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Wednesday 6 May 2026
Two Huntington Men Sentenced to Prison for Roles in Huntington-Area Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Two Huntington men were sentenced to prison on Monday, May 4, 2026, for their roles in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing quantities of fentanyl, cocaine base, and methamphetamine in the Huntington area.
Earl Michael Myers, also known as “Mike,” 46, of Huntington, was sentenced to 10 years and 11 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of cocaine base, also known as “crack,” and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Maurice Kelly Johnson, also known as “Reese,” 58, of Huntington, was sentenced to one year and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 25, 2025, Myers sold a quantity of crack in exchange for $170, a Taurus model Public Defender Judge .410-gauge/.45-caliber LC revolver in exchange for $400, and a Smith & Wesson model SD9VE 9mm pistol in exchange for $600 to a confidential informant. As part of his guilty plea, Myers admitted to conducting the transaction at his Huntington residence and to arranging it on June 22, 2025, when he showed the confidential informant the two firearms and discussed the different amounts of crack he could sell and at what prices. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Mid-Atlantic Laboratory confirmed the 3.5 grams of controlled substance Myers sold to the confidential informant contained 1.5 grams of crack.
On May 22, 2025, Johnson provided a Smith & Wesson model M&P Shield M2.0 9mm pistol that was sold to a confidential informant in Huntington. As part of his guilty plea, Johnson admitted to possessing the firearm and to providing it to Myers, who conducted the transaction.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Johnson knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base on November 23, 1999, and conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base on September 4, 1992, both in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Myers and Johnson are among four defendants indicted by a federal grand jury on charges alleging they conspired to distribute fentanyl, crack, and methamphetamine in the Huntington area from at least in and around March 2025 to in and around August 2025. All four pleaded guilty. Three other individuals pleaded guilty after they were indicted separately as a result of the same investigation.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Huntington Police Department, and the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentences. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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. 3:25-cr-161.
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Two Brothers and a Public Official Sentenced to a Collective 55 Years in Prison for Fraud and Bribery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Two brothers, and a public official they befriended, have been sentenced to prison for their roles to carry out schemes to obtain millions of dollars from victims. A federal jury previously convicted the three men for their roles in a multi-layered, elaborate bribery and fraud conspiracy that spanned multiple states and countries.
In January, after a more than two-week-long trial that included 35 witnesses and 324 exhibits admitted as evidence, Zubair Al Zubair, aka Zubair Mehmet Abdur Razzaq, 43, recently of Bratenahl, Ohio; his brother Muzzamil Al Zubair, aka Muzzamil Ibn Muhammad, 33, recently of Pepper Pike, Ohio; and their associate Michael Leon Smedley, 57, of Cleveland, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, and Hobbs Act conspiracy. The Al Zubair brothers were both found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, multiple counts of wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, several counts of money laundering, theft of government funds, and aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. Zubair Al Zubair was also found guilty of willful failure to file tax returns. Judge Donald C. Nugent imposed the following sentences May 5:
- Zubair Al Zubair, 288 months (24 years) in prison; three years supervised release after imprisonment.
- Muzzammil Al Zubair, 276 months (23 years) in prison; three years supervised release after imprisonment.
- Michael Smedley, 97 months (8.08 years) in prison; three years supervised release after imprisonment.
Zubair and Muzzammil Al Zubair were also ordered to pay $19,202,017.98 in joint and several restitutions to victims. Furthermore, Zubair was ordered to pay $1,751,643.20 in unpaid taxes and interest in restitution to the IRS as a condition of supervised release. Muzzammil was ordered to pay $308,498.08 in unpaid taxes and interest in restitution to the IRS as a condition of supervised release. In addition, the brothers were ordered to forfeit 70 firearms and a motorcycle purchased with fraud proceeds.
“The Al Zubair brothers shamelessly used the illusion of being successful high rollers to defraud victims, sway a local city official into doing corrupt actions, and engage in massive fraud,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “We appreciate the work of the FBI and IRS investigators who painstakingly uncovered the layers of lies and deception, including attempts to defraud the Small Business Administration and not pay taxes. These lengthy sentences serve as a warning to others that we will not tolerate actions resulting from greed.”
“Today’s sentences send a clear and unmistakable message: elaborate fraud schemes and abuses of public trust will be met with serious consequences. These defendants orchestrated a calculated deception-impersonating foreign royalty to exploit victims for millions-while a public official betrayed the very community he was sworn to serve. Together, their actions undermined confidence in both financial systems and local government,” said Detroit Field Office Special Agent in Charge, Karen Wingerd. “IRS Criminal Investigation remains committed to following the money, unraveling complex financial schemes, and holding accountable those who believe they can profit through fraud and corruption. We will continue working alongside our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of our financial system and ensure that justice is served”
“This case underscores the depths of deviance criminals will take to cheat people, programs, and the public to fuel their greed and create lifestyle built upon deception,” said FBI Cleveland Acting Special Agent in Charge Tori Gaskill. “While the Al Zubair brothers fraud and scam scheme was complex, the multi-agency partnership led to a thorough investigation resulting in a right and just sentencing and an undeniable message to criminals: whether one person or as part of a criminal network, the FBI and its federal, state, and local partners will not relent in its pursuit to protect the American public from deceptive people and their practices that cause incalculable harm.”
Evidence at trial showed that the brothers used their lies and schemes to obtain millions of dollars from victims which were then spent on a lavish lifestyle of luxury automobiles, designer clothes, expensive dinners, first-class travel all over the world, and an arsenal of firearms. In addition to their fraud and deceit, they engaged in a corrupt bribery scheme to advance their interests with Smedley who served as chief of staff for the City of East Cleveland. Smedley received and solicited thousands of dollars in current and future benefits in exchange for performing, and attempting to perform, official actions.
Among the types of schemes used to access funds from victims were investment fraud, a cryptocurrency mining venture, commercial and residential real estate transactions, and fraudulently obtaining emergency loans from the Small Business Administration during the pandemic.
This case was investigated by the IRS−Criminal Investigation and the FBI Cleveland Division.
The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Joseph H. Walsh for the Northern District of Ohio.
About the National Fraud Enforcement Division
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.
Three Charged with Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Three individuals, two from Lawrence and one from Methuen, were charged in connection with alleged fentanyl distribution.
Ales Mena, a/k/a “Shubill,” 29 and Andy Mena 25, both of Lawrence, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Yeriel Torres Rodriguez, 27, of Methuen, was charged in a separate criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. All three defendants made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston and detention hearings have been scheduled for May 8, 2026.
According to the charging documents, Ales Mena, known as “Shubill” was identified as a high-level narcotics trafficker tied to the Trinitarios and Gangster Disciples street gangs, among others. On Oct. 27, 2025, Ales Mena allegedly traveled from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, to Boston, Mass., on a commercial aircraft with his girlfriend. Upon arrival at Boston Logan Airport, Ales Mena and his girlfriend were sent to a secondary inspection where agents seized cell phones belonging to Ales Mena. Upon later forensic examination of the phones, it is alleged that the phones contained conversations about narcotics trafficking. In addition, multiple photographs of what appeared to be fentanyl sent through text messaging applications were allegedly identified.
On Oct. 31, 2025, a kilogram of fentanyl sent via UPS was seized allegedly following text communication between Ales Mena and a contact in Mexico.
On three occasions from February to April of 2026, Ales Mena allegedly coordinated the sale of fentanyl through his cousin, co-defendant Andy Mena. It is alleged that Andy Mena completed two fentanyl sales, 25 grams and 100 grams, to a confidential witness. On April 23, 2026, the defendants together, allegedly travelled from Torres-Rodriguez’s residence to a car wash in Methuen for a third sale, where they allegedly sold a kilogram of suspected fentanyl to a confidential witness.
Following a search of Torres-Rodriguez’s residence on May 5, 2026, a concealed “hide” was discovered in an end table in the living room. It is alleged that within the compartment, partial kilo quantities of narcotics, including a vacuum sealed package of a powder that field-tested positive for cocaine, and a vacuum sealed half-brick of a grey substance marked with an “LV” stamp that field tested positive for fentanyl, were located. Also seized during the search were scales, kilo press parts and stamps to press into kilogram brings, including an “LV” and a “7” stamp.
The charge possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $2,000,000. 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; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; 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 Customs and Border Protection, the Massachusetts State Police, Woburn Police Department, Methuen Police Department, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, Lawrence Police Department, Boston Police Department, Framingham Police Department, Andover Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaitlin Brown and Phillip Mallard of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.
This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Boston Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal 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.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Thirty-Two Years in Federal Prison Imposed for Child Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – Brandon Stevens, 35, was sentenced to thirty-two years in federal prison for travelling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and production of child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Cases like this are a parent’s worst nightmare, and they are a reminder of the ever-present threats kids face online from sexual predators like this defendant preying upon their innocence and seeking to sexually exploit them. I am incredibly proud of the outstanding investigative work performed by our state and federal law enforcement partners to catch this predator, and even prouder of the aggressive prosecution by my office to deliver justice for the child victim and send this sick individual to prison for decades to come.”
Court documents reflect that the defendant lied about his true name and age while communicating online with a 15-year-old victim. After several months of conversation, the defendant travelled from Pennsylvania to Florida for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with the minor. Between February 2024 and April 2025, the defendant––despite being more than twice as old as the child victim––induced her to engage in sexual intercourse on multiple occasions. The defendant recorded some of the sexual encounters on his cell phone.
Following his release from prison, Stevens will be on supervised release for life and is required to register as a sex offender.
“This predator manipulated, deceived, and exploited a vulnerable child for his own gratification. His calculated actions, lying about his identity, traveling across state lines, and recording his abuse demonstrate a chilling disregard for human decency and the law,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingengo. “Thirty-two years in federal prison reflects the severity of his crimes and serves as a warning to anyone who targets children for sexual exploitation. HSI, alongside our law enforcement partners, will relentlessly pursue, prosecute, and remove these predators from society.”
The case involved a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and Dixie County Sherriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.
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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Thirty Individuals Charged in Global Insider Trading Scheme Netting Tens of Millions in Illicit ProfitsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Charges were unsealed today against 30 defendants in connection with a large-scale, decade-long insider trading scheme that netted tens of millions of dollars in illicit profits. The defendants, who include corporate attorneys and other financial professionals, are alleged to have stolen and used confidential information on nearly 30 merger and acquisition deals from several of the nation’s premier law firms, including a firm headquartered in Massachusetts.
Nineteen defendants were arrested today and will make appearances in federal court in Los Angeles, Calif., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and New York, among other locations. Two defendants located in Russia and Israel are considered fugitives.
The first indictment charges the following 16 defendants with two counts of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, two counts of securities fraud and one count of money laundering conspiracy:
- Pedram Fejal, 39, of Brooklyn, New York;
- Brian Fensterszaub, 45, of Hollywood, Fla.;
- Mark Fensterszaub, 47, of Hollywood, Fla.;
- Simon Fensterszaub, 50, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.;
- Ilya Gavrilov, 56, of Russia;
- Baruch Igal Hatanian, 39, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.;
- Yisroel Horowitz, 50, of Hollywood, Fla.;
- God Izraelov, 46, of Israel;
- David Moradi, 35, of Brooklyn, New York;
- Nicolo Nourafchan, 43, of Los Angeles, Calif.;
- David Ostrov, 49, of Clifton, New Jersey;
- Yechiel Salzberg, 51, of Far Rockaway, New York;
- Abe Shilian, 35, of Brooklyn, New York;
- Gavryel Silverstein, 43, of Hollywood, Fla.;
- Joseph Suskind, 39, of Sunny Isles, Fla.; and
- Robert Yadgarov, 45, of Long Beach, New York.
That indictment also charges Nicolo Nourafchan with two counts of obstruction of justice, and Mark Fensterszaub, Moradi and Suskind with making false statements to law enforcement.
A second indictment charges five defendants with two counts of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, two counts of securities fraud and one count of money laundering conspiracy:
- Lorenzo Nourafchan, 38, of Los Angeles, Calif.;
- Nowel Milik, 52, of Brea, Calif.;
- Nicholas Rudela, 30, of Covina, Calif.;
- David Makary, 35, of Covina, Calif.; and
- Stjepan Vinski, 30, of Glendora, Calif.
Milik and Vinski are also charged with obstruction of justice. Makary is also charged with making false declarations before a grand jury, and Milik, Rudela and Vinski are charged with making false statements to law enforcement.
Charges against nine other defendants for securities fraud conspiracy were also unsealed today. The government’s investigation is ongoing.
“Our country’s financial markets and professional firms should be free from the rampant fraud and breaches of duty that these charges allege,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “The trading on unannounced financial news alleged here not only violated the securities laws, but it also took advantage of the special access and ethical duties that come with a law license. If the American people believe that trading is only for the connected, they will keep their investment and retirement savings out of the markets, which will hurt our economy. Today’s charges, the result of a years-long investigation with our law enforcement partners, are part of my office’s ongoing efforts to ensure a level playing field for all investors.”
“With today's arrests, the FBI has dismantled a large-scale, decade-long, international organized criminal network of corporate attorneys and financial professionals who are accused of stealing and trading on material, non-public information from several of our nation’s leading law firms, including one right here in Massachusetts. Everyone charged today is accused of scoring significant profits from expected market moves and making out like bandits. That’s not merely gaming the system – it’s a federal crime,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Anyone who engages in insider trading fundamentally undermines the trust necessary for our financial markets to function, and the FBI is committed to ensuring that those markets are a level playing field, not just profiting those with friends in the know.”
As alleged in the charging documents, Nicolo Nourafchan, who was a licensed corporate attorney at several large law firms, and others, accessed their law firms’ internal computer networks to view confidential documents relating to pending acquisitions, including confidential transactions on which Nourafchan did not work, and then provided the material non-public information (MNPI) to others in exchange for kickbacks. Nicolo Nourafchan and his partner, Robert Yadgarov, another New York attorney, allegedly recruited other attorneys and insiders to serve as sources of inside information. In exchange for the MNPI, Nourafchan and Yadgarov allegedly paid their sources kickbacks consisting of up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash.
Nourafchan and Yadgarov also allegedly provided the MNPI to a network of traders and middlemen whom they also enlisted to join the scheme. The middlemen, including Gavryel Silverstein and Lorenzo Nourafchan, allegedly provided the MNPI to other traders and tippees as a way of attempting to obscure the connections between sources and traders. Meanwhile, the traders allegedly executed trades while in possession of MNPI, either on Nourafchan and Yadgarov’s behalf or on their own behalf, in exchange for their agreement to kickback illicit trading proceeds to Nourafchan, Yadgarov, and others. Many traders allegedly passed the MNPI onto other traders, again in exchange for their agreement to kick back illicit trading proceeds up the chain to the sources of the MNPI, including Nourafchan and Yadgarov.
In total, it is alleged that overseas traders (including Gavrilov and Izraelov) and traders located in California, Florida, New Jersey and New York, among other locations, traded while in possession of MNPI ahead of nearly 30 M&A deals involving public companies, including some of the largest M&A deals of the last decade, on national and foreign securities exchanges.
As alleged, the defendants and other co-conspirators sought to keep law enforcement from learning about the scheme by, among other means, using burner phones, encrypted applications, coded language, including about “flights,” and in-person meetups where conspirators turned off their electronic devices or put them elsewhere before communicating with each other.
For example, on or about June 7, 2022, Nicolo Nourafchan, while on a “leave of absence” from a law firm where he worked, allegedly viewed confidential materials on the law firm’s document management system regarding a potential acquisition of iRobot, which was a deal that he did not work on. Shortly thereafter, on or about June 16, 2022, Simon Fensterszaub allegedly purchased iRobot securities while in possession of MNPI. On or about June 16, 2022, and continuing through on or about July 8, 2022, Silverstein and Simon Fensterszaub allegedly exchanged the following coded messages before lapsing into an express discussion of the deal:
S. FENSTERSZAUB: We cannot miss this boat!!
S. FENSTERSZAUB: How’s the rabbi??
SILVERSTEIN: He’s stable
S. FENSTERSZAUB: Is he still scheduled for surgery?
SILVERSTEIN: We are still waiting for the Dr to check if it’s still needed
S. FENSTERSZAUB: Now I’m confused and worried at the same time
SILVERSTEIN: U shouldn’t be worried
S. FENSTERSZAUB: Well have you gotten through to anyone at the hospital | Any chance you can find out today how the Rabbi is feeling | ?
SILVESTEIN: Unfortunately nothing
S. FENSTERSZAUB: Dude that’s scary
SILVERSTEIN: Yeah
S. FENSTERSZAUB: Should I tell ppl to pull out?
SILVERSTEIN: Stagnant. No movement on the situation
S. FENSTERSZAUB: Find out if we should bail
. . .
S. FENSTERSZAUB: So what should I advise ppl
SILVERSTEIN: Are they even
S. FENSTERSZAUB: I could find out but based on the current price I would assume so
SILVERSTEIN: So pull. But we might go back at it shortly.
S. FENSTERSZAUB: I have to remember to tell people tomorrow | Had the deal died? Or can we still be hopeful? Any way to find out
SILVERSTEIN: Still be hopeful. I will speak with him today
S. FENSTERSZAUB: I can’t tell you how badly I need this
Defendants and other co-conspirators also allegedly traded in brokerage accounts in the names of shell companies and other corporate entities, enlisted others to trade on behalf of co-conspirators, traded in others’ brokerage accounts, and traded in foreign brokerage accounts, all to try to evade the detection of U.S. securities regulators and law enforcement. Conspirators allegedly transferred proceeds and kickback payments in cash and through intermediaries and shell companies, in locations like Panama and Switzerland. At times, such payments were allegedly disguised as purported “loans” or business transactions.
The charge of conspiracy to commit Title 18 securities fraud provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of conspiracy to commit Title 15 securities fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of Title 18 securities fraud provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of Title 15 securities fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $5 million. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount of money involved in the laundering transactions, whichever is greater. The charge of making false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of obstruction of justice provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, as well as three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of making a false declaration before a grand jury provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, as well as three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.
Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Foley and FBI SAC Docks made the announcement today. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission provided valuable assistance in this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Kaitlin R. O’Donnell and Ian J. Stearns of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Texas Man Charged in Shooting at Secret Service Agent Near the Washington Monument on the National MallRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Michael Marx, 45, of Midland, Texas, was charged today in a complaint filed in U.S. District Court in connection with a May 4 shooting near the Washington Monument on the National Mall in which a civilian bystander was struck by gunfire, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“We will prove this defendant carried an illegal firearm into the heart of Washington, D.C., opened fire at Secret Service officers near a crowded intersection, and shot an innocent bystander who was simply crossing the street with his family,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “My office will pursue the most serious charges available against anyone who brings gun violence to our streets, particularly when that violence unfolds steps from the seat of our government and the path of the Vice President of the United States.”
Marx faces three federal charges: assaulting federal officers with a dangerous weapon, using and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court papers, on May 4, 2026, about 3:40 p.m., a plainclothes U.S. Secret Service agent observed a man, later identified as Marx, appearing to conceal a firearm on the right side of his body near 15th Street and Madison Drive NW. The agent alerted the Secret Service Joint Operations Center and requested uniformed backup.
At the same time, the motorcade for Vice President J.D. Vance was departing the White House, passing through the area of 15th Street and Independence Avenue SW.
Uniformed Secret Service officers responded and located Marx along the path of the Vice President's motorcade. As officers approached, Marx walked toward a group of civilians crossing the street.
Officers issued verbal commands. Marx fled east on Independence Avenue SW. As officers pursued him, Marx drew a firearm from his waistband while running through the crosswalk toward bystanders.
When Marx reached the sidewalk, he turned and fired at one of the pursuing officers. A civilian witness standing behind the officer was wounded in his leg. Officers returned fire, striking Marx in the hand, left arm, and upper abdomen.
Marx collapsed at the intersection of 15th Street and Independence Avenue SW, where officers rendered aid. He was identified through a Texas driver's license found on his person. Law enforcement also identified aliases including Patrick Michael and Michael Zavici. Marx was transported to George Washington University Hospital. While in the ambulance, he allegedly made statements to officers including “F--- the White House” and “Kill me, kill me, kill me.”
Investigators recovered a Sig Sauer P365 handgun loaded with 9mm ammunition from the area where Marx fell. Law enforcement confirmed Marx does not hold a license to carry a handgun in the District of Columbia.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Caelainn Carney the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
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Takedown Targets Open-Air Drug Market at L.A.’s MacArthur Park, Long an Area Run by Gang Members and Homeless Drug UsersRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Eighteen defendants, including two people law enforcement believes are the main sources of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Los Angeles’s gang- and drug-infested MacArthur Park, have been arrested on a federal criminal complaint charging them with a federal drug trafficking offense, the Justice Department announced today.
The complaint charges 25 defendants with possession with the intent to distribute, and distribution of, a controlled substance.
At one defendant’s Calabasas residence, law enforcement seized approximately 18 kilograms (40 pounds) of fentanyl.
The defendants arrested today are expected to make their initial appearances tomorrow afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Seven defendants are considered fugitives.
“Today, we begin reclaiming MacArthur Park from criminals and drug addicts to return this public space to the citizens of Los Angeles,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “Together with our federal and local law enforcement partners, we are executing multiple arrest and search warrants targeting those who are distributing drugs in and around the park.”
“For far too long, MacArthur Park has been plagued by drug addiction, crime, and despair,” said Anthony Chrysanthis, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Los Angeles Field Division. “Today’s operation is only one step, taken by a handful of agencies working hard to alleviate the anguish and sense of hopelessness burdening MacArthur Park, local businesses, and the surrounding neighborhood. While this is a drug enforcement operation, it is also an effort to restore safety and wellness, and to return MacArthur Park back to the community.”
“Today’s operation shows the strength of our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell. “We witnessed drug activity return to MacArthur Park, and our teams acted quickly to disrupt both the dealers and the suppliers behind them. Fentanyl remains one of the most dangerous threats to our community, and we are committed to keeping it off our streets. We will remain relentless, alongside our federal partners, in protecting the people of Los Angeles from dangerous drug activity.”
MacArthur Park, located west of downtown Los Angeles, is an area of the city characterized by high rates of poverty and homelessness. Many of the homeless in that area are drug users, and the park itself is a known location for drug users to purchase narcotics, including fentanyl and methamphetamine. It is surrounded by a densely populated, tightly packed area of apartments, offices, shops and other businesses.
The park and the immediate surrounding area are part of heavily contested gang territory. MacArthur Park’s northern area is considered territory of the 18th Street Gang, while the area of the park south of Wilshire Boulevard is considered territory of the Crazy Riders Gang, and territory considered belonging to Mara Salvatrucha, a.k.a. “MS-13,” is immediately west of the park.
The complaint’s affidavit alleges that Mallaly Moreno-Lopez, 31, and her boyfriend, Jackson Tarfur, 28, both of the Westmont area of South Los Angeles, “serve as the, if not one of the main sources of supply of fentanyl powder and methamphetamine distributed in the Alvarado Corridor and MacArthur Park, generally on behalf of the 18th Street Gang.”
Moreno-Lopez and Tarfur hand-delivered narcotics to the Alvarado Corridor near MacArthur Park for stashing in storefronts and subsequent distribution to street-level drug dealers. Moreno-Lopez and Tarfur use their Westmont residence as a stash location for illegal drugs prior to delivering them to MacArthur Park.
Law enforcement also identified Yolanda Iriarte-Avila, 40, of Calabasas, as a source of supply of methamphetamine for Moreno-Lopez, via Iriarte-Avila’s boyfriend, Jesus Morales-Landel, 33, of the Exposition Park area of South Los Angeles, who is a street-level drug dealer in the MacArthur Park area. Iriarte-Avila uses her residence as a stash location for subsequent drug distribution.
The complaint affidavit further alleges 27 separate drug deals of fentanyl and methamphetamine from March 9 to April 15 in and around the MacArthur Park area.
A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If convicted, Moreno-Lopez, Tarfur, Iriarte-Avila, and Morales-Landel would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The remaining defendants each would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
This matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division’s Southern California Drug Task Force (SCDTF), a DEA-led multi-agency task force within the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program, and the Los Angeles Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren E. Border and Joshua J. Lee of the Transnational Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this case.
St. Tammany Parish Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
SLIDELL, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that DEVIN JUNEAU, (“JUNEAU”), age 40, was charged on April 24, 2026 in a two-count Indictment by a federal grand jury.
In Count One, JUNEAU is charged with sexual exploitation of a child, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) and (e). If convicted, JUNEAU faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years up to 30 years imprisonment, a fine of up to 250,000, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Count Two charges JUNEAU with coercion and enticement of a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b). If convicted, JUNEAU faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years up to life imprisonment, a fine of 250,000, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
If convicted of either count, JUNEAU will be required to participate in the Sex Offender Registry and Notification Act (“SORNA.”)
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the Indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Customs and Border Protection, and the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crimes Unit.
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Springfield, Illinois, Woman Sentenced for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – On May 6, 2026, a Springfield, Ill., woman was sentenced in federal court today for one count of wire fraud and one count of making false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims.
Tina Louise Yager, 67, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Megan Blair Benton, for one count of wire fraud and one count of making false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims. Yager was sentenced to 38 months incarceration with the Bureau of Prisons, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $14,447 to the Internal Revenue Service, and $2,403 to the Missouri Department of Revenue for a total amount of $16,850 in restitution.
In this case, Yager used her tax preparer position with a Jackson-Hewitt Tax Service in Republic, Mo., to abuse the personal financial information of others to prepare and transmit fraudulent income tax returns. As a result of Yager’s fraudulent documents, she embezzled $16,850 collectives from the IRS and Missouri Department of Revenue collectively. Yager would file tax returns for customers of Jackson-Hewitt without their knowledge or approval. Yager would then have any refunds directed to her instead of the proper taxpayer.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Somali Illegal Alien Sentenced to 30 Years for Kidnapping Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Somali National was sentenced in federal court today for a kidnapping resulting in death.
Mahamud Tooxoow Mahamed, 44, was sentenced by United States District Judge Megan B. Benton to 30 years for the kidnapping resulting in the death of J.M.
According to court documents, J.M.’s body was discovered on July 29, 2019, near Missouri Highway 59, after an individual observed a pink suitcase in a roadside ditch with feet sticking out. Law enforcement located J.M.’s severely decomposed body lying next to the pink suitcase. DNA analysis confirmed that J.M.’s blood was located on multiple items recovered from a vehicle utilized by J.M. and Mahamed.
J.M. was last seen alive on July 16, 2019, when law enforcement officers responded to a call at her apartment. J.M. reported to 911 that Mahamed had held her at knife point and tried to force her to have sexual intercourse with him. J.M. repeatedly told the 911 operator that she was worried that Mahamed would harm her three young children who were in the apartment with him.
On July 17, 2019, J.M. and her children were reported as missing after attempts to contact J.M. on the phone and in-person failed. The children were eventually located at a residence in Des Moines, Iowa, on Aug. 8, 2019.
After abandoning the children in Iowa, Mahamed left the United States and was a fugitive from justice until he was located and expelled from Guatemala on July 27, 2021.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the McDonald County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Rochester, Minn., Police Department, and the Des Moines, Iowa, Police Department.
Sinaloa Cartel Member Sentenced in Another Operation Sweet Silence CaseRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – A member of the Sinaloa Cartel was sentenced to prison today because of Operation Sweet Silence, a campaign targeting violent crime and drug trafficking tied to criminal organizations in the Columbus region.
Juan Carlos Torres-Arzapalo, 41, of Mexico and in the United States illegally, was sentenced to serve 135 months in prison on May 6, after he previously pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy on Oct. 27, 2025. Torres-Arzapalo is subject to deportation upon completion of his prison sentence. There is no parole in the federal system.
“We are focused on dismantling cartels and armed criminal organizations terrorizing our communities and bringing them to justice,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes for the Middle District of Georgia. “Those who cross the border illegally to commit violent crimes, distribute dangerous drugs and spread chaos in the Middle District of Georgia will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Operation Sweet Silence demonstrates the strength of law enforcement collaboration.”
“Criminal street gangs were responsible for a wave of violent crime in and around Columbus,” said Rich Bilson, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Columbus is a safer place now that the FBI and our partners have effectively dismantled this armed drug trafficking organization. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to work together to keep our streets safe.”
“This investigation represents the very best of law enforcement collaboration,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Federal, state and local partners worked side by side for years to uncover the full scope of this criminal enterprise and ensure every individual responsible faced justice. With the conviction of this defendant, we are getting closer to holding all individuals involved accountable. Our communities are safer today because of the dedication and teamwork of the investigators and prosecutors, and we are committed to bringing this case to a successful conclusion.”
“We won't stop until the criminal activity stops,” said Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman. “There is strength in collaboration when we combine our resources to go after criminal enterprises involving street gangs, drug dealers and convicted felons. We will continue this fight for safer streets and a safer community.”
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, federal and local law enforcement conducted Operation Sweet Silence from August 2022 until May 2024, an extensive investigation into the illegal activities of the Zohannon criminal street gang and other criminal street gangs in Columbus—including US World, the Crips, the Bloods, and the Gangster Disciples—involving armed drug trafficking with ties to two Mexican cartels. The operation dismantled the Zohannon Street Gang and severely impacted other gangs, especially US World, a hybrid criminal organization in Columbus.
Specifically, co-defendant Ulises Cervantes was identified by federal agents as a multi-kilo level cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana dealer who sourced drugs from the Sinaloa Cartel, although he does not identify as a member. Cervantes was based out of Sacramento, California, but had residences in both Columbus and Phenix City, Alabama. Agents learned Torres-Arzapolo, a confirmed Sinaloa Cartel member, was working with Cervantes to distribute these drugs in the Middle District of Georgia.
Over a court-authorized wiretap, agents heard Cervantes contract one of his California drug suppliers for kilogram pricing of drugs on Sept. 27, 2023, with Torres-Arzapolo in the background discussing the purchase, requesting information from the caller for the cost of around “fifty” of the “hielo,” which refers to 50 kilograms of methamphetamine. The next day, on Sept. 28, 2023, agents intercepted a call between Torres-Arzapolo, Cervantes and a third party discussing a large marijuana deal.
Agents intercepted additional calls between Torres-Arzapolo, Cervantes and a third person arranging a cocaine transaction. Cervantes provided codefendant Derrick Porter's Columbus address to Torres-Arzapolo for the delivery of 26 "zips" of cocaine to Porter. On Oct. 11, 2023, Torres-Arzapolo and another individual delivered a kilogram of cocaine to Porter. Porter later called Cervantes to complain that he had been shorted on the deal. Cervantes stated that he had weighed it the day before, but would contact Torres-Arzapolo to address the problem. The next day, Oct. 12, 2023, intercepted calls showed Cervantes asking Torres-Arzapolo his estimated arrival time to Porter's residence. Agents then observed Torres-Arzapolo and another individual arrive in an SUV and were assisted by Porter to remove a cooler and suitcase from the vehicle.
Connected to this operation, a total of $270 million in drugs were seized, including $20 million in cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl and marijuana from the streets of Columbus and $250 million of marijuana from a California supplier. 119 firearms, including machineguns, rifles, shotguns, high-capacity magazines and stolen weapons were seized and removed from the streets of Columbus.
A total of 31 defendants including Torres-Arzapolo were indicted across nine separate indictments, and 30 defendants have pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial, with some already sentenced by the court. Operation Sweet Silence defendants, all of Columbus unless otherwise indicated, are:
Freddie Bowens, also known as “Profit,” 27, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for the illegal possession of a machine gun.
Fernando Brown, also known as “Nino,” 33, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to traffic methamphetamine, cocaine, and more than 100 pounds of marijuana and possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking and is awaiting sentencing.
LaBrandon Brown, 31, was sentenced to four years in prison for using a phone to facilitate a drug offense.
Jantzen Carter, 40, of Waverly Hall, GA, was sentenced to ten years in prison for drug conspiracy.
Ulises Cervantes, 33, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.
Anthony Champion, 46, was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison for drug conspiracy.
Trenton Clemons, 48, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for drug conspiracy.
Dequindre Dawson, 33, was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison for drug possession with intent to distribute.
Nicholas Fitzpatrick, 30, was sentenced to five years and ten months in prison for drug conspiracy.
Terry Gash, 54, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.
Undrae Hayes, 37, was sentenced to eight years in prison for drug conspiracy.
Roderick Hicks, 59, was sentenced to 11 years and eight months in prison for drug conspiracy.
Christopher Hill, 36, was sentenced to two years in prison for using a phone to facilitate a drug offense.
Marquez Holloway, 32, was found guilty at trial of drug conspiracy and drug distribution and is awaiting sentencing.
Darius Jenkins, 24, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for drug conspiracy.
Jeffrey Kimbrough, 29, was sentenced to three years of probation for drug conspiracy.
Hykeem Lomax, 33, pleaded guilty to using a phone to facilitate a drug offense and is awaiting sentencing.
Quadarius Lusk, 30, pleaded guilty to using a phone to facilitate a drug offense and is awaiting sentencing.
Aundray Morgan, 39, pleaded guilty to using a phone to facilitate a drug offense and is awaiting sentencing.
Tommie Mullins, Jr., also known as “TJ,” also known as “Bo,” also known as “Mini,” 31, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drug conspiracy.
Javonta Paden, 25, was sentenced to five years and 11 months in prison for drug conspiracy.
Adrian Palmer, also known as “AP,” 25, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for drug possession with intent to distribute.
Adrian Pleasants, 29, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for drug conspiracy.
Derrick Porter, 54, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.
Dahvontay Richardson, 28, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for drug conspiracy.
Trenton Thomas, also known as “Bubble,” 25, was sentenced to 11 years and three months in prison for drug conspiracy.
Corey Turner, also known as “Lito Red,” 33, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drug conspiracy.
Jhy’Keith Williams, 24, was sentenced to three years and one month in prison for illegally possessing a machine gun.
Malik Williams, 27, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison for drug possession with intent to distribute.
Leonard Campbell, 37, of Columbus, is charged by federal indictment with conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He is facing a maximum of life in prison. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. District Judge Clay Land is presiding over the cases. There is no parole in the federal system.
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.
The case was investigated by FBI Georgia, the DEA, and the Muscogee County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office with critical assistance from the Harris County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office; the Russell County, Alabama, Sheriff’s Office; the Coweta County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office; and the Muscogee County District Attorney’s Office.
Deputy Criminal Chief Veronica Hansis for the Middle District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Matthew Mattis of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case.
Shiprock Man Sentenced for Unprovoked AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man who stabbed an individual three times in the back without provocation was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on April 19, 2025, Matthew David Charley, 30, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, approached John Doe and his friends near a roadside area in Shiprock and introduced himself. After John Doe’s friends briefly left the area, Charley remained with John Doe, who had no prior interaction with him and did not provoke him.
As John Doe began walking away to meet his returning friends, Charley stabbed him three times in the back without warning. John Doe sustained lacerations to his upper back and flank and required emergency medical treatment.
After the attack, Charley fled the scene. When later interviewed by the investigators, he initially denied being in the area. After being confronted with surveillance footage, he admitted he was present but continued to deny the assault.
Charley pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Upon his release from prison, Charley will be subject to three years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.
Shelby County Man Charged in Multi-Million Dollar COVID-19 Loan Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Shelby County man has been charged with defrauding the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), and Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) by unlawfully obtaining funds intended to provide COVID-19 pandemic relief to eligible operating businesses, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby
A 13-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Stanley Mark Hill, 61, of Helena, Alabama, with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to the indictment, from at least May 2020 to May 2021, Hill applied for seven fraudulent PPP, EIDL, and RRF loans from the SBA, six of which were funded. Hill submitted loan applications containing false information about the revenues and costs of goods sold by his alleged businesses and falsified documentation supporting the loan applications. The loan requests totaled more than $3 million, of which over $2.5 million was funded. Hill also used the social security number of another individual to file six of the loan applications, without the consent or knowledge of that individual.
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.
The Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison J. Garnett is prosecuting the case.
An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Salvadoran national sentenced to five years after being caught with over a kilogram of cocaineRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Salvadoran national was sentenced to five years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
According to court documents, from Feb. 6, 2025, to April 29, 2025, law enforcement conducted three controlled purchases of a total of over 167 grams of cocaine from José Mauricio Rivas-Portillo, 33. On July 17, 2025, as Rivas-Portillo was returning from Burlington, North Carolina, to his residence in Spotsylvania, a Virginia State Trooper stopped Rivas-Portillo in Spotsylvania County for a traffic violation. After a drug detection canine alerted to the presence of narcotics in Rivas-Portillo’s vehicle, a search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of a bag containing cocaine on the driver side floorboard and one kilogram of cocaine on the passenger side floorboard. Rivas-Portillo was in possession of $1,936 in drug proceeds.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia L. Norman prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-150.
This release was revised on May 7, 2026, to correct the case number.
Rutland Man Sentenced to 100 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
BURLINGTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on May 5, 2026, William Corey Warner, 37, of Rutland, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 100 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Warner previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base (crack cocaine) on January 9, 2026.
According to court records, on May 20, 2024, Warner was the passenger in a rental vehicle that entered a parking lot in Rutland, Vermont. Knowing that Warner was wanted, Rutland police officers approached and asked Warner to step out of the vehicle. The driver exited the vehicle, but Warner moved into the driver’s seat, began operating the vehicle, struck an unmarked police vehicle and an occupied civilian vehicle, and fled from police. Eventually, Warner abandoned the vehicle, fleeing further on foot. In the vehicle police found approximately 34 grams of cocaine and 34 grams of cocaine base that Warner had intended to distribute to others.
Subsequently, on July 21, 2024, Warner was a passenger in a vehicle traveling on I-91 North to Vermont that was stopped in Greenfield, Massachusetts by Massachusetts State Police. In the vehicle troopers discovered more than 500 grams of cocaine and a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Warner was arrested, and on October 23, 2025, Warner was convicted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for five offenses related to cocaine and firearm possession and sentenced in the aggregate to 7 to 9 years’ imprisonment.
Warner’s criminal history includes a 2011 federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute cocaine (for which he received a 60-month sentence), two State of Vermont convictions for burglary, and numerous violations of federal supervised release and state probation and parole.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Rutland City Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole P. Cate and Craig S. Nolan. Warner was represented by Michael J. Straub, Esq.
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.
Registered sex offender pleads guilty to possessing child pornography of infants, toddlersRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A repeat sex offender faces 10 to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty today in U.S. District Court to a child pornography crime.
Alan Martina, 37, of Columbus, admitted to possessing child sexual abuse material of infants and toddlers.
According to court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a cyber tipline report from Kik regarding the uploading of child pornography from Martina’s account.
In September 2025, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Martina’s residence and seized six electronic devices. A forensic examination of the devices revealed more than 170 videos and 215 images of child sexual abuse.
Martina used the apps Session and Teleguard to discuss and trade child pornography with other users. Some of his messages in response to receiving images and videos of infants and toddlers being sexually abused include: “Mmmmmmm I want to hear her cry and scream…” and “Mmmmmmm yes abuse and rape her and let me watch.”
The defendant was charged by criminal complaint in October 2025. Martina was previously convicted in Franklin County of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor and is a registered sex offender.
Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court at a future hearing based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin and other members of the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force announced the guilty plea offered today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
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Recent Indictments, Convictions through Guilty Pleas, and Sentencings in Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) ProsecutionsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney, in conjunction with our partner agencies in the Homeland Security Task Force (“HSTF”) announce the following investigative and prosecutorial results for the week of April 27 through May 3, 2026. The HSTF is a permanent, interagency law enforcement task force created by executive order to combat transnational criminal organizations—including cartels, trafficking networks, and foreign terrorist organizations.
Indictments:
- On April 30, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Jhon Dennis Guerrero-Trotman, Jaime José Marval-Gutiérrez, José Gregorio Pereira-Orfila, and Héctor Gregorio Jiménez-Herrera with conspiracy and importation of cocaine, and conspiracy to possess and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. According to court documents, in April 2026, the defendants knowingly and intentionally imported into the United States, from Venezuela and other places, five kilograms or more of cocaine. Specifically, on April 26, 2026, HSTF seized 48 packages that contained approximately 1,350.2 kilograms of cocaine. Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Antonio J. López-Rivera is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On April 29, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Douglas Antonio Fernández-Rodríguez with conspiracy and importation of cocaine from Venezuela and other places, into Puerto Rico. Fernández-Rodríguez is also charged with knowingly entering or attempting to enter the United States illegally. Specifically, on or about March 11, 2026, HSTF seized approximately 709.1 kilograms of cocaine. United States Coast Guard Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Cody A. McKinney is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On April 29, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging José Fernando Huggins-Figueroa with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime. Specifically, on April 22, 2026, HSTF seized 20 kilograms of cocaine. AUSA Camille García is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On April 29, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Vilorio Camilo Polo-Padilla and Franklin Reyes with conspiracy to import cocaine, attempt to import cocaine, improper entry by alien, and re-entry of removed alien. Specifically, on April 17, 2026, HSTF seized 124 kilograms of cocaine. AUSA Camille García is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
Convictions through Guilty Pleas:
- On April 29, 2026, Rosemary Santiago-Serrano pleaded guilty to Count One in CR Case 25-392 (SCC). According to the indictment, the defendant was charged with conspiring to distribute controlled substances in public housing projects and other areas in and around Cayey, Puerto Rico. Defendant was arrested on September 26, 2026. The court set defendant’s sentencing date for July 29, 2026. AUSA R. Vance Eaton is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On April 28, 2026, Edwin Gabriel Vázquez-Colón, a.k.a. “Cuco”, pleaded guilty to Counts 1 and 7 in CR Case 24-170 (RAM). According to the indictment, the defendant was charged with participating in a violent drug trafficking organization that operated in and around the Jardines de Selles Public Housing Project in San Juan, Puerto Rico and with being armed with a machinegun while doing so. Defendant was arrested on April 24, 2025. The court set defendant’s sentencing date for July 27, 2026. AUSAs Andrés Orr and Joseph Russell are in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On April 28, 2026, Christian Maldonado-López, a.k.a “Ninja,” pleaded guilty to Counts 1 and 6 in CR Case 23-353 (GMM). According to the indictment, the defendant was charged with participating in a violent drug trafficking organization that operated in and around Manatí, Puerto Rico and with being armed while doing so. Defendant was arrested on February 16, 2024. The court set defendant’s sentencing date for July 27, 2026. AUSAs
Andrés Orr and Joseph Russell are in charge of the prosecution of the case. - On April 28, 2026, César Tyron Villegas-Cintrón, pleaded guilty to Counts 1 and 6 in CR Case 23-353 (GMM). According to the indictment, the defendant was charged with participating in a violent drug trafficking organization that operated in and around Manatí, Puerto Rico and with being armed with a machinegun while doing so. Defendant was arrested on September 22, 2023. The court set defendant’s sentencing date for July 21, 2026. AUSAs Andrés Orr and Joseph Russell are in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On April 28, 2026, Roberto Rodríguez-Payano pleaded guilty to Count One for violations to 21 U.S.C. Sections 959(a), 960(a)(3) & (b)(1)(B)(ii) and 963 in CR Case 22-520(RAM). According to the Indictment, the defendant was charged with conspiring to manufacture and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, a Schedule II Narcotic Drug Controlled Substance, intending, knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe that such mixture or substance would be unlawfully imported into the United States. Rodríguez-Payano was extradited from the Dominican Republic on August 21, 2025. The court set defendant’s sentencing date for July 28, 2026. AUSA Camille García is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
Sentencings:
- On April 27, 2026, Jey Xander Omar González-Díaz was sentenced by Judge Aida M. Delgado-Colón to a two-year term of probation for failing to report that he transported more than $10,000 into the United States. According to court documents, defendant was charged by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico on September 18, 2025, in CR Case 25-391, and pled guilty to the charge on January 14, 2026. Social Security Administration SAUSA Niranjan Emani is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On April 28, 2026, Daniel Rivera-Molina was sentenced by Judge Pedro A. Delgado to a term of imprisonment of time served (equal to six months) to be followed by a term of supervised release of one year for reentry of removed alien after an aggravated felony conviction. According to court documents, defendant was charged by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico on November 6, 2025, in CR Case 25-473 (PAD), and pled guilty to the charge(s) on March 23, 2026. Department of Homeland Security SAUSA Steven Liong-Rodríguez is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On April 27, 2026, Jayson Camacho-Rodriguez was sentenced by Judge Gina Mendez-Miro to time served for conspiring to distribute between 500 grams and 2 kilograms of cocaine. According to court documents, defendant was charged by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico on May 22, 2024, in CR Case 24-188 (GMM), and pled guilty to the charge(s) on January 26, 2026. AUSA R. Vance Eaton is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On April 27, 2026, Luis Laboy-Nadal was sentenced by Judge Gina Méndez-Miró to ten years of imprisonment for conspiring to distribute between 3.5 kilograms and 5 kilograms cocaine. According to court documents, defendant was charged by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico on May 22, 2024, in CR Case 24-188 (GMM), and pled guilty to the charge(s) on January 27, 2026. AUSA R. Vance Eaton is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On April 28, 2026, Ilia Martínez-Pagán was sentenced by Judge Gina Méndez-Miró to five years of imprisonment for conspiring to distribute between 500 grams and 2 kilograms cocaine. According to court documents, defendant was charged by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico on May 22, 2024, in CR Case 24-188 (GMM), and pled guilty to the charge(s) on January 27, 2026. AUSA R. Vance Eaton is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On April 28, 2026, Miguel Ángel Pastrana-Ríos was sentenced by Judge María Antongiorgi-Jordán to 135 months of imprisonment and 5 years on supervised release for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute and distributing 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, a Schedule II Narcotic Drug Controlled Substance. According to court documents, the defendant was charged by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico on February 27, 2025, in CR Case 25-012 (MAJ), and pled guilty to the charge(s) on September 25, 2025.
These prosecutions are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
HSTF San Juan comprises agents and officers from the following federal partners: FBI, ICE-HSI, CBP (OFO, AMO and Border Patrol), the U.S. Marshals Service for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, DEA, ATF, IRS, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of State, and the U.S. Secret Service, the Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands HIDTA, TSA, FAA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The HSTF also has the following state and local law enforcement partners as participating agencies: the Puerto Rico Police Department; the San Juan, Carolina, Guaynabo, Barceloneta, and Ponce Municipal Police Departments, the Puerto Rico National Guard – Counter Drug Program; the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Service (Hacienda); the Puerto Rico Port Authority; and the Virgin Islands Police Department.
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Raleigh County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Nathaniel Wilburn, 34, of Ghent, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 30, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Wilburn’s residence and found a Hi-Point JCP .40-caliber pistol, a Charles Daily 12-gauge shotgun, a Ruger EC9 9mm pistol, and a Taurus 12-gauge shotgun. As part of his guilty plea, Wilburn admitted to possessing the firearms.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Wilburn knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for breaking and entering in Raleigh County Circuit Court on November 15, 2023.
Wilburn is scheduled to be sentenced on September 4, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons 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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-cr-67.
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Pueblo Pintado Man Sentenced for MurderRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Pueblo Pintado man was sentenced to seven years in prison for fatally shooting another man after a night of heavy drinking and a physical altercation.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, on March 17, 2025, Thurman Curley, 36, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, shot and killed John Doe following a physical altercation after a night of heavy drinking.
Curley pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Upon his release from prison, Curley will be subject to five years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.
Prior felon charged again with crack cocaine possessionRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Eli Clark, 36, of North Tonawanda, NY, was charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, which carries maximum penalties of 20 years imprisonment, followed by not less than 3 years of supervised release, and a fine up to $1,000,000.
In January 2020, Clark was sentenced on a federal charge of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. In March 2025, Clark violated his federal supervised release and was sentenced to an additional 12 months in prison. He was released in January 2026. In March 2026, the North Tonawanda Police Department conducted a stop of a vehicle Clark was riding in. During the stop, law enforcement recovered 33 grams of suspected crack cocaine from Clark’s waistband. Clark was taken into custody. Law enforcement also executed a search warrant at a River Road residence, seizing several drug paraphernalia items.
Clark made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola. The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, and the North Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Keith Glass.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Precious metals Ponzi scheme operator sentenced to over four years in prisonRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The owner and operator of an Alexandria-based precious metals investment firm was sentenced today to four years and two months in prison for wire fraud and violating the Travel Act.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, beginning in November 2021, Warith Deen Muhammad, 39, of McLean, falsely told more than a dozen investors that if they invested with him and his business, Niagara Gold and Silver LLC, he would use their money to buy, trade, and sell precious metals. Muhammad guaranteed profits of five to ten percent and told investors that they would receive their principal plus interest back, typically within 30 days.
To mask the fraud, Muhammad used new investors funds to pay prior investors, leading investors to believe that their investment had been “successful,” inducing them to invest more money and to recruit others to invest. In total, from November 2021 through June 2023, Muhammad used fraudulent representations to induce more than 12 investors to send him over $1.5 million.
In addition to spending investor money to pay prior investors, Muhammad also used investor funds to finance his lavish lifestyle. He leased high-end sports cars, including a Ferrari FF, Bentley, and Dodge Challenger Demon. He paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to rent luxury properties, and he spent tens of thousands of dollars at retailers, including Neiman Marcus, Tiffany’s, and Chanel, among others.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Morgan and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Bedell prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-284.
Polk County Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Production of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Bradly Dwayne Wimberly (32, Bradley) has pleaded guilty to attempted production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Wimberly faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, between February 15, 2024, and July 10, 2025, Wimberly communicated online with someone he believed to be 13 to 14-year-old girl. He repeatedly asked the minor to produce sexually explicit images and videos of herself and send them to him. Wimberly was actually communicating with an undercover special agent from Homeland Security Investigations.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
It 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.
Pine Bluff Woman Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Theft of More Than $400,000 from Bank's CustomersRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Laura Parrish, who was employed by the bank for more than seven years before her termination, will spend the next thirty-six months in federal prison for bank theft. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today, by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.
On December 4, 2025, an Information was filed with the federal district court charging Parrish, 59, Pine Bluff, with one count of bank theft. Parrish pleaded guilty that same day to the charge in the Information. Judge Miller also sentenced Parrish to three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
An investigation revealed that between November 2016 and January 2024, Parrish was an employee of a local bank and used customer funds to make payments on her personal credit cards and transfer funds to her external online financial account. Parrish also opened personal credits cards in the names of other people and used the accounts of the bank’s customers to make payments on those credit cards.
An investigation further revealed that between August 31, 2021, through April 18, 2023, Parrish embezzled funds from one family, including one family member who was deceased, in the approximate amount of $364,000. Parrish used these funds to make payments on her personal credit cards and loans to benefit herself, her business, Southern Roots and Blooms, or accounts held in the names of her husband, daughter, and other family members. On January 24, 2023, Parrish submitted a credit card application for a retail credit card using the name, date of birth, and social security number of one of the bank’s customers. Parrish placed her address and phone number on the application and between February 2023 and January 2024, made payments totaling $15,000 on the credit card. This bank customer passed away in March 2023, and Parrish continued to embezzle funds from this account. Between July 2021 and January 2024, Parrish embezzled approximately $413,871.40 from eight bank customers.
“This individual abused a position of trust to steal from hardworking Arkansans, including some of our most vulnerable citizens,” said Jason Van Goor, Special Agent in Charge of the Little Rock Field Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). “The FBI will continue working with our partners to hold fraudsters accountable and pursue justice for victims.”
“Laura Parrish abused her bank position to embezzle funds from innocent customers for her own benefit and has now been brought to justice,” said John T. Perez, Special Agent in Charge, Headquarters Operations, Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (FRB-CFPB OIG). “This sentence should serve as a warning that we will vigorously pursue bank insiders who defraud financial institutions regulated and supervised by the Federal Reserve Board. We are proud to have worked with our federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to achieve this result.”
“It is especially concerning when bank insiders abuse their positions of trust to victimize unwitting bank customers, as was the case with Ms. Parrish” said Jeff Thomson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General’s (FDIC OIG) Dallas Region. “The FDIC OIG will continue to join with our colleagues in ensuring that those who selfishly steal for personal gain are held accountable.”
“Laura Parrish took advantage of her position at the bank to take money that did not belong to her and caused significant damage to the bank and its most vulnerable customers impacted by her brazen act of theft,” United States Attorney Ross said. “Our office will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to see that employees like Parrish who elect to violate their fiduciary obligations are held accountable for their criminal acts that negatively and significantly impact bank operations and its customers.”
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
X (formerly known as Twitter):
@USAO_EDAR
Pensacola Felon Indicted for Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Marcellous Likely-McWilliams III, 27, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance involving marijuana; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.
Likely-McWilliams appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon for his initial appearance at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. Trial is scheduled for June 22, 2026, in Pensacola before District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
If convicted, Likely-McWilliams faces a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment on the possession with intent to distribute count; a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment on the possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking count; and up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon count.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brooke A. DiSalvo.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Nonprofit Health Care Provider Agrees to Pay $750,000 to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Involving Misbranded ContraceptivesRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Salud Para La Gente, a nonprofit network of primary care clinics serving low-income individuals and families in Santa Cruz County and Monterey County, has agreed to pay a total of $750,000 to resolve allegations that it submitted false claims for payment to the Medicaid program in connection with its purchase and administration of misbranded contraceptives.
Among the services it provides, Salud offers contraceptive care, including etonogestrel marketed under the brand name Nexplanon, to Medicaid beneficiaries. Nexplanon is a thin rod that is inserted under the skin of a patient’s upper arm that, once implanted, works to prevent pregnancy. The United States alleged that between May 17, 2017, and Sept. 11, 2020, Salud purchased misbranded Nexplanon from an unlicensed wholesaler and administered the misbranded Nexplanon to Medicaid patients. According to the United States, Salud knowingly submitted false claims for payment to Medicaid by using incorrect National Drug Code numbers, unique drug identifiers used by the FDA for reporting and patient safety purposes, for the misbranded Nexplanon and for its administration.“Patient safety must be at the forefront of medical decision-making,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian. “Using misbranded drugs jeopardizes public health and constitutes a serious False Claims Act violation. We will continue to hold violators accountable.”
“It’s clearly dangerous and unethical for health care providers to administer misbranded drugs obtained from unlicensed sources to their patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Robb R. Breeden of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG). “Working with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG will continue to aggressively protect the health and well-being of patients and the integrity of federal health care programs.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Lo handled this matter. The resolution resulted from a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, HHS-OIG, and FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Nigerian Man Indicted on Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that in March 2026, a federal grand jury indicted Kenneth Godwin, a Nigerian man, for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Unauthorized Access to a Protected Computer in Furtherance of Fraud.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Between May 2023 and March 2026, Godwin, while believed to be living in Nigeria, conspired with others to embezzle funds from the Prairie Wind Casino & Hotel in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, in order to enrich themselves.
“No agency on earth is better at this than the FBI,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “They will track down those who steal from and commit fraud against the people of the United States wherever those offenders may be.”
“This international business e-mail compromise (BEC) scheme caused substantial financial damage to a business owned and operated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota,” said FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. “This indictment is an example of how the FBI operates every day to dismantle and disrupt criminal enterprises in Indian County and across the United States that target businesses and citizens in communities. The message is clear; we will work with our partners to hold fraudsters accountable.”
The charges are merely accusations, and Godwin is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Niagara Falls man pleads guilty to attempting to disable a CSX railroad switchRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Charles Wilson, 66, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to damaging or impairing the operation of a train control system, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
CSX uses railroad switches to control the movement of trains throughout the CSX Railyard. On June 29, 2025, Wilson entered the CSX Railyard, removed a 102 switch lock, and replaced it with a different lock. By replacing the lock, Wilson impaired the operation of the railroad switch by preventing CSX personnel from operating the railroad switch in a timely manner. Previously, on June 22, 2025, Wilson replaced a 102 switch lock on a railroad switch at the CSX railyard with a different type of lock. This delayed an Amtrak passenger train because the railroad switch could not be unlocked. In addition, on July 1, 2025, Wilson moved a railroad switch at the CSX railyard into a new position after a train carrying hazardous materials had passed the switch.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly. The plea is the result of an investigation by the CSX Police Department, under the direction of Chief Sean Douris, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Phillip Tejera.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 14, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.
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New Orleans Woman Guilty of Conspiracy to Make & Pass Counterfeit $100 BillsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – AMANDA CANGELOSI (“CANGELOSI”), age 40, a resident of New Orleans, LA pleaded guilty on April 23, 2026, to conspiracy to make, and pass, counterfeit United States currency, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, CANGELOSI conspired with others to manufacture counterfeit bills and used the counterfeit bills to pay for goods and services. CANGELOSI and her co-conspirators used genuine $1 bills to create the counterfeit $100 bills in an effort to deceive merchants into believing the currency was a genuine $100 bill. Investigators seized several items CANGELOSI, and her co-conspirators used to create the counterfeit currency.
CANGELOSI faces up to five years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 mandatory special assessment fee. CANGELOSI also may be ordered to pay restitution.
This case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiwana Wright of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Orleans Man Indicted for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JONATHAN BURDEN, 53, from New Orleans, was charged in a recently unsealed indictment with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment, on or about February 4, 2024, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, BURDEN, knowing that he had been previously convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, was found in possession of two firearms.
BURDEN faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
U. S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit.
Missouri man indicted for creating child pornographyRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment charging a Missouri man with producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court documents, Joshua David Kolb, 43, of Independence, Missouri, was indicted on one count of production of child pornography, one count of coercion and enticement of a minor, two counts of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and one count of interstate communications with a threat to injure.
Kolb allegedly directed a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct to create visual depictions. He is also accused of traveling from Missouri to Kansas on multiple occasions for the purpose of having sex with a minor.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey McCormick is prosecuting the case.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.OTHER INDICTMENTS
Noah Luke Atteberry, 30, of Kansas City, Kansas, was indicted on two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case.
Mitchell J. Garlach, 38, of Olathe was indicted on one count of felon in possession of a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting the case.
Eric Marcell Thomas Jr, 20, of Kansas City, Missouri, was indicted on one count of illegal possession of a machine gun. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Mexican man sentenced for using fraudulent immigration documentsRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Mexican man who used fake immigration documents was sentenced today to time served, 62 days, and remanded to the custody of the U.S. Border Patrol, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said.
Salvador Santiago-Lopez, 33, pleaded guilty in April 2026 to one count of use and possession of fraudulent immigration documents.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on March 6, 2026, law enforcement stopped a car near Malta in which Salvador Santiago-Lopez was a passenger. During the stop, law enforcement discovered he is a Mexican citizen without papers to be in the United States legally.
Santiago-Lopez was informed of his Miranda rights, acknowledged understanding them, and continued to answer questions. He admitted to being a citizen and national of Mexico without legal documentation to enter, pass through, or remain in the United States. He further admitted to crossing the international boundary illegally without inspection by an Immigration Officer at a designated Port of Entry.
Santiago-Lopez claimed ownership over $18,000 of US currency found in his duffle bag and said the purpose of his travel was to borrow $12,000 from his brother in Washington so he would have $30,000 to pay to have his sister smuggled into the United States. Santiago-Lopez was found to be in possession of a fake social security card and a fake I-551 card. He said he used the fake documents to gain employment. Santiago-Lopez also acknowledged using the fake documents when he was arrested for DUI.
DHS records indicate that Santiago-Lopez entered the United States illegally on August 20, 2017.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The U.S. Border Patrol and Phillips County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Mexican National Sentenced to 11 Years for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican National was sentenced in federal court today for possessing more than 56 pounds of methamphetamine.
Pedro Alberto Quiroz Ayala, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 11 years in prison without parole for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
On Sept. 3, 2024, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper pulled over a gray 2011 Acura MDX on Interstate 29, near the N.W. 112th Street exit in Kansas City, Mo. Ayala, who did not have a valid driver’s license, was driving the Acura, with a female juvenile in the front passenger seat and other adults in the back seat.
When the trooper searched the vehicle, he found a large duffle bag in the third-row seating area that contained approximately 55.6 pounds of methamphetamine. He also found a grocery bag that contained approximately one pound of methamphetamine on the floorboard where the female juvenile had been sitting, and a loaded firearm in the driver’s door pouch.
When the four occupants got out of the vehicle for the search, Ayala fled on foot. A manhunt ensued and he was apprehended a short time later.
Ayala told investigators that he drove to Omaha, Neb., to pick up drugs and that he was going to receive approximately $2,000 for his help in transporting the drugs.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Jackson County Drug Task Force, Kansas City, Missouri Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
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.
Mexican National Indicted for Illegal Reentry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican National was indicted by a federal grand jury yesterday for illegally reentering the U.S. after being removed multiple times. The defendant was originally charged through a criminal complaint on April 27, 2026.
Victor Rubio-Trejo, 48, was charged in a one-count indictment with illegal reentry.
On April 10, 2026, Rubio-Trejo was arrested by the St. Joseph, Missouri Police Department. The next day, Rubio-Trejo was identified by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and transferred into ICE’s custody. ICE determined that Rubio-Trejo has been removed from the U.S. on five separate occasions and has a prior felony conviction for illegal reentry.
The charges contained in the criminal complaint and indictment are simply accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas P. Heberle. It was investigated by ICE with assistance from the St. Joseph, Missouri 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.
Memphis Bank Robber Sentenced to over 48 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Mario Patterson, 45, of Memphis, has been sentenced to 579 months in federal prison for his role in a series of three bank robberies, an additional attempted bank robbery, the use of firearms during the bank robberies, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Patterson is amongst eight Memphis men who have previously pled or been convicted of these crimes. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced Patterson’s sentence today.
Evidence at a contested jury trial in January 2026 proved that between April 2023 and December 2023, the defendant, Mario Patterson, joined a conspiracy to rob banks in and around Memphis. Three other co-defendants ─ Courtney Trenell, 34; Devin Hinds, 36; and Joshua Cribbs, 33, were found guilty by a separate federal jury in July 2025. Four other co-defendants ─ Robert Haley, 45, Travis Drain, 39, Marquarius Trenell, 35, and Monterrio Trenell, 29 ─ already pleaded guilty to bank robbery and using a firearm during the robberies.
According to evidence presented at the trials, on:
- April 27, 2023 - Patterson and Drain robbed a branch of First Horizon Bank on North Watkins in Memphis. Patterson brandished an AK-style pistol during the robbery as Drain jumped the teller counter. The pair escaped with a large amount of money to an awaiting car driven by Haley.
- August 11, 2023 - Drain and Marquarius Trenell ran into a branch of Truist Bank, jumped the counter, and robbed the bank. Hinds and Haley served as lookouts and getaway drivers.
- October 20, 2023 - The group simultaneously robbed two banks located near Germantown Parkway and Trinity Road. Patterson and Drain entered a branch of First Horizon, with Patterson brandishing a revolver as the two demanded money. Haley served as a lookout nearby and aided in the escape. Across the street, Marquarius Trenell and Cribbs robbed a branch of the Bank of Bartlett and fled in a car driven by Monterrio Trenell. During the Bank of Bartlett robbery, Courtney Trenell operated a second getaway vehicle stationed about a mile from the robbery, aiding his co-defendants in fleeing the area.
- October 25, 2023 - Patterson and Drain returned to the First Horizon on North Watkins in an attempt to rob it again. The security guard saw them approaching, with Patterson brandishing an AK-style pistol, and fired at the would-be robbers. Patterson fired back and struck the security guard and an employee.
- November 5, 2023 - Patterson was located committing a business burglary. After a pursuit by Memphis Police Department patrol officers from Airways Precinct, Patterson was arrested and officers located a revolver in his vehicle, which bears a striking resemblance to the revolver used in the October 20, 2023 First Horizon robbery.
- December 22, 2023 - Patterson and Drain went to a branch of the Independent Bank on Union Avenue, with Patterson again carrying an AK-style pistol. Patterson also wore a bulletproof vest during this robbery. Hinds and Haley waited as lookouts and getaway drivers.
In total, the group stole over $170,000 cash from five bank robberies.
This case is set before the Honorable Judge Thomas L. Parker. On November 19, 2025, Cribbs was sentenced to 144 months in prison. On December 4, 2025, Haley to 204 months in prison. On December 5, 2025, Hinds was sentenced to 194 months in prison. On March 3, 2026, Marquarius Trenell was sentenced to 46 months in prison. On April 3, 2026, Travis Drain was sentenced to 120 months in prison, plus an additional 18 months in prison for his supervised release violation.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “In less than 8 months, this violent robbery crew committed five armed bank robberies, terrorized the community, and inflicted fear and harm on multiple victims. Patterson’s violent crime spree is over, for good. This 48-year sentence for a 45-year-old offender is well deserved and sends a clear message that there will always be a reckoning, a real and significant consequence, for the commission of violent crimes."
“This sentence should serve as a reminder that repeated criminal conduct carries escalating consequences and will be met by swift justice,“ said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and our partners at the Memphis Police Department will continue to work together to target the serial offenders creating fear and havoc in our community.”
Memphis Police Department investigators assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force investigated and solved the case. This case is part of the Safe Streets Task Force’s efforts to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee and surrounding areas.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Greg Wagner and Tony Arvin, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, along with Trial Attorney Ashleigh Atasoy, of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS), prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Members of the "Paper Gang Family" and Accomplices Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Antonio Pierre Ashmeade, the last of 13 defendants prosecuted for their roles in a drug trafficking operation dismantled by Atlanta’s multi-agency Homeland Security Task Force (“HSTF”), has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison.
“This HSTF investigation and federal prosecution disrupted an extensive drug distribution ring run by metro-Atlanta gang members,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “The defendants’ lengthy sentences, which must be served without the possibility of parole, demonstrate that the potential financial gains from trafficking dangerous street drugs are not worth the consequences.”
“This case is a testament to the strength of our partnerships,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Federal, state, and local law enforcement worked side by side to dismantle this organization piece by piece. Today’s sentencing underscores what we can accomplish when we stand united against drug trafficking.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: In 2019, a DEA investigation revealed that individuals associated with the Paper Gang Family (“PGF”), an ostensible rap music label, were distributing large quantities of narcotics in the Atlanta area.
During the investigation, agents observed PGF members openly conduct drug deals on the same streets where school buses dropped off children. In April 2023, agents observed Ashmeade provide a plastic shopping bag with suspected narcotics to a drug customer in a southeast Atlanta parking lot. When a Georgia State Patrol trooper attempted to stop his vehicle, the drug customer fled and tossed a plastic bag with methamphetamine onto a sidewalk on Memorial Drive. On that occasion, law enforcement recovered half a kilogram of methamphetamine. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills, 25 kilograms of methamphetamine, 20 kilograms of cocaine, and 30 firearms connected with the PGF organization.
Earlier today, Ashmeade, 42 of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Ashmeade was convicted of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine following a jury trial on December 17, 2025.
The following defendants were previously sentenced in this case:
- Demarco Harper, 48, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty on June 3, 2025, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Cyguifredo Hernandez, 34, of Jonesboro, Georgia, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty on December 18, 2023, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
- Rodrigus Dartez Williams, 39, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to 15 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release, after he was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine following a trial by jury on December 17, 2025.
- Christian Tevaris Wash, 45, of Stockbridge, Georgia, was sentenced to 12 years and 7 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty on March 27, 2024, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
- Arthur Lee Hempen, 37, of Marietta, Georgia, was sentenced to 10 years and one month in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty on May 22, 2024, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances and wire fraud.
- Alexavier Negron, 40, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty on September 5, 2025, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
- Mario Bernard Peek, 39, of Ellenwood, Georgia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty on August 26, 2025, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
- Terez Montavious Pippins, 39, of Forest Park, Georgia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty on June 11, 2024, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
- Dresten Toron Daniels, 39, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to five years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty on August 25, 2025, to possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
- Kory Keon Solomon, 40, of Macon, Georgia, was sentenced to five years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, after he was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine following a trial by jury on January 8, 2026.
- Philip Michael Ricks, 40, of Leighton, Alabama, was sentenced to three years and six months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty on March 26, 2024, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
- Daronta Arne Lee, 43, of Snow Hill, North Carolina, was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, after he pleaded guilty on May 6, 2024, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Georgia State Patrol, the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Henry County Police Department, Atlanta Police Department, Crisp County Sheriff’s Office, Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, DeKalb County Police Department, and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johnny Baer, C. Brock Brockington, Teresa M. Stolze, and Elizabeth M. Hathaway prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sekret Sneed substantially assisted with the judicial forfeiture of the seized firearms, drug proceeds, and vehicles.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force 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 Atlanta Wilhelm HSTF is comprised of agents and officers from ATF, CGIS, DEA, FBI, ICE-HSI, IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, DSS, USMS, USPIS, and USSS, as well as numerous state and local agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Mason City Man Sentenced to More Than 18 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Justin Zobel, 37, from Mason City, Iowa, was sentenced May 5, 2026, to more than 18 years in federal prison, after a December 15, 2025, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence in the case revealed that between February 2023, and continuing through February 2024, Zobel was involved in an ongoing methamphetamine distribution conspiracy based in Mason City, Iowa. Law enforcement documented Zobel actively engaged in drug trafficking, including the sale of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Zobel has a lengthy criminal history and began distributing methamphetamine immediately after being released from custody for a prior conviction. Zobel’s prior convictions include numerous thefts, burglaries, eluding, domestic abuse assault, assault, and controlled substance convictions.
Zobel was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 225 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Zobel is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-3024.
Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Marrero Woman Guilty of Tax Fraud and PPP FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS - On April 21, 2026, AMANDA WILKERSON (“WILKERSON”), age 57, a resident of Marrero, Louisiana, pled guilty to a Bill of Information charging her with one count of failure to pay over payroll/trust fund taxes, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7202, one count of failure to file her individual income tax return, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 7203, and one count of providing false statements on a government Cares Act Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan application, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, WILKERSON owned and operated Divine Purpose Home Care LLC (“Divine”), a home healthcare business. Beginning in or about 2017 through December 2024, WILKERSON withheld taxes from her employees’ paychecks, including federal income taxes, Medicare, and social security taxes (commonly referred to as payroll taxes or “trust fund”). WILKERSON then failed to properly report Divine’s trust fund taxes and failed to remit $57,000 to the IRS, which represented the trust fund taxes WILKERSON withheld from her employees’ wages in the third quarter of 2023. In 2023, WILKERSON earned over $1.6 million of income but failed to file her 2023 individual income tax return. Also, in February 2021, WILKERSON made materially false and fraudulent statements to the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) on her PPP loan application. In her application, WILKERSON stated that a non-operational business she established in 2016 had annual gross income of $75,639 in 2019. To support her false PPP application, WILKERSON submitted a fraudulent IRS Individual Tax Return, Form 1040, Form Schedule C that falsely reported that the non-operational business had gross income of $75,639. WILKERSON knew that the business was never operational and did not have gross annual earnings of $75,639 and that the IRS Form 1040 Schedule C she submitted in support of the loan application was a false document, resulting in her receipt of a SBA backed PPP loan in the amount of approximately $19,907. In August 2021, WILKERSON applied to the SBA to have the PPP loan she received, forgiven. The SBA approved WILKERSON’s forgiveness application, and WILKERSON was not required to repay the PPP loan she fraudulently received.
WILKERSON faces a possible maximum sentence of 11 years of imprisonment, up to a $600,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and payment of a mandatory $250 mandatory special assessment fee. WILKERSON also may be ordered to pay restitution.
The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiwana Wright, of the Financial Crimes Unit.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division's prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud.
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.
Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing a Firearm Fitted with a Glock SwitchRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte man was sentenced to prison yesterday for illegally possessing a firearm fitted with a machinegun conversion device commonly known as a “Glock switch,” announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Shyheem Jaqun DuPont, 24, was ordered to serve 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Alicia Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Estella D. Patterson of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) joined U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making the announcement.
“Glock switches turn a regular gun into a machine gun. They can turn a violent act into a catastrophic act in mere seconds,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “We save lives by aggressively prosecuting individuals who possess and use these illegal conversion devices.”
According to court documents and court proceedings, on February 21, 2024, CMPD officers initiated a traffic stop of DuPont’s vehicle as it parked in a parking lot. DuPont, who was in the driver’s seat, was the registered owner of the vehicle and had multiple outstanding felony arrest warrants. Court records show that DuPont reversed his car into the marked police vehicle, striking it. DuPont then drove forward before reversing again and striking the marked police vehicle a second time. As CMPD officers approached DuPont’s vehicle, they observed a firearm on the defendant’s lap. One of the officers removed the firearm, a black Glock, Model 19, 9mm semiautomatic firearm, with a 31-round capacity magazine, and a Glock switch. Elsewhere in the vehicle, the officers found a black Glock, Model 20, 10mm semiautomatic firearm, a black Springfield, Model XD-M, 10mm semi-automatic firearm, a 9mm 50-round capacity drum magazine, a Del-Ton Model DTI 15, 5.56mm semiautomatic pistol, marijuana, and a digital scale.
On April 11, 2025, DuPont pleaded guilty to possession of a machinegun. He is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
The ATF and CMPD investigated the case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney William Wiseman with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Man Sentenced for Robbing Gainesville BankRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – Patrick Shane Johnson, 51, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to 46 months in prison after previously pleading guilty in federal court to bank robbery and larceny. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the lightning-fast response of the Gainesville Police Department, this violent criminal was quickly caught and now my office has ensured he will be kept off our streets for several years. This is yet another successful prosecution under Operation Take Back America, which launched under the direction of President Donald J. Trump to devote the full might of the Department of Justice toward removing violent criminals like this defendant from our communities to deliver the safe streets our citizens deserve.”
Court documents reveal that on August 27, 2025, the defendant entered a Wells Fargo bank on Archer Road and passed a note to a teller. The note read, “This is no joke, it is an armed bank robbery. All of the money now I am armed.” The defendant grabbed over $1,000 cash and fled. The Gainesville Police Department responded and immediately apprehended the defendant.
“A violent threat inside a bank is every employee’s nightmare, but because of the immediate response by our officers, this dangerous offender was taken back into custody within moments,” said Chief Moya, Gainesville Police Department.
The sentencing of this repeat offender reflects the seriousness of recidivism among violent offenders and the danger it poses to the public," said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “We will continue working closely with our partners to pursue repeat offenders and protect our communities.”
The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Gainesville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Man Pleads Guilty to “Doxxing” Home Address of United States Supreme Court JusticeRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Kyle Andrew Edwards, 59, of Alexander, N.C., appeared in federal court today and pleaded guilty to a “doxxing” charge for posting online the home address of a United States Supreme Court Justice with the intent to threaten, intimidate, or incite a crime of violence against the Justice, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
“Doxxing” is the act of gathering, by licit and illicit means, and posting on the internet personal identifying information (PII), such as a home address, and other sensitive information of an individual without the person’s knowledge and consent.
Edwards pleaded guilty to knowingly making public restricted personal information, that being the home address of a Supreme Court Justice, with the intent to threaten, intimidate, and incite violence against the person or a member of the person’s family, and knowing that the restricted personal information would be used to threaten, intimidate, and facilitate the commission of a crime of violence against the Supreme Court Justice or a family member.
“Doxxing is dangerous. It exposes officials to all sorts of people that may cause harm, and that harm may be even worse than the doxxer expected or intended,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “That is why we take it seriously. Threatening or harming federal officials is not the way to change policy. If you want to change policy, get involved and go vote.”
According to information contained in documents filed as part of Edwards’ plea and the plea hearing, from April through June 2026, Edwards frequently used an online social media account that was publicly accessible to post comments critical of certain United States Supreme Court Justices. Many of the posts were threatening in nature or were responses to threatening comments made by other users. For example, on June 27, 2025, Edwards posted that the Supreme Court “must be destroyed.” Two days later, on June 29, Edwards posted that a certain Supreme Court Justice should “buy Kevlar robes.”
According to court documents, on April 8, 2025, Edwards used his social media account to post the correct home address of a United States Supreme Court Justice. On the same day, Edwards posted partial or historical information about the neighborhoods or former home addresses of two other United States Supreme Court Justices. On the day Edwards publicly disclosed the Justice’s home address, he made several threatening posts toward other Justices. For example, Edwards posted that a different Justice’s home address was unavailable online “to prevent people from assassinating him.” Edwards also posted that Justices should “think again” if they thought that “their families are safe.” Edwards also encouraged others to “start dragging the SC out by their robes,” and to turn the Justices “into charcoal.” Court documents show that Edwards posted these comments publicly on his own social media account and within conversations in which some other posters were also making similar threats.
Edwards was released on bond following the guilty plea. The statutory maximum penalty for the doxxing charge is five years in prison. Edwards’ sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date has not been set.
This case was investigated by the Supreme Court of the United States Police - Protective Intelligence Unit.
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In a separate case, on April 23, 2026, Wyatt Austin Salus, 26, of Cullowhee, N.C., was sentenced to three years of probation, after pleading guilty to making interstate threats to kill and injure United States Senator Thom Tillis. According to court records, on March 17, 2025, Salus called Senator Tillis’s office and left a message threatening to injure and kill Senator Tillis.
The FBI investigated Salus’s case with assistance from the United States Capitol Police.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville is in charge of the prosecutions.
Man from the Republic of Congo Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Selling a Tenth of a Gram of Fentanyl That Caused the Overdose Death of His CustomerRead the Press Release
BOISE – Boniface Binene, a/k/a “Bones,” 25, a citizen of the Republic of Congo, Brazzaville, and a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl to another person that resulted in death, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today.
According to court records, Binene pleaded guilty to the offense on November 19, 2025. Binene admitted to selling a tenth of a gram of fentanyl powder to Andrew (Connor) Doyle, on May 3, 2024, in Meridian, Idaho. Mr. Doyle, age 31, of Boise, Idaho, used the fentanyl powder and died in his parked vehicle in front of Binene’s residence. The Ada County Coroner’s Office preformed an autopsy and determined the victim died from acute fentanyl intoxication. The victim’s mother, Kari Bryant, spoke at the sentencing hearing and advised the Court that the victim was participating actively in drug treatment and had 355 days clean, but had recently relapsed. She advised the Court that she is committed to raising awareness about the devastating impact “this weapon of mass destruction called fentanyl” has on families.
Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Binene serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Binene was ordered to pay $1,773.08 in restitution for the family’s funeral expenses. Because Binene was convicted of a crime which resulted in the death of the victim, Binene will likely be deported after serving his prison sentence.
U.S. Attorney Davis made the announcement and commended the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Meridian Police Department, Caldwell Police Department, and the Ada County Coroner’s Office, which led to the charges.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian S. Nafzger prosecuted the case.
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Long Beach Man Sentenced to 2½ Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Molotov Cocktail at Anti-ICE Protest Last Year in Downtown L.A.Read the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Long Beach man who possessed a Molotov cocktail during an anti-immigration enforcement protest in downtown Los Angeles last year was sentenced today to 30 months in federal prison.
Wrackkie Quiogue, 28, was sentenced by United States District Judge Anne Hwang.
Quiogue pleaded guilty in November 2025 to one count of possession of an unregistered destructive device. He has been in federal custody since June 2025.
In June 2025, federal law enforcement officials began conducting immigration enforcement operations throughout the greater Los Angeles area. During and following those operations, protests occurred in and around Los Angeles County. While many of the protestors peacefully exercised their First Amendment rights, some individuals directly engaged in violent actions to obstruct, impede, or injure law enforcement officers.
One such protest that turned violent occurred on June 8, 2025, in the Civic Center area of downtown Los Angeles. Members of the crowd threw rocks and bottles at law enforcement officials. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) declared an unlawful assembly.
One police officer witnessed Quiogue possessing a Molotov cocktail. The glass bottle he held contained a flammable liquid (ethanol) and a source of ignition, namely a yellow piece of cloth soaked in ethanol, which acted as a wick.
Fearing that Quiogue would light the Molotov cocktail and throw it at the officers, police approached Quiogue, causing him to attempt to flee. As the LAPD officers pursued him, Quiogue threw the unlit Molotov cocktail into the air. LAPD officers subdued and arrested Quiogue, who was holding a lighter in his right hand.
Quiogue admitted to knowingly possessing the destructive device and that he had not registered it with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required by federal law.
“Unlike many of the individuals in the crowd, who were gathered to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights and protest immigration enforcement operations, [Quiogue] came prepared to instigate violence and inflict harm on the law enforcement officers assigned to protect the Roybal Federal Building,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “[Quiogue]’s premeditated actions endangered the law enforcement officers protecting Roybal Federal Building and the civilians who gathered to peacefully protest.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this matter with the assistance of the Los Angeles Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney David C. Lachman of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.
Lexington Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Olundi Uhuru Anderson, 52, of Lexington, has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Evidence presented in court showed that on the evening of Jan. 7, 2025, a deputy with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department attempted to stop a vehicle near the intersection of Broad River Road and Bush River Road after the driver ran a red light. Anderson was identified as the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. Although he initially pulled over, Anderson fled the scene, leading deputies on a brief pursuit that ended when the vehicle struck a curb.
After his arrest, a search of the vehicle revealed an open container of alcohol, crack cocaine, and a loaded pistol.
Anderson has prior convictions for robbery, grand theft of a motor vehicle, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, burglary, attempted aggravated battery, obstruction of justice, and failure to stop for blue lights. Due to these prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
United States District Judge Joseph Anderson sentenced Anderson to 41 months in prison, to be followed by three years of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system.
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.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case.###
Lewiston man charged with enticement for attempting to have sex with a 13-year-old girlRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that CJ A. Wolf, of Lewiston, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with enticement of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a maximum of life.
According to the criminal complaint, on October 4, 2025, Wolf began communicating with an undercover law enforcement officer via text message, after responding to an advertisement, posted online by investigators, of a purported minor female willing to meet in person to have sex. During these communications, Wolf was told to travel to a specific location where he could have sex with the purported 13-year-old girl who was advertised online. Wolf traveled to a retail parking lot and interacted with the undercover officer who was coordinating the sexual interaction between Wolf and the purported 13-year-old girl. Wolf was asked if he had the money, which he confirmed by showing he had $200 and agreeing for “a half hour.” After some further conversation, Wolf was arrested.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright. The complaint is the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Kansas City, Missouri, Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo, man pleaded guilty in federal court today for felon in possession of a firearm that was a part of Operation Spring Cleaning.
Mitchell D. Gibbs, 34, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie Epps, Jr. to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the plea agreement, Joplin, Missouri Police officers responded to a report of gun shots. Upon arrival, officers conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of a local storage facility. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as Mitchell D. Gibbs. As officers investigated the shots fired report, they located an empty shell casing near the storage unit owned by Gibbs. Officers then observed a handgun that was partially underneath the driver’s seat of Gibbs’ vehicle.
Gibbs was found in possession of two firearms, At the time of his plea, Gibbs admitted that he knew he was a convicted felon and that he knowingly possessed firearms in violation of federal law.
Under federal statutes, Gibbs is subject to sentences of up to 15 years in federal prison without parole and a maximum fine of $250,000. 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 Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Joplin, Missouri 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Justice Department Sues Colorado for Unconstitutional Weapons Ban of Standard-Capacity Firearms MagazinesRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department filed suit against the State of Colorado alleging that the State unconstitutionally bans certain constitutionally protected standard capacity firearm magazines. This law unconstitutionally infringes on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms in common use for lawful purposes.
“Colorado’s ban on certain magazines is political virtue signaling at the expense of Americans’ constitutional right to keep and bear arms,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Under my direction, the Division’s Second Amendment Section will continue to defend law-abiding Americans’ rights against unconstitutional restrictions on their right to possess arms which are owned by tens of millions of their fellow citizens.”
As the complaint explains, a State of Colorado statute makes it a crime to possess so-called “large-capacity magazines.” But the State has previously admitted that it bans magazines that come standard with many of the most popular firearms in the Nation, including AR-15-style rifles, which are the most popular rifles in America. Law-abiding Americans own hundreds of millions of magazines such as those banned by the State.
In 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court, in its landmark decision District of Columbia v. Heller, held that the Second Amendment protects the right of law-abiding citizens to possess weapons that are in common use for lawful purposes.
The Civil Rights Division’s Second Amendment Section enforces the Second Amendment. If you believe your right to keep and bear arms is being infringed, please submit a complaint through justice.gov/crt/second-amendment-section.
Justice Department Notifies Fairfax County, Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorney of Investigation into His Plea Bargaining, Charging Decisions, and Sentencing PolicyRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department notified the Fairfax County, Virginia Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano of the initiation of a federal investigation into the Commonwealth’s Attorney Plea Bargaining, Charging Decisions, and Sentencing Policy. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will investigate whether the Office of the Fairfax Commonwealth’s Attorney discriminated against United States citizens by offering preferential treatment only to illegal alien criminal defendants.
“Under my leadership, the Civil Rights Division will not allow local prosecutors to pick and choose winners based on their immigration status,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This investigation will uncover whether this prosecutor is putting the community at risk in offering sweetheart deals to illegal immigrants charged with serious crimes.”
The Department has not reached any conclusions regarding allegations in these matters. The Department will investigate under various statutes, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Safe Streets Act, and law enforcement misconduct statute 34 U.S.C. § 12601. The Department has conducted similar investigations where violations have been found, and the resulting settlement agreements have led to important reforms.
Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Department via civilrights.justice.gov/report/. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt.
Justice Department Investigation Determines UCLA’s Medical School Discriminated Based on Race in AdmissionsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has completed a year-long investigation into the admissions policies and practices at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).
The Department uncovered evidence that UCLA’s leadership intentionally selected applicants based on their race. Documents reviewed by the Division reveal that UCLA adheres to the dubious contention that patients receive the best care when treated by a doctor of the same race, rather than by the most qualified.
“UCLA’s admissions process has been focused on racial demographics at the expense of merit and excellence — allowing racial politics to distract the school from the vital work of training great doctors.” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Racism in admissions is both illegal and anti-American, and this Department will not allow it to continue.”
“Federal law and the Supreme Court precedent are clear: Race discrimination has no place in our nation’s institutions of higher learning,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “The pattern of illegal and odious conduct by UCLA’s medical school is abhorrent to our Constitution and our nation’s founding principles.”
The investigation showed that, on average, admitted black and Hispanic applicants had consistently lower academic qualifications than their white and Asian counterparts. These facts support the Department’s finding that UCLA violated the law by intentionally discriminating based on race in its admissions selections.
Medical schools use substantial federal financial assistance to train the next generation of doctors. The Department is continuing its focus on eradicating illegal race politics from admissions at medical schools, where quality and excellence are vitally important.
Justice Department Investigation Determines UCLA’s Medical School Discriminated Based on Race in AdmissionsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has completed a year-long investigation into the admissions policies and practices at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).
The Department uncovered evidence that UCLA’s leadership intentionally selected applicants based on their race. Documents reviewed by the Division reveal that UCLA adheres to the dubious contention that patients receive the best care when treated by a doctor of the same race, rather than by the most qualified.
“UCLA’s admissions process has been focused on racial demographics at the expense of merit and excellence — allowing racial politics to distract the school from the vital work of training great doctors.” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Racism in admissions is both illegal and anti-American, and this Department will not allow it to continue.”
“Federal law and the Supreme Court precedent are clear: Race discrimination has no place in our nation’s institutions of higher learning,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “The pattern of illegal and odious conduct by UCLA’s medical school is abhorrent to our Constitution and our nation’s founding principles.”
The investigation showed that, on average, admitted black and Hispanic applicants had consistently lower academic qualifications than their white and Asian counterparts. These facts support the Department’s finding that UCLA violated the law by intentionally discriminating based on race in its admissions selections.
Medical schools use substantial federal financial assistance to train the next generation of doctors. The Department is continuing its focus on eradicating illegal race politics from admissions at medical schools, where quality and excellence are vitally important.
Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Iron PursuitRead the Press Release
In One Month, Over 200 Child Victims Identified and More than 350 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in Nationwide Crackdown. Two Offenders Charged in the Western District of Michigan.
WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice today announced the results of Operation Iron Pursuit, a one-month, nationwide enforcement effort to find child victims of sex abuse and arrest child sex predators. More than 200 child victims were located and over 350 child sexual abuse offenders were arrested. All 56 FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys' offices around the country participated in the coordinated takedown effort.
The operation commenced April 1 and ended April 30. The Administration for Children and Families recognize April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“This operation puts every child predator on notice: we are coming for you,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The sexual exploitation of minors is an abomination with no place in our society. We will hunt down these offenders, hold them fully accountable under the law, and deliver justice for victims.”
“Every single day this FBI is working 24/7 to break networks of child abusers all across this country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Last year we joined our partners delivering a record year, identifying and rescuing over 6,300 missing children, and today’s announcement of Operation Iron Pursuit is just the latest success in that work — with over 200 victims located and over 350 offenders arrested. Let this be a message to criminal actors who seek to target America’s children: you will be pursued, and you will be brought to justice.”
Victims recovered include a 10-year-old from Utah who was flown from Cuba to home and the child’s biological mother. The child was supposed to be on a camping trip with a transgender parent, partner, and another child. The group instead flew from Canada to Mexico and then to Cuba; concerns existed that the 10-year-old child was taken to Cuba for gender reassignment surgery. FBI Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted with the recovery of the children, providing crisis support and stabilization.
Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, abuse, kidnapping, and possessing, distributing, or receiving child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Some of the alleged offenders include:
- A Columbus, Ohio, man who pleaded guilty to creating AI-generated obscene material of adults and children and to cyberstalking exes;
- A District of Columbia man charged with producing child pornography;
- A New York man charged with sexually exploiting a child; and
- A Pennsylvania man and former felon charged with sexually exploiting a child and illegally possessing a gun.
“You can see from this one-month snapshot that child sexual exploitation remains a major law enforcement concern for all of us, including the Western District of Michigan,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey. “We have adapted our investigative methods as these child predators have moved onto the internet, and we will continue to do whatever it takes to bring these offenders to justice.”
In the Western District of Michigan, a grand jury returned an indictment against Matthew David Coad on April 7, 2026. Coad was charged with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Because of a prior conviction for criminal sexual conduct against a minor, he faces enhanced penalties if convicted: prison for a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years for distribution of child pornography and a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to 20 years for possession of child pornography.
On the same date, the same grand jury returned an indictment charging Christopher Patrick Owens with seven counts of sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a child. If Owens is convicted, each sexual exploitation count requires a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison; attempted coercion and enticement carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison.
“Our participation in Operation Iron Pursuit is another example of the work we do every day in Michigan to protect children and hold predators accountable,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “I am grateful for the dedicated efforts of our FBI Bay City, Flint, and Grand Rapids Resident Agencies, alongside the FBI Detroit Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, whose work continues to safeguard our communities and protect children from those who seek to harm them.”
This effort follows three other successful operations last year. Operation Relentless Justice, concluded in December 2025, resulted in the rescue of 205 children and arrests of 293 offenders. Operation Enduring Justice, concluded in August 2025, resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. And Operation Restore Justice, concluded in May 2025, resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders.
The FBI’s VSD assisted victims during Operation Iron Pursuit and provided services such as forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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