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Thursday 7 May 2026
Three Sentenced for Spree of Armed Robberies of Luxury Watches in Summer of 2024Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Darryl James, 22, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on Friday, May 1, 2026, to 15 years in prison for his participation in a spree of armed robberies of luxury watches and other goods in the Summer of 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
James pleaded guilty to three counts of armed robbery, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. His two co-conspirators, Isaiah Boyd, 24, and Issac Ingraham, 20, were sentenced on February 13, 2026 for their participation. Boyd pleaded guilty to one count of armed robbery and one count of attempted robbery, while Ingraham pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of carrying a pistol without a license.
According to the government’s evidence, in the Summer of 2024, there were a number of similar-style armed robberies that were committed in busy nightlife areas of the Northwest quadrant of the District of Columbia, fitting a similar modus operandi: a stolen car would pull up to a pedestrian or make a U-Turn before pulling up to a pedestrian, one or more masked men would jump out of the car and brandish a gun, and one or more of those men would rob a luxury watch at gunpoint. James participated in at least eight of these armed robberies, culminating in the last one on July 26, 2024, when James led law enforcement on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle throughout the District, ultimately discarding stolen property and two handguns along the way. James, Boyd, and Ingraham were able to flee successfully that day, but James was arrested about two weeks later with another handgun. Law enforcement eventually identified Boyd and Ingraham as being participants, alongside James, and they were arrested in December 2024 and January 2025, respectively. All three have been detained since their arrest.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department.
Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Levy, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
2024 CF3 008088, 2024 CF3 012630, 2025 CF3 001859
Three Men Indicted for the Armed Hijacking of a Delivery Truck Loaded with Apple Products at the Americana Manhasset Mall on Long IslandRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, a three-count indictment was unsealed charging defendants Alan Christhofer Cedeno-Ferrer, Michael Mejia-Nunez and Ennait Alexis Sirett-Padilla with Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy and interstate transportation of stolen property. The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before the Honorable Anne Y. Shields, United States Magistrate Judge.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Patrick J. Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) announced the charges.
“As alleged, these defendants committed a violent and brazen daytime robbery that terrorized the victims and endangered the public at one of the most popular shopping centers on Long Island,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office will continue its relentless pursuit of violent criminals who prey on innocent victims and put our communities in harms way for their own financial gain.”
“The defendants allegedly held two innocent employees at gunpoint before hijacking and robbing their delivery truck out of selfish greed. The FBI remains in lockstep with our local law enforcement partners to stop violent criminals from wreaking havoc on our communities,” announced FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
“These individuals came into Nassau County and committed a robbery with weapons that put people in fear. We didn’t stop pursuing them until they were brought to justice. County Executive Bruce Blakeman and I have zero tolerance for criminal activity here in Nassau County. Thanks to our great partners in the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, these defendants have been indicted and will now have to answer for their crimes.” stated NCPD Commissioner Ryder.
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, the Bergen County, New Jersey, Prosecutor’s Office, and the New York City Police Department for their assistance on the case.
As set forth in court filings, at approximately 8:00 a.m. on January 3, 2026, the defendants, working with others, hijacked a delivery truck that was parked outside of the Apple Store at the Americana Manhasset mall, as two workers were preparing to deliver Apple products to the store. The contents of the truck included more than $1.2 million worth of MacBook laptop computers, iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and various accessories. Three men approached the delivery workers armed with handguns, forced one of the workers into the back of the delivery truck and zip tied his hands. They ordered the other victim into the driver’s seat to drive the truck. The victim driver was directed to a secluded parking area behind an office building located on Northern Boulevard in Manhasset, New York, and was then ordered into the back of the truck with the first victim, where his hands were also zip tied. A Home Depot box truck, rented by Cedeno-Ferrer using a fake Pennsylvania driver’s license, pulled into the parking area and backed up to the rear of the delivery truck so the cargo sections were aligned. The men moved all of the Apple merchandise from the delivery truck to the Home Depot truck. Once finished, they closed the cargo door to the delivery truck with the victims inside and left the location. One of the victims was able to free himself and call 911.
The stolen merchandise was then taken to New Jersey and brought to a self-storage facility in Paterson, New Jersey. Upon arrival, as caught by surveillance cameras, Mejia-Nunez and Sirett-Padilla rented a storage unit that was used to facilitate transferring the stolen Apple goods from the Home Depot truck to a U-Haul truck and another vehicle being driven by a coconspirator. The Home Depot truck was abandoned in the Bronx and located by law enforcement on January 5, 2026. Cedeno-Ferrer’s fingerprints were found on a copy of the rental agreement that was recovered from inside the Home Depot truck.
The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charges, the defendants face up to 30 years’ imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorney Paul G. Scotti is in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of paralegal specialist Janelle Robinson.
The Defendants:
ALAN CHRISTHOFER CEDENO-FERRER
Age: 27
Bronx, New YorkMICHAEL MEJIA-NUNEZ
Age: 29
New York, New YorkENNAIT ALEXIS SIRETT-PADILLA
Age: 24
New York, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-118 (SJB)
2026.05.07_cedeno-ferrer_et_al_detention_letter._final.pdf 26-cr-118_cedeno-ferrer_et_al.indictment_redacted.pdfThree Individuals Indicted in Northwest Alabama Drug-Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A federal grand jury has indicted three individuals for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby.
An 11-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Tyrone Bernard Watkins, aka “T.Y.,” 33, of Muscle Shoales, Alabama; and Mikel Leshane Presley, aka “Mike Lowery,” 34, and Jade Leela Mitchell Little, 34, – both of Tuscumbia, Alabama – with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Watkins was also charged with distribution of methamphetamine. Presley was also charged with distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm. The alleged incidents occurred between October 2023 and August 2024, in Colbert County, Alabama.
The DEA, ATF, and FBI investigated the case along with the Colbert County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara M. Judah is prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains only charges. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Commit Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Houston, Tx., man pleaded guilty in federal court today for his involvement in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and commit money laundering.
Tyrone Godley-Johnson, 42, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to court documents, on Sept. 4, 2024, Godley-Johnson transported approximately two kilograms of cocaine to Kansas City, Mo. Once in Kansas City, Godley-Johnson exchanged the cocaine for $35,000. On Sept. 5, 2024, as Godley-Johnson was returning to Texas, he was stopped in Moore, Ok., for a traffic violation. During the car stop, law enforcement discovered the $35,000 hidden inside the driver’s side trunk area paneling of his rental vehicle.
Godley-Johnson admitted that he had transported approximately seven kilograms of cocaine to Kansas City, Mo., over the course of three separate trips, in exchange for a total of $131,000. These three trips occurred between the summer of 2022, and Sept. 4, 2024. On each occasion, Godley-Johnson transported or attempted to transport the U.S. currency back to the state of Texas.
Under federal statutes, Godley-Johnson is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department and the Overland Park, Kansas Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
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.
Ten Indicted in Drug Trafficking Conspiracies in Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that ten people were charged in an indictment that was unsealed on May 6, 2026, on charges including conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, and possession of a firearm.
The ten indicted individuals are:
- Navy Kapeli, a/k/a “Tiny,” “Unc,” 38, of Oahu
- Joshua Militante-Hanamaikai, a/k/a “Sparx,” 25, of Oahu
- Samuel Kaolulo, 54, of Oahu
- Dallas Jardine, 24, of Oahu
- Kenneth Taylor, 39, of Oahu
- Alabanza Tuimalealiifano, a/k/a “Insane,” 39, of Oahu
- Kaylam Kumos, 18, of Oahu
- Oriana Holmes, 38, of Oahu
- Taiana Kapeli, 54, of Hawaii
- Douglas Keliikuli, 37, of Oahu
N. Kapeli, Militante-Hanamaikai, Kaolulo, Jardine, Taylor, Kumos, Holmes and T. Kapeli face a charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. Jardine has also been charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. N. Kapeli, Tuimalealiifano, and Keliikuli are accused of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court filings, the drug trafficking organization led by Kapeli and Militante-Hanamaikai had large quantities of methamphetamine shipped to Hawaii. The organization, sometimes referred to as H-Mob, used juveniles to store narcotics and firearms at the Puuwai Momi Housing complex. Investigators seized at least twenty pounds of methamphetamine during the investigation. Additionally, several firearms were seized when search warrants were executed at multiple locations on May 6, 2026, including locations within the Puuwai Momi Housing complex.
Image 1. Items seized during execution of May 6, 2026 search warrants.
In a separate conspiracy, Tuimalealiifano, an inmate at Halawa Correctional Facility, had Navy Kapeli pick up a pound of methamphetamine and deliver it to Keliikuli, a guard at the prison. Keliikuli then brought the methamphetamine into the prison where it was seized by investigators.
If convicted, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years for the drug charges and a maximum of life imprisonment, plus a term of supervised release. Jardine also faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for the gun charge.
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are 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 a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Coast Guard Investigative Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, Honolulu Police Department, and Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeannette Graviss is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution was 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 Hawaii comprises agents and officers from ICE-HSI, FBI, ATF, CBP, CGIS, DCIS, DEA, DSS, IRS-CI, NCIS, USMS, USPIS and HHIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii.
Tahlequah Resident Pleads Guilty to Discharge of A Firearm During the Commission of A Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Langston Love Hughes, age 22, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Use, Carry, Brandish and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, punishable by not less than 10 years and up to life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Indictment alleged that on January 5, 2026, Hughes did knowingly use, carry, brandish, and discharge a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, that is, Assault with Intent to Commit Murder in Indian Country and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Hughes will remain the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis M. Reagan represented the United States.
St. Louis Felon Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Joshua M. Divine on Thursday sentenced a St. Louis felon caught twice with guns, including after a police chase, to a total of 27 years in prison.
After a two-day bench trial in October, Judge Divine found Roosevelt Easley, 40, guilty of two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. On Thursday, Judge Divine sentenced Easley to 25 years for that case and two more years for violating his supervised release in a 2018 case in which he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, cocaine base and methamphetamine.
Evidence and testimony at the October trial showed that on March 29, 2022, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers stopped a vehicle driven by Easley. Marijuana and a firearm were in plain view in the vehicle. On Sept. 10, 2022, St. Louis police again attempted to make a traffic stop of Easley’s vehicle, but he sped off. He eventually crashed into a tree before running away. Officers found two firearms in the vehicle.
Easley also resisted arrest, threatened police officers, intimidated a potential witness and attempted to bribe a police officer, a sentencing memo filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Boyce says.
Easley has at least three previous convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses, which subjected him to the enhanced penalty provisions of the Armed Career Criminal Act.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Donald Boyce and Nichole Frankenberg prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Southeast commercial fisherman sentenced in illegal halibut fishing conspiracyRead the Press Release
JUNEAU, Alaska – A Southeast Alaska commercial fisherman was sentenced yesterday to five years’ probation, a $15,000 fine and a world-wide fishing and hunting ban throughout his time on probation for his role in a conspiracy to illegally harvest halibut with another commercial fisherman, in violation of the Lacey Act.
According to court documents, from September 2019 to August 2022, Vincent Jacobson, 52, conspired with Jonathan Pavlik, 41, both of Yakutat, to fraudulently use Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) permits to commit violations of federal law and regulations. An IFQ permit is a permit any individual commercially fishing for halibut in the waters off Alaska is required to have. It requires a permit holder to be aboard a vessel at all times during a fishing trip, including when fishing gear is set and when fish are harvested from the set gear.
On Aug. 24, 2022, Pavlik allegedly directed his crew aboard the F/V New Era to receive halibut on his behalf from Jacobson aboard the F/V Epic. The halibut was harvested by the F/V Epic at a time that neither Pavlik nor his crew were aboard, which is a violation of federal law and regulations. Pavlik later landed the halibut under his IFQ permit, allegedly falsely reporting the vessel of harvest and that the halibut was creditable to his IFQ balance, when the halibut had been harvested from fishing gear that was set by the F/V Epic and transferred to the F/V New Era, while Pavlik was not aboard the vessel.
The next day, while aboard the F/V New Era, Pavlik allegedly retained halibut from fishing gear that had been set by Jacobson aboard the F/V Epic at a time when Pavlik was not aboard the vessel. Pavlik then landed halibut under his IFQ permit, allegedly falsely reporting the vessel of harvest and that the halibut was creditable to his IFQ balance, when the halibut had been harvested from fishing gear that was set by the F/V Epic while he was not aboard the vessel. Pavlik then allegedly paid Jacobson for the illegally caught halibut from both days.
Jacobson participated in two additional fishing trips in 2019 and 2020 with nearly identical conduct.
On Aug. 28, 2025, Jacobson pleaded guilty to one count of Lacey Act conspiracy.
“In the heart of IFQ season, this sentence should serve as a reminder that there are significant consequences for breaking the laws that help sustain and maintain Alaska’s vital fishing industry,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Mr. Jacobson knew the rules and regulations surrounding commercial halibut fishing and used that knowledge to game the system. This conduct is an affront to law abiding commercial fisherman and he now has a federal criminal conviction because of it.”
“Protecting the future of Alaska’s fisheries requires honest fishing practices, promoting fairness and equity for all industry participants. NOAA enforces federal statutes to ensure all participants conduct their business within a level playing field” said Benjamin Cheeseman, Assistant Director of NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement, Alaska Division. “These sentences ensure lawful stakeholders are given the opportunity to conduct successful business, by sending a powerful message to potential offenders. We remain vigilant in ensuring offenders are deterred, and preserving Alaska’s fisheries for our Nation’s future.”
- Pavlik was charged with four counts of Lacey Act conspiracy, five counts of Lacey Act—unlawful sale, and five counts of Lacey Act—false labeling. He is awaiting the scheduling of his trial.
- Kyle Dierick, 36, of Yakutat, was charged with one count of one count of Lacey Act conspiracy. He is awaiting the scheduling of his trial.
- Michael Babic, 43, of Cordova, was charged with one count of Lacey Act conspiracy. He is awaiting the scheduling of his trial.
- Timothy Ross, 58, of Washington, pleaded guilty to one count of Lacey Act conspiracy on Sept. 8, 2025, and was sentenced to five years’ probation and a $15,000 fine on Dec. 10, 2025.
The NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement Alaska Division is investigating the case, with assistance from the Alaska Wildlife Troopers.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Caille Petursson prosecuted the case.
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South Portland Man Sentenced for Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A South Portland man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for aiding and assisting the preparation of false tax returns for others and filing false tax returns for himself.
Chief U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Lawrence Okeyo, 48, to two years in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release. Okeyo was convicted on October 29, 2025, following a three-day jury trial.
According to court records and testimony at trial, Okeyo was a professional tax return preparer in Portland. He prepared tax returns for others in exchange for a fee. Okeyo often collected his preparation fees, which sometimes exceeded $1,000, from the tax refunds issued to his clients. Okeyo falsified his clients’ tax returns by claiming bogus, unreimbursed employee expenses that can be deducted only by a limited set of professionals: Armed Forces reservists, qualified performing artists, fee-basis state or local government officials, and employees with impairment-related work expenses. Neither Okeyo nor his clients met these qualifications. By falsifying tax returns, Okeyo generated or inflated unwarranted tax refunds for his clients and himself. Okeyo also prepared a false tax return for an undercover IRS agent posing as a client. During his interactions with the undercover agent, Okeyo told the agent, “I know that you should pay [taxes]. What I’m wanting to do is save you from paying.” Okeyo then fabricated supposed business expenses on the tax return he prepared for the undercover agent. Okeyo advised the undercover agent that, if he was audited, he would not be able to prove that he was entitled to claim the expenses.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
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South Florida Tax Preparer Admits to Wire Fraud in $4.1 Million PPP Loan SchemeRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A federal judge accepted the guilty plea of a South Florida tax preparer who prepared and submitted false tax forms to support more than 200 fraudulent loan applications under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
According to court documents, Roody Metelus, 47, of Westlake, owned and operated JRS Tax Services, LLC, in Dania Beach. From approximately January 2021 through January 2022, Metelus worked with others to fabricate tax documents for clients — many of whom were wage earners — to falsely portray them as self-employed business owners eligible for PPP funds.
“Pandemic relief programs were created to help small businesses survive an economic crisis, not to enrich tax preparers through fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “This defendant fabricated tax records, exploited his clients’ trust, and helped generate more than $4.1 million in fraudulent loan applications to steal taxpayer-funded relief. Those who abuse emergency government programs for personal gain will be prosecuted, and they will not keep the proceeds of their crimes.”
“Tax fraud is fraud, and this defendant is now a felon,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Florida Field Office. “I caution anyone thinking of submitting false documents to the United States Government or defrauding federal relief programs, you will face a similar fate.”
Using these false records, Metelus and his co-conspirators sought more than $4.1 million in PPP loans. Approximately 116 of those applications were funded, resulting in roughly $2.3 million in proceeds. Metelus required clients to pay him a percentage of the loan funds once disbursed.
Metelus pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones and Special Agent in Charge Loecker made the announcement.
The IRS-CI, Florida Field Office, is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aimee Jimenez is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daren Grove is handling asset forfeiture.
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 26-cr-60019.
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Shreveport Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT– On April 27, 2026, Felanda Ashton, a 53-year-old Shreveport resident, was sentenced to 211 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking activity. In addition to his prison sentence, Ashton will serve five years of supervised release following his release from federal prison.
According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) received a tip that Shreveport resident Ashton was selling a large amount of methamphetamine from his vehicle. Caddo Parish SO located 187.1 grams of pure methamphetamine in his vehicle following a traffic stop. A subsequent tip claimed Ashton was continuing his drug operation out of his daughter’s home. When officers attempted to execute an arrest warrant, Ashton fled scene and threw a fanny pack containing 84.7 grams of methamphetamine, suspected Klonopin pills and 10 blue pills containing fentanyl. Officers also located a loaded Glock pistol in his vehicle.
The DEA investigated this case with assistance from the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case was investigated and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford with assistance from Legal Assistant Amanda Morgan.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 24-cr-00234.
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United States Attorney’s Office
Western District of Louisiana
www.justice.gov/usao-wdla
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Salvadoran National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Antonio Chavarria-Marquez, age 43, a citizen of El Salvador, was indicted by a federal grand jury on the charge of illegally reentering the United States after having previously been removed.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Chavarria-Marquez illegally reentered the United States and was found in York, Pennsylvania, on April 14, 2026, after he had been removed from the United States through Laredo, Texas on April 4, 2019, and reentered without having permission to do so.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evelyn M. Stoner 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.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Rochester man pleads guilty for conspiring to defraud victims, including taxpayers, of more than $2,000,000 and money launderingRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Timothy Wadsworth, 35, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Between March 2020, and September 2021, Wadsworth conspired with others to fraudulently obtain money. To execute the scheme, he obtained credit card account numbers from coconspirators and processed unauthorized credit card transactions from those accounts, transferring the money to his bank accounts, transferring a portion of the money to his Coinbase account to purchase Bitcoin, and transferring Bitcoin to his coconspirators. Between March 10, 2020, and May 15, 2020, Wadsworth, using a Stripe, Inc. account, which allows merchants to receive funds from consumers as payments for goods and services, attempted to process 310 payments totaling $1,673,578. Of the 310 attempted transactions, 116 were initially successful totaling $730,728.22. These transactions were fraudulent. The credit card account holders did not authorize the transactions, and their account information was used to make the payments without authorization.
Once credit card payments were successfully processed, Wadsworth transferred the funds from his Stripe account to bank accounts he owned with HSBC and Evolve Federal Credit Union. He then transferred funds from those bank accounts to his Coinbase account, purchased Bitcoin with the money, and transferred the Bitcoin to various external addresses. These transactions were often in excess of $10,000 each. For example, between April 22 and April 28, 2020, Wadsworth transferred fraudulently obtained proceeds from his Stripe account to his HSBC account on three separate occasions, in the amounts of $49,419.99, $45,501.85, and $53,496.75.
In addition, between May 13, 2020, through May 5, 2021, Wadsworth and others submitted nine false Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications in an attempt to obtain money they were not entitled to. The applications contained misrepresentations about the businesses’ revenue and operation, which was material in assessing the businesses’ eligibility for the EIDL funds. Three of the EIDL applications were approved, and a total of $161,200 was paid to Wadsworth’s bank accounts as a result of the fraud. Between March 7 and April 26, 2021, Wadsworth applied for six Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans totaling $91,219. Two of the loans were funded for $20,833 and $20,416, respectively, which was paid to Wadsworth’s bank account. Once again, the applications contained misrepresentations about the businesses they were submitted for.
From May 2020 through September 2021, Wadsworth fraudulently received approximately $65,896 in unemployment benefits from New York State, the State of Washington, and the Department of Labor. He was not eligible to receive any unemployment funds from any source during that time.
Wadsworth also participated in a romance fraud scheme in 2020. The victim, recently widowed, met an individual on Facebook that represented himself as an oil rig worker, and requested $42,000 from her to pay for travel expenses to return to the United States. The victim was directed to wire the money to Wadsworth’s bank account, which she did on March 20, 2020.
Wadsworth also defrauded six other victims out of $26,000 as a result of his schemes.
Wadsworth’s actions, including the credit card fraud, the PPP and EIDL fraud, the unemployment fraud, and the other frauds, resulted in actual and intended losses of approximately $2,059,893.00.
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support 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 case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford. The plea is the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr., New York Field Office, the New York State Department of Financial Services, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Kaitlin Asrow, and the New York State Department of Labor, under the direction of Commissioner Roberta Reardon.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 10, 2026, before Judge Geraci.
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Registered Sex Offender Arrested for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A registered sex offender has been arrested and charged with possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
James Muzzi, 61, of Medford, Mass., was charged with possession of child pornography. Muzzi remains detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston earlier today.
According to the charging documents, Muzzi’s cell phone contained thousands of images and videos of CSAM, including children who appeared to be as young as three to five years old. It is further alleged that Muzzi’s phone also included online chat messages in which Muzzi and other individuals exchanging multiple videos containing CSAM as well as messages regarding CSAM. Muzzi was previously convicted in Massachusetts state court of three counts of distribution of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography.
Because Muzzi is a recidivist offender, the charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of no less than 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime 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 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 Medford Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julissa Walsh and Luke Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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 document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Public Company CEO and Chairman Convicted of FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that BRADLEY HEPPNER, the former chairman of GWG Holdings, Inc., a publicly traded company, was found guilty by a jury following a three-week trial before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff. HEPPNER was convicted of securities fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, and false statements to auditors in connection with a scheme to fraudulently extract more than $150 million from GWG.
“A unanimous jury has found former public company CEO and Chairman Bradley Heppner guilty of fraudulently extracting $150 million,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Heppner used shell companies to hide his scheme. When his house of cards began to collapse, he did not come clean. Instead, he doubled down by falsifying emails and backdating documents to lie to the auditors, directors, and the SEC. Our world-leading capital markets are built on trust and transparency. The honesty and candor of C-Suite executives is essential, and this action should send a message: C-Suite executives who breach the public trust will be pursued by the SDNY’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force and our dedicated partners at FBI, vigorously. That is what investors and the American people want and deserve.”
As established during the trial:
Between 2018 and 2021, HEPPNER, as chairman of GWG Holdings, Inc.—a Nasdaq-listed financial services company that raised capital through bonds sold predominantly to retail investors and retirees—executed a scheme to fraudulently divert GWG funds to his own benefit through a shell company he controlled, the Highland Consolidated Limited Partnership (“HCLP”).
To effectuate the scheme, HEPPNER fabricated a $141 million debt that Beneficient, a subsidiary of GWG that HEPPNER had founded, purportedly owed to HCLP. Under the guise of repaying that debt, HEPPNER told the board of directors of GWG that it was necessary to transfer millions of dollars to Beneficient. When a special committee of GWG’s board inquired about who controlled HCLP and would receive the debt payments, HEPPNER falsely represented that HCLP was independent and disclaimed any personal financial interest in payments made on the purported debt. Those representations were false. HCLP was controlled by HEPPNER, and when GWG authorized payments to satisfy what it believed were arm’s-length obligations to a third-party lender, those funds flowed through multiple corporate entities and ultimately into HEPPNER’s personal accounts. HEPPNER used the proceeds for personal expenses, including renovating his Dallas mansion and purchasing a private jet travel and jewelry.
To conceal the scheme, HEPPNER made false and misleading statements and caused the preparation of backdated and fraudulent documents to deceive auditors in connection with their assessment of whether HCLP was independent of HEPPNER. After GWG received a subpoena from the SEC, HEPPNER also falsified the minutes of an October 2019 board meeting, adding language to create the false appearance that he had previously disclosed to Beneficient his history of borrowing funds from HCLP, and caused the falsified minutes to be transmitted to the SEC.
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HEPPNER, 60, of Dallas, Texas, is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Rakoff on October 7, 2026. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on each of the counts of securities fraud, wire fraud, and false statements to auditors, and a maximum of five years in prison on the conspiracy count.
The maximum potential 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 the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Clayton also expressed appreciation for the assistance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
This case is being handled by SDNY’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel G. Nessim, Alexandra Rothman, and Kyle Wirshba are in charge of the prosecution.
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Narcotics and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Methuen man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for trafficking counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine, unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition and using a firearm in relation of a drug trafficking offense.
Shawn Hart, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to 10 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In October 2025, Hart pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of more than 40 grams of fentanyl; one count of possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine; one count of using a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense; and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition. Hart was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2023.
In August 2022, Hart was identified as a manufacturer and distributor of counterfeit pills containing controlled substances on the North Shore of Massachusetts. On Sept. 15, 2022, Hart distributed approximately 500 counterfeit Adderall pills, containing 68 grams of fentanyl, during a controlled purchase in North Billerica. Additionally, on June 1, 2023, Hart distributed approximately 100 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing suspected fentanyl and well as a 9mm privately manufactured firearm (commonly known as a “ghost gun”) containing 19 rounds of ammunition during a controlled purchase at his home in Methuen.
In addition, three additional firearms, a pill press used for manufacturing counterfeit pills and suspected narcotics in various forms and quantities were seized from Hart’s residence following his arrest.
Hart is prohibited from possession firearms and ammunition due to multiple previous state felony convictions, including: possession with intent to distribute a class a controlled substance in December 2003; armed robbery in June 2004, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison; masked armed robbery, breaking and entering a vehicle at night and larceny in August 2004, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison; and assault and battery on a correctional institution guard in September 2004, for which he was sentenced to six months in prison.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office; and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Methuen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Wray of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced in Navy Yard Firearm Flight CaseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Phil Darkwah, 32, a previously convicted felon, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 24 months in prison in connection with his illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition during a police foot chase in the Navy Yard neighborhood, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Darkwah pleaded guilty on Nov. 14, 2025 before Judge Loren L. AliKhan to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. In addition to the 24-month prison term, Judge AliKhan ordered Darkwah to serve three years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 37-month prison term.
According to court papers, on May 6, 2025, at about 4 p.m., Metropolitan Police Department officers conducting mobile traffic enforcement in the Navy Yard area observed a black BMW sedan without a required front license plate and initiated a traffic stop in the 100 block of I Street SE.
Before officers could approach, Darkwah exited the passenger side and ignored commands to remain in the vehicle. He then fled on foot, clutching his waistband as he ran.
Officers pursued Darkwah toward an apartment building in the 800 block of New Jersey Ave. SE. Surveillance footage captured images of Darkwah discarding an object consistent with a firearm into a planter near the building’s entrance. A civilian witness subsequently located the firearm and directed officers to it.
Police recovered a loaded .40 caliber Glock 27 handgun from the planter. DNA testing later linked Darkwah to the gun’s magazine.
Darkwah previously was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in June 2023 in connection with a 2022 shooting in Fairfax County, Virginia, that killed another person. He had been released from custody in April 2024 and was on probation at the time of this offense.
This case was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful 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.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Office. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Levy and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Horan.
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Previously Convicted Felon Indicted for Using Stolen Identities to Fraudulently Obtain SNAP BenefitsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE- A federal grand jury in Rhode Island has returned a four-count indictment charging Felipe Almonte Polanco, 57, of Providence, with wire fraud, theft of public money, false representation of a Social Security number, and aggravated identity theft related to an alleged scheme to fraudulently obtain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits using the identities of deceased and other individuals.
According to information presented to the court, investigators with the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and the Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit and Program Integrity began investigating fraudulent applications submitted in the identity of a deceased individual. The investigation determined that Polanco submitted fraudulent SNAP applications in the names of multiple victims, including a deceased individual, and used the benefits cards to conduct transactions at stores in Rhode Island. Almonte Polanco was previously convicted in the Western District of New York of making false statements in connection with a passport application and aggravated identity theft.
The indictment alleges that between October 2021 and April 2026, Polanco made balance inquiries on Rhode Island EBT cards associated with the stolen identities of at least 18 individuals and personally used cards issued in the names of at least nine victims. During the execution of a search warrant at Polanco’s residence, investigators recovered multiple EBT cards and materials used to create identification cards. The scheme resulted in Polanco receiving approximately $69,000 in fraudulent SNAP benefits.
A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter I. Roklan and Special Assistant United States Attorney John M. Moreira.
The matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit and Program Integrity, and the Rhode Island Department of Human Services.
Port St. Lucie Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking and Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A Port St. Lucie man who attempted to obtain thousands of fentanyl pills through the mail and kept a firearm alongside drug proceeds was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison.
U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon imposed the sentence on Juneem Jermain Barnes, 34, after he pleaded guilty to attempting to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
“Fentanyl is killing Americans every day, and those who distribute it are fueling that crisis for profit,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “This defendant trafficked thousands of counterfeit pills designed to look like legitimate prescription medication and kept a loaded firearm alongside drug proceeds and distribution tools. That combination of fentanyl and firearms is a direct threat to public safety. In South Florida, if you poison our communities for profit, you will be prosecuted and sent to federal prison.”
According to court documents, Barnes attempted to receive a mail parcel containing at least 15,000 fentanyl pills at his residence. The pills were pressed to resemble pharmaceutical oxycodone. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Barnes’s home and discovered an additional parcel containing fentanyl pills disguised as oxycodone, three pounds of marijuana, more than $35,000 in cash, a money counting machine, and other items used to package and distribute narcotics. Law enforcement also located a Glock Model 19X 9mm handgun near the cash and counting machine. In total, law enforcement seized approximately 2,000 grams of fentanyl.
U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones, Special Agent in Charge Miles Aley of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, and Inspector in Charge Bladismir Rojo of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division, made the announcement.
DEA Miami Field Division, West Palm Beach District Office, and USPIS Miami investigated the case with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, West Palm Beach Resident Agency, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach Gardens Police Department, and Jupiter Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Funk prosecuted 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 on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 25-cr-14065.
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Port Charlotte Man Pleads Guilty to Enticing a Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – James Gregory Ford (34, Port Charlotte) has pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. He faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the plea agreement, in October 2025, Ford was communicating with a minor using a social media application. He asked the minor to send him nude pictures and videos of herself. Further, Ford sent a nude picture of himself to the minor.
Law enforcement began an investigation into Ford after the child’s parent reported observing the conversations with Ford and seeing the nude photographs and videos on the minor’s cellphone that had been sent on a social media platform.
On October 28, 2025, law enforcement interviewed Ford concerning his communications with the minor. Ford admitted to engaging in conversations and exchanging inappropriate messages and images with the minor. He also admitted that he had initiated communications with the minor. He further acknowledged receiving and sending explicit photographs.
Subsequent to a search warrant for Ford’s cellphone, the forensic examination revealed the social media account belonging to Ford that had been used to communicate with the minor. Images and videos of the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct were also located on Ford’s cellphone.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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 child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Pensacola Felon Convicted of Possession of Ammunition & Firearm SilencersRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – James Michael Olshefskie, 55, of Pensacola, Florida, has been found guilty by a federal jury in Pensacola following a two-day jury trial for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of two unregistered firearm silencers. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the guilty verdict.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I am incredibly proud to deliver another win for the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America, through which we are aggressively prosecuting the perpetrators of violent crime to keep our communities safe. This felon has demonstrated an outright refusal to follow the law, and so it is necessary to ensure he remains incarcerated to protect the law-abiding citizens of this District from his continued criminality.”
On September 11, 2025, United States Probation Officers visited the defendant at his residence in Pensacola, Florida, as part of his federal post-conviction supervision. The defendant was on federal supervised release for a 2024 federal felony conviction, and as a convicted felon he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. During their visit, probation officers found ammunition and unregistered firearm silencers in the defendant’s bedroom.
Olshefskie faces up to 25 years’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 25, 2026, at 2:00 pm in the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
North Carolina Man Sentenced for Unlawfully Dealing & Selling FirearmsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Juston McDowell, age 25, of Laurinburg, North Carolina, was sentenced yesterday to 27 months in prison for unlawfully dealing in firearms without a license.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, McDowell admitted that between March 2022 and February 2025, he acquired multiple firearms, including handguns and switches, in North Carolina and then sold the firearms in Albany, New York, and elsewhere. McDowell also admitted that he did not have a license that would allow him to deal in firearms.
FAUSA John A. Sarcone III stated: “Juston McDowell is responsible for putting numerous firearms in the hands of individuals who sought to circumvent laws designed to keep our communities safe. His actions were dangerous and caused additional unregulated firearms to enter our neighborhoods. Yesterday’s sentence sends a message: If you illegally bring guns into my District, you will be punished. I commend the hard work and determination of our partners at ATF and AUSA Belliss for bringing this dangerous individual to justice.”
ATF SAC Bryan DiGirolamo stated: “This sentencing holds accountable an individual who unlawfully trafficked firearms across state lines, putting dangerous weapons—including machine gun conversion devices—into our communities. ATF is committed to disrupting the illegal flow of firearms that drive violence, and this case underscores the critical role of partnership in that mission. We thank the ATF NY Albany Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York for their dedication to this investigation and prosecution.”
United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a 3-year term of post-release supervision.
ATF investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Rick Belliss prosecuted this case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
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New York Man Sentenced to Prison for Violating the Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification ActRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Cornell Cordon, 59, of New York, New York, was sentenced today to one year and six months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for failure to update his registration as a sex offender, as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), following interstate travel.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Cordon was convicted of first-degree sexual abuse of a two-year-old female in Putnam County, West Virginia, Circuit Court on July 15, 2019. Because of his conviction, state and federal law require him to register as a sex offender for life. Cordon was living in West Virginia when he obtained permission from his probation officer to visit family in Elizabeth, New Jersey, from April 14, 2025, to April 21, 2025. Cordon failed to return to West Virginia following the authorized trip and there is no record of Cordon registering as a sex offender in New Jersey or in any other state as required.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Marshals Service (USMS).
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case
SORNA is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 and provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States. SORNA seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs, in part by requiring registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school.
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. 2:25-cr-142.
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New York Man Sentenced for Foreign Murder of a U.S. National in BangladeshRead the Press Release
Today, a Bronx man was sentenced in New York for the June 2021 murder of a U.S. national in Bangladesh.
Ganet Rozario, 54, a U.S. citizen from New York, was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Rozario previously pleaded guilty to one count of foreign murder of a U.S. national.
According to court documents and statements read in court, Rozario used a shotgun to kill his uncle, Michael Rozario, in Bangladesh. Both men are naturalized U.S. citizens originally from Bangladesh. The men had been involved in a years-long property dispute over the family home located in Munshiganji, Bangladesh. During a visit to Bangladesh in 2021, both men were staying at the property.
On the evening of June 11, 2021, Ganet went outside the family home to smoke a cigarette near his uncle’s bedroom window. While outside, he overheard his uncle, who was inside the house, insulting him. Ganet became angry, went back into the house, retrieved a shotgun, and went back outside. After shouting words to the effect of “you will not see the sun tomorrow,” Ganet fired a single shot through an opaque window shutter striking Michael Rozario on his right stomach and abdomen area, killing him. Ganet returned to the United States in July 2023 and was indicted for the murder of his uncle in April 2024.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York made the announcement.
The FBI Los Angeles and New York Field Offices investigated this case.
Acting Deputy Chief Frank Rangoussis of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Slavik for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case. The FBI’s Legal Attaché in Dhaka, Bangladesh and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance to the case. The Justice Department thanks the Government of Bangladesh for their cooperation.
Muskogee County Resident Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that John David James, II, age 41, of Warner, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of Ammunition, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Indictment charged James with knowingly possessing two rounds of ammunition on November 6, 2025, after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable D. Edward Snow, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
James will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olivia Staubus and Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.
Mother and Daughter Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding the CNMI Public School SystemRead the Press Release
SAIPAN, CNMI – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that on May 6, 2026, the Honorable Ramona V. Manglona sentenced a mother and her daughter in the United States District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands for their roles in a procurement fraud and money laundering scheme targeting the CNMI Public School System (PSS), a recipient of Federal grant money.
Clarissa Adlawan, age 55, a lawful permanent resident of the United States originally from the Philippines, was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment for one count of Conspiracy to Commit an Offense Against the United States, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, and one count of Money Laundering Conspiracy, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h). The Court also ordered her to serve three years of supervised release and complete 100 hours of community service.
Giselle Butalid, age 34, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from the Republic of the Philippines and a resident of Saipan, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for one count of Conspiracy to Commit an Offense Against the United States, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371, and one count of Money Laundering Conspiracy, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h). The Court also imposed three years of supervised release and ordered her to complete 100 hours of community service.
The Court further ordered that the defendants were jointly and severally liable for restitution in the amount of $548,788 and that two properties they owned in the Philippines were subject to forfeiture.
The conspiracy involved theft from a state entity receiving more than $10,000 per year in federal funding, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(1)(A) when charged individually. PSS was such an entity. Butalid worked for PSS and had access to its procurement process. She used that position to betray the trust of those responsible for educating the CNMI’s children, depriving those children of desperately needed resources while enriching herself and her mother.
The prosecution commended the defendants’ early acceptance of responsibility and expressions of remorse but argued Adlawan had failed to provide information about a nine room house she had built in the Philippines. Evidence established that Adlawan used PSS’s stolen money for the house’s construction. Adlawan’s plea agreement required her to provide information and help the Government acquire the property so it could be liquidated and the proceeds applied toward restitution. The Court agreed and denied Adlawan the benefit of accepting responsibility.
According to court documents, from October 2021 through August 2022, Butalid and Adlawan used their company, One Legacy LLC, to sell educational material while concealing the conflict of interest from PSS. Investigators then determined that Butalid forged documents to conceal that several of procurements were in fact “ghost” purchases. The defendants simply pocketed payments for materials that PSS never ordered. Upon receiving funds, the defendants frequently traveled to the Philippines, staying in luxury hotels, withdrawing large amounts of cash, and building the aforementioned house.
Examples cited in Court documents include:
Payments of $50,000 and $52,500 to One Legacy for online learning materials that were never procured. Shortly after the payments, Butalid and Adlawan flew to the Philippines and withdrew approximately $10,000 in cash from ATMs.
A $113,020 payment for another fraudulent purchase, followed by cash withdrawals totaling roughly $65,000 before another overseas trip. This final payment came shortly after PSS confronted Butalid about her connection to the companies. She resigned but remained long enough to commit this one last act of fraud, according to prosecutors.
“The defendants’ conduct went beyond defrauding government agencies,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “Ultimately, children were deprived of educational resources and opportunities to learn. Any sense of justice required terms of imprisonment. We will continue to seek accountability through the repatriation of any foreign assets held by these defendants. Our interagency partners did outstanding work in investigating this complex financial crime to combat the fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer funds.”
“Cases like this one clearly demonstrate the destructiveness of greed: funds that would have otherwise been used for the benefit of our communities’ children instead went to finance the dream house of a fraudster,” said Special Agent in Charge Carrie Nordyke, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Seattle Field Office. “Defrauding the government may seem harmless, but as this case so clearly shows, these crimes have direct, severe, and negative impacts on our community. Today’s sentencings are a continued reminder that justice will be served on those who choose their greed above all else.”
“This sentencing represents the culmination of a significant effort by a dedicated team of exceptional investigators. I am particularly proud that U.S. federal agencies conducted this investigation in partnership with the CNMI Office of the Public Auditor,” said David A. House, Special Agent in Charge for the Department of Interior Inspector General, Program Fraud Unit. “This collaboration underscores the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to ensuring that funds intended for the schoolchildren of the CNMI are used appropriately, and that anyone who misuses those funds is held fully accountable, regardless of their location.”
“The defendants’ actions represent a profound betrayal of the students, teachers, and community who relied on them for honest public service,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “These individuals exploited that trust for their own enrichment. Today’s outcome demonstrates that those who choose greed over their commitment to serve the community will be brought to justice.”
“We value the strong working relationship between the Office of the Public Auditor and our federal counterparts, “said the CNMI Office of the Public Auditor. “The success in this case demonstrates what can be accomplished through coordinated oversight, teamwork, and a shared commitment to protecting public resources and ensuring accountability.”
The investigation was conducted by IRS–Criminal Investigation, Office of the Inspector General - Department of Interior, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Office of the Public Auditor.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric S. O’Malley for the District of the Northern Mariana Islands.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support 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.
Morristown Man Admits Multi-Million Dollar Scheme to Defraud Small Businesses by Offering Phony Debt Relief ServicesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Morristown man pled guilty on May 4, 2026 to conspiring to defraud small businesses by making false promises to induce them to enter debt relief contracts, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
“This defendant didn’t just break the law—he exploited the financial vulnerability of small business owners who were trying to stay afloat and keep their doors open. By peddling sham debt-relief services and diverting millions for personal use, he turned trust into a weapon and hardship into profit. This case reflects our Office’s sustained commitment to pursuing complex financial fraud schemes and holding accountable those who target everyday business owners for personal gain.”
- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer
“Small businesses are often the lifeblood of local economies. The cash-strapped victims in this investigation sought Csantaveri's help, hoping to keep their doors open during the COVID pandemic. Instead, he and his co-conspirators stole millions from unsuspecting owners. Fraud schemes are insidious and can take on many different forms and dimensions. If you or anyone you know has been swindled by fraudsters, please contact FBI Newark at 800-CALL-FBI,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy.
Mark Csantaveri, 53, of Morristown, New Jersey, pled guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Karen M. Williams in Camden federal court to a single-count Information charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The sentencing date is scheduled for September 29, 2026.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Csantaveri and his co-conspirators operated businesses that purported to provide small businesses with debt relief services. As part of the scheme, Csantaveri induced victims to make regular payments to one of Csantaveri’s businesses by falsely claiming that he would hold their money while negotiating favorable settlements with the victims’ creditors. Instead of using victim funds as promised, Csantaveri and his co-conspirators misappropriated it for their personal use, including over $1 million in gambling expenses. Over the course of the conspiracy, Csantaveri’s businesses took in approximately $3.7 million from small businesses and transferred approximately $3 million to Csantaveri’s and his co-conspirators’ accounts.
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss involved in the offense, whichever is greatest.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Webman, Deputy Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
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Defense counsel: Kristen Santillo, New York, NY
csantaveri.information.pdfMinnesota Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar During Minneapolis Town Hall in January 2026Read the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced that Anthony James Kazmierczak, 55, pleaded guilty today to one count of Assaulting a United States Officer in U.S. District Court. According to court documents, on January 27, 2026, Kazmierczak sat in the front row at an official Minneapolis town hall meeting hosted by U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, when he stood up, and rapidly approached Rep. Omar as she was speaking. Kazmierczak sprayed Rep. Omar with apple cider vinegar from a syringe, which landed on Rep. Omar’s clothing and skin. Lab analysis confirmed the liquid contained acetic acid. Kazmierczak gestured and shouted at Rep. Omar before security guards subdued him. The town hall meeting was temporarily disrupted, but Rep. Omar later continued her remarks.photo of syringe with liquid used by Kazmierczak recovered by Minneapolis Police
During his arrest by Minneapolis Police officers, Kazmierczak spontaneously stated, “I squirted vinegar.” During today’s change-of-plea hearing before U.S. District Judge Joan N. Ericksen, Kazmierczak admitted that he planned the assault and that he did not agree with Rep. Omar’s political views.
“This assault is yet another example of a dangerous national trend: people channeling political hatred into criminal acts,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “The Department of Justice and this U.S. Attorney’s Office will not tolerate such behavior.”
“Political violence is a scourge on our democracy,” said FBI Minneapolis Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. “The FBI will not tolerate attacks on elected officials or anyone who serves our nation. Anyone who thinks they can attack an elected official or seek to insert violence into our democratic discourse without consequence will find the FBI and our law enforcement partners in their way. Mr. Kazmierczak’s conviction today is a testament to a quick and thorough investigation and underlines the importance of interagency collaboration with Minneapolis Police and other state and local agencies.”
A sentencing date for Kazmierczak has not yet been set by the U.S. District Court.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Minneapolis Police Department, led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar prosecuted the case.
Michigan man sentenced to 20 years in prison after having been convicted of attempting to provide material support to ISIS and possessing a destructive deviceRead the Press Release
DETROIT — A Michigan man was sentenced today to 20 years in federal prison after having been convicted by a jury last year on two charges of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, commonly known as ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization, and for being a felon in possession of a destructive device, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.
Aws Mohammed Naser, 38, formerly of Westland, Michigan, was convicted last year following a five-week trial. The jury unanimously found that Naser twice attempted to provide material support to ISIS, in the form of personnel (including himself) and services, knowing that ISIS was a designated terrorist organization, and that ISIS engages in terrorism. In addition, Naser was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a destructive device. The jury deliberated approximately six hours before returning their verdict.
“This self-professed ‘soldier of the Caliphate’ and ‘son of the Islamic State’ has now faced American justice. We welcomed this traitor into our Nation with open arms. And he repaid us by building a bomb and helping our great enemy,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon.
“Those who support terrorism or violent extremism against the United States should expect a lengthy prison sentence. Today’s outcome sends that message without question,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Threats against our homeland and endangering American lives are what the FBI works day in and day out to prevent. Thanks to the thorough investigative work of our FBI Detroit Joint Terrorism Task Force and partner agencies, this defendant was identified, disrupted, and brought to justice.”
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Naser became radicalized in his early 20s and frequently posted extreme Salafi-Jihadist ideological content on his YouTube channel. Naser developed a close relationship with Russell Dennison, an aspiring Salafi-Jihadist preacher, and the two jointly traveled to Iraq in early 2012.
In August 2012, Naser returned to Michigan while Dennison traveled to Syria and joined the foreign terrorist organization Al-Nusrah Front, an Islamic State of Iraq-affiliate group that was a precursor to ISIS. Dennison is believed to have been killed in 2019 while fighting on behalf of ISIS in Syria. Once back in the United States, Naser started preparing to join Dennison. Naser consumed large amounts of terrorist propaganda materials, researched weapons, and watched gruesome videos depicting acts of violence such as beheadings. Naser and Dennison continued to communicate and discussed available travel routes through Lebanon and Turkey and the terror group’s urgent need for money to acquire firearms. Naser twice attempted to leave the United States for Syria to join the terror group. First, in November 2012, Naser booked a flight departing the United States and arrived at Detroit Metropolitan Airport with luggage that contained a rifle scope, cane sword, and a four-inch tactical knife. Naser’s attempt to join was thwarted when he was not allowed to board the plane. Undeterred, Naser purchased another one-way plane ticket, this time departing from Chicago O’Hare Airport bound for Beirut, Lebanon, in January 2013. Hours before his scheduled flight to Lebanon, Naser robbed a gas station. After the robbery, Naser took a bus to Chicago and attempted to board his flight to Lebanon with $2,000 in cash but was again denied boarding and returned to Michigan. Naser was later charged and convicted of armed robbery and served a three-year prison sentence.
Naser was released from prison and placed on parole supervision in 2016. Unable to travel to join ISIS, Naser renewed his oath to ISIS and focused his attention on how to support ISIS in the United States. Naser surreptitiously created social media accounts and joined invitation-only ISIS supporters’ chatrooms, groups, and private rooms where he obtained and viewed official ISIS media reports, publications, and other jihadi propaganda. Naser considered himself a “Son of the Islamic State,” and a “Solider of the Caliphate.” He solicited and obtained information on explosives from other ISIS supporters, received training from a bomb-maker, experimented with manufacturing explosives, and operated drones. He also downloaded a video that provided step-by-step instructions on the manufacture of an improvised explosive device (IED) using triacetone triperoxide (TATP), known as “The Mother of Satan.” In October 2017, the FBI searched Naser’s home and vehicle. In Naser’s basement, the FBI found a bomb-making lab and multiple drones, tools, and drone parts. In the lab, they recovered a ready-to-assemble destructive device which included precursor chemicals and components needed to make a TATP-based IED.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Saima Mohsin, U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., Assistant U.S Attorney Hank Moon for the Eastern District of Michigan, and the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case.
Michigan Man Sentenced to 20 years in Prison for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS and Possessing a Destructive DeviceRead the Press Release
A Michigan man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison after having been convicted by a jury last year on two charges of attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, commonly known as ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization, and for being a felon in possession of a destructive device, announced Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. for the Eastern District of Michigan, and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan of the FBI Detroit Field Office.
Aws Mohammed Naser, 38, formerly of Westland, Michigan, was convicted last year following a five-week trial. The jury unanimously found that Naser twice attempted to provide material support to ISIS, in the form of personnel (including himself) and services, knowing that ISIS was a designated terrorist organization, and that ISIS engages in terrorism. In addition, Naser was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a destructive device. The jury deliberated approximately six hours before returning their verdict.
“This self-professed ‘soldier of the Caliphate’ and ‘son of the Islamic State’ has now faced American justice. We welcomed this traitor into our Nation with open arms. And he repaid us by building a bomb and helping our great enemy,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon.
“Those who support terrorism or violent extremism against the United States should expect a lengthy prison sentence. Today’s outcome sends that message without question,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Threats against our homeland and endangering American lives are what the FBI works day in and day out to prevent. Thanks to the thorough investigative work of our FBI Detroit Joint Terrorism Task Force and partner agencies, this defendant was identified, disrupted, and brought to justice.”
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Naser became radicalized in his early 20s and frequently posted extreme Salafi-Jihadist ideological content on his YouTube channel. Naser developed a close relationship with Russell Dennison, an aspiring Salafi-Jihadist preacher, and the two jointly traveled to Iraq in early 2012.
In August 2012, Naser returned to Michigan while Dennison traveled to Syria and joined the foreign terrorist organization Al-Nusrah Front, an Islamic State of Iraq-affiliate group that was a precursor to ISIS. Dennison is believed to have been killed in 2019 while fighting on behalf of ISIS in Syria. Once back in the United States, Naser started preparing to join Dennison. Naser consumed large amounts of terrorist propaganda materials, researched weapons, and watched gruesome videos depicting acts of violence such as beheadings.
Naser and Dennison continued to communicate and discussed available travel routes through Lebanon and Turkey and the terror group’s urgent need for money to acquire firearms. Naser twice attempted to leave the United States for Syria to join the terror group. First, in November 2012, Naser booked a flight departing the United States and arrived at Detroit Metropolitan Airport with luggage that contained a rifle scope, cane sword, and a four-inch tactical knife. Naser’s attempt to join was thwarted when he was not allowed to board the plane. Undeterred, Naser purchased another one-way plane ticket, this time departing from Chicago O’Hare Airport bound for Beirut, Lebanon, in January 2013. Hours before his scheduled flight to Lebanon, Naser robbed a gas station. After the robbery, Naser took a bus to Chicago and attempted to board his flight to Lebanon with $2,000 in cash but was again denied boarding and returned to Michigan. Naser was later charged and convicted of armed robbery and served a three-year prison sentence.
Naser was released from prison and placed on parole supervision in 2016. Unable to travel to join ISIS, Naser renewed his oath to ISIS and focused his attention on how to support ISIS in the United States. Naser surreptitiously created social media accounts and joined invitation-only ISIS supporters’ chatrooms, groups, and private rooms where he obtained and viewed official ISIS media reports, publications, and other jihadi propaganda. Naser considered himself a “Son of the Islamic State,” and a “Solider of the Caliphate.” He solicited and obtained information on explosives from other ISIS supporters, received training from a bomb-maker, experimented with manufacturing explosives, and operated drones. He also downloaded a video that provided step-by-step instructions on the manufacture of an improvised explosive device (IED) using triacetone triperoxide (TATP), known as “The Mother of Satan.” In October 2017, the FBI searched Naser’s home and vehicle. In Naser’s basement, the FBI found a bomb-making lab and multiple drones, tools, and drone parts. In the lab, they recovered a ready-to-assemble destructive device which included precursor chemicals and components needed to make a TATP-based IED.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case.
U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., First Assistant U.S. Attorney Saima Mohsin, Assistant U.S Attorney Hank Moon for the Eastern District of Michigan, and the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case.
Mexican National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Victorino Javier Cruz-Lopez of Mexico, age 40, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Cruz-Lopez was encountered in the United States in York County on or around April 16, 2026, after having previously been removed in 2013, and that he did not receive permission to reenter the United States, as required by law.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Scalera 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.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Meriden Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Narcotics and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHAEL LUISI, 53, of Meriden, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 72 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and New Britain Police Department investigated a drug trafficking organization, headed by Wilfredo Ortiz, that was operating out of Supreme Automotive, a car dealership located on Main Street in New Britain. The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical and electronic surveillance, and several controlled purchases of narcotics, primarily cocaine, from Ortiz and other members of the conspiracy. Luisi had an ownership interest in Supreme Automotive and was involved in the acquisition and distribution of cocaine.
Luisi, Ortiz, and several other members of the drug trafficking organization were arrested on November 14, 2024. In association with the arrests, investigators conducted court authorized searches of Supreme Automotive and residences and other locations connected to the organization and seized more than five kilograms of cocaine, more than 200 grams of fentanyl, approximately 30 grams of heroin, a kilogram press, seven firearms, ammunition, approximately $75,000 in cash, and 26 vehicles. A search of Luisi’s former residence in Berlin revealed evidence of narcotics distribution, a Bushmaster rifle, a Glock 9mm handgun, a Polymer 80 handgun (“ghost gun”), and $36,120 in cash.
On April 7, 2025, Luisi pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Ortiz pleaded guilty and, on March 9, 2026, was sentenced to 135 months of imprisonment.
This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Police, and the New Britain, Hartford, West Hartford, Waterbury, Naugatuck, East Hartford, Brookfield, Milford, Norwich, Orange, North Haven, Meriden, Berlin, and Manchester Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth, Reed Durham, and David Nelson.
McIntosh County Resident Pleads Guilty to Failure to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that James Lee Everett, a/k/a James Estes, age 36, of Checotah, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Failure to Register as Sex Offender, punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Indictment alleged that Everett was convicted of Rape in the Second Degree in Wagoner County on October 3, 2016, and was required to register as a sex offender, and that from October 17. 2021, until February 26, 2026, Everett failed to register and update his registration despite entering, leaving, or residing in Indian country, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charge arose from an investigation by the United States Marshals Service Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force.
The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Everett will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Morgan Muzljakovich and Nicole Paladino represented the United States.
May Federal Grand Jury 2026-A Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the May Federal Grand Jury 2026-A Indictments.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Henry Curiel Arias. Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of Firearms; Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of Ammunition; Illegal Transfer of a Machinegun. Curiel Arias, 47, a Venezuelan national, is charged with possessing firearms and ammunition, knowing he was unlawfully residing in the United States. Further, he is charged with transferring a machinegun conversion device solely used to convert a semi-automatic firearm to fire automatically. Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Brasher is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-160
Hector Contreras Perez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Contreras Perez, 41, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in January 2004, February 2005, May 2008, and June 2016. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Osborn is prosecuting
the case. 26-CR-171Marco Cruz Ruiz. Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of a Firearm; Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Cruz-Ruiz, 34, a Mexican national, is charged with possessing a firearm, knowing he was unlawfully residing in the United States. He is additionally charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after being removed in September 2012. Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Osborn is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-169
Johnny Ray Leonard, Jr. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition (superseding). Leonard, 36, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of a felony. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Dowdell is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-130
Simon Martinez Gonzalez. Kidnapping of a Child; Witness Tampering by Physical Force (second superseding). Martinez Gonzalez, 44, a Mexican National, is charged with kidnapping a minor child in Dec. 2024. Additionally, he is charged with using physical force against a victim with the intent to hinder communication with law enforcement. The Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Border Patrol, Webb County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bartlesville Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mallory Richard and Ammon Brisolara are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-029
Jerald Michael Scott Newell. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Newell, 33, of Sand Springs, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of a felony. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Osage County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Wright is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-161
Mylan Derayl Owens. Illegal Possession of a Machinegun. Owens, 20, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly possessing a machinegun conversion device. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Dewhurst is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-162
Octavio Rendon Gonzalez. Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Rendon Gonzalez, 51, a Mexican national, is charged with knowingly possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. Additionally, he is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after being removed in July 2011. The FBI and Homeland Security Investigations are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-170
Jose Eduardo Rodriguez Aguirre. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien; Possession of a False Immigration Document. Rodriguez Aguirre, 34, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in May and July 2019. Additionally, he is charged with knowingly possessing a false Green Card. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Augustus Forster is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-165
Jeremy Sertich. Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity; Coercion and Enticement of a Minor. Sertich, 34, of Duluth, Minnesota, is charged with knowingly transporting a minor victim across state lines to engage in sexual activity. Additionally, Sertich is charged with coercing a minor child to engage in a sexually explicit activity. Homeland Security Investigations, the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Duluth Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-163
David Michael Staley. Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor. Staley, 58, of Willard, Missouri, is charged with attempting to coerce and entice an individual he believed was under 18 years old to engage in sexual activity. Homeland Security Investigations and the Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Wright is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-164
Devan Miquel Velasco Tampering with a Witness by Corrupt Persuasion. Velasco, 28, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly persuading a witness with the intent to hinder testimony in an official proceeding. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Ihler and Stacey Todd are prosecuting the case. 26-CR-172
Massachusetts Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking in Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Massachusetts man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for conspiring to distribute fentanyl.
U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced Maximo Pepin, aka Manny, 30, to 15 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release. Pepin pleaded guilty on July 22, 2025.
According to court records, in 2024 and 2025, Pepin oversaw what was known as the most prolific drug operation in southern Maine. He and associates brought kilograms of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine from Massachusetts to Maine, where Pepin directed downstream distribution to drug traffickers within Maine. Agents with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) developed evidence regarding Pepin’s operation, seized drugs supplied by Pepin, and ultimately intercepted Pepin’s phone and text communications in the spring of 2025. Through those interceptions, investigators learned that Pepin repeatedly threatened violence as part of his operation. He threatened to kill one associate who obtained drugs from him and discussed putting battery acid in the drugs of another individual for stealing money from him. When he was arrested in April 2025, he was found in possession of phones used to run his drug network and a handgun with an extended magazine. Pepin has prior convictions in Massachusetts for drug trafficking, armed robbery, and kidnapping.
The DEA investigated this case, with assistance from the FBI, the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, Maine State Police, the Portland Police Department, the South Portland Police Department, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maine Attorney General’s Office.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Maine HSTF comprises agents and officers from FBI; DEA; Homeland Security Investigations; IRS-Criminal Investigations; U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Border Patrol; Coast Guard Investigative Service; and Transportation Security Administration, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine.
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Maryland Man Sentenced for Orchestrating Counterfeit Money SchemeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland man received a prison term in federal court today, in connection with a counterfeit money scheme he orchestrated while on federal supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Jason Christian Evans, 51, of Dundalk, to 32 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for the purchase of counterfeit obligations or securities. Evans purchased and possessed counterfeit federal reserve notes or United States currency that he then used at several stores.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Brian McDonough, U.S. Secret Service (USSS) – Baltimore Field Office; Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD); Chief Tim Damon, York County Regional Police Department (YCRPD); Chief Todd King, Springettsbury Police Department (SPD); and Chief James Boddington, Southern Regional Police Department (SRPD).
According to court documents, on January 30, 2025, after serving a sentence for bank fraud, Evans broke the terms of his supervised release by traveling to Pennsylvania. While in Pennsylvania, Evans used counterfeit currency to make purchases at a minimum of five different Giant Food and Weis Market grocery stores.
Then on April 17, law enforcement arrested Evans, in connection with the scheme, while executing a federal search warrant on his Dundalk residence. During the search, investigators seized two cell phones; five computers, including an HP laptop; and counterfeit detecting pens.
Evans confessed to purchasing the counterfeit currency and using it in Pennsylvania. He also acknowledged he used his HP laptop to purchase the counterfeit currency on the dark web from the site “Abacus Market.”
A forensic analysis of the HP laptop revealed zip files that included information about how to age counterfeit currency. The laptop also contained a video demonstrating how to avoid counterfeit-pen detection.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USSS, BCPD, YCRPD, SPD, and SRPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reema Sood and John J. Truex Chung who prosecuted the case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
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Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Participating in Armed Robbery That Led to Death of Innocent BystanderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that JADHIAN CORDERO was sentenced today to eight years in prison by U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff for aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm in connection with an August 27, 2025, midday armed robbery in which a 69-year-old bystander was shot and killed.
“Jadhian Cordero chose to participate in the armed robbery of a drug dealer in the middle of the day on the street in East Harlem, which led to the death of Robin Wright, a 69-year-old, wholly innocent woman,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “New York City families deserve to live free of senseless and destructive violence on our streets. Today’s sentence demonstrates that the women and men of this Office are dedicated to holding all participants in violent gun crimes accountable.”
As alleged in public court filings, statements in public court proceedings, and the charging documents in the case:
On August 27, 2025, shortly before 12:30 p.m., CORDERO and two co-conspirators (“CC-1” and “CC-2”) robbed a drug dealer (“Individual-1”) near East 109th Street and Madison Avenue in Manhattan. During the robbery, CORDERO and his co-conspirators got into a physical altercation with Individual-1 before grabbing backpacks from Individual-1—which contained marijuana—and fleeing north on Madison Avenue.
CC-1 pulled a black firearm—equipped with a machine-gun conversion device—out of his right sweatshirt pocket and discharged 15 shots in quick succession in the general direction of Individual-1. A 69-year-old woman, Robin Wright, was standing with a walker on the northwest corner of East 110th Street and Madison Avenue—in the direction that CC-1 shot the firearm—when she was struck by gunfire. The victim was transported to the hospital, where she died.
Multiple members of the victim’s family submitted letters to the Court describing the victim as a loving parent and grandmother who was simply enjoying her afternoon when she fell victim to this senseless crime.
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In addition to the prison term, CORDERO, 19, of New York, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Police Department. He also thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and the New York State Board of Parole.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra S. Messiter, Kathryn Wheelock, and Brandon D. Harper are in charge of the prosecution.
MS-13 Member Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for RacketeeringRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of La Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for his role in a previously-unsolved murder.
Adam Rodriguez, a/k/a “Pelon,” 35, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 15 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In July 2024, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. Rodriguez was charged in November 2023.
Rodriguez, along with co-defendants William Pineda Portillo, a/k/a “Humilde” and Jose Vazquez, a/k/a “Cholo” a/k/a “Little Crazy,” conspired with others to murder a 28-year-old man on Dec. 18, 2010 in Chelsea, Mass. That evening, law enforcement responded to a 911 call in the vicinity of the Fifth Street on-ramp to Route 1 in Chelsea. There, law enforcement found the victim with approximately 10 stab wounds to his chest and back, along with injuries to his head. The victim was transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. A recent re-examination of evidence collected during the initial investigation identified members of MS-13, including Vasquez, as having committed the murder.
In the week leading up to the incident, Rodriguez, Vasquez and other MS-13 members conspired to murder the victim because they believed the victim belonged to a rival gang. Evidence revealed that on the day of the murder, Pineda Portillo picked up Rodriguez, Vasquez, other MS-13 members, and the victim in Allston and drove the group to Chelsea. Once there, Rodriguez, Vasquez and the other gang members led the victim to an area under the Fifth Street on-ramp to Route 1. Once in the secluded area under the highway, an MS-13 member hit the victim in the head with a rock, another MS-13 member stabbed the victim with a machete and Vasquez stabbed the victim with a knife. Vasquez’s palm print was identified on the handle of a silver kitchen knife recovered from the murder scene. The victim’s blood also was found on the knife.
An undercover recording of an MS-13 meeting that took place on Jan. 27, 2011 – approximately six weeks after the murder – captured Rodriguez acknowledging his participation in the murder and other gang members disciplining him for leaving Massachusetts after the murder without the gang’s permission. Vasquez was also identified as being present for the meeting.
In July 2025, Vasquez was sentenced to 25 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Vasquez was already serving a 212-month prison sentence for a May 2018 federal conviction for conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. Vasquez will serve a total of 37 years for his crimes. Also in July 2025, Pineda Portillo, an illegal alien from El Salvador, was sentenced to 16 years in prison and will be subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence.
MS-13 is a transnational criminal organization with tens of thousands of members located in the United States, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and elsewhere. MS-13 branches, or “cliques,” operate throughout the United States, including in Massachusetts. In furtherance of its mission, MS-13 members are required to commit acts of violence, specifically against rival gang members; kill informants; and support and defend fellow MS-13 members in attacks. MS-13 members maintain and enhance their status in the gang and the overall reputation of the gang by participating in such violent acts.
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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Geoffrey D. Noble, Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police; Chief Shumeane Benford of the Somerville Police Department; and Chief Keith Houghton of the Chelsea Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Boston Field Division; United States Customs and Border Protection; United States Citizenship and Immigration Services; and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Pohl, Meghan C. Cleary and Brian A. Fogerty of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Louisiana Man Detained on Turtle Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
A federal magistrate judge in Phoenix yesterday ordered Albert Bazaar held in custody following his arrest on charges relating to trafficking turtles. The court unsealed an indictment from San Francisco charging Bazaar, formerly of Angie, Louisiana, on conspiracy and Lacey Act violations. A status conference will be held on May 14 in Phoenix.
The indictment alleges that between January 2022 and December 2023, Bazaar poached and sold over 1,700 loggerhead musk turtles, 100 stripe-neck musk turtles, and 15 striped mud turtles from their native habitats in Florida. Florida law protects fresh and marine turtle species from unregulated harvest. The indictment charges Bazaar with aiding and abetting a co-conspirator who exported the turtles from San Francisco to Taiwan, falsely claiming they were captive-bred to obtain export permits. The turtles are estimated to be worth more than $550,000 in the Asian pet trade.
The indictment describes eight transactions where Bazaar sold illegally collected turtles to the San Francisco exporter. The exporter financed Bazaar’s poaching trips from Louisiana to Florida, including sending money so Bazaar could buy a boat and van. Bazaar is charged with creating a declaration of captive bred wildlife that falsely stated to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) that the turtles were lawfully bred in Alabama and Georgia.
The federal Lacey Act criminalizes selling or transporting wildlife in interstate commerce that was taken in violation of state law. It is also a Lacey Act violation to provide false information relating to wildlife involved in international or interstate commerce. Loggerhead musk turtles, stripe-neck musk turtles, and striped mud turtles are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The United States and 184 other governments are signatories to the CITES treaty, which restricts international wildlife sales without a permit to support sustainable trade.
If convicted, Bazaar faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and $250,000 fine on each of the conspiracy and Lacey Act charges. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California, and Assistant Director Doug Ault, USFWS Office of Law Enforcement, announced the arrest and charges.
Bazaar was investigated and charged as part of the USFWS Operation Southern Hot Herps, which was a joint federal and state law enforcement operation to detect and deter turtle poachers in the southeastern United States. Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources worked closely with USFWS in the investigation.
Senior Trial Attorney Ryan Connors of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Chambers for the Northern District of California are prosecuting the case.
An indictment merely contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lafayette Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Federal Prison for Crimes Against ChildrenRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE– On April 30, 2026, Moses Hernandez, a 34-year-old former Lafayette resident, was sentenced to 228 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to receipt of child pornography. In addition to his prison sentence, Hernandez will serve 25 years of supervised release following his release from federal prison.
Evidence presented in court showed that in July 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) received a tip that Hernandez had confessed to an acquaintance that he had molested a young girl and produced material of the molestation. Using the information, the FBI found Hernandez, who then resided in Lafayette, and opened an investigation. During investigation, the FBI obtained a warrant to search Hernandez’s cell phone. The search of his cell phone revealed images and videos that included child rape, bestiality, and other forms of graphic child pornography.
The FBI investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 25-cr-00257.
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United States Attorney’s Office
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Knoxville Man Sentenced to over Five Years for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On May 7, 2026, Timir X. Thomas, 20, currently of Knoxville, Tennessee, was sentenced to 70 months in prison by the Honorable Katherine A. Crytzer, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. After his imprisonment, he will be on supervised release for five years.
Thomas previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846, 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(D), and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of 18 U.S.C. 924(C).
According to court filed documents, in March 2025, law enforcement from multiple state and federal agencies began a joint investigation into Thomas and his co-conspirators for drug trafficking and the possession of firearms. The investigation revealed that Thomas and other members of the drug trafficking organization were utilizing social media platforms, such as Instagram, to sell marijuana and firearms. On Instagram, Thomas posted photographs and videos of himself and others possessing thousands of dollars of drug proceeds, firearms, and large quantities of marijuana. The investigation further revealed that, since October 2024, Thomas obtained large quantities marijuana from California and distributed those drugs in Knoxville.
On April 20, 2025, investigators conducted a traffic stop and arrested Thomas. Thomas was in possession of distribution quantities of marijuana, a Glock 19x, 9mm pistol, a Glock 23, 40 caliber pistols, and a Micro-Draco, AK-47 style, 7.62x39mm pistol. Following the arrest, KPD obtained search warrants for Thomas’s cell phones and found photographs, videos, and text messages showing that Thomas had distributed large quantities of marijuana and possessed numerous firearms while trafficking marijuana.
United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee and Special Agent in Charge, Jamey VanVliet, of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by the Knoxville Police Department Community Engagement Response Team (CERT), Knox County Sheriff’s Office, and ATF.
This investigation was led by ATF Special Agent James Makemson.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael T. Gilmore represented the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces.
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Katy man sent to prison for leading multimillion-dollar Ponzi schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 40-year-old suburban Houston resident has been ordered to federal prison for his role in a scheme to defraud dozens of victims of over $17 million, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Christopher Knight Lopez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud Feb. 19.
After today’s sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison ordered Lopez to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard statements from 13 victims, each of whom described the impact Lopez’s crime had on their lives. In handing down the sentence, Judge Ellison noted he had never seen a white-collar crime more offensive during his time on the bench.
From May 2015 to January 2025, Lopez and his brother, Jayson Lopez, ran an investment business and conspired with others to defraud their clients by providing false information about the companies in which the clients invested. They used forged bank letters and fabricated account statements to mislead investors about the companies’ financial strength.
The bothers operated under several LLCs, to include Knight Nguyen Investments, Knight Advisory and Planning, Aevum Holdings Inc., Exempt Management LLC and Ping An Financial Services Pte.
The Lopez brothers misappropriated client funds for personal use and used additional investor money to pay purported returns to other victims to falsely portray the investments were profitable.
Christopher and Jayson Lopez also admitted they falsely claimed access to $2 billion in U.S. Treasury bonds. They told their clients they could use these funds to finance their clients’ businesses if the clients paid large advance fees. The brothers collected the fees from their clients but never issued the loans.
The scheme resulted in an approximately $17 million in losses to more than 40 victims, including senior citizens and others seeking to invest retirement savings and college funds, as well as local and international businesses.
Jayson Lopez, 43, Orlando, Florida, previously pleaded guilty to the same charge and will be sentenced May 8.
Nadir Abdel Torres 46, Mandan, North Dakota, was also charged and previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, admitting he assisted the brothers by helping them obtain the forged letters and bank statements. He will be sentenced May 22.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin R. Martin prosecuted the case.
Kansas City Woman Pleads Guilty to Possessing Unregistered Destructive DevicesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., woman waived indictment and pleaded guilty in federal court today for knowingly possessing unregistered destructive devices.
Dara S. O’Connor, 30, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to one count of knowingly possessing two destructive devices that were not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
According to court documents, on Feb. 12, 2026, O’Connor attempted to destroy by fire a warehouse located on Botts Road in Kansas City, Mo. Prior media reporting had indicated that the federal government attempted to purchase the warehouse. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) wanted to utilize the real estate to house illegal aliens during the adjudication of their removal proceedings. That real estate transaction, however, did not occur. News agencies were at the scene of the warehouse reporting on the fact that the real estate transaction did not go through when they observed and video recorded O’Connor approach the building. O’Connor threw two incendiary devices, colloquially known as Molotov cocktails, at the building. The incendiary devices had cloth wicks that were not lit when O’Connor threw the incendiary devices. After multiple attempts at throwing the incendiary devices at the building, both bottles shattered, and the flammable liquid contained in the devices spread over the surface of the building. O’Connor then used fire to ignite the flammable liquid that was on the building, which started a fire. O’Connor then attempted to spread the fire by squeezing a bottle that contained an accelerant which caused the accelerant to spray out of the bottle and spread the fire.
After initiating the fire, O’Connor then sat on a nearby curb and was observed using her cellular phone. The fire started by O’Connor went out after a few minutes. O’Connor then left the area in her vehicle.
Below are screenshots of O’Connor attempting to set fire to the warehouse.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, O’Connor paid full restitution in the amount of $43,612 to the victim of her crime.
Under federal statutes, O’Connor is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Trey Alford and David Wagner and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Chlarson. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kansas City, Mo. Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
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.
Justice Department Requires Agri Stats to End Exchange of Competitively Sensitive Information Among Nation’s Largest Meat Processors that Suppressed Competition and Increased Prices for DecadesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division filed a proposed settlement today to resolve the United States’ claims against Agri Stats Inc. (Agri Stats) for unlawful information sharing of price, output, and costs among competing meat processors. Filed in the District of Minnesota, the proposed settlement will help lower food prices, undo decades of distorted competition in the broiler chicken market, and ensure that the pork and turkey markets remain free from these anticompetitive practices that harmed American consumers across the country.
“A stable and affordable food supply is critical to our country’s well-being,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This Department of Justice is laser-focused on making everyday life affordable for all Americans.”
“A fair market depends on real competition, not privileged access to competitors’ playbooks,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “When dominant firms share sensitive data in ways that exclude buyers and the public, they gain an artificial advantage that weakens market discipline and drives up prices for everyday Americans. This settlement proves the Department’s commitment to promoting transparency in the marketplace, enforcing the law, and delivering real relief for American consumers at the grocery store.”
“The American people should not have to tolerate business models that only increase their cost of living. The Antitrust Division’s mission is to use the antitrust laws to protect American consumers from inflated prices,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “This settlement delivers immediate relief in the meat section of grocery stores across our nation. I am grateful for my talented staff’s dedicated efforts in securing instant justice and to the Attorneys General from California, Minnesota, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah for partnering with us on this matter.”
Agri Stats is a data-sharing and consulting company that currently operates in the broiler chicken market and has historically operated in the pork and turkey markets. Agri Stats collects information on prices, output, and costs directly from meat processors’ accounting systems, standardizes that data, and redistributes it back to the processors in granular detail through digital and written reports and in-person meetings. Agri Stats and meat processors have historically refused to make this information available to meat buyers like restaurants, grocery stores, and food distributors. “When companies decide certain information is too sensitive to share with the broader market, but not too sensitive to share with their closest competitors, that is a significant red flag that competition is being harmed,” said Mr. Assefi.
As alleged in the complaint, this one-sided information exchange reduced competition and enabled systematic price increases and coordinated decisions about how much meat to produce.
The proposed settlement brings an end to important anticompetitive features of Agri Stats’ information exchange. If approved by the court, the proposed settlement will require Agri Stats to:
- Stop providing any sales reports or non-public pricing information, which chicken, pork, and turkey processors have systematically used to identify opportunities to increase prices;
- Stop reporting production, cost, and labor data at either the company or facility level, which enabled competing processors to adjust output, pricing, or both based on near-total visibility into their rivals’ operations;
- Make the vast majority of information that Agri Stats distributes available to all interested domestic purchasers on reasonable and non-discriminatory terms, eliminating the asymmetry of its prior information sharing and increasing market transparency;
- Adhere to restrictions on the timeliness of the information that Agri Stats shares;
- Report to a court-approved monitor selected by the Department of Justice who will be responsible for reporting on and ensuring compliance with the proposed settlement; and
- Establish an antitrust compliance program to ensure data security, whistleblower protections, and mandatory reporting of any future potential violations of the antitrust laws.
Agri Stats’ subsidiary Express Markets Inc. (EMI) will be permitted to continue to provide its price reports in substantially the same manner as it has in the past. Because EMI’s price reports are less detailed and provided to all interested parties, not only meat processors, they were not the focus of the case.
As required by the Tunney Act, the proposed settlement, along with a competitive impact statement, will be published in the Federal Register. Any interested person should submit written comments concerning the proposed settlement within 60 days following the publication to Kate Riggs, Acting Chief, Anti-Monopoly and Collusion Enforcement Section, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 450 Fifth Street NW, Suite 8000, Washington, DC 20530. At the conclusion of the public comment period, the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota may enter the final judgment upon finding it is in the public interest.
Anyone with information about anticompetitive conduct in agricultural industries or any other violations of the antitrust laws is encouraged to contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or [email protected]. Information about anticompetitive practices in livestock and poultry markets can also be submitted to the USDA’s and Justice Department’s Agricultural Markets Enforcement Partnership at www.farmerfairness.gov.
Agri Stats is headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Note: Read the Proposed Final Judgement here, and the Stipulation and Order here.
Jury finds Westerville man guilty of impersonating federal agent, making unlawful arrestRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal jury has convicted a Westerville man of impersonating a federal law enforcement agent and making an arrest as an impersonator.
Brendan Conklin, 45, pretended to be a federal officer and unlawfully detained, searched and arrested a victim.
The verdict was announced yesterday following a trial that began on May 4 before U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley.
According to court documents and trial testimony, in December 2023, Conklin, driving a former police SUV with police lights, unlawfully pulled over the victim. Conklin pointed a firearm at the victim, who had just departed her Westerville home with her minor child in the car.
Conklin told the victim that he was a federal officer and wore a vest with various badges and insignias suggesting he was law enforcement. Conklin also had an illegal license plate registered to the Columbus police headquarters.
Conklin searched and detained the victim. After handcuffing the victim and placing her in his vehicle, Conklin mistakenly locked himself out with the victim in the car and had to have Blendon Township officers let her out.
Conklin then called the Columbus division of police’s non-emergency line and inquired about a warrant with them. After that conversation, Conklin told the victim it was her “lucky day” and he would have to release her. He then released the victim.
Conklin had previously registered the Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Program (O.F.A.P.) as a nonprofit organization that provided the Columbus police headquarters as its address.
Conklin’s internet searches in winter and spring of 2023 included “howbto determine if a us marshal is legit,” “us marshals fugitive task force badge” and “fake federal license plate.”
He was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2026.
Impersonating a federal officer and conducting a search or arrest while impersonating are each federal crimes punishable by up to three years in prison. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court at a future hearing based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Westerville Police Chief Holly Murchland and Blendon Township Police Chief John Belford announced the verdict. Assistant United States Attorneys Damoun Delaviz and Kevin W. Kelley are representing the United States in this case.
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Jennings Felon Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Shooting at Ex-GirlfriendRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Joshua M. Divine on Wednesday sentenced a convicted felon who shot at his ex-girlfriend and triggered a police standoff to 13 years in prison.
Judge Divine also ordered Jairell Allmon to pay a $2,000 fine.
On Feb. 18, 2025, Allmon fired a shot at his ex-girlfriend after spending the night in her car, which was parked outside her house in Jennings. The victim told police that Allmon made threats against her and her children throughout the night, and in the morning threatened to shoot her if she tried to get in her car. He fired a shot at her but missed. When St. Louis County Police Department officers arrived, Allmon refused to reply or comply when officers ordered him out of the vehicle, triggering a three-hour standoff. After it ended, police found a 9mm handgun in the trunk of the car, which was accessible from the inside of the vehicle. Allmon is a convicted felon and is thus barred from possessing a firearm.
This is Allmon’s fourth conviction involving a firearm and third involving the possessing and brandishing of a gun, Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Christian Goeke wrote in a sentencing memo, adding that the crime was one of a long string of domestic crimes.
Allmon, 40, of Jennings, Missouri, pleaded guilty in January to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The St. Louis County Police Department, including the Tactical Unit, the Crisis Intervention Team, Crisis Negotiation Team and Special Response Team, handled the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Christian Goeke prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Jenks Man Sentenced After Breaking Girlfriend’s Leg in Three PlacesRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Jenks man was sentenced after being found guilty by a federal jury for breaking his girlfriend’s shin and ankle during an argument, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Jamon Charles Phetsacksith, 27, to 33 months imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release.
In January, a federal jury convicted Phetsacksith of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. In November 2024, Phetsacksith was drinking and hanging out with his girlfriend. Phetsacksith had a key to his work and drove his girlfriend to pick up his paycheck after hours. After arriving, the two began arguing.
The victim testified at trial and explained to the jury that she attempted to de-escalate the situation by leaving. Video surveillance shows Phetsacksith chasing after the victim and keeping her from leaving. He is then seen pushing the victim.
The jury heard the defendant's 911 call, where he claimed that she had fallen down a flight of stairs and was in need of medical attention. When the victim was separated from Phetsacksith, she told EMSA personnel that he assaulted her. Tulsa Police officers responded to the scene and spoke with EMSA, the victim, and Phetsacksith. The body camera played for the jury showed Phetsacksith explaining that they were drunk, had a fight, and “it got out of hand.” He later told officers that he threw her around.
When the trauma surgeon testified, he explained that the victim broke her leg in three places. Her left ankle was fractured, and her tibia and fibula bones were broken in half, requiring surgical rods and screws to be implanted.
Phetsacksith is a member of the Osage Nation, and he will continue to remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau
of Prisons.The FBI and Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mallory Richard and Stacey Todd prosecuted the case.
If you think that you or a loved one may be in an abusive relationship, Domestic Violence Intervention Services offers services for all survivors. You can call the 24-hour information and crisis line at (918) 743-5763 or (918) 7-HELP-ME for more information. You can also get more information by texting our 8 PM to 1 AM Text Line: Text SAFE to 207-777
Jacksonville Drug Trafficker Sentenced to over Eleven Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – James Herbert Asberry, III (39, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine. As part of his sentence, the court ordered the forfeiture of $18,938, the proceeds of Asberry’s drug trafficking, which were seized at the time of his arrest. Asberry pleaded guilty on July 17, 2024. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, during a series of meetings in late 2023 and early 2024, Asberry sold fentanyl and methamphetamine to a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) undercover task force officer and confidential source. On February 23, 2024, the DEA arrested Asberry and law enforcement executed search warrants both at his home in St. Johns County and at a Jacksonville apartment where Asberry stored drugs. Investigators located $18,938 in cash, as well as cocaine, fentanyl, and nearly two kilograms of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole M. Andrejko.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Italian National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Luigi Esposito, age 60, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of illegal reentry into the United States.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Esposito was encountered in the United States in Franklin County on or about April 21, 2026, after having previously been removed in 2019, and that he did not receive permission to reenter the United States, as required by law.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Scalera 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.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Illegal reentry into U.S. lands three-time DUI offender in federal prisonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 32-year-old illegal alien from Mexico with a felony criminal history has been sentenced for illegally reentering the country without authorization, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Jose Alejandro Luna-Rangel pleaded guilty Feb. 25.
U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal ordered Luna-Rangel to serve 40 months in federal prison, and he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court cited the need to deter further criminal conduct and considered Luna-Rangel’s pattern of dangerous behavior and repeated disregard of the law.
Authorities previously removed Luna-Rangel from the United States in July 2016 following his conviction for driving under the influence with a child in the vehicle.
He later illegally returned to the United States. Law Enforcement discovered Luna-Rangel again Nov. 5, 2022, in Harris County following convictions for assault-family violence and felony driving while intoxicated (third offense).
Luna-Rangel has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration Customs Enforcement – Enforcement Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Law prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.