviction marks the conclusion of a long, arduous journey towards justice. Rivera-Luna and Rodas-Ramirez have finally been found guilty of running a violent enterprise that committed horrific crimes in our communities. From murder to drug trafficking, their chapter of MS-13 terrorized innocent residents throughout the District. HSI special agents and our law enforcement partners used their skills, resources, and authorities to work to bring them to justice,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Kai Wah Chan of Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C.. “HSI leverages our international footprint to dismantle transnational criminal organizations at home and abroad to keep our communities safe.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, MS-13 operates in the United States and Central America. The gang engages in racketeering activity, including murder, narcotics distribution, extortion, robberies, obstruction of justice, and other crimes. The gang has numerous rules. The primary rules are (1) kill rival gang members on sight, and (2) do not cooperate with law enforcement.
Rivera-Luna, aka “Viejo Santos,” was an MS-13 leader in prison in El Salvador. From prison, Rivera-Luna directed the activities of the Normandies, an MS-13 clique that operated in El Salvador and the Washington, D.C. area. Members of the Normandie clique would collect money through membership dues, extortion of legitimate and illegitimate businesses, and narcotics distribution to purchase guns and other weapons for the gang and to support imprisoned leaders and members, including Rivera-Luna.
While he was in prison, Rivera-Luna authorized kill orders on two MS-13 members for breaking MS-13 rules. At Rivera-Luna’s direction, MS-13 members stabbed to death Victim 1 on Nov. 6, 2008, in Northwest Washington, D.C. MS-13 members stabbed Victim 1 at least 20 times. Rivera-Luna also ordered the slaying of a second victim. On March 31, 2010, Victim 2 was found shot to death at a park in Montgomery County, Maryland, after he brought a knife to an MS-13 meeting, which was a violation of MS-13’s rules.
The government’s evidence demonstrated that Rodas-Ramirez, aka “Perverso,” was the second-in-command of the Normandie clique in the Washington metropolitan area. Rodas-Ramirez participated in a murder and assault involving suspected rival gang members. On April 7, 2008, Rodas-Ramirez was driving his vehicle in the D.C. area with other MS-13 members, when they saw a suspected rival gang member. Rodas-Ramirez stopped his vehicle while another MS-13 member exited and shot Victim 3 multiple times. A Metropolitan Police Officer happened to be near the shooting and was able to respond immediately and provide care to Victim 3, who survived.
On July 29, 2008, about three months later, Rodas-Ramirez and other MS-13 members found another suspected rival gang member, Victim 4, at an apartment complex in Riverdale, Maryland. They believed Victim 4 was a member of a rival gang that threatened Rodas-Ramirez’s girlfriend’s sister. MS-13 members followed Victim 4, who was riding a bicycle, and shot him multiple times; Victim 4 died of his injuries.
Rodas-Ramirez was arrested on March 18, 2022 and extradited from Honduras on Aug. 12, 2022. Rivera-Luna was arrested pursuant to the extradition request on Aug. 28, 2022. Because he was serving a prison sentence in Guatamala at the time, Rivera-Luna was extradited on March 4, 2025.
Rivera-Luna, who was convicted of RICO conspiracy, is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 7, 2027.
Rodas-Ramirez, who was convicted of RICO conspiracy, assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 7, 2027.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by HSI-Washington D.C. and the MPD. Assistance was provided by the Montgomery County and the Prince George’s County, Maryland, Police Departments, the Police Departments of Fairfax and Herndon Counties in Virginia, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. The Governments of Guatemala and Honduras provided critical assistance.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nihar Mohanty of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section and Mark Levy of the Federal Major Crimes Section in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrests and extraditions of Rivera-Luna and Rodas-Ramirez from Guatemala and Honduras, respectively.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.
The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children.
The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Washington D.C. comprises agents and officers from numerous federal agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
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Two Dominican Republic Nationals Sentenced to 180 Months and 151 Months in Prison for Possession of Ammunition by an Illegal Alien in Connection with the Shooting of an Off-Duty CBP OfficerRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Pete Gizas, Director of the New York Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), Francis J. Russo, and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today that MIGUEL FRANCISCO MORA NUNEZ and CHRISTHIAN AYBAR-BERROA were sentenced to 180 months and 151 months in prison, respectively, for possession of ammunition as illegal aliens in connection with the shooting of an off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) Officer in Manhattan last summer. MORA NUNEZ and AYBAR-BERROA previously pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska, who imposed today’s sentences.
“Today’s sentences reflect our Office’s commitment to removing violent criminals from our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “Last summer, Mora Nunez and Aybar-Berroa, who were illegally in the United States, attempted to murder a member of the law enforcement community. Their actions shocked our city and caused devastating, lasting harm to the victims of their indiscriminate violence.”
“This cold-blooded act of violence nearly cost a heroic officer his life simply because of the defendants’ indiscriminate targeting of innocent citizens,” said HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Pete Gizas. “The defendants’ actions were an affront to every New Yorker who deserves to feel safe, and these sentences serve as a direct message that those who bring this level of danger to our streets will be held fully accountable. Working in lockstep with our law enforcement partners, HSI New York will never back down from investigating and pursuing those whose violence compromises the wellbeing and security of our citizens.”
“Today’s sentencing brings us another step closer to full justice for our officer and our entire community,” said CBP Director of Field Operations Francis J. Russo. “While our brave officer continues his courageous recovery, this resolution sends an unmistakable message that violence against law enforcement will be met with the full weight of the law. We are deeply grateful to the Southern District of New York, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Police Department for their unwavering partnership throughout this process, ensuring that those responsible are held fully accountable for their heinous actions.”
According to the charging instruments and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings:
On July 19, 2025, at approximately 11:50 p.m., MORA NUNEZ shot an off-duty CBP Officer in Fort Washington Park in Manhattan. A bullet MORA NUNEZ fired struck the CBP Officer in the face and right arm. The CBP Officer returned fire, hitting MORA NUNEZ twice, before MORA NUNEZ fled on a motorbike driven by AYBAR-BERROA. AYBAR-BERROA later tried to get rid of the clothing he was wearing during the shooting because it was bloody and discussed with a relative of MORA NUNEZ that they needed to get rid of AYBAR-BERROA’s bloody clothes.
Both MORA NUNEZ and AYBAR-BERROA entered the United States illegally, are in the United States unlawfully, and are subject to orders of removal from the United States.
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In addition to their prison terms, MORA NUNEZ, 22, and AYBAR-BERROA, 23, each of the Dominican Republic, were both sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. McDonald thanked HSI, CBP, and the NYPD for their assistance in this case.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mostafa Khairy, Samantha Fry, Meredith Foster, and Christy Slavik are in charge of the prosecution.
Trumbull Man Admits Role in Success Village Apartments Embezzlement ConspiracyRead the Press Release
RICHARD J. MESSINA, 54, of Trumbull, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to an offense stemming from his participation in an embezzlement conspiracy involving Success Village Apartments, Inc., located in Bridgeport and Stratford.
The announcement was made by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England; and Justin Page, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Success Village Apartments, Inc. (“SVA”) is a residential cooperative located in Bridgeport and Stratford. SVA comprises 96 separate buildings containing 924 residential units. Messina and Carmine Gentile own Umbrella Mechanical LLC (“Umbrella”), a New Jersey-registered company, and Messina owns RJM Mechanical (“RJM”), a Connecticut-registered Company, businesses that provided commercial and residential plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services. In approximately June 2022, Umbrella began providing plumbing services to SVA, including work on the piping and boilers that provided heat and hot water to SVA residents. In approximately July 2024, RJM began providing plumbing services related to heat and hot water to SVA. SVA’s general manager, Charles Pitcher, referred Messina and Umbrella to SVA as a plumbing contractor.
Between approximately June 2022 and September 2024, Messina, Gentile, Pitcher, and others, including an individual identified as “Person-2” in the Criminal Information charging Messina, engaged in an embezzlement conspiracy through which vendors, including Umbrella and RJM, would submit fraudulent invoices and requests for payment to SVA, either for work that was not performed or at artificially inflated prices that overstated the amount of money owed by SVA. Pitcher and Person-2 agreed that, in exchange for the vendors’ receipt of work and payments from SVA, the vendors would divert a percentage of the payments received from SVA to Pitcher and Person-2. Messina, Gentile, and their co-conspirators agreed that, in exchange for Umbrella’s and RJM’s receipt of work and payments from SVA, Umbrella and RJM would divert approximately 20 percent of those payments to Pitcher and Person-2.
Messina, Gentile, and others prepared and caused to be prepared fraudulent invoices and requests for payment to SVA that were not the result of a competitive bidding process, contained objectively unreasonable markups for certain goods and services, contained charges for goods and services that were not rendered, contained amounts to be billed to SVA that were chosen by Pitcher and Person-2, and were otherwise fraudulently inflated, including by not accounting for the money that was remitted to Pitcher and Person-2.
SVA paid Umbrella approximately $2,631,769.71 and RJM approximately $99,414.11 during the conspiracy, $546,000 of which was diverted to Pitcher and Person-2.
Messina pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. As part of his plea agreement, he has agreed to a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of at least $750,000 and agreed to pay restitution in the amount of at least $1,500,000. He is released on a $100,000 bond pending sentencing.
Gentile and Pitcher previously pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Riley.
Three defendants arrested, charged with stealing mailRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today Carwin D. Lidge, 27, of Amherst, NY, Jenny B. Alemany, 40, and Richard Law, 29, both of Buffalo, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit mail theft, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
According to the criminal complaint, in October 2025, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service launched multiple investigations into the robberies of nine letter carriers in Erie and Niagara Counties for their specialized postal keys, which are used to access blue mail collection boxes.
On December 5, 2025, Niagara Falls Police officers and Postal Inspectors responded to the scene of a letter carrier who was robbed of her postal key on Forest Avenue. The letter carrier was approached by an unknown black male wearing a neck warmer pulled up to mask much of his face. The man had his hands in his front hoodie pocket and pointed the pocket toward the letter carrier, causing her to believe the individual had a weapon pointed at her. The man demanded, “give me that gold key,” which she understood to mean her postal key. She gave the man her key, and he then ran off. The stolen key could be used to gain access to all blue collection boxes located in the Niagara Falls area.
In the early morning hours of October 5, 2026, investigators were conducting surveillance of the La Salle Post Office in Niagara Falls, when inspectors received notification that the collection box outside the Main Street Post Office in Niagara Falls had been accessed. At approximately 2:35 a.m., law enforcement observed a silver-colored vehicle, with a burned-out driver side taillight, park near the La Salle Post Office. Two suspects exited the vehicle with a large black bag. Security surveillance video showed a third suspect seated in the front passenger seat. The first two suspects approached the collection box outside the La Salle Post Office, one suspect held back, appearing to act as a lookout, while the other suspect accessed the drive-up collection box. Security surveillance video captured the suspect as he appeared to use a key to open the lower employee access panel to the box and remove all of the mail from the white flat tub contained in the bottom of the box, loading all of the mail into a backpack. As the two suspects started heading back to their vehicle, Inspectors and Niagara Falls Police officers quickly moved in with vehicles and on foot. The two suspects briefly attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended along with the third suspect. La enforcement recovered the backpack full of mail and the postal key, which had been stolen from the postal carrier in December 2025.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Justin Page, Boston Division and the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Chief Nick Ligammari.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Three Defendants Sentenced for Torture, Kidnapping Carried Out for Tren de AraguaRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Darwin Veliz-Gonzalez, Jefferson Balza-Delfin, and Yender Enrique Campos-Malave, all of Venezuela, were each sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for kidnapping and torturing a man in Denver. The sentencing of a fourth defendant was continued to a later date.
According to the plea agreements and facts established in the sentencing hearings, on October 16, 2024, the Denver Police Department received a welfare call reporting that someone had been kidnapped at a home at 535 South Hazel Court in Denver. When they arrived at the home, officers conducted a limited visual search and did not find a person in distress. The next morning, the victim walked into a Denver Police Station to report that he had been the victim of kidnapping and assault at the aforementioned address and showed officers that he was missing his right pinky finger which had been severed by the kidnappers.
The victim had been renting a room in the home and several of his roommates had kidnapped, tortured, and assaulted him after finding out that he and his father were police officers in Venezuela. The defendants tied the victim up with rope and held him without food and with very little water for several days. The defendants also filmed themselves torturing the victim by strangling him with a rope until he nearly lost consciousness, repeatedly holding his head in a bucket of water for thirty seconds or more, threatening him with a firearm, and pistol whipping him. The defendants sent videos of the torture to the victim’s wife and to international leadership of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang with whom they also consulted about the kidnapping. The videos were used to demand a ransom from the victim’s wife and family in Venezuela. When the victim’s family did not pay the ransom demand, the victim heard the defendants discuss cutting off one of his fingers—something one of the TdA leaders explicitly suggested the defendants do to motivate the family to pay. Balza-Delfin used a pair of pliers to cut off the victim’s finger, an act which was also filmed.
The victim had been in the house when Denver Police did the welfare check the prior evening but was afraid to make himself known. After the police visited, three of the men fled the residence and the victim managed to escape and made his way to the police station.
A federal grand jury in the District of Colorado has also indicted Brawins Dominique Suarez Villegas, a/k/a “Chino San Vicente,” for his role in the October 2024 kidnapping and torture. Suarez Villegas is also charged with a RICO conspiracy, alleging that from May 2024 through on or about March of 2025, he conducted activity for Tren de Aragua through a pattern of racketeering activity that included robbery, extortion, kidnapping, money laundering and controlled substance offenses. The charges contained in the indictment against Suarez Villegas are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. (Case Number: 25-cr-331-PAB)
“This is what Tren de Aragua was doing in our community,” said United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Peter McNeilly. “Colorado is safer with these violent criminals in federal prison for the next 20 years, and we will continue to pursue every member of Tren de Aragua until there are no more left in our state.”
“The FBI, alongside our local, state, federal, and international partners, is working to disrupt and dismantle TdA through intelligence-driven investigations like this from our Violent Criminal Enterprise Task Force,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Amanda Koldjeski. “The FBI remains committed to investigating members of violent transnational gangs whose actions violate the laws of the United States and put innocent American lives at risk.”
“The Denver Police Department holds offenders accountable regardless of their immigration status and the arrest of these individuals demonstrates just that,” said Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas. “I applaud the victim of this heinous crime, and all victims – regardless of immigration status – for reporting criminal behaviors and helping us arrest those who prey on our community members.”
United States Senior District Judge John L. Kane presided over the sentencings.
The FBI Denver Field Office and the Denver Police Department handled the investigation.
The Violent Crimes Section of the United States Attorney’s Office handled the prosecution.
Case Number: 25-cr-00077-JLK
Three Accused of Dent County Meth Conspiracy in Homeland Security Task Force CaseRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – Three men who have been accused of involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in Dent County, Missouri were arrested Monday.
William Wind, 59, Thomas Wind, 60, and David Gray, 58, were indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on September 16 with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The indictment alleges the drug conspiracy lasted from Jan. 1, 2025, to at least February 2026. Each man also faces one count of possession with the intent to distribute meth and Thomas Wind faces a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of three pistols and five rifles seized during the investigation.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI; the Rolla Area Drug Enforcement Task Force (RADE), which is comprised of officers from the Rolla Police Department, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office; the Salem Police Department; the Licking Police Department; the Texas County Sheriff's Department and Missouri’s Operation Relentless Pursuit, a coordinated, intelligence-led law enforcement initiative to locate and apprehend fugitives, assisted with the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mohsen Pasha is prosecuting the case.
This investigation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF St. Louis comprises agents and officers from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Untied States Marshal Service (USMS); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); and United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri.
St. Louis Man Who Shot Locksmith Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A felon who was wounded while shooting a locksmith in St. Louis was sentenced Monday to 15 years in prison.
Donnel Trotter, 51, pleaded guilty in July to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition. He admitted that on Nov. 12, 2024, a locksmith had been dispatched to help unlock Trotter’s truck in an alley behind the 4700 block of Nebraska. Trotter and the locksmith argued over payment, and Trotter charged towards the locksmith while reaching for his gun. The locksmith pulled his own gun and fired at Trotter. Trotter returned fire, continuing to shoot as the locksmith retreated. Both men were wounded.
The locksmith fled and called police. Officers found Trotter at a hospital seeking medical care. They also found two 9mm casings that matched the locksmith’s firearm and 12 spent .40 caliber shell casings.
Trotter is convicted felon and is thus barred from possessing firearms or ammunition. He also has a criminal history dating back to 1993 and three prior federal convictions for serious drug offenses, a sentencing memo filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Christian Goeke says. As an armed career criminal who used the ammunition in connection with a crime of violence, he faced enhanced penalties.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Christian Goeke prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to over 3 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on September 28, 2026.
Decimas Jesus Laurelez, 23, was sentenced to three years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Laurelez was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2026. He pleaded guilty on July 27, 2026.
As set forth in court documents, in the early morning hours of January 1, 2026, law enforcement lawfully searched Laurelez’s vehicle. In his vehicle, law enforcement located and seized a firearm and marijuana. At that time, the firearm was loaded with ammunition, and it had been reported stolen. In court, Laurelez admitted to knowingly possessing the firearm and ammunition. He also admitted to possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Laurelez was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Self-Proclaimed ‘Godfather’ Sentenced to over 6 Years in Prison for Fraud, Tax Evasion, and Using LASD Deputies to Torment His OpponentsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A now-imprisoned fraudster was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison for hiring several now-convicted off-duty former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) deputies to violate his perceived adversaries’ civil rights, stealing more than $37 million from Meta Platforms Inc. by fraudulently gaining access to its business manager accounts and their lines of credit, and for cheating on his taxes.
Adam Iza, 26, a.k.a. “The Godfather,” who formerly resided in Beverly Hills and Newport Beach, was sentenced by United States District Judge Percy Anderson, who also ordered him to pay $23,402,766 in restitution.
Iza pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of conspiracy against rights, one count of wire fraud, and one count of tax evasion.
He has been in federal custody since September 2024, and today’s sentence runs concurrent to a 15-year federal prison sentence received last month in Connecticut for his involvement in an attempted robbery of Bitcoin the month prior to his arrest.
According to Iza’s plea agreement in his Los Angeles federal criminal case, from August 2021 to April 2022, he hired off-duty LASD deputies to provide him with personal security. Iza knowingly and intentionally conspired with these corrupt sheriff’s deputies to obtain confidential law enforcement information, personally identifiable information (PII) about individuals with whom Iza had financial and other disputes, and court-authorized search warrants to track down and harass his victims. While using the sobriquet “The Godfather,” Iza also enlisted the corrupt deputies to intimidate and threaten these victims.
In total, five now-former LASD deputies whom Iza employed now stand convicted of federal crimes:
- Eric Chase Saavedra, 42, of Chino, a former LASD deputy and a former federal task force officer, was sentenced on September 28 to 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty in February 2025 to one count of conspiracy against rights and one count of making and subscribing to a false tax return. Saavedra founded a company – Saavedra & Associates LLC – that provided security to Iza and hired LASD deputies to do so. Among other crimes, Saavedra used his powers as a sworn law enforcement officer to improperly obtain court-authorized search warrants related to intimidating, threatening, and harassing Iza’s adversaries.
- Michael David Coberg, 45, of Eastvale, is serving a 63-month federal prison sentence for helping Iza extort a rival and arranging the sham illegal drug possession arrest of another adversary in Paramount in 2021. Judge Anderson sentenced Coberg on March 16.
- Scott Allen Simpkins, 34, of Brea, was sentenced on July 13 to 18 months in federal prison for obstructing a federal investigation into Iza’s extortion of $25,000 from a party planner at Iza’s Bel Air mansion.
- David Anthony Rodriguez, 45, of La Verne, was sentenced on July 20 to one year in federal prison and who had worked for Iza as a private security guard, pleaded guilty to submitting a false search warrant application to a state court judge on behalf of a different client.
“Individuals with substantial financial resources must understand that they cannot purchase access to confidential databases, investigative tools, warrants, arrests, badges, or firearms for use in private disputes,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum.
In an unrelated scheme, from December 2020 to September 2024, Iza fraudulently gained access to Meta business manager accounts and their associated lines of credit. He then sold access to the compromised accounts and lines of credit to various advertising companies, making substantial profits in the process.
From 2020 through 2022, Iza received approximately $37 million associated with the sale of access to the Meta advertisement accounts into his companies’ bank accounts from domestic and international payors. As a result, Meta clients were billed for, and paid for, advertising expenditures they did not incur. When Meta or Meta clients discovered the fraudulent billing, Meta refunded its clients, thereby suffering the loss.
Iza admitted in his plea agreement that from 2020 through 2023, he received at least $36,360,844 in gross income from his scheme to defraud Meta, causing a total loss to the IRS of $13,286,152. Iza knowingly failed to file corporate tax returns during this time. He further evaded the payment of federal taxes by concealing his ownership of his company, Zort, including his communications with advertising clients, getting a co-schemer to use the money to acquire personal items for Iza and himself, and by transferring his corporate income to cryptocurrency custodians.
Relatedly, Iris Rabaya Au, 37, of Irvine, was sentenced on September 21 to 18 months in federal prison and was ordered to pay $1,484,343 in restitution and to forfeit a fleet of luxury and high-performance cars, designer handbags, and three “Godfather” sculptures, among other assets.
Au pleaded guilty in March 2025 to one count of subscribing to a false tax return. She failed to report more than $2.6 million in ill-gotten gains she obtained via Iza’s criminal activities.
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has assisted.
Assistant United States Attorney Maxwell K. Coll of the National Security Division prosecuted this case.
Savannah man sentenced to prison for possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: A previously convicted felon found in possession of a firearm faces years in prison after sentencing in federal court.
The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge R. Stan Baker and was announced by Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
Daminason Jackson, 37, of Savannah, was sentenced to 57 months in prison and a $1,500 fine followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
There is no parole in the federal system.
As described in court documents and testimony, Jackson was the subject of a traffic stop by Savannah Police officers in May 2025. As officers approached the vehicle, Jackson immediately attempted to flee on foot and was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit.
Jackson was found in possession of a Glock Model 31, .357 caliber pistol in the waistband of his pants. Officers also found a quantity of marijuana during a search of the vehicle along with .357 caliber ammunition, a black ski mask, and gloves. Jackson has had prior convictions for armed robbery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Under federal law, it is prohibited for previously convicted felons to possess firearms or ammunition.
“Illegal firearms in the hands of convicted felons are a direct threat to the safety of our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “Thanks to the swift actions of the Savannah Police Department, another dangerous weapon has been taken off our streets, and a repeat offender is returning to federal prison.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Savannah Police Department.
“This was simply great work by all involved in this case,” said Chief Lenny B. Gunther. “Their hard work and professionalism removed a dangerous criminal and an illegal firearm from our community.”
This case was prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Karl I. Knoche.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to over 3 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a FelonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on September 28, 2026.
Avery Hawk Wing, 36, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture was also ordered.
Hawk Wing was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2024. He was found guilty on July 2, 2026, following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City.
Evidence at trial showed Hawk Wing handled a rifle that was in a tote bag that belonged to him. Hawk Wing told law enforcement that he touched the firearm when going through his tote bag. Unsurprisingly, forensic examination revealed Hawk Wing’s DNA on several locations of the firearm, consistent with him handling the firearm. Hawk Wing was previously convicted of a felony crime punishable beyond a year in prison and, as a result, is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Hawk Wing was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to over 2 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited PersonRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief District Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Rapid City man convicted of Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on September 28, 2026.
Patrick Riley Bettelyoun, 47, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Bettelyoun was indicted for Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in July 2025. He pleaded guilty on June 29, 2026.
Bettelyoun was convicted of a felony offense for possession of a controlled substance in Codington County, South Dakota, in 2022. In October 2024, Bettelyoun was on parole and absconded. Accordingly, an arrest warrant was issued and the warrant area task force found him in a vehicle in Sioux Falls and performed a traffic stop. During a search of Bettelyoun’s vehicle, law enforcement located a firearm, ammunition, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
Bettelyoun was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Abusive Sexual ContactRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on August 31, 2026.
William Beane Davis, 38, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Davis was indicted for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Distribution of a Controlled Substance to an Individual under 21 by a federal grand jury in July 2025. He pleaded guilty on May 29, 2026.
Davis was in an intimate relationship with a female who was the mother of the female juvenile victim in this case. He served as a father figure to the victim and was involved in the victim’s life until the Spring of 2025. At that time, the victim disclosed, Davis sexually abused her on more than one occasion. Ultimately, Davis admitted that between December 2020 and March 2021, he touched the victim’s genitalia over her clothing with the intent to gratify his sexual desire.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Davis was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Randolph Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Randolph man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for drug trafficking and firearm charges, following a series of arrests targeting gangs in the Brockton and Randolph areas.
Jose Mendes, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy to eight years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In July 2026, Mendes pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Mendes was charged in February 2026.
On Dec. 17, 2025, searches were conducted at numerous residences and stash houses associated with the Brockton-based Harvard Street Gang and their Randolph-based affiliates including Mendes’s current and former residences in Randolph. Loaded handguns, including a Glock pistol with a machinegun conversion device attached and an extended magazine were recovered. Additinally, over 100 pressed blue pills containing fentanyl; cocaine; methamphetamine and various items commonly used in large-scale drug trafficking, such as a kilogram press device, a respirator mask, digital scales, plastic bags and bottles of cutting powder were recovered.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations, Boston Division; the Abington, Acushnet, Ashland, Boston, Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton, Chelsea, East Bridgewater, Medford, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Stoughton, Taunton and West Bridgewater Police Departments; Plymouth and Suffolk County Sheriff’s Departments; Massachusetts Department of Correction; and the Plymouth, Norfolk and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Cutshall and Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Panama City Trio Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Damarius M. Mimms, 31, of Panama City, Florida, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. Cara Rene Frazier, 30, and Ashley Rich, 43, both of Panama City, Florida, were each sentenced to over six years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. The sentences were announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the excellent investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, and this successful prosecution by my tenacious team of federal prosecutors, we have dismantled this trafficking operation and sent these drug peddlers to federal prison. This should serve as yet another strong warning to anyone selling drugs in my district that the only thing they have to look forward to is an extended stay behind federal bars. President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Todd Blanche promised to deliver safe, drug-free streets for our citizens, and that is exactly what my office will ensure through continued aggressive prosecutions like this one.”
Court documents reflect that between January 1, 2024, and September 18, 2024, Frazier, Mimms, and Rich were responsible for distributing tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of methamphetamine in the Panama City Beach area. A joint law enforcement investigation was initiated after suspicious packages addressed to Frazier were identified by the United States Post Office. The investigation revealed that the co-defendants worked together to import significant quantities of methamphetamine from the Orlando area and then distributed it throughout the Panama City area.
“The defendants in this case took a chance trafficking narcotics through the mail, and will now spend a significant amount of time in federal prison,” said Bladismir Rojo, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division. “The United States Postal Inspection Service will continue to work with its law enforcement partners in cases such as this, in order to prevent drugs from reaching the streets.”
The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric W. Welch.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Omaha Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Maria Asuncion Gonzalez, 41, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on October 2, 2026, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Gonzalez to 130 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Gonzalez is released from prison, she will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. She will also forfeit to the United States $890.00 in drug proceeds.
Gonzalez was charged as a result of her involvement with a Mexico source of supply of methamphetamine who supplies the Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa, areas with methamphetamine via a local network of drug couriers. Customers order drugs from the source who then sends them to meet with a local courier who delivers the drugs to the customers.
On February 20, 2025, investigators utilized a cooperating witness who ordered a quantity of methamphetamine from the Mexican source who sent the cooperator to Gonzalez’s Omaha residence where she delivered approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine to the cooperator.
On March 11, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Gonzalez’s residence, where 1,217 grams of methamphetamine, phones, and $890.00 in drug proceeds were seized.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Omaha comprises agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, USPIS, the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, and assistance of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska.
New Britain Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ARNALDO PEREZ-RIOS, 28, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for trafficking narcotics.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in May 2025, members of the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the New Britain Police Department made controlled purchases of fentanyl from Perez-Rios. Investigators also learned that Perez-Rios was using a storage unit at a storage facility on West Main Street in New Britain as part of his narcotics trafficking activity. On July 24, 2025, a court authorized search of the storage unit revealed approximately 770 grams of cocaine and items used to package narcotics.
Perez-Rios was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on August 11, 2025. On June 9, 2026, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Perez-Rios, who had been released on bond, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusion of today’s court proceeding.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, which includes members from the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, and the East Hartford, Hartford, New Britain, West Hartford, Wethersfield, and Newington Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reed Durham and Natasha Freismuth.
Nashua Man Charged with Possessing Unregistered Machine Gun Conversion DeviceRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Nashua resident Alexander Diandro Cruz, 19, charged by criminal complaint for possession of a machine gun, was arrested yesterday and appeared in federal court today, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Cruz is being detained following his appearance in court.
On September 24, 2026, Nashua Police encountered Cruz and found him in possession of a loaded Glock firearm equipped with a “switch” or machine gun conversion device. A machine gun must be lawfully registered to a possessor in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, but Cruz is not lawfully registered to possess such a weapon.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of $10,000.
The details contained in charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Nashua Police department are leading the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Rombeau is prosecuting the case.
Murdo Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Murdo, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on September 28, 2026.
Tyree Yellow Elk, age 31, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Yellow Elk was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2026. He pleaded guilty on June 29, 2026.
In 2017, Yellow Elk was convicted in U.S. District Court of Possession of Child Pornography and sentenced to seven years in federal prison. In October 2025, he was on federal supervised release and residing in Murdo. On October 9, 2025, law enforcement searched Yellow Elk’s residence and seized a mobile device that contained thousands of images and videos of child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshals Service. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Yellow Elk was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Mission Man Sentenced to over 6 Years in Federal Prison for AssaultRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. The sentencing took place on September 28, 2026.
Daniel Hart, age 20, was sentenced to six years and seven months in federal prison on each count, with the sentence to be served concurrently, followed by three years of supervised release. Hart was further ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Hart was indicted in January 2026. He pleaded guilty on June 29, 2026.
The convictions stemmed from two separate incidents that occurred within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. On May 24, 2025, Hart and others assaulted a man with a machete and shod feet outside a gas station in Mission, South Dakota. The man sustained multiple injuries including lacerations to his left arm and scalp.
In a separate incident on December 6, 2025, a man was driving a vehicle in Mission when his vehicle was blocked in by another vehicle occupied by Hart. Hart exited his vehicle and approached the man’s vehicle on the driver’s side. Hart pointed a firearm through the driver’s side window and pulled the trigger, striking the man in the leg.
These matters were prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
These cases were investigated by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby VanDenBerg prosecuted the case.
Hart was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Milton Inmate Sentenced for Sending Threats Through the MailRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Daniel Bookout, 21, an inmate in a Florida State Prison, was sentenced to 45 months in prison for mailing threatening communications. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence today.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Protecting our communities from violence and threats of violence remains a top priority for my office, and we will continue to aggressively prosecute cases like this to keep our citizens safe from the predations of violent thugs.”
Court documents reflect that on October 18, 2024, the Clerk of Court for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, received a threatening letter sent by the defendant directed toward a victim. In the letter, the defendant said he knew the victim’s address and the route they regularly drove to work. Further, the defendant claimed to be a gang member and that he had people watching the victim. The defendant demanded to be released from prison and threatened to have the victim killed.
Upon his release from federal prison, Bookout will be on three years of supervised release.
“The US Marshals do not tolerate criminal threats against innocent victims,” remarked Acting U.S. Marshal Greg Leljedal. “Protecting our nation’s federal judicial system and its participants has been a top priority of this organization for over 200 years.”
“Being behind bars does not give anyone a license to threaten or intimidate victims,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “This sentence holds the defendant accountable and sends a clear message that victims have a right to come forward without the fear of retaliation.”
The case involved a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric Welch.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Mexican National, New Orleans Man, and Vacherie Man Indicted for Cocaine Conspiracy and Distribution following Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – A recently unsealed superseding indictment charged three men, HECTOR MARQUEZ MARQUEZ (“MARQUEZ”), age 22, a resident of the Republic of Mexico, TONTA OCTAVE (“OCTAVE”), age 48, of Vacherie, Louisiana, and LAMONT WILLIAMS (“WILLIAMS”), age 50, of New Orleans, with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, over 5 kilograms of cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A) and 846, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. WILLIAMS and MARQUEZ are also each charged with possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A).
MARQUEZ faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. WILLIAMS and OCTAVE each face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $20,000,000, a term of supervised release of not less than 10 years and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per charged count.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the superseding indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Enforcement Division. Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit oversees the prosecution.
This case is brought pursuant to the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Orleans comprises agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
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Mexican National Sentenced in Federal Court for Illegal Reentry after DeportationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY – U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Mexican man convicted of Illegal Reentry after Deportation. The sentencing took place on September 18, 2026.
Marco Jimenez-Sanchez, 38, was sentenced to time served. He will be deported back to Mexico.
Jimenez-Sanchez was indicted for Illegal Reentry after Deportation by a federal grand jury in June 2026. He pleaded guilty on September 18, 2026.
Jimenez-Sanchez is an alien and Mexican national. He has been deported from the United States on multiple occasions. On May 21, 2026, in Box Elder, SD, Ellsworth Air Force Security Forces and Box Elder Police Department were dispatched after Jimenez-Sanchez was observed crossing a fence into a restricted construction area. Jimenez-Sanchez was not on the list of employees allowed in the restricted area. It is a federal felony for an alien to be present in the United States after deportation and without permission for reentry.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Box Elder Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Mexican Man Illegally in the United States Sentenced to 30 Months for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that on September 30, 2026, Brian Baldonado-Belmontes, 24, a Mexican man unlawfully in the United States, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm. Because Baldonado-Belmontes is a citizen of Mexico and was unlawfully in the United States, it was illegal for him to possess a firearm.
On March 22, 2026, the Omaha Police Department monitored a social media account belonging to a juvenile, which appeared to show the juvenile discharging a rifle in Omaha. After officers discovered the area of the shooting, they found approximately 23 spent .22 caliber cartridge cases and two live .22 caliber rounds. They also found a truck that had been struck by bullets about six times. While officers were processing the scene, Baldonado-Belmontes approached officers and admitted that he shot the truck. He later admitted that he shot the truck while riding as a passenger in the juvenile’s vehicle. He advised officers that the firearm was at his residence in Bellevue. Officers went to the residence and recovered the firearm, which was a Smith and Wesson, M&P 15-22, .22 caliber rifle. Attached to the rifle was a magazine, marked for 25 round capacity of .22LR ammunition.Just a few feet from the rifle, officers located an extended magazine for 9 mm ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Omaha Police Department, and the Bellevue Police Department.
Medford Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl, Admitting it Caused the Death of Another PersonRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore.—A Medford, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today to distributing fentanyl and admitted that it caused the death of another person.
Richard Scott Samuels, 60, has pleaded guilty to an indictment charging possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, announced the U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.
According to court documents, a death was reported on May 15, 2025, and on August 6, 2025. Both were determined to be deaths due to a fentanyl overdose. Law enforcement investigated these deaths and learned that Samuels was alleged to be the supplier of the fentanyl that both the deceased had used.
On September 4, 2025, law enforcement arrested Samuels and seized from his person and residence, a phone, $5,332 cash, a handgun, and multiple drugs in approximate amounts; 283g fentanyl, 92g of heroin, 5g of meth, and 5g of cocaine.
On November 6, 2025, a federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging Samuels with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Samuels faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a $5,000,000 fine and four years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on December 17, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.
As part of the plea agreement Samuels has agreed to forfeit any criminally derived proceeds and property used to facilitate his crimes identified by the government prior to sentencing.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Medford Area Drug and Gang Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by AUSA Sara Shaw.
Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Importing and Selling Plutonium from RussiaRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A convicted felon from Hadley, Mass. has pleaded guilty to illegally importing plutonium from Russia and selling the radioactive material – as well as other, highly toxic and hazardous materials – to customers in the United States and abroad. The defendant also plead guilty to unlawfully possessing ammunition and explosive materials as a convicted felon and possessing child sexual abuse material.
Jacob D. Miller, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition; one count of being a felon in possession of explosive materials; one count of importing nuclear material without lawful authority; one count of mailing hazardous materials; and one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Jan. 21, 2027.
Miller was indicted by a grand jury on April 17, 2025. He has remained in federal custody on pretrial detention since his arrest on April 9, 2025. According to court filings, on Feb. 9, 2004, Miller was convicted in Massachusetts state court of possessing child pornography and possessing an explosive device and was sentenced to one-half years of incarceration in a House of Correction to be followed by 10 years of probation.
Following his release, Miller started a business called Collect The Periodic Table (CTPT) through which he sold samples of elements listed in the periodic table of elements, including plutonium, which is highly radioactive, and thallium, which is highly toxic. Miller operated CTPT from his residence in South Hadley. In addition to selling through CTPT directly, Miller used an online third-party retailer, Bonanza, to conduct his sales.
Miller imported plutonium from Russia and arranged for it to be mailed to him at his residence. Between approximately Dec. 30, 2020 and March 31, 2025, Miller sold plutonium to approximately 67 customers throughout the United States and abroad. Miller shipped the plutonium from South Hadley to his customers through the United States mail, even though plutonium was a hazardous substance that was prohibited from being mailed.
Between approximately Oct. 12, 2017 and April 5, 2025, Miller used CTPT and Bonanza to sell thallium to approximately 71 customers. As with the plutonium, Miller shipped the thallium from South Hadley to his customers through the United States mail, even though thallium was a hazardous substance that was prohibited from being mailed.
During a search of Miller’s residence in April 2025, a box containing bottles of explosive powder, numerous rounds of ammunition and six rifles were recovered – all of which Miller possessed unlawfully due to his prior felony convictions. Additionally, Miller’s laptop and cell phone were found to contain child sexual abuse material, which he had accessed as recently as the day before the search warrant.
The charges of being a felon in possession of ammunition and explosives each provide for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of unlawfully importing nuclear material provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of mailing hazardous material provides for a sentence of up to one year in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography after a prior child pornography conviction provides for a sentence of no less than 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, supervised release for no less than five years and up to life and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Division of Investigations- Northern Field Office; the Hadley Police Department; and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven H. Breslow and Caroline Merck of the Springfield Branch Office are prosecuting the case with assistance from Trial Attorney Jennifer D. Burke of the National Security Division.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting TeenagerRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland man pled guilty in federal court, today, to child sex abuse crimes.
Gleybar Josue Ramirez-Clemente, 21, of Frederick, pled guilty to sexual exploitation of a child. Ramirez-Clemente pretended he was a minor while engaging with the minor victim on a social media platform and then eventually sexually exploited the child.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, Chief Kevin Meyer, Frederick Police Department (FPD), and J. Charles Smith III, State’s Attorney for Frederick County.
According to the guilty plea, in July 2025, Ramirez-Clemente began sexually exploiting a minor victim, who was 15 and 16 years old at the time of the abuse, using his Instagram social media account. Ramirez-Clemente used a fake persona, “Jefe,” to contact the minor victim and told her he was 16.
After several weeks of communicating, the minor victim was unaware that she was actually engaging with Ramirez-Clemente. Ramirez-Clemente eventually asked the minor victim for sexually explicit images of herself. After the minor victim sent Ramirez-Clemente the sexually explicit images, he then coerced and enticed her to send additional images. Then “Jefe” threatened to expose the minor victim’s actions to others, including members of their community, if she did not comply.
Ramirez-Clemente continued to use his fake persona, “Jefe,” to threaten the minor victim, coercing her to engage in sex acts while he recorded the abuse.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.
If convicted, Ramirez-Clemente faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child.
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, FPD, and State’s Attorney’s Office for Frederick County for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn who is prosecuting the federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.
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Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Willfully Failing to Pay Child SupportRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A man has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for willfully failing to pay child support for two children in the Chicago area.
From 2009 to 2017, EVAN MUSIKANTOW willfully failed to pay more than $1 million of child support (including interest) that the Circuit Court of Cook County ordered him to pay following a divorce. During those years, Musikantow paid only $3,000 towards child support, with most of that money having been remitted involuntarily via interceptions of Musikantow’s tax refunds by the State of Illinois.
A federal jury in Chicago last year convicted Musikantow, 60, of Scottsdale, Ariz., of the willful failure to pay court-ordered child support. On Oct. 1, 2026, U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr. sentenced Musikantow to two years in federal prison and ordered him to pay $1,092,561.80 in restitution.
The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Thomas Ethridge, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.
“Defendant ignored and otherwise dodged his duty to support his children despite the longstanding efforts of the Circuit Court of Cook County, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and the mother of the two children to get defendant to provide support,” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward G. Kohler and Edward A. Liva, Jr. argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Defendant committed this continuing offense over a period of many years, apparently motivated to abandon his children’s financial support to chase his own lavish lifestyle.”
Man Sentenced for His Accessory Role in F Street Kidnapping That Later Resulted in Two DeathsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Melvin Green, 27, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 60 months in prison in connection with his role in a 2023 kidnapping that later resulted in the deaths of two men, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Green, aka “Fat Goat,” pleaded guilty on Jan. 5, 2026, before Judge Coleen Kollar-Kotelly to a charge of accessory after the fact kidnapping. In addition to the 60-month prison term, Judge Kollar-Kotelly ordered Green to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court papers, on June 6, 2023, Green and others traveled from the 4400 block of F Street SE to the Saint Yves nightclub on the 1200 block of Connecticut Ave. NW for a birthday celebration. After returning to F Street in the early morning hours of June 8, Green served as a lookout while his co-conspirators searched an unoccupied Mercedes SUV that was parked on F Street.
Shortly after 3:40 a.m., Green’s associates kidnapped the Mercedes’ owner, dragging him from the driver’s seat and capturing a second victim. The individuals removed the victims’ clothing and confined them inside the Mercedes to prevent them from fleeing. As the kidnapping unfolded, an individual passed a firearm to Green, who tucked the gun into his waistband and walked away.
Without Green, the individuals drove to a nearby area where they threatened and assaulted the victims at gunpoint. The individuals then drove one of the victims into Maryland. About 4:40 a.m., the group arrived at an apartment complex in Suitland, Maryland, where one of the victims had a residence and burglarized the victim’s apartment. An hour later, the group arrived at another of the victim’s apartments in Waldorf where the group staged an armed robbery.
About 5:45 a.m., surveillance cameras recorded three individuals engaging in a shootout with the victim. The shootout left the victim and one of the co-conspirators fatally wounded. About 6:45 a.m., first responders found the victim’s Mercedes engulfed in flames in Capitol Heights, Maryland.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force and Safe Streets Task Force, the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Crabb Jr. and Anthony Scarpelli of the Violent Crimes and Narcotics Trafficking section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Green (red box) running toward the black Mercedes SUV during the offenses.
Glock pistol recovered from search of Green’s residence.
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