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Thursday 30 April 2026
Homeland Security Taskforce Investigation Leads to Ohio Man Pleading Guilty to Role in Interstate Fentanyl Pill Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – A 25-year-old man has pleaded guilty to his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving fentanyl pills shipped from Arizona to Ohio.
Alijaha Scott, of Youngstown, Ohio, pleaded guilty to the following charges:
- Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances
- Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering
According to court documents, from about April 2022 to 2024, Scott and other co-conspirators engaged in a drug trafficking operation that included shipping parcels of fentanyl pills from Arizona to the Youngstown area, where the pills were redistributed to customers. On Aug. 2, 2023, Scott flew from Ohio to Arizona, shipped a drug parcel to the Youngtown area, and then flew back to Ohio. Law enforcement stopped Scott on Interstate 80 after he returned from the trip and found a vacuum-sealing machine (commonly used to package bulk drugs or cash for smuggling) in his suitcase. Law enforcement also reviewed cellphone evidence, which showed Scott was talking to another conspirator about fentanyl pills.
Scott is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 4. A federal district court judge will determine sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Cleveland comprises agents and officers from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
The prosecution is being led by Assistant United States Attorney James P. Lewis for the Northern District of Ohio.
Harrisburg Man Sentenced to 15 Years’ Imprisonment for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Aaron Williams, age 54, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to 15 years’ imprisonment to be followed by a 10-year-term of supervised release for possessing with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, in May 2023, Williams sold over 80 grams of crack cocaine to an individual in Harrisburg. A search warrant was later executed at Williams’s Harrisburg residence, and law enforcement found over 400 grams of powder cocaine and over 300 grams of crack cocaine. Law enforcement also found over $7,000 in cash.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Harrisburg Police Bureau investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.
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Guatemalan National Convicted by Jury of Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession of CocaineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that a federal jury in Lincoln, Nebraska, returned a guilty verdict on April 29, 2026, against Jose Garcia Jimenez, 35, of Grand Island, Nebraska. Garcia Jimenez was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine.
Garcia Jimenez, a legal permanent resident originally from Guatemala, faces a potential prison term of up to 40 years and a minimum of five years for each count. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis, who presided over the trial, set sentencing for August 6, 2026.
The evidence at trial established that between at least June 2024 and November 25, 2024, Garcia Jimenez and another individual were working together to sell cocaine out of their residence in Grand Island. In late November 2024, law enforcement intercepted a package in transit to Garcia Jimenez’s home that contained two kilograms of cocaine. After that seizure, a search warrant was applied for and granted for the residence. During the search of the residence and throughout the course of the investigation, investigators seized multiple cell phones, three firearms, a large amount of ammunition, scales, drug paraphernalia, psilocyn mushrooms, cash, and an additional half kilogram of cocaine. Garcia Jimenez and the other individual’s cell phones were downloaded, and they revealed communication consistent with drug transactions.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol Commercial Interdiction Unit in Omaha Nebraska and the TRIDENT and CODE Task Forces which are made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22-county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska and includes the North Platte Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Ogallala Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations.
GoodFellas Gang Member Sentenced to Prison for Drive-By ShootingRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Tahj Rankine, a member of the GoodFellas criminal street gang, was sentenced to ten years in prison for his participation in a February 2021 drive-by shooting that injured an innocent bystander.
“Tahj Rankine drove a vehicle while fellow gang members shot out of it, maiming an innocent bystander,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Our Homeland Security Task Force will continue to target gangsters who disregard public safety and drive violence in our community.”
“Gang shootings in public places are all too common,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The defendant and his gang terrorized customers at a gas station, unleashing more than 30 rounds, endangering innocent victims and even hitting a car containing children. Violent gang activity that imperils innocent lives has no place in our communities. It must be rooted out entirely.”
“Drive-by shootings endanger entire communities, not just intended targets,” said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Rankine’s actions—driving armed gang members into a public space and enabling gunfire—show a blatant disregard for human life that left an innocent bystander injured. The FBI, alongside our partners on the Homeland Security Task Force, will continue to prioritize dismantling violent gangs like GoodFellas and holding those who fuel this kind of reckless violence accountable.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: The GoodFellas is an Atlanta-based gang that primarily recruits members in Atlanta neighborhoods as well as jails and prisons within Georgia. The gang generates money through, among other criminal activities, drug trafficking, robbery, carjacking, fraud, and firearms trafficking. The gang protects its operation, turf, and reputation through violence and threats of violence.
On February 2, 2021, Rankine drove himself and other armed GoodFellas gang members to a gas station in southwest Atlanta. A second vehicle filled with armed GoodFellas members accompanied Rankine’s vehicle. After Rankine drove through the gas station parking lot, occupants of the two vehicles discharged dozens of rounds towards the gas station’s storefront in an attempt to target members of another gang. An innocent bystander was hit by gunfire and suffered an injury to his foot.
On April 29, 2026, Tahj Rankine, a/k/a Biggz, 27, of Tucker, Georgia, was sentenced to ten years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Rankine was convicted of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence on January 12, 2026, after he pled guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with valuable assistance provided by the Georgia Department of Corrections; Georgia Department of Community Supervision; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office; and the Atlanta Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Renaud and Trial Attorney Sarah J. Rasalam prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Atlanta comprises agents and officers from ATF, CGIS, DEA, FBI, ICE-HSI, IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, DSS, USMS, USPIS, and USSS with the prosecution being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.
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
GoodFellas Gang Member Sentenced to 10 Years for a Drive-by ShootingRead the Press Release
Tahj Rankine, also known as Biggz, 27, of Tucker, Georgia, a member of the GoodFellas criminal street gang, was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release for his participation in a drive-by shooting at a crowded gas station that injured an innocent bystander and others. Rankine pleaded guilty in January 2026 to discharging a firearm during a crime of violence — specifically, attempted murder committed in the aid of the GoodFellas’ racketeering enterprise.
“Gang shootings in public places are all too common,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The defendant and his gang terrorized customers at a gas station, unleashing more than 30 rounds, endangering innocent victims, and even hitting a car containing children. Violent gang activity that imperils innocent lives has no place in our communities. It must be rooted out entirely.”
“Tahj Rankine drove a vehicle while fellow gang members shot out of it, maiming an innocent bystander,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia. “Our Homeland Security Task Force will continue to target gangsters who disregard public safety and drive violence in our community.”
“Drive-by shootings endanger entire communities, not just intended targets,” said Special Agent in Charge Marlo Graham of the FBI Atlanta Field Office. “Rankine’s actions — driving armed gang members into a public space and enabling gunfire — show a blatant disregard for human life that left an innocent bystander injured. The FBI, alongside our partners on the Homeland Security Task Force, will continue to prioritize dismantling violent gangs like GoodFellas and holding those who fuel this kind of reckless violence accountable.”
According to court documents, GoodFellas is an Atlanta-based gang that primarily recruits members in Atlanta neighborhoods and in jails and prisons within Georgia. The GoodFellas gang generates money for the gang through, among other criminal activities, drug trafficking, robbery, carjacking, fraud, and firearms trafficking. The gang uses violence and threats of violence, including murder, attempted murder, and obstruction of justice to protect its territory and reputation.
In February 2021, on the day of the shooting, Rankine drove fellow gang members to an open Quickmart gas station, where they believed members of a rival gang were present. A second car, also filled with armed GoodFellas members, accompanied Rankine’s vehicle.
Rankine drove through the Quickmart parking lot, turned around, and then drove through the parking lot again. As Rankine drove through the second time, gang members in Rankine’s vehicle and the other vehicle shot from the vehicles toward the gas station’s storefront. Several people were injured, including an innocent bystander whose children were traumatized when bullets hit the car they were sitting in. A Quickmart employee estimated that the shooters fired 30 to 40 times.
The FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Sarah J. Rasalam of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Renaud for the Northern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case.
These arrests 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.
Four Charged with Cocaine and Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Three residents of Western Pennsylvania and one resident of California have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating various federal narcotics and firearm laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The six-count Indictment named Darius Dudley, 33, of Duquesne, Pennsylvania; Robert Gonzales, 41, of Jurupa Valley, California; Vince Kelly, 36, of White Oak, Pennsylvania; and Keontae Spears, 42, of Homestead, Pennsylvania, as defendants.
According to the Indictment, from in and around April 2025 to in and around August 2025, the defendants conspired to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl. The Indictment also alleges that Kelly and Spears attempted to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine on two separate occasions during that timeframe, also attempting to obtain 400 grams or more of fentanyl on one of the occasions. Spears is additionally charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon in August 2025. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. The Indictment further alleges that, in June 2025, Gonzales distributed 500 grams or more of cocaine, and that, in August 2025, Dudley possessed with the intent to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base and 500 grams or more of cocaine.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $20 million, or both for each defendant. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Former “America’s Most Wanted” Fugitive Sentenced for His Role in Multi-State Drug Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – One of the leaders in a larger drug trafficking operation in the Eastern Panhandle has been sentenced in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Samuel Rose, 53, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, will serve 190 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to a cocaine distribution charge. Rose, one of 35 defendants in an investigation that spanned multiple states, resided in Berkeley County, West Virginia at the time of the investigation. Rose was distributing large quantities of cocaine, cocaine base, and fentanyl, getting his supply from the operation headquarters “Top 3 Sources,” an appliance store and warehouse in Hagerstown. As a part of the illegal operation, drugs were hidden and shipped within appliances. The drugs seized during the investigation amounted to nearly 19 pounds of cocaine, more than two pounds of heroin, and nearly one pound of cocaine base “crack,” with a street value of approximately $471,000.
Rose was on supervised release from a prior drug conviction in the Northern District of West Virginia during the commission of the crimes. Rose was a fugitive in this case from the indictment in 2021 and was featured on “America’s Most Wanted.” Rose was apprehended in 2024 and currently has other drug charges in Pennsylvania pending.
Lenin Luna Mota, the leader of the drug organization, was sentenced to 280 months in October 2025. To date, 33 of the 35 defendants have been convicted and were sentenced to a combined 109 years in prison.
Chelsea Nicole Pinkcett, 37, is still wanted in connection to this case by the U.S. Marshal’s Service. Find her wanted information here: https://www.usmarshals.gov/what-we-do/fugitive/local/chelsea-nicole-pinkcett.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The FBI; the U.S. Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative (agencies included are the West Virginia State Police, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, Jefferson County Sherriff’s Department, Ranson Police Department, Charles Town Police Department, and Martinsburg City Police Department); West Virginia State Police; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Hagerstown Police Department; the National Resources Police Department; FBI-New York Safe Streets Task Force; the New York Police Department; the New Jersey State Police; the Washington County (Maryland) Drug Task Force; the Maryland State Police; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania investigated.
Fentanyl has been designated by President Donald Trump as a weapon of mass destruction due to its extreme lethality which poses a grave threat to public safety, even in trace amounts. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Find the related case here: www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/34-indicted-expansive-drug-trafficking-operation
Former Youngsville Resident Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Child Sex OffensesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE– On April 21, 2026, Nicholas J. Miller, a 45-year-old Youngsville resident, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, after his January 2026 conviction for distribution of child sexual abuse materials (“CSAM”).
Evidence presented in court showed that in July 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) received information that Miller had shared CSAM with Brad William Blanchard, another pedophile and former resident of Abbeville who was prosecuted separately in this District and sentenced in November 2025 to 150 months in prison. The FBI opened an investigation and confirmed that Miller had distributed CSAM to Blanchard. When arrested, Miller admitted that he had created social media accounts and enticed minors to provide him with sexual abuse material and that he had captured CSAM on hidden cameras, with Miller distributing the CSAM to Blanchard.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.
The FBI investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 6:25-CR-00258.
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Public Affairs
United States Attorney’s Office
Western District of Louisiana
www.justice.gov/usao-wdla
Twitter @USAO_WDLA
Former U.S. Postal Carriers, Bank Manager, and Convicted Felon Indicted on Federal Charges for Nearly $5 Million Bank Fraud and Mail Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
ATLANTA – Two former U.S. Postal Service mail carriers, a former Alpharetta assistant bank manager, and a convicted felon face federal charges after participating in a scheme to steal valuable items from the mail, including a $4.9 million U.S. Treasury check.
“Francina Sutton worked with two corrupt U.S. Postal Service mail carriers to steal dozens of checks, credit cards, and gift cards from the mail and separately conspired with an assistant bank manager to launder a stolen $4.9 million U.S. Treasury check,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “My office places a special emphasis on prosecuting employees who abuse their positions inside trusted institutions to steal from and defraud the public.”
“Today’s arrests send a strong message to anyone who thinks mail theft and check fraud will go unpunished,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Ulrich of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “Protecting the integrity of the U.S. Postal Service is our mission, and our special agents, along with our federal and local law enforcement partners, will aggressively investigate these federal crimes to protect the sanctity of the U.S. Mail and maintain the public’s trust.”
“It is the mission of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) to protect the integrity of the IRS and promote the fair administration of our federal tax system,” said TIGTA Special Agent in Charge Joel Weaver. “TIGTA continues to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners to hold individuals responsible for their attempts to interfere with our nation’s tax system for personal gain.”
“Stealing mail, misusing personal information, and trying to wash a $4.9 million Treasury check are serious attacks on our financial system,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS-CI Atlanta Field Office. “IRS‑CI will continue to follow the money, expose these schemes, and shut down anyone who seeks to profit from fraud against the American public.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service relentlessly pursues criminals who exploit the U.S. Mail for unlawful purposes,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Atlanta Division. “The indictments of these co-conspirators who allegedly stole Treasury Checks and other financial instruments and defrauded the American taxpayer serve as a resounding message to anyone who wants to steal U.S. Mail. We will unwaveringly work with our partners in law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold criminals accountable for their actions.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Beginning in or about March 2020 and continuing through September 2025, Shanda Goode and Carnisha Hamilton, who were then employed as U.S. Postal Service City Carriers assigned to the Ralph McGill Post Office in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Marietta Main Post Office in Marietta, Georgia, respectively, allegedly stole mail containing checks, credit cards, gift cards, and other items of value in order to sell them to Francina Juantez Sutton and other individuals. On at least one occasion in December 2023, Hamilton stole three dozen pieces of mail containing checks and credit cards on a single delivery run. After obtaining the stolen mail, Sutton used the credit cards and cashed the checks for her own personal use.
Sutton also allegedly conspired with Tonya Bailey, who was an Assistant Financial Center Manager at a bank in Alpharetta, Georgia, to open bank accounts in the names of unsuspecting persons in order to deposit a $4.9 million U.S. Treasury check that had been stolen from the mail. In February 2023, Sutton entered Bailey’s bank branch wearing a dark-colored mask and opened a bank account, with Bailey’s assistance, in the name of an entity that resembled the name of the payee listed on the stolen check. Sutton and Bailey then deposited the stolen check into the new bank account. Two weeks later, Sutton returned to Bailey’s bank branch wearing a surgical mask; drew two cashier’s checks for $150,000 each from the account; and opened two new bank accounts, with Bailey’s assistance, using stolen personally identifiable information. Sutton and Bailey then deposited $300,000 into the new accounts. The U.S. Secret Service seized over $4.7 million from the fraudulently opened bank accounts, and the United States will seek to forfeit the seized funds in the criminal case.
Francina Juantez Sutton, 46, of Smyrna, Ga., Shanda Goode, 57, of Douglasville, Ga., Carnisha Hamilton, 42, of Marietta, Ga., and Tonya Bailey, 58, of Ellenwood, Ga., will be arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lawrence R. Sommerfeld after a federal grand jury returned an indictment on March 24, 2026. Goode, Hamilton, and Sutton face federal charges for conspiracy and theft of mail by a postal employee. Sutton and Bailey were charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft. Sutton also was charged with possession of stolen mail, access device fraud, and felon in possession of a firearm. Sutton has multiple prior felony convictions for theft, forgery, and identity fraud.
Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is being investigated by the United States Postal Service-Office of Inspector General, U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. The U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service also provided valuable assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Sekret T. Sneed is prosecuting the case.
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.
Former Fairbanks teacher indicted, arrested on child exploitation chargesRead the Press Release
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A former Fairbanks teacher was arrested yesterday after a federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment charging him with sexually exploiting a child to produce and possess child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).
According to court documents, beginning on an unknown date and continuing until Aug. 25, 2023, Skyler Evans, 34, coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct with the intention of producing visuals of that conduct. The indictment also alleges that beginning on an unknown date and continuing until March 25, 2025, Evans possessed and attempted to possess CSAM.
Evans is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The defendant is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on May 4, 2026, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces between 15 and 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schlegel of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office is investigating the case, with assistance from the Fairbanks Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Florida Woman Pleads Guilty to Orchestrating Multimillion-Dollar Federal Student Loan Forgiveness FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that NYDIRA ADAMS, a/k/a “Nadira Adams,” a/k/a “Nadira Adams-McMillan,” pled guilty today to carrying out a scheme in which she caused federal student loan borrowers to submit documents containing misrepresentations and false statements to the U.S. Department of Education to take advantage of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. ADAMS’s scheme sought to cause the Department of Education to forgive over $5 million in federal student loan debt based on lies, misrepresentations, and falsehoods. ADAMS pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote.
“Nydira Adams marketed herself as a guru, but what she was really selling was fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Adams’s greed cost an important federal program servicing the American public over $5 million. Programs funded by taxpayers and designed to reward genuine public service cannot be treated as personal profit centers. New Yorkers and all Americans want us to make sure their tax dollars are not stolen.”
According to court filings and statements made in court proceedings:
From at least in or about March 2023 through at least in or about January 2025, Adams held herself out as the “Student Loan Default Guru” and operated a business under the same name. In reality, AdAMS used misrepresentations, false statements, and false documents to deceive the Department of Education into forgiving federal student loans issued to borrowers who paid Adams thousands of dollars for her purported services. On multiple occasions, Adams knowingly and intentionally caused applications for Department of Education relief programs to be submitted that contained falsehoods pertaining to the borrowers’ eligibility for the relief programs. Among other falsehoods, Adams claimed that one California-based borrower worked full-time at a New York-based religious institution and falsely represented that another borrower worked full-time for a public school district. Adams’s scheme resulted in an intended loss of over $5 million to the Department of Education.
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Adams, 38, of Pensacola, Florida, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 60 months in prison.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the Department of Education Office of Inspector General – Eastern Regional Office, the New York Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Special Agents assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon C. Thompson is in charge of the prosecution.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the Fraud Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Florida Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Sextortion CrimesRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A Florida man has been sentenced for the sexual exploitation of numerous individuals in the northern and middle districts of Alabama, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby.
U.S. District Judge Corey L. Maze sentenced Trevon Lamont Brown, 25, of Ocala, Florida, to 600 months in prison followed by a life term of supervised release. In December 2025, Brown pleaded guilty to multiple charges including sex trafficking, production of child pornography, coercion and enticement of a minor, and cyberstalking.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to be relentless in our prosecution of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us – our children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine Crosby. “Trevon Brown victimized children across the United States, not just in the Northern and Middle Districts of Alabama. These children have suffered tremendously and will continue to experience lifelong impacts as images of their abuse remain online forever. We are grateful to our federal and state law enforcement partners that remain resolute in their pursuit of justice for these children. With their help, we will make sure monsters like Brown spend significant time behind bars.”
“This defendant exploited and manipulated minors for his own gain, then used fear and intimidation to further victimize them,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson for the Middle District of Alabama. “By soliciting images from minors and threatening to expose them, Brown carried out a cruel and calculated scheme of exploitation. Protecting children from this kind of abuse remains a top priority for both the Middle and Northern Districts of Alabama, and this sentence reflects our shared commitment to seeking justice for victims and holding offenders fully accountable.”
“We will not tolerate predators who exploit children and young adults. Our agents, alongside our dedicated law enforcement partners, worked tirelessly across state lines to protect victims and bring offenders to justice,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “The public can be assured we are vigilant and unwavering in our mission to defend the most vulnerable.”
According to court documents, beginning in December 2020 and continuing for several years, Brown used various social media accounts to pose as a teenage female and engage with males between the ages of 15-23 years old. Brown sent sexually explicit photos and/or videos of a female and requested similar photos and/or videos of the males in return. After receiving the photos and/or videos from the males, Brown threatened to expose them by sending them to their friends and family unless they complied with his extensive demands. Federal search warrants for Brown’s online accounts were obtained and executed. And on August 2, 2023, agents executed a search warrant on Brown’s residence in Ocala, Florida, where they seized multiple electronic devices. A review of Brown’s online accounts and the forensic examination of Brown’s iPhones revealed child pornography and other sexually explicit images and videos of many victims.
During this investigation, agents were informed by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) of additional victims located in the Middle District of Alabama (MDAL). Between March 2023 and August 2023, Brown, using the same methods of online sextortion as he did with the victims in the Northern District, threatened and intimidated three victims in the MDAL to expose their sexually explicit images if they did not comply with Brown’s demands. Brown was indicted on federal charges of cyberstalking in the MDAL, and the case was subsequently transferred to the Northern District of Alabama for plea and sentencing.
Sextortion is a form of online sexual exploitation where victims are threatened or blackmailed, and it is a growing problem in the United States. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) documented a dramatic increase in reports of sextortion to their CyberTipline. In fact, NCMEC reported that the number of online enticement reports (which includes reports of sextortion) increased by more than 300% between 2021 and 2023.
In response to this epidemic, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama and the National Children’s Advocacy Center in Huntsville, Alabama, partnered to produce and release a digital series to educate parents and caretakers about sextortion and how they can help prevent children and teens from being victims. This series offers short, three-to-five-minute videos about online safety topics and provides essential information about the true dangers of online activities. The videos can be accessed here: Sextortion Prevention.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. 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 and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Birmingham investigated the case along with the assistance of HSI Illinois Division, HSI New York Division, HSI North Carolina Division, HSI Florida Division, FBI Birmingham Division, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Clarksville Police Department in Tennessee, Pennsylvania State University Police and Public Safety, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Police Department, and Ocala Police Department in Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. Leann White of the Northern District of Alabama and Tara Ratz of the Middle District of Alabama prosecuted the cases.
If you suspect or become aware of possible online sexual exploitation, please make a report with the appropriate authorities. To report an incident, you can call the Department of Homeland Security’s Know2Protect Tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW (5669) or contact the NCMEC CyberTipline online at report.cybertip.org.
Five Illegal Aliens with Prior Felony Convictions and Multiple Deportations Charged for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – Five illegal aliens unlawfully residing in Las Vegas made their initial court appearances this week to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country.
Juan Manuel Castellanos-Velazquez; Jimmy Jeyson Escobar-Nerio; Victor Hugo Garcia-Dominguez; Marbin Alexander Ramirez-Rodas; and Antonio Trinidad Garcia-Gallo are all charged with one count of deported alien found in the United States. Preliminary hearings for Juan Manuel Castellanos-Velazquez and Jimmy Jeyson Escobar-Nerio are scheduled for May 11, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Maximiliano D. Couvillier, III. Preliminary hearings for Victor Hugo Garcia-Dominguez, Marbin Alexander Ramirez-Rodas, and Antonio Trinidad Garcia-Gallo are scheduled for May 13, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts.
According to allegations contained in the criminal complaints and statements made during court proceedings, Castellanos-Velazquez, Garcia-Dominguez, and Garcia-Gallo are citizens and nationals of Mexico. Escobar-Nerio, and Ramirez-Rodas are citizens and nationals of El Salvador. All five were previously deported and removed from the United States and reentered the United States illegally.
On April 7, 2023, officers from the North Las Vegas Police Department arrested Castellanos-Velazquez for two counts of Trafficking Controlled Substance, Sale/Transfer Controlled Substance, and Conspiracy to Violate Uniform Controlled Substances Act. On April 13, 2026, after serving a 36-to-96-month sentence for drug trafficking, the Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Castellanos-Velazquez to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. Castellanos-Velazquez was previously removed and deported from the United States to Mexico on eight prior occasions: February 28, 2008; August 24, 2008; August 28, 2008; December 30, 2008; April 21, 2016; May 4, 2016; May 18, 2016; and May 27, 2016.
On April 4, 2026, officers from the North Las Vegas Police Department arrested Escobar-Nerio for Driving Under the Influence. On April 8, 2026, the North Las Vegas Community Correctional Center remanded Escobar-Nerio to ICE custody in Las Vegas Nevada. Escobar-Nerio was previously removed and deported from the United States to Mexico on two prior occasions: October 10, 2019, and January 8, 2021. Escobar-Nerio has a prior felony conviction from December 16, 2020, out of the United States District Court, Southern District of California for deported alien found in the United States, the same charge he is currently facing.
On September 11, 2024, officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested Garcia-Dominguez for Kidnapping and Robbery with Use of a Deadly Weapon. On April 16, 2026, after serving a 19-to-96-month sentence for Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, the Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Garcia-Dominguez to ICE custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. Garcia-Dominguez was previously removed and deported from the United States to Mexico on two prior occasions: August 10, 2020, and December 20, 2023. Garcia-Dominguez also has a prior felony conviction for Attempt Burglary, and a conviction for Battery Domestic Violence.
On March 16, 2026, officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested Ramirez-Rodas for Domestic Battery by Strangulation, Battery Domestic Violence on Pregnant Victim, Coercion Domestic Violence with Threat or Use of Physical Force, Driving Under the Influence, and Child Abuse or Neglect. On April 17, 2026, the Clark County Detention Center remanded Garcia-Gallo to ICE custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. Garcia-Gallo was previously removed on November 25, 2022. Garcia-Gallo has prior felony convictions for Trafficking Controlled Substance from 2015, and Prohibited Alien in Possession of Firearm from 2021.
On April 17, 2024, officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested Garcia-Gallo for four counts Possession for Sale Controlled Substance, Trafficking Controlled Substance, and Conspiracy to Violate Uniform Controlled Substances Act. On April 22, 2026, after serving a 2-to-5-year sentence for Trafficking in Controlled Substance, the Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Garcia-Gallo to ICE custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. Garcia-Gallo was previously removed and deported from the United States to Mexico on two prior occasions: August 20, 2015, and June 9, 2020. Garcia-Gallo was previously convicted in 2018, for felony Trafficking Controlled Substance, and he was also convicted in 2020 for Deported Alien Found in the United States, the same charge he is currently facing.
If convicted, Ramirez-Rodas faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
If convicted, Escobar-Nerio; Garcia-Dominguez; and Garcia-Gallo all face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
If convicted, Castellanos-Velazquez, faces a maximum statutory penalty of two years in prison, a one-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.
First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Ruben Levya made the announcement.
The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the cases; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the cases.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Federal Law Enforcement to Host Virtual Webinar on How to Keep Kids Safe OnlineRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts is hosting a virtual webinar on May 7, 2026 on how to keep children safe online. Topics will include social media, gaming, sextortion, extremist threats and the rise of generative artificial intelligence. The event will feature presentations from subject matter experts, including the Federal Bureau of Investigations; Homeland Security Investigations; and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. There will also be live Q&A with participants and resources for further education.
Registration is required for the event please find link below. The webinar will not be recorded:
Topic: Keeping Kids Safe and Secure Online
Date and time: Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 6:30 PM (EST)
Registration: https://usao.webex.com/weblink/register/r3e7ec6dd39529e1d1509dc763f5668f8
Members of the media who are interested in attending should contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office in advance at [email protected]. Media representatives are welcome to observe the event and report on the presentations and resources shared; however, out of respect for participants, media should not identify, approach, or interview attendees or quote questions posed by participants during the event.
If you are unable to attend the scheduled webinar but interested in attending other similar presentations in the future, please email [email protected] to be put on our mailing list.
Interested in promoting the event in your community? A media kit and additional resources can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/project-safe-childhood/project-safe-childhood-resources
El Salvadoran National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry; Faces DeportationRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Angel Vidal Reyes Guzman, age 33, a citizen of El Salvador, was sentenced to time served (approximately two months) by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for illegally reentering the country after having previously been removed.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Reyes Guzman was indicted by a federal grand jury after having been previously convicted of a charge of moral turpitude in Virginia in 2013. Reyes Guzman had previously been removed from the United States pursuant to a court order in 2013 and illegally reentered the United States sometime thereafter. Reyes Guzman pleaded guilty to illegal reentry prior to his sentencing.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley K. McGraw 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.
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Eight Charged with Trafficking Narcotics Across the United States from MexicoRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—Eight individuals have been charged for their role in a transnational criminal organization (TCO) transporting narcotics into California from Mexico and distributing it across the United States including Oregon.
The following individuals have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl:
- Tania Argueta, 47, residing in Las Vegas, Nevada;
- Patsy Escobar, 25, residing in Los Angeles, California;
- Angel Lopez, 25, residing in Los Angeles;
- Rene Cazares, 39, residing in Salem, Oregon;
- Julia Dorfler, 32, residing in Springfield, Oregon;
- Matthew Medieros, 38, residing in Coos Bay, Oregon;
- Patrick Newport, 28, residing in Corvallis, Oregon; and
- Felicia Waite, 40, residing in Eugene, Oregon.
According to court documents, the TCO transported drugs, including methamphetamine and fentanyl into California from Mexico before distributing it across the United States, including Oregon, through shipping carriers, sometimes hidden in children’s toys or cereal boxes, and vehicles.
Argueta was a drug and money courier for the TCO traveling all over the United States to pick up drug proceeds. Cazares operated a stash house in Salem receiving large amounts of controlled substances from couriers that he distributed at the direction of a co-conspirator to local Oregon customers. Escobar and Lopez operated a stash house in Corona, California, where they distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl across the United States. Dorfler, Newport, Waite, and Medieros were all local distributors for the TCO.
During the course of this investigation, law enforcement has seized approximately 56 pounds of fentanyl, 116 pounds of methamphetamine, more than $300,000, and 20 firearms from members of the TCO.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Oregon State Police, Springfield Police Department, Eugene Police Department, South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team, Linn Conty Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team, Corvallis Police Department, Corona Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case, with assistance from the New York Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This arrest is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Drug dealer sentenced for distributing deadly doses of fentanyl- and xylazine-laced cocaine to three Grosse Pointe Woods residentsRead the Press Release
DETROIT –Aerian Porter-Craig, 34, formerly of Harper Woods, Michigan, was sentenced to 210 months in prison after having pleaded guilty to distributing deadly doses of fentanyl-laced cocaine to three Grosse Pointe Woods residents, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan, Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI Detroit Field Office and John Kosanke, Director of Public Safety, Grosse Pointe Woods.
Porter-Craig was arrested on September 11, 2024. According to the complaint and Porter-Craig in her guilty plea, she regularly sold drugs to her three victims prior to the fatal incident. On the evening of June 9, 2023, Porter-Craig delivered drugs to Adult Victim 1 (AV-1) and AV-2 at one house, and then delivered to AV-3 at another house in Grosse Pointe Woods. Communications from all three victims’ phones stopped shortly after Porter-Craig left each house. At AV-1’s house, police found a tray next to AV-2’s body with white powder that tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl. At AV-3’s house, police found a tray next to AV-3’s body with white powder that contained fentanyl, cocaine, and xylazine. According to their text messages, the victims thought they were buying cocaine.
The Wayne County Medical Examiner determined that AV-1 and AV-2 died from fentanyl toxicity, and AV-3 had died from fentanyl and xylazine toxicity. Xylazine is a deadly animal tranquilizer sometimes mixed with fentanyl by drug traffickers.
“This drug dealer peddled deadly doses, floating like the grim reaper from one house to the next. She claimed three lives in one day—just so she could make a few bucks,” said Gorgon.
“Anyone who profits from pushing deadly drugs like fentanyl into our Michigan communities should expect to spend years in federal prison. This sentence makes that message unmistakably clear,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “While no sentence can bring back the lives lost due to this defendant’s criminal actions, this outcome delivers justice. I am grateful to the dedicated members of FBI Detroit and our partners at the Grosse Pointe Woods Police Department for their relentless investigative work. We will continue to pursue and hold accountable those who traffic deadly narcotics, while protecting our communities from those who endanger lives.”Director Kosanke stated, “Today’s sentence of Aerian Porter-Craig, shows the justice system holds people accountable for their actions. A person who chose to profit from others addiction will now answer to the system that protects the innocent.”
This case was investigated by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the City of Grosse Pointe Woods Detective Bureau. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Franzinger.
Defendant Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Attempting to Obstruct a Federal Drug Trafficking InvestigationRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Julian Gonzalez was sentenced by United States District Judge William F. Kuntz II to 57 months’ imprisonment for attempted obstruction of justice. Gonzalez was convicted of this crime following a one-week jury trial in October 2024.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the sentence.
“Gonzalez was convicted at trial of intentionally trying to destroy evidence during an ongoing criminal investigation into his narcotics trafficking,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The jury’s verdict and today’s sentence make clear that those who think they are above the law, seek to undermine our judicial system, and obstruct law enforcement will be prosecuted and held accountable.”
“Julian Gonzalez attempted to interfere with a federal investigation and destroy evidence linking him to drug trafficking in New York City,” stated FBI Assistant in Charge Barnacle. “Today’s sentencing represents the FBI’s commitment to hold accountable individuals who try to conceal their crimes from law enforcement.”
During an investigation into Gonzalez’s drug trafficking and distribution of cocaine throughout New York City, the FBI obtained a judicially authorized warrant to seize and search his cell phone for evidence of criminal activity. On March 17, 2023, Gonzalez arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens, New York, aboard an international flight. Shortly after he landed, FBI agents met Gonzalez, identified themselves, and provided Gonzalez with the search warrant for his phone. Initially, Gonzalez reluctantly unlocked his phone and gave it to the agents. The agents then began looking through the phone and photographing Gonzalez’s Signal messages that appeared to relate to drug trafficking, including the sale of one kilogram of cocaine for approximately $20,000.
Shortly after handing his phone to the FBI agents, and while the agents were conducting their preliminary search, Gonzalez asked to use his phone to call his wife. When the agents handed the phone back to Gonzalez, Gonzalez slammed the phone on the ground, causing significant damage.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Sara K. Winik and Rebecca M. Schuman are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of former Paralegal Specialist Nadya Osman.
The Defendant:
JULIAN GONZALEZ
Age: 51
Yonkers, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-179 (WFK)
Convicted Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Failing to RegisterRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Gary Saleem Price, 46, of the District of Columbia, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to failing to register as a sex offender, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Judge Dabney L. Friedrich scheduled sentencing for July 29, 2026.
According to court documents, in 2017, Price was convicted of first-degree child sexual abuse and required to register as a sex offender. Following his incarceration in that case, Price was required to remain in a transitional living placement in Baltimore, Maryland. In November 2024, Price absconded from that placement. Price ultimately settled in Washington, D.C.
In March 2026, law enforcement found Price living at an address in the District. Since absconding from the transitional living placement, Price was not registered as a sex offender in the District of Columbia, even though he was required to do so due to his prior conviction.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office.
This case was investigated by FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Kelley.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 87 Months in Trafficking Nine Firearms, Including to Buyer Who Said He Was ‘At War’Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON - Brandon Smith, 34, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 87 months in prison for conspiring to traffic at least nine firearms to a prohibited buyer over the course of six months, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“Brandon Smith was already on supervised probation for a violent felony when he chose to traffic firearms, and he continued even after being told the buyer intended to use them for violence,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Over the course of six months, he arranged the sale of at least nine guns—including one with an obliterated serial number—to a prohibited individual. This was not a momentary lapse in judgment, but a sustained and deliberate effort to arm someone who could not legally possess firearms. My office remains committed to holding accountable those who endanger our communities by trafficking illegal guns.”
On Jan. 9, 2026, Smith pleaded guilty before Judge Howell to conspiracy to commit trafficking in firearms. In addition to the 87-month prison term, Judge Howell ordered Smith to serve three years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 108-month prison term.
According to court papers, beginning in November 2023, ATF opened an investigation after a confidential source reported that Smith, then on supervised probation for a violent felony, was actively advertising firearms for sale by texting photographs of guns to prospective buyers, including individuals with prior felony convictions.
During the next six months, Smith sold or arranged the sale of nine firearms to a buyer on six separate occasions. During the transactions, Smith sold his own personal carry firearm on multiple occasions when a supplier failed to deliver, then purchased a replacement for himself afterward.
In early January 2024, as Smith and the buyer discussed an upcoming transaction, the buyer told Smith he needed the firearms because he was “at war” after his cousin had been killed. Smith proceeded with the sale. The buyer had also told Smith he was serving a criminal justice sentence at the time of the transactions. Smith acknowledged that he, too, was “on papers.”
Smith arranged a total of six transactions from Nov. 30, 2023, through May 30, 2024, resulting in the sale of nine firearms. At least one of the firearms had its serial number obliterated.
On Oct. 26, 2024, MPD officers conducted a traffic stop on the 1600 block of 16th Street SE and found Smith in the front passenger seat of a parked vehicle. Officers observed open containers of alcohol and discovered a satchel at his feet. Inside the satchel, in plain view, was a loaded Glock Model 19X 9mm handgun with a round in the chamber and 16 additional rounds in the magazine. The bag also contained a bank card and government-issued identification in Smith’s name.
Smith has prior convictions for Simple Assault (2011), Attempted Robbery (2013), and Robbery and Possession of a Firearm during a Crime of Violence (2016), for which he was sentenced to five years in prison. He was serving a term of supervised probation from the 2016 conviction at the time of the firearms trafficking conspiracy.
This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Office, and the Metropolitan Police Department.
The matter was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan M. Horan.
Hidden camera photo taken as Smith sold a firearm on Nov. 30, 2023.
The Glock .40 caliber pistol that Smith sold for $900 on Nov. 30, 2023.
The Walther P99 9mm pistol that Smith sold for $900 on Dec. 12, 2023.
The Glock Model 19x 9 mm that police recovered from Smith’s bag on Oct. 26, 2024.
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Convicted Felon Indicted for Possession of Unregistered FirearmRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Jesse Allen Hudson, 43, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of possession of unregistered firearm. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.
Hudson 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 15, 2026, in Pensacola before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
If convicted, Hudson faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon count, and up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the possession of unregistered firearm 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 Thomas S.P. Geeker.
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.
Convicted Felon Charged for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned a superseding indictment charging an alleged child sex offender for receiving sexually explicit images of a child.
According to the allegations in court documents, Brennan Christopher Bennett, 41, of Salt Lake City, was initially indicted in November 2025 after agents located and seized multiple firearms and associated ammunition during the execution of a search warrant in October 2025. Bennett, a convicted felon, is restricted from possessing firearms and ammunition. During the investigation, it was further discovered that on a date unknown, continuing through October 28, 2025, Bennett received sexually explicit images of a child.
Bennett is charged with felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and receipt of child pornography. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 5,2026 at 2:30 p.m. in courtroom 8.3 before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
First Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Civil Division Announces FOCUS Initiative for Data Miners Filing Qui Tam ComplaintsRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department is announcing an anti-fraud initiative that will materially strengthen its working relationship with whistleblowers. The Civil Division has experienced a rapid increase in the number of qui tam complaints filed in recent years. Much of this surge has been driven by companies or individuals who analyze publicly available government data for potential signals of fraud (data miners), rather than the insiders who have traditionally served as relators under the federal False Claims Act (FCA).
The Civil Division welcomes the contributions of data miners but will prioritize working with data miners that demonstrate an insightful application of sophisticated technological capabilities to regulatory frameworks to help identify potential fraud that would otherwise go undetected. To support the Civil Division’s capacity to identify and partner with the best data miners, the Civil Division is launching the Fraud Oversight through Careful Use of Statistics (FOCUS) initiative.
“Sophisticated data analytics have become an increasingly important means of identifying fraud trends and uncovering patterns of misconduct across federal programs,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The FOCUS initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that the Civil Division is engaging with the strongest and most effective partners in the war against fraud.”
“We are interested in hearing from data miners who believe they have developed particularly effective tools for detecting fraud against the government,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brenna E. Jenny of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Participants should be prepared to explain what differentiates their approach, how they validate their findings, and why their methodology provides a reliable basis for identifying high-quality, actionable False Claims Act matters.”
Through the FOCUS initiative, data miners will have an opportunity to meet with the Civil Fraud Section to discuss their capabilities and outline why and how their data signals reliably correlate to fraud. Such meetings are not a pre-filing requirement, but the Department will prioritize working with data miners that have demonstrated an investment in pre-filing diligence and commitment to analytical rigor, familiarity with program rules, and legally sufficient allegations.
Data miner relators interested in meeting with the Department may submit the FOCUS Initiative White Paper Questionnaire, available here, by email to [email protected].
Cheshire Nurse Who Illegally Distributed Controlled Substances is SentencedRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MICHELE RENE MUZYKA, 61, of Cheshire, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to one day of imprisonment, time already served, and three years of supervised release, for illegally distributing controlled substances. Judge Bolden also ordered Muzyka to pay a $25,000 fine and perform 100 hours of community service.
According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement began investigating Muzyka, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), after pharmacists in New Britain and Middletown made complaints that Muzyka was prescribing high doses of benzodiazepines and amphetamines to clusters of patients who appeared to know each other or were related, and at times were picking up each other’s prescriptions. At least one pharmacist stopped filling prescriptions written by Muzyka because the pharmacist was concerned that the prescriptions were unlawfully written or were fraudulent.
An undercover investigation subsequently determined that, between January 2024 and June 2025, Muzyka unlawfully distributed amphetamines, such as Adderall, and benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and alprazolam, to individuals who did not have a legitimate medical need. During office visits, Muzyka did not conduct medical examinations of certain patients and did not confirm conditions that would medically require treatment using these controlled substances. Muzyka charged patients $200 in cash for the office visits in which she prescribed the controlled substances, including to an undercover agent who posed as a Medicaid beneficiary. Although she was enrolled as a Medicare and Medicaid provider, Muzyka declined to accept the undercover agent’s Medicaid plan and instead charged her $200 cash fee. Medicaid paid $287.58 for the unlawful prescriptions written for the undercover agent.
The investigation also determined that between February 2020 and June 2023, five individuals to whom Muzyka prescribed amphetamines and benzodiazepines died of overdoses due to the combined effects of fentanyl, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and other drugs.
Muzyka was arrested on June 23, 2025. On January 21, 2026, she pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, distribution of, and dispensing of controlled substances.
Muzyka has surrendered her controlled substance licenses and her APRN license.
This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Boyles.
Charleston Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Brandon Lee Woodrum, 31, of Charleston, was sentenced today to two years and nine 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, Woodrum admitted to possessing a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm pistol on March 19, 2024, in Charleston. Woodrum further admitted to knowing that the firearm was reported stolen prior to its recovery by law enforcement.
Woodrum also admitted to selling the stolen pistol and a second firearm he knew was stolen, a Springfield Armory Saint Victor AR-15 rifle, on October 18, 2024.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Woodrum knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for wanton endangerment with a firearm on March 16, 2015, and January 24, 2019, both in Kanawha County Circuit Court. Woodrum’s criminal history also includes prior convictions for assault and battery.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. McLaughlin 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. 2:25-cr-171.
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Charges Announced Against Member of Online Cybercriminal Group “Purgatory” for Placing Swatting Calls to Universities; Victims Asked to Contact FBIRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that charges have been filed against a juvenile[1] following a rash of swatting calls aimed at universities and other institutions in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere in August 2025.
A “swatting call” is a hoax call made to emergency services typically reporting an immediate threat to human life. The goal of the caller is to draw a response from law enforcement—and specifically a special weapons and tactics (“SWAT”) team—to the victim’s location. In the most egregious cases, the party responsible reports a crime of violence or an impending crime of violence to have heavily armed law enforcement dispatched to apprehend the victim of the call. Perpetrators frequently place swatting calls to harass rivals or to raise their profile within their online communities by demonstrating a willingness to cause havoc and terrorize unsuspecting victims.
The defendant in this case was a self-identified member of the cybercriminal group “Purgatory.” The defendant selected the victim institutions at random and was not affiliated with any of those institutions.
Recently, swatting calls have become an increasingly common crime. Swatting calls waste valuable resources for local police departments and first responders who are responsible for responding to the calls believing there is an actual and immediate threat. The perpetrators are often part of online cybercriminal communities and believe that they will not be caught or punished. They are wrong. Federal law enforcement will investigate and prosecute these crimes regardless of who commits them or where they reside.
The FBI and the prosecutors in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania are legally mandated to identify and inform victims of the federal crimes they investigate. Victim institutions who were subjected to the conduct that underlies the charges in this case will be provided with a method for contacting the FBI.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Radnor Township Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, and Upper Merion Police Department, and assisted by dozens of state, local, and university police departments, ambulance companies, fire companies, and other first responders in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and across the country.
The charges and allegations are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
[1] This press release pertains to the federal prosecution of a juvenile.
Please note that, under the Juvenile Delinquency Act, the entire proceeding is subject to the limitations set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 5038, which forbid disclosure of the identity of the juvenile, as well as information and records related to the juvenile proceedings, to anyone except the court, the prosecuting authorities, the juvenile’s counsel, and others specifically authorized to receive such records.
More information on confidentiality requirements in federal juvenile prosecutions can be found here.
Career Offender Who Distributed Methamphetamine and Cocaine Sentenced to over 15 years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who distributed over 50 grams of ice methamphetamine was sentenced April 28, 2026, to more than 15 years in federal prison.
Burrell Marquis Jackson, age 35, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a November 6, 2025, guilty plea to three counts of distribution of a controlled substance and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that between July 2024 and August 2024, law enforcement officers conducted multiple controlled buys of methamphetamine and, on one occasion, cocaine from Jackson. On August 20, 2024, officers searched Jackson’s home and located over 45 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine, and a digital scale. That same day, officers stopped Jackson, searched him, and located over $10,000 in cash. Jackson was considered a career offender because he had least two prior felony convictions that are crimes of violence or controlled substance offenses.
Jackson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Jackson was sentenced to 188 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a four-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Jackson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael S.A. Hudson and investigated by the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-CR-43.
Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Bristol, Virginia Man Sentenced to 10 Years on Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
ABINGDON, Va. – A Bristol, Virginia man who conspired with others to distribute more than 600 fentanyl pills was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison.
Briar Stephens, 25, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime.
“This office will continue to partner with law enforcement to target anyone who illegally distributes fentanyl in the Western District of Virginia,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today.
“Keeping our communities safe is our top priority. We are committed to pursuing justice against drug traffickers who illegally distribute dangerous substances like fentanyl. Through collaboration and unwavering determination, we strive to uphold justice and protect the citizens we serve. The DEA Bristol Post of Duty will continue to partner with law enforcement to target anyone who illegally distribute fentanyl in Western Virginia,” said Christopher Goumenis, DEA Washington Division Special Agent in Charge.
According to court documents, between September 2024 and October 2024, Stephens, Bobby Arnett, and others, conspired to distribute fentanyl. Specially, over the course of the conspiracy, Stephens purchased fentanyl pills that he and Arnett further distributed in Washington County, Virginia within the Western District of Virginia, and elsewhere.
On October 16, 2024, Stephens possessed approximately 600 fentanyl pills with the intent to further distribute them. Stephens also possessed a loaded Glock 23 .40 caliber pistol in his waistband in furtherance of the drug conspiracy.
The Elizabethton Tennessee Police Department, Washington County Virginia Sheriff’s Office, Holston River Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Stone is prosecuting the case.
Boone County Man Sentenced for Accessing Child Pornography Through the Dark WebRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Walton, Ky., man, Kameron Thomas, 35, was sentenced on Friday to 37 months by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for accessing child pornography with the intent to view it.
According to court documents, in January 2025, Thomas’s roommate, Ronald Knox, distributed a depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct to an undercover law enforcement officer by means of a BitTorrent peer-to-peer network. In May 2025, law enforcement searched their residence, during which Thomas admitted that he accessed child pornography through a Tor browser on his smartphone and that he had been doing so regularly for years. Law enforcement seized Thomas’s device, which revealed evidence corroborating his admissions.
Knox was previously sentenced to 168 months for the distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
Under federal law, Thomas must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 15 years.
Jason D. Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Craig Patrick Sorrell, Campbell County Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Campbell County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Spievack is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted 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 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.
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Billings felon sentenced for illegal possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man with a felony conviction for strangulation of a family member who sold multiple guns to undercover agents was sentenced yesterday to 57 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said.
Frank Spencer Marr, 50, pleaded guilty in July 2025 to one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on September 27, 2024, law enforcement conducted an undercover methamphetamine purchase from Marr in Billings. After the drug transaction, he offered to sell investigators a Taurus 9 mm pistol for $300. They agreed to buy the gun, but Marr left and did not return.
Investigators contacted Marr later, who agreed to sell a different pistol to them. A controlled purchase of the pistol took place on January 29, 2025, in Billings. In exchange for $400, Marr sold a Glock model 20, 10 mm pistol.
On February 18, 2025, Marr contacted investigators and said he had an “Italian 9 mm” he would be willing to sell them. The following day, he contacted investigators again to advise he had sold the “Italian 9 mm,” but would be willing to sell them an AR-15; 1,500 rounds of .223 ammunition; and 4 magazines. That same day, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of a Surplus Ammo & Arms model Low 15 semiautomatic rifle and 780 rounds of ammunition.
Marr reached out the following week and claimed he had more firearms to sell. Investigators arranged for the controlled purchase of an Armscor model 1911-A1 FS 9 mm pistol on February 27. An undercover agent picked up Marr at his residence and drove him to an agreed-upon location for the purchase. When they arrived, the agent bought the 1911 from Marr and left the vehicle. Other law enforcement officers on scene converged on the vehicle and arrested him.
During a subsequent interview, Marr admitted to possessing the 1911 pistol he sold to law enforcement for “6 or 7 years.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Yerger prosecuted the case. The ATF, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Baltimore Man Pleads Guilty for Role in Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy HSTF CaseRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man pled guilty in federal court to drug trafficking crimes in connection with a drug trafficking conspiracy.
Jeremy Bethea, 46, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances. Through an investigation, law enforcement caught Bethea and his co-conspirators with more than 400 grams of fentanyl, more than 28 grams of cocaine base, commonly referred to as “crack cocaine”, and a quantity of cocaine intended for distribution.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division, and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).
According to the plea agreement, from August 2022, through October 2023, Bethea conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine. Bethea and his co-conspirators regularly obtained quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine to sell to customers in the Baltimore area.
Beginning in November 2022, and continuing through May 2023, undercover investigators conducted 15 controlled purchases of fentanyl, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine from Bethea. In January 2023, Bethea sold more than 40 grams of fentanyl to an undercover investigator.
Additionally, from June 2023 through August 2023, investigators received authorization to utilize a federal wiretap to intercept communications from three cellphones. The cellphone users included Bethea and other members of the conspiracy.During the wiretap investigation, law enforcement intercepted numerous conversations between Bethea and his co-conspirators discussing and coordinating fentanyl, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine sales.
Then on April 17, 2023, as a result of the intercepted calls, BPD officers stopped a vehicle enroute to a planned drug transaction. During the traffic stop, law enforcement encountered Bethea and recovered several hundred gelcaps from the source of supply. A DEA laboratory performed an analysis of the substance found inside the recovered gel caps and confirmed it as fentanyl with a total weight of more than 400 grams.
During the investigation, investigators also discovered that Bethea used a Sharp-Leadenhall residence to store fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine for distribution. On August 22, law enforcement executed a search warrant on the residence. Investigators uncovered 105 grams of crack cocaine packaged for retail sale and more than 300 grams of marijuana at the location.
Bethea faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute. He also faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of life in prison for possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances.
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
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 Baltimore comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI); the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the United States Marshals Service (USMS); the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA (W/B HIDTA); the Maryland State Police (MSP); the Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA and BPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Tsuei who is prosecuting this federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.
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Athens Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A sex offender has been sentenced for distributing and possessing child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby.
U.S. District Judge Corey L. Maze sentenced Hunter William Bell, also known as “amWoos,” 29, of Athens, Alabama, to 216 months in prison followed by a 20-year term of supervised release. In December 2025, Bell pleaded guilty to distribution and possession of child pornography.
“This sentence ensures yet another child predator has been removed from our community and can no longer pose a threat to our children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine Crosby. “We are grateful for the dedicated work of our federal and state law enforcement partners in bringing this defendant to justice.”
“This sentencing underscores the FBI’s dedication to seeking justice for our children,” said David R. Fitzgibbons, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Birmingham. “Along with our partners, we have ensured that one less predator is able to victimize the most innocent and vulnerable members of our community. We will continue to devote every available resource to identifying and stopping those who exploit our children.”
According to the plea agreement, on August 16, 2024, FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office (FBI OC) executed a federal search warrant at an individual’s residence. During the search, the individual’s electronic devices were seized. A review of the electronic devices revealed child pornography being exchanged via the Kik messenger application between the individual and Bell. In October 2024, the FBI OC sent an investigative lead to the FBI’s Birmingham Field Office. A search warrant was obtained for Bell’s Kik account revealing his account was used to distribute pornography. On January 14, 2025, FBI agents arrested Bell at his home. Agents seized an Apple iPhone containing more than 600 images of child pornography.
If you suspect or become aware of possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. To alert the FBI Birmingham Office, call 205-326-6166. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. 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 and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The FBI along with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John M. Hundscheid and Sara M. Judah prosecuted the case.
An Aloha Man Pleads Guilty to Aiming a Laser Pointer at an Aircraft and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—An Aloha, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today for pointing a laser at a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter landing at the Hillsboro, Oregon, airport and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
Brian K. Kapileo Nepaial, 38, pleaded guilty to aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on October 3, 2025, a CBP helicopter was struck by a green laser, causing it to abort its planned landing. The flight crew observed an individual walking near a residence and disappearing. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified the residence and, on October 10, 2025, executed a federal search warrant at the residence. FBI special agents seized a laser from the bedroom of Kapileo Nepaial and found over 100 grams of methamphetamine and evidence of drug trafficking.
On December 16, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Kapileo Nepaial with aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Kapileo Nepaial faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for Count One. He faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, a $5,000,000 fine, and five years of supervised release for Count Two. Kapileo Nepaial will be sentenced on July 28, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Albany County Man and Alleged Member of Nihilistic Violent Extremist Organization 764 Charged with Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Ryan Catello, a.k.a. “Stabzone,” a.k.a. “Mors,” age 24, of Ravena, New York, appeared in federal court yesterday after being charged with receiving child pornography. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
According to the criminal complaint, between March 18 and March 27, 2026, Catello sexually exploited at least two minors by coercing them into self-producing images of child pornography, and he received those images files via the Internet.
The complaint also alleges that Catello is a member of “764,” a criminal organization of Nihilistic Violent Extremists (NVE) operating within the United States and abroad. Those involved with “764” and related NVE networks methodically target vulnerable, underage populations by using social media to encourage the possession, production, and sharing of extreme gore media and child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Members of 764 seek to desensitize young people to violence and break down societal norms regarding violence. They normalize the possession, production, and sharing of explicit CSAM and gore material to corrupt and groom their victims toward future violence, gain notoriety among other members of the network, and spread fear for the purpose of accelerating chaos under the 764 ideology with an aim toward the disruption of society.
“Ryan Catello, an alleged member of the nihilistic violent extremist group ‘764,’ has been charged for allegedly receiving sexually explicit content of minors via the Internet. Preying on our nation’s children, who are among the most vulnerable members of society, is beyond comprehension,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “I thank the FBI and the New York State Police for their hard work and the sacrifices they make every day to keep our communities safe. I also recognize the importance of social media platforms that take steps to alert law enforcement to crimes like the ones alleged here. I encourage all companies in a position to do something about child sexual exploitation to be as aggressive as possible in identifying predators and making sure they are held accountable.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “As alleged in the complaint, Mr. Catello is a suspected member of the disturbing Nihilistic Violent Extremist (NVE) group ‘764’ who preyed on minors and coerced them to send him explicit photos. The FBI, together with our partners at the Northern District of New York, is laser focused on investigating the predators connected to this sick network and ensuring they are brought to justice for their disturbing behavior.”
The charge filed against Catello carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute(s) the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Catello had an initial appearance yesterday in Albany, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista, and was detained pending a detention hearing scheduled for May 1, 2026.
The FBI is investigating the case with assistance from the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Wentworth-Ping and Allen J. Vickey are prosecuting the case.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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25 Defendants Convicted in International $215M Scam That Targeted 1,000+ VictimsRead the Press Release
TOLEDO, Ohio – After a four-day trial, a federal jury found two men and a woman guilty of involvement with an international email hacking scheme that defrauded more than 1,000 victims out of approximately $215 million. The scheme spanned 47 states and 19 countries.
On April 24, 2026, a jury in Toledo, Ohio, convicted Oluwafemi Michael Awoyemi, 40, of Romeoville, Illinois, Aruan Drake, 37, of Atlanta, Georgia, and Peter Reed, 35, of Oak Forest, Illinois, of Wire Fraud Conspiracy. Additionally, Awoyemi and Drake were convicted of a Money Laundering Conspiracy. U.S. District Judge James R. Knepp II presided over the trial.
In total, 25 defendants have been convicted for their roles in this fraud and money laundering scheme, commonly referred to as a “business email compromise.”
According to court documents and evidence presented in court, individuals, businesses, and other organizations in the United States, were targeted and hacked by Nigerian-linked fraud organizations. Their objective was to gain access to e-mail accounts held by individual users. The co-conspirators would then monitor the communications, and other activities of the individual email users to learn about their business practices and contacts. After gaining sufficient intelligence about the nature of a hacking victim’s activities, the co-conspirators would send a fraudulent e-mail to either the hacking victim, or to someone communicating with the hacking victim, requesting payment. Because the co-conspirators were familiar with the victims’ activities, the fraudulent e-mails were crafted in a way to convince recipients that the request for payment was for legitimate business activities. Once members of the conspiracy obtained payment from victims, conspiracy members used a web of fraudulently created bank accounts and cash transfer systems to launder and distribute the funds.
Approximately $50 million of the stolen money was used to purchase cashier’s checks that were presented for payment to the New Dolton Currency Exchange, a Chicago-area money service business owned and operated by co-defendant Lon Goodman. Goodman accepted cashier’s checks from co-conspirators who presented false identifications or presented checks payable to others. Goodman routinely accepted false know-your-customer information and continued doing business with individuals after being warned by banks that checks were obtained with stolen funds or otherwise returned as fraudulent. When it became too risky to accept cashier’s checks in an individual’s name, Goodman would nonetheless accept checks from those individuals payable to shell companies that those individuals controlled.
In Ohio, victim businesses affected were in Norwalk, Kent, Akron, Hudson, Maple Heights, Westfield Center, New Riegel, and Greenwich.
Outside Ohio, victims were identified in New York, California, Texas, Kansas, North Carolina, Florida, Arizona, Michigan, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, South Carolina, Delaware, Hawaii, Alaska, Idaho, New Jersey, and numerous other states.
International victims were identified in Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Kuwait, Malaysia, Panama, Bermuda, Romania, and other countries.
The wire transfers sent by the victims ranged from tens of thousands, to millions of dollars. In one instance, a victim business sent $2.7 million to a shell company bank account that was controlled by a conspiracy member.
Among the items seized or subject to forfeiture during the investigation included:
- Nearly $1.2 million worth of cashier’s checks, cryptocurrency, and cash
- Patek Philippe Nautilus watch, $45,000 value
- Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch, $30,000 value
- Richard Mille Felipe Massa watch, $140,000 value
- 4,423 square foot residence in Lawrenceville, Georgia
In addition to the convictions obtained after trial of Awoyemi, Drake, and Reed, the following defendants pleaded guilty to Wire Fraud Conspiracy and Money Laundering Conspiracy:
- Ayobami Osas Christopher, aka Lovely Man, 30, a naturalized U.S. citizen residing in Lawrenceville, Georgia
- Emmauel Okereke, aka Omo Igbo, 42, a Nigerian national, residing in Atlanta,
- Olalekan Bashiru, aka Ola Bash, 36, a Nigerian national, residing in Chicago
- Mark Dabney, 26, of Chicago
- Casey Adesulu Jr., 28, of Houston
- Jeremiah Agina, 29, a Nigerian national, residing in Houston
- Ayorinde Emmanuel Adebayo, 35, a naturalized U.S. citizen, residing in Olympia Fields, Illinois
- Emily Agyemang, 35, of Joliet, Illinois
- Ademola Balogun, 43, a Nigerian national, residing in Chicago
- Olabode Bankole, 37, a naturalized U.S. citizen, residing in Loganville, Georgia
- India Barnes, 37, of Atlanta
- Emmanuel Essilfie, 28, a Ghanaian national, residing in Naperville, Illinois
- Chukwuemeka Evulukwu, 35, a naturalized U.S. citizen, residing in Atlanta
- Jeremiah Glinsey, 32, of Chicago
- Lon Goodman, 69, of Whiting, Indiana
- Shaquille I. Jackson, 33, of Chicago
- Mikhail Keize, 31, of Loganville, Georgia
- Katiera Lackey, 25, of Houston
- Kingsley Owusu, 37, a naturalized U.S. citizen, residing in Chicago
- Anton Parker, 37, of Chicago
- Carlton Pruitt, 27, of Bellwood, Illinois
- Ronnell Spencer, 35, of Chicago
Each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to the case, including each defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, their role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.
The investigations leading to the indictment were conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Border Patrol Sandusky Bay Intelligence Unit.
Assistant United States Attorneys Gene Crawford and Robert Melching led this prosecution for the Northern District of Ohio.
Wednesday 29 April 2026
USP McCreary Inmate Convicted of Attempted MurderRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky.- Mufid Elfgeeh, 42, was convicted by a federal jury in London for attempted murder. Elfgeeh was convicted following a two-day trial.
While serving a 270-month sentence for attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, United States Penitentiary McCreary staff observed Elfgeeh attacking his cellmate. Elfgeeh had requested a private cell and was upset that BOP had not complied with his request. Elfgeeh used an improvised weapon to stab his cellmate at least 30 times as he ignored numerous verbal commands to stop the attack, continuing the stabbing through three sprays of OC spray, OC vapor grenades, being struck by a foam baton, pepper balls, and hornet nest munitions. Elfgeeh’s assault continued until staff outfitted with protective gear breached the cell, restrained him, and removed the weapon.
Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the conviction.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pearce Nesbitt.
Elfgeeh will appear for sentencing on September 1, 2026. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes Organizations, Federal Personnel for their Service to Victims of CrimeRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona joined communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 19-25.
As part of that observation, the Office recognized individuals and organizations from Arizona for their dedicated work to support victims of crime. The Salt River Police Department Honor Guard began the ceremony with the posting of the colors. Afterward, U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce Macdonald, guest speaker for the event, thanked those in attendance for their commitment to the justice system and for their work with victims.
“The Crime Victims’ Rights Act gives victims the legal right to be heard, to be informed, to be present, and to be treated with fairness and respect," said U.S. Magistrate Judge Macdonald. "These are not courtesies. They are rights—enforceable, codified, and hard won through decades of advocacy by people like all of you in this room.”
“To our survivors,” he said, “Your voice has shaped every reform in this space. Every meaningful change in how this country treats victims of crime has been driven at its core by someone who refused to be silenced. You are not peripheral to this movement. You are its foundation.”
Following the judge’s remarks, U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine and his leadership team recognized the following individuals and advocacy groups for their work in support of victims of crime:
- FBI Victim Specialist Katie Lawler received the Advocacy and Direct Services Award. Katie Lawler was recognized for her commitment to ensuring victims receive essential services, are afforded their rights, and are treated with dignity and respect during periods of vulnerability. She works with compassion and builds trust with victims as an investigation moves forward and eventually enters the federal court system. Her exemplary advocacy and professionalism have been lauded by FBI special agents, victim specialists, and federal prosecutors.
- Team members from Homicide Survivors, Inc. were recognized with the Service Coordination Award. Homicide Survivors, Inc., located in Tucson, advocates for and supports families who have suffered the loss of a loved one to murder. The team provides compassionate, trauma-informed response to survivors, linking families to critical resources and tools to help them in their healing journey. Through their understanding that grieving is a lifelong journey, Homicide Survivors, Inc. has created a safe space for survivors to grieve, heal and transform.
- Julian Garcia, Founder and CEO of the Bryan Brown Foundation, received the Leadership Award. Julian Garcia leads the Bryan Brown Foundation, named after Tohono O’odham Nation Police Officer Bryan Brown, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty as he neared retirement in 2020. For nearly 20 years, Officer Brown was a mentor and leader, believing strongly in community policing and the importance of guiding the next generation toward success. Through the foundation, Garcia, a retired detective for the Tohono O’odham Nation, continues Officer Brown’s mission. Through outreach, to include community gatherings and the Bryan Brown Academy, the foundation seeks to foster youth and leadership development, to promote careers in public service, and to address mental health challenges faced by Native American youth today.
- Vida and Alexus Garbo, founders of the Michael Garbo Foundation, received the Courage in Action Award. Vida, wife of DEA Special Agent Michael Garbo, and their daughter, Alexis, started the Michael Garbo Foundation in 2022 in honor of Agent Garbo after he made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty in 2021. The two women were recognized for the foundation’s work that brings awareness to the devastating effects of drug trafficking on children, families, and the American people. The foundation also offers educational and Jiu-Jitsu scholarships to young people and carries on Agent Garbo’s fight to improve security on public transportation.
- Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Simon received the Sustained Excellence Award. Assistant U.S. Attorney Simon was recognized for being a driving force and advocate for victims of violent crime in Indian Country, consistently explaining federal court processes and providing dignity to victims and their families. He is often described as empathetic, responsive, relentless, and fair and as an expert at navigating difficult cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Simon values input from victims, their advocates, law enforcement, and other prosecutors.
- Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Powell and FBI Special Agent L. N. received the Brett Day Legacy Award. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Day was a relentless advocate for exploited children and a steady leader and mentor to young federal prosecutors. The award that was created to carry on his legacy recognizes federal prosecutors and law enforcement who go above and beyond the call of duty, specifically in support of vulnerable victims. Both men were honored for their work during an especially complex murder investigation and prosecution. Withstanding countless challenges, the two men remained persistent and relentless in their pursuit of justice on behalf of the vulnerable victim. They garnered second degree murder convictions in the case, with one defendant being sentenced to 26 years and the other 30 years in federal prison.
In 1981, Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first Victims’ Rights Week, putting crime victims' rights, needs and concerns in a prominent spot on the American agenda. He also established the President's Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the groundwork for a national network of services and legal safeguards for crime victims.
The Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, supports victim assistance programs and victim compensation programs in every state and U.S. territory. Funds for these programs come from the Crime Victims Fund, which is made up of federal criminal fines and penalties.
Learn more about the Office for Victims of Crime and the assistance it provides for victims here.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-068_National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Mississippi recognizes National Fentanyl Awareness DayRead the Press Release
OXFORD, MS – United States Attorney Scott F. Leary announced today that the Northern District of Mississippi, recognized the fourth annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day on April 29, 2026. This awareness helps to inform communities about the fentanyl crisis in the United States.
Our office is joining a coalition of issue area experts, corporations, nonprofits, schools, families and elected officials who are coming together to raise public awareness of the urgent problem: people are dying at alarming rates due to illicitly manufactured fentanyl and fake prescription pills. Organized by the national nonprofit Song for Charlie, National Fentanyl Awareness Day uses education as the first step in preventing tragic outcomes.
U.S. Attorney Leary stated, “In 2020, our borders opened up and fentanyl poured into our country. Within a year a thirty-dollar contraband fentanyl pill was selling on our streets for mere dollars. Fentanyl now shows up in all kinds of different drugs. Kids made the immature decision to take a pill that resulted in death. Tens of thousands of families throughout our nation were left devastated. Several things can be done now to slow this continued tragedy. First, close our border and slow the flow of fentanyl and illegal drugs onto our streets. Prosecute fentanyl traffickers to the full extent of the law. And finally, get the word out - recreational drug use can be fatal. The National Fentanyl Awareness Day is part of this response. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Mississippi will do our part in putting these traffickers behind bars. Please join us in spreading the word about the dangers of drug use.”
“We’re encouraged by recent signs of progress in reducing overdose deaths,” said Ed Ternan, co-founder of Song for Charlie. “But our work isn’t done. With our expanded educational resources like our new film for teens, Real Talk about Fake Pills, we’re working to reach every student, parent, family and community with the knowledge they need to navigate today’s drug landscape safely. No family should lose a child because they didn’t know a pill was fake.”
Song for Charlie is the leading national, family-led nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about "fentapills"—fake pills made of fentanyl. Ed and Mary Ternan created Song for Charlie after losing their son Charlie to a fentapill in 2020. Song for Charlie partners with experts, educators, parents and other influencers to reach the most vulnerable group: young people between the ages of 13-24. Its programs highlight the emerging dangers of self-medication and casual drug use in the fentanyl era and encourage healthier strategies for coping with stress. For more information, please visit www.songforcharlie.org
Two men charged in West Seattle drug rip-off that ended in homicideRead the Press Release
Seattle – Two men who traveled to Seattle from Texas to rob a marijuana dealer in November 2022, were indicted this week by the federal grand jury for additional federal felonies connected to the robbery and fatal shooting in West Seattle, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Carlton Pierre Mitchell, 30, and Aaron Thompson, 42, will be arraigned on the superseding indictment on May 7, 2026. The men are charged with conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute, conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and crime of violence.
A third defendant, Samuel Solomon, was charged by Superseding Information with conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute, conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime. Solomon pleaded guilty to these crimes on April 27, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison when sentenced.
According to records filed in the case, on November 2, 2022, Mitchell, Thompson, and Solomon, flew into Portland, Oregon, with a plan to rob the victim who had previously sold Solomon and Mitchell marijuana. The men rented cars and drove up to West Seattle where Mitchell had arranged for an Airbnb rental. At the Airbnb, all three men were armed with handguns. Thompson hid in one of the bedrooms so that the victim would not know he was there.
During the marijuana deal, Thompson came out of the bedroom with a firearm and told the victim not to move. Shots were fired and the victim was fatally injured. Solomon fled the house and caught a flight home. Mitchell and Thompson took the victim’s marijuana, fled the house, and drove home.
Seattle Police responded to 911 calls about the gunshots and found the victim lying injured and alone inside the Airbnb. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Solomon, Thompson, and Mitchell were originally indicted on March 12, 2025. Solomon and Thompson were arrested in March 2025. Mitchell made his initial appearance on the original indictment in September 2025.
Conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute and conspiracy to commit robbery are both punishable by up to five years in prison. Robbery is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Because the firearm was discharged, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking or a crime of violence is punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department and the FBI, with valuable assistance provided by the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Todd Greenberg and Jessica Manca.
Two Seattle men charged in separate indictments for sex trafficking conspiracy involving adults and teensRead the Press Release
Seattle – A leader of a Seattle street gang and one of his co-conspirators are now both federally indicted for using force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion to commit sex trafficking, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Leanthony Palmer, 34, was indicted last October, and a superseding indictment was returned this week adding additional charges. Branden Barnett, 38, has been in state custody since November 24, 2025, and was indicted federally this week for six counts related to trafficking both adults and minor victims.
“These men exploited vulnerable women for their own financial gain,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “They used their power – physical, psychological, and economic -- to subject these victims to modern day slavery. We are determined to obtain justice and ensure the safety of these victims and all members of our community.”
According to the superseding indictment returned by the grand jury, Leanthony Palmer used force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion to sex traffic at least three different adult victims and engaged in a conspiracy to transport them in Washington, Alaska, Oregon, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevado, Massachusetts, Montana, Minnesota, Texas, and other foreign countries to engage in commercial sex acts. The nine-count indictment also charges Palmer with conspiracy to commit money laundering for his use of the proceeds of his sex trafficking scheme.
Branden Barnett is charged in a six-count indictment with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking through force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion; sex trafficking an adult female through force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion; conspiracy to transport an adult victim for purposes of prostitution; transporting an adult female for prostitution through coercion and enticement; and two counts of attempted sex trafficking of a minor.
Both indictments describe how the men kept their victims under their control by using violence or threats of violence, providing or denying drugs, and providing or withholding food and shelter. The indictment alleges women were “purchased” by one trafficker from another, and that the men used “off the books” rooms at a SeaTac motel to keep the women isolated or for them to perform sex dates. The men set the rules of what the women were to charge for sex acts, to whom they could speak and how to turn over the entirety of their earnings to the trafficker. The men transported the women to Aurora Avenue North in Seattle and other locations for the sex workers to contact potential sex buyers. The men obtained fraudulent identification documents for their victims so that they could more easily travel and avoid detection by law enforcement. The men used the false identities to obtain rental properties and rental cars that were further used in the sex trafficking scheme.
“This work done by SeaTac Police and our Street Crimes Unit is critically important to the safety of our community and to women who may fall victim to this kind of dangerous and depraved criminal activity,” said King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall. “These indictments and the arrest of Branden Barnett, shows painstaking, diligent work by a team dedicated to ensuring people like this are taken off the street. It also sends the message that abuse and exploitation will not be tolerated.”
“We appreciate the work of SeaTac Police for addressing human trafficking, which is a disturbing and far too prevalent crime,” King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion said. “In addition to the work by federal prosecutors, there are also two co-defendants of Mr. Barnett charged by my office in Superior Court. While the details of these ongoing cases are difficult to hear, it is important to bring that information before a judge to seek clear accountability.”
“HSI plays an integral role in combating human trafficking by working with its law enforcement partners to deter, disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks that engage in it,” said acting HSI Seattle Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “In this case it was a Seattle street gang trafficking both adult and minor-aged victims to multiple states and even foreign countries. We will do everything we can to bring justice to human traffickers and bring a safe resolution to the victims.”
If convicted the men face mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years to life in prison.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. HSTF Seattle comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), The United States Marshals Service (USMS), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the United States Secret Service (USSS), and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington.
The case is being investigated by the King County Sheriff’s Office, Seattle Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Whatcom Regional Drug Task Force.
The King Couty Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is working closely with federal prosecutors on the case. Senior Deputy Prosecutor Braelah McGinnis is working with Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary Dillon and Kate Crisham on the case.
palmer_superseding_indictment.pdf barnett_indictment.pdfThree Nigerian Nationals Charged in Online Romance and Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – Three Nigerian nationals have been charged in federal court in Rhode Island for their roles in an alleged online romance and wire fraud scheme.
William Elvis, 35, Moses Kolawole Hezekiah, 34, and Destiny Okobeni Oghentega, 30, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to court documents, beginning in or around early 2021, Elvis, Hezekiah, Oghentega, and others engaged in a scheme to defraud individuals through online impersonation and romance-based scams. Victims, including an elderly Rhode Island resident, were contacted by individuals who falsely portrayed themselves as professionals working overseas and, over time, developed relationships with them.
The conspirators then made repeated requests for money under false pretenses, including claims of financial hardship, legal issues, or medical emergencies. Victims were directed to send funds through gift cards, Bitcoin transactions, and other means, including transfers to accounts controlled by participants in the scheme.
Victims sent substantial sums of money over the course of the scheme. The investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) determined that the identities used were misappropriated, used without the individuals’ knowledge, and that communications and financial activity were traced to the defendants in Nigeria.
A federal criminal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The mission of the Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department’s enforcement and programmatic efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial fraud and scams that target our nation’s older adults. Learn more about the Justice Department’s efforts to protect older Americans from exploitation here.
Three Individuals Federally Charged with Assault and Intimidating Turning Point USA Journalist by ForceRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen today announced the unsealing of a federal grand jury indictment charging Christopher Ostroushko, Deyanna Ostroushko, and Paige Ostroushko with assaulting a journalist while she was reporting on an anti-ICE protest on federal property in St. Paul Minnesota on April 11, 2026. Christopher Ostroushko and Paige Ostroushko are also charged with willfully and forcefully injuring and intimidating that journalist.
“These three individuals were indicted by a grand jury for allegedly assaulting journalist and Turning Point USA contributor Savannah Hernandez, while she was lawfully reporting on anti-ICE protests outside a federal building in St. Paul,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
“Hernandez was allegedly surrounded, physically assaulted, and shoved to the ground — simply because she was identified by the defendants as a conservative journalist. That is NOT ‘peaceful protest.’ These deplorable actions as charged in the indictment will not be tolerated in America, and this Department of Justice will always punish unhinged acts of political violence.”
“Political violence is a national scourge,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen, “and federal law enforcement will not tolerate it.”
FBI, HSI and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
dkt_1_-_indictment_-_26-cr-86_neb-jfd_0_0.pdfThree Individuals Federally Charged with Assault and Intimidating Turning Point USA Journalist by ForceRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced the unsealing of a federal grand jury indictment charging Christopher Ostroushko, Deyanna Ostroushko, and Paige Ostroushko with assaulting a journalist while she was reporting on an anti-ICE protest on federal property in St. Paul Minnesota on April 11, 2026. Christopher Ostroushko and Paige Ostroushko are also charged with willfully and forcefully injuring and intimidating that journalist.
“These three individuals were indicted by a grand jury for allegedly assaulting journalist and Turning Point USA contributor Savannah Hernandez, while she was lawfully reporting on anti-ICE protests outside a federal building in St. Paul,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Hernandez was allegedly surrounded, physically assaulted, and shoved to the ground — simply because she was identified by the defendants as a conservative journalist. That is NOT ‘peaceful protest.’ These deplorable actions as charged in the indictment will not be tolerated in America, and this Department of Justice will always punish unhinged acts of political violence.”
“Political violence is a national scourge,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen for the District of Minnesota, “and federal law enforcement will not tolerate it.”
FBI, HSI and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Statement from Special Attorney and First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. CalendaRead the Press Release
“Effective today, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has appointed me Special Attorney and First Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island. I am grateful to the Acting Attorney General and the Trump administration for their continued support in allowing me to lead the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island. While my title may have changed, my goals and the mission of this Office have not.
Since I was appointed in December, 2025, I have endeavored to run the Office at the highest levels of efficiency, integrity and professionalism. The Court’s Order acknowledges those same goals for the Office and in declining to exercise its appointment authority, that the Office’s continued professionalism and non-partisan work, along with continuity of leadership, are paramount to ensuring the Office remains focused on the best interests of the people of Rhode Island.
The support of the Administration, this Office, my colleagues, my family, and my friends, are what enable me to continue my service to the people of Rhode Island. Without that support, my service would be ending today. Instead, that support has been overwhelming, and I intend to continue to lead this Office in my new role unless directed otherwise by the President or the Department of Justice.
We have a great deal of work ahead, and I will remain focused on keeping Rhode Islanders safe and secure from those who wish to do harm. For however long I serve this District, I will continue to work alongside our federal, state, and local partners for the betterment of our state. Dulce Donovan, formerly the First Assistant United States Attorney, has been appointed Executive Assistant United States Attorney. All other supervisory personnel remain in the same positions with the same titles.”
Stamford Resident Charged with Child Exploitation, Destruction of Evidence OffensesRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging ADAM WOLFE, 27, of Stamford, with child exploitation and destruction of evidence offenses.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in November 2023, HSI and Ridgefield Police began investigating Wolfe for possessing child sex abuse material. On November 22, 2023, investigators interviewed Wolfe at his former residence in Ridgefield and Wolfe gave consent for a search of his iPhone and laptop. Forensic analysis of the laptop revealed thousands of individual child sex abuse images that were recovered from the “recycle bin” of the laptop. Analysis of the iPhone revealed that Wolfe had deleted a TOR browser, which is often used to access child pornography on the dark web, during his interview with law enforcement on November 22, 2026.
Wolfe was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on September 30, 2024.
The indictment charges Wolfe with one count of receipt of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; one count of possession of child pornography, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and one count of destruction, alteration, or falsification of records, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Wolfe has been released on a $50,000 bond since his arrest. His arraignment is not yet scheduled.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Ridgefield Police Department, and the Watertown Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Gordon through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
St. Clair County tax preparer pleads guilty to filing hundreds of false tax returns resulting in over $600,000 in loss and will remain in custody pending sentencingRead the Press Release
BENTON, Ill. – A tax return preparer who worked in St. Clair County appeared in district court to plead guilty to federal charges for making intentional false statements on tax return forms to defraud the Government.
Dormeshia A. Haire, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of false statements on tax return, one count of wire fraud, and three counts of aiding and abetting in submitting false and fraudulent returns. Charged originally in April 2024, a federal grand jury later returned a nine-count superseding indictment in March 2026. The counts stem from falsifying her personal income and clients’ business expenses.
Haire owned and operated tax return preparation businesses known as Dormeshia Taxes, Dormeshia Haire Taxes, Dormeshia Haire Tax Services and One Tax Guru Financial Services, Inc. According to court documents, Haire admitted to filing hundreds of false returns. Haire’s under reporting of income for her and her clients resulted in an outstanding tax obligation owed to the Internal Revenue Service of more than $600,000 with an additional $48,000 owed to the State of Illinois.
“Dormeshia Haire cheated the tax system twice over. She falsified her own returns and then worked with clients to file hundreds of other fraudulent returns,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “This crime represents a toxic ‘free-money mentality’ that leads people to fleece public programs. With the 2026 tax filing season now concluded, this Office remains vigilant and will continue to prosecute those who think they can game the system.”
Also on April 6, the District Court found clear and convincing evidence that Haire violated her bond conditions. Haire’s bond was revoked, and she was taken into custody. Haire’s sentencing is scheduled for August 5, 2026 at the federal courthouse in Benton.
"Ms. Haire admitted that she helped prepare and submit false returns on behalf of clients. We let the public know about such cases to sound a warning that taxpayers must do their due diligence when selecting a return preparer," said IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. “Although the 2026 tax filing season has ended, our commitment to tracking fraudulent return preparers and bringing them to justice has no end."
Convictions for false statements on tax returns and aiding and abetting in submitting false tax returns are punishable by a maximum of 3 years imprisonment. Convictions for wire fraud are punishable by a maximum of 20 years imprisonment.
IRS Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard is prosecuting the case.
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.
St. Charles Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Fatal Shooting During 2023 Marijuana DealRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark on Wednesday sentenced a man to 20 years in prison for fatally shooting someone during a marijuana deal in 2023.
The shooting occurred on May 25, 2023, in an alley behind the 4800 block of Farlin Avenue in St. Louis. Trevon Carson, now 32, of St. Charles, drove the marijuana buyer, Earl S. Hill, to the alley. Carson was armed despite having been convicted multiple times of felonies, including assault and robbery. The marijuana seller’s friend stepped out of his own car holding an AR-style firearm and began to approach Carson’s car. Carson got out of his vehicle, fatally shot the victim and took his gun.
“Carson never called for help. Carson never rendered aid. Carson simply left the victim to die in the alley,” a sentencing memo filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Finlen says.
On June 13, 2023, the FBI and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, having learned of Carson’s involvement, conducted a court-approved search of his home and found three loaded handguns and an AR-style firearm.
Carson pleaded guilty in November in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and one count of discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime resulting in death.
Hill, 33, of Maryland Heights, was sentenced in February to 127 months in prison after pleading guilty to the conspiracy charge and one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Finlen prosecuted the case.
St. Charles County Bartender Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Child Pornography OffenseRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Joshua M. Divine on Wednesday sentenced a former bartender who admitted possessing child sexual abuse material and installing hidden cameras in the bedroom and bathroom of a former residence to 13 years in prison.
Judge Divine also ordered Anthony Thomas, 49, of St. Charles County, to pay $104,500 to victims who appeared in the child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that he downloaded.
Thomas possessed thousands of media files containing CSAM and thousands more containing pornography where the age of those depicted is difficult to discern. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations found Thomas after learning that someone in St. Charles County was making CSAM available for download via the BitTorrent peer-to-peer network.
Thomas also admitted installing hidden cameras in a bedroom and bathroom of a former residence. Both captured images of a 14-year-old girl.
Thomas pleaded guilty in January to one count of receipt of child pornography.
“Anthony Thomas committed egregious crimes that exploited and harmed children,” said HSI St. Louis Assistant Special Agent in Charge Gregory Paris. “I am extremely proud of our agents’ diligent work in bringing his criminal conduct to an end. As a bartender, Thomas interacted with countless individuals who, I imagine, were unaware of the serious crimes he was committing. Parents and guardians can take comfort in knowing Thomas is off the streets”.
Homeland Security Investigations and the St. Charles County Regional SWAT Team investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Hayes is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.justice.gov/psc.
South Texas man gets 120 months for leadership role in human smuggling organization that led to deathRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 21-year-old Penitas resident has been ordered to federal prison for his role in bringing in and harboring illegal aliens, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Jesus Grimaldo aka Chuy pleaded guilty Oct. 22, 2025.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Grimaldo to serve the maximum of 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
The court enhanced the sentence, finding Grimaldo responsible for smuggling more than 100 illegal aliens during the conspiracy, using or brandishing a firearm during the smuggling operations, recklessly placing smuggled aliens in danger of injury or death, kidnapping and leading the conspiracy by recruiting drivers and coordinating smuggling trips. Grimaldo was also held responsible for being a leader of the alien smuggling organization and conspiracy.
In handing down the sentence, the court noted a death that occurred during the scheme, further commenting that it would not have happened but for Grimaldo’s role as the leader in the conspiracy.
The investigation began May 8, 2024, when authorities responded to a report of a deceased man on the side of the road in Brooks County. Authorities later identified him as an illegal alien from Mexico who died from heat exposure.
An analysis of the deceased man’s phone revealed multiple payments through CashApp and Zelle to Grimaldo.
Further investigation revealed Grimaldo coordinated multiple smuggling events between June 2022 and April 2025 with drivers he recruited. He received illegal aliens after they crossed the U.S.-Mexico border and arranged trips from the Rio Grande Valley past Border Patrol checkpoints.
Law enforcement discovered Grimaldo received substantial payments for leading the organization and arranging dangerous smuggling trips, including transporting the aliens in trunks of vehicles during extreme heat.
Grimaldo will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Gould and Joseph Griffith prosecuted the case.
The 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.
South Carolina Man Charged with Trafficking Firearms from South Carolina to New York CityRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Michael Alfonso, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Task Enforcement Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Farhana Islam, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), Bryan DiGirolamo, and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging DARYL RUTHERFORD with firearms trafficking, the unlicensed dealing of firearms, interstate transportation and distribution of firearms, and possession of firearms and ammunition after a felony conviction for his involvement in illegally transporting over a dozen firearms, as well as ammunition, from South Carolina to New York City. RUTHERFORD was arrested earlier today in South Carolina and is expected to be presented tomorrow morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge William S. Brown in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina.
“Gun trafficking into New York fuels violent crime and New Yorkers want it stopped,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “As alleged, Daryl Rutherford contributed to the illegal flow of guns into New York City, endangering New Yorkers for nothing more than personal, financial gain. New Yorkers deserve to live in communities free from illegal firearms and those who use them to commit crimes. So, anyone who is thinking about trafficking firearms to New York should think again. We and our law enforcement partners are watching, and we will hold you accountable.”
“As alleged, this defendant turned the South Carolina-to-New York City corridor into a freeway of illegal guns—smuggling semiautomatic pistols, rifles, and a high-capacity drum magazine through several states, and into the hands of an individual he believed was a criminal with bad intentions,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso. “This alleged reckless behavior arms criminals, endangers families, and fuels violence. Each illicit weapon intercepted in this case prevents potentially tragic shootings that can destroy families and children’s futures. HSI New York, together with HSI Greenville and our Homeland Security Task Force partners, will relentlessly target and dismantle gun pipelines that threaten the safety of all individuals residing in our communities.”
“Illegal interstate firearm trafficking schemes are a significant driver of gun violence in New York City and put communities at risk,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo. “The conduct alleged—a convicted felon transporting and selling an array of illegal firearms for profit—demonstrates a clear disregard for public safety & had the potential to cause devastating harm. This case reflects the strength of coordinated law enforcement efforts—ATF NY Crime Gun Enforcement Team working with HSI, DEA, NYPD, and our prosecutorial partners—to disrupt these dangerous networks and hold offenders accountable.”
“Gun violence has plagued our city streets, many times fueled by illegal firearms being funneled into New York City by individuals who operate with no regard for human life, driving violence, turmoil, and fear in our neighborhoods,” said DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “Today’s arrest and indictment of Daryl Rutherford expose a dangerous pipeline responsible for trafficking multiple semiautomatic pistols and rifles, and other illegal firearms from South Carolina to New York City. The DEA, along with our federal, state, and local partners, will continue to identify and target these criminal organizations at every level. Let our message be clear: whether you traffic guns or drugs into New York City, you will be held accountable and justice will be delivered. DEA New York’s Enforcement Division remains committed to protecting our communities and saving lives.”
“The defendant allegedly transported a large cache of firearms—including semiautomatic rifles and a shotgun—along with ammunition across state lines and sold them illegally on our streets for profit,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Thanks to the work of our NYPD investigators, law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, this interstate gun trafficking pipeline has been shut down, dangerous firearms are off our streets, and this alleged criminal is being held accountable.”
As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court and in public court proceedings:[1]
From at least in or about December 2025 through at least in or about February 2026, RUTHERFORD, a convicted felon, illegally transported firearms and ammunition from South Carolina to New York City and sold them to a purchaser whom RUTHERFORD understood to be a prohibited person and an unlawful reseller of firearms. Specifically, in four transactions, RUTHERFORD illegally sold approximately 14 firearms to an undercover law enforcement agent. The firearms included multiple semiautomatic pistols, semiautomatic rifles, including one with a high-capacity drum magazine, as well as a 12-gauge shotgun.
Firearms RUTHERFORD sold on December 12, 2025
Firearms RUTHERFORD sold on December 18, 2025
Firearms RUTHERFORD sold on February 17, 2026
Firearms RUTHERFORD sold on February 24, 2026
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RUTHERFORD, 51, of South Carolina, is charged with one count of firearms trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison; one count of unlicensed dealing of firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of illegally transporting and distributing firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of possession of firearms and ammunition after a felony conviction, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
The statutory maximum and minimum sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the HSI New York Field Office, ATF, DEA New York Division, the NYPD, HSI Greenville, the New York Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the Union Public Safety Department.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diarra M. Guthrie is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.