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Wednesday 7 January 2026
New Jersey Man Sentenced for Promoting Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CAMDEN — A New Jersey man was sentenced yesterday to 14 years in prison and 15 years of supervised release for promoting child sexual abuse material on the dark web.
According to court documents, between Oct. 18, 2020, and Jan. 20, 2023, Declan Golden, 39, of Middletown Township, New Jersey, accessed and engaged with a website on the Tor network known to encourage its users to post and trade child sexual abuse material. While on this website, Golden created numerous posts related to voyeurism and the sexual exploitation of children while encouraging other users to share images with him. Golden also posted links for users to access images of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct and statements about using a spycam on girls in the shower and on the toilet. A search of his devices revealed many videos and image files of child sexual abuse material, including depictions of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts. In an interview with law enforcement, Golden admitted to viewing child sexual abuse material beginning in 2014.
Golden pleaded guilty in May 2025 to the charge of promoting material containing child pornography involving a prepubescent minor in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello for the Criminal and Special Prosecutions Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy of the FBI Newark Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit (CEOU). The Department also thanks the Middletown Police Department for its assistance with the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Fell for the District of New Jersey and Trial Attorney Anglica Carrasco of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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New Jersey Man Sentenced for Promoting Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
A New Jersey man was sentenced yesterday to 14 years in prison and 15 years of supervised release for promoting child sexual abuse material on the dark web.
According to court documents, between Oct. 18, 2020, and Jan. 20, 2023, Declan Golden, 39, of Middletown Township, New Jersey, accessed and engaged with a website on the Tor network known to encourage its users to post and trade child sexual abuse material. While on this website, Golden created numerous posts related to voyeurism and the sexual exploitation of children while encouraging other users to share images with him. Golden also posted links for users to access images of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct and statements about using a spycam on girls in the shower and on the toilet. A search of his devices revealed many videos and image files of child sexual abuse material, including depictions of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts. In an interview with law enforcement, Golden admitted to viewing child sexual abuse material beginning in 2014.
Golden pleaded guilty in May 2025 to the charge of promoting material containing child pornography involving a prepubescent minor in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello for the Criminal and Special Prosecutions Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, and Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy of the FBI Newark Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit (CEOU). The Department also thanks the Middletown Police Department for its assistance with the investigation.
Trial Attorney Anglica Carrasco of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Fell for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
New Jersey Doctor Charged in 58-Count Indictment with Distributing Opioids in Exchange for Sexual Favors and Defrauding New Jersey MedicaidRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey doctor was charged in a 58-count indictment with distributing opioids without a legitimate medical purpose, maintaining a drug-involved premises, and defrauding New Jersey Medicaid by billing for visits that never happened, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced today.
Ritesh Kalra, 52, of Secaucus, New Jersey, was previously charged by criminal complaint in July 2025, and now stands charged by indictment with additional offenses, including 36 counts of distributing opioids outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, and 21 counts of health care fraud. Kalra appeared for an arraignment and initial appearance on the indictment today before U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz in Newark federal.
“The additional charges against Dr. Kalra demonstrate that our Office will continue to pursue justice for victims of the opioid epidemic in New Jersey by prosecuting doctors who, as alleged, use their positions of trust to fuel addiction and exploit vulnerable patients. Physicians who defraud New Jersey’s Medicaid Program for their own personal gain will be held accountable.”
- Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello
“Doctors know the devastation opioid addiction can wreak when left unchecked. Allegedly, Dr. Kalra used his position of power for financial gain, fabricating fake appointments, and in some cases, demanding sexual favors in return for prescriptions. The FBI and its partners work tirelessly against such abuses of power, to ensure the abuser is no longer able to victimize patients. This indictment serves as a warning to others that a prescription pad is not a license to destroy lives,” stated FBI-Newark Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy.
According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court:
Dr. Kalra, an internist in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, allegedly operated a pill mill out of his medical office, where he routinely prescribed high-dose opioids—including oxycodone and promethazine with codeine—to patients without a legitimate medical purpose. Between January 2019 and February 2025, Kalra issued more than 31,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, including days when he wrote upwards of 50 prescriptions. Several of Kalra’s former employees reported that female patients complained that Kalra touched them sexually and demanded sexual favors of them in exchange for opioids. One patient described being sexually assaulted by Kalra on multiple occasions, including forced anal sex during clinical appointments. Another patient continued to receive opioid prescriptions from Kalra when the patient was incarcerated at Essex County Correctional Facility and had no contact with Dr. Kalra.
Kalra also allegedly billed for in-person office visits that never occurred. As part of the health care fraud scheme, Kalra’s electronic medical records allegedly contained false progress notes listing fabricated dates of service, and included examination notes that were generally identical from visit to visit and did not record vital signs.
Each of the 36 distribution counts carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The charge of maintaining a drug-involved premises carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. Each of the 21 health care fraud counts is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross profit or loss caused by the offense, whichever is greatest.
Individuals who believe they may be victims of Dr. Kalra or have information about this case may contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or by email at [email protected].
Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello credited the following law enforcement organizations with the investigation leading to today’s charges: the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy; the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Jersey Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda Thorne-James; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz; the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer Piovesan; the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Amy Connelly; the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General Division of Criminal Justice; and the Fair Lawn Police Department.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine M. Romano, Chief of the General Crimes Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Ecker of the Health Care Fraud and Opioids Enforcement Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Michael Baldassare, Esq., and Jennifer Mara, Esq.
kalra.indictment.pdfNew Castle Man Sentenced for Role in Interstate Drug Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Edward Dietrich, 60, was sentenced by United States District Judge Robert J. Colville to time served of six days in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.
Prior to sentencing, Judge Colville was informed that the conspiracy in which Dietrich participated was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of controlled substances in New Castle as well as in Detroit, Michigan, and that Dietrich suffers from multiple serious medical and physical conditions. According to information presented to the Court, Dietrich primarily participated in the conspiracy by allowing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine to be stored inside and distributed from his New Castle residence for months between August 2023 and August 2024, with the defendant having received controlled substances as compensation for the use of his residence for that purpose.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Mercer County Drug Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, Department of Homeland Security, and Douglas County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Dietrich.
This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations that 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.
Nelson County Woman Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Nelson County woman was sentenced on January 5, 2026, for two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of distribution of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville made the announcement.
Kathlen Flener, 27, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by a term of 30 years of supervised release, for two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of distribution of child pornography. The Court ordered Flener to pay $6,000 in restitution, $3,000 to each victim.
Flener used an online social media application to distribute two sexually explicit images of the minor victims to an adult male living in Australia.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the Kentucky State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Yannelli prosecuted the 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 the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Nebraska Man Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Possessing with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an Indictment on January 7, 2026, charging a Nebraska man with a federal narcotics offense.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Chief Richard Sanders of the Jeffersontown Police Department, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.
According to the Indictment, Jacob Talamantes, 23, of Nebraska, was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in Jefferson County on or about December 22, 2025. On December 27, 2025, a criminal complaint and supporting affidavit were filed that allege that on December 22, 2025, law enforcement received information that a narcotics shipment was coming to the Jeffersontown, Kentucky area. Law enforcement conducted surveillance and soon spotted the vehicle they expected would contain the narcotics. Officers did a takedown on the vehicle as it pulled into a parking spot on a business lot located in Jeffersontown, Kentucky. A Kentucky State Police canine was deployed and alerted to the positive presence of narcotics odor emanating from the vehicle. Upon search of the vehicle, investigators recovered a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine in various containers that were wrapped in gift wrap and disguised to look like Christmas presents. Talamantes was the driver of the vehicle.
The Indictment also alleges that Talamantes had a previous conviction on May 25, 2022, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska. If convicted, the previous conviction increases his potential mandatory minimum sentence from 10 years to 15 years imprisonment under 21 U.S.C. § 851. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The defendant remains in state custody and will make an initial appearance at a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the DEA, Jeffersontown Police Department, and the Kentucky State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia P. Gomez is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Muskogee Resident Sentenced for Illegally Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that DaQurius Razjoune Johnson, a/k/a Daquarius Razjoune Johnson, age 33, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 29 months in prison for one count of Felon in Possession of Ammunition.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
On June 5, 2025, Johnson pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on July 24, 2024, law enforcement dispatched to a Muskogee County residence discovered Johnson in possession of 35 rounds of ammunition. At the time of the incident, Johnson had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Johnson will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob R. Parker and Edith A. Singer represented the United States.
Michigan Man Sentenced in Multi-State Retail Crime Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Michigan man has been sentenced in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island for his role in a multi-state wire fraud conspiracy that defrauded a Rhode Island-based retailer of approximately $140,000, announced Interim United States Attorney Charles Calenda.
Mattek Scott, 27, of Flint, MI, was sentenced on January 7, 2026, by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to time served and three years of supervised release.
From at least June 2022 through April 3, 2024, Scott and co-conspirators used fraudulent debit and credit cards at retail outlets in at least 11 states, including Rhode Island, to obtain merchandise and pre-paid gift cards. When fraudulent cards were declined, they directed the cashier to complete the transaction by pushing the “cash tendered” button; however, no cash was tendered. As a result of this scheme, the gift cards were loaded with U.S. Currency, ranging from $199 to $500.
The fraudulently obtained gift cards were used to purchase additional gift cards and to pay for goods and services, including lodging, meals, groceries, car repairs, utilities, gas, and convenience store items.
The Rhode Island-based retailer suffered losses totaling approximately $140,000.
Arianna Asberry, of Flint, MI, one of Scott’s co-conspirators, pleaded guilty on November 20, 2024, to a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She was sentenced to time served, three years federal supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $138,633.01.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Julianne Klein.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
Mexican National Charged with Reentry of Deported AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that JOSE CABRERA-MOLINA (“CABRERA-MOLINA”), age 33, a native of Mexico, was charged via bill of information on December 23, 2025, with reentry of removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, CABRERA-MOLINA, an illegal alien, was found in Orleans Parish on December 12, 2025. Immigration records indicate that he was previously removed from the United States on December 16, 2013. These records confirm he has no legal authorization to remain in the United States and that he returned to the country without first obtaining prior approval from United States authorities.
If convicted, CABRERA-MOLINA faces up to two years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
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McCurtain County Resident Sentenced for Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Kendall James Hopper, age 62, of Smithville, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police, and the LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office.
On June 9, 2025, Hopper pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on January 2, 2024, law enforcement dispatched to a Smithville, Oklahoma residence discovered Hopper in possession of one lever-action .30-.30 caliber rifle. At the time of the incident, Hopper had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.
McCreery Aviation finance director sentenced in $1.2 million mail fraud schemeRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 57-year-old Mission resident has been ordered to federal prison after diverting company funds to pay for her personal expenses, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei.
Elizabeth Batten pleaded guilty July 9, 2025.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Batten to serve 25 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $1.2 million in restitution. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Batten used company funds to pay her personal debt. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Batten abused a position of trust for her own benefit.
Batten was the director of financing at McCreery Aviation in the Rio Grande Valley from 2019 to 2023. Batten worked for the company for 16 years. As part of the plea, she admitted that during her tenure, she diverted company funds to pay for her personal expenses. Batten used signed blank company checks intended for legitimate business purposes to settle her personal credit card accounts.
She also used the U.S. Postal Service to conceal her behavior and actions by mailing her fraudulent payments to multiple credit card companies in different states.
The investigation began after a McCreery Aviation employee noticed irregularities in the handling of company checks in late 2023.
Ultimately, it revealed Batten had fraudulently diverted a total of $1.2 million as part of her scheme.
She was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case.
Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Wildlife TraffickingRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Reading, Mass. man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to trafficking in wildlife parts from endangered and protected species.
Adam Bied, 40, has pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to smuggle goods into the United States, specifically, illegally imported wildlife parts, and two counts of violating the Lacey Act, which prohibits trafficking in wildlife. The wildlife that Bied unlawfully imported and conspired to import was protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as well as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). U.S. Senior District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for April 2, 2026. Bied was charged by an Information in June 2024.
Beginning in least January 2018 and continuing until at least June 2021, Bied bought, sold and traded in wildlife parts and products from threatened and endangered species knowing that many of the transactions violated U.S. laws and regulations, including the ESA and the Lacey Act. Bied also knowingly failed to declare the wildlife to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) upon importation into the United States.
Specifically, Bied placed orders with individuals in Cameroon and Indonesia who were in the businesses of killing and acquiring wildlife, including endangered and protected species. Bied purchased the wildlife parts from two individuals, received the parts in the United States unlawfully, and then resold or traded the wildlife to customers in the United States. Bied neither sought nor obtained the necessary USFWS import/export licenses or CITES permits before importing these items, nor did he declare the wildlife to the USFWS upon import as required. Instead, Bied and his co-conspirators took steps to conceal the wildlife parts from U.S. authorities by falsely labeling them as “decorative masks” and “rodents,” among other things. Bied unlawfully imported skulls from the following wildlife species, among others: baboon, chimpanzee, pangolin, orangutan and leopard.
Bied also consented to the civil forfeiture of over 100 wildlife parts from endangered, threatened, or protected species seized by the USFWS in July 2021 from Bied’s residence, storage unit and vehicle.
The wildlife parts identified in the civil forfeiture complaint include:
- Orangutan skulls
- Tiger skulls
- Leopard skin, skulls and a claw
- Jaguar skin and skull
- African lion skulls
- Polar bear skull
- Narwhal tusk
- Otter skeleton
- Harp seal skull
- Pangolin skull
- South American fur seal skull
- Elephant seal skull
- Babirusa skulls
- Mandrillus skulls
- Wallaby skull
- Jackal skull
Federal wildlife statutes and regulations prohibit international and illegal trade in vulnerable wildlife species. The ESA, the Lacey Act and CITES, as well as the accompanying regulations, prohibit the import, export, possession, transport, purchase and sale of protected species. The restrictions apply to live and dead wildlife specimens, as well as the skins, parts and products made in whole or in part from listed species. Additional documents are also required for wildlife protected by the CITES treaty, which regulates trade in endangered or threatened species through permit requirements.
The lawful importation of vulnerable wildlife species requires a CITES permit. The lawful importation of any foreign species requires a USFWS wildlife declaration. Individuals are also required to have a USFWS import/export license to import wildlife for commercial purposes.
The charges of conspiracy as well as the charges under the Lacey Act each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Preston Fant, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement made the announcement. This case was worked jointly with the United States Marshals Service and the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Casey and Carol E. Head are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol E. Head, Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit is prosecuting the civil forfeiture case.
Marrero Resident Indicted for Federal Firearm Violations, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Theft of MailRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that TREMAINE MYLES (“MYLES”), age 34, a resident of Marrero, was charged in a four-count indictment on December 18, 2025, with violations of the Federal Gun Control Act, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Theft of Mail.
In Count 1, MYLES was charged with making false statements to a firearms dealer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(a)(6). In Count 2, he was charged with aggravated identify theft, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1028A(a)(1). In Count 3, MYLES was charged with felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). In Count 4, he was charged with theft of mail, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1708.
For Count 1, MYLES faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. For Count 2, he faces a maximum of 2 years imprisonment (mandatory consecutive), up to 1year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. For Count 3, he faces a maximum of 15 years imprisonment (under 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(8)), up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. For Count 4, MYLES faces a maximum of 5 years imprisonment, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. A mandatory special assessment fee of $100 shall be imposed as to each count.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Postal Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
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Man Pleads Guilty to Destroying Rockford Restaurant by ArsonRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Rockford man has pleaded guilty to maliciously destroying - by means of fire and explosive materials – the former "15th and Chris" restaurant in Rockford.
JAMES PURIFOY, 51, admitted in plea agreement on Tuesday that he intentionally started a fire inside of his restaurant. Purifoy was still inside the restaurant when he started the fire and suffered burn injuries. To hide his involvement from the police, Purifoy left the premises before police and fire personnel arrived to put out the fire. Purifoy admitted to making false statements to the police during a traffic stop after the fire and to making false statements when he was interviewed at the hospital by investigating agents. Additionally, Purifoy admitted to filing a fraudulent insurance claim, from which he received $305,400.
Purifoy faces a minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years. The sentence will be determined by the U.S. District Court in Rockford, guided by U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Sentencing is set for April 13, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
The guilty plea was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge for ATF’s Chicago Field Division, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Rockford Fire Department and the Rockford Police Department assisted in this investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica S. Maveus.
Mexican National Charged with Assaulting Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Kurt L. Wall announced that a federal grand jury recently returned a one-count indictment charging Evodio Merida-Tavera, age 42, a Mexican national who is present in the United States without authorization, with assaulting federal officers.
According to the indictment, Merida-Tavera used a motor vehicle as a dangerous weapon to assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, or interfere with two United States Border Patrol officers while they were engaged in the performance of their duties.
If convicted of the assault charges, Merida-Tavera faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Merida-Tavera is also subject to removal or deportation from the United States upon completing any sentence imposed.
This matter is being investigated by the United States Border Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy S. Johnson.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.
Lynn Man Sentenced for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston in connection with an investigation into drug conspiracy.
Meliek Bennett, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In August 2025, Meliek Bennett pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He was arrested and charged in May 2025 along with his brother Maurice Bennett.
Maurice Bennett was identified as a member of the Bloods street gang in Lynn with prior convictions for carrying firearms and other violent crimes. During the investigation, numerous text messages between Maurice and his brother Meliek were intercepted, wherein they coordinated the distribution of drugs including cocaine, prescription medication, counterfeit pills and marijuana. The brothers discussed sharing drug customers, sharing drug supplies, paying Meliek Bennett’s drug debts and making a trip to New Hampshire to sell controlled substances together.
In September 2024, during a recorded conversation, Meliek Bennett described intending to use a silenced pistol to shoot up the residence of a drug supplier and potentially murdering the drug supplier to whom he owed a drug debt – after the supplier had beaten up Meliek Bennett. Shortly thereafter, a search warrant was executed at Meliek Bennett’s residence in Lynn, where fentanyl tablets, oxycodone, gabapentin and marijuana, as well as a .22 caliber pistol with a threaded barrel and ammunition were discovered.
On Nov. 3, 2025, Maurice Bennett was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty in August 2025.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Boston made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lynn Police and Massachusetts Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and David Cutshall of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Leader of Washington Highlands Fentanyl Conspiracy Sentenced to More than 13 Years on Narcotics, Weapons CountsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kahlil G. Felder, 41, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 157 months in prison for operating a fentanyl distribution network based in the Washington Highlands neighborhood in Southeast, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Felder, aka “Kahlil Hewitt,” pleaded guilty on Feb. 25, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. In his plea, Felder acknowledged that he distributed at least 1.2 kilos, but less than 4 kilos, of fentanyl.
In addition to the 157-month prison term, Judge Carl J. Nichols ordered Felder to serve five years of supervised release.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement were HSI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck of Homeland Security Investigations - Washington Field Office, Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood U.S. Postal Inspection Service Washington Division, and Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
"This was a high-volume dealer responsible for distributing a significant amount of poison from his base in Southeast Washington,’ said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “When he was arrested, agents discovered three kilos of fentanyl inside one suitcase at his apartment – enough to potentially amount to millions of lethal doses. Even 157 months is not enough to pay for the hurt and damage he caused to this city when he was dealing during the height of the opioid epidemic.”
Felder’s arrest came after a yearlong multiagency investigation that identified him as a leader of a narcotics distribution network operating at Oxon Run Park, located at 1200 Mississippi Avenue SE, and the 100 block of Yuma Street SE, both in the Washington Highlands neighborhood. Both areas – including one within 1,000 feet of the Paramount Child Development Prep School -- functioned as an open-air drug market with narcotics dealers serving walk-up clients.
According to court documents, Felder sold fentanyl in “purple lady bags” branded with a female figure and the words “Heavy D,” which he also supplied to others for redistribution. The financial investigation identified over $1 million in suspected cash drug proceeds deposited by Felder between January 2021 and his arrest in December 2023.
During a search of Felder’s residence on Dec. 13, 2023, law enforcement recovered two loaded semiautomatic pistols and more than three kilograms of suspected fentanyl, including fentanyl pre-packaged in thousands of baggies or “zips.” Investigators also found tools and materials for packaging fentanyl, including a scale, test kits, gloves, a respirator, a sifter, and a money counter.
This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations Washington Field Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Washington Division, and MPD’s Violent Crime Suppression Division.
It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Duvall of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
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Laredo felon gets maximum sentence for cartel-linked conspiracy to smuggle over 1900 aliensRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 35-year-old Laredo man has been ordered to prison for a multi-year conspiracy to smuggle illegal aliens for financial gain, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Danny Nunez pleaded guilty Feb. 6, 2025.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now imposed a 120-month-term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. The court also ordered Nunez to serve 12 months for a supervised release violation following a prior federal felony conviction to be served consecutively for a total sentence of 132 months.
At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence as to the prolific scope of Nunez’s leadership of a large-scale human smuggling organization that served as a “one-stop shop” for all the necessary actions to harbor and smuggle illegal aliens on the United States side of the border. Nunez worked directly with Cartel del Noreste to smuggle over 1,900 aliens which resulted in a substantial amount of illicit profits for both the CDN and Nunez.
In handing down the sentence, the court noted the sophistication of the operation, commenting that this was the largest number of aliens smuggled and the most prolific smuggler she had seen.
The investigation tied Nunez to multiple smuggling events since March 2023, including one the following December when authorities observed several people being loaded into a white trailer at a warehouse.
A subsequent search uncovered 101 aliens, including 12 unaccompanied minors locked inside the trailer. Several of them reported having difficulty breathing and feared for their lives due to the trailer’s conditions.
At the time of Nunez’s arrest, authorities searched his home and found cellphones, ledgers documenting smuggling activity, more than $36,000 in proceeds and two illegal aliens on the premises.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Texas Department of Public Safety and Border Patrol conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection, Laredo Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration and Webb County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Scott Bowling prosecuted the case.
Key Bank Agrees to Pay $7.7 Million to Resolve Branch Manager’s FraudRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – KeyBank National Association (“Key Bank), headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, has entered into a settlement agreement with the United States resolving allegations that the bank violated the False Claims Act by submitting for forgiveness fraudulent loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which one of its branch managers had fraudulently conspired to obtain, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced today.
“The Paycheck Protection Program was designed to support small businesses during the pandemic, not to enrich insiders. This resolution holds KeyBank accountable for submitting forgiveness claims it had compelling evidence were fraudulent, makes taxpayers whole, and reinforces our Office’s commitment to holding both individuals and institutions responsible for fraud.”
- Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello
According to the contentions of the United States contained in the settlement agreement:
Congress created the PPP in March 2020, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to provide emergency financial support to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized billions of dollars in forgivable loans to small businesses struggling to pay employees and other business expenses.
Tommy Hawkins was a bank manager at the Conshohocken Branch of Key Bank. In 2020 and early 2021, he worked with his co-conspirators to recruit individuals who owned companies with little or no actual operations to open bank accounts and apply for PPP loans at the bank branch that Hawkins managed. Hawkins helped the recruited individuals submit PPP loan applications that contained materially false representations about the companies’ number of employees and payroll expenses. The applications also included false documentation, including tax forms. Hawkins facilitated approximately four dozen applications, for which the Small Business Association (“SBA”) paid nearly $6 million. Before Key Bank became aware of the scheme, Hawkins received incentive compensation through the bank related to opening new business bank accounts for the companies that received fraudulent PPP loans. In doing so, he violated Key Bank’s policies.
In spring 2021, Key Bank detected suspicious patterns in Hawkins’ origination of new business accounts. After an internal investigation, Key Bank disclosed to the SBA its concerns with eighteen loans Key identified as potentially fraudulent. Over the ensuing months, Key Bank’s investigations identified approximately a dozen additional loans that were likely fraudulent, and it disclosed those to the SBA. Key Bank did not investigate or otherwise detect fraud in the remaining seventeen loans to Fraudulent PPP Borrowers that Hawkins facilitated during that time. Notwithstanding its concerns with the loans, Key Bank submitted forgiveness applications or guaranty purchase forms to the SBA for all forty-eight loans. Because each individual loan was below $150,000, SBA granted that forgiveness on an expedited basis.
Key Bank cooperated in the investigation of Hawkins’ misconduct, and the settlement reflects that cooperation. Key Bank has agreed to pay $7,770,595.25 to resolve claims under the civil False Claims Act and CARES Act.
“Today’s settlement of $7.7 million holds Key Bank accountable for violating the False Claims Act. This settlement resolves allegations that the bank submitted fraudulent loan applications for forgiveness under the Paycheck Protection Program. The bank did so, despite having concerns about the origination of many of the loans,” said Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca, of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG), New York Region. “The FDIC OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate fraud that occurred in the Paycheck Protection Program, and other instances of fraud that threaten to undermine the integrity of our Nation’s financial institutions.”
In addition to civil settlement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division previously charged seven individuals as part of the criminal conspiracy. On May 28, 2024, Tommy Hawkins pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. In October 2024, Hawkins was sentenced to 65 months’ imprisonment.
On July 5, 2023, William Ingram pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He has not yet been sentenced.
On July 10, 2023, Yasha Barjona pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He has not yet been sentenced.
On July 17, 2024, Lisa Smith pleaded guilty to an Information charging her with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. She has not yet been sentenced.
On May 23, 2024, Sieff Robert Sargeant pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with money laundering by transacting in criminal proceeds. On October 3, 2024, he was sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment and 6 months of home detention with location monitoring.
On April 17, 2024, Eric Rivera was indicted on one count of bank fraud conspiracy, three counts of bank fraud, one count of wire fraud conspiracy, two counts of wire fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and eight counts of money laundering.
Also on April 17, 2024, James Wessels was indicted on with one count of bank fraud conspiracy, three counts of bank fraud, and one count of money laundering conspiracy.
The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment against Eric Rivera and James Wessels are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Senior Counsel Lamparello credited with the investigation special agents of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of the Inspector General, New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Patricia Tarasca; special agents of the FBI’s South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs in Philadelphia; special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Boston-New York Field Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Corwin Rattler; and special agents and attorneys of the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Supervisory Criminal Investigator Angelo Palmeri in New York.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul W. Kaufman of the Health Care Fraud and Opioid Enforcement Unit. The government is represented in the parallel criminal investigation by former Assistant United States Attorney Daniel A. Friedman and Attorney-in-Charge Jason M. Richardson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Counsel for Key Bank: Justin Herdman, Adam Hollingsworth, and Brittany Wilhelm, Jones Day, Cleveland, OH
keybank.agreement.pdfJustice Department Sues California Cities over Natural Gas BansRead the Press Release
Note, the press release has been updated to include a quote from ENRD.
The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against two California cities over their ordinances banning natural gas infrastructure and appliances in new construction.
As detailed in the complaint, filed Monday in the Northern District of California, the City of Morgan Hill’s and the City of Petaluma’s natural gas bans drive up energy costs for consumers and weaken American energy dominance. These policies reflect a radical effort to outlaw federally regulated gas stoves, furnaces, water heaters, dryers, and other appliances that American families rely on every day to cook their meals and heat and run their homes.
“These natural gas bans hurt American families and are outright illegal” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Alongside the Department of Energy, the Department of Justice is working around the clock to end radical environmentalist policies, restore common sense, and unleash American energy.”
“Especially during winter, Americans deserve reliable, affordable energy,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate. “Radical local efforts to undermine American energy dominance must be stopped.”
“President Donald J. Trump’s executive orders to unleash and protect American energy reaffirm the laws Congress has passed to ensure that all Americans have reliable access to affordable energy,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “When states and cities pick winners and losers, consumers pay the price. Our complaint seeks to restore consumer choice so that people and businesses can build in a way that fits their needs best.”
The complaint asks the court to declare that the cities’ natural gas bans are preempted by federal law and enter a permanent injunction against their enforcement. And it is the latest action from the Justice Department fighting back against state and local overreach. Earlier this year, the Department filed in support of a challenge to New York City’s similar natural gas ban.
Read the full complaint here.
Justice Department Announces Largest Distribution of over $2.8 Billion to Compensate Victims of State-Sponsored TerrorismRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund (the Fund) will provide its largest-ever distribution of compensation to victims in 2026. The Fund’s Special Master, Mary Patrice Brown, authorized distribution of $2.825 billion, which will provide compensation to nearly 22,000 victims of state‑sponsored terrorism.
“The distribution announced today brings the total compensation provided by the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund to over $10 billion,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division is honored to serve this victim community by administering the Fund. No amount of money can ever make the victims of these terrible acts whole, but this distribution aims to provide some measure of justice.”
“The department’s dedicated Fund team and I applaud the courage and perseverance of victims of state‑sponsored terrorism and their families,” said Special Master Brown. “This will be the largest distribution in the Fund’s history, as we continue to ensure that all available funds reach victims and their families.”
The Fund, established by Congress, and under the leadership of the department, serves thousands of victims of heinous acts of international state‑sponsored terrorism. The Fund previously authorized more than $7 billion for thousands of victims of state-sponsored terrorism and their families in five rounds of general distributions and two rounds of lump-sum catch-up payments. The Special Master’s authorization this year brings the amounts authorized for distribution to over $10 billion. Apart from an initial appropriation of approximately $1 billion from Congress and additional congressional appropriations for lump-sum catch-up payments, funds available for distributions result from certain Justice Department prosecutions and cases and other U.S. government enforcement actions. The amounts available for this distribution came from qualifying federal enforcement actions and the termination of the Beirut barracks and Khobar Towers reserve fund.
Since last year’s fifth distribution, more than 1,300 new claimants qualified to join the Fund, bringing the total number of eligible claimants to nearly 22,000. Claims are anticipated to grow in the coming years as more victims of state‑sponsored terrorism apply to the Fund. Although the amount of funds available is not sufficient to compensate the victims’ claims in full, this compensation provides some measure of justice for victims of state-sponsored terrorism.
More information about the Fund’s compensation to victims of state‑sponsored terrorism is available on the Fund website at www.usvsst.com, including application materials, frequently asked questions and publications.
January Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the January Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Gelvin Garcia-Alvarado. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Garcia-Alvarado, 43, a Guatemalan national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in April 2008, October 2014, February 2017, and March 2019. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory Richard is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-010
Ruben Manuel Barraza Reyes. Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography. Barraza Reyes, 26, a Mexican national, is charged with knowingly receiving and distributing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Additionally, Barraza Reyes is charged with possessing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children under 12 years old. The FBI Oklahoma City and Anchorage Divisions, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, and the Homeland Security Investigations are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Heign is prosecuting the case.
26-CR-007Jacob Robin Gilmartin. Child Abuse in Indian Country. Gilmartin, 32, of Skiatook and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with maliciously injuring, torturing, and maiming a minor child by throwing a knife at him and striking him. The FBI and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Brandon is prosecuting the case.
26-CR-008Austin Wayne Haley. Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country (Counts 1 through 7) Haley, 30, of Bixby and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with engaging in unwanted sexual contact with the intent to degrade the victims for his own sexual gratification. The FBI and the Bixby Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey Todd is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-009
Erik Antonio Ortiz-Mora. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Ortiz-Mora, 36, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Nov. 2012. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Hockenbury is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-003
Sasha Jamece Phillips. Eluding a Law Enforcement Officer While Endangering Others in Indian Country. Phillips, 28, of Tulsa and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is charged with operating a motor vehicle and eluding law enforcement while endangering others. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Brandon is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-004
Ramiro Rincon-Castro. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Rincon-Castro, 38, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in June 2014. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Flynn is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-002
Andrew Mark Southey. Sexual Exploitation of a Child; Receipt of Child Pornography. Southey, 57, of the Dominican Republic, with dual citizenship in New Zealand, is charged with coercing a minor child to produce images and videos of sexually explicit conduct. Further, Southey is charged with receiving images and videos of a minor child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The FBI is the investigative agency. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the FBI LEGAT office in the Dominican Republic assisted in the arrest. Assistant U.S. Attorney Valeria Luster is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-005
Lajon Anthony Walker. Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Walker, 41, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. He is additionally charged with maintaining a residence to distribute drugs. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the Tulsa Police Department, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case.
26-CR-006Illinois Man Charged in Snapchat Hacking InvestigationRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Illinois man has been charged in federal court in Boston with phishing the Snapchat access codes of nearly 600 women in an effort to hack their Snapchat accounts and steal nude photos, which he kept, sold, or traded on the internet.
Kyle Svara, 26, of Oswego, Ill., is charged with aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, computer fraud, conspiracy to commit computer fraud and false statements related to child pornography. The defendant will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston on Feb. 4, 2026.
According to the charging documents, from at least May 2020 to February 2021, Svara used social engineering and other resources to collect victim emails, phone numbers and/or Snapchat usernames. He allegedly used those means of identification to access victim Snapchat accounts, which prompted Snap Inc. to send account security codes to victims. Using anonymized phone numbers, Svara allegedly posed as a representative of Snap Inc. and texted more than 4,500 victims requesting those Snapchat access codes. When approximately 570 women provided those codes, it is alleged that Svara accessed the Snapchat accounts of at least 59 women without permission and downloaded their nude or semi-nude images. It is alleged that once he had the stolen images, Svara sold or traded on them on internet forums or in transactions with others who had hired him to hack the Snapchat accounts. Svara allegedly advertised on internet forums like Reddit that he could “get into girls snap accounts” for others and provide content “for you or trade.”
As further detailed in the charging documents, one of Svara’s co-conspirators was Steve Waithe, a former Track and Field Coach at Northeastern University who allegedly hired and paid Svara to hack the Snapchat accounts of women Waithe coached or had other relationships with. In November 2023, Waithe was convicted in federal court in Boston of 12 counts of wire fraud; one count of cyberstalking; one count of conspiracy to commit computer fraud; and one count of computer fraud, aiding and abetting. In March 2024, Waithe was sentenced to five years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
In addition to the women Waithe and others allegedly hired Svara to hack, it is alleged that Svara also targeted women who resided in or around the area of Plainfield, Ill. or who were students at Colby College in Waterville, Maine.
Members of the public who believe they may be a victim of this case or have any relevant information related to this case are requested to please fill out the attached form to be contacted by a member of law enforcement: https://forms.fbi.gov/victims/snaphackvictims
The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a sentence of no less than two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain/loss from the offense. The charges of computer fraud and conspiracy to commit computer fraud provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Chicago and the Oswego Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Cleary of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Pedro Ramirez Covarrubias, age 53, a Mexican national, unlawfully residing in Adair County, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than twenty years, and a fine of not more than $250,000.00.
The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division.
The Indictment alleged that on December 3, 2025, Covarrubias, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed from the United States on October 14, 2021. Covarrubias was convicted of First-Degree Murder on May 6, 2015, in Harris County, Texas.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Covarrubias will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.
Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A citizen of Honduras, living illegally in the United States after having been previously removed from the country on at least two occasions, was sentenced yesterday to time served, or approximately six months in prison for once again illegally reentering the country without authorization and for illegally possessing a firearm as an alien illegally in the United States
Brayan Sanchez-Varela, pled guilty in December 2025 to one count of possessing a firearm as an alien illegally and unlawfully present in the United States and one count of reentering the United States after having been previously deported.
According to court documents, in July 2025, Sanchez-Varela was arrested by officials in Radford, Virginia after he was observed shooting a firearm into the New River. At the time, Sanchez-Varela, and others, were illegally spearfishing.
Radford officials contacted immigration authorities who determined Sanchez-Varela was first encountered by immigration authorities in May 2011. At that time, he was ordered removed from the United States. That removal took place in June 2011.
However, Sanchez-Varela returned to the U.S. at an unknown time and immigration officials again encountered him in September 2016. He was once against ordered removed to Honduras via airplane. The second removal took place in September 2016.
At an unknown point following his second removal, and prior to his December 2025 arrest, Sanchez-Varela returned to the United States, illegally and without authorization.
The case was investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Virginia’s Department of Wildlife Resources’ Law Enforcement Division, and the Radford Police Department.
Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Coleman Adams, and Special Assistant United States Attorney John Beamer, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted the case for the United States.
Henryetta Resident Sentenced for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Joshua Devn Page, age 30, of Henryetta, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Henryetta Police Department, and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department.
On June 5, 2025, Page pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on December 18, 2024, Page attempted to secure a personal loan at an Okmulgee pawn shop using two firearms as collateral. At the time of the exchange, Page had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Page will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.
Helena man sentenced to 15 years in prison for illegal firearm possessionRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Helena man who possessed a firearm illegally was sentenced today to 180 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Chaz Dean Cox, 29, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that in April 2019, Chaz Dean Cox was convicted of multiple felony counts of burglary and drug possession in Lewis and Clark County. Because of his convictions, the defendant was prohibited from owning, possessing, transferring or controlling any firearm or ammunition.
On March 31, 2024, law enforcement officers were on patrol in Helena and saw Cox and his co-defendant accessing the interior of a vehicle. Cox was taken into custody based on active arrest warrants. Officers seized the involved vehicle based on plain view observations related to suspected drug possession.
On April 1, 2024, law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant on the vehicle. Items seized from the vehicle included a loaded 7.62x25mm caliber pistol.
In a law enforcement interview, Cox denied possessing the firearm. His co-defendant was interviewed and admitted concocting a lie with Cox about who possessed the gun to prevent Cox from getting into trouble. The co-defendant was not responsible for getting the gun, and it belonged to Cox. The first time the co-defendant saw the gun was the night before Cox was arrested and Cox was worried about getting caught with the gun.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The ATF, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Helena Police Department, and State of Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation.
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Honduran Man Sentenced for Possession of Child Pornography and Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Marco Tulio Gonzalez-Oliva, 25, of Honduras, was sentenced to 51 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to illegal reentry and possession of child pornography. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The possession of child sexual abuse material is a disgusting offense that perpetuates a cycle of victimization for the innocent children who have been exploited and abused, and my office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting offenders like this defendant to put an end to that. Thanks to the excellent investigative work of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations, this criminal illegal alien will spend years in federal prison before being deported. My office remains committed to fulfilling the mandate of Operation Take Back America by keeping our communities safe and our border secure.”
According to court records, the defendant was encountered in Okaloosa County, Florida, during the execution of a search warrant at a residence. During a search of the defendant’s cell phone, law enforcement located photographs and videos of child pornography. Investigators also determined the defendant was an illegal alien present in the United States after being previously deported in 2023.
“Protecting children from online exploitation is not just a duty—it's a moral responsibility,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Every image and video of child sexual abuse shared on the dark web perpetuates victimization. We will relentlessly pursue those who prey on the innocent, preventing these predators from using the internet as a safe haven.”
“No child should ever be victimized by a predator and we're happy our efforts and partnership helped lead to this sentencing,” said Sheriff Eric Aden, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. “It sends a clear message that possessing child pornography or illegally reentering our country to commit crimes will reap consequences through the results of an united ongoing mission to protect our children.”
The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Etherton.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The case was also brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit theU.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Guatemalan National with Negligent Homicide Conviction Sentenced for Illegally Reentering U.S., Attempting to Engage in Sex with MinorRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAFAEL VINCENTE VINCENTE, also known as “Rafael Vicente Vicente,” “Vincente Carlos Vincente,” “Carlos Vincente,” “Carlos Vicente,” “Rafael A Vincente,” and “Rafael A Vicente,” 41, a citizen of Guatemala last residing in New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported, and attempting to engage in sex with a minor.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2004, Vincente, who has never held legal immigration status in the U.S., was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court of negligent homicide and evading responsibility for a motor vehicle accident resulting in death, and was sentenced to a 10-year term of incarceration, suspended after 13 months. In July 2005, he was deported to Guatemala.
Vincente subsequently reentered the U.S. and, on June 7, 2024, was arrested by Groton Town Police after he was caught in an undercover law enforcement operation in which he responded to an advertisement on Skip the Games, a website commonly used to advertise commercial sexual activity, and traveled to a hotel in Groton to meet a 15-year-old girl for sex.
Vincente has been detained since his federal arrest on November 21, 2024. On September 4, 2025, he pleaded guilty to illegal reentry, and admitted that he attempted to entice, patronize, or solicit a minor in violation of federal law.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Gordon.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of New London for its cooperation in the prosecution of this case.
Guatemalan National Indicted for Illegal Reentry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Guatemalan man was indicted by federal grand jury today for illegally reentering the United States after he was previously deported.
Edras Leonel Alcides Ramirez-Peralta, 35, was charged in a one-count indictment with illegal reentry.
On December 17, 2025, Ramirez-Peralta was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Criminal Alien Program (ICE CAP) Agents for being unlawfully present in the United States. Agents determined that Ramirez-Peralta had recently been deported to Guatemala on November 15, 2024.
The charges contained in this 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.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rudolph R. Rhodes IV. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
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.
Georgia man sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for leading $90,000+ bank fraud, identity theft scheme in downstate IllinoisRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a Georgia man to 70 months in federal prison after he admitted to leading a check cashing conspiracy that involved stealing the identities and checks belonging to local business owners and defrauding financial institutions across central and southern Illinois.
Traveon H. Reese, 31, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Reese will serve the 70-month term of federal imprisonment following a 20-year term on similar state charges in Iowa.
“This conspiracy victimized numerous hardworking people across central and southern Illinois by trying to cash bogus checks belonging to legitimate businesses at local financial institutions, leaving the banks on the hook and causing them financial harm when successful,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “This case required an extensive investigation, and I commend the work by the local police departments, the Illinois State Police and the FBI to bring the offenders to justice.”
According to court documents, the conspiracy occurred on several occasions in southern Illinois from March through May 2023. Conspirators stole business checks from the mail, copied the account information and printed fraudulent checks using forged signatures of the local business owners.
"Identity theft and bank fraud can financially decimate a business owner's life," said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. "ISP special agents will continue to work with our local and federal law enforcement partners to fully investigate these cases to help bring the perpetrators to justice."
Reese and his conspirators then recruited individuals, often from local homeless shelters or bus terminals, to cash the fraudulent checks on their behalf. In total, members of the conspiracy attempted to cash 26 checks for an intended loss of at least $93,413.19. The actual loss suffered by the financial institutions was an estimated $46,842.47.
The conspiracy targeted financial institutions across central and southern Illinois in Arthur, Champaign, Charleston, Collinsville, Effingham, Greenup, Marion, Marshall, Oblong, Olney, Royalton, Sigel, Teutopolis and Waterloo.
Co-defendants charged in the conspiracy include:
- Brandon R. Cooperwood, 25, of Rex, Georgia, pleaded guilty in November 2024 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft and was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment.
- DeMarcos M. Miller, 22, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft and was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment.
- T’ziah T. Thomas, 25, of Villa Rica, Georgia, pleaded guilty in July 2025 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft and was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment.
- Joshua C. Pruitt, 25, of Rex, Georgia, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 26 at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis.
The Illinois State Police led the investigation with support from the FBI Springfield Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Gross is prosecuting the case.
Georgia Man Sentenced to 200 Months in Prison for Crimes Involving Missouri TeenRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Wednesday sentenced a Georgia man who committed sex crimes with a 15-year-old Missouri girl to 200 months in prison.
Carlan Travis Penney Jr., now 46, pleaded guilty in October to coercion and enticement of a minor and transportation of a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in illegal sexual activity. He admitted meeting the 15-year-old online and exchanging nude photos with her. Penney then rented a car, drove to Missouri and picked the girl up. Penney tried to destroy her laptop and phone to conceal his crime and brought the victim to Georgia, where he engaged in sexual activity with her.
The teen’s family alerted the local sheriff’s office when she went missing, and the sheriff’s office enlisted the assistance of the FBI. FBI special agents learned that the teen had been in contact with Penney, and investigators rescued her from a home belonging to Penney’s family.
After his release from prison, Penney will be on supervised release for life.
“Carlan Penney Jr. attempted to conceal his identity and cover his tracks, including destroying and discarding the victim’s mobile devices. Still, the FBI found the victim’s location in Georgia within 24 hours,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “We want to thank again the Worth County and Crisp County Sheriff’s Offices for recovering the girl safely after Penney refused to comply with orders for more than half an hour.”
The FBI’s St. Louis Division, FBI Atlanta’s Albany Resident Agency, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Worth County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office and the Crisp County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Hayes is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Fort Dodge Man Pleads Guilty to Meth and Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A man involved in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine pled guilty January 6, 2026, in federal court in Sioux City.
Matthew Groat, 41, from Fort Dodge, Iowa admitted that from August 2025 through November 2025 he and others distributed over 2,200 grams of methamphetamine and at least 10 grams of cocaine to individuals in the Fort Dodge area. Groat also admitted that on two occasions in September 2025 he distributed about 10 grams of cocaine to individuals cooperating with law enforcement and on two other occasions in September 2025 and three times in October 2025, he distributed a total of more than 130 grams of pure methamphetamine. Groat further admitted to obtaining 5 to 10 pounds of methamphetamine from a local source during the four months of the conspiracy and selling it to people around Fort Dodge.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Groat remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Groat faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Fort Dodge Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa DCI Criminalistics Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-3054. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Former Richmond City Employees Federal Credit Union CEO Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Daniel Johnson, 37, of Centerville, Indiana, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to two counts of bank fraud. Johnson must also pay $285,855.66 in restitution.
According to court documents, Johnson served as Chief Executive Officer and Manager of Richmond City Employees Federal Credit Union (“Credit Union”). In this role, he held significant authority over the underwriting and processing of member loans. While Credit Union officials are permitted to apply for loans, such applications must be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.
On August 5, 2021, and September 16, 2021, Johnson submitted two fraudulent applications for secured loans, each valued at $150,000, claiming the funds were intended for the purchase of recreational vehicles. In reality, Johnson had no intention of purchasing the vehicles.
To conceal his scheme, Johnson falsely represented that the Board of Directors had approved the loans, when in fact no such approval had been granted. After obtaining the funds, Johnson used a portion to pay off previously secured loans totaling approximately $65,697.98, thereby eliminating the Credit Union’s security interest. He then diverted the remaining proceeds to pay personal debts, including student loans, and to purchase a home.
In the September 2021 application, Johnson further violated Credit Union policy by forging his then-wife’s signature, making it appear as though she had requested the second loan. Through this scheme, Johnson obtained what were effectively unsecured loans totaling approximately $300,000. As a result, the Credit Union suffered losses estimated at $285,855.66.
“As the Chief Executive Officer, Johnson was tasked with protecting money earned by hardworking public servants for the City of Richmond. Instead, Johnson chose to abuse this trust and line his own pockets through dishonesty,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “His actions not only violated the law but also undermined the integrity of the institution he was entrusted to serve. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold accountable those who exploit positions of authority for personal gain.”
“Credit union members rely on their leaders to safeguard their finances - not misuse them for personal gain,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “This sentence demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to pursuing those who exploit financial institutions through fraudulent schemes.”
The FBI investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Eakman and Kyle M. Sawa, who prosecuted this case.
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Florida Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Interstate Travel to Engage in Sexual Conduct with MinorRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On January 7, 2026, Jeffrey Lee Robertson, 35, of Jacksonville, Florida and Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced to 360 months by the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. Following his imprisonment, Robertson will be on supervised release for life and will be required to register with state sex offender registries and comply with special sex offender conditions.
As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Robertson agreed to plead guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of interstate travel for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(b); one count of enticement of a minor under the age of 18 to engage in illegal sexual activity, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b); and one count of tampering with a victim to destroy evidence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b)(2).
Investigators with the Homeland Security Investigations-Internet Crimes Against Children (HSI-ICAC) Task Force and local law enforcement investigated a report of child sexual abuse and determined that from December 2023 to February 2024, Robertson, along with co-defendant and wife, Kasey Lynn Skaggs, travelled across state lines on three different occasions into the EDTN to have sex with a 14-year-old female. On the victim’s phone, investigators located text and social media messages between the two defendants enticing and talking to the minor about illicit sexual acts they would together. Investigators also found additional evidence that the two defendants instructed the victim to destroy their communications to avoid detection by law enforcement.
Co-defendant Skaggs is set to be sentenced by District Judge Varlan on February 17, 2026, in the United States District Court at Knoxville.
U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement. The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by HSI-ICAC, 9th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and Lenoir City Police Department.
This investigation was led by HSI-ICAC Task Force Officer Cortney Dugger.
Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kolman represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Fitness Club Operator Pays More Than $2 Million to Resolve PPP Loan AllegationsRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that IFH Holdings Group, Inc., doing business as IGNITE Fitness Holdings, formerly known as ECP-PF Holdings Group, Inc. (“IGNITE”), has paid $2,067,726.03 to settle allegations that it applied for and received a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan that it was not eligible for. IGNITE owns and operates more than 130 Planet Fitness locations in the United States and Canada, and has its principal place of business in Milford, Connecticut.
Congress created the PPP in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The PPP was administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and was intended to support small businesses struggling to pay employees and other expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. When applying for PPP loans, borrowers were required to certify that they were eligible for the requested loans and that the information they provided was true and accurate.
In December 2020, Congress approved funding for a second round of forgivable PPP loans, which became available to borrowers beginning in January 2021. This “second-draw” loan program included additional eligibility requirements. One of the eligibility requirements for receiving a second-draw PPP loan was that the entity could have no more than 300 employees, with certain limited exceptions. The second draw PPP loan application required the applicant to certify, among other things, that it had fewer than 300 employees.
In February 2021, IGNITE applied for a second-draw PPP loan for $2,000,000, certifying that it was eligible for a “per-location” exception to the employee-count size standard. However, this exception did not apply to IGNITE. After receiving this PPP loan, IGNITE sought and received forgiveness of the total loan amount of $2,007,726.03, including $2,000,000 in principal and $7,726.03 in interest. The government alleges that IGNITE was not eligible for the PPP loan it received and had forgiven because it had more than 300 employees and no exception to the employee-count size standard applied to IGNITE.
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kaczmarek, with assistance from SBA’s Office of General Counsel.
Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
El Salvadorian National Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry Following Aggravated Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow sentenced Edwin Armando Sanchez-Montiel, 32, a national of El Salvador residing in Silver Spring, Maryland, to 16 1/2 months in federal prison for re-entry of an alien removed after being convicted of accessory after the fact to first degree murder in Montgomery County, Maryland, an aggravated felony.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE-ERO) – Baltimore Field Office.
According to his guilty plea, Sanchez-Montiel was an alien illegally in the United States. In 2023, he was convicted of accessory after the fact to first degree murder in Montgomery County, Maryland. Following the conviction for this aggravated felony, Sanchez-Montiel was removed from the United States after proceedings before an immigration judge. As part of his removal, authorities advised Sanchez-Montiel that he was permanently excluded from re-entering the United States because of his prior conviction.
Following his removal, Sanchez-Montiel voluntarily and unlawfully re-entered the United States without inspection or permission. On July 27, 2024, ICE officers encountered Sanchez-Montiel in Montgomery County where they took him into custody. He never sought nor obtained the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of Homeland Security to apply for readmission.
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.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended ICE-ERO for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke Oki who prosecuted the federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Ecuadorian National with Manslaughter Conviction Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DARWIN FRANCISCO QUITUIZACA-DUCHITANGA, also known as Darwin Duchitanga-Quituizaca and Juan Mendez-Gutierrez, 40, a citizen of Ecuador, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 12 months and one day of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in December 2003, Quituizaca, using the alias Juan Mendez-Gutierrez, was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol. He was issued a voluntary return to Mexico after he claimed to be a citizen of Mexico.
In March 2018, the Connecticut State Police arrested and charged Quituizaca, under the alias Darwin Duchitanga-Quituizaca, with charges related to a fatal motor vehicle accident on I-91 in North Haven in March 2017. On August 30, 2018, ICE encountered Quituizaca in Meriden and arrested him on an administrative warrant while he was at liberty awaiting trial in his state case. In September 2018, an immigration judge ordered Quituizaca removed from the U.S. to Ecuador, but he was subsequently transferred to state custody to face his pending charges. In January 2019, Quituizaca was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court of manslaughter second degree and sentenced to 30 months of imprisonment. He was subsequently released from state prison on an unknown date. On August 15, 2023, ICE encountered and arrested Quituizaca on an administrative warrant of removal in Meriden. He was removed to Ecuador in September 2023.
Quituizaca illegally reentered the U.S. and, on June 28, 2025, ICE arrested Quituizaca on an administrative warrant in Meriden.
Quituizaca has been detained since his arrest. On July 30, 2025, he pleaded to unlawful reentry.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel George
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.
Dominican National Sentenced to Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.
Yonelin Manuel Baez Soto, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to one year and one day in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release. In May 2025, Baez Soto pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Baez Soto was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2025.
In November 2020, Baez Soto was removed from the United States after being convicted of a felony narcotics offense in Essex Superior Court. Additionally, prior to his removal, Baez Soto was also convicted of multiple counts of misuse of a Social Security number and aggravated identity theft in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Sometime after his November 2020 removal, Baez Soto illegally reentered the United States without permission.
Also in May 2025, Baez Soto was indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and other offenses. That case is currently pending in federal court in Boston. Baez Soto is subject to deportation upon completion of all imposed sentences.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Cutshall of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Dominican National Sentenced to 28 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine in the New Hampshire SeacoastRead the Press Release
Dominican National Sentenced to 28 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine in the New Hampshire Seacoast
CONCORD – A citizen of the Dominican Republic, who previously lived in Massachusetts, was sentenced today in federal court for drug trafficking in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
Eddy Mendez Carmona, 44, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 28 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. Mendez Carmona previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute and one count of distributing controlled substances. Mendez Carmona will be removed from the United States upon the completion of his prison sentence. Charges are still pending against two of Mendez Carmona’s co-conspirators, Jose Luis Guerrero Nunez and Juan Carlos De Los Santos Romero. Two other co-conspirators, Carlos Alejandro Chevalier Santos and Luis Guerrero Cabral, have previously pleaded guilty and have been sentenced by the Court.
“Fentanyl and methamphetamine are a scourge on our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “We will continue to pursue and hold accountable those individuals participating in drug trafficking organizations that affect the Granite State.”
“DEA stands committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl off the streets of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Mendez Carmona accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in New England and America. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
Mendez Carmona was part of a Methuen-based drug trafficking organization that was distributing significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Seacoast area. In late 2023, Mendez Carmona made at least three deliveries of controlled substances to undercover law enforcement officers.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. The Seabrook Police Department, Hampton Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, Methuen Police Department, and the New Hampshire State Police provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national in state custody at Souza-Baronowski Correction Center in Lancaster, Mass., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Carlos Alexander Martinez-Jimenez, 48, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Feb. 9, 2026. In December 2025, Martinez-Jimenez, who is currently serving a state prison sentence, was indicted by a federal grand jury.
In February 2017, Martinez-Jimenez was convicted of Furnishing a False Name or Social Security Number as well as Identity Fraud in Fall River District Court, for which he was sentenced to 134 days in state prison. He was subsequently removed from the United States in April 2017 after serving his sentence.
On Jan. 31, 2024, Martinez-Jimenez was convicted of Trafficking 18 grams or more (Less Than 36 grams) of Heroin/Morphine/Opium/Fentanyl in Essex Superior Court. He was sentenced to three-and-a-half to five years in state prison and is currently serving that sentence.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan C. Cleary and Zachary Stendig of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
Detroit Resident Sentenced to Prison for Cocaine, Fentanyl, and Heroin TraffickingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Detroit, Michigan, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months in prison on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Patrick Brown, 33, who previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of cocaine, and a quantity of heroin between August 2023 and August 2024, and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine on August 1, 2024. Judge Colville also ordered Brown to pay a $1,000 fine and to serve two years of supervised release following his prison term.
Prior to sentencing, Judge Colville was informed that Brown was part of a conspiracy that was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of controlled substances in New Castle as well as in Detroit, Michigan. Brown primarily participated in the conspiracy by regularly selling fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine to customers, including moving from the Detroit area to work the conspiracy’s trap houses in New Castle.
Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Mercer County Drug Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, Department of Homeland Security, and Douglas County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution in this case.
This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations that 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.
Department of War Assigns 20 Military Lawyers to Serve as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in MemphisRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, for the Western District of Tennessee, is pleased to announce the temporary assignment of twenty (20) military lawyers from the Department of War to serve as Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) to support the White House “Restoring Law and Order in Memphis” Presidential Action issued on September 15, 2025. The SAUSAs are Judge Advocates (JAGs) detailed from all four branches of the armed forces and will be assigned to prosecute federal cases referred by the Memphis Safe Task Force, which was established by Presidential Order with the objective to end street and violent crime in Memphis to the greatest possible extent through the promotion and facilitation of hypervigilant policing, aggressive prosecution, complex investigations, financial enforcement, and large-scale saturation of besieged neighborhoods.
The JAG SAUSAs are deployed from states all over the country, and many have prior federal and state prosecutorial experience as well as litigation practice backgrounds. Members of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee provided foundational federal prosecution training, as well as district-specific rules and information for the SAUSAs at the Department of Justice National Advocacy Center in November.
Thus far during the Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) operational period from October 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee has charged a total of 195 defendants, including 136 by criminal complaint and 141 by indictment. Our office has also reviewed, approved, and issued over 130 search warrants and has accepted 99.4% of the cases referred for federal prosecution through the Virtual Command Center (VCC) from the MSTF.
Those numbers include a total of 14 defendants charged with Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding Federal Law Enforcement Officers under 18 U.S.C. § 111. Other federal charges filed include: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), Unlawful Possession of a Machinegun under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o), Hobbs Act Robbery under 18 U.S.C. § 1951, Carjacking under 18 U.S.C. § 2119, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute under 21 U.S.C. § 841, Child Exploitation offenses under 18 U.S.C. § 2251, and Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Crime under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c).
A comparison of cases indicted and defendants charged for the same period in 2024 and 2025 reveals the following:
From October 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee filed a total of 35 indictments charging a total of 37 defendants. During the MSTF operational period thus far from October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee has filed a total of 111 indictments charging a total of 141 defendants. This represents a 217.14% increase in cases indicted and a 281.08% increase in defendants charged.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Our office is committed to supporting the work of the MSTF by responsive and aggressive federal prosecution of cases involving offenders who pose a significant risk to public safety, to effectively punish, incapacitate, and deter criminal conduct and reduce violent crime. This coordination and personnel-sharing between the Department of Justice and the Department of War is unprecedented and comes at a time when federal prosecutorial resources are most needed due to increased court dockets caused by the outstanding work of the MSTF. I am thankful to the Armed Forces leadership for their commitment to bringing the skill and dedication of America’s service members to deliver justice, restore order, and protect the people of Memphis.”
U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller, of the Western District of Tennessee, stated: "The Memphis Safe Task Force has created momentum in reducing violent crime, and the arrival of these Special Assistant United States Attorneys means progress made on the streets will continue in the courtroom. They will ensure prosecutions keep pace with the surge and justice is served, resulting in sustained positive change for Memphis."
Pictured: JAG SAUSAs with members of the U.S. Attorney's Office and U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller for the Western District of Tennessee.
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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Colorado Man Convicted of Trafficking Fentanyl, Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Denver man was convicted by a federal trial jury of trafficking fentanyl and illegally possessing firearms.
Jason S. Thompson, 50, was found guilty of one count each of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms.
In the early morning hours of Aug. 30, 2024, officers with the Nixa, Mo., Police Department contacted Thompson, who was camping in a minivan in the parking lot of the Nixa Walmart. Thompson initially provided officers with a false name and date of birth. When officers attempted to arrest him, Thompson fled on foot but was quickly apprehended. Once Thompson gave officers his actual name and identifying information, they learned that he had a federal probation and parole warrant for his arrest.
Officers searched Thompson and found a small bag of cocaine and more than $1,000 in cash. Officers also located two loaded firearms, drug paraphernalia, and a large plastic bag containing nearly 140 grams of fentanyl pills in the minivan.
Thompson has an extensive criminal history that includes prior felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and theft.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo., deliberated for about two hours before returning guilty verdicts yesterday to U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough, ending a trial that began Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.
Under federal statutes, Thompson faces a sentence of 15 years to life in federal prison, without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron A. Beaver, James J. Kelleher, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Lucas. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Nixa, Mo., Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Collin County men sentenced in methamphetamine trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas–Two Plano men have been sentenced to lengthy prison sentences for their roles in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Brandon Michael Pitts, 30, pleaded guilty to being involved in a conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on January 7, 2026.
Matthew Craig McCutchen, 30, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 162 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on January 7, 2026.
According to information presented in court, Pitts and McCutchen were part of a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas.
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 U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather H. Rattan.
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Cocaine trafficker who distributed millions of dollars of illegal drugs sentenced to federal prisonRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Maurice Lynch has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in a nationwide cocaine trafficking conspiracy, during which he sold approximately two million dollars’ worth of cocaine from a Fairburn, Georgia residence.
“Lynch was part of a large network of cocaine traffickers that peddled millions of dollars of deadly drugs from a metro-Atlanta residence,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Our office will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to hold dangerous drug dealers accountable.”
“This case demonstrates how illegal drug and firearms possession can create a serious public safety threat,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “DEA will continue working alongside our federal, state, and local partners to identify and dismantle drug operations that endanger our communities.”
“Let the word get out that if you spread poison in our community there is no way you can run and hide from the U.S. Marshal’s service,” said U.S. Marshal Thomas E. Brown. “We will hunt and find you, there is no rock large enough to conceal your whereabout from us.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Lynch participated in a conspiracy that distributed cocaine from stash houses located across the United States, including in the Northern District of Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; Buffalo, New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago, Illinois; and northern New Jersey. Lynch operated one of the organization’s stash houses in Fairburn, Georgia. From there, Lynch distributed 86 kilograms of cocaine, worth approximately two million dollars, during the summer of 2022.
On July 18, 2022, Lynch departed the Fairburn stash house in a ride-share vehicle, carrying two bags. When a Georgia State Patrol trooper attempted to stop the vehicle, Lynch fled on foot, tossing the two bags into nearby trees. He was quickly apprehended, and troopers found two kilograms of cocaine inside the bags. Law enforcement subsequently searched the Fairburn stash house and found two firearms under a couch, over $100,000 in cash, and a drug ledger.
Maurice Lynch, 50, of Tacoma, Washington, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Lynch was convicted of conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute on September 25, 2025, after he pleaded guilty.
Lynch was charged with eight other defendants, four of whom have pleaded guilty:
- Tyronne Johnson, Jr., 49, of Queens, New York, pled guilty to possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute on August 20, 2025. He was sentenced to six years, six months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release on November 19, 2025.
- Elisa Johnson, 35, of Kirkland, Washington, pled guilty to conspiring to maintain a premise to distribute a controlled substance on August 20, 2025. She was sentenced to two years, six months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release on November 21, 2025.
- Jovan Jackson, Sr., 49, of Snellville, Georgia, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and conspiracy to commit money laundering on July 23, 2025. Jackson’s sentencing is set for February 16, 2026.
- Dominique Gwinn, 29, of Atlanta, Georgia, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute and conspiracy to commit money laundering on August 6, 2025. Gwinn’s sentencing is set for March 2, 2026.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew R. LaGrone, Sandra E. Strippoli, Elizabeth M. Hathaway, and Nicholas L. Evert, and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua May and Norman L. Barnett, prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Marshals Service, with valuable assistance provided by the Georgia State Patrol.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
This prosecution is also part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Atlanta Wilhelm HSTF comprises agents and officers from ATF, CGIS, DEA, FBI, ICE-HSI, IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, DSS, USMS, USPIS, and USSS, as well as numerous state and local agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Chinese National Charged with Unlawfully Photographing Air Force Base and Vital Military EquipmentRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – United States Attorney R. Matthew Price today announced the filing of a criminal complaint against Qilin Wu, 35, in the Western District of Missouri. The complaint charges Wu with one count of taking photographs of a vital military installation and military equipment without authorization, in violation of U.S. law.
The complaint alleges that on December 2, 2025, the Whiteman Air Force Base Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) investigated a report of a suspicious minivan bearing a Massachusetts license plate near the perimeter of the military installation. Air Force patrolmen were dispatched to the area to investigate, and encountered Wu, who stated that he was there to observe the B-2 Spirit aircraft. The patrolmen informed Wu that he was not permitted to take photographs or make video recordings of the military installation.
The following day, according to the complaint, AFOSI was notified that the same minivan was again identified at a perimeter fence of Whiteman Air Force Base. AFOSI agents went to the area to investigate and again made contact with Wu. Wu admitted to taking videos of the B-2 Spirit aircraft and numerous photographs of Whiteman’s perimeter fencing, a gate, and military equipment. Wu showed investigators his phone, including images of Whiteman Air Force Base and military equipment that Wu had recorded. In total, investigators observed 18 images and videos that Wu admitted he had taken of the installation and of military equipment. Wu also admitted to having photographed another U.S. Air Force base and its military aircraft as well.
According to court documents, Wu is a Chinese national who illegally entered the United States on June 22, 2023, near Nogales, Arizona. At that time, Wu was arrested by immigration authorities for illegally being present in the United States. Due to a lack of detention space, Wu was released on his own recognizance to await immigration removal proceedings originally scheduled for February 9, 2027. On December 3, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) re-arrested Wu.
The allegations contained in the complaint are accusations, not evidence of guilt, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. § 795, Wu would be subject to a sentence of up to one year in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes; any sentence would be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Chlarson with valuable assistance provided by Trial Attorney Brendan P. Geary of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. It was investigated by the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Air Force’s Security Forces, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
California man pleads guilty to making fake id’s for delivery driversRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Miguel Angel Guevara-Murillo, 35, of Stockton, California, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of device-making equipment, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that on July 28, 2025, Guevara-Murillo was inspected at the Rainbow Bridge Port of Entry. In the trunk of his car, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found, among other things, a laptop, an access card printer, blank plastic access cards, a scanner, and a paper cutter, which Guevara-Murillo brought with him from California to New York. He used these items to make counterfeit identification documents that appeared to be issued under the authority of different states in the United States. Guevara-Murillo then sold the documents for $250, which allowed individuals who purchased the documents to work for an online food delivery company.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan and Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 18, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.
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Bronx Woman Sentenced in Nationwide Sweepstakes Fraud Scheme Targeting the ElderlyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that RICKI RICKALINE GIBBS was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas to 51 months in prison for perpetrating a multi-year scheme to defraud elderly victims across the United States, which resulted in losses of over $1.6 million to more than 20 victims. GIBBS pled guilty in September 2025 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud.
“Fraudsters who prey on our most vulnerable must be brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Today’s sentence reinforces that message.”
According to the Superseding Indictment and statements made in public filings and in public court proceedings:
From at least 2019 through at least 2023, GIBBS and others engaged in a fraud scheme perpetrated against elderly victims (the “Elder Fraud Scheme”), through which GIBBS and her co-conspirators defrauded more than 20 elderly victims of more than $1.6 million. Victims of the Elder Fraud Scheme typically received an unsolicited phone call or text from an individual using a common name—e.g., “Robert James,” “Robert Hill,” or “Mark Miller”—claiming they had won a life-changing amount of money and a luxury car, but needed to pay taxes or fees to addresses and accounts specified by the caller before receiving the prize. The caller then remained in contact with the victims and, after the victims made their initial payments as directed, informed the victims that additional payments were required to receive their purported winnings. In particular, victims were instructed to send money by mailing checks, money orders, Vanilla Visa gift cards, and cash concealed in books, as well as by wire and Zelle transfer, to addresses and accounts identified by the caller. After luring in victims with the sweepstakes lie, the perpetrators of the Elder Fraud Scheme also used romance scam tactics to induce victims to continue making payments.
Of the more than $1.6 million lost by victims of the Elder Fraud Scheme, at least $1,379,402 went to Gibbs, or accounts belonging to or controlled by Gibbs. Gibbs, a dual citizen of Jamaica and the United States, participated in the scheme from both New York and Jamaica, alongside co-conspirators based in Jamaica. Gibbs used proceeds obtained from victims to, among other things, fund a clothing business she started called “Fairy’s Crown” and make numerous purchases of luxury items.
After her arrest, Gibbs twice met with federal law enforcement officers and falsely denied participating in the Elder Fraud Scheme and claimed to be a victim of the scheme. For example, on each occasion, Gibbs falsely told law enforcement officers that she had received calls from men named “Simon” and “Peter” saying that she had won an $8.5 million prize and that she was given instructions to pay taxes required to receive the money. Gibbs also falsely stated that she believed the money she had received from actual victims of the Elder Fraud Scheme was money from “sponsors” who were helping her pay taxes to obtain her sweepstakes prize.
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In addition to the prison term, GIBBS, 31, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay forfeiture of $1,018,703, and restitution of $1,379,402.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Division. Mr. Clayton also thanked the New York Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their assistance in the investigation.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Levander and Margaret Vasu are in charge of the prosecution.
Bronx Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison in Connection with the Shooting of an Innocent BystanderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that KEANO SAHUSILAWANI, a/k/a/ “Chino,” a/k/a “Bhino,” a/k/a “Bhino Shots,” was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for illegally possessing ammunition in connection with a June 12, 2024, shooting during which SAHUSILAWANI and an accomplice fired multiple shots on a residential street in the Bronx, New York, striking and injuring an innocent bystander. SAHUSILAWANI previously pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman, who imposed yesterday’s sentence.
“On June 12, 2024, Keano Sahusilawani and his accomplices fired several shots in an attempt to kill an intended target who was riding a bicycle down the street,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Instead, they struck an innocent bystander and caused others to run in fear for their lives. New Yorkers want gun-toting criminals off our streets, and the women and men of our Office are committed to delivering that.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint, court filings, and statements made in court proceedings:
On the evening of June 12, 2024, three individuals emerged from an SUV parked along Morris Avenue in the Bronx, just north of 151st Street. The three individuals—SAHUSILAWANI, who was unmasked and wearing a gray sweater; a second individual, who was masked up and wearing all black clothes (“Shooter-2”); and a third individual, who wore a black hoodie and light-colored pants (“CC-1”)—walked towards 151st Street. A few minutes later, the three individuals turned north onto Courtlandt, with SAHUSILAWANI and CC-1 walking up one sidewalk of Courtlandt and Shooter-2 walking up the opposite sidewalk.
Coming from the opposite direction was someone riding a bicycle in the middle of Courtlandt Avenue (the “Intended Target”). As the Intended Target got closer, SAHUSILAWANI pulled out a gun and quickly fired off multiple shots aimed at the Intended Target. As SAHUSILAWANI finished shooting, Shooter-2 fired off one or more shots. The Intended Target stumbled off his bike and was able to sprint away seemingly uninjured. However, an innocent bystander was grazed by a bullet that broke the skin on the back of his right leg. SAHUSILAWANI was not permitted to possess ammunition because of prior felony convictions for multiple gunpoint robberies, a knifepoint robbery, and criminal possession of a firearm. At the time of the shooting, SAHUSILAWANI was also on parole for his state convictions.
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In addition to the prison term, SAHUSILAWANI, 25, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, and thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their assistance with the investigation.
The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Ly is in charge of the prosecution.