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Friday 6 March 2026
Kansas City Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Illegal FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court yesterday for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Marcus J. Porras, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 7 years in federal prison without parole.
On Aug. 5, 2025, Porras pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Porras admitted he was in possession of a Glock 43, 9mm pistol on April 13, 2025.
On April 13, 2025, officers of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department were dispatched to the area of Westport Road and Broadway Boulevard to meet private security officers who had detained Porras for fighting.
A security officer reported he was flagged down by patrons of the entertainment district regarding a fight inside an establishment within the Westport Entertainment District. The security officer reportedly observed multiple females and two males physically fighting. The females dispersed, and the two males continued to fight with one another. One of the males pointed at Porras indicating that Porras had a firearm.
Porras was taken into custody. The security officer retrieved a Glock 43, 9mm pistol near the area of the incident. The Glock 43 was loaded with one live 9mm round in the chamber. The security officer also recovered a magazine loaded with six live 9mm rounds.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who is convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Porras has two prior felony convictions for robbery in the first degree, two prior felony convictions for armed criminal action, and prior felony convictions for unlawful use of a weapon – exhibiting and resisting arrest by fleeing.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Jennings. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Johnson County Clinic Owner Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky.- A Harrodsburg, Ky., man, Jeremy Bryson, 47, was convicted by a federal jury in Frankfort on Wednesday for charges related to unlawfully distributing controlled substances.
After approximately two hours of deliberations, following an eight-day trial, the jury convicted Bryson on one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, six counts of distribution of controlled substances, one count of conspiracy to use a DEA registration issued to another person, and one count of money laundering.
According to evidence introduced at trial, during the conspiracy, Jeremy Bryson and Don Bryson, his father, operated a medical clinic in Paintsville, Ky., called Appalachian Family Medicine (AFM). Don Bryson had previously surrendered his medical license in 2012 after a Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure investigation into complaints about his controlled substance prescribing practices. Jeremy Bryson hired Don Bryson as a “medical consultant” at AFM. Evidence at trial established that under Jeremy and Don Bryson’s operation, AFM functioned as a cash-only clinic that consistently issued illegitimate controlled substance prescriptions to patients. Although AFM was not registered as a pain management facility, AFM issued controlled substance prescriptions to the majority of its patients.
Between January 2021 and early 2022, 14 separate medical providers worked at AFM, many of whom left after working at the clinic for only a matter of days. The trial evidence established that Jeremy and Don Bryson pressured and used these temporary providers to issue controlled substance prescriptions while limiting the time they spent with patients and restricting their access to basic tools for safe prescribing like drug testing and prescription drug monitoring reports. In August and September of 2021, Jeremy Bryson directed the clinic’s staff to misuse an absent provider’s DEA registration number, which permits a qualifying practitioner to prescribe controlled substances, to continue issuing illegitimate controlled substance prescriptions in that absent provider’s name without her knowledge.
Additionally, evidence showed that in August 2021, Jeremy Bryson engaged in money laundering with proceeds derived from the controlled substance offenses through a check payment of $67,466.40 for the purchase of a Ram 2500 pickup truck.
Don Bryson previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances in June 2024. Don Bryson is scheduled to be sentenced on April 2.
Paul McCaffrey, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division, jointly announced the conviction.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Smith is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
Jeremy Bryson will appear for sentencing on June 2. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing a sentence.
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Jefferson County felon charged with federal firearms violation in Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been charged with a federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Terrance Von Spain, 46, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas this week charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
If convicted, Spain faces up to 15 years in federal prison.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Jamestown man and woman charged with narcotics conspiracy in superseding indictmentRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging James Jackson, 39, and Alicia Osar, 37, both of Jamestown, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison. In addition, Jackson is charged with maintaining a drug involved premises.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that according to the superseding indictment, between 2018, and February 2025, Jackson and Osar conspired with Ernest W. Brown, Joseph S. Zaso and others, to sell fentanyl. In addition, between 2019, and 2021, Jackson is accused of using a Bush Street residence in Jamestown to manufacture and sell heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine and methamphetamine.
Defendant Jackson is being detained, defendant Osar is released on conditions. Defendants Brown and Zaso were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing.
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 Buffalo/Rochester comprises agents and officers from HSI and the FBI with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The superseding indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott D. Forster, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Iranian Intelligence Agent Convicted of Terrorism and Murder for Hire in Connection with Foiled Plot to Assassinate U.S. Politicians and Government OfficialsRead the Press Release
Today, a federal jury convicted Asif Merchant, also known as “Asif Raza Merchant,” of murder for hire and attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries. Merchant was a trained operative of the Iranian government’s global terrorist force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Merchant admitted at trial that the IRGC sent him to the United States to arrange for political assassinations and steal documents, but law enforcement foiled the plot before any attack could be carried out. Merchant arrived in the United States in April of 2024, met with purported hitmen in June—who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers in New York—and was placed under arrest before leaving the country in July of 2024. Merchant faces up to life in prison.
“This man landed on American soil hoping to kill President Trump — instead, he was met with the might of American law enforcement,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice will remain ever-vigilant to protect Americans, prosecute terrorists, and halt acts of terrorism before they happen.”
“Merchant tried to hire someone to kill a politician or a U.S. government official, but the FBI and our partners stopped that deadly plot,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This was not the first attempt by Iran to harm our citizens on U.S. soil; the other efforts also failed. Let this verdict serve as a reminder that the FBI is committed to detecting such threats and preventing acts of violence, and we will hold accountable anyone who tries to interfere with our democratic system.”
“Merchant, a trained Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps operative, entered the United States intending to commit acts of terror, and ultimately, to facilitate the assassination of U.S. government officials, including President Trump,” said Assistant Attorney General for National security John A. Eisenberg. “Merchant’s plot struck at the heart of our democracy and our commitment to the rule of law. NSD remains committed to defending our Nation from the pernicious threat of terrorism.”
“Iran’s terrorist regime sent Asif Merchant here to sow mayhem and murder,” stated United States Attorney Nocella for the Eastern District of New York. “Thanks to the vigilance of our law enforcement partners, his scheme ended in failure. Today, with Merchant’s conviction, that failure is complete. This Office will always remain vigilant in our mission to protect the United States from foreign terrorist adversaries. ”
As set forth in trial exhibits and testimony, including the defendant’s own testimony, Merchant began working for the IRGC in Pakistan in late 2022 or early 2023, when he received training in tradecraft, including countersurveillance. Later in 2023, he was sent to the United States to look for potential IRGC recruits who could stay behind in the United States. Merchant testified that he knew that the IRGC was a designated terrorist organization. Throughout this period, Merchant repeatedly traveled to Iran to meet with his IRGC handler.
Merchant testified that in 2024, he was sent back to the United States with a new mission: to recruit “Mafia” members to steal documents, stage a protest, and arrange the murder of one of three specific U.S. government officials and politicians. To that end, Merchant contacted an acquaintance in New York who he thought could help him with his scheme. That person, Nadeem Ali, instead reported Merchant’s conduct to law enforcement and became a confidential source.
In early June, Merchant met Ali in New York and explained his assassination plot. Merchant told Ali that he had an ongoing opportunity for him and then made a “finger gun” motion with his hand, indicating that the opportunity was related to a killing. Merchant further stated that the intended victims would be “targeted here,” in the United States. Merchant instructed Ali to arrange meetings with individuals whom Merchant could hire to carry out these actions. Merchant explained that his plot involved multiple criminal schemes: (1) stealing documents or USB drives from a target’s home; (2) planning a protest; and (3) killing a politician or government official.
At that meeting, Merchant began planning potential assassination scenarios and quizzed Ali on how he would kill a target in the various scenarios. Specifically, Merchant asked Ali to explain how the target would die in different scenarios. Merchant told Ali that there would be “security [] all around” the person.
Merchant stated that the assassination would occur after he left the United States and he would communicate with Ali from overseas using code words. Ali asked whether Merchant had spoken to the unidentified “party” back home with whom Merchant was working. Merchant responded that he had and that the party back home told him to “finalize” the plan and leave the United States. Merchant would later testify that the “party” was his IRGC handler.
In mid-June, Merchant met with the purported hitmen, who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers (the UCs) in New York. Merchant advised the UCs that he was looking for three services from them: theft of documents, arranging protests at political rallies and for them to kill a “political person.” Merchant stated that the hitmen would receive instructions on who to kill after Merchant had departed the United States.
Throughout this period, Merchant performed internet searches for the locations of political rallies and sent reports back to his IRGC handler regarding security protocols at rallies.
Merchant then began arranging means to obtain $5,000 in cash to pay the UCs as an advance payment for the assassination, which he eventually received with assistance from an individual overseas. On June 21, Merchant met with the UCs in New York and paid them the $5,000 advance. After Merchant paid the $5,000 to the UCs, one of the UCs stated, “now we’re bonded,” to which Merchant responded “yes.” The UC then stated “Now we know we’re going forward. We’re doing this,” to which Merchant responded “Yes, absolutely.”
Merchant subsequently made flight arrangements and planned to leave the United States on Friday, July 12, 2024. On that day, law enforcement agents placed Merchant under arrest before he could leave the country.
The FBI’s Field Offices in Dallas, Houston, Tampa, Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago and Albany for partnered in the investigation of this case. The New York City Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection assisted with the investigation.
The case is being handled by the Office’s National Security & Cybercrime Section for the Eastern District of New York. Assistant United States Attorneys Sara K. Winik, Nina Gupta and Gilbert Rein for the Eastern District of New York are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Deputy Chief Paul Casey and Trial Attorney Jessica Joyce of the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.
Iranian Intelligence Agent Convicted of Terrorism and Murder for Hire in Connection with Foiled Plot to Assassinate U.S. Politicians and Government OfficialsRead the Press Release
BROOKLYN, NY – A federal jury today convicted Asif Merchant, also known as “Asif Raza Merchant,” of murder for hire and attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries. Merchant was a trained operative of the Iranian government’s global terrorist force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (“IRGC”). He admitted at trial that in 2024 the IRGC sent him to the United States to arrange for political assassinations, but law enforcement foiled the plot before any attack could be carried out. Merchant arrived in the United States in April of 2024, met with purported hitmen in June—who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers in New York—and was placed under arrest before leaving the country in July of 2024. Merchant faces up to life in prison.
Pamela Bondi, United States Attorney General; 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 verdict.
“This man landed on American soil hoping to kill President Trump — instead, he was met with the might of American law enforcement,” said Attorney General Bondi. “The Department of Justice will remain ever-vigilant to protect Americans, prosecute terrorists, and halt acts of terrorism before they happen.”
“Iran’s terrorist regime sent Asif Merchant here to sow mayhem and murder,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Thanks to the vigilance of our law enforcement partners, his scheme ended in failure. Today, with Merchant’s conviction, that failure is complete. Our Office will always remain vigilant in our mission to protect the United States from foreign terrorist adversaries.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the FBI’s Field Offices in Dallas, Houston, Tampa, Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago and Albany for their partnership on this case. Mr. Nocella also expressed his appreciation to the FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, the New York City Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their assistance.
“At the direction of the Iranian regime, Asif Merchant plotted to assassinate a United States politician or government official on American soil,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “This foiled scheme motivated by vengeance for U.S. actions against the Iranian regime sought to strike at the heart of our democracy. May today's conviction illustrate the FBI's resolute commitment to protect the homeland from the Iranian regime's craven efforts to wage terror on the American people.”
As set forth in trial exhibits and testimony, including the defendant’s own testimony, Merchant began working for the IRGC in late 2022 or early 2023, when he received training in intelligence tradecraft, including countersurveillance. Later in 2023, he was sent to the United States to look for potential IRGC recruits in the United States. Merchant testified that he knew that the IRGC was a designated terrorist organization. Throughout this period, Merchant repeatedly traveled to Iran to meet with his IRGC handler.
Merchant testified that in 2024, he was sent back to the United States with a new mission: to recruit hitmen to arrange the murder of one of three specific U.S. government officials and politicians. Merchant admitted that he was tasked by the IRGC to kill a U.S. government official or politician to avenge the death of Qasem Soleimani. To that end, Merchant contacted an acquaintance in New York who he thought could help him with his scheme. That person instead reported Merchant’s conduct to law enforcement and became a confidential source (the CS).
In early June, Merchant met the CS in New York and explained his assassination plot. Merchant told the CS that he had an ongoing opportunity for him and then made a “finger gun” motion with his hand, indicating that the opportunity was related to a killing. Merchant further stated that the intended victims would be “targeted here,” in the United States. Merchant instructed the CS to arrange meetings with individuals whom Merchant could hire to carry out these actions.
At that meeting, Merchant began planning potential assassination scenarios and quizzed the CS on how he would kill a target in the various scenarios. Specifically, Merchant asked the CS to explain how the target would die in different scenarios. Merchant told the CS that there would be “security [] all around” the person.
Merchant stated that the assassination would occur after he left the United States and he would communicate with the CS from overseas using code words. The CS asked whether Merchant had spoken to the unidentified “party” back home with whom Merchant was working. Merchant responded that he had and that the party back home told him to “finalize” the plan and leave the United States. Merchant would later testify that the “party” was his IRGC handler.
In mid-June, Merchant met with the purported hitmen, who were in fact undercover U.S. law enforcement officers (the UCs) in New York. Merchant advised the UCs that he was looking for three services from them: theft of documents, arranging protests at political rallies and for them to kill a “political person” in the United States. Merchant stated that the hitmen would receive instructions on who to kill after Merchant had departed the United States. Targets could include President Donald J. Trump, President Joseph Biden, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, and the defendant stated he understood the target would be Trump.
Throughout this period, Merchant performed internet searches for the locations of political rallies and sent a report back to his IRGC handler regarding security protocols at rallies.
Merchant then began arranging means to obtain $5,000 in cash to pay the UCs as an advance payment for the assassination, which he eventually received with assistance from an individual overseas. On June 21, Merchant met with the UCs in New York and paid them the $5,000 advance. After Merchant paid the $5,000 to the UCs, one of the UCs stated, “now we’re bonded,” to which Merchant responded “yes.” The UC then stated “Now we know we’re going forward. We’re doing this,” to which Merchant responded “Yes, absolutely.”
Merchant subsequently made flight arrangements and planned to leave the United States on Friday, July 12, 2024. On that day, law enforcement agents placed Merchant under arrest before he could leave the country.
The case is being handled by the Office’s National Security & Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Sara K. Winik, Nina C. Gupta and Gilbert Rein are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Deputy Chief Paul Casey and former Trial Attorney Jessica Joyce of the Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.
The Defendant:
ASIF MERCHANT (also known as “Asif Raza Merchant”)
Age: 48
Karachi, Pakistan; Tehran, IranE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-362 (EK)
Inmate Sentenced for Running Drug Conspiracy in PrisonRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A man serving time in prison for assaulting a detention officer was sentenced today for knowingly conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Today, Quinton Andrew Perry, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell after pleading guilty in September for Drug Conspiracy. He was ordered to serve 236 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
According to the indictment, Perry was a “captain” of the Universal Aryan Brotherhood, a known white supremacist prison gang. From mid-2023 through September 2024, Perry used contraband cellphones, encrypted messaging applications and social media to communicate with co-conspirators outside of prison. He coordinated the delivery of kilogram quantities of methamphetamine directly from a transnational criminal organization. Perry relied on his co-conspirators to distribute the methamphetamine and received payment through mobile banking applications.
Court dockets show that Perry’s latest conviction was in 2021 for assaulting a detention officer while serving time for grand larceny, possessing stolen property, and possessing a firearm. His history shows that he was previously convicted of two separate second-degree burglaries.
Perry will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration Dallas Field Office, the North Texas Criminal Interdiction Unit, and Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Interdiction Division investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar prosecuted the case.
Indictment Returned Against Man Who Stabbed Six People in Northeast in April 2025Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kevin Andrade, 34, of Washington, D.C., was indicted this week on charges related to a stabbing spree on April 3, 2025, where six people were attacked with a knife in Northeast D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“The indictment returned against Kevin Andrade sends a clear message: anyone who commits a crime in D.C. will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “The senseless violence in this city must stop, and my office will continue pursuing justice and working to ensure the safety of our residents.”
Andrade was indicted on 24 felony counts, including six counts of assault with intent to kill while armed in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The indictment includes enhancements for a third violent felony offense and for assaulting senior citizen victims. He faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years of incarceration if convicted of the enhanced charges.
According to the government’s evidence, on April 3, 2025, at the intersection of Montello Avenue and Meigs Place NE, Andrade was heard yelling at a woman before stabbing her on the right side of her face. The second and third victims were in the area visiting a family member, the fourth victim, when one of them observed the defendant pacing back and forth and screaming. Witnesses heard Andrade say, “everybody getting stabbed today,” and “I am going to kill them all.” Suddenly, Andrade ran towards the three victims and started stabbing all three of them. The second victim suffered a laceration to the left shoulder, left clavicle, and left torso. The third victim suffered two stab wounds to her back. The fourth victim suffered stab wounds to her lower left back and breast. A fifth victim, who observed the defendant run up to the group and start stabbing them, attempted to stop Andrade, but they both fell to the ground. Andrade was able to get on top of that victim and stabbed him, before walking away. The sixth victim was getting off of the D8 Metrobus on Montello Avenue NE wearing headphones and listening to music, when Andrade stabbed him in the back of the head. Each victim was treated for their injuries at local hospitals and survived the attack.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
This case is being prosecuted by Assistants U.S. Attorney Nickolas Reck.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
2025 CF1 003726
Indiana Youth Minister Linked to Imprisoned Kentucky School Superintendent Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
EVANSVILLE- Aaron Paul Lockman, 24, of Corydon, Indiana, has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to nine counts of possessing sexually explicit material involving minors. He was also ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution.
According to court documents, the investigation began on March 11, 2024, when FBI agents arrested Matthew D. Constant, then‑Superintendent of Owensboro Public Schools in Kentucky, for attempting to solicit sexual acts from minors. During that investigation, agents uncovered WhatsApp conversations between Constant and Lockman in which the two discussed their shared sexual interest in children and exchanged illegal images of child sexual abuse.
Further investigation revealed that Lockman was employed as a youth minister at a church in Jasper, Indiana. In that role, he was entrusted with supervising young boys and frequently took them on one‑on‑one outings, including trips to local restaurants. Agents later searched Lockman’s church‑issued computer and cell phone, where they found multiple videos depicting minors under the age of 12, including material involving abusive conduct.
“This sick individual placed himself in daily proximity to children and exploited his position as a minister to cultivate special relationships with vulnerable boys,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This office will continue to pursue anyone who preys on children, no matter their title, position, or community standing. Thanks to the swift work of our federal partners, he can no longer endanger the children he targeted and manipulated.”
“This sentence sends a clear message that anyone who exploits children - especially those who abuse positions of trust within their communities - will be held fully accountable,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “Protecting children from predators is one of the FBI’s highest priorities. We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify offenders, support victims, and ensure justice is served.”
The FBI and the Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Matthew P. Brookman.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Wheatley, who prosecuted this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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.
If you are a victim of child sexual exploitation, please contact your local police department. Resources for victims of child exploitation can be found on our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/project-safe-childhood
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Illinois Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Durable Medical Equipment SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Geneva, Ill., man was sentenced in federal court in Boston for a fraud scheme to defraud Medicare of over $2 million by submitting claims for durable medical equipment (DME) that was medically unnecessary, not wanted by the Medicare beneficiaries and tainted by kickbacks.
Kartik Bhatia, 36, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to two years in prison. In August 2025, Bhatia was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of making false statements.
Bhatia worked with Raju Sharma, and other co-conspirators to own and operate a DME company that paid telemarketing companies for DME orders for orthotics such as ankle, wrist, knee and back braces. Often, the Medicare beneficiaries did not need or want the braces the defendants shipped them and, the doctors whose signatures appeared on these DME orders often did not treat these beneficiaries and did not prescribe the DME. After the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a payment suspension to Bhatia’s DME company, Bhatia simply opened a new DME company that engaged in the same conduct.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge, Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General; and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Graber and Sarah Hoefle of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Illegal Immigrant from the Dominican Republic Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Deliver CocaineRead the Press Release
HELENA-WEST HELENA—Angel Lazala-Soto, who has a previous federal conviction for attempted re-entry by a previously deported alien, will spend the next 70 months in federal prison after being convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down Thursday, March 5, 2026, by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.
On March 6, 2025, Lazala-Soto, 60, of Bani, Dominican Republic, but residing in New York, New York, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a one-count Indictment for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. On October 23, 2025, Lazala-Soto pleaded guilty to Count One. Judge Miller also sentenced Lazala-Soto to five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
An investigation revealed that on August 29, 2024, troopers with the Arkansas State Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was following too closely to the vehicle in front of it. The trooper made contact with the driver, identified as Lazala-Soto, and observed him behaving nervously and shaking. Because of language barrier issues, the trooper communicated with Lazala-Soto in Spanish with Lazala-Soto telling the trooper that he had driven from New Jersey the day before to see his son for lunch. However, through the use of investigative tools, the trooper was able to determine that Lazala-Soto had actually been in Austin, Texas, the prior day and had returned.
After Lazala-Soto gave consent to search his vehicle, the trooper located some large duffle bags in the rear of the vehicle. After removing the duffle bags, the trooper observed seven kilo-like bundles on top of the spare tire. During an interview at the police department, Lazala-Soto admitted he was transporting cocaine and had driven from New York to Austin and met someone at a gas station.
Lazala-Soto’s criminal history includes a February 5, 2009, federal conviction for attempted re-entry by a previously deported alien where he received a sentence of 30 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Lazala-Soto also has felony convictions for criminal mischief – second degree, grand larceny, possession to distribute cocaine, assault and beat with dangerous weapon, and two convictions for possession of stolen property.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Arkansas State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacy Williams.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
X (formerly known as Twitter):
@USAO_EDAR
Illegal Alien Sentenced to 70 Months for Money Laundering and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A foreign national was sentenced yesterday to 70 months in federal prison after being convicted of multiple money laundering offenses and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Two other foreign nationals were also sentenced yesterday for their roles in assisting in the money laundering offenses.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, Acting Special Agent in Charge Colin W. Jackson of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police (KSP), Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), and Chief Richard Sanders of the Jeffersontown Police Department made the announcement
On March 5, 2026, Jose Malagon Castro, 49, a citizen of Mexico and unlawfully in the United States, was sentenced to 70 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, fined $30,000, and forfeited $516,800, for twenty-four counts related to money laundering and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Castro was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States.
Also sentenced on March 5 were Kelin Hernandez Barahona, 31, a citizen of Honduras and unlawfully in the United States, and Suri Rosmeri Hernandez Del Cid, 28, a citizen of Guatemala and unlawfully in the United States. They were each sentenced to just over 11 months incarceration with 3 years supervised release for their roles in assisting Castro’s money laundering operation.
Between at least January 2020 and continuing until at least December 2024, here in the Western District of Kentucky, Castro utilized his Money Service Business (MSB) operated at three grocery store locations, El Rey I, II and III, to launder drug trafficking proceeds. Specifically, Jose Malagon Castro transmitted himself or had his cashiers, Kelin Hernandez Barahona, and Suri Rosmeri Hernandez Del Cid, transmit drug proceeds through his MSB service to multiple beneficiaries and locations in Mexico. Forensic accounting conducted by the IRS determined that Castro laundered to Mexico over 1.9 million dollars of drug proceeds for a single drug trafficking organization. On December 4, 2024, law enforcement executed multiple search warrants for Castro’s businesses, residences, and vehicles and seized $516,800 in money laundering proceeds and multiple firearms to include: an Aguirre Y Aranzabal (AYA), model 4/53, 12-gauge shotgun; a Marlin Firearms Company, model 336W, 30-30 rifle; a Henry Repeating Rifle Company, model H004GE Golden Eagle, .22lr rifle; a Maverick Arms, model 88, 12-gauge shotgun; a Colt, model King Cobra, .357 magnum revolver; a Smith & Wesson, model CSX, 9mm pistol; and ammunition.
Co-defendants, Vanessa Avila Galaviz, 29, a citizen of Mexico, and Kelin Hernandez Barahona, 32, a citizen of Honduras, have never appeared before the Court following their indictment and remain fugitives at large.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Castro laundered over 1.9 million dollars in drug proceeds to Mexico on behalf of a drug trafficking organization. That 1.9 million dollars of laundered drug money represents a significant amount of poison that was sold in our community. Castro will now spend 70 months in prison before being expelled from the United States.”
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the IRS, ATF, DEA, HSI, FBI, KSP, LMPD, and the Jeffersontown Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mac Shannon and Joseph Ansari are prosecuting this case.
This investigation is part of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI) “Third Party Money Laundering (3PML) Fentanyl Initiative.” The initiative is a collaboration between IRS-CI and the Transaction Record Analysis Center (TRAC). Through advanced data analytics the “3PML Fentanyl Initiative” identifies money launderers working on behalf of Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations and provides law enforcement with the resources necessary to pursue these investigations.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative. The HSTF is a United States government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, transnational gangs, and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) worldwide. This initiative identifies TCOs engaged in a wide range of criminal schemes that violate federal law, while dismantling cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks that fuel violence and instability that threatens the safety and security of the United States and its global partners. It also places a particular emphasis on criminal offenses involving children and ensures the use of all available law enforcement tools to prosecute offenders and/or facilitate the removal of criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Nashville is comprised of agents and officers from IRS, ATF, DEA, HSI, and FBI and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky.
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Harrisburg Man Sentenced to Prison for Selling CocaineRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that on March 5, 2026, Xavier Melendez-Hernandez, age 41, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment to be followed by one year of supervised release by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for conspiring with others to distribute cocaine.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Melendez-Hernandez conspired with Victor Colon-Rosario, Hector Rayann Santos-Carasquillo, and Joseph Fontanez-Machuca to distribute kilogram quantities of cocaine in the greater Harrisburg area in 2021 and 2022. Each of the defendants was indicted and later pleaded guilty.
In 2024, Judge Wilson sentenced Colon-Rosario to 24 months in prison and Santos-Carasquillo to 60 months in prison. In February 2026, Judge Wilson sentenced Fontanez-Machuca to time served after he had spent nearly two years in pretrial and presentence detention.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Christian T. Haugsby prosecuted the case.
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Harrisburg Man Sentenced to 180 Months’ Imprisonment for Possessing A Firearm as A Convicted Felon and Consecutive 51 Months’ for A Supervised Release ViolationRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Darin Blackburn, age 43, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to a 231 months’ aggregate imprisonment sentence by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and for violating terms of a previously imposed supervised release sentence.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on November 17, 2021, Harrisburg Police Officers approached Blackburn as he sat in a car. One of the officers observed a small bag of marijuana in plain view through the passenger window of Blackburn’s car. Those officers summoned a K-9 unit and when the dog began sniffing the car for the presence of narcotics, Blackburn ran from the scene. Officers apprehended him a short distance later. Once Blackburn was taken into custody the owner of the car arrived at the car. The owner denied ownership of anything found in the automobile, but he gave police permission to conduct a search.
During the search police found a Hermann Weihrauch Arminus .38 caliber revolver. There were 6 rounds of ammunition in the gun and 13 loose rounds in a bag in the trunk. Blackburn had previously been convicted of an armed bank robbery and two serious drug offenses that were all committed on occasions different from one another. As such, Blackburn was not legally permitted to possess a firearm and was subject to a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
At the time of the offense, Blackburn was still serving a federal supervised release term for two armed bank robberies committed in 2001. Those robberies resulted in a 211 months’ imprisonment sentence to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Blackburn’s supervised release term commenced in July 2021 upon his release from prison. The additional 51 months’ imprisonment term was imposed for his violation of the supervised release requirement that he not commit another crime.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera prosecuted the case.
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Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty to Leading Massive Human Smuggling Organization and Holding Illegal Immigrants HostageRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An illegal immigrant from Guatemala pleaded guilty today to leading one of the largest human smuggling organizations in the United States, a ring that smuggled approximately 20,000 illegal immigrants from Guatemala to destinations nationwide over a five-year span and further admitted to holding two victims hostage.
Eduardo Domingo Renoj-Matul, 52, a.k.a. “Turko,” “El Jefe,” “Patrón,” and “El Gallo,” who most recently lived in the Westlake neighborhood near downtown Los Angeles, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to bring aliens to the United States, transport aliens in the United States, and harbor aliens in the United States for private financial gain and one count of hostage taking.
Renoj-Matul has been in federal custody since February 2025.
According to his plea agreement, Renoj-Matul first worked for then acted as a leader in the smuggling organization and specialized in the smuggling of illegal aliens from Guatemala to the United States, the transportation and movement of those illegal aliens within the United States, and the harboring, concealing, and shielding of illegal aliens within the United States.
Renoj-Matul admitted in his plea agreement that the organization moved approximately 20,000 illegal aliens from 2019 through July 2024.
Associates in Guatemala who solicited illegal aliens to come to the United States accepted payment of between $15,000 and $18,000 for each illegal alien to be smuggled into the United States and coordinated the journey of the illegal aliens from Guatemala to the United States.
Mexican smuggling organizations who accepted Guatemalan illegal aliens in southern Mexico transported them through Mexico and then smuggled those illegal aliens across the U.S.-Mexico border.
In the United States, co-conspirators within the organization oversaw smuggling cells, teams of drivers who transported illegal aliens, and operators of stash houses where illegal aliens were held while they were within the United States.
Co-conspirators operated an illegal alien stash house located on James M. Wood Boulevard in the Westlake district of Los Angeles. Illegal aliens smuggled by the organization were brought to this house. After an illegal alien’s smuggling fee was paid, the illegal alien was transported by co-conspirators to another destination within the United States. If an illegal alien’s smuggling fees were not paid, Renoj-Matul and other co-conspirators would hold that illegal alien against their will at the Westlake house until their fee was paid.
Other co-conspirators transported and coordinated the transport of illegal aliens for Renoj-Matul from Guatemala, through Mexico, to the United States and then throughout various destinations within the United States. Within the United States, co-conspirators drove illegal aliens to other destinations in vehicles provided by Renoj-Matul and others for a fee paid by the aliens.
Renoj-Matul directed that the transportation of proceeds from human smuggling be transported from Los Angeles to Phoenix to be given to the Mexican smuggling organization and pay the smuggling organization’s expenses.
In his plea agreement, Renoj-Matul admitted to arranging for co-conspirators to transport illegal immigrants to Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, New York, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Renoj-Matul admitted that at all relevant times, he acted for the purpose of private financial gain.
In 2024, after a third party reneged on paying a victim’s smuggling fees, co-conspirators in Guatemala and Renoj-Matul called the victim’s mother and threatened to harm the victim, including by warning the victim “would come home in a box” if her smuggling fees were not paid. For a two-month period from May 2024 to July 2024, the victim was held hostage at the house in the Westlake area of Los Angeles.
Renoj-Matul further admitted to holding another victim – an illegal immigrant from Guatemala – hostage from April 2024 to July 2024. Renoj-Matul knowingly and intentionally seized and detained, and threatened to kill, injure, and continue to detain the victim to compel third persons to pay smuggling fees to the hostage takers as an explicit condition for the victim’s release.
United States District Judge Cynthia Valenzuela scheduled a October 2 sentencing hearing, at which time Renoj-Matul will face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
An April 21 trial is scheduled for co-defendants José Paxtor-Oxlaj, 45, a driver for the smuggling organization who is incarcerated in Oklahoma in connection with a November 2023 car accident resulting in the deaths of seven illegal immigrants – including a 4-year-old child, and Cristóbal Mejia-Chaj, 50, of Westlake, Renoj-Matul’s alleged right-hand man. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty.
Helmer Obispo-Hernández, 42, a.k.a. “Xavi,” a lieutenant in the criminal organization, faces federal criminal charges in this case and is a fugitive.
Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, HSI’s Figueroa Initiative Gang and Human Trafficking Task Force, United States Border Patrol, and the Inglewood Police Department are investigating this matter.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly L. Larocque of the Transnational Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.
Ghanaian national sentenced to prison for two years for $1M romance scamRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Ghanaian national was sentenced yesterday to two years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to court documents, from no later than March 2022 until at least July 2022, Emmanuel Gyasi, 29, and his co-conspirators ran a “romance scam” to induce a victim to send money by wire transfers. The conspirators created a fictitious profile on an online dating platform under the name “Jessica Morris” and used the profile to connect and begin a romantic relationship with the victim. The conspirators, pretending to be Morris, told the victim that Morris” had inherited gold bars worth $12 million and that Morris needed money to pay for various fees related to the sale of the gold bars.
The conspirators then introduced the victim to a second fictitious persona, “Steven Baggett,” who was supposedly Morris’ lawyer. The conspirators promised that, if the victim would lend money to pay for the fees related to the sale of the gold bars, Morris would repay the victim with interest.
Gyasi opened and controlled a bank account to which the conspirators directed the victim to transfer the money. Based on the conspirators’ false promises, the victim sent a total of approximately $1.1 million. Though the victim was able to recall some of the transferred funds, Gyasi and his co-conspirators received over $750,000.00 from the victim.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Harvey prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-280.
Ghanaian National Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding UConnRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that DICKSON ALORWORNU, also known as “Dixon Al,” 36, a citizen of Ghana residing in Greenwich, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 48 months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release for operating a tuition refund scheme using stolen identities.
According to the evidence presented during Alorwornu’s trial, in December 2017, Alorwornu used other individuals’ identities to submit two non-degree student applications to the University of Connecticut (“UConn”). He then used credit card information that had been stolen from three victims to fund the two student accounts with a total of more than $62,000 in fraudulently obtained funds. In early 2018, Alorwornu withdrew from the courses and requested that UConn refund the money he had deposited. UConn subsequently transferred approximately $46,000 to bank accounts Alorwornu controlled.
The investigation revealed that email accounts that Alorwornu used to defraud UConn were also used to defraud other universities of more than $500,000.
Alorwornu was arrested on February 1, 2023. On October 29, 2024, a jury found him guilty of two counts of wire fraud.
Alorwornu’s criminal history includes a conviction in New York in 2017 for an offense involving his using stolen credit cards and other individuals’ personal identifying information.
Alorwornu, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on April 20.
This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the UConn Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward Chang and Elena Coronado.
Gainesville Man Indicted for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Robert Lee Johnson, III., 39, of Gainesville, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with six counts of production of child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
Johnson, III. appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Midori A. Lowry in Gainesville, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for April 8, 2026, at 8:30 am before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Gainesville, Florida.
If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment, and up to 30 years’ imprisonment, on each count.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt is prosecuting the case.
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 was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available 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.
Former San Diego Securities Attorney Sentenced for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Former Securities lawyer Robert Blair Krueger, Jr., was sentenced in federal court today to 12 months and one day in prison for evading his personal taxes. U.S. District Judge James Simmons Jr. also ordered Krueger to pay $357,666.41 in restitution to the IRS.
According to court filings and statements made in court, from 2017 to 2019, Krueger, Jr., 63, was the sole owner of The Krueger Group LLP, a firm that specialized in providing legal services to companies seeking to become publicly traded.
During that time, Krueger regularly received payments for legal services he provided to clients. In 2017, Krueger received more than $167,000 for payment of legal services. After providing his return preparer with false information about his law firm’s profits, however, he reported only $10,000 in receipts on his 2017 tax return. In 2018 and 2019, Krueger willfully failed to file a tax return with the IRS, even though he earned income during those years and was required to do so. In total, Krueger caused a tax loss to the United States of more than $130,000.
Krueger pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion on October 23, 2025.
Trial Attorneys Megan E. Wessel and Robert A. Kemins of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section prosecuted the case.
DEFENDANT Case Number 24-cr-02141
Robert Blair Krueger, Jr Age: 63 Las Vegas, NV
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax – Title 26, U.S.C., Section §7201
Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCY
IRS Criminal Investigation
Former Intermediate Unit Resource Instructor Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Transport of Material Depicting Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Grove City, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 84 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal law regarding the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Michael William Boston, 41, on March 5, 2026.
According to information presented to the Court, on October 25, 2022, Boston transported material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors in interstate commerce by uploading the material to a cloud-based server. As part of his plea agreement, Boston also took responsibility for transporting child sexual abuse material on two other dates in 2023 and for the possession of more than 1,500 images and videos containing child sexual abuse material across seven different electronic devices. Many of the images depicted the sexual exploitation of toddler-aged and infant males as young as several months old. Boston’s collection of images and videos additionally depicted acts of bestiality and blindfolded children tied to stationary objects.
Boston was previously employed by an intermediate unit as a resource instructor for hearing-impaired students. In this role, he traveled to various schools across nine Pennsylvania counties to work with children from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade who suffered from hearing impairments. Boston also was known to be active in his local community, particularly at local churches. As a result of this prosecution, Boston was fired from his teaching position and forced to surrender his teaching license.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania State Police’s Northwest Computer Crime Unit for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Boston.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former IRS Employee Sentenced to Prison for Tax Fraud and Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employee has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for filing false tax returns in order to fraudulently obtain tax refunds and stealing Social Security benefits.
Kathleen Mannion, 59, of Lawrence, was sentenced on March 4, 2026 by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 18 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In May 2025, Mannion pleaded guilty to four counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of a false tax return and one count of theft of government money. Mannion was charged in March 2025.
From 1998 to 2009, Mannion worked as an IRS contact representative in Andover, Mass. Between approximately July 2020 through April 2023, Mannion prepared and filed income tax returns for other individuals with the IRS. Even though Mannion prepared these returns on behalf of other individuals, she did not list herself as the tax return preparer. Instead, Mannion prepared the returns to appear as if the taxpayers prepared the returns on their own. Further, Mannion listed ineligible dependents on the tax returns, resulting in higher refund amounts for which the taxpayers did not qualify without the knowledge of the taxpayers. Mannion also filed forms with the IRS directing that a portion of the fraudulently obtained tax refunds be deposited in her personal bank accounts, which she then used for her personal benefit.
Separately, between April and October 2020, Mannion applied for Social Security retirement, spouse and widow benefits with the Social Security Administration (SSA) via telephone for other individuals. Unbeknownst to these beneficiaries, Mannion directed SSA to deposit the Social Security benefits in her personal bank accounts, which she also used for her personal benefit.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Former Houston Educator Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A former Houston Independent School District teacher’s aide was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio on Wednesday to 24 months in prison for her role in a drug trafficking organization, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons.
According to court documents, Tonya Vonci Middleton-Harris, 57, of Houston, conspired in June 2021 to traffic 992.4 grams of 100% methamphetamine and 526 grams of cocaine. Texas Department of Public Safety agents conducted a traffic stop on Middleton-Harris after she was observed receiving two bags of narcotics from drug trafficker, Terry Clay. Clay was also arrested after being found to possess $11,213 in U.S. currency and a pill bottle containing 11.2 grams of oxycodone pills.
Middleton-Harris pleaded guilty on Oct. 8, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The following co-defendants have already been sentenced in this case:
- Timothy Bland, 235 months in federal prison
- Crandall Jones, 63 months in federal prison
- Luis Tovias, 132 months in federal prison
- Valerie Nichole Garcia, 84 months in federal prison
- Pamela Felita Breeding, 140 months in federal prison
- John Russup, 144 months in federal prison
- Dana Harrington, 40 months in federal prison
- Michelle Katherine Bilskey, sentenced to time served (1,050 days)
The sentence hearing for Clay is set for March 11. U.S. District Judge Jason Pulliam presides over the case.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Spears prosecuted the case.
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Former Abbeville Resident and Previously Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Child Sex OffensesRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE– On February 26, 2026, David Fail, a 43-year-old former Abbeville resident, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after his August 2025 conviction by a federal jury for transporting and possessing child sexual abuse materials (“CSAM”).
“Recidivist child sex predators are among the most dangerous people in our society, seeking out and victimizing our children to satisfy their own sick desires,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “This case shows that law enforcement will find these predators in the dark corners of the Internet where they hide and that their crimes will land them behind bars for decades when they’re caught.”
Evidence presented at trial showed that Fail, who had been convicted for possessing and receiving child pornography in 2006 and for sexually exploiting a minor in 2013, was the subject of a cybertip provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that he maintained an online, cloud-based storage account where he had uploaded more than 100 files containing CSAM. Law enforcement agents were able to identify Fail through his use of unique internet protocol addresses as well as information known to law enforcement through the State of Louisiana’s State Sex Offender and Child Predator Registry.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.
The United States Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations, and the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated this case with assistance and cooperation from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Bordelon II and former Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.
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 6:24-CR-00050-001.
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Public Affairs
United States Attorney’s Office
Western District of Louisiana
www.justice.gov/usao-wdla
Twitter @USAO_WDLA
Federal inmates charged with assault in Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – Six federal inmates have been charged with assault in connection with an attack on a fellow inmate in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Earnest Dale Collins, 29; Anderson Garcia, 27; Ira Hall, 38; Quincy Homere, 40; Richard Royal, 41; and Eric Terrill Spencer 34, were named in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas this week charging them with assault with a deadly weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in an alleged attack on a fellow inmate on May 2, 2025. The altercation took place at the Federal Correctional Complex in Beaumont.
If convicted, the defendants each face up to 20 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph R. Batte.
A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Federal inmate charged with possessing contraband in prisonRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A federal inmate has been charged with allegedly possessing contraband in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Robert Anthony Summers, 44, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas this week charging him with possession of a prohibited object, specifically a weapon or shank, at the Federal Correctional Complex in Beaumont.
If convicted, Summers faces up to 5 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Prisons and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Essex County Man Convicted of Drug Distribution and Illegal Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County man was convicted of firearm and narcotics offenses following a three-day trial, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced.
Mookadean Cheeseboro, 38, of Newark, was convicted by a federal jury on February 11, 2026, of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine following a trial before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On December 20, 2021, while executing a search warrant, New Jersey State Police officers saw Cheeseboro engaged in drug trafficking. When State Police detectives searched Cheeseboro, they found 74 doses of cocaine and fentanyl packaged for sale and a key to a vehicle. When detectives opened the vehicle, they found a .380 caliber handgun and thirty rounds of ammunition. Cheeseboro admitted in a post-arrest statement that he possessed the drugs and had the firearm for his protection.
The felon in possession charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. The possession with intent to distribute controlled substances charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years of imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine.
Cheeseboro was previously convicted in 2015 of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. U.S. District Judge William J. Martini sentenced him to serve 70 months’ imprisonment for that offense.
Senior Counsel Lamparello credited with the investigation special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James, as well as the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Lt. Col. Jeanne Hengemuhle, with the investigation leading to this conviction.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John M. Maloy, of the Organized Crime/Gangs Unit, and Kelly M. Lyons, Acting Chief of the Narcotics and International Trafficking Unit.
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Defense counsel: F. R. “Chip” Dunne, III, Esq.
cheeseboro.indictment.pdfEmployee at High-End Car Dealerships Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A New York man was sentenced on February 26, 2026, to 18 months in prison for failing to report over $1.6 million in income on his federal income tax returns that he embezzled from his employer, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced.
Jooyeong Lee of Westbury, New York previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court to an information charging him with filing a false federal income tax return. Judge Hayden imposed the sentence.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From approximately 2015 through 2021, Lee embezzled over $1.6 million from various high-end car dealerships in New Jersey where he worked. When he filed his tax returns, Lee failed to report or pay tax on the funds as income. Over seven years, Lee caused a tax loss of $494,082.
Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer Piovesan in Newark, with the investigation that led to the sentencing in this case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey S. Smith of the Criminal Division in Newark.
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Defense counsel: Jason A. Seidman, Esq.
District of Arizona Charges 177 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this WeekRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from Feb. 28 through Mar. 6, 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 177 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 124 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 35 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 17 cases against 18 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), ICE- Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Recent matters of interest include:
United States v. Iven Jair Jonathan Monjaraz-Perez, Gabriel Garcia-Lopez, and Alvaro Ojeda-Gomez. Monjarez-Perez, Garcia-Lopez, and Ojea-Gomez were charged by complaint with Conspiracy to Transport an Illegal Alien on Mar. 4, 2026. In 2025, HSI opened an investigation into a human smuggling organization operating out of Phoenix, Arizona. According to the complaint, on Mar. 2, 2026, HSI agents executed a federal search warrant on an apartment in Phoenix, located 19 smuggled illegal aliens, and arrested two alleged load drivers, Garcia-Lopez and Ojeda-Gomez, who acted as caretakers of the apartment. Agents also learned that Garcia-Lopez and Ojeda-Gomez were citizens of Mexico unlawfully present in the United States. HSI agents then executed a federal search warrant on a second apartment connected to the smuggling scheme and saw two individuals, including Monjarez-Perez, leave the apartment and get into a car associated with the smuggling scheme. Agents arrested Monjarez-Perez, who is alleged to have received money to transport aliens in the United States and receive them at the drop house. Case Number: 26-MJ-3055.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-045_March 6, 2026 Immigration Enforcement
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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.
DEA Search Warrants in Tri-Cities Result in Largest Drug Seizure in EDWA HistoryRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on March 3, 2026, the Drug Enforcement Administration executed federal search warrants at multiple locations in the Tri-Cities, Washington area that resulted in the largest seizure of controlled substances in EDWA history.
The federal search warrants were based on an ongoing drug trafficking investigation into Amador Sanchez and several co-conspirators. The investigation revealed Sanchez utilized multiple residences, including at least one residence in each of the Tri-Cities, to facilitate and conceal his illegal activities. Notably, Sanchez was on federal supervised release stemming from a previous federal drug trafficking conviction. The investigation is ongoing. Indictments are expected to be presented to a federal grand jury.
In total, approximately over 200 pounds of methamphetamine, over 164 pounds of powdered fentanyl, and over 5 pounds of cocaine were seized along with approximately $2,000,000 in U.S. Currency and 16 firearms were seized. Please note these are preliminary estimates.
“This momentous drug seizure reflects the tireless work of our law enforcement partners to protect our communities,” stated First Assistant Pete Serrano. “The enormous quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine seized in this case had the potential to cause devastating harm across our region. Our office is committed to aggressively prosecuting those who traffic deadly drugs—especially repeat offenders who continue to endanger public safety. We will continue working closely with our federal, state, and local partners to hold drug traffickers accountable and keep our communities safe.”
“This historic seizure, the largest in the history of the Eastern District of Washington, marks significant progress toward a Fentanyl Free America,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “The extraordinary amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine removed from the Tri-Cities area would have devastated families and communities. Through strong enforcement, strategic partnerships, and increased public awareness, DEA remains unwavering in its commitment to disrupt the fentanyl supply chain and save American lives.”
The charges contained in any Indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Tri-Cities Resident Office, which includes state law enforcement partners as well as federal agents from the United States Border Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, United States Marshals, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Convicted Felon Who Opened Fire on Abilene Police Officers Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A previously convicted felon who opened fire on Abilene Police Department officers after leading them on a high speed chase was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
Austin Tabor Heuermann, 32, of Abilene, Texas, was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2025 for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Heuermann pled guilty to the charge in November 2025 and was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment on March 6, 2026, by United States District Judge James Wesley Hendrix, who also ordered him to pay $4,019.26 in restitution.
Court records reflect that on August 13, 2025, around 3:40 p.m., Heuermann fled from Abilene Police officers who tried to stop him for a traffic violation and an outstanding state warrant. Heuermann ran through several stop signs and sped toward multiple active school zones. Given the high risk to public safety, officers stopped pursuing. Shortly thereafter, officers located Heuermann’s empty vehicle hidden under a tarp.
According to information presented in court, officers tracked Heuermann to a home in another area of Abilene. Other occupants exited the home at the officers’ direction, but Heuermann refused. Seconds after the last occupant exited, Heuermann shot through the house to the outside. Officers simultaneously observed debris from the wall immediately in front of them fly up into the air. Officers then retreated, and the Abilene Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (“SWAT”) team arrived.
Court records show that Heuermann refused to surrender for hours, despite the presence of more than 10 SWAT members and negotiators at the home stationed in the armored SWAT Bearcat vehicle. Refusing to obey SWAT personnel commands to come out, Heuermann opened the front door twice. He first looked outside and shut the door. After opening the door again, Heuermann pointed a firearm and shot at the Bearcat, striking and partially shattering the Bearcat’s windshield directly above the driver’s head.According to plea documents, after Heuermann surrendered, officers entered the home and recovered a stolen grey Century Arms, Canik 9mm pistol with spent shell casings on the floor. Heuermann admitted that he was a convicted felon and that he possessed and fired the firearm that day.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Abilene Resident Agency – Dallas Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – Fort Worth, and the Abilene Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Schrauth prosecuted the case.
Chattanooga Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Possessing Machinegun Used in ShootingRead the Press Release
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – On March 6, 2026, Jaquan Andre Smith, also known as “Lil Quanie,” 21 of Chattanooga, was sentenced to 120 months in prison by Chief Judge Travis R. McDonough in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Following imprisonment, Smith will be on supervised release for three years.
Smith earlier pled guilty to possessing a machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o). According to filed court documents and proof presented at the sentencing hearing, on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at approximately 5:11 p.m., Chattanooga Police Department (“CPD”) Officers responded to reports of multiple shots fired in the parking lot of Hamilton Place Mall. Officers observed several vehicles that had sustained damage from gunfire, and they recovered 26 spent 9-millimter cartridge cases in the parking lot. Investigators reviewed video footage, interviewed witnesses, and collected physical evidence, leading to the identification of Smith as the shooter. The investigation revealed the victims were specifically targeted due to an ongoing gang feud.
On May 9, 2023, with assistance from the United States Marshal Service Smoky Mountains Fugitive Task Force, investigators located and arrested Smith. Smith was in possession of a Glock, Model 17, 9-millimter pistol with an extended magazine and an installed and functioning machinegun conversion device (“MCD”), colloquially known as a “switch.” The MCD enabled the pistol to fire fully automatic, that is, fire multiple rounds by single pull of the trigger. Possession of a MCD is illegal under Federal law, as the National Firearms Act classifies the MCD itself as a machinegun.
An investigator test fired the machinegun. The spent cartridge cases, along with cartridge cases collected from Hamilton Place Mall parking lot, were submitted to the National Integrated Ballistic Intelligence Network (“NIBIN”). The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) runs the NIBIN Program, which is an automated ballistic evaluation process. ATF’s NIBIN analysis resulted in ballistic evidence that the spent 9-millimter cartridge cases recovered from the Hamilton Place Mall parking lot were fired from the machinegun found in Smith’s possession.
“Gang violence is a scourge on our communities, and the United States Attorney’s Office will prosecute those who perpetuate violence, illegally possess firearms, or endanger the citizens of Chattanooga,” said U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is grateful for our law enforcement partners and their work towards our joint mission to keep Chattanooga safe for all.”
“MCDs pose a significant threat to public safety. Today’s sentencing underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable who recklessly discharge an illegally possessed firearm equipped with an MCD. The ATF, along with our law enforcement partners, remains committed to pursuing these individuals who endanger our communities and ensuring they are brought to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Jamey Van Vliet of the Nashville Division of the ATF.
“Our community deserves to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods. This successful prosecution reflects the tireless efforts of CPD investigators, CPD task force officers, and our federal partners working side-by-side to dismantle violent criminal activity. We remain committed to a relentless, collaborative approach to reducing gun violence and ensuring that those who choose to harm others are held accountable at every level,” said Chattanooga Chief of Police Jon Chambers.
The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by the ATF Chattanooga Field Office and the CPD Gun Team.
Assistant United States Attorney Kevin T. Brown represented the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Justice Department to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Crawfordville Man Indicted for Attempted Enticement and Attempted Transmission of Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Anthony Wayne Lanier, Jr., 33, of Crawfordville, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with one count of attempted enticement of a minor and one count of attempted transmission of obscene material. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
Lanier, Jr. appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for May 4, 2026, before District Judge Robert L. Hinkle.
If convicted, Lanier, Jr. faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment, on the attempted enticement count, and up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the attempted transmission of obscene material count.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Tallahassee Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer is prosecuting the case.
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 was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available 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.
Bookkeeper Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Embezzling $580,000 from ChurchRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Friday sentenced the former parish secretary and bookkeeper who embezzled from a DeSoto, Missouri church to 33 months in prison and ordered her to repay $581,337.
Corie M. Boyer, 50, of Jefferson County, Missouri, stole the funds from the parish in multiple ways from 2017 to 2024, while she was responsible for maintaining the parish's books and records, organizing certain parish fundraisers and assisting in the collection and counting of the weekly offertory. She misused parish credit cards that were intended for fundraising expenses, wrote parish checks to herself and cashed them, used parish bank accounts to pay down the balance on her personal credit cards and stole parishioners’ cash donations from the weekly offertory. She gambled some of the money away and used more to pay for a family vacation, go shopping, pay her taxes and rent and fund a relative’s college tuition. Boyer covered up the theft by falsifying parish records.
“Corie Boyer betrayed her parish when she abused her position of trust for personal gain. She stole funds from the church, spent the money on herself and others, and took steps to cover up the theft,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation St. Louis Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. “IRS-CI remains deeply committed to investigating such abuses of trust and will work with our law enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue justice on behalf of the victims.”
Boyer pleaded guilty in October in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two counts of wire fraud.
The FBI and IRS - Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow prosecuted the case.
Biloxi Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison and a Lifetime of Supervised Release for Possession of Images of Minors Engaging in Sexually Explicit ConductRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – A Biloxi, Mississippi man was sentenced March 6, 2026 to 10 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for possessing images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, announced U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and Robert Eikhoff, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Office.
In January 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) executed a search warrant at the residence of Terrence Green, a 46-year-old male, in relation to suspected online activity related to the illegal possession of child sexual abuse material.
During the search warrant, law enforcement seized Mr. Green’s cellphone. A forensic analysis of the phone revealed that the defendant possessed numerous images of child sexual abuse material. It was determined that Mr. Green would access child sexual abuse material on the cellphone and take screenshots of the images, therefore saving them onto his device.
The defendant pled guilty for his conduct in October 2025. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Cybercrime Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Smith prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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.
Billings woman pleads guilty to carjacking resulting in deathRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings woman accused of facilitating a carjacking resulting in death admitted to charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said.
The defendant, Violet Jeanee Littlelight, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking resulting in death. Littlelight faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing will be set at a later time. Littlelight was detained pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on May 16, 2025, Littlelight arranged for John Doe to pick her up at her residence in Billings. Prior to meeting Doe, Littlelight and co-defendants planned to rob Doe and take his truck. Once they took Doe’s truck, they planned to give it to a drug dealer in Hardin in exchange for drugs or money.
When Littlelight and her co-defendants arrived at the rendezvous point, Doe was suspicious. Littlelight vouched for the co-defendants and told Doe they just needed a ride. Based on her assurances, Doe let all three defendants into his truck.
When they arrived in an alley, Doe was directed to stop when he was stabbed approximately 20 times in his neck, chest, and stomach with a knife. The defendants removed Doe from the driver’s seat and left him in the alley, where he subsequently died from the stab wounds.
The defendants then drove Doe’s truck to Hardin. They changed their clothes and placed the bloody clothes in the truck. They then drove to a house on the Crow reservation. When they arrived, they decided they needed to clean the truck, so they used cleaning products they obtained from the owner of the house and threw their clothes and other incriminating evidence into a burn pit. As they were cleaning the truck, law enforcement officers arrived. The defendants fled, leaving the truck behind.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin Rubich and Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI, Billings Police Department, and BIA conducted the investigation.
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Billings man sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug chargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man who distributed methamphetamine was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said.
Logan Scott Bergren, 43, pleaded guilty in November 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in May 2024, two separate sources of information reported Logan Bergren was selling methamphetamine and using CashApp to
conduct drug transactions. Law enforcement later searched the camper in which Bergren was living and seized over 100 grams of actual methamphetamine in the camper, two pistols, two shotguns, and ammunition. One of the women present at the camper told law enforcement she was there to purchase fentanyl from Bergren. In an interview with law enforcement, Bergren admitted to selling meth.
In January 2024, law enforcement searched Bergren’s hotel room at the Vegas motel in Billings. They located a small amount of methamphetamine and seized $2,500 from his jacket.
Text messages obtained through a search warrant confirmed Bergren was selling methamphetamine and fentanyl and using CashApp to accomplish sales. In those messages, Bergren often referred to methamphetamine as “clear” and fentanyl as “blues” or “blue skies.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The ATF, Billings Police Department and State of Montana Division of Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation.
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Beaumont felon charged with federal firearms violation in Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been charged with a federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Koy Wayne Dodd, 42, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas this week charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
If convicted, Dodd faces up to 15 years in federal prison.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Another week, another nearly 400 more charged in SDTX’s relentless border enforcement effortsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A total of 395 cases have been filed against 396 people in immigration and related matters from Feb. 27-March 5 in continuing enforcement actions to protect the southern border, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Criminal complaints allege 23 people were involved in human smuggling crimes. Another 165 individuals have allegedly entered the country illegally, while 206 face charges of felony reentry after prior removal. Most of those individuals have previous convictions for narcotics, violent crime, immigration offenses and more. The remaining cases relate to other immigration crimes.
Some of those charged with felony reentry this week include two men who have prior convictions for assault with a deadly weapon and were just removed within the last several months, according to their criminal complaints. Authorities allegedly found Cuban national Onnis Alvarez Rubio near Penitas and El Salvadorian national Eduardo Neftali Rodriguez-Cubas near Havana with no authorization to be in the United States.
Four others also charged with felony reentry after prior removal include Mexican nationals Francisco Gonzalez-Angeles, Jesus Lerma-Villarreal, Oswaldo Odinez-Garcia, and Mario Alberto Munoz-Garcia. The complaints allege they have previous convictions such as illegal reentry, transporting/harboring aliens, evading arrest, or driving while intoxicated (third or more). Law enforcement discovered them all in the McAllen and surrounding areas, according to their charges.
All face up to 20 years in prison, if convicted.
In addition to the new cases, “Operation Pick-Off” has now expanded to the Houston area. The SDTX initiative that began in the Rio Grande Valley in August 2025 has now resulted in federal charges in all divisions against illegal alien offenders who were serving terms of probation or supervision for other state crimes while unlawfully residing in the United States.
“Our office created Operation Pick-Off based upon an extremely simple concept—that a state probation sentence should not be a sanctuary from federal immigration laws. Take note, the Southern District of Texas is not a safe harbor for those who enter the United States illegally and commit crimes against our citizens,” said Ganjei. “Now, these offenders, who so brazenly flouted our laws, have earned themselves a jail stay before their one-way flight home. My office promised to bring this targeted operation to every corner of the district. Promise kept.”
Also announced this week was the sentencing of MS-13 gang member Ronald Alberto Rivas-Aguilar. He must now serve 23 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States. In 2016, Rivas and another MS-13 member conspired to murder a rival gang member in Fort Bend County. Rivas transported the victim to Buffalo Run Park and tied the victim’s ankles with shoelaces before a coconspirator beat the victim to death with a machete. Authorities later removed Rivas to El Salvador; however, he illegally returned to the United States.
Two other illegal alien felons were also ordered to federal prison for unlawfully reentering into the country. Honduran nationals Angel Arquimedez Coto-Martinez and Kevin Alexander Bueso-Medina received 38 months and 24 months, respectively. Both have multiple prior convictions for illegal reentry. Bueso-Medina was also previously convicted of importation and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, manufacture/delivery of cocaine and driving while intoxicated.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The 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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal histories, including convictions for human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes.
An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
AmerisourceBergen Subsidiary Agrees to Pay $1 Million for Allegedly Paying Kickbacks to Health Care Providers and Medical Practice ExecutivesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – ASD Specialty Healthcare, LLC, (ASD) doing business as Oncology Supply Company (Oncology Supply), a distributor of specialty pharmaceutical products and a subsidiary of Cencora, Inc., f/k/a AmerisourceBergen Corporation, has agreed to pay $1 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by paying kickbacks to health care providers (HCPs) and medical practice executives to induce them to purchase specialty pharmaceutical products from Oncology Supply.
As part of the settlement agreement, ASD admitted and accepted responsibility for certain facts providing the basis for the settlement. Specifically, from January 2012 to October 2019, another Cencora subsidiary, International Oncology Network (“ION”), hosted conferences for its “Large Practice Program” members. At the conferences, ION and Oncology Supply employees provided meals and alcohol at high-end restaurants and various forms of entertainment to health care providers and medical practice executives, including rounds of golf and outings at bars and nightclubs. Additionally, outside the conference setting, from January 2012 to September 2022, ASD Specialty Healthcare, through 15 Oncology Supply and ION employees, also paid for meals and alcohol at high-end restaurants and various other forms of entertainment for HCPs and medical practice executives, including rounds of golf and outings at bars and nightclubs. At some of the events, ASD even covered the expenses of the spouses of HCPs and medical practice executives. The government alleges that ASD caused physicians to submit false claims to Medicare and Medicaid induced by these kickbacks.
The claims resolved in today’s settlement include claims that were brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States et al. ex rel. Brandon Osborn v. AmerisourceBergen Corporation, et al., No. 20-cv-12018-IT. As part of today’s resolution, the relator will receive 17.5% of the settlement amount.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Ross handled the matter.Alien Guilty of Using False Claim of Citizenship to Illegally VoteRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Canadian alien pleaded guilty to two counts of making false claims certifying that he was a United States citizen on North Carolina voter registration applications in 2022 and 2024 to vote in the 2022 elections and 2024 presidential election.
According to court documents, Denis Bouchard, 70, falsely claimed to be a United States citizen to vote. Bouchard lived in the United States since the 1960’s, but he never obtained United States citizenship.
“This shows that our elections remain under attack from aliens. We will not tolerate noncitizens lying to illegally vote here in North Carolina. Every eligible citizen should have confidence that an alien voting illegally will get sniffed out and prosecuted. As seen as recently as Tuesday, every single vote counts because the difference between winning and losing can come down to two votes. Every ineligible vote cancels out a legal vote. We especially want to thank the vigilance of our N.C. State Board of Elections, who ferreted out this illegal voter.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
"Election security is one of the FBI’s top priorities. Americans expect fair elections and democracy requires it. This case is a testament to the FBI’s commitment to working with our partners in North Carolina to arrest and prosecute anyone who illegally participates in our democratic process, and the FBI will fully investigate any individual who attempts to subvert our upcoming 2026 elections,” said Reid Davis, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina.
“This conviction exemplifies our strong committed partnerships with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office to enforce our election laws and to safeguard our electoral system. An American citizen’s right to vote is sacred, and we must do everything possible to protect that individual right and the opportunity to exercise it.” said State Board Executive Director Sam Hayes. “The State Board will continue to actively investigate all credible allegations of voter fraud by individuals and organizations with the goal of bolstering confidence in North Carolina’s electoral process.”
When sentenced, he faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment on each count.
W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after the Honorable Robert T. Numbers, II, U.S. Magistrate Judge, accepted the plea. The FBI is investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Haughton is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:25-CR-00083-D.
Accountability in Action: Federal Immigration ProsecutionsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Six illegal immigrants, all convicted felons, have been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to illegal reentry in the Southern District of Indiana. The prosecutions, which involved defendants arrested in Bartholomew, Hamilton, Henry, and Marion counties, stemmed from separate investigations. Each case was handled independently.
DefendantSentencePrior RemovalsPrevious ConvictionsFrancisco Cervantes-Venegas, 36, of Mexico4 years, 9 months’ imprisonment
2 years of supervised release
January 2015 & April 20172010
Intentionally Operating a Motor Vehicle without Ever Receiving a License
2013
Intentionally Operating a Motor Vehicle without Ever Receiving a License
2014
Criminal Confinement of a Victim Under 14 (Vehicle Used, Bodily Injury); Domestic Battery Committed in the Presence of a Child Under 16.
2022
Domestic Battery; Criminal Confinement with bodily injury; Strangulation; Sexual Battery by force or Imminent Threat
German Lazo Mendez, 36, of Honduras4 years, 3 months’ imprisonment
2 years of supervised release
September 2015 &
May 2019
Illegal Reentry; Armed Robbey; & Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury.Giovani Ramirez-Soto, 33, of Mexico2.5 years’ imprisonment
2 years of supervised release
April 2013 & September 2020Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute 1 Kilogram or more of Heroin and 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine; Illegal Reentry.
Pending charges in Marion County: Operating a vehicle without ever receiving a license and leaving the scene of an accident.
Bonifacio Ortiz-Pena, 40, of Mexico1.5 years’ imprisonment
2 years of supervised release
June 2005,
February 2020, & March 2020
Illegal Reentry; Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person; Operating a Vehicle While IntoxicatedNelgio Tovias DeLeon-Perez, 46, of Mexico1 year, 2 months’ imprisonment
3 years of supervised release
April 2008 & April 2014Transportation of Illegal Aliens and Aiding and Abetting; Illegal Reentry (x2); Intentionally Operating a Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a LicenseMauricio Toto-Xolo, 32, of MexicoTime Served (11 months)November 2011 & March 2016Illegal ReentryAt the time the defendants entered their guilty pleas, they acknowledged that upon completion of their sentence, they will be subject to removal from the United States. Conditions of supervision require the defendants to surrender to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement upon release from federal custody.
“Violent criminal aliens who repeatedly violate our immigration laws and endanger our communities must face real consequences,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Through Operation Take Back America, we are unleashing the full force of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal aliens and ensure that those who threaten our security face swift and decisive justice.”
The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated these cases. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judges Matthew P. Brookman, Jane Magnus-Stinson, and Chief Judge James R. Sweeney II.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Eakman, Carolyn Haney, MaryAnn Mindrum, and Meredith Wood, who prosecuted these cases.
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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN)
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Thursday 5 March 2026
“Operation Pick-Off” expands to Houston with arrests of foreign nationals who committed crimes while unlawfully living in the U.S.Read the Press Release
HOUSTON – Several people who unlawfully resided in the greater Houston area are now in custody for illegal reentry into the United States after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Those arrested during recent enforcement actions include Guatemalan nationals Karen Paola Cabeza-Magana aka Karen Hernandez, 29, and Julio Gonzalez-Portillo, 54; Mexican nationals David Rodriguez Solis, 52, and Jose Garcia Zamora, 39; along with Salvadoran national Jose Mario Alvarado aka Julio Mario Alvarado, 57. They remain in custody pending further criminal proceedings.
Those charged include foreign nationals from the countries of Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala. All allegedly have convictions for various state crimes, such as assault and aggravated assault of a family member, driving under the influence, and narcotics offenses, among others. They were all allegedly on probation or serving a term of supervision and were at least once already removed from the United States.
“Our office created Operation Pick-Off based upon an extremely simple concept—that a state probation sentence should not be a sanctuary from federal immigration laws. Take note, the Southern District of Texas is not a safe harbor for those who enter the United States illegally and commit crimes against our citizens,” said Ganjei. “Now, these offenders, who so brazenly flouted our laws, have earned themselves a jail stay before their one-way flight home. My office promised to bring this targeted operation to every corner of the district. Promise kept.”
“FBI Houston is levering its intelligence and investigative resources to locate and apprehend individuals who have allegedly committed various crimes and are residing unlawfully in the greater Houston area. All these individuals were previously convicted, deported, and re-entered the United States illegally,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson. “Through Operation Pick-Off, FBI Houston is partnering with the Department of Homeland Security and federal prosecutors to remove these alleged offenders from our Texas communities.”
“Each of the criminal illegal aliens targeted under this operation have allegedly entered the U.S. at least once, if not multiple times unlawfully, and have gone on to commit criminal offenses in our local communities,” said Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston acting Field Office Director Gabriel Martinez. “By working together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to expand a commonsense operation like this to the Houston area, we can bring an end to this lawlessness and ensure these alleged criminal aliens are held accountable for their actions.”
“Houston’s close proximity to the Southern border has made it a magnet for dangerous criminal illegal aliens who have illegally reentered the United States multiple times and endanger public safety,” said ICE - Homeland Security Investigations acting Special Agent in Charge Erin Burke. “By expanding this operation to the area and bringing together the resources and expertise of HSI, FBI, and ERO, we will be better postured to protect the local community from harm and hold these criminal illegal aliens accountable for brazenly flouting our nation’s system of laws.”
Operation Pick-Off began in August 2025 in the Rio Grande Valley as a multi-agency immigration and violent crime enforcement effort targeting criminal illegal aliens on state probation or supervision. The initiative has since expanded to additional regions within the Southern District of Texas which now includes Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties. While enforcement efforts in the region remain in their early stages, Operation Pick-Off will operate on a continuous basis, with authorities engaging in rolling arrests and prosecutions.
Various assistant U.S. attorneys from the Houston Division are prosecuting the cases.
ICE-ERO and FBI-Houston Field Office conducted the Houston area investigations and arrests with ICE-HSI in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The collaborative effort 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.
A criminal complaint or indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Woodbridge drug trafficker sentenced to over 21 years in prison for his role in fentanyl and cocaine conspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Woodbridge man was sentenced today to 21 years and five months in prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.
According to court documents, beginning in at least December 2020, Jorge Ariel Pereira, aka Jae Luca or Kevin Aguirre, 30, was a redistributor of narcotics including marijuana, fentanyl pills, and cocaine. The fentanyl pills were often blue and imprinted “30” to resemble legitimate 30 milligram oxycodone pills. Beginning in at least November 2021, Pereira conspired to sell fentanyl pills and other narcotics with Justice Ansah, 30, of Manassas, and Salvador Paredes Vasquez.
Ansah operated a stash house in Woodbridge. Ansah would often purchase narcotics, including fentanyl pills, from suppliers outside the local area and receive them by mail at addresses provided by Pereira. In December 2021, Pereira received approximately 20,000 fentanyl pills from Ansah to hold while Ansah moved narcotics to other locations. On Dec. 14, 2021, Ansah and Paredes were arrested, and law enforcement found approximately 70,000 fentanyl pills in the stash house and Ansah’s residence as well as 30,000 fentanyl pills en route to Paredes’ address.
After the arrests of Ansah and Paredes, Pereira continued to sell marijuana, fentanyl pills, and cocaine with new co-conspirators. Pereira distributed fentanyl pills and cocaine to Fernando Alexis Orellana Banegas, 25, of Woodbridge, and Dan Benedict Galvez, 25, of Manassas. Pereira used fraudulent identification cards to purchase or rent property, including residences and vehicles, used in his criminal activities. On Jan. 2, 2025, law enforcement arrested Pereira and searched his residence, recovering 608.03 grams of cocaine, a loaded handgun, and fraudulent identification cards used by Pereira. Pereira has previous convictions for, among other crimes, grand larceny, brandishing a firearm, and obtaining money by false pretenses. As a convicted felon, Pereira cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
On June 7, 2022, Ansah pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On Sept. 14, 2022, he was sentenced to 21 years in prison.
On July 6, 2022, Vasquez was charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He is currently a fugitive.
On May 8, 2024, Orellana Banegas pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking. On Oct. 31, 2024, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
On Aug. 20, 2025, Galvez pled guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On Dec. 11, 2025, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, Virginia State Police, and Prince William County Police Department. Additional assistance was provided by the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher M. Carter and Edgardo J. Rodriguez prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-208.
This release was revised on March 9, 2026, to properly credit the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA Task Force.
Waukesha Medical Equipment Company Agrees to Pay Nearly $7 Million to Resolve Allegations of False Billings to Federal Healthcare ProgramsRead the Press Release
Brad D. Schimel, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today that Kinex Medical Company, LLC, agreed to pay $6,925,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to Medicare, TRICARE, and other federal programs.
Based in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Kinex sells and distributes durable medical equipment, including knee, shoulder, and hip braces, to patients across the United States. After receiving information from a whistleblower, the United States investigated and alleged that the company submitted false claims to Medicare, TRICARE, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), and the Office of Workers Compensation Programs of the Department of Labor (OWCP).
Specifically, the United States alleged that from 2019 through 2024, Kinex provided patients covered by these programs with medical braces that the patients did not need and then billed Medicare, TRICARE, FEHBP, and OWCP as if the braces had been necessary. The United States also alleged that Kinex convinced the patients to accept the braces by waiving costs like patient co-pays and by giving the patients other equipment for free.In addition to paying nearly $7 million to resolve the allegations concerning these false claims, Kinex also entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), to ensure compliance with applicable regulations going forward.
“Medicare, TRICARE, and other federal programs only pay for medical equipment that patients actually need,” said United States Attorney Schimel. “Kinex, however, induced patients to receive braces that neither the patients nor their doctors thought they needed, all in an effort to receive taxpayer money. This settlement imposes a significant penalty on Kinex and will make taxpayers whole for the company’s wrongdoing.”
“Billing taxpayers for medically unnecessary equipment and undermining program safeguards through improper waivers of patient cost sharing can distort medical decision making and erode trust in our healthcare system. Today’s settlement underscores our commitment to protecting federal healthcare programs and the patients they serve,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the HHS-OIG. “Our agency will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold suppliers accountable when they place profits ahead of patient need.”
“Kinex engaged in a scheme to defraud the American taxpayers. The agreement by Kinex to settle this matter and repay over $6.9 million demonstrates the breadth of their fraudulent activity,” said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Alan Karr. “The FBI along with our partners will continue to aggressively pursue those who steal from the American people and those engaged in healthcare fraud schemes.”
“This investigation underscores our commitment to preserving the integrity of the TRICARE program and protecting taxpayer-funded health benefits essential to military readiness,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Jason J. Sargenski of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “Fraud that diverts resources from TRICARE undermines the care promised to service members, retirees, and their families. DCIS remains focused on advancing accountability and deterrence in support of the Department’s mission.”
“Patients expect that the medical equipment received during their treatment is necessary for their care and recovery, not a means for medical companies to profit,” said Derek M. Holt, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General (OPM-OIG). “We thank our agents and law enforcement partners for their work to hold these companies accountable.”
Because the government’s investigation resulted from a whistleblower complaint filed under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, the whistleblower will receive a share of the settlement. The lawsuit is captioned United States ex rel. Geboy v. Kinex Medical Company, LLC, Case No. 24-cv-1461, and is pending in the District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Assistant United States Attorneys Nia Schmaltz and Michael Carter represented the government in this matter. The HHS-OIG, FBI, OPM-OIG, DCIS, and the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General, assisted in the investigation. The settlement agreement states allegations only; Kinex does not admit liability for the allegations.
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For further information contact:
Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero
(414) 297-1700
Follow us on XWashington man sentenced to over 16 years in prison for drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Washington man who was convicted of possessing drugs and guns was sentenced today to 194 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said.
Felipe Michael Garza, 32, was found guilty by a jury of one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm in November 2025.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.
The government alleged in court documents and at trial that on August 13, 2024, Garza was seen driving a black Chevrolet Silverado. He failed to stop at a stop sign and did not have a rear license plate on the truck. Law enforcement initiated a traffic stop, and Garza pulled off on the lawn of a residence that was not his. The officer was advised Garza had a $1,000,000 warrant out of Washington and requested Garza step out of the truck. Garza seemed intent on giving his belongings to the other occupants of the truck. After being arrested, Garza admitted he had fentanyl in his fanny pack and that he had used methamphetamine approximately two hours prior. Garza also admitted there was marijuana and firearms in the truck.
Later that day, the truck and fanny pack were searched. Officers located a bag weighing 144.8 grams containing methamphetamine, a small baggie with 55 grams of suspected fentanyl pills, and $500 cash. The truck contained two firearms in the console, approximately three pounds of marijuana, a blue notebook, a scale, miscellaneous drug paraphernalia, and $1881.00 cash. The notebook contained drug prices related to various drug types and amounts.
Garza has prior convictions for several felony offenses that prohibit him from possessing firearms.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and Polson Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Vance Woman Charged with Embezzling More Than $10 Million from Former EmployerRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Vance woman has been charged in connection with her embezzlement of more than $10 million from her former employer, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby.
A seven-count information filed in U.S. District Court charges Laura Lynn Tucker, 56, with six counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. A plea agreement was filed with the information, indicating that Tucker has agreed to plead guilty to all charges.
According to the information and plea agreement, Tucker was employed by a pond management company headquartered in Calera, Alabama, from 2000 through 2024 as the Office Manager/Bookkeeper. In her role as Office Manager/Bookkeeper, Tucker was assigned multiple company credit cards, which she was authorized to use to pay for certain business expenses. However, from approximately February 2020 through December 2024, Tucker used the credit cards assigned to her, credit cards assigned to other employees of the Company, and other credit cards belonging to the Company to pay for personal expenses totaling more than $10 million.
The Court will set a date for Tucker to enter her guilty plea.
FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brett A. Janich and Daniel S. McBrayer are prosecuting the case.
An information contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Valparaiso Man Sentenced to 87 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – On March 5, 2026, Vernon R. Tate II, 39 years old, of Valparaiso, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to distribution of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Tate was sentenced to 87 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. Tate was also ordered to pay monetary assessments that support services for victims of human trafficking and child sexual abuse.
According to documents in the case, in October 2023, Tate distributed multiple images containing child sex abuse material to an undercover FBI agent on an encrypted messaging platform. The images Tate distributed included depictions of infants and prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary D. Heater
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Sues the Town of Beekman for Preventing the Operation of A Sober HomeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today the filing of a civil rights lawsuit against the TOWN OF BEEKMAN (“BEEKMAN”) in Dutchess County. The lawsuit alleges that BEEKMAN refused to allow Bunkhouse Recovery Ranch (“Bunkhouse”) to operate an existing residential property as a sober living home that assists people with disabilities, specifically persons in recovery from drug and alcohol abuse, in violation of the Fair Housing Act. Bunkhouse seeks to assist men who are in recovery from alcoholism or drug addiction to achieve and maintain sobriety, with a focus on veterans, first responders, and family members of veterans or first responders.
“Those who are struggling to defeat their dependence on drugs or alcohol deserve support, not obstruction, especially when they are among our veterans, first responders, and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The Fair Housing Act makes clear that individuals in recovery are protected from discrimination, and municipalities cannot use zoning classifications or procedural delays to block lawful housing. When a community refuses to treat a sober living home like any other residence, it denies individuals in recovery a fair chance to rebuild their lives. The women and men of this Office are committed to ensuring that federal civil rights protections are fully and fairly enforced.”
According to the Complaint filed in federal court in White Plains:
In June 2023, Bunkhouse founder Patrick Potter (“Potter”) sought to develop a sober living home in New York State for the benefit of male veterans, first responders, and family members of veterans or first responders. He initially received a positive reception from local officials and purchased an existing 4,650 square foot residential property in BEEKMAN. Once Potter purchased the property, however, BEEKMAN, through its Zoning Administrator and counsel, began to erect hurdles to prevent Bunkhouse from operating. In particular, BEEKMAN misclassified the property as an “alternate care facility or nursing home,” required Potter to submit costly and unnecessary site plans and permits, and failed to respond to Potter’s efforts to meet BEEKMAN’s shifting requirements.
The United States Attorney’s Office initially contacted BEEKMAN in October 2024, in an effort to avoid litigation, but BEEKMAN continued to refuse to engage with Potter’s efforts to operate a sober living home on his property. Although Potter submitted applications for a special use permit and site plan approval in April 2025 to meet BEEKMAN’s supposed requirements, BEEKMAN has ignored these good-faith efforts for ten months and counting.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits, among other things, discrimination on the basis of disability, and defines disability to include drug or alcohol addiction where the person is not currently using illegal drugs and is in recovery from addiction. Prospective residents seeking admission to Bunkhouse must be sober and free of illegal drugs and must commit to remaining sober and free of illegal drugs throughout their residency.
To file a complaint alleging discrimination in housing, use the Civil Rights Complaint Form available on the United States Attorney’s Office website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/civil-rights. Complaints should be emailed or sent by mail to:
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York
86 Chambers Street, 3rd Floor
New York, New York 10007
Attention: Chief, Civil Rights Unit
The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Civil Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Kennedy and Tomoko Onozawa are in charge of the case.
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle presents at Wake County Quarterly Law Enforcement MeetingRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle Partners with Federal Park Rangers to Strengthen Federal Lands EnforcementRead the Press Release