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Monday 1 June 2026
Jamaican National Pleads Guilty to Role in International Sweepstakes Scam That Stole More Than $9 Million from Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced the guilty plea of JORDAN TROUGHT for his role as a high-ranking member of an international fraud ring that stole more than $9 million from more than 200 elderly victims in the United States via sweepstakes scams. TROUGHT pled guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud, and bank fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy. TROUGHT was arrested on August 28, 2025, in Jamaica and extradited to the United States.
“Jordan Trought admitted today that he helped lead an international fraud ring that stole millions of dollars from elderly victims across the United States through lies about sweepstakes winnings,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Trought and his co-conspirators allegedly exploited trust, age, and hope for profit, including by taking control of victims’ bank accounts and routing stolen money to Jamaica. Today’s plea reflects this Office’s commitment to protecting vulnerable victims, pursuing fraudsters across borders, and holding accountable those who steal from Americans.”
According to the Superseding Indictment, plea agreement, and statements made in public filings and in public court proceedings:
From at least 2015 through at least 2025, TROUGHT and others engaged in a fraud scheme perpetrated against elderly victims (the “Elder Fraud Scheme”), through which TROUGHT and his co-conspirators defrauded more than 200 elderly victims of more than $9 million. Victims of the Elder Fraud Scheme typically received an unsolicited phone call or text from an individual using a common name—e.g., “David Miller”—claiming they had won a life-changing amount of money and a luxury car from a well-known marketing and sweepstakes company, but needed to pay taxes or fees to addresses and accounts specified by the caller before receiving the prize. The caller then remained in contact with the victims and, after the victims made their initial payments as directed, informed the victims that additional payments were required to receive their purported winnings. In particular, victims were instructed to send money by mailing checks, money orders, and cash, as well as by wire, Zelle, and Venmo transfer, to addresses and accounts identified by the caller. TROUGHT and his co-conspirators also gained control of some victims’ bank accounts, which they used to transfer money out of and through those accounts. Victims’ funds were ultimately transferred to associates of TROUGHT and his co-conspirators, as well as to an automobile business operated by TROUGHT in Jamaica.
TROUGHT operated the Elder Fraud Scheme from Jamaica, alongside co-conspirators based in both Jamaica and the United States. TROUGHT joined the fraud ring in or around March 2021 and became one of its leaders. TROUGHT is being held responsible for more than $6 million stolen from more than 100 victims from March 2021 through TROUGHT’s arrest in August 2025.
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TROUGHT, 30, a citizen of Jamaica, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud, and bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. TROUGHT also agreed to make restitution and pay forfeiture, each in the amount of $6,166,227.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. TROUGHT will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vincent Briccetti.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and Jamaican authorities, including the Jamaican Constabulary Force, for their assistance in securing TROUGHT’s arrest and extradition.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Levander, Margaret Vasu, and Ioannis Drivas are in charge of the prosecution.
In Celebration of Freedom 250, the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon Contributes to Local Food PantriesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— As part of America’s 250th birthday celebration, Freedom 250, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country are honoring America by spearheading gift-in-kind charity drives to benefit their local communities. In the District of Oregon, U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced a charity drive in Portland, Eugene, and Medford, Oregon, where its three offices are located. Collectively, members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon donated over 2,000 items to local food pantries.
“I am incredibly proud of our staff for coming together to support families in our local communities through this food drive,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Their generosity and commitment to service reflect the very best of public service, and I am grateful for the meaningful impact these donations will have on local food pantries and the individuals and families they serve.”
The Portland office delivered over 600 pounds of food to Neighborhood House. For more than 40 years, Neighborhood House has been providing nutritious, free food to the community of Portland and provides service to over 850 households per month.
The Eugene office delivered almost 500 pounds of food to Food for Lane County, equating to approximately 395 meals. Food for Lane County partners with 150 partner agencies, including 34 pantries and more than 100 supplemental food programs throughout Lane County to feed children, families, and seniors in Lane County who are experiencing food insecurity.
The Medford office delivered over 300 pounds to ACCESS, a community action agency, which, among other things, provides food to over 30 emergency food pantries throughout Jackson County to low-income families and individuals.
Freedom 250 is celebrated in every city, every town, every stretch of American road. You can find a celebration near you at the above hyperlink.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to SNAP and Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON - A Dominican national, unlawfully residing in Boston, has pleaded guilty in federal court to fraud and Social Security offenses.
Victor Suazo Reynoso, 69, pleaded guilty on May 27, 2026 to illegal acquisition of supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits and false representation of a Social Security number. Chief Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for Sept. 2, 2026. Reynoso was charged and arrested in March 2026.
Reynoso used the name, birthdate and Social Security number of a United States citizen to apply for and receive a Massachusetts driver’s license and more than $18,000 in SNAP benefits. SNAP is a federal program administered by the states that provides funds for low-income individuals and families to purchase food.
The charge of illegal acquisition of supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250000, as well as restitution. The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. 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 Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is 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.
Illegal Alien Indicted for COVID-Relief Fraud and Federal Assistance Benefit FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national unlawfully residing in Lowell has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly using a stolen identity to fraudulently obtain pandemic relief funds and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, previously known as food stamps.
Arvaro Montero Diaz, 40, was indicted on two counts of wire fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, one count of theft of government money and one count of SNAP fraud. Montero Diaz was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on March 9, 2026. He was subsequently released on pretrial conditions following a detention hearing on March 12, 2026. Montero Diaz will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the indictment, Montero Diaz – a citizen of the Dominican Republic who has been unlawfully residing in the United States since approximately 2007 – used the identity of a U.S. citizen to apply for and receive approximately $30,000 in unemployment benefits made available under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. It is further alleged that Montero Diaz also used this identity to apply for and receive approximately $14,000 in SNAP benefits.
The charges of wire fraud and SNAP fraud each provide 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 theft of government money provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges for aggravated identity theft provide for a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison, one of supervised released and a fine of up to $250,00. 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; Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Potapchuk of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is 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.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Illegal Alien Charged with False Use of a PassportRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully residing in Marlborough, Mass., has been charged with allegedly using a fake passport to open and access business bank accounts.
Jose De Freitas Junior, 30, was charged with one count of false use of a passport. He is currently in ICE custody and is expected to make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, De Freitas, under a false name, presented a fraudulent Brazilian passport to a bank teller at a bank in Andover, Mass., to access a business account at that bank. The fraudulent passport included a photograph of De Freitas, the false name and a passport number that belonged to a different Brazilian citizen. De Freitas also allegedly presented the fraudulent passport to local law enforcement upon their arrival at the bank. De Freitas was immediately taken into custody.
It is further alleged that a subsequent biometric check of De Freitas’ fingerprints taken at booking confirmed that he was a citizen of Brazil who has not been lawfully admitted to the United States. Further investigation allegedly revealed that De Freitas had opened multiple business accounts using several different fraudulent Brazilian passports as identification. The accounts were listed as auto sales-related businesses and were used to accept numerous large wire transfers, some of which were later recalled for fraud by the sending bank.
The charge of false use of a passport provides for a sentence of up to 10 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 Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Andover Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julissa Walsh of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Honduran National Guilty of Illegal Reentry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – UBALDO YASIR AMAYA-COLINDRES (“AMAYA-COLINDRES”), age 27, a citizen of Honduras, pled guilty on May 28, 2026, to reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. His sentencing is set before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon on June 25, 2026.
According to the bill of information, AMAYA-COLINDRES reentered the United States sometime prior to March 1, 2026, after having been previously removed on or about June 13, 2024.
AMAYA-COLINDRES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, up to three years supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Irene González is in charge of the prosecution.
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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Honduran Illegal Alien Indicted for Illegal Re-Entry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OSCAR PAZ-MEJIA (“PAZ-MEJIA”), age 33, a native of Honduras, was indicted for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment, on May 26, 2026, PAZ-MEJIA was found to have allegedly reentered the United States, after being previously deported on or about May 24, 2023. For this offense, PAZ-MEJIA faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
United States Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
United States Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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.
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Honduran Illegal Alien Indicted for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ERLIN JOVANY GAMEZ MALDONADO ("GAMEZ-MALDONADO") , age 29, a native of Honduras, was indicted on May 28, 2026, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(5)(A) and 924(a)(8), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, on or about May 4, 2026, GAMEZ-MALDONADO, an individual unlawfully present in the United States, was found to have possessed an Anderson Manufacturing, Model AM-15 rifle, multi-caliber firearm.
If convicted, GAMEZ-MALDONADO faces a maximum penalty of 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
United States Attorney Courcelle reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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.
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Hometown Hero Award PresentationRead the Press Release
EDNC proudly honored its Hometown Hero during a special celebration ceremony, recognizing his outstanding achievements, dedication, and the positive impact made in our community. Thank you for representing our hometown with excellence.
Homeland Security Task Force: Naugatuck Man Found with 21 Kilos of Cocaine Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that LESTER ARRINGTON, 34, of Naugatuck, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to a cocaine trafficking charge.
According to court documents and statements made in court, as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation, on February 23, 2026, Connecticut State Police troopers stopped a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, in which Arrington was a passenger, in Trumbull. A K9 sniff of the vehicle alerted for the presence of narcotics, and a subsequent search of the vehicle revealed approximately 21 kilograms of cocaine hidden in two compartments (“traps”) that were installed under each front seat. Arrington was arrested on state charges at that time.
Arrington pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. He is released on a $150,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for August 31.
The driver of the Subaru Crosstrek, Reginald Rogers, pleaded guilty to the same charge last week. Arrington and Rogers have agreed to the forfeiture of the vehicle.
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 toward 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 Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut. The Bridgeport, Danbury, Stamford, and Stratford Police Departments assisted this investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justyn P. Stokely and Lauren C. Clark.
Fugitive Who Stole Dead Man’s Identity for Four Decades Pleads Guilty to Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A fugitive who lived for more than 40 years under the stolen identity of a deceased Arkansas man pleaded guilty to federal identity theft, passport fraud, and firearms offenses.
According to court documents, Stephen Craig Campbell, 73, assumed the identity of Walter Lee Coffman, who died in 1975 at the age of 22, just months after graduating from the University of Arkansas with an engineering degree in the early 1980s. Campbell first applied for a U.S. passport in Coffman’s name in 1984 and renewed it multiple times, always submitting his own photograph and current address. In 1995, he obtained a replacement Social Security card in Coffman’s name. Around 2003, he purchased property in Weed, New Mexico, under Coffman’s identity and continued renewing the fraudulent passport in 2005 and 2015.
On September 4, 2019, Campbell knowingly presented a fraudulent U.S. passport bearing the name “Walter Coffman” to a New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division employee in Cloudcroft. He used the passport to renew a New Mexico driver’s license in Coffman’s name, knowing it was not legitimate. He continued to possess the fraudulent passport until it was seized on February 19, 2025.
Campbell also admitted that he knowingly possessed a Social Security card not lawfully issued to him with the intent to defraud the United States. In 1992, he contacted the Social Security Administration in an attempt to remove Coffman’s death record. On October 15, 1995, he fraudulently applied for and received a replacement Social Security card in Coffman’s name. Using this identity, he applied for and received Social Security Title II Retirement Insurance Benefits beginning in 2015, ultimately receiving approximately $140,000 in fraudulent government benefits.
On February 19, 2025, during the execution of a search warrant at his residence in Weed, New Mexico, Campbell was in possession of a loaded rifle. He eventually set the weapon down after repeated commands from law enforcement. A search of the property recovered a total of 57 firearms and a large quantity of ammunition. Campbell acknowledged he was a fugitive from justice at the time and therefore prohibited from possessing firearms.
Campbell has an outstanding 1983 warrant from Wyoming for Failure to Appear on an original charge of Attempted First-Degree Murder. In 1982, he allegedly planted an explosive device at the home of his estranged wife’s boyfriend. The device detonated when his wife opened it, causing her to lose a finger and suffer additional injuries, while also starting a fire that damaged the residence and a neighboring unit.
Campbell was arrested on February 19, 2025, after a standoff in which he was observed armed and partially concealed. He had been on the U.S. Marshals Most Wanted List for over 40 years.
Campbell pleaded guilty to misuse of a passport, possession of false papers to defraud U.S., aggravated identity theft, and being a fugitive from justice in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He faces 12 years in prison at sentencing.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge of the SSA OIG Emma Boston made the announcement today.
This case was co-investigated by the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office and the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General. It was originally initiated by the Diplomatic Security’s El Paso Resident Office and the National Passport Center’s Fraud Prevention Unit. Enforcement assistance was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, as well as the Otero County Sheriff's Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Clara Nevarez Cobos.
Four Charged with Trafficking More Than $45 Million Worth of Cocaine through Sophisticated Cross-Border Tunnel; Discovery Made in Monthslong Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – A Homeland Security Task Force federal drug investigation of a supposed retail store in Otay Mesa has resulted in the discovery of a sophisticated cross-border tunnel and charges against four people for conspiring to distribute more than a ton of cocaine estimated to be worth $45 million.
The subterranean passageway, stretching from Tijuana, Mexico to the purported retail store near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry known as “Buy 4 Less,” is estimated to be about 1,933 feet long, 55 feet deep and 4.5-feet in height, with reinforced walls, rail and ventilation systems and electricity.
The defendants include Gregorio Epifanio Hernandez Lopez of San Diego; Brandon Escalante Sandoval of Mexico; Jose Jimenez of San Diego; and Antonio Cortez of Mexico. Hernandez Lopez is charged with Conspiracy to Use a Cross-Border Tunnel and Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances; all are charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances.
According to a federal complaint, investigators from Homeland Security Investigations Tunnel Task Force maintained regular surveillance on the Buy 4 Less warehouse from December 2025 to May 2026 due to suspicious activity there.
In December 2025, a new group of around seven or eight “employees” were seen regularly, in and around Buy 4 Less. These individuals included defendant Hernandez, whom agents observed at Buy 4 Less beginning in at least January 2026. During the surveillance, the activity around the Buy 4 Less location did not appear to be consistent with a normal retail location. For example, investigators observed minimal foot traffic from customers coming in and out of the Buy 4 Less store.
Hernandez and the other supposed “employees” that regularly frequented the store engaged in unusual activity such as transporting large numbers of suitcases out of the store and into vehicles or walking the suitcases across the border into Mexico. Based on how Hernandez and the others handled the suitcases, they appeared to be empty so law enforcement did not intervene.
According to the complaint, on May 29, 2026, while conducting surveillance on Buy 4 Less, agents observed a male loading three large, heavy items into a white van which departed Buy 4 Less and ultimately parked on the street near a mechanic shop located at 923½ Coolidge Ave. A male on a bicycle, later identified as defendant Brandon Escalante, was seen conducting counter surveillance in the area by riding his bicycle while looking around and into parked cars.
Escalante later approached the van, removed the vehicle key that had been concealed in the gas cap area, got into the van and reversed it into 923½ Coolidge Avenue. Agents observed that the van was backed up to another white van with the rear doors from both vans open. A white stake bed truck then entered 923½ Coolidge Avenue. Agents watched people remove three deep freezers from the first van and place them onto the bed of the truck, then load the deep freezers with packages.
After the packages were loaded into the deep freezers, the truck exited 923½ Coolidge Avenue and parked a short distance away. Escalante was seen exiting the truck, grabbing his bicycle from the truck bed, placing the keys underneath the truck on the passenger side, and departing the area. Agents then observed another male, later identified as Defendant Jimenez, grab the vehicle keys and drive away in the truck. San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies subsequently conducted a traffic stop of the truck, with lights flashing, and a K9 police dog alerted to the presence of controlled substances.
Shortly after the traffic stop of the truck, agents watching Buy 4 Less observed two unidentified males take heavy boxes out of Buy 4 Less and load them into a second truck. Hernandez entered the second truck and drove away. San Diego County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop of that second truck a short distance away from the Buy 4 Less, and a K9 police dog alerted to the presence of controlled substances.
San Diego Sheriff's deputies also stopped the second van, driven by a male later identified as Antonio Cortez, at 923½ Coolidge Avenue. Sheriff’s deputies again received a positive K9 alert for the presence of controlled substances in the vehicle.
According to the complaint, following the traffic stops, federal agents discovered the following during inspections of the second van and two trucks:
• 173 total packages in the truck stopped near 923½ Coolidge Avenue, with a total approximate weight of 286.20 kgs (630.96 lbs.);
• 423 total packages in the truck stopped near Buy 4 Less, with a total approximate weight of 469.40 kgs (1034.84 lbs.); and
• 255 total packages in the van stopped near 923½ Coolidge Avenue, with a total approximate weight of 274 kgs (604.06 lbs.).
The packages contained a substance, a sample of which field tested positive for cocaine, with a total approximate weight of 1,029.60 kgs (2,269.87 pounds)—or well over 1 ton.
Following seizure of the suspected cocaine on May 29, 2026, a U.S. Magistrate Judge signed warrants authorizing searches at Buy 4 Less and 923½ Coolidge Avenue. At Buy 4 Less, agents found the exit point of the subterranean tunnel, concealed under the floor of a storage room within the store. The tunnel, which was accessed using a sophisticated hydraulic lift, is approximately 55 feet deep and extends approximately 1,064 feet from its exit point at Buy 4 Less to the U.S./Mexico International Border, where agents estimate it continues for another approximately 800 feet to its entry point. The tunnel is equipped with electricity and ventilation and, at some points, is up to 4.5 feet tall.
“For these defendants, it wasn’t a light at the end of the tunnel. It was lights and sirens,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon.
“This investigation and seizure represent a significant blow to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The discovery and dismantlement of this sophisticated cross-border tunnel, along with the seizure of more than a ton of cocaine, underscore the commitment and collaboration of Homeland Security Investigations and our Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) partners” said Kevin Murphy, acting Special Agent in Charge for HSI San Diego. “HSI Special Agents and task force members worked tirelessly to disrupt the flow of dangerous narcotics into our communities, and we remain steadfast in our mission to protect the public and keep our communities safe.”
“Criminal organizations continue to look for ways to exploit our border, but they underestimate the determination of the men and women protecting it,” said U.S. Border Patrol San Diego Sector Chief Patrol Agent Justin De La Torre. “This tunnel’s discovery is a testament to our strong partnerships and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement on both sides of the border.”
“Law enforcement collaboration is the backbone of dismantling sophisticated transnational drug cartels, as these organizations rely on vast illicit supply chains spanning multiple jurisdictions,” said San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez. “Joint operations disrupt trafficking networks, choke illicit financial flows, and prevent transnational cartels from exploiting jurisdictional gaps. The Sheriff's Office is grateful for the partnerships, hard work, and dedication of everyone involved in this investigation and we will continue to support our federal partners in cases that keep our communities safe.”
“The San Diego Imperial Valley HIDTA proudly supports federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in their efforts to target transnational criminal organizations who place a priority on proceeds from drug trafficking over human lives,” said David King, Executive Director of San Diego Imperial Valley HIDTA. “The drugs recovered from this sophisticated cross border tunnel will thankfully never make it into communities throughout California and the United States thereby saving countless lives from the scourges of drug addiction and overdose deaths.”
There have been 99 subterranean passages discovered in the Southern District of California since 1993. Of those, 28 were considered sophisticated. The last operational tunnel discovered in the Southern District of California was in 2022.
The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon by U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie E. Torres.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Deshong and Jordan Arakawa.
Video of the tunnel:
https://youtube.com/shorts/PkMfeXh6C6Y
https://youtube.com/shorts/6D0kSckaSE0
DEFENDANTS Case Number 26mj03219
Gregorio Epifanio Hernandez Lopez Age: 29 San Diego, California
Jose Jimenez Age: 32 San Diego, California
Antonio Cortez Age: 18 Mexico
Brandon Escalante Sandoval Age: 26 Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Constructing, Financing, or Using Unauthorized Tunnels—Title 18, U.S.C., Section 555
Maximum penalty: Life in prison and $10 million fine
*Hernandez Lopez
Importation of a Controlled Substance—Title 21, U.S.C., Section 841 and 846
Maximum penalty: Life in prison and $10 million fine
*Hernandez Lopez
Distribution of a Controlled Substance—Title 21, U.S.C., Section 841 and 846
Maximum penalty: Life in prison and $10 million fine
*All defendants
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Homeland Security Investigations
U.S. Border Patrol
San Diego County Sheriff’s Office
Drug Enforcement Administration
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Federal Bureau of Investigation
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program
California Department of Justice
*Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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 San Diego comprises agents and officers from FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals, Department of Defense, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Interpol, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, provides assistance to Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. This grant program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). There are currently 33 HIDTAs, and HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.
Founder of Citron Research Found Guilty of Scheming to Manipulate Stock Market via Media CampaignsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A stock analyst and frequent guest on business television news channels was found guilty by a jury today for using his public platform to illicitly profit by manipulating stock market activity and trading opposite to the position he presented to the public.
Andrew Left, 55, formerly of Beverly Hills but who now resides in Boca Raton, Florida, was found guilty of one count of securities fraud scheme and 12 counts of securities fraud.
“Left used his TV appearances to disguise his intentions, manipulate the stock market, and pad his pockets,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “A fair and transparent securities market is a foundation of our nation’s financial system. We will continue to bring to justice individuals who abuse the public trust placed in financial advisors.”
“Frauds such as the one perpetrated by Left can erode investor confidence which impacts our capital markets” said Patrick Grandy, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “While this conviction cannot make up for the significant and emotional harm he inflicted upon his unwitting investors, it does send a message to those who may be looking to profit from similar schemes – think twice because the FBI has a proven track record of rooting out fraudsters who illegally tilt the playing field against honest investors and undermine confidence in our markets.”
According to evidence presented at a 15-day trial, Left was a securities analyst, trader, and frequent guest commentator on business cable news channels such as CNBC, Fox Business, and Bloomberg Television. He also published under the name “Citron Research,” an online moniker he created as for his platform to publish investment recommendations. Citron’s online presence included a website and a social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Using Citron’s online platform, Left commented on publicly traded companies and asserted that the market incorrectly valued the companies’ stock, advocating that the current price was too high or too low.
Left’s recommendations often included an explicit or implicit representation about Citron’s trading position and a “target price,” which he represented as his own view of the security’s true future value.
Left used his social media following and public platform to earn at least $21 million in quick profits by fraudulently manipulating the stock market from at least March 2018 to October 2023.
Knowing that Citron’s reputation with investors had the power to move markets, Left selected a publicly traded company about which he intended to publish commentary with the intention of manipulating its share price. Left prepared commentary about the company for dissemination through Citron.
Sometimes, the commentary represented Left’s own work. Other times, Left disseminated as his own the commentary of third parties. The commentary routinely included sensationalized headlines and inflammatory language to maximize the immediate impact their publication would have on the stock market.
In the lead up to publication of Citron’s commentary, Left established long or short positions in a company in his trading accounts, so he profited by taking advantage of the intended short-term movement in the company’s share price caused by his commentary. To exploit his advanced knowledge of the timing and subject of the forthcoming commentary on the company, Left often built his positions using inexpensive, short-dated options contracts that expired the same day that he published his commentary.
Left also submitted limit orders to close his positions as soon as the company’s shares reached a certain price – often at prices vastly different from the target prices Citron’s commentary touted. Though Left represented to the public that his recommendations were to be trusted, behind the scenes, Left took opposite trading positions to reap quick profits off the stocks he either promoted or pilloried through Citron.
To maintain the illusion of Citron’s independence and the credibility of its commentary, Left concealed Citron’s financial relationships with hedge funds. According to the indictment, for example, Left lied to law enforcement that Citron “never” exchanged compensation with a hedge fund or coordinated trading with a hedge fund in advance of the issuance of its commentary.
For example, in November 2018, Left wrote a portfolio manager about Nvidia Corp., a publicly traded technology company based in Santa Clara, California. In the message, Left wrote, “Do you want to make some fast money[.] Put together a thesis why nvda is oversold . . . We can destroy it . . . Just read the analyst notes from this past quarter and assemble the best of the ideas.”
Later that morning, Left took financial positions in Nvidia, including short-dated call options that expired three days later. Short-dated options can offer quick profits if a stock suddenly moves in the narrow timeframe before expiration.
Left then promoted Nvidia as a favorable investment on Citron’s Twitter account, stating, “Citron buys $NVDA. This is the first time in 2 years stock offers an appealing risk-reward to investors . . . We see $165 before we see $120.” At the time, Nvidia’s stock was trading at approximately $143.64. The tweet was reported on by major media outlets.
Despite his representation that he expected Nvidia’s share price to rise to $165, less than two hours after announcing “Citron buys $NVDA,” Left sold all his pre-tweet positions Nvidia was trading within a range of approximately $150 – $151, for a profit of at least than $960,000. Nvidia closed at a high of $154 on the day of Left’s tweet and fell to $144 the next day.
Left also furthered his scheme by misrepresenting his trading positions during public appearances on news programs. After denouncing one company as a “fraud” on CNBC’s “Fast Money,” for example, Left falsely claimed to have covered only a “small size” of his position in the company’s stock when, earlier that same day, he had already closed out most of his position following the publication of commentary through Citron.
The jury acquitted Left of four counts of securities fraud for trades for four specific companies.
United States District Judge Virginia A. Phillips scheduled an August 31 sentencing hearing, at which time Left would face a statutory maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison for the securities fraud scheme count, up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of securities fraud.
The FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this matter, with substantial assistance from FINRA’s Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group.
Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew M. Roach of the Major Frauds Section and Benedetto L. Balding of the Transnational Organized Crime Section and Acting Assistant Chief Matthew Reilly of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting this case.
The Justice Department's Criminal Division's Fraud Section uses the Victim Notification System (VNS) to provide victims with case information and updates related to this case. Victims with questions may contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Assistance Unit by calling the Victim Assistance phone line at (888) 549-3945 or by emailing [email protected]. To learn more about victims’ rights, please visit www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/victim-rights-derechos-de-las-v-ctimas.
Former Willingboro Township Mayor Sentenced to Prison for Mortgage Fraud in Connection with Fraudulent Short SaleRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – Nathaniel Anderson, a town councilman and the former Mayor of Willingboro in Burlington County, New Jersey, was sentenced to prison for committing mortgage fraud in connection with a fraudulent short sale of real estate, and his business associate Chrisone Anderson was sentenced to eight months’ home confinement for her role in the scheme, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
Nathaniel Anderson, 59, and Chrisone Anderson, 58, were previously convicted by a federal jury of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution, one count of bank fraud, and two counts of making a false statement on a mortgage application. On June 1, 2026, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Kirsch sentenced Nathaniel Anderson to 12 months and one day in prison, to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Chrisone Anderson was sentenced to eight months’ home confinement to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Both Nathaniel Anderson and Chrisone Anderson were ordered to pay restitution to the victims in the total amount of $221,862.71.
According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:
From March 2015 through June 2017, Nathaniel Anderson and Chrisone Anderson conspired and agreed to orchestrate a fraudulent short sale of a property in Willingboro from Nathaniel Anderson to Chrisone Anderson.
As part of the conspiracy to defraud a government-sponsored enterprise to discharge a mortgage obligation on Nathaniel Anderson’s property in Willingboro and to induce a mortgage lending business to issue a new mortgage on the property, Chrisone Anderson executed – and Nathaniel D. Anderson aided and abetted the execution of – mortgage documents containing materially false representations. These included that the short sale was an arm’s length transaction, that Chrisone Anderson did not have a prior business relationship with Nathaniel Anderson, that Nathaniel Anderson would not continue to occupy the property as his residence following the short sale, and that Chrisone Anderson would occupy the property as her primary residence.
As a result of the fraudulent short sale, the government-sponsored enterprise discharged Nathaniel Anderson’s mortgage obligation, causing a total loss of over $200,000, and the victim lender issued a new mortgage on the property.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark; and special agents of the Northeast Region of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Robert Manchak, with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph McFarlane of the Special Prosecutions Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Trombly, Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division in Newark.
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Defense counsel: Andrea Aldana and Adalgiza Nunez (Nathaniel Anderson)
Troy Archie (Chrisone Anderson)
Former Utah School Bus Driver Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Starting School Bus FireRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Michael Austin Ford, 60, of West Valley City, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment for setting a school bus on fire in 2023.
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge David Sam, came after Ford pleaded guilty on March 26, 2026, to arson of a vehicle belonging to an organization receiving federal funds. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Ford was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $21,690.42 in restitution.
According to court documents and admissions made at Ford’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, he intentionally set a Granite School District school bus on fire with a cigarette lighter on April 7, 2023. Ford was captured on video igniting the bus and continued to drive the bus with smoke billowing past his face. In other court documents, prosecutors stated that Ford attempted to tamper with the bus’s video surveillance system in the days preceding the April 2023 arson. On a separate occasion in February 2022, Ford was also accused of setting a Granite School District school bus on fire that had 42 children inside and did so while driving in traffic, but the charge was dismissed as part of his plea agreement.
“Protecting our most vulnerable population is a top priority of this administration and my office,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah. "I want to thank our law enforcement partners and my office who worked tirelessly on this case to bring it to a close and hold Mr. Ford accountable for his intentional disregard for safety and the law.”
"ATF’s top priority is protecting our communities from violent crimes, including acts of arson," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Chris Ashbridge. "We commend our partners at the Utah State Fire Marshal’s Office for their incredible work on this investigation, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Utah, which collectively ensured justice was served today."
The case was investigated jointly by the Utah State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant United States Michael J. Thorpe of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuted the case.
Former Correctional Officer Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Conspiracy, Obstruction of Justice Charges Related to Unlawful Beating of InmateRead the Press Release
Jermaine Sturgis, 41, a former lieutenant at Eastern Correctional Institution (ECI) in Westover, Maryland, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, Maryland to 33 months in prison and one year of supervised release for his role in a conspiracy to obstruct an investigation into the assault of an inmate.
Sturgis, of Laurel, Delaware, conspired with other correctional officers to cover up evidence that a fellow ECI officer unlawfully assaulted an inmate. A jury convicted Sturgis in December 2025 for conspiring to obstruct justice and destroy records and for making false statements to a federal officer.
“When a correctional officer tampers with evidence or obstructs an investigation into fellow officers, it undercuts the public’s trust in the criminal justice system, thwarts lawful efforts to protect the civil rights of inmates, and threatens the safety of both inmates and other officers,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to holding accountable correctional officers who violate the laws they are sworn to uphold.”
“This defendant obstructed a lawful investigation by helping conceal the truth about a violent assault. Our system depends on public officials carrying out their duties honestly and lawfully. Unfortunately, Mr. Sturgis failed to comply with this mandate so now he must pay the price,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “Our Office remains committed to prosecuting any individual who engages in such an abuse of trust. No one is above the law.”
“Jermaine Sturgis not only lied about the assault on an inmate but directed a conspiracy to cover up that assault by deleting evidence. Sturgis focused on shielding himself from the consequences of his crimes at the expense of the inmate he swore to protect,” said Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “The FBI will vigorously investigate and hold accountable law enforcement officers who exploit their authority and violate the public’s trust.”
According to trial testimony, on July 12, 2021, after one of Sturgis’s junior officers used excessive force against an inmate, Sturgis and other officers conspired to delete a video recording that showed the inmate’s injuries and other evidence that the officer’s use of force against the inmate had been unlawful. During the three-year investigation, Sturgis also made false statements to the state and federal investigators.
Judge Maddox previously sentenced four former ECI correctional officers who had pleaded guilty for their involvement. Samuel Warren was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for assaulting the inmate and obstruction of justice; Neil Daubach was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison for witness tampering and obstruction of justice; David Quillen was sentenced to two years of probation with six months home detention for conspiracy and obstruction of justice; and Daric Evans was sentenced to two years of probation with three months home detention for conspiracy.
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Aubin for the District of Maryland and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case. The Baltimore Division of the FBI, with assistance from the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, conducted the investigation.
Former Correctional Officer Sentenced for Role in Covering up Inmate AssaultRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A former Maryland correctional officer learned his fate in federal court, today, stemming from an incident in which his colleague assaulted an inmate.
U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Jermaine Sturgis, 41, of Laurel, Delaware, to 33 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for conspiring to obstruct justice and making false statements to a federal officer. In December 2025, after a five-day trial, a federal jury convicted Sturgis for his role in covering up evidence that a fellow ECI officer unlawfully assaulted an inmate. Sturgis previously served as a lieutenant correctional officer at the Eastern Correctional Institution (ECI), located in Westover, Maryland.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, Justice Department, Civil Rights Division, and Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office.
“This defendant obstructed a lawful investigation by helping conceal the truth about a violent assault. Our system depends on public officials carrying out their duties honestly and lawfully. Unfortunately, Mr. Sturgis failed to comply with this mandate so now he must pay the price,” Hayes said. “Our Office remains committed to prosecuting any individual who engages in such an abuse of trust. No one is above the law.”
“When a correctional officer tampers with evidence or obstructs an investigation into fellow officers, it undercuts the public’s trust in the criminal justice system, thwarts lawful efforts to protect the civil rights of inmates, and threatens the safety of both inmates and other officers,” Dhillon said. “The Department of Justice is committed to holding accountable correctional officers who violate the laws they are sworn to uphold.”
“Jermaine Sturgis not only lied about the assault on an inmate but directed a conspiracy to cover up that assault by deleting evidence. Sturgis focused on shielding himself from the consequences of his crimes at the expense of the inmate he swore to protect,” Paul said. “The FBI will vigorously investigate and hold accountable law enforcement officers who exploit their authority and violate the public’s trust.”
According to the trial testimony, on July 12, 2021, after one of Sturgis’s junior officers used excessive force against an inmate, Sturgis and multiple officers conspired to delete a video recording that showed the inmate’s injuries. The video also contained other evidence of the officer’s use of force against the inmate. During the investigation, Sturgis also made false statements to state and federal investigators.
Judge Maddox previously sentenced four former ECI correctional officers who pled guilty for their involvement in the coverup. Samuel Warren, 40, of Westover, Maryland, received 15 months in federal prison for assaulting the inmate and obstruction of justice; Neil Daubach, 47, of Salisbury, Maryland, received 12 months and 1 day for witness tampering and obstruction of justice; David Quillen, 40, of Ocean View, Delaware, received two years of probation with six months home detention for conspiracy and obstruction of justice; and Daric Evans, 34, of Crisfield, Maryland, received two years of probation with three months home detention for conspiracy.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for their work in the investigation and thanked the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services for its assistance. U.S. Attorney Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow, and Trial Attorney Anita Channapati, Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Criminal Section, who prosecuted the 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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Former Bank Employee Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Embezzling More Than $800,000Read the Press Release
OAKLAND – Tamim Haidar was sentenced today to one and a half years in federal prison for embezzlement and money laundering. U.S. District Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin handed down the sentence.
Haidar, 34, of Union City, California pleaded guilty on November 7, 2025, to one count of violating 18 U.S.C. § 656 – Embezzlement by a Bank Officer or Employee and two counts of violating 18 U.S.C. § 1957 – Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Property Derived from Specified Unlawful Activity.
According to the plea agreement, Haidar admitted to abusing his position as an assistant branch manager of a Wells Fargo branch bank to embezzle more than $800,000 from the bank. Haidar admitted that he would steal money that was supposed to be deposited into ATM machines, and that he made false database entries to hide his theft. Haidar admitted that he transferred the money he stole to his personal bank accounts, and used the stolen funds to make up losses he incurred engaging in foreign currency trading.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge David Lowe made the announcement.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinez Olguin also sentenced Haidar to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered Haidar to pay more than $800,000 in restitution. The defendant will begin serving the sentence on August 31, 2026.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan M. Mateer is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation Oakland Field Office.
Florida Resident Sentenced to 5 Years for Obtaining Fraudulent COVID Loans, Scams Targeting Investors, and Stealing Government PropertyRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO - Thomas Aaron Signorelli was sentenced today to more than 5 years in federal prison for crimes including bank fraud, wire fraud, obstructing justice, and conspiring to launder the proceeds of fraud. U.S. District Judge James Donato handed down the sentence.
Signorelli, 48, of West Palm Beach, Florida, was charged by Information on September 19, 2024, and on November 25, 2024, he pleaded guilty to bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, theft of government property, obstruction of justice, and money laundering conspiracy. According to the plea agreement, Signorelli admitted that he caused the submission of applications for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and a loan under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) that contained false statements regarding the number of employees and annual revenue for a company that Signorelli controlled. These loans totaled $61,725 and were not repaid.
In addition, Signorelli admitted that he engaged in two other fraud schemes, both schemes involving false statements made to prospective investors to obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars from defrauded investors. When law enforcement agents sought to execute a search warrant authorizing a search of Signorelli’s mobile phone, Signorelli deleted WhatsApp messages with a co-conspirator that he knew were evidence of a crime, as admitted by Signorelli.
Signorelli also admitted that he offered to launder money that he believed was the proceeds of drug trafficking, and that an individual he now understands was an undercover law enforcement agent provided funds to Signorelli for laundering. Signorelli admitted that he received $150,000 of what he believed was drug proceeds, and that instead of laundering these funds, he stole this money.
The losses caused by Signorelli’s criminal conduct totaled more than $1.9 million.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo, and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Oakland Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge David Lowe made the announcement.
In addition to the 63-month prison term, Judge Donato also sentenced the defendant to a 3-year period of supervised release. The defendant is currently in custody and will begin serving the sentence immediately. Judge Donato will set a further hearing regarding restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick O’Brien is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Lynette Dixon and Mimi Lam. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-CI.
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is 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.
Filipino National Charged with Unlawfully Voting as an AlienRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Remedios Alasaas, 66, of Kahului, Maui, was charged today, June 1, 2026, by Information, with unlawfully voting as an alien.
Alasaas came to the United States in or around 2014 on an immigrant visa and registered to vote soon thereafter. According to court records, Alasaas was a non-citizen when she cast votes in two Federal elections: first, in a general election on or about November 8, 2022, and then in a primary election on or about August 10, 2024. On both occasions, Alasaas understood that she was not a citizen at the time that she cast her ballot.
If convicted, Alasaas faces up to one year in prison for each charge, plus a term of supervised release. Alasaas also faces a fine of up to $100,000.
“The right of the people to vote in Federal elections belongs solely to American citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “When non-citizens defraud the democratic process by voting, they undermine the integrity and credibility of our elections. This Office will vigorously investigate and prosecute all instances of voter fraud.”
“The right to vote in Federal elections is a cornerstone of our democracy, and secured for U.S. citizens,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “The FBI will continue its work to ensure the integrity of our elections and hold accountable anyone who undermines the fairness of our democracy by engaging in voter fraud.”
The charges in the Information are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by the court based on statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Paris Yates is prosecuting the case.
Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of Firearm Discovered After Being Stopped for Smoking Marijuana in PublicRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Daveion Antonio Ervin, 28, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, pleaded guilty today in connection with his illegal possession of a loaded Springfield Armory pistol discovered after he was stopped by police for smoking marijuana on a public street, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Ervin pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Carl J. Nichols to one count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Judge Nichols scheduled sentencing for Sept. 10, 2026.
According to court documents, on Feb. 18, 2026, about 8:55 p.m., U.S. Park Police officers were patrolling in the area of Dix Street at 63rd Street NE. Officers were driving west when they spotted Ervin holding a hand-rolled cigarette and exhaling a large cloud of white smoke. Moments later, the officers made a U-turn toward Ervin.
The officers exited their cruiser, approached Ervin, and detected the strong odor of marijuana. Ervin attempted to flee the scene when officers ordered Ervin to stop. Ervin discarded the hand-rolled cigarette and continued running. After a brief foot pursuit, Ervin tripped and fell. Officers caught up with Ervin and told him to remain on the ground. When the officers asked Ervin why he ran, Ervin told the officers that he was in possession of a firearm and did not have a license to carry.
Officers recovered a Springfield Armory XDS-9 9mm pistol from Ervin’s front waistband. It was loaded with one round in the chamber and five rounds in the magazine. Officers also recovered the remainder of Ervin’s marijuana cigarette along his flight path.
The firearm in the defendant’s waist prior to its recovery
Image of the 9mm firearm, ammunition, and partially smoked suspected marijuana cigarette that the defendant had possessed.
This case was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative.
Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Park Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole.
26cr38
Federal Correctional Officer Sentenced to Prison for Receiving a BribeRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Karen Torres (50, St. Cloud) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber to one year and one day in federal prison for receiving a bribe as a public official. As part of her sentence, Torres is required to forfeit $43,550 to the United States, which represents the proceeds of her criminal offense. She pleaded guilty on February 4, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, Torres was a public official employed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, as a correctional officer. She worked at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman) in Sumter County. Between May 2022 and March 3, 2025, Torres introduced contraband (marijuana, cigarettes, and K2) into FCC Coleman in exchange for $43,550 in bribes from inmates.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
Fayette County Man Sentenced to More than 12 Years in Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Daemien Thompson, 40, of Oak Hill, was sentenced on Thursday, May 28, 2026, to 12 years and 11 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Thompson admitted to conspiring with other individuals to obtain methamphetamine and distribute it within the Southern District of West Virginia from on or about November 27, 2022, until on or about December 6, 2023. More than 3.5 pounds of 100 percent pure methamphetamine was distributed as part of the conspiracy.
On November 27, 2022, Thompson and a co-conspirator sold 446 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for $2,600. Thompson admitted to the transaction and further admitted that his co-conspirators sold methamphetamine to the same confidential informant on other occasions, usually in quantities of 1 pound or more, at various locations, including an Oak Hill trailer park. As part of his guilty plea, Thompson admitted to the drug trafficking organization being involved in controlled buys of high-purity methamphetamine on December 5, 2022, December 14, 2022, and February 2, 2023, with a total amount of approximately 2.59 pounds of actual methamphetamine distributed during the transactions.
Thompson is among four individuals indicted by a federal grand jury on charges alleging they participated in the drug trafficking conspiracy. All four pleaded guilty. Phillip Gray, 42, of Oak Hill, was sentenced on October 15, 2025, to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Leondus Whittenburg, 44, of Beckley, was sentenced on August 19, 2025, to seven years and 11 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. John Gray, 40, of Oak Hill and Phillip Gray’s brother, was sentenced on December 2, 2025, to three years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine.
Thompson has a criminal history that includes prior convictions for third-degree sexual assault, delivery of a controlled substance, and unlawful assault.
“This successful prosecution disrupted a ruinous drug trafficking conspiracy and secured convictions and prison terms for all four defendants indicted,” said United States Attorney Moore Capito. “The sentence imposed on this defendant underscores our commitment to rid our streets of those who endanger them through the trafficking of dangerous drugs.”
Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and the Central Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force.
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy D. Boggess and Brian D. Parsons and former Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-31.
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Dulce Man Pleads Guilty to Assault by a Habitual OffenderRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man pleaded guilty to federal charges of assault by a habitual offender for strangling and suffocating a woman after previously being convicted at least twice in tribal court for assault offenses.
According to court documents, on April 3, 2025, Tyler Vigil, 32, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Indian Tribe, assaulted Jane Doe by strangling and suffocating her. Vigil has at least two prior convictions in Indian tribal court for assault.
Vigil pleaded guilty to assault by a habitual offender and faces up to five years in prison at sentencing.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.
The Jicarilla Apache Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael R. Pahl is prosecuting the case.
Dorchester Man Arrested and Charged for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dorchester man has been arrested and charged for allegedly receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Javier Alberto Baez Infante, 31, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of receipt of child pornography. Infante was arrested at his home on May 27, 2026 and, following an initial appearance, was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for June 5, 2026 in federal court in Worcester.
According to the criminal complaint, Infante was identified as a user in an online private chat group dedicated to the viewing, download and exchange of CSAM.
It is alleged that during a search of Infante’s residence on May 27, 2026, approximately 30 videos depicting CSAM were located in various “download” folders on Infante’s phone. It is further alleged that the videos depicted the abuse of minor victims as young as approximately two to four years old.
The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a sentence of no less than five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release 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 Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Potapchuk of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Disgraced Former FBI Agent Pleads Guilty in Second Federal ProsecutionRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Former FBI Special Agent Jeffrey Royer pleaded guilty today to defrauding investors in a foreign currency (“forex”) trading scheme, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. announced.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan, Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Royer pleaded guilty to a charge of wire fraud and admitted that he defrauded multiple third-party investors. Royer acknowledged that while he told investors their money would be used for commodity futures trading, he fraudulently diverted a portion of investor funds for his own personal expenses. Royer also admitted he fraudulently told investors that their investment principal was protected against loss and that set future earnings would occur. After suffering significant trading losses, Royer repeatedly lied to his investors and provided them with fictious monthly account statements showing that their investments were earning significant positive returns month after month when their investments were, in fact, suffering significant losses. Royer also admitted that his conduct violated numerous regulatory requirements of the Commodity Exchange Act.
As part of his plea agreement, Royer has agreed to pay restitution of $576,818.83 to his victims.
“Investment fraud is theft, and no one, including a former FBI Special Agent is entitled to a different set of rules,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The defendant betrayed the trust of investors, concealed the truth, and caused significant financial harm through a fraudulent foreign currency trading scheme. Today’s plea holds him accountable for those actions. I am grateful to the dedicated members from FBI Detroit for their diligent work throughout this investigation.”
Royer was released from the Federal Bureau of Prisons in 2012 after serving a multi-year prison sentence for racketeering conspiracy, securities fraud conspiracy, securities fraud, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering. Those charges stemmed from Royer’s corrupt use of his position as an FBI agent to steal confidential criminal law enforcement information about companies under investigation by the FBI and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Royer passed that confidential information along to a “short seller” trader in exchange for the promise of cash and future employment. Using the confidential information provided by Royer, that trader established short positions in the stocks of companies under investigation.
Sentencing is set for September 3, 2026, before Judge Mark A. Goldsmith. Royer faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Yahkind.
Coral Gables Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Distributing Sexual Torture and Mutilation Videos of Baby MonkeysRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Francisco Javier Ravelo, of Coral Gables, was sentenced to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release, during which he is not permitted to have any unsupervised contact with animals. Ravelo was sentenced in connection with his involvement with online groups dedicated to distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys in violation of the federal Animal Crushing statute.
Ravelo pleaded guilty in March to distributing more than 40 so-called “animal crush videos.”
According to court documents and statements made during his sentencing hearing, Ravelo owned and administered several online chat groups dedicated to distribution and discussion of sexual and violent videos depicting monkeys being mutilated and tortured. The court ruled that Ravelo controlled access to and moderated his invitation-only private groups, where he was a leader and organizer, which served as a basis for Ravelo’s upward variance prison sentence. The court described the material distributed as “evil.” The court explained that it fashioned the sentence to show that “in society we will not tolerate this kind of material being distributed in any way, shape, or form” and further, that the harshness should serve as a deterrence for others in the monkey hate community.
“The production and distribution of obscene animal crush videos is a felony,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “In passing the Animal Crushing statute, Congress recognized that cruelty to animals desensitizes participants to the suffering of human beings. Today’s sentence is a warning to all future would-be creators and consumers of animal crushing that they risk federal prosecution and imprisonment for these crimes.”
“This case is deeply disturbing, and the 60-month sentence reflects the seriousness of the conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “Ravelo did not merely view this material. He owned and administered private online groups dedicated to distributing obscene videos of monkeys being sexually abused, mutilated, and burned. As a former state court judge who presided over domestic violence cases, I know that deliberate cruelty to animals is one of the clearest warning signs of dangerousness. Animal crushing is a serious federal crime, and those who organize, distribute, and celebrate this kind of cruelty will face federal prison.”
“Ravelo’s conviction and today’s sentencing make it clear that those who commit these horrific crimes cannot evade justice,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans. “Even when offenders use advanced technology and exclusive, invitation-only groups to hide their illegal activities, HSI will relentlessly pursue them and ensure they are held accountable. Our team worked tirelessly to stop Ravelo’s egregious crimes and prevent further harm, and we remain committed to bringing others who commit these offenses to justice.”
HSI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke E. Latta for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Emily R. Stone of the ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section are prosecuting the case.
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 number 25-cr-20477.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon has been sentenced for illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr.
U.S. District Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Charles Frederick Austin, Jr., 44, of Birmingham, to 60 months in prison. In February, Austin pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on October 22, 2023, officers with the Birmingham Police Department responded to a Shot Spotter call in the Gate City Community. When the officers arrived, they were informed that a shootout had taken place on 67th Street South. Officers arrived at 67th Street South and observed Austin walking quickly down the street. An officer noticed something in Austin’s waistband which appeared consistent with a firearm. The officers then contacted Austin, retrieved a Canik 9mm firearm from his waistband, and arrested him.
Austin is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of multiple prior felony convictions. Austin pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm in two separate cases in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama in May 2008 and February 2013. Austin also incurred four felony convictions between 2005 and 2021—three in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County and one in the Circuit Court of Shelby County.
The ATF investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin A Keown, Sr., and John G. Camp prosecuted the case.
Convicted Felon Indicted for Gun & Drug Possession in PensacolaRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – EP Hall, 42, has been indicted in federal court for one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of possession of a controlled substance. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
Hall appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for July 20, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida before United States District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
Hall faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment if convicted of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and up to three years’ imprisonment if convicted of possession of a controlled substance.
The case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
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, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Clemency recipient receives lengthy sentence for new drug trafficking offenseRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 53-year-old Laredo resident has been ordered to federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to do so, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Pio Alejandro Campos pleaded guilty Jan. 12.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña has now ordered Campos to serve 262 months in federal prison. The court also found Campos had violated the terms of his supervised release from a previous federal drug trafficking crime by committing this offense and sentenced him to an additional term of 12 months to be served consecutively. The total 274-month term of imprisonment will be immediately followed by another eight years of supervised release. The court also assessed a $14,000 money judgement.
At the hearing, the court heard evidence that described his multiple convictions in various jurisdictions. In handing down the sentence, Judge Saldaña noted Campos had engaged in a continuing pattern of criminal activity that dated back to 2008, which included federal convictions involving cocaine or heroin in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Northern District of Illinois and Southern District of Ohio and was ordered to serve approximately 250 total months in prison. In each case, he committed a new crime while on supervised release. After his most recent federal conviction, he was granted executive clemency in December 2024 and was on supervised release for that crime when he committed this cocaine trafficking offense in the Southern District of Texas.
In August 2024, while at a halfway house completing his sentence for heroin trafficking, Campos engaged in a series of cell phone and WhatsApp communications involving the potential sale of cocaine. During the course of the undercover operation, he sought to meet in person to discuss specifics rather than communicating via phone.
Following his release from custody upon his clemency approval, he continued to maintain communications, agreed to supply cocaine and discussed pricing based on delivery location which included San Antonio and Houston as well as New Orleans, Louisiana. On May 3, 2025, he delivered one kilogram of cocaine in San Antonio for $14,000.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Lou Castillo prosecuted the case.
Chunchula Man Sentenced to 96 MonthsRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – Christopher Benedum was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for Distribution of Child Pornography.
According to court documents, Benedum, 47, was using the social media application Discord to trade videos and images of child pornography with other users. Many of the images depicted children younger than ten years old. Some of the children were identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Benedum was indicted by a federal grand jury in December of 2025 as a part of “Operation Relentless Justice,” a nationwide Department of Justice initiative, focused on identifying and arresting child predators.
After his period of incarceration, Benedum will be placed on a term of supervised release for fifteen years. He will be required to register as a sex offender and was ordered to pay restitution to the victims identified.
U.S. Attorney Sean Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Invesetigation and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tandice Blackwood prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ 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 www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/publications-resources
Chilean Nationals Arrested in Multi-State Criminal InvestigationRead the Press Release
OXFORD – United States Attorney Scott F. Leary announced today that two Chilean nationals who have overstayed their visas were arrested in Missouri for criminal offenses committed in the Northern District of Mississippi and elsewhere.
These arrests follow an investigation by the Oxford Police Department (OPD) which began after officers responded to a burglary where evidence was retrieved that allowed them to track the suspect’s vehicle. Investigators learned that the vehicle was associated with burglaries in Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri and Illinois. Law enforcement was able to locate the vehicle in Missouri where two suspects were arrested.
Fabian Ignacio Navarro-Aliaga, 27, and Marcelo Alejandro Telechea-Droguett, 36, were arrested after a brief pursuit by Howell County sheriff’s deputies with the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Items of investigatory value were recovered from the scene where the arrest was made as well as from the vehicle.
This case was investigated through collaboration of HSI, Howell County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, Missouri Highway Patrol, Oxford Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi.
Oxford Police Chief Jeff McCutchen stated, “This case is a testament to what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together toward a common goal. The Oxford Police Department is grateful for the outstanding support provided by Homeland Security Investigations and our other law enforcement partners. Through intelligence sharing, technology, and relentless investigative work, we were able to identify those responsible, recover stolen property, and hold these offenders accountable.”
“I am extremely proud of the work done by our deputies and our partner agencies in bringing this situation to a safe conclusion,” said Howell County Sheriff Matt Roberts. “This case is a strong example of what happens when criminals try to operate across jurisdictions and underestimate the coordination between local, state, and federal partners. Because of that teamwork, two individuals believed to be responsible for crimes across multiple states are now in custody.”
This case is being prosecuted by John Herzog Jr. of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
California Man Admits Role in Attempted Robbery in DanburyRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ADAM IZA, 25, of California, pleaded guilty today in Bridgeport federal court to an offense related to his involvement in an attempted robbery of Bitcoin and a kidnapping in Danbury in August 2024.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 25, 2024, Danbury Police arrested six Florida men who were involved in a violent carjacking of a Lamborghini Urus and the kidnapping of two occupants of the vehicle on that date. The investigation revealed that the kidnapping victims are the parents of an individual who participated in the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars in Bitcoin. In an attempt to steal some of that Bitcoin, Iza and others planned and coordinated the attempted robbery and ultimately the kidnapping. Iza’s alleged co-coconspirator, who had an altercation with the victims’ son in a Miami nightclub in July 2024, was in regular communication with certain of the kidnappers in the days before the crime, provided funding for it, and helped arrange the participants’ transportation and lodging. Iza communicated via cellphone and encrypted messaging applications with certain of the kidnappers, directed them as to the logistics of the scheme, and also provided funding.
Iza pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery (“Hobbs Act Robbery”), an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 12.
Iza has been detained since September 24, 2024, after he was charged in the Central District of California with unrelated federal offenses.
Six other individuals were charged with offenses related to the carjacking and kidnapping. All have pleaded guilty.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI New Haven Violent Crimes Task Force, FBI Los Angeles, FBI St. Louis, and the Danbury Police Department. The FBI Task Force includes members from the Connecticut State Police and several local police departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck and Daniel George.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Central District of California, the Eastern District of Missouri, the District of Columbia, and the District of New Jersey, and the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Danbury, for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this matter.
Brooklyn Man Charged with Threatening to Assault and Murder ICE Officer and His FamilyRead the Press Release
A Brooklyn man was charged today with threatening to assault and murder a U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) officer outside an ICE detention facility.
Nicholas Matthew Scelfo, 27, of Brooklyn, New York, was arrested for influencing, impeding, and retaliating against a federal officer by threat. Scelfo is scheduled to appear today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in Newark federal court.
“Federal law enforcement officers face danger with great courage, and they should be able to do their jobs without being threatened and fearing for their families’ lives,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “We take such threats very seriously and will prosecute those who make them to the fullest extent of the law.”
“This individual allegedly threatened violence toward one of our federal law enforcement officers and their family — and by using facial recognition technology, within 24 hours this FBI got him,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “In particular, I want to thank Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche who moved extremely quickly to locate, pursue, and bring the subject to justice — as well as our FBI Newark and New York teams who executed brilliantly. Let this be a message to any criminal actor who may try something similar: you touch a cop, and this FBI will put you down.”
“This violent rioter who allegedly threatened to murder an ICE law enforcement officer and his family is being brought to justice,” said Secretary Markwayne Mullin of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “Our ICE officers are facing an 8,000% increase in death threats against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members, and terrorists. Our officers have been assaulted, doxxed, their families threatened. This violence against law enforcement must end. President Trump and I will always stand with our law enforcement officers.”
“As alleged, the defendant threatened a federal law enforcement officer and members of that officer’s family with violence and death,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey. “Threats against federal officers and their families are serious crimes and will not be tolerated. Federal officers serve our communities every day, often in difficult circumstances, and this office is committed to holding accountable those who, as alleged here, threaten violence against them or their loved ones.”
“There is no place for the violent threats Scelfo allegedly screamed at law enforcement. Instead of protesting peacefully, there are groups and individuals targeting federal law enforcement agents who are carrying out their duties,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy for the Newark Field Office. “We will follow the law and hold anyone who chooses to break the law accountable.”
“Calling for the murder of a federal law enforcement officer and his family is not speech safeguarded by the Constitution; it is a grave criminal offense that will not be tolerated,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark. “Homeland Security Investigations remains resolute in ensuring that individuals who threaten or attack law enforcement face the full force of the law. We are grateful to our partners at the FBI for their outstanding work in helping us identify and locate this defendant so he can face justice.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, on or about May 27, during a demonstration outside an ICE detention facility in Newark, Scelfo threatened to assault and murder an ICE officer. According to a video posted to social media and other evidence obtained by law enforcement, Scelfo screamed toward the ICE officer: “I’ll kill your whole f------ family! Your whole f------ family is dead! Your children, your wife, all dead! I have your face, motherf-----! You’re dead! Dead!” During an interview with law enforcement after his arrest on or about May 29, Scelfo admitted to threatening to kill an officer and his family at the demonstration and that he later saw in the media a video of him making statements to law enforcement at the demonstration.
If convicted, the threat charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI and task force officers of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, HSI Newark, and the New York Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Camila A. Garces and Casey S. Smith for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Brooklyn Man Charged with Threatening to Assault and Murder ICE Officer and His FamilyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Brooklyn man was charged with threatening to assault and murder a U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement officer outside an ICE detention facility, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
Nicholas Matthew Scelfo, 27, of Brooklyn, New York, was arrested for influencing, impeding, and retaliating against a federal officer by threat. Scelfo appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacey D. Adams in Newark federal court on June 1, 2026, and was released on a $100,000 bond. He was also prohibited from returning to Delaney Hall.
“As alleged, the defendant threatened a federal law enforcement officer and members of that officer’s family with violence and death. Threats against federal officers and their families are serious crimes and will not be tolerated. Federal officers serve our communities every day, often in difficult circumstances, and this Office is committed to holding accountable those who, as alleged here, threaten violence against them or their loved ones.”
- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer
“Federal law enforcement officers face danger with great courage, and they should be able to do their jobs without being threatened and fearing for their families’ lives,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “We take such threats very seriously and will prosecute those who make them to the fullest extent of the law.”
“This individual allegedly threatened violence toward one of our federal law enforcement officers and their family — and by using facial recognition technology, within 24 hours this FBI got him,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “In particular, I want to thank Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche who moved extremely quickly to locate, pursue, and bring the subject to justice — as well as our FBI Newark and New York teams who executed brilliantly. Let this be a message to any criminal actor who may try something similar: you touch a cop, and this FBI will put you down.”
“This violent rioter who allegedly threatened to murder an ICE law enforcement officer and his family is being brought to justice,” said Secretary Markwayne Mullin of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “Our ICE officers are facing an 8,000% increase in death threats against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members, and terrorists. Our officers have been assaulted, doxxed, their families threatened. This violence against law enforcement must end. President Trump and I will always stand with our law enforcement officers.”
“There is no place for the violent threats Scelfo allegedly screamed at law enforcement. Instead of protesting peacefully, there are groups and individuals targeting federal law enforcement agents who are carrying out their duties,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy for the Newark Field Office. “We will follow the law and hold anyone who chooses to break the law accountable.”
“Calling for the murder of a federal law enforcement officer and his family is not speech safeguarded by the Constitution; it is a grave criminal offense that will not be tolerated,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark. “Homeland Security Investigations remains resolute in ensuring that individuals who threaten or attack law enforcement face the full force of the law. We are grateful to our partners at the FBI for their outstanding work in helping us identify and locate this defendant so he can face justice.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On or about May 27, 2026, during a demonstration outside an ICE detention facility in Newark, Scelfo threatened to assault and murder an ICE officer. According to a video posted to social media and other evidence obtained by law enforcement, Scelfo screamed toward the ICE officer: “I’ll kill your whole fucking family! Your whole fucking family is dead! Your children, your wife, all dead! I have your face, motherfucker! You’re dead! Dead!”
The threat charge carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum fine of up to $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and task force officers of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark and Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. in New York; Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas; and the New York Police Department under the direction of Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch for their assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Camila A. Garces and Casey S. Smith of the National Security Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Laura Sayler, Assistant Federal Public Defender.
scelfo.complaint.pdfBronx Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking More Than 100 Firearms into New York CityRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that EDSON BROWN, a Bronx resident, pled guilty to an 18-count indictment, charging him with crimes in connection with a firearms trafficking scheme spanning more than a year and involving at least two straw purchasers. BROWN pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan.
“New Yorkers want criminals who use guns off our streets and, together with the NYPD, the FBI, the ATF, and many others, we are committed to pursuing gun-toting criminals and gun traffickers,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “To be clear, gun traffickers are criminals who serve violent criminals—there is no place for them in New York.”
As alleged in the Superseding Indictment and other public filings in this case:
Between in or about July 2023 and in or about February 2025, BROWN, who lived in the Bronx, traveled to North Carolina and South Carolina more than a dozen times to illegally purchase approximately 118 firearms at gun stores, each of which were federal firearms licensees (“FFLs”) that he then transported back to New York and sold. BROWN was not allowed to purchase or possess guns because he is a convicted felon.
BROWN’s illegal purchases were split between North Carolina and South Carolina. BROWN illegally acquired approximately 53 guns in North Carolina that he then transported to New York and sold to others. Between July and December 2023, BROWN made six trips from New York to North Carolina with a straw purchaser, that is, someone who falsely stated to FFLs that the straw purchaser was buying the guns legally and for his or her own use, but in reality was buying the firearms for BROWN and for the purpose of resale in New York. BROWN also illegally acquired approximately 65 guns in South Carolina that he then transported to New York and sold to others. Between October 2023 and February 2025, the defendant worked with a second straw purchaser in South Carolina to acquire those guns. Sometimes that straw purchaser bought the guns and then transferred them to the defendant. Other times the defendant traveled to South Carolina from New York, impersonated the straw purchaser himself by using the straw purchaser’s ID to buy the guns, and then transported the guns back to New York himself.
BROWN defaced many of the guns by removing their serial numbers before selling them in New York. Members of the NYPD have recovered seven of the guns that BROWN trafficked from North Carolina and South Carolina to New York. Six of those seven guns had obliterated serial numbers that the NYPD firearms lab was able to restore—and thus trace back to BROWN’s purchases in North Carolina and South Carolina. The remaining firearms that BROWN trafficked have not yet been recovered, or if they have been recovered, members of law enforcement have been unable to trace them because their serial numbers cannot be restored.
* * *
BROWN, 37, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty to the following 18 crimes, which carry the maximum sentences described in the below chart:
Count(s)
Charge
Maximum Sentence
1
Conspiracy to Traffic Firearms15 years
2
Firearms Trafficking15 years
3
Unlicensed Dealing of FirearmsFive years
4-18
Unlicensed Transportation of FirearmsFive years per count
The statutory maximum sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the New York City Police Department.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Jones and Joseph H. Rosenberg are in charge of the prosecution.
Bronx Man Charged with Distributing Fentanyl That Caused the Fatal Overdoses of Three Victims, Including A 12-Year-Old ChildRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Task Force Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Christopher Roberts, and the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today the unsealing of a Superseding Indictment charging ARISTIDES CABRERA, a/k/a “Buddha,” with drug crimes resulting in the fatal poisoning of Alex DeFilippo and Kyla McCarthy on May 29, 2022. The Indictment previously charged CABRERA with drug crimes resulting in the fatal poisoning of a 12‑year-old child on June 28, 2022, and with having used, carried, and possessed firearms in connection with his drug trafficking crimes. On March 25, 2026, following the initial Indictment, CABRERA was brought into federal custody from New York State custody, where he had been serving state sentences for other firearm and drug crimes. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken.
“As alleged, Cabrera’s drug dealing not only caused the death of a 12-year-old child but also the deaths of two adults,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “This case shows: if you deal fentanyl, you’ve chosen to deal in death. And there is no place for you in New York.”
“Today’s unsealing of a superseding indictment against Aristides Cabrera sends a clear and powerful message to those who continue to poison our communities with fentanyl and other illicit drugs: your day of reckoning is coming,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts. “This defendant’s alleged actions contributed to the tragic loss of three lives, including that of a young person whose future was senselessly stolen. The blatant and utter disregard for human life demonstrated in this case underscores the devastating toll drug traffickers inflict on our communities and families every day. Through the tireless work of our investigators and the close collaboration of our prosecutorial partners, we were able to pursue death-resulting charges that reflect the gravity of these allegations and the irreversible harm caused. While no investigation or prosecution can restore the lives lost, the DEA remains steadfast in its mission to ensure those responsible for fueling addiction, violence, and death are identified and brought to justice.”
“Because of this defendant, three New Yorkers, including a 12-year-old child with disabilities, overdosed on drugs and lost their lives,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Despite knowing about these deaths, the defendant continued selling the same narcotics, showing a complete disregard for human life. This case is a devastating example of the danger fentanyl poses, especially when it is brought into a home with children. I thank the NYPD detectives, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District, and our law enforcement partners for working to hold this criminal accountable.”
As alleged in the Indictment and other public filings:
From at least in or about November 2017 through in or about January 2024, CABRERA worked with others to sell, among other things, heroin, fentanyl, and para-fluorofentanyl in the Longwood neighborhood of the Bronx, New York. During a single-month span of that period, between on or about May 29, 2022, and on or about June 28, 2022, CABRERA’s drugs killed three people, including a 12-year-old boy with a history of autism spectrum disorder who had been residing with CABRERA and others in his Bronx apartment.
Despite knowing about these deaths, CABRERA continued selling the same drugs, including during a later period in which he was detained at a state correctional facility. CABRERA led his drug trafficking operation, in part, from his Bronx apartment, where he stored firearms and significant quantities of narcotics, including fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl, a deadly fentanyl analogue. CABRERA stored narcotics, including fentanyl-laced pills, in multiple locations in his apartment, including in a safe where he also kept firearms. CABRERA typically met and sold drugs to customers in the immediate vicinity of his apartment.
On or about May 29, 2022, CABRERA met with and sold drugs to Alex DeFilippo (also identified in the Indictment as Victim-1) and a relative of DeFilippo. CABRERA knew DeFilippo and had previously engaged in narcotics transactions with him. CABRERA also previously discussed drug sales with DeFilippo’s intimate partner, Kyla McCarthy (also identified in the Indictment as Victim-2). After purchasing CABRERA’s drugs, DeFilippo returned to McCarthy’s apartment. Shortly thereafter that same day, McCarthy’s cellphone was used to conduct three internet searches, all of which related to the use of naloxone (commonly known as Narcan), a nasal spray used to reverse the deadly effects of overdoses from opioids like fentanyl. Approximately eighteen hours later, at the request of one of McCarthy’s family members, NYPD officers responded to the apartment to conduct a wellness check. Inside, NYPD officers discovered DeFilippo and McCarthy, both of whom had died after ingesting the fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl sold to them by CABRERA. One unused dose of Narcan was found at McCarthy’s feet.
Less than a month after the fatal overdoses of DeFilippo and McCarthy, on or about June 28, 2022, at CABRERA’s apartment, a 12-year-old boy was found by a family member in his bed unresponsive and foaming at the mouth. The boy was transported to a Bronx County hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
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CABRERA, 35, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death and three counts of distribution of narcotics resulting in death, all of which crimes carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. CABRERA is also charged with firearms use, carrying, and possession in connection with his drug trafficking crimes, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence, and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The statutory minimum and maximum penalties in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD, DEA, and Drug Enforcement Task Force Division, as well as Special Agents, Task Force Officers, the Digital Forensics Unit, and the Complex Analytics and Social Media Enhancement Team at the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Mr. Clayton also thanked the Bronx District Attorney’s Office for its assistance in the case.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley C. Nicolas, Benjamin M. Burkett, Dana R. McCann, Lisa Daniels, and Amanda C. Weingarten are in charge of the prosecution.
Baltimore Man Convicted of Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury convicted a Baltimore man in connection with drug trafficking and firearm crimes.
The jury found Wayne Lee, 36, guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person; possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the verdict with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).
According to evidence presented at trial, on July 10, 2023, a BPD detective, surveilling the 100 block of North Howard Street on a CitiWatch camera, observed Lee exiting a convenience store. As Lee left the store, an unknown man approached him and engaged in a hand-to-hand drug transaction involving drugs in exchange for money.
After the transaction, law enforcement arrested Lee and recovered six orange-top vials of cocaine base from his right hand upon handcuffing him. Additionally, law enforcement recovered a loaded firearm with six rounds of ammunition, from Lee’s waistband. BPD officers also recovered nine more orange-topped vials of cocaine base, eight additional rounds of ammunition, a clear bag containing approximately eight grams of loose cocaine base, and $937. He possessed the drugs with the intent to distribute them and possessed the firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Lee is also prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony conviction.
Lee faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a prohibited person; a maximum of 20 years for possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances; and a minimum of five years and a maximum of life in prison, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and BPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Simpkins who prosecuted the federal case.
For more information about 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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America 250 Charity Drive Collects items for WellspringRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – In recognition of America’s 250th birthday the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office is proud to support Wellspring through a gift-in-kind donation drive.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III led the effort recognizing the important partnership Wellspring brings to United States Attorney’s Office in support of victims.
Wellspring is the domestic violence and sexual assault services resource for Saratoga County residents and the sexual assault services resource for Washington County residents. Wellspring’s mission is to support survivors and engage our community to end relationship and sexual abuse.In recognition of this event First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said “As our office celebrates the 250th birthday of our nation, we are reminded that one group alone cannot do it all. We are proud to collect and donate these items in support of our partners’ mission and to support victims. Their partnership and resources are a vital piece of the puzzle during the often long and complex investigations and prosecutions surrounding their work.”
This effort was made possible through the generosity and participation of employees of the Albany and Plattsburg United States Attorney’s Offices, as part of the ongoing Freedom 250 celebration. Freedom 250 celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. It honors the enduring ideals of Liberty, Service, and Civic Responsibility.
Alien Sent to Prison for Illegally Voting in North Carolina ElectionsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced a Canadian citizen to two months in federal prison for making false claims of United States citizenship to vote in the 2022 elections and 2024 presidential election.
Denis Bouchard, 70, falsely claimed to be a United States citizen when he voted, including registering to vote in the 2024 presidential election. Bouchard resided in the United States since the 1960’s but never became a citizen. He illegally certified that he was a United States citizen on North Carolina voter registration applications and ballots. Bouchard made these false claims of citizenship to vote in North Carolina elections dating back to 2004. Voting records confirm that he unlawfully cast a ballot in nine federal elections between 2004 and 2024.
“We will not allow aliens to disrupt and degrade the U.S. democratic system by lying to pervert the outcome our elections. Every American citizen’s vote is sacred. Allowing a single illegal vote by any ineligible person destroys and negates a citizen’s vote. We have had recent statewide elections decided by 401 votes; some local elections decided by about 20 votes. It happened here, and it can happen anywhere.” United States Attorney W. Ellis Boyle stated today. “The prison sentence that the Court imposed sends a strong warning about the consequences of attempting to take advantage of this country’s free and fair election process. We will protect the Constitutional right of citizens to vote, and prosecute those who attempt to corrupt that system.”
Bouchard pleaded guilty to two counts of 18 U.S.C. § 1015(f). Bouchard also faces one year of supervised release and will be subject to immigration consequences.
W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after the Honorable James C. Dever announced the sentence. The FBI investigated the case, with assistance from the North Carolina Board of Elections, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Haughton prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:25-CR-00083-D.
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Drug Trafficking
Oscar H. Hinojosa, 40, of Moreno Valley, California, was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release to follow for distribution of fentanyl. According to court documents, in October 2022, DCI, USPIS, and the DEA began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating between California/Arizona and Wyoming. When investigating a load coordinator for the Sinaloa Cartel, agents made a controlled buy of 10,000 fentanyl pills through the load coordinator. The pills were mailed to an address in Casper, where agents intercepted the package. The parcel contained 10,128 fentanyl pills. DEA and USPIS investigators determined Hinojosa mailed the parcel. DCI, USPIS and DEA investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. Hinojosa was indicted on Sept. 3, 2025, and pleaded guilty on Feb. 5. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on April 23 in Cheyenne. Case No. 26-00017.
Sage Renee Jacobs, 24, of Evanston, Wyoming, was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and the distribution of fentanyl. According to court documents, in July 2024, DCI was investigating a drug ring in Sweetwater County. Agents learned that Jacobs may be involved in distributing controlled substances and arranged for several controlled buys of fentanyl over the course of three months from Jacobs and her co-conspirators. The investigation discovered Jacobs transported two pounds of methamphetamine from the west coast to Wyoming for her co-conspirators to redistribute. DCI and DEA investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. Jacobs was indicted on Jan. 15, 2025, and pleaded guilty on Feb. 6, 2026. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on May 21 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-00007.
Jessie Murphy Johnson, 37, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 110 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release to follow for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine (aid and abet). According to court documents, DCI was investigating a methamphetamine distributor in Laramie County. Through the investigation, they discovered the defendant was involved in trafficking drugs from Denver to Cheyenne and supplied over 500 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. DCI, DEA and the Wyoming Highway Patrol investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. Johnson was indicted on March 20, 2025, and pleaded guilty on March 28, 2026. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on May 28 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00056
Firearm Offenses
Donald Gregory Hensley aka Greg Thrailkill, 36, of Gillette, Wyoming, was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment with two years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on October 2, 2025, Gillette Police investigated reports that the defendant threatened self-harm and fired a handgun into the air, which was later confirmed by officers. The next day, Thrailkill admitted to possessing the firearm, which was later returned to its lawful owner, a co-worker who reported the gun may have been missing for about a month. As a previously convicted felon, Thrailkill is prohibited from possessing firearms. The Gillette Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Johnston prosecuted the case. Thrailkill waived indictment and pleaded guilty on March 6. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on May 21 in Cheyenne. Case No. 26-CR-00020
13 Illegal Aliens Arrested, 8 Indicted for Using a False Social Security Number to Obtain EmploymentRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – On May 21 and May 22, 2026, federal law enforcement agencies arrested 13 illegal aliens in the Paducah area. Of those arrests, 8 had pending criminal arrest warrants after a federal grand jury in Paducah returned indictments on May 12 and April 14, 2026, for falsely using social security numbers during their employment verification.
The illegal aliens not charged criminally will be held in ICE custody, pending removal proceedings and potential deportation.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, Acting Special Agent in Charge Norman Jenkins, Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, and Sam Olson, Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago, U.S. Immigration Customs made the announcement.
According to the indictments, between June 23, 2021, and August 15, 2025, in McCracken County, eight of the illegal aliens completed USCIS I-9 forms to apply for and receive compensation for employment, knowing that the Social Security account numbers used on the forms were not assigned to them. Form I-9, officially called the Employment Eligibility Verification form, is required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to verify both the identity and employment authorization of non-citizens hired for work in the United States.
The following eight were charged by indictment for using a false social security number:
- Daniel Martinez Cruz, 22, a citizen of Mexico
- Manuel Martinez Garcia, 32, a citizen of Mexico
- Joel Gomez, 36, a citizen of Guatemala
- Juan Pastor Gonzalez, 36, a citizen of Guatemala
- Julio Venture Hernandez, 29, a citizen of Mexico
- Marcelina Juarez-Vicente, 33, a citizen of Guatemala
- Ricardo Lopez, 23, a citizen of Guatemala
- Ana Osorio Louzado, 23, a citizen of Spain
On May 22, 2026, the 8 indicted defendants made initial appearances before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, each defendant faces a sentence of not more than 5 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “As alleged in the indictment, these illegal aliens lied about their status to gain employment and, thereby, took jobs from American citizens. This prosecution is part of our continuing effort to support President Trump’s mission to enforce American’s immigration laws and put Americans first.”
“This investigation demonstrates our commitment to upholding the integrity of the nation’s employment and immigration systems,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting. “By uncovering and addressing the fraudulent use, our team has sent a clear message that those who attempt to circumvent federal law will be held accountable. This case underscores the importance of coordinated enforcement and collaboration in safeguarding American workplaces by combatting fraud in all forms.”
“These arrests highlight our commitment to protecting the integrity of Social Security numbers and holding accountable those who misuse the identities of American citizens for unlawful employment,” said Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit as First Assistant for the SSA Office of the Inspector General. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to investigate identity fraud and protect the public from this type of criminal activity.”
“These are not victimless crimes,” said ICE Louisville acting Assistant Field Office Director, Luis Aguirre. “Using fraudulent social security numbers to take jobs from American citizens hurts our communities and American workers. I am so proud of our officers and partners who work tirelessly to enforce our immigration laws.”
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Sunday 31 May 2026
Homeland Security Task Force investigation into methamphetamine trafficking leads to lengthy federal prison sentence for Fort Worth manRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Fort Worth man has been sentenced to over 29 years in federal prison as a result of an investigation by the Homeland Security Task Force in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Donald Lee Harris, 40, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 350 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale on May 29, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in 2024, law enforcement began investigating a drug trafficking conspiracy involving large amounts of methamphetamine being brought to the United States from Mexico for distribution. Harris was found to be responsible for trafficking over three kilograms of methamphetamine.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Dallas comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Dallas Field Office; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations - Dallas (ICE-HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Dallas Field Division; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Dallas Field Division; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CD; United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Transportation Security Administration, Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS); United States Secret Service (USSS); Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS); TEXOMA HIDTA; and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern District of Texas with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.
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Saturday 30 May 2026
Morris County Man Arrested for Kicking and Biting ICE Deportation OfficersRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Morris County man was arrested on May 28, 2026 and charged with assaulting federal officers and causing bodily injury, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
“As alleged, this defendant responded to lawful orders from federal officers by kicking one and biting two others who were performing their official duties. Assaulting law enforcement officers is unacceptable. Period. Federal officers must be able to carry out their responsibilities without being subjected to violence, intimidation, or obstruction. This Office will continue to prosecute those who, as alleged here, assault officers and interfere with the lawful execution of their duties.”
- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer
“Peaceful protest doesn’t translate to violently attacking federal law enforcement officers,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Federal officers are protecting United States’ property and facilities. With virtually no local law enforcement support from New Jersey, rioters are regrouping and attacking. We will not tolerate the vicious attacks we have seen in Newark the last few days, and we will make arrests and hold people accountable for criminal conduct.”
“As alleged in the Justice Department's complaint, this violent rioter savagely bit an ICE law enforcement officer outside of Delaney Hall. The Trump Administration will always stand with our law enforcement officers,” said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “Anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“To be clear, peaceful protest does not mean biting, kicking, or punching law enforcement officers. “said HSI Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas. “The repeated assaults on federal officers at Delaney Hall are criminal acts—not protected speech. Homeland Security Investigations is unwavering in its commitment to hold those who attack law enforcement fully accountable under the law.”
“This defendant’s court appearance is a clear step toward justice after 21 individuals were arrested for assaulting federal officers at Delaney Hall from May 26-29,” said ERO Newark acting Field Office Director Arthur J. Wilson Jr. “Instead of peacefully protesting, rioters blocked ICE officers conducting their lawful duties, ignored repeated lawful commands and threatened violence. Our brave ICE officers risked their lives to protect everyone present inside and out of Delaney Hall and we will continue to pursue charges against agitators and ensure violent offenders have real consequences.”
Brendan John Geier, 26, of Madison, was charged by complaint yesterday and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cari Fais, and was released with location monitoring, a curfew, and prohibited from returning to Delaney Hall.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On May 28, 2026, officers of the U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) were engaged in official duties relating to security and crowd-control operations during a demonstration near the ICE Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark. Certain ICE Deportation Officers were assigned to conduct perimeter enforcement for the Facility, which included clearing the road leading to and from the Facility for vehicles. At approximately 10:30 p.m., a large group of demonstrators was blocking that road. Deportation Officers, in an attempt to clear the road, formed into a line and began to move towards the group of demonstrators, which included Geier. The Deportation Officers issued commands to the demonstrators to “move back,” but the demonstrators, including Geier, ignored those commands and refused to clear the road. One Deportation Officer, Victim-1, moved in Geier’s direction, which caused Geier to lose his balance. Geier then kicked Victim-1 in the leg, and in response, Victim-1 struck Geier’s leg with a baton. Other officers, including Victim-2 and Victim-2, came to Victim-1’s assistance. As they lifted Geier to remove him from the location of the original struggle, Geier bit the forearm of Victim-2, as shown below, and the knuckle of Victim-3. Geier also kicked Victim-1 in the forearm. All three victims received medical attention from Emergency Medical Technicians on site; Victim-2 and Victim-3 also received treatment for their injuries at a hospital in Newark.
The charge for assault resulting in bodily injury carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy, with the investigation. He also thanked Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their assistance in the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sinclair of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
The charge and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: K. Anthony Thomas, Esq., Federal Public Defender.
geier.complaint.pdf
Friday 29 May 2026
Wareham Man Sentenced to over Seven Years in Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Wareham man was sentenced in federal court in Boston for possessing and receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Brandon Bendall, 50, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun to 90 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In February 2026, Bendall pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography. Bendall was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on May 2, 2025 and indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2025.
Bendall was a member of an online chat group in which members viewed and posted CSAM. While in the chat group Bendall posted at least 17 videos containing CSAM. During a search of Bendall’s residence and cell phone, approximately 9,400 images and videos of CSAM, including images of children as young as infants being sexually assaulted, were located.
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 Massachusetts State Police and the Wareham, Marion and East Bridgewater Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 119 Border-Related Cases This WeekRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 119 border-related cases this week, including charges of bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city).
In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here.
A sample of border-related arrests this week:
- On May 23, Diego Salinas, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Customs and Border Protection officers found more than 104 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in the firewall, dashboard and both front seats of a vehicle driven by the defendant. Salinas, who had applied for entry to the U.S. at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, admitted being paid $5,000 to smuggle narcotics into the U.S.
- On May 23, Juan David Garzon Laverde, Ivan Sendejas-Cervantes, Jose Luis Cardoso-Aguilera, Jose Alfredo Hernandez-Medina and Antonio Palacios-Ruiz - all Mexican nationals - were arrested and charged in connection with a maritime smuggling event. According to a complaint, Garzon, the alleged boat captain, was charged with Attempted Transportation of Illegal Aliens; Sendejas-Cervantes, who was allegedly guiding the aliens across the beach in Carlsbad after the boat came ashore, was charged with Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain; and the remaining defendants were charged with Attempted Entry after Deportation.
- On May 27, Jose Luis Cruz-Cruz, a Mexican national, was arrested and charged with Attempted Entry after Deportation. According to a complaint, Border Patrol agents found Cruz hiding in a bush about 100 yards north of the border and five miles west of the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners.
Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Concludes Investigation into Drug Overdose While in Police CustodyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced today that there is insufficient evidence to pursue federal criminal civil rights or District of Columbia charges against officers with the Metropolitan Police Department arising out of the death of a 39-year-old District resident from a drug overdose that occurred on Jan. 4, 2026.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Metropolitan Police Department Internal Affairs Division conducted a comprehensive review of the incident, which included a review of law enforcement and civilian accounts, security camera footage, Body-Worn Camera footage, physical evidence, recorded radio communications, forensic reports, autopsy and toxicology reports, and reports from the Metropolitan Police Department
According to the evidence, on Jan. 4, 2024, Brent Garcia was arrested for simple assault. Mr. Garcia was taken to the Sixth District, and the police began to process the paperwork. In consuming alcohol prior to his arrest, Mr. Garcia consumed fentanyl while in the cell. Mr. Garcia passed out after 15 minutes. Other detainees helped him to a bench in the cell where he appeared to be sleeping. When the police attempted to contact him, Mr. Garcia was not responsive. The police immediately requested assistance, and an ambulance came to the scene. Unfortunately, Mr. Garcia could not be revived, and he was declared dead at the scene. An autopsy revealed that Mr. Garcia had died from a drug overdose from alcohol and fentanyl.
After a careful, thorough, and independent review of the evidence, federal prosecutors found insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers willfully violated the civilian’s rights.
Investigations generally
The U.S. Attorney’s Office reviews all police-involved fatalities to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to conclude that any officers violated either federal criminal civil rights laws or District of Columbia law.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers and will continue to devote the resources necessary to ensure that all allegations of serious civil rights violations are investigated fully and completely. The Metropolitan Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division investigates all police-involved fatalities in the District of Columbia.
U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico Weekly Immigration and Border Crimes ReportRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced its immigration enforcement statistics for this week. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies.
In the two-week period ending May 29, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:
- 166 individuals were charged with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
- 7 individuals were charged with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
- 168 individuals were charged with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)
- 129 individuals were charged with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), violation of a military security regulation (50 U.S.C. 797) and Entering Military, Naval, or Coast Guard Property (18 U.S.C. 1382), arising from the newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.
Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1326 had prior criminal convictions for sexual misconduct with a minor, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, burglary, drug trafficking, money laundering, aggravated DUI, aggravated carjacking, alien smuggling, DUI and prior immigration offenses.
These cases are 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.
These statistics represent prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.
Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.
The District of New Mexico consists of 33 counties and shares 180 miles of international border with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Albuquerque and Las Cruces work directly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prosecute immigration-related and other federal offenses.
U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine Appointed to Serve on the Attorney General's Advisory CommitteeRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz.– Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche recently selected U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC). The AGAC provides sound counsel and advice to the Attorney General on matters of national policy, management, and procedure and is comprised of 18 U.S. Attorneys and First Assistant U.S. Attorneys leading Districts across the nation.
Courchaine brings an Arizona voice to the committee and proven experience leading an office that handles one of the nation’s highest volumes of cases, prosecuting a range of matters that are imperative to national security and public safety, including countering fraud, violent crime, illegal immigration, and foreign terror organizations like the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels.
“It is always an honor to serve the United States in any role. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve with an incredible group of leaders on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee as we help shape national level policy and priorities. This is also a pivotal moment when the Department of Justice seeks to recruit top-level talent to serve long into the future,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “The District of Arizona is at the tip of the spear when it comes to guarding our national security and advancing Administration priorities. I look forward to bringing that experience to the Committee.”
Courchaine has served as U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona since February 2025, leading 180 federal prosecutors and 160 support staff spread across offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma, and Flagstaff. In addition to prosecuting cases arising along the 375-mile border with Mexico, the office also manages the nation’s most robust Indian Country docket and serves as the exclusive felony prosecutor for nearly all of the 22 federally-recognized tribes whose reservations fall in whole or in part in Arizona.
Courchaine joined the Department of Justice in 2020 as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division of the Phoenix office. During his time with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Courchaine prosecuted crimes across the Southern Border, including human trafficking, illegal immigration, and drug smuggling. He also prosecuted cases involving transnational drug organizations.
Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Courchaine was a law clerk for Arizona Supreme Court Justice William G. Montgomery. He also served as a Judge Advocate with the United States Marine Corps for four years, leaving as a Captain. As a Marine Officer, he served in a variety of roles, including trial counsel, civil and legal assistance officer in charge, and as a felony level defense counsel aboard MCAS Miramar.
Courchaine received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach, and his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. He lives in the Phoenix area with his wife and four children.
Others also appointed to the AGAC include, U.S. Attorney Dan Bishop (Middle District of North Carolina), U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros (Northern District of Illinois), U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford (District of Oregon); Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine Crosby (Northern District of Alabama), U.S. Attorney Michael Dunavant (Western District of Tennessee), First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison (District of New Mexico), First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bilal Essayli (Central District of California), U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon (Southern District of California), U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon (Eastern District of Michigan), Acting U.S. Attorney John Marck (Southern District of Texas), U.S. Attorney Peter McNeilly (District of Colorado), U.S. Attorney David Metcalf (Eastern District of Pennsylvania), U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro (District of Columbia), U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones (Southern District of Florida), and U.S. Attorney Lesley Woods (District of Nebraska).
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-088_Attorney General Advisory Committee
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Two Lake City Methamphetamine Dealers Sentenced to Lengthy Prison TermsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Terry Alonza Brown (54) and Doug Bradley (46), both of Lake City, have been sentenced by United States District Judge Jordan E. Pratt to federal prison terms for possessing kilogram amounts of pure methamphetamine with intent to distribute it. Brown was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison and Bradley was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. Brown pleaded guilty on December 17, 2025, and Bradley pleaded guilty on November 12, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on June 23, 2025, law enforcement officers conducting surveillance at Brown’s residence in Lake City observed Bradley enter the residence, exit a short time later with a bag, place the bag in a vehicle, then drive away. After Bradley was stopped for a traffic infraction, his vehicle was searched and officers found a vacuum-sealed plastic bag that contained a large amount of a white crystalline substance. The substance was later determined to be 100% pure methamphetamine weighing 1,340.2 grams.
Later the same day, officers observed Brown leave the residence with a multi-colored bag, place the bag in a vehicle, then drive away. After Brown was stopped for a traffic infraction, his vehicle was searched and officers found the multi-colored bag in the backseat area. The bag contained two separate vacuum-sealed plastic bags, inside of which were additional bags containing a white crystalline substance. The substance was later determined to be 99% pure methamphetamine weighing 2,694 grams.
Subsequently, officers obtained a search warrant for Brown’s residence. During the search, officers seized two black bags containing packages of a white crystalline substance, $12,000 from a safe, and $1,000 from inside one of the bedrooms. The substance was later determined to be 99% pure methamphetamine weighing 1,786.8 grams.
Before committing these offenses, Brown and Bradley had previously been convicted of federal drug trafficking charges. In April 2013, Brown was convicted of five counts of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. In November 2008, Bradley was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.