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13 February 2026
Cape Girardeau Man Admits Identity Theft, Pandemic FraudRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – A Cape Girardeau man on Friday admitted stealing identities to fraudulently apply for pandemic loans, file tax returns and seek state benefits.
Myles Benjamin Depew, 35, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to three counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. He admitted using the name of one person to fraudulently apply for and receive an $11,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) in June of 2020. The next month, Depew used someone else’s name to fraudulently apply for and receive a $14,000 EIDL loan. Finally, he used a third person’s identity to open a checking account with a West Virginia-based bank. Depew prepared two fraudulent Missouri state tax returns, triggering a refund deposit of $2,060 into the account in February of 2022 and $8,668.49 in April of 2023.
U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration agents interviewed Depew, who said he stole the identities of 10 to 15 people and used those to fraudulently apply for about $50,000 in benefits from the state of Missouri. Depew estimated that he had spent about $40,000 on gambling at the casino, $5,000 on food and another $5,000 on methamphetamine. Depew worked as a tax preparer and had access to names, birthdates and Social Security numbers.
Depew is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, a $1 million fine or both prison and a fine. Aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison, consecutive to other charges, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Willis is prosecuting the case.
California Man Sentenced in Connection with Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced a California man to prison in connection with a federal investigation that led to law enforcement seizing more than 100 kilograms of cocaine.
Mario Valencia-Birruetta, 35, of Corning, California, received a 121-month sentence for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Valencia-Birruetta’s sentence also covers a possession with intent to distribute cocaine charge.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge Christopher R. Heck, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington, D.C. Field Office; Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD); and Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS).
In 2023, the DEA, HSI, and IRS-CI began investigating a Baltimore-based DTO distributing large quantities of cocaine. As a result of their investigation, in July 2023, investigators learned Valencia-Birruetta was a member of this DTO, so law enforcement placed him on a flight watch list.
On August 14, a commercial airline notified investigators that Valencia-Birruetta purchased a flight ticket destined for Baltimore the next day. Then on August 15, investigators began surveilling Valencia-Birruetta, tracking his movements. While in Baltimore, Valencia-Birruetta stayed at the “Hamilton Residence” in Baltimore City.
From August 15, to August 24, investigators observed numerous drug traffickers meeting with Valencia-Birruetta. The drug traffickers arrived at the Hamilton Residence with bags in connection with drug trafficking activities. Additionally, on one occasion, law enforcement observed Valencia-Birruetta with bulk currency in his hand. He then drove to a bank and appeared to make a deposit.
Then on August 24, Valencia-Birruetta left Baltimore. But a week later, investigators received a second notification from a commercial airline that Valencia-Birruetta planned to travel back to Baltimore. On August 30, investigators set up a surveillance team at Baltimore Washington International Airport where law enforcement observed Valencia-Birruetta arrive, pick up a rental car, and then drive to the Hamilton Residence.
Meanwhile, another group of investigators surveilled the DTO’s stash location in Timonium, Maryland. There, law enforcement observed Co-conspirator 1 (CC-1) carrying bags into the stash location. Prior to the arrival of the duffle bags at the stash location, Co-conspirator 2 (CC-2) left the stash location in his vehicle.
Law enforcement observed CC-2 driving to the Hamilton Residence to pick up Valencia-Birruetta. Investigators then followed Valencia-Birruetta and CC-2 to National Harbor, Maryland, where they met with Co-conspirator 3 (CC-3), who arrived in another vehicle. They then traveled to a Park and Ride lot next to the National Harbor and then parked next to each other. Eventually, both vehicles left the lot with Valencia-Birruetta and CC-2 traveling back to Baltimore unaware that investigators trailed behind them. They later arrived at the stash location and parked.
Upon exiting the vehicle, Valencia-Birruetta and CC-2 began removing duffle bags. As they continued, law enforcement approached Valencia-Birruetta and CC-2. Law enforcement realized one of the duffle bags contained a large tear which enabled investigators to see kilogram packages of drugs.
Law enforcement detained Valencia-Birruetta and CC-2 and then proceeded to seize the duffle bags. Investigators recovered 43 individual kilogram packages of cocaine from the duffel bags in the vehicle. Additionally, law enforcement discovered another duffel bag and backpack containing 32 individual kilogram packages of cocaine in the stash location. Law enforcement also uncovered equipment used to process bulk drugs, including a kilo press, quick cappers, digital scales, and sifters. Additionally, investigators found two heat-sealed bags of suspected marijuana, cash, a money counter, and two firearms. Investigators recovered a third firearm from the Hamilton Residence.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative, which seeks to end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a collaborative and comprehensive response to the growing threat to public safety and national security. The HSTF integrates personnel, including law enforcement agents, intelligence analysts, and professional staff, from federal agencies to combat crime in our communities.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA, HSI, IRS-CI, BCPD, BPD, and DPSCS for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Calvin Miner and Stanton Lawyer who are prosecuting this federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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California Man Charged with Interstate Transmission of Threats to Injure Five Federal Law Enforcement OfficersRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – A Minnesota Federal Grand Jury returned a five-count Indictment, charging James Patrick Lyons, age 45, with interstate transmission of threats to injure five federal law enforcement officers on January 18, 2026, United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced today.
According to court documents, on January 14, 2026, in response to an immigration enforcement action, a large group of protesters in Minneapolis vandalized and significantly damaged FBI-owned vehicles, stealing weapons and ammunition, seizing government-owned equipment, and taking documents containing federal employees’ phone numbers, email addresses, home addresses, and driver’s license numbers. FBI personnel were on scene to investigate an officer-involved shooting and not for any immigration enforcement. Five of the individuals whose personal information was confiscated and broadcast on the Internet were FBI Special Agents.
On January 18, 2026, those five Special Agents received a series of threatening text messages on their government-issued cell phones. Subsequent FBI investigation identified the phone number associated with one particular threatening text message received by the Special Agents as belonging to James Patrick Lyons. All five text messages used similar language and asserted in part that the sender knew who the Special Agents were and where to find them.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Bejar is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent.
CBP supervisor among more than 411 new cases filed as part of Southern District’s border enforcement effortsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A total of 413 individuals have been charged in immigration and border security enforcement efforts from Feb. 6-12, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The cases include charges against 17 people allegedly involved in human smuggling. A total of 167 people were charged with illegal entry, while another 227 face charges of felony reentry after prior removal. Most of those individuals have prior felony convictions such as narcotics offenses, violent crimes and immigration crimes. The remaining four individuals charged this week relate to other immigration crimes and a false statement charge.
One recent case involves Andres Wilkinson, a Customs and Border Protection supervisor charged in Laredo with harboring an illegal alien. According to the complaint, Wilkinson allegedly allowed the illegal alien and her minor child to reside at his home, provided financial support and permitted her to use vehicles registered in his name. The charges further allege he knowingly transported her through Border Patrol checkpoints. If convicted, Wilkinson faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
In additional cases, criminal complaints allege five individuals attempted to unlawfully reenter the country within 10 months of their most recent removals.
According to court documents, Mexican nationals Edgar Madrid-Orozco, Lauriano Santos-Rios and Aaron Nava-Carillo were previously removed April 11, July 9, and August 31, respectively. Authorities removed Belize national Edwin Rene Mancillas-Suriano May 22, while Guatemalan national Juan Dieguez-Nolasco was removed Dec. 30, 2025.
Each defendant allegedly has prior felony convictions, including battery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, illegal reentry, aggravated sexual abuse and assault of a family member. Authorities later found all five in the United States without legal authorization. If convicted, each faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
In a separate case in Houston, a Belize national illegally residing in Conroe pleaded guilty to assaulting an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. During a targeted enforcement operation, Sindi Vanessa Moreno-Flores attempted to flee arrest, scratched an ICE agent’s arm and hands and swung her handcuffed arm at the agent before authorities restrained her and took her into custody.
In McAllen, 36-year-old Mexican national Angel Fabian Moreno-Rodriguez was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison. During a traffic stop in Donna, law enforcement discovered approximately five kilograms of fentanyl concealed in vacuum-sealed packages inside a cardboard box on the front passenger seat of his vehicle. Moreno-Rodriguez admitted he was paid to transport the narcotics.
Also announced this week was the conviction of Gonzalo Chavez for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. Law enforcement observed Chavez’s vehicle near the Rio Grande before conducting a traffic stop and discovering four illegal aliens attempting to conceal themselves. At trial, the jury heard evidence showing Chavez coordinated with smugglers in Mexico to transport the aliens after they crossed the river. Chavez faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal histories, including convictions for human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes.
An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
British National and Former Nuclear Energy Program Director for Oak Ridge National Laboratory Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Child in Two StatesRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On February 12, 2026, Andrew Worrall, 56, a British national currently residing in Knox County, Tennessee, entered a guilty plea to one count of sexual exploitation of a child in the Eastern District of Tennessee and one count of sexual exploitation of a child in the District of South Carolina. Sentencing has been set for June 24, 2026, in United States District Court at Knoxville.
Worrall faces a term of up to 60 years in Federal prison, $500,000 in fines, restitution, forfeiture, special assessments and up to a lifetime on supervised release.
As part of the written plea agreement, Worrall agreed to forfeit his home in the Eastern District of Tennessee. Further, Worral agreed he is a removable alien and will waive any form of relief of removal from the United States after his incarceration portion of his sentence is completed.
According to documents filed in the case, Worrall contacted a 17-year-old minor female on the Snapchat application using the internet in July 2025. Knowing the age of the child, Worrall requested nude pictures of the child. The child complied. Worrall then requested the child insert a foreign object into her body and send a video. The child complied.
On the same day, Worrall contacted another 17-year-old minor female who resided in South Carolina using his Snapchat account. Worrall had similar communications with the child, asking to prove she was real by sending him pictures. After the victim complied he requested the victim masturbate on video for Worrall’s pleasure. The child complied.
U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee; U.S. Attorney Bryan P. Stirling of the District of South Carolina; and Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Lewe Sessions of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General made the announcement.
This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the United States Department of Energy, Office of the Inspector General.
Jennifer Kolman and Dean H. Secor, Assistant United States Attorneys represented the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), 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 Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab "resources.”
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Boise Man Sentenced to 24 Months Incarceration for Possession of an Unregistered Improvised Explosive DeviceRead the Press Release
BOISE – Jonathan W. VanCuren, 69, of Boise, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for Possession of an Unregistered Firearm (Improvised Explosive Device “IED”), U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today.
According to court records, on February 8, 2024, and again on February 10, 2024, law enforcement officers served search warrants on a residence occupied by VanCuren in Boise, Idaho. In both a wooden box and a metal box that belonged to VanCuren, law enforcement found a total of seven IEDs that each contained an explosive main charge, main charge container and initiation system. All seven IEDs were assembled and in operating condition.
Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered VanCuren serve 2 years of supervised release following his prison sentence. VanCuren pleaded guilty to the charge on September 18, 2025.
“We are thankful to our law enforcement partners who identified and investigated this threat to public safety,” commented U.S. Attorney Davis. “Their efforts led to a successful prosecution and a safe removal of IEDs from our community.”
"Manufacturing explosives inside a home is not only illegal, but it puts the individual, their family, neighbors, and first responders at extreme risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. “With one careless mistake, Vancuren’s blatant disregard for the law and public safety could have ended in catastrophe. The FBI and our state and local partners, who brought us into this investigation, will not tolerate those who threaten our community’s safety.”
U.S. Attorney Davis made the announcement and commended the work of the Boise Police Department, including the Boise Police Bomb Squad, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather S. Patricco and David G. Robins prosecuted the case.
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Berkeley County Woman Admits to Defrauding Employer of Nearly $300,000Read the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Martinsburg, West Virginia woman has admitted to stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from her employer, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Brittaney Allura Hall, 36, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud. According to court documents, Hall was an office manager and accountant for a business in Martinsburg and had access to the company’s financial information and accounts. As part of her unlawful scheme, Hall conducted financial transactions that caused overpayments of payroll in reimbursements and commissions to which she wasn’t entitled. She also wrote checks to herself without authority and created false invoices which caused unauthorized payments to be made for her own financial benefit.
As a part of the plea agreement, Hall has agreed to pay $258,143.51 in restitution.
Hall faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge would determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor Hurney is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The FBI and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Bahamian National Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Kenthen Lavardo Swain (26, The Bahamas) was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Richard A. Lazzara to two years in federal prison for illegal reentry by an aggravated felon. Swain previously pled guilty on November 19, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Swain is a citizen and national of The Bahamas. On or about May 26, 2025, Swain was found by immigration authorities in the Manatee County Jail following an arrest for battery on a law enforcement officer. Prior to being found, Swain had been removed from the United States on three prior occasions and had not received permission to reenter the United States. Swain has previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including for possessing controlled substances with intent to sell.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
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).
Arizona Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Firearms After Communicating Online with Australian KillersRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – An Arizona man who came to law enforcement’s attention as part of an investigation into the murder of two police officers and one civilian in Queensland, Australia, was sentenced yesterday in federal court to three years in prison for illegally possessing firearms and ammunition.
Donald Day, Jr., 61, of Heber, Arizona, was sentenced on Feb. 12, 2026, by U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Day previously pleaded guilty to being a Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition.
“Donald Day Jr. chose to use online platforms to advocate for violence against law enforcement and public officials, disregarding the danger his actions created,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “Day regularly shared the same rhetoric with a family in Australia, who tragically took the lives of their neighbor and two constables. Our thoughts continue to be with the colleagues and families of those lost in Queensland. I’m proud of the work done by this justice team to hold Day accountable for his crimes.”
"Donald Day Jr.'s use of social media to encourage attacks on law enforcement officers and government officials around the world was despicable," said Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke. "This case exemplifies the lengths FBI Phoenix will go to avenge law enforcement partners, including those murdered overseas. Day's crimes were as harmful as the attacks they incited. Today's sentence shows that threats posted online will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted, and we'd like to thank the Queensland Police Service and the United States Attorney's Office for their dedication to ensuring justice was served."
“The tragic events of 12 December 2022 will forever be marked as a dark day for the QPS and Queensland communities. The loss of constable Matthew Arnold and constable Rachel McCrow, and neighbour, Alan Dare, continues to weigh heavily on the QPS family and the broader Queensland community, and our thoughts remain with their families, friends, and colleagues,” said Queensland Police Service Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scalon. “The QPS deeply values the strong partnership with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, whose collaboration has been instrumental in bringing this matter to justice. The sentencing of Donald Day Jr. and legal proceedings highlight the importance of international cooperation in addressing serious crimes that transcend borders. We remain committed to working closely with our national and international law enforcement partners to ensure justice for the victims and their families.”
Day, who had previously been convicted of multiple felonies, was residing on a rural property outside Heber, Arizona, when he began communicating anti-law enforcement sentiments via social media with the Trains, three Australian family members who murdered two police officers and a neighbor on their rural Queensland property. In a video post shortly after the killings, the Trains stated “[t]hey came to us, and we killed them. If you don’t defend yourself against these devils and demons, you’re a coward.” They specifically mentioned Day in their video, saying “We’ll see you when we go home. We’ll see you at home, Don. Love you.” The Trains died later that day after a standoff with Australian law enforcement.
When Day learned of their death, he made an online post stating, “[w]ell, like my brother…, like my sister…, it is no different for us. The devils come for us, they [expletive] die.” Day made this statement after publicly posting on a social media platform that he is an “x-con, who’s armed to the teeth”. A later search of Day’s property revealed nine firearms, including a short-barreled rifle, and more than 10,000 rounds of ammunition, a shooting range, and an elevated shooting position.
FBI Phoenix conducted the investigation with assistance from the Queensland Police Service, Australia. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Pimsner, Abbie Broughton, and Glenn McCormick, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided assistance.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-08132-PCT-JJT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-027_Day
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Antero Resources Corporation Agrees to Settlement to Reduce Health Harming Emissions in West Virginia and OhioRead the Press Release
Today, the U.S. Department of Justice and West Virginia’s Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) announced a proposed settlement with Antero Resources Corporation resolving alleged Clean Air Act and West Virginia Air Pollution Control violations involving the company’s oil and gas production operations in West Virginia and Ohio.
Under the proposed consent decree, Antero will undertake various projects to assess, modify, and improve monitoring and maintenance of vapor control systems at 242 of its oil and gas production facilities located in West Virginia and Ohio. These compliance projects, estimated to cost approximately $5.8 million, will result in a reduction of more than 1,100 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions annually.
Antero agreed to pay a $3.8 million civil penalty, divided between the United States and the state of West Virginia, a co-plaintiff in this case.
“Today’s settlement demonstrates the Justice Department’s renewed commitment to common-sense, even-handed enforcement of the Clean Air Act,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “I applaud Antero for taking responsibility to settle these important claims in a way that promotes the public interest and secures cleaner air.”
“The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia is proud to have partnered with the State of West Virginia in reaching this settlement,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey for the Northern District of West Virginia. “This settlement exemplifies how a reasonable application of the Clean Air Act can benefit the citizens of West Virginia without posing an undue burden on continued oil and natural gas production.”
“This settlement demonstrates how coordinated enforcement among state and federal partners promotes accountability, reduces harmful emissions, and delivers meaningful environmental results,” said WVDEP Secretary Harold Ward. “The WVDEP and its Division of Air Quality thank everyone involved and are proud to finalize an agreement that brings cleaner air directly to West Virginians through the measures established today.”
This settlement resolves Antero’s failure to comply with federal and state requirements to capture and control air emissions from oil and gas production facilities in West Virginia and Ohio. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and WVDEP identified the alleged violations through field investigations conducted in 2017 and 2019. As a result of these violations, Antero released VOCs into the air instead of capturing and controlling the emissions using specially designed equipment.
Under the settlement, Antero will take the necessary steps to ensure that its systems to control pollutants from atmospheric storage tanks are adequately designed and properly operated and maintained. Antero’s selected compliance plan includes an innovative automated response when the required tank pressure or combustion control device pilot monitor indicates that there may have been a release of VOCs into the atmosphere. The response system includes an alert to company representatives and temporarily ceases production operations associated with the over-pressured tank or unlit combustion control device. Once the pressure level falls back to normal or when the combustion control device is relit, production will restart. The settlement also requires a third party to verify Antero’s compliance with the agreement. These actions will significantly reduce harmful emissions from the company’s oil and gas operations.
Antero is also undertaking two VOC emission reduction projects to mitigate the environmental and public health harm attributable to their violations. First, it will permanently plug and remediate orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells in West Virginia as part of a $1.5 million project conducted over a period of three years. Second, it will enhance its well unloading operations so that gas that is periodically vented into the atmosphere can be recovered or routed to a control device.
Antero Resources Corporation is a publicly traded company headquartered in Denver and engaged in the exploration, development, production and acquisition of natural gas, natural gas liquids, and oil properties in the Appalachian Basin. It holds more than 500,000 acres of natural gas, natural gas liquids, and oil properties in this area, primarily in the Marcellus and Utica Shales.
The consent decree was filed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia and is subject to a 30-day comment period. The complaint and the proposed consent decree are available at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.
Attorneys with ENRD’s Environmental Enforcement Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia are handling this matter.
38-Year-Old Man Who Murdered his Mother Sentenced to 26 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Seth Emmanuel Andrews, 38, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in Superior Court for strangling his mother, Hazel Evans, to death in Northeast, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
On November 26, 2025, a D.C. Superior Court jury convicted Andrews on one count of second-degree murder. Today, Judge J. Michael Ryan sentenced Andrews to 26 years in prison, the maximum recommended sentence under the D.C. Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines, followed by five years of supervised release.
The evidence at trial proved that on July 16, 2020, Andrews killed Evans by strangling her while she was inside of her bedroom at her home at 10 35th Street, SE, Washington, D.C. The defendant was arrested on August 20, 2020.
Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Coronado and Marybeth Manfreda, who prosecuted the case.
2020 CF1 006522
27 Members and Associates of Tren De Aragua Splinter Faction Anti-Tren Charged with 2024 Double Murder in the Bronx, and Sex Trafficking, Kidnapping, Racketeering, and Other OffensesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Acting Executive Associate Director of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), John A. Condon, and Co-Director of Joint Task Force Vulcan (“JTFV”), Christopher Eason, announced a 38-count Superseding (“S4”) Indictment (the “S4 Indictment”) charging 27 members of the Anti-Tren faction of the designated foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua (“TDA”) with offenses including racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering in connection with an April 15, 2024, double murder in the Bronx, murder-for-hire conspiracy, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, sex trafficking and sex trafficking conspiracy, and other offenses. 21 of the 27 defendants charged in the S4 Indictment were previously charged in a 12-count Indictment. Of the six newly added defendants, five are now in federal custody. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil.
To date, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York has charged approximately 38 members or associates of TDA and Anti-Tren.
“As alleged, these members of Anti-Tren, a splinter faction of the terrorist organization Tren de Aragua, planned and carried out a series of horrific crimes, including gunpoint robberies, murders, and the exploitation of vulnerable young women through sex trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Tren de Aragua is in the business of murder, sex trafficking, and intimidation, and they brought that business to New York while being unlawfully present in the United States. Today’s charges reflect our commitment to bankrupt TDA and bring its members to justice. The gang members charged today exerted ruthless control over sex trafficking victims through intimidation, brutality, and threats of violence against them and their loved ones—leaving lasting trauma in their wake. The women and men of the SDNY are unwavering in their commitment to bankrupt gangs that corrupt our neighborhoods, prey on the vulnerable, and pursue violence as a way of life.”
“HSI New York continues to stand at the forefront of investigations against vicious criminal enterprises like Tren de Aragua and Anti-Tren,” said HSI Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon. “Through their use of ruthless tactics and blatant disregard for human life, TdA and its offshoots are among the fastest emerging transnational criminal organizations to encroach upon American soil. HSI New York, through the Homeland Security Task Force, continues to target these gangs that seek to perpetrate destruction and terror in our communities. Together, alongside our law enforcement partners, we are committed to ensuring that no corners of the TdA and Anti-Tren enterprises are beyond the reach of justice.”
“TdA and its faction Anti-Tren grew from a prison gang to a transnational criminal organization to a foreign terrorist organization. The violence and horrific acts as charged here including the double murder, murder for hire, kidnapping, and sex trafficking will be met with the full weight of our justice system,” said JTFV Co-Director Christopher Eason. “The charges against these TdA associates and Anti-Tren members are directly in line with JTFV’s mission: a collaborative, whole of government effort to destroy TdA and its factions. We are grateful for our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, and our law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to investigate and bring these important charges.”
According to the allegations contained in the S4 Indictment:[1]
Anti-Tren is a criminal organization almost exclusively comprised of former members and associates of TDA. Anti-Tren operated throughout New York City, including the boroughs of the Bronx and Queens, and in New Jersey, and elsewhere around the country, including in Illinois and Washington. The purposes of Anti-Tren included:
- Preserving and protecting the power and territory of Anti-Tren and its members and associates through acts involving murder, assault, other acts of violence, and threats of violence, including acts of violence and threats of violence directed at members and associates of TDA.
- Enriching the members and associates of Anti-Tren through, among other things:
- The unlawful smuggling of individuals, including women and girls from Venezuela, into the U.S.;
- The sex trafficking of young women or “multadas” who had been unlawfully smuggled into the U.S.;
- The trafficking of controlled substances, including “tusi”; and
- Armed robberies.
- Keeping victims and potential victims in fear of Anti-Tren and its members and associates through threats and acts of violence.
- Promoting and enhancing Anti-Tren and the reputation and activities of its members and associates.
- Providing assistance to members and associates of Anti-Tren who committed crimes for and on behalf of Anti-Tren, such as lodging and interstate transportation for members and associates of Anti-Tren to flee prosecution, or bail money for members or associates of Anti-Tren who are detained.
- Protecting Anti-Tren and its members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities through acts of intimidation, threats, and violence against potential witnesses to crimes committed by members of Anti-Tren.
Anti-Tren engaged in human smuggling and sex trafficking of young women or “multadas,” into the U.S. in exchange for debts that the young women would pay back by engaging in commercial sex work. And like TDA, members of Anti-Tren enforced compliance among these young women by, among other things:
- Threatening to kill the young women and their families,
- Assaulting the young women,
- Shooting or killing the young women, and
- Tracking down and kidnapping the young women who tried to flee.
Members of Anti-Tren also committed and conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit, acts of violence, including acts involving murder and assault, to protect and to expand Anti-Tren’s criminal operations, resolve disputes within Anti-Tren, to retaliate against rival organizations, including Tren de Aragua itself, and to maintain control over sex trafficking victims. Anti-Tren members and associates also trafficked controlled substances, committed robberies, and obtained, possessed, trafficked, and used firearms and ammunition.
The new charges in the S4 Indictment allege, among other things, that:
- On or about April 15, 2024, YENDER MATA, ERVIN HERNANDEZ, a/k/a “Coco,” a/k/a “Coquito,” and KERLYN NATALIY PEREZ-LOPEZ, a/k/a “Mou,” conspired to murder and caused the murders of Jhombeyker Jose Bisbal Pina and Adrian Mendoza Isturiz, who were shot to death in the Bronx.
- In or about April 2025, GUILLERMO ENRIQUE FREITES-VELAZQUEZ and ROIMAN NOE BELLO FERRER conspired to kill an individual in New York (“Intended Victim-1”).
- From in or about February 2025 until in or about March 2025, DAVID VALENCIA-DE LA ROSA and JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN, a/k/a “Sobrino” conspired to kill another individual in New York (“Intended Victim-2”).
- In or about April 2025, ROIMAN NOE BELLO FERRER and others conspired to kill an individual in Florida (“Intended Victim-3”).
- On or about October 5, 2024, JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA, a/k/a “Morocho,” ordered KELLEN JASPE BUSTAMANATE to shoot an Anti-Tren member in the leg as a form of gang punishment. On or about the same day, BARRIOS GARCIA also ordered ENRIQUE GUSTAVO BOADA YANEZ, a/k/a “Chino,” to shoot a different Anti-Tren member in the leg, also as gang punishment.
- In or about January 2025, KEISWUEL ORLANDO PALACIOS-MILANO, a/k/a “Oturache,” a/k/a “Inmortalidad,” ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO, and YEFERSON PRIETO GALVIZ, a/k/a “Flacot,” a/k/a “Flacote,” conspired to commit and did commit a gunpoint home invasion robbery of an individual (“Robbery Victim-1”) and Robbery Victim-1’s family in Yonkers.
- In or about January 2025, KEISWUEL ORLANDO PALACIOS-MILANO, a/k/a “Oturache,” a/k/a “Inmortalidad,” ANDERSON ZAMBRANO-PACHECO, MARIO PEREDA, a/k/a “Cara de Hombre,” Wilfredo Jose AVENDAÑO CARRIZALEZ, a/k/a “Kabuvy,” and CARLOS GABRIEL SANTOS MOGOLLON, conspired to commit a gunpoint robbery of a drug trafficker (“Robbery Victim-2”) in the Bronx.
- In or about 2024, LUIS JOSE VELASQUEZ-HURTADO, a/k/a “Chito,” engaged in sex trafficking of a young woman from Venezuela (“Trafficking Victim-1”) whom VELASQUEZ-HURTADO threatened with a gun, caused to be kidnapped, and whose immigration documents VELASQUEZ-HURTADO caused to be seized.
- In or about 2024, JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA, a/k/a “Morocho,” ENRIQUE GUSTAVO BOADA YANEZ, a/k/a “Chino,” JESUS RUBEN LOPEZ GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Lopez,” and DANGER LEONER SANCHEZ ALFONZO, a/k/a “Danger,” engaged in sex trafficking of another young woman from Venezuela (“Trafficking Victim-2”).
* * *
A chart containing the names, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants is set forth below.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI New York, Seattle, Chicago, and Portland, and the NYPD. He also thanked Joint Task Force Vulcan; the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office; the Aurora Police Department in Aurora, Colorado;; the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force of the U.S. Marshals Service (“USMS”); the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol’s National Gang Unit and New York Human Intelligence Division; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s New York and Chicago Enforcement and Removal Operations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”); U.S. Marshals Service-District of Oregon; U.S. Customs and Border Patrol-New York; the New York City Crime Analysis Center at the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area; the Computer Crimes Unit at the NYPD; the King County, Washington Sheriff’s Office; and the Seattle Police Department.
This case is a part of JTFV, which was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and is now expanded to target Tren de Aragua. The JTFV is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina; Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia; Southern District of Florida; Eastern District of Texas; Western District of Oklahoma; Northern District of Indiana; and the District of Nevada, as well as the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division. Additionally, the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, USMS, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons are essential law enforcement partners with JTFV.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Justice Department to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, 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 case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations & Crime Unit and JTFV. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jun Xiang, Kathryn Wheelock, Timothy Ly, and Andrew K. Chan are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
COUNT
CHARGE
DEFENDANTS
MAX. PENALTIES
1
Racketeering
conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)
REINALDO RAFAEL GONZALES-VALDEZ,
a/k/a “Mariguana,”
a/k/a “Marijuana,”
JOSE MANUEL GUERRERO-ZARATE,
a/k/a “Mantequilla,”
JOSE DAVID VALENCIA-DE LA ROSA,
JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN,
a/k/a “Sobrino,”
LUIS JOSE VELASQUEZ-HURTADO,
a/k/a “Chito,”
STEFANO SAID PACHON-ROMERO,
GUILLERMO ENRIQUE FREITES-VELAZQUEZ,
JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA,
a/k/a “Morocho,”
GIOVANNY VALENTIN BLANCO LUCIANO,
a/k/a “Cachorrito,”
ANDERSON JESUS DURAN BERROTERAN,
a/k/a “Cachorro,”
ROIMAN NOE BELLO FERRER,
LUIS MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ-TAPIA,
MARIO ANDRES PEREDA,
a/k/a “Cara de Hombre,”
ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO,
YEFERSON ALEJANDRO PRIETO GALVIZ,
a/k/a “Flaco T,”
a/k/a “Flacote,”
JHONKENNEDY BRAVO-CASTRO,
a/k/a “Negrito,”
YENDER MAYKIER MATA,
KELLEN ALEJANDRO JASPE BUSTAMANTE, and
LUIS ANDRES BELLO-CHACON,
a/k/a “Care de Peo”
Life in prison2
Sex trafficking conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1594(c)
REINALDO RAFAEL GONZALES-VALDEZ,
a/k/a “Mariguana,” a/k/a “Marijuana,”
JOSE MANUEL GUERRERO-ZARATE,
a/k/a “Mantequilla,”
JOSE DAVID VALENCIA-DE LA ROSA,
JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN,
a/k/a “Sobrino,”
LUIS JOSE VELASQUEZ-HURTADO,
a/k/a “Chito,”
STEFANO SAID PACHON-ROMERO, GUILLERMO FREITES VELAZQUEZ,
JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA,
a/k/a “Morocho,”
ANDERSON JESUS DURAN BERROTERAN, a/k/a “Cachorro,”
LUIS MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ-TAPIA,
MARIO ANDRES PEREDA,
a/k/a “Cara de Hombre,”
ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO, and
JHONKENNEDY BRAVO-CASTRO,
a/k/a “Negrito”
Life in prison3
Alien importation and harboring for immoral purpose – conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 371
REINALDO RAFAEL GONZALES-VALDEZ,
a/k/a “Mariguana,” a/k/a “Marijuana,”
JOSE MANUEL GUERRERO-ZARATE,
a/k/a “Mantequilla,” JOSE DAVID VALENCIA-DE LA ROSA,
JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN,
a/k/a “Sobrino,”
LUIS JOSE VELASQUEZ-HURTADO,
a/k/a “Chito,”
STEFANO SAID PACHON-ROMERO, GUILLERMO FREITES VELAZQUEZ,
JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA,
a/k/a “Morocho,”
ANDERSON JESUS DURAN BERROTERAN, a/k/a “Cachorro,”
LUIS MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ-TAPIA,
MARIO ANDRES PEREDA,
a/k/a “Cara de Hombre,”
ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO, and
JHONKENNEDY BRAVO-CASTRO,
a/k/a “Negrito”
Five years in prison4
Drug trafficking conspiracy
21 U.S.C. § 846
REINALDO RAFAEL GONZALES-VALDEZ,
a/k/a “Mariguana,” a/k/a “Marijuana,”
JOSE MANUEL GUERRERO-ZARATE,
a/k/a “Mantequilla,”
JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN,
a/k/a “Sobrino,”
GUILLERMO FREITES VELAZQUEZ,
JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA,
a/k/a “Morocho,”
GIOVANNY VALENTIN BLANCO LUCIANO,
a/k/a “Cachorrito,”
ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO,
YEFERSON ALEJANDRO PRIETO GALVIZ, a/k/a “Flaco T,” a/k/a “Flacote,”
YENDER MAYKIER MATA,
KELLEN ALEJANDRO JASPE BUSTAMANTE, and
LUIS ANDRES BELLO-CHACON,
a/k/a “Care de Peo”
20 years in prison5
Firearm use, carrying, and possession
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and 2
REINALDO RAFAEL GONZALES-VALDEZ,
a/k/a “Mariguana,” a/k/a “Marijuana,”
JOSE MANUEL GUERRERO-ZARATE,
a/k/a “Mantequilla,”
JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN,
a/k/a “Sobrino,”
GUILLERMO FREITES VELAZQUEZ,
JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA,
a/k/a “Morocho,”
GIOVANNY VALENTIN BLANCO LUCIANO,
a/k/a “Cachorrito,”
ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO,
YEFERSON ALEJANDRO PRIETO GALVIZ, a/k/a “Flaco T,” a/k/a “Flacote,”
YENDER MAYKIER MATA,
KELLEN ALEJANDRO JASPE BUSTAMANTE, and
LUIS ANDRES BELLO-CHACON,
a/k/a “Care de Peo”
Life in prison
Mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison
6
Obstruction of justice
18 U.S.C. §§ 1512(c) and 2
LUIS JOSE VELASQUEZ-HURTADO,
a/k/a “Chito,”
20 years in prison7
Unlicensed dealing of firearms
18 U.S.C. §§ 922(a)(1)(A) and 2
STEFANO PACHON-ROMEROFive years in prison8
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a fugitive from justice and illegal alien
18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(2) and (5), and 2
ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO15 years in prison9
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien
18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(5) and 2
JHONKENNEDY BRAVO-CASTRO,
a/k/a “Negrito,”
15 years in prison10
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien
18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(5) and 2
WILFREDO JOSE AVENDAÑO CARRIZALEZ and CARLOS GABRIEL SANTOS MOGOLLON15 years in prison11
Murder in aid of racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2
YENDER MATA,
ERVIN HERNANDEZ,
a/k/a “Coco,” “Coquito”
KERLYN NATALI PEREZ-LOPEZ,
a/k/a “Mou”
Life in prison or death
Mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison
12
Firearms use, carrying, and possession
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), and (iii) and 2
YENDER MATA,
ERVIN HERNANDEZ,
a/k/a “Coco,” “Coquito”
KERLYN NATALI PEREZ-LOPEZ,
a/k/a “Mou”
Life in prison
Mandatory minimum and consecutive sentence of 10 years in prison
13
Murder in aid of racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2
YENDER MATA,
ERVIN HERNANDEZ,
a/k/a “Coco,” “Coquito”
KERLYN NATALI PEREZ-LOPEZ,
a/k/a “Mou”
Life in prison or death
Mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison
14
Firearms use, carrying, and possession
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), and (iii) and 2
YENDER MATA,
ERVIN HERNANDEZ,
a/k/a “Coco,” “Coquito”
KERLYN NATALI PEREZ-LOPEZ,
a/k/a “Mou”
Life in prison
Mandatory minimum and consecutive sentence of 10 years in prison
15
Conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)
YENDER MATA,
ERVIN HERNANDEZ,
a/k/a “Coco,” “Coquito”
KERLYN NATALI PEREZ-LOPEZ,
a/k/a “Mou”
10 years in prison16
Murder-for-hire conspiracy resulting in death
18 U.S.C. § 1958
YENDER MATA,
ERVIN HERNANDEZ,
a/k/a “Coco,” “Coquito”
KERLYN NATALI PEREZ-LOPEZ,
a/k/a “Mou”
Life in prison or death
Mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison
17
Conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)
GUILLERMO ENRIQUE FREITES-VELAZQUEZ,
ROIMAN NOE BELLO FERRER
10 years in prison18
Murder-for-hire conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1958
DAVID VALENCIA-DE LA ROSA,
JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN
10 years in prison19
Conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5)
DAVID VALENCIA-DE LA ROSA,
JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN
10 years in prison20
Murder-for-hire conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 1958 and 2
ROIMAN NOE BELLO FERRER10 years in prison21
Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2
KELLEN JASPE BUSTAMANTE,
JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA,
a/k/a “Morocho”
20 years in prison22
Firearms use, carrying, and possession
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), and (iii) and 2
KELLEN JASPE BUSTAMANTE,
JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA,
a/k/a “Morocho”
Life in prison
Mandatory minimum and consecutive sentence of 10 years in prison
23
Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2
JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA,
a/k/a “Morocho,”
ENRIQUE GUSTAVO BOADA YANEZ,
a/k/a “Chino”
20 years in prison24
Firearms use, carrying, and possession
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), and (iii) and 2
JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA,
a/k/a “Morocho,”
ENRIQUE GUSTAVO BOADA YANEZ,
a/k/a “Chino”
Life in prison
Mandatory minimum and consecutive sentence of 10 years in prison
25
Conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering
18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(6)
KELLEN JASPE BUSTAMANTE,
JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA,
a/k/a “Morocho”
Three years in prison26
Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery
18 U.S.C. § 1951
KEISWUEL ORLANDO PALACIOS-MILANO,
a/k/a “Oturache,”
ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO,
YEFERSON PRIETO GALVIZ,
a/k/a “Flaco T,”
a/k/a “Flacote”
20 years in prison27
Hobbs Act Robbery
18 U.S.C. §§ 1951 and 2
KEISWUEL ORLANDO PALACIOS-MILANO,
a/k/a “Oturache,”
ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO,
YEFERSON PRIETO GALVIZ,
a/k/a “Flaco T,”
a/k/a “Flacote”
20 years in prison28
Firearms use, carrying, and possession
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and (ii) and 2
KEISWUEL ORLANDO PALACIOS-MILANO,
a/k/a “Oturache,”
ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO,
YEFERSON PRIETO GALVIZ,
a/k/a “Flaco T,”
a/k/a “Flacote”
Life in prison
Mandatory minimum and consecutive sentence of seven years in prison
29
Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery
18 U.S.C. § 1951
KEISWUEL ORLANDO PALACIOS-MILANO,
a/k/a “Oturache,”
ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO,
MARIO PEREDA,
a/k/a “Cara de Hombre,”
WILFREDO JOSE AVENDAÑO CARRIZALEZ and CARLOS GABRIEL SANTOS MOGOLLON
20 years in prison30
Firearms use, carrying, and possession conspiracy
18 U.S.C. § 924(o)
KEISWUEL ORLANDO PALACIOS-MILANO,
a/k/a “Oturache,”
ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO,
MARIO PEREDA,
a/k/a “Cara de Hombre,”
WILFREDO JOSE AVENDAÑO CARRIZALEZ and CARLOS GABRIEL SANTOS MOGOLLON
20 years in prison31
Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery
18 U.S.C. §§ 1951 and 2
KEISWUEL ORLANDO PALACIOS-MILANO,
a/k/a “Oturache,”
ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO,
MARIO PEREDA,
a/k/a “Cara de Hombre,”
WILFREDO JOSE AVENDAÑO CARRIZALEZ and CARLOS GABRIEL SANTOS MOGOLLON
20 years in prison32
Sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion
18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a), (b)(1), and 2
LUIS JOSE VELASQUEZ-HURTADO,
a/k/a “Chito”
Life in prison33
Kidnapping in aid of racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2
LUIS JOSE VELASQUEZ-HURTADO,
a/k/a “Chito”
Life in prison34
Unlawful conduct with respect to documents in furtherance of trafficking and forced labor
18 U.S.C. §§ 1592(a)(1), (a)(2), (c) and 2
LUIS JOSE VELASQUEZ-HURTADO,
a/k/a “Chito”
5 years imprisonment35
Sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion
18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a), (b)(1), and 2
JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA,
a/k/a “Morocho,”
ENRIQUE GUSTAVO BOADA YANEZ,
a/k/a “Chino,”
JESUS RUBEN LOPEZ GONZALEZ,
DANGER LEONER SANCHEZ ALFONZO
Life in prison36
Kidnapping in aid of racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2
JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA,
a/k/a “Morocho,”
ENRIQUE GUSTAVO BOADA YANEZ,
a/k/a “Chino”
Life in prison37
Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering
18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2
JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA,
a/k/a “Morocho,”
ENRIQUE GUSTAVO BOADA YANEZ,
a/k/a “Chino”
20 years in prison38
Firearms use, carrying, and possession
18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and (ii) and 2
JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA,
a/k/a “Morocho,”
ENRIQUE GUSTAVO BOADA YANEZ,
a/k/a “Chino”
Life in prison
Mandatory minimum and consecutive sentence of seven years in prison
[1] The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
22-Year-Old Carolina Man Arrested for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Jadhiel Andrés Cedeño-Gómez, a 22-year-old man from Carolina, Puerto Rico, was arrested on criminal charges related to child exploitation, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. On February 12, 2026, Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested Cedeño-Gómez.
According to court documents, from December 2025 to February 2026, Jadhiel Andrés Cedeño-Gómez used a cellphone, online instant messaging services, and social media to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a 7-year-old male minor to engage in sexual activity. Cedeño-Gómez was also found to possess and receive child pornography material on his cellular device.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elba Gorbea of the Crimes Against Children, Human Trafficking and Immigration Unit, is prosecuting the case. The Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force led by HSI is in charge of the investigation.
If convicted for the charges the defendant faces the following penalties: (1) coercion and enticement of a minor - a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to life in prison; (2) receipt of child exploitation material - a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and (3) possession of child exploitation material - a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. All charges of conviction are to be followed by a term of supervised release after imprisonment of no less than 5 years up to life. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from sexual predators, visit Know2Protect.gov. To report suspicious activities, call 787-729-6969.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
complaint_child_exploitation_2-12-26.pdf
12 February 2026
Wood County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Christian Gale Biles, 21, of Vienna, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 4, 2024, Biles took possession of a package delivered to his residence by the United States Postal Service. As part of his guilty plea, Biles admitted that he knew the package contained methamphetamine in advance of his receiving it, that he took possession of the methamphetamine contained in the package, and that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine to another individual.
Biles is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Parkersburg Violent Crime and Narcotics Task Force.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney D. Keith Randolph is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-164.
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Wolcott Man Indicted for Cryptocurrency Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that ELMIN REDZEPAGIC, 24, of Wolcott, has been charged in a 21-count indictment offenses related to an alleged cryptocurrency fraud scheme.
As alleged in the indictment, between approximately May 2021 and March 2025, Redzepagic held himself out to investors as a cryptocurrency investor who earned high rates of return. Once Redzepagic had victims’ initial investment, he told them they had earned a substantial profit but had to pay additional fees (“gas fees”) to withdraw it. Redzepagic claimed to work as part of a team that included someone known as “The Chef,” who supposedly led the operation and determined who, how, and when investors would receive their profits. In fact, Redzepagic did not invest victims’ funds in cryptocurrency but instead transferred the funds to Stake.com, an offshore gambling platform that Redzepagic used to receive and hold proceeds of the scheme, to generate cryptocurrency addresses for victims to use to transfer Bitcoin to him, and to make large “lulling” payments to victims throughout the course of the scheme.
It is alleged that Redzepagic lost victims’ funds gambling on Stake.com, causing a net loss of a total of approximately $950,000 to multiple victims.
It is further alleged that when Redzepagic was interviewed by IRS Criminal Investigation agents in September 2023, he made several false statements.
On January 20, 2026, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Redzepagic with seven counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; 11 counts of international money laundering, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; and three counts of making a false statement to IRS Criminal Investigation agents, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years on each count.
Redzepagic, who recently resided in Florida, appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farris in Hartford, pleaded not guilty to the charges in the indictment, and was released on a $500,000 bond.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Wines.
Webster man who committed fraud while awaiting sentencing on a previous fraud conviction sentencedRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Timothy Siverd, 38, of Webster, NY, who was convicted of two counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft, was sentenced to serve 111 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who handled the case, stated that in November 2021, while employed as a vice president at Tompkins Community Bank, Siverd convinced two victims to invest in fraudulent real estate transactions. Victim 1 paid Siverd approximately $158,429, but after realizing that the transactions were fraudulent, Victim 1 demanded repayment. Siverd returned $108,429 of Victim 1’s funds, using funds fraudulently obtained from Victim 2, who paid Siverd $346,511.55. Siverd never returned any of Victim 2’s funds.
While on supervised release for committing this scheme, between November 2022, and September 19, 2024, Siverd operated and controlled ROC Scrubby LLC, a residential and commercial cleaning services company. During that time, Siverd overbilled ROC Scrubby clients for cleaning services that were not performed. He would manually change appointments on ROC Scrubby’s booking software without client permission to increase the amount each client would be billed, however employees would not perform the more expensive services. He used, without lawful authority, client credit card numbers to overbill his clients.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter.
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Webster Groves Felon Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison After Chasing Teens While ArmedRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Maria A. Lanahan on Thursday sentenced a convicted felon who chased three teens through a Webster Groves neighborhood while armed to eight years in prison.
Leon Joseph Reitz, 54, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in October to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted that on March 7, 2025, he began walking toward a car containing two juvenile males and one 18-year-old male that was parked on Greeley Avenue in Webster Groves. The juvenile males were picking up their friend, who lived on that block. Reitz had one hand behind his back. He then accelerated to a jog before pulling a handgun. The terrified teens fled and Reitz pursued them in a Toyota Camry through neighborhood streets at an estimated speed of 85 to 90 miles per hour. Reitz passed the teens and both cars skidded to a stop within sight of a Webster Groves Police Department officer who happened to be in the area. The teens ran to the officer, who arrested Reitz. Police found a loaded handgun under the front seat of the Camry and a spare magazine for the pistol in Reitz’s pocket.
At the scene, Reitz claimed he believed the teens were going to rob him. In his plea agreement, Reitz admitted that there was no evidence to support his robbery claim. As a convicted felon, Reitz is barred from possession of a firearm.
The Webster Groves Police Department and St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda Lane prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Vieques Man Indicted and Arrested for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging José Amaurys Torres-Abreu, 28, of Vieques, PR, for child exploitation.
According to court documents, in or about November 2025, José Amaurys Torres-Abreu transported a 14-year-old female minor with intent that the victim engage in sexual activity. The defendant knowingly persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced the 14-year-old female minor, to engage in sexual activity, for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense.
Torres-Abreu is facing one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and one count of coercion and enticement of a minor.
The defendant had his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Giselle López-Soler of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. If convicted for the charges of coercion and enticement and transportation of minor to engage in illicit sexual conduct, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to life. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“There are no cases more important for the Department of Justice and the Puerto Rico U.S. Attorney’s Office than crimes against children. Those who prey on our children will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We commend the work of the federal and state law enforcement authorities whose thorough work led to these federal charges being filed today.”
“The sexual exploitation of a minor is a serious federal crime that carries significant consequences. There is no gray area and no island too remote when it comes to conduct that violates the law and harms children,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBIs San Juan Field Office, Claudia Dubravetz. “The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate these offenses and work with our partners to ensure those responsible are identified, charged, and held accountable.”
The FBI is investigating the case with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Bureau.
Assistant US Attorney (AUSA) Elba Gorbea of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Vallejo Man Indicted for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment today against Dequan Lamar Mitchell, 22, of Vallejo, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, Mitchell murdered a man when he was 16 years old and was convicted of murder. Because of that prior conviction, Mitchell is prohibited from possessing firearms. While on probation for that crime, investigators discovered Mitchell was involved in posting a firearm for sale in an illicit gun trafficking app. When police searched Mitchell’s mother’s home, they discovered a loaded Glock 23 handgun with an extended clip. That gun was the same gun Mitchell offered to sell for $1,200 in the gun trafficking forum. Subsequent investigation revealed that the gun was stolen from a carjacking victim in October 2025.
The Solano County Sheriff’s Office, the Solano County Probation Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hitt is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Mitchell faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty 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, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Virginia Woman Sentenced for Introducing Methamphetamine into a Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Ashley Mullins, 40, of Appalachia, Virginia, was sentenced to one year and a day in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to introducing methamphetamine into Tallahassee Federal Correctional Institution. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This inmate now has an extended stay in our federal prison after trying to smuggle these deadly drugs into the correctional facility. My office remains committed to keeping these drugs off our streets and out of our prisons.”
According to court records, the defendant, who was an inmate at the federal prison, was caught by a Bureau of Prisons officer while she was walking with an object bulging in her pocket. The officer directed the defendant to empty her pockets and discovered several contraband items, including a crystal substance and a crystal powder substance in a bag. Later forensic testing confirmed the substances were methamphetamine.
The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric Welch.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
U.S. Attorney, FBI and HSI issue warning about latest romance and other online investment scamsRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo, FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera and Department of Homeland Security Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan announced the #DatingOrDefrauding Campaign to draw attention to relationship investment scams.
Romance scams are on the rise and are becoming more sophisticated than ever. Would be scammers use dating apps, social media, and messaging platforms to find victims. These scammers build trust to gain confidence of victims and then push victims into investments, which turn out to be fake crypto or trading platforms with manipulated results. Victims are often left emotionally devastated and financially drained. Over the past few years, scammers have targeted just about every one of every age, including:
- Professionals
- Seniors
- Younger people, who are more willing to consider online dating and crypto investing
One of the newest romance scams is called “pig-butchering.” Scammers lure in a victim, bombard them with affection, manipulate their emotions, and then convince them to make an investment. The scam’s name comes from the way these predators “fatten up” their victims—encouraging larger investments—before slaughtering their hopes and stealing every dollar. To avoid this and other types of fraud:
- Do not engage with online requests for money
- If something doesn’t feel right, rust your instincts
- Limit who can see your information on social media and what you share
- Check privacy settings on all social platforms, messaging apps, and mobile devices
- Report suspicious people and activity to social media, dating or messaging platforms
- Don’t respond to wrong number text messages
- Before investing, learn all that you can about the investment
- Never risk more money than you can afford to lose
“With romance scams on the rise and more and more people being targeted, it’s imperative that everyone uses extreme caution online to avoid being emotionally devastated and financially drained,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “Be very cautious about what you share online and do not engage with any online requests for money. Trust your gut, if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.”
Homeland Security Investigations Buffalo Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan stated, “The Valentine’s Day season brings an increased risk of romance scams, including and especially the ‘so-called’ pig-butchering schemes – which are not just financial crimes; they are calculated attacks on people’s trust, emotions, and livelihoods. The reality is, these scams target everyday people, and anyone can be a victim. The emotional toll is significant, and many victims feel embarrassed or ashamed, making it harder to come forward. Together with the FBI, the Western District of New York, and several partners, our newly created Homeland Security Task Force is utilizing every tool at our disposal to ensure criminal opportunists cannot freely exploit innocent, unsuspecting and hard-working Americans.”
“Romance and confidence scams remain a significant threat, causing substantial financial and emotional harm to victims nationwide. As criminals exploit various tools, such as artificial intelligence, to enhance their schemes, it is vital for individuals to be vigilant,” said Philip Tejera, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “The FBI encourages anyone who believes they have been targeted to immediately stop communication, report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov, and contact their local FBI field office or other law enforcement agency.”
According to the FBI, in 2024, approximately 59,000 people fell victim to romance-related scams, losing over $672-million dollars. The FBI says that many times, once a victim realizes that they have been exploited, they feel embarrassed or ashamed, and do not want to let anyone know what happened to them, including law enforcement. However, the FBI encourages anyone who has been victimized by this fraud or unsuccessfully targeted to file a complaint. If you suspect an online relationship is a scam, stop all contact immediately. If you have already sent money, report any transfer of funds to your financial institution and contact law enforcement.
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Two federal inmates indicted for attacking correctional employeesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned indictments charging two men with assaulting U.S. Department of Justice employees who were carrying out their duties as correctional staff.
According to court documents, Devario Talley, 35, and Brett Roelandt, 35, were both indicted on two counts of forcible assault inflicting bodily injury.
Talley and Roelandt, who are federal inmates, allegedly attacked and injured two employees of the Federal Bureau of Prisons on December 26, 2025.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the cases.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Faiza Alhambra is prosecuting the cases.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Ataven Tatum, 46, of Kansas City, Kansas, was indicted on one count of felon in possession of a firearm. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting the case.
Derek Marsocci, 63, of Centerview, Missouri, was indicted on one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Faiza Alhambra is prosecuting the case.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###Two Men Plead Guilty to Assaulting, Robbing and Carjacking a Woman at GunpointRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Laithen Bell, 20, of Washington, D.C., and Cornell Jamison, 21, Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty yesterday in Superior Court to assaulting, robbing and carjacking a woman at gunpoint on January 22, 2025, announced Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Bell pleaded guilty to carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Jamison pleaded guilty to carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a prohibited weapon (machine gun).
The Honorable Andrea Hertzfeld accepted Bell and Jamison’s pleas and scheduled their sentencing for April 17, 2026.
According to court documents, on January 22, 2025, in the 4300 Block of 3rd Street SE, at approximately 12:28 a.m., a woman was returning home and parked on the street near an apartment building. As she pulled into the parking space, she observed a white van pulling up beside her car and then drive off. As she exited her vehicle, the white van returned and pulled beside her. The woman attempted to get to safety in the apartment building, but she was attacked from behind by several men, one of whom was armed with a handgun. The men beat her, struck her with the handgun, and ultimately robbed her of her clothing, keys, and cellphone. They also took her car.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Levy and Lauren Miller.
2025 CF3 001030; 2025 CF3 002082
Two Men Arrested in Connection with Seizure of Tens of Thousands of Counterfeit PillsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two Massachusetts men have been arrested and charged in connection with seizures in Somerville and Lowell of tens of thousands of counterfeit pills, approximately 30 lbs. of crystal methamphetamine, two machines used to make pills and five firearms.
Franklin Argueta, a/k/a “Frizz,” 29, of Lowell, and Luis Arias, a/k/a “Nacho,” of Somerville, were charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. The defendants were detained following initial appearances in federal court in Boston earlier today.
According to court records, in August 2025 an investigation began into Argueta and Arias for manufacturing counterfeit pills that contain methamphetamine. Between August 2025 and October 2025, it is alleged that controlled purchases of pills were conducted from Argueta and Arias at locations in Middlesex and Suffolk counties. On Jan. 14, 2026, Argueta is alleged to have taken approximately 10,000 pills out of his residence in Lowell and sold them to an undercover officer. On Feb. 10, 2026, a search was executed at Argueta’s residence in Lowell and at Arias’s residence in Somerville. It is alleged that at Argueta’s house, tens of thousands of counterfeit pills suspected to contain methamphetamine, approximately 30 lbs. of crystal methamphetamine and two firearms were located. It is further alleged that at Arias’s residence, tens of thousands of counterfeit pills suspected to contain methamphetamine and a firearm were also located. Separately, two pill press machines used to manufacture counterfeit pills and dozens of bags of filler material used in the manufacturing process were also recovered.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and up to life and a fine of $1 million. 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; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Massachusetts State Police and the Lowell and Somerville Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Two Foreign Nationals Indicted in Chicago as Part of $10M Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Two foreign nationals participated in a $10 million scheme to fraudulently bill Medicare and private insurers for nonexistent health care services, according to an indictment returned in federal court in Chicago.
In 2023 and 2024, Burhan Mirza and Kashif Iqbal, along with several co-schemers, used nominee-owned laboratories and durable medical equipment providers to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare and private health care benefit programs for items and services that were not provided, the indictment states. Mirza, 31, is a Pakistani native who resided in Pakistan and obtained the identifying information of individuals, providers, and insurers without their knowledge and used the information to support the bogus claims submitted on behalf of the nominee-owned companies, the indictment states. Iqbal, 48, is a Pakistani native who resided in Lavon, Texas, and was allegedly associated with a number of durable medical equipment providers that submitted fraudulent claims to insurers. Iqbal also laundered fraud proceeds obtained by the co-schemers and coordinated the transfer of money obtained through the scheme to Pakistan, the indictment states.
“Rooting out fraud is a priority for this Justice Department, and these defendants allegedly billed millions of dollars from Medicare and laundered the proceeds to Pakistan,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “These alleged criminals stole from a program designed to provide health care benefits to American seniors and the disabled, not line the pockets of foreign fraudsters. We will not tolerate these schemes that divert taxpayer dollars to criminals.”
“Every fraudulent submission in this case was a hand in the pocket of a senior citizen or disabled person who relies on Medicare to fund critically important care,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois. “The defendants didn’t just steal from a government program; they stole from taxpayers who fund the promise of healthcare in this country. The newly established Healthcare Fraud Section in the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to stop bad actors from draining public and private programs—especially those in the healthcare fraud space that would make it harder for legitimate patients to receive care.”
“Each fraudulent claim submitted by the defendants deprived other deserving patients from necessary medical resources and cost taxpayers their hard-earned money,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas S. DePodesta of the FBI Chicago Field Office. “The FBI, along with our network of investigative and prosecutorial partners, will bring to justice those who engage in egregious fraudulent schemes at the expense of the American public.”
“This scheme was built on a foundation of lies — fraudulent claims for services that were never provided and a deliberate effort to funnel millions of dollars overseas,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “These actions not only siphon funds from federal health care programs and private insurers but also undermine the integrity of programs meant to serve vulnerable patients. Our agency will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to dismantle these schemes and ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
The indictment charges Mirza with 12 counts of health care fraud and five counts of money laundering. Iqbal is charged with 12 counts of health care fraud, six counts of money laundering, and one count of making a false statement to U.S. law enforcement. Arraignments in federal court in Chicago have not yet been scheduled.
Three alleged co-schemers were previously indicted as part of this investigation and have pleaded guilty to federal health care fraud charges. Mir Akbar Khan, 57, of West Chicago, Illinois, recruited and managed individuals, including Fasiur Rahman Syed, 47, a citizen of India who resided in Chicago, to pose as the nominee owners of the purported medical businesses that Mirza and Iqbal used in their false submissions to Medicare. Navaid Rasheed, 43, a citizen of Pakistan who resided in Plano, Texas, admitted that he tracked payments of false claims in the United States to the nominee-owned companies, as well as disbursement of the fraud proceeds to the co-schemers. Khan, Syed, and Rasheed are awaiting sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Hayes for the Northern District of Illinois is prosecuting the case.
An indictment merely contains accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Foreign Nationals Indicted in Chicago as Part of $10 Million Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Two foreign nationals participated in a $10 million scheme to fraudulently bill Medicare and private insurers for nonexistent health care services, according to an indictment returned in federal court in Chicago.
In 2023 and 2024, BURHAN MIRZA and KASHIF IQBAL, along with several co-schemers, used nominee-owned laboratories and durable medical equipment providers to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare and private healthcare benefit programs for items and services that were not provided, the indictment states. Mirza, a Pakistani native who resided in Pakistan, obtained the identifying information of individuals, providers, and insurers without their knowledge and used the information to support the bogus claims submitted on behalf of the nominee-owned companies, the indictment states. Iqbal, a Pakistani native who resided in Lavon, Texas, was allegedly associated with a number of durable medical equipment providers that submitted fraudulent claims to insurers. Iqbal also laundered fraud proceeds obtained by the co-schemers and coordinated the transfer of money obtained through the scheme to Pakistan, the indictment states.
The indictment charges Mirza, 31, with 12 counts of healthcare fraud and five counts of money laundering. Iqbal, 48, is charged with 12 counts of healthcare fraud, six counts of money laundering, and one count of making a false statement to U.S. law enforcement. Arraignments in federal court in Chicago have not yet been scheduled.
The indictment was announced by Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General, Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Mario Pinto, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Chicago Regional Office. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Hayes of the Northern District of Illinois.
“Rooting out fraud is a priority for this Justice Department, and these defendants allegedly billed millions of dollars from Medicare and laundered the proceeds to Pakistan,” said Deputy Attorney General Blanche. “These alleged criminals stole from a program designed to provide health care benefits to American seniors and the disabled, not line the pockets of foreign fraudsters. We will not tolerate these schemes that divert taxpayer dollars to criminals.”
“Every fraudulent submission in this case diverts much needed monies from senior citizens and disabled persons who rely on Medicare to fund critically important health needs,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “The defendants didn’t just steal from a government program; they did damage to the promise of healthcare in this country and the peace of mind that comes with it. I was proud to form a new Healthcare Fraud Section in the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office last summer with the aim of guarding hardworking taxpayer funds. We will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to stop bad actors from draining public and private programs—especially those in the healthcare space that make it harder for legitimate patients to receive care.”
“Each fraudulent claim submitted by the defendants deprived other deserving patients from necessary medical resources and cost taxpayers their hard-earned money,” said FBI SAC DePodesta. “The FBI, along with our network of investigative and prosecutorial partners, will bring to justice those who engage in egregious fraudulent schemes at the expense of the American public.”
“This scheme was built on a foundation of lies—fraudulent claims for services that were never provided and a deliberate effort to funnel millions of dollars overseas,” said HHS-OIG SAC Pinto. “These actions not only siphon funds from federal health care programs and private insurers, but also undermine the integrity of programs meant to serve vulnerable patients. Our agency will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to dismantle these schemes and ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Three alleged co-schemers were previously indicted as part of this investigation and have pleaded guilty to federal healthcare fraud charges. MIR AKBAR KHAN, 57, of West Chicago, Ill., recruited and managed individuals, including FASIUR RAHMAN SYED, 47, a citizen of India who resided in Chicago, to pose as the nominee owners of the purported medical businesses that Mirza and Iqbal allegedly used in their false submissions to Medicare. NAVAID RASHEED, 43, a citizen of Pakistan who resided in Plano, Texas, admitted that he tracked payments of false claims in the United States to the nominee-owned companies, as well as disbursement of the fraud proceeds to the co-schemers. Khan, Syed, and Rasheed are awaiting sentencing.
mirza_et_al_indictment.pdfTwenty Free Money Gang Members and Associates Arrested on Racketeering, Murder, Drug Trafficking and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
An 18-count superseding indictment was unsealed yesterday in the Southern District of Texas charging 20 defendants – all alleged Free Money gang members and associates from Houston – with federal crimes, including racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, murder and attempted murder in aid of racketeering, Hobbs Act Robbery, and related firearm and drug offenses.
According to court documents, members and associates of Free Money, a violent, Houston-based street gang, used violence and intimidation to control their territory and retaliated against rival gang members, including by conducting numerous drive-by shootings, and raised money through drug trafficking and robberies.
“This twenty-defendant indictment alleges that the Free Money gang terrorized the streets of Houston with drive-by and calculated shootings, often in public places like grocery store parking lots, putting countless lives in danger,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These brazen tactics show the wide-ranging danger posed by violent gangs. The Criminal Division will continue to prioritize investigations and prosecutions of violent gang members so that innocent Americans get what they deserve – their communities restored and their lives unencumbered by the fear and carnage that these gangs perpetuate.”
“The indictment unsealed yesterday alleges that the Free Money gang engaged in a campaign of robbery, drug trafficking, and armed violence to intimidate their rivals and terrorize the people of Houston,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). “That ends now. Houstonians should be able to live their lives without fear of either themselves or their loved ones being robbed, maimed, or caught in the crossfire of gang warfare. SDTX’s message on this point is clear and unmistakable: if you’re thinking of engaging in violent, criminal conduct on a Houston street, think again. The Southern District has your number.”
“The sheer number of murders and shootings these individuals are suspected of freely carrying out for years, and the level of indiscriminate violence they’re accused of executing is alarming,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson of the FBI Houston Field Office. “Yesterday’s coordinated arrests across Houston are the result of years-long investigations by our FBI Houston team and our partners. We hope the residents of the Houston neighborhoods they terrorized can rest a little easier knowing that these individuals are free no more.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 24, 2022, in broad daylight, surveillance video captured defendants Terry Ardoin, 24, and Travonte Ardoin, 28, as they followed a Chevrolet Equinox into a shopping center parking lot. The driver of the Equinox entered a nearby store while the passenger remained in the vehicle. When the driver returned, the video showed the Ardoins exiting their vehicle wearing masks and opening fire on both individuals. Multiple rounds struck the Equinox’s passenger compartment, killing the passenger.
Surveillance Video of DefendantsFree Money members hunted for rival gang members throughout Houston and were indiscriminate when they attacked. For instance, on Aug. 3, 2022, defendant Shakeil Anderson, 23, and other Free Money members allegedly drove past and shot repeatedly into the home of the grandmother of a perceived rival gang member.
The gang allegedly financed the buying of guns and provided money to jailed fellow gang members through robberies and drug sales. For example, on June 3, 2024, defendant Walter Tolbert, 21, and other Free Money members allegedly stole jewelry, Sony PlayStations, and money from a pawn store, robbing the store employees at gunpoint.
The gang also targeted rival gangs for robberies. On Aug. 14, 2022, Free Money members and associates attempted to rob a rival gang member’s drug stash house and kill the inhabitants. Defendants Joci Barley, 26; Terrel Davis,28; Walter Tolbert; Shakeil Anderson; Jakobe Anderson, 24; Chase Franklin-Williams, 21; Terry Adroin; Travonte Ardoin; Deandre Thompson, 22; Emery Goodley, 26; Jymonte McClendon, 28; and Maurkael Brown, 31, allegedly planned the robbery of the drug stash house while at a Free Money meeting during which they avowed to “kill and do everything they needed to do” to rob the drugs and money they believed were in the house even knowing that the house was likely occupied. Luckily, law enforcement was able to stop the home invasion while the robbers were driving to the stash house location. During the police chase, Travonte Ardoin threw a gun out of his car window.
The gang allegedly also trafficked in crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. As alleged, defendant Orlando Calloway, 52, supplied crack cocaine to the gang by cooking cocaine the gang ordered.
FBI and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Texas Department of Public Safety.
Trial Attorney Ralph Paradiso of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Brown for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Houston. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas have partnered, along with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes gang members and associates have committed through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute violent offenders and prevent further violence.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Three Adult Sinaloa Cartel Associates Charged in Conspiracy to Use Teen Hitmen to Kill Cartel TargetRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – A federal grand jury has indicted alleged Sinaloa Cartel associates Poly Antunez, Antonio Quinones and Jovanny Enriquez for directing a plot to execute a cartel target in Chula Vista in March 2024 using two teen gang members as hitmen because the 15-year-olds were thought to be too young for serious legal consequences.
The indictment, unsealed today, charges the defendants with Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering; Conspiracy to Commit Murder for Hire; and Use of Interstate Facilities in Commission of Murder for Hire. Antunez was already in custody on another federal case in San Diego. Quinones and Enriquez were arrested by FBI agents yesterday and today, and they made their first appearances in San Diego federal court this afternoon.
“You want cowardice. I give you the Sinaloa Cartel hiring teenagers to do their dirty work,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon.
"Today’s indictment against violent Sinaloa Cartel associates for directing teenagers to be their personal hitmen is one step closer to obtaining the final justice in this case,” said TJ Holland, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to investigating, dismantling and eliminating these violent groups threatening our neighborhoods and holding them accountable for their roles in these cowardly criminal acts.”
According to the government’s detention memorandum, the adult defendants participated in the murder scheme and directed the actions of the teen hitmen, Andrew Nunez and Johncarlo Quintero, unleashing violence in a suburban strip mall and complex of family homes in Chula Vista. The adult defendants arranged for overnight lodging for the Los Angeles-based teen hitmen at an Airbnb in La Mesa; along with Nunez and Quintero, they stalked the target and his family throughout San Ysidro and Chula Vista; they were the critical points of contact between the hitmen, the Cartel, and Mexican Mafia; they coordinated with the hitmen as they attempted to kill the victim during the evening of March 26, 2024, but failed; and they regrouped with Nunez and Quintero before sending them on the second attempt in the early hours of March 27, 2024.
The detention memo notes that the violence was sparked by a cartel war in Tijuana. It was widely reported that in November 2023, the Cartel Arellano Felix (“CAF”) stole a massive load of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl from the Sinaloa Cartel in Tijuana, Mexico. The fallout in Tijuana was immediate. There were rampant retaliatory murders on CAF members and Tijuana law enforcement. Seeking retribution for the stolen drug load, the Cartel placed a hit on individuals the Cartel viewed as responsible, including the targeted victim in this case.
The Sinaloa Cartel first attempted to kill the victim at his home in Tijuana. The victim fled to the United States. Undeterred, the Cartel began using its contacts in San Diego to stalk the victim within the Southern District of California and attempt to kill him in March 2024.
The Cartel simultaneously used associates in the Mexican Mafia and Westside Wilmas, a sureños gang, to hire the teen hitmen to complete the job. Enriquez had just turned 18 years old, ran the Wilmas juvenile members, and coordinated with a high-ranking Mexican Mafia associate and Wilmas member Ricardo Sanchez to have Nunez and Quintero hired to commit the job. The benefit to Enriquez was clear in messages—he would be paid part of the money the teen assassins would receive and it would elevate his position.
According to the government’s detention memo, in a group chat between Enriquez, Nunez, Quintero, and fellow Wilmas gang members, the other members warn them: “Bru u guys are gonna do some stupid shit.” Enriquez answers: “We all getting new cars new chains new toys.” A gang member responds: “Be safe guys. I don’t wanna lose my friends. I need u guys.” Another unnamed gang member asks: “U guys hitmans now or what” and Quintero answers: “Basically.” And a gang member responds: “Anw Don’t Die Come back in one piece.”
The reason Enriquez and others chose Nunez and Quintero was clear in messages—Nunez and Quintero were only 15 years old at the time of the offenses, meaning under California law there was no possibility of them being treated as adults in California state court. The teen hitmen—, members of the Mexican Mafia-affiliated Westside Wilmas gang from the greater Los Angeles area—were not immune to prosecution under federal law. They were charged federally as adults and pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder charges, admitting they were acting as hired hitmen for the Sinaloa Cartel when they made two attempts in five hours to kill the cartel’s target. Please see press release here.
The first murder attempt occurred on March 26, 2024, in the parking lot of a Chili’s restaurant in Chula Vista, where the target was dining with his family. Nunez and Quintero pulled up behind the victim and his family. Quintero got out of the car and fired a single bullet that struck the target’s legs. After that single shot, Quintero’s firearm jammed, and he was unable to unjam the weapon in time to shoot again. Quintero got back into the car Nunez was driving, and Nunez attempted unsuccessfully to hit and kill the target with the vehicle. Quintero and Nunez then fled the scene.
Later that night, in the early hours of March 27, 2024, allegedly guided by the adult defendants, the teen hitmen showed up at the intended victim’s home to finish the job. They were joined this time by an older accomplice, 28-year-old Ricardo Sanchez. Each gang member expected to be paid approximately $50,000. The trio approached the target’s home, carrying at least one firearm apiece.
The intended target was at a hospital seeking medical treatment, but the victim’s family – including a child – and a friend were present in the home. Sanchez banged on the front door, and once the friend responded, Quintero and Nunez shot the friend and fired indiscriminately at the family home. The friend was hit in the hand, arm, and face by Quintero and Nunez, but he survived. In response to the gunfire, the friend shot toward Nunez, Quintero and Sanchez to protect himself and the others within the home and, in so doing, shot and killed Sanchez—a provocative-act murder to which Nunez and Quintero pleaded guilty. After that, the hitmen fled the scene.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Goff, Joshua Mellor, and Peter Horn.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 26cr0402-TWR
Poly Antunez Age: 30 Chula Vista, CA
Antonio Quinones Age: 27 Oceanside, CA
Jovanny Enriquez Age: 20 Long Beach, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1959(a)(5)
Maximum penalty: Ten years imprisonment
Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1959(a)(5), 2
Maximum penalty: Ten years imprisonment y
Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1959(a)(3), 2
Maximum penalty: Twenty years imprisonment
Conspiracy to Commit Murder for Hire – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1958(a)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years imprisonment
Use of Interstate Facilities in Commission of Murder for Hire – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1958(a)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years imprisonment
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Chula Vista Police Department
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
United States Marshals Service
California Highway Patrol
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF San Diego comprises agents and officers from FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals, Department of Defense, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Interpol, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
Third Leader Charged in Multi-State Forced Labor Conspiracy Involving Kingdom of God Global ChurchRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Michigan returned a superseding indictment yesterday against a third defendant for her alleged role in a forced labor conspiracy that victimized individuals in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri.
“This case reflects the gravity of forced labor schemes that strip victims of their basic human rights and subject them to physical and brutal psychological abuse,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Combating human trafficking is a top priority for the Department of Justice. We will relentlessly pursue those who facilitate and profit from forced labor and fight to obtain justice for survivors.”
“We will follow the evidence and meticulously build the case,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. for the Eastern District of Michigan “We thank our federal partners for their dogged pursuit of human traffickers.”
“Forced labor is a direct assault on human freedom,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “It strips victims of their dignity, their autonomy, and their basic right to control their own lives. Anyone who conspires to exploit and enslave others for profit will be held fully accountable under the law. This case demonstrates the strength of our federal, state, and local partnerships in dismantling a multi-state forced labor operation. We will not stop until these criminal networks are shut down and justice is delivered.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) is dedicated to fighting human trafficking to ensure the safety of all communities we serve,” said Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the IRS-CI Detroit Field Office. “Working together with our federal and local partners and leveraging IRS-CI’s unique investigative talents, we are able to disrupt suspected trafficking operations, keeping the vulnerable safe from becoming another victim.”
According to court documents, Kathleen Klein, also known as Prophetess, 53, was a leader and executive of Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC), formerly known as Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI). According to the indictment, Klein and co-defendants David Taylor and Michelle Brannon, ran a network of call centers across multiple states that used forced labor to solicit donations for KOGGC. Victims were forced to work grueling hours at the call centers without pay and pressured to hit impossible fundraising targets. When victims fell short of leaders’ goals or dared to push back, the punishment was severe: public humiliation, sleep deprivation, physical violence, withholding of food and shelter, forced repentance rituals, and threats of eternal damnation. Klein and her co-defendants allegedly controlled virtually every aspect of their victims’ lives. During the more than decade-long conspiracy, KOGGC collected roughly $50 million in donations, which leaders used to pay for personal real estate, vehicles, travel, and luxury goods.
In addition to adding Kathleen Klein as a defendant, the superseding indictment includes additional allegations including that Taylor frequently requested and received sexually explicit photographs and videos from KOGGC workers.
Klein is charged with conspiracy to commit forced labor, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Taylor and Brannon were first indicted on July 23, 2025, for conspiracy to commit forced labor, forced labor, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, Taylor and Brannon face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count.
The FBI and IRS-CI are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Lindsey Roberson and Christina Randall-James of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights & Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Resnick Cohen for the Eastern District of Michigan are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Third Leader Charged in Multi-State Forced Labor Conspiracy Involving Kingdom of God Global ChurchRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Michigan returned a superseding indictment yesterday against a third defendant for her alleged role in a forced labor conspiracy that victimized individuals in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Missouri.
“This case reflects the gravity of forced labor schemes that strip victims of their basic human rights and subject them to physical and brutal psychological abuse,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Combating human trafficking is a top priority for the Department of Justice. We will relentlessly pursue those who facilitate and profit from forced labor and fight to obtain justice for survivors.”
“We will follow the evidence and meticulously build the case,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. for the Eastern District of Michigan “We thank our federal partners for their dogged pursuit of human traffickers.”
“Forced labor is a direct assault on human freedom,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “It strips victims of their dignity, their autonomy, and their basic right to control their own lives. Anyone who conspires to exploit and enslave others for profit will be held fully accountable under the law. This case demonstrates the strength of our federal, state, and local partnerships in dismantling a multi-state forced labor operation. We will not stop until these criminal networks are shut down and justice is delivered.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) is dedicated to fighting human trafficking to ensure the safety of all communities we serve,” said Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the IRS-CI Detroit Field Office. “Working together with our federal and local partners and leveraging IRS-CI’s unique investigative talents, we are able to disrupt suspected trafficking operations, keeping the vulnerable safe from becoming another victim.”
According to court documents, Kathleen Klein, also known as Prophetess, 53, was a leader and executive of Kingdom of God Global Church (KOGGC), formerly known as Joshua Media Ministries International (JMMI). According to the indictment, Klein and co-defendants David Taylor and Michelle Brannon, ran a network of call centers across multiple states that used forced labor to solicit donations for KOGGC. Victims were forced to work grueling hours at the call centers without pay and pressured to hit impossible fundraising targets. When victims fell short of leaders’ goals or dared to push back, the punishment was severe: public humiliation, sleep deprivation, physical violence, withholding of food and shelter, forced repentance rituals, and threats of eternal damnation. Klein and her co-defendants allegedly controlled virtually every aspect of their victims’ lives. During the more than decade-long conspiracy, KOGGC collected roughly $50 million in donations, which leaders used to pay for personal real estate, vehicles, travel, and luxury goods.
In addition to adding Kathleen Klein as a defendant, the superseding indictment includes additional allegations including that Taylor frequently requested and received sexually explicit photographs and videos from KOGGC workers.
Klein is charged with conspiracy to commit forced labor, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Taylor and Brannon were first indicted on July 23, 2025, for conspiracy to commit forced labor, forced labor, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, Taylor and Brannon face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count.
The FBI and IRS-CI are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Lindsey Roberson and Christina Randall-James of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights & Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Resnick Cohen for the Eastern District of Michigan are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
St. Margaret’s Center Pays $1.3 Million Under the False Claims ActRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III announced today that the Center for Disability Services Holding Corporation, d/b/a St. Margaret’s Center (SMC), a skilled nursing facility located in Albany, New York, has agreed to pay $1,300,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by billing for care that was worthless and falsely attesting that it had implemented a compliance program that promoted quality care.
“St. Margaret’s Center receives millions of public healthcare dollars to care for very sick children,” said First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “Those children deserve quality care, and I expect all nursing homes will fulfill their obligations to vulnerable residents and the taxpayers who fund them. Thank you to the New York State Office of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for their collaboration on this case.”
This settlement resolves allegations that between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2023, SMC provided care that was grossly substandard and therefore worthless. During this time, New York State surveys, or inspections, revealed that SMC did not consistently provide sufficient nursing staff, ensure that residents were free of significant medication errors, or provide respiratory and tracheostomy care and suctioning. During one such survey the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) determined that SMC failed to adequately supervise three residents, jeopardizing their health or safety. NYSDOH placed SMC into “immediate jeopardy” status for over a month in 2022. Based on NYSDOH’s findings, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services placed SMC on its Special Focus Facility list which identifies nursing homes throughout the United States that have a history of serious quality issues.
As a condition of receiving federal and state Medicaid dollars, SMC annually certified that it adopted and implemented an effective compliance program that addressed quality of care. SMC admitted that its compliance program failed to meet the statutory compliance program requirements. For example, SMC’s compliance officer admitted under oath that they had “no idea” how to identify potential compliance risks associated with caring for medically fragile infants and children and was unaware that SMC had been placed in “immediate jeopardy” status by NYSDOH. SMC’s compliance program did not include quality of care as a potential risk area until March 2023, after the government investigation in this matter had commenced.
Contemporaneously with the settlement announced today, SMC agreed to enter into a quality-of-care Corporate Integrity Agreement with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), which will remain in effect for five years and address quality of care and resident safety within SMC.
The settlement resolves a whistleblower lawsuit filed under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act by two former SMC employees. The Act allows private persons to file civil actions on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. Under the settlement, the whistleblowers will receive approximately $247,000 of the settlement proceeds. The case is docketed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York under number 1:22-cv-0004.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York jointly investigated this matter with the Office of the New York Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Moran represented the United States.
Settlement Agreement###
St. Louis Man Accused of Robbery on Gateway Arch GroundsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis man has been accused in an indictment of a robbery on the grounds of Gateway Arch National Park.
Thomas Durgins, 19, was indicted Wednesday in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on one count of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The indictment accuses Durgins of stealing money and shoes from someone on the Arch grounds on Feb. 1, 2026, at gunpoint. Durgins was arrested Wednesday and appeared in court Thursday, where he pleaded not guilty.
A motion seeking to have Durgins held in jail until trial says he had arranged online to buy shoes, but instead produced a firearm and robbed the seller.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, 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.
Spartanburg Man Indicted for Intimidating Mail CarrierRead the Press Release
GREENVILLE, S.C. —A federal grand jury returned a single-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Michael C. Gresham, 77, of Spartanburg, with assaulting and intimidating a federal employee.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on Nov. 12, 2025, a mail carrier was delivering mail to Gresham’s residence in Spartanburg. As the mail carrier approached Gresham’s home, the mail carrier observed Gresham in the doorway with a firearm in his hand. Gresham opened a storm door and pointed the gun at the mail carrier. As the mail carrier ran from the home, he reported hearing one gunshot coming from the homeowner.
“Postal workers connect our communities every day through their service, and their safety is non-negotiable,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to work closely with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to ensure that anyone who threatens or harms these dedicated workers is held accountable.”
“Let this indictment serve as a reminder that the safety of all USPS employees remains one of the top priorities of the United States Postal Inspection Service,” said Atlanta Division Inspector in Charge Rodney Hopkins. “A mail carrier’s job is one of hard work and dedication and should be free from threats of violence while they carry out their duties.”
Gresham faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lothrop Morris is prosecuting the case.
All charges in an indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Southern District of Texas brings racketeering, murder, drug trafficking, and firearms charges against 20 alleged “Free Money” gang members and associatesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – An 18-count superseding indictment has been unsealed charging 20 alleged members and associates of a violent Houston-based street gang for their purported roles in a racketeering conspiracy (RICO) involving murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Law enforcement arrested 10 of the defendants today and they will be presented before a United States Magistrate Judge in Houston on these charges this week. The remaining ten defendants are already in custody on related federal charges.
According to court documents, members and associates of Free Money allegedly engaged in acts of violence, intimidation, drive-by shootings and murder to further the gang’s criminal enterprise. The indictment alleges Terry Ardoin, 24, and Travonte Ardoin, 28, both of Houston, committed a murder in connection with an ongoing gang war with a rival group.
“The indictment unsealed today alleges that the Free Money gang engaged in a campaign of robbery, drug trafficking, and armed violence to intimidate their rivals and terrorize the people of Houston. That ends now,” said United States Attorney Nicholas Ganjei of the Southern District of Texas. “Houstonians should be able to live their lives without fear of either themselves or their loved ones being robbed, maimed, or caught in the crossfire of gang warfare. SDTX’s message on this point is clear and unmistakable: if you’re thinking of engaging in violent, criminal conduct on a Houston street, think again. The Southern District has your number.”
“This gang terrorized the streets of Houston with their drive-by shootings in public places like grocery store parking lots and with their brazen, armed robberies,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These brazen tactics show the wide-ranging danger posed by violent gangs. The Criminal Division will continue to prioritize investigations and prosecutions of violent gang members so that innocent Americans get what they deserve – their communities restored and their lives unencumbered by the fear and carnage that these gangs perpetuate.”
“The sheer number of murders and shootings these individuals are suspected of freely carrying out for years, and the level of indiscriminate violence they’re accused of executing is alarming,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Houston Field Office Jason Hudson. “Today’s coordinated arrests across Houston are the result of years-long investigations by our FBI Houston team and our partners. We hope the residents of the Houston neighborhoods they terrorized can rest a little easier knowing that these individuals are ‘free’ no more.”
On June 24, 2022, in broad daylight, the Ardoins allegedly followed a Chevrolet Equinox carrying two individuals into a shopping center parking lot while driving a black Nissan Altima. After the driver entered a nearby store and the passenger remained inside the vehicle, the Ardoins allegedly exited the Altima wearing masks and opened fired on the vehicle. Multiple rounds struck the passenger compartment. Law enforcement responded within minutes and found one victim deceased.
The indictment alleges Free Money members targeted rival gang members throughout Houston. On Aug. 3, 2022, Shakeil Anderson, 23, and other alleged Free Money members fired multiple rounds into the home of the grandmother of a perceived rival gang member.
According to the charges, the gang allegedly financed firearms purchases and provided money to incarcerated members through robberies and drug sales. On June 3, 2024, Walter Tolbert, 21, and other alleged Free Money members allegedly robbed a pawn shop at gunpoint, stealing jewelry, Sony PlayStations and cash.
The indictment also alleges Free Money members targeted rival gangs for robbery. On Aug. 14, 2022, several alleged members attempted to rob a rival gang member’s stash house and kill the occupants. Joci Barley, 26, Terrel Davis, 28, Tolbert, Anderson, Jakobe Anderson, 24, Chase Franklin-Williams, 21, Terry Adroin, Travonte Ardoin, Deandre Thompson, 22, Emery Goodley, 26, Jymonte McClendon, 28, and Maurkael Brown, 31, allegedly planned the robbery during a gang meeting, during which they stated they would “kill and do everything they needed to do” to obtain the drugs and money they believed were inside, despite knowing the home was likely occupied.
Law enforcement stopped the group while en route to the location, according to the charges. During the subsequent pursuit, Travonte Ardoin allegedly threw a firearm from the vehicle.
The indictment further alleges the gang trafficked crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana. Orlando Calloway, 52, allegedly supplied crack cocaine to the gang by converting powder cocaine for redistribution.
The defendants face maximum sentences of life in prison for the RICO charges, and from ten years to life in prison on the drug trafficking and firearms charges. In addition, defendants Terry Ardoin and Travante Ardoin each face either mandatory life in prison or the death penalty if they are convicted of the charge of murder in aid of racketeering.
The FBI Houston field office and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hunter Brown and Trial Attorney Ralph Paradiso of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case.
This joint effort includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local, state and federal law enforcement and addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute gang members in the southwest and southeast areas of Houston. As part of the initiative, the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division has also dedicated attorneys and other resources to prosecuting violent offenders and assisting intervention, prevention and reentry efforts to address the root causes of violent crime, such as narcotics trafficking.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Source of supply for major drug trafficking ring appears in U.S. District Court in Seattle following transfer from MexicoRead the Press Release
Seattle – The Mexico-based leader of a violent drug trafficking organization was arraigned today in U.S. District Court in Seattle, following his transfer from Mexico, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Jose Luis Sanchez-Valencia, 58, was transported from Mexico to the United States last month. The indictment for four federal felonies was returned in 2022. Sanchez-Valencia is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and three counts of illegal use of a communication facility. Sanchez-Valencia entered a plea of “Not guilty,” and trial was set in front of U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on April 20, 2026.
“This defendant was the cartel-connected leader of a violent drug trafficking ring operating in the South Puget Sound region,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Floyd. “His telephone calls link him to the conspiracy and to a local leader who was shot outside a Kitsap County stash house. Our goal in these investigations is to bring the leaders to justice. Whether they are here in Washington or abroad, they are pulling the strings for the cartels that profit at the cost of human lives in our community.”
On February 28, 2023, a local leader of the drug ring, Jose Elias Barbosa, was sentenced to more than twelve years in prison for his leadership role in the drug trafficking organization tied to the CJNG cartel. The Sanchez-Valencia indictment cites three phone calls between Barbosa and Sanchez-Valencia tied to activities of the drug ring.
In November 2019, the DTO received a shipment of liquid methamphetamine concealed in candles. Barbosa helped DTO members to extract the methamphetamine and cook it into crystal form at a Port Orchard, Washington location. While law enforcement was surveilling the operation, Barbosa was shot behind the house.
The wiretapped calls in this investigation revealed a culture of violence. Members pursued those who owed drug debts to the organization and possessed firearms during the drug conspiracy. The wiretapped calls showed members discussed kidnappings, assaults, and even murders as ways to get debtors to pay up.
“This case underscores the relentless commitment of the Drug Enforcement Administration and our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent, cartel-connected drug trafficking organizations at every level,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “By bringing this defendant from Mexico to face justice in the United States, we are sending a clear message: no matter where cartel leaders attempt to hide, we will work across borders to hold them accountable. The trafficking of methamphetamine, concealed in everyday items like candle wax, demonstrates the lengths these organizations will go to poison our communities.”
Sanchez-Valencia was amongst 37 Mexican nationals wanted for serious crimes in the United States transferred into U.S. custody on Jan. 20. The Justice Department Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs coordinated the transfers.
The charges in the indictment have penalties of a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison.
The charges contained in the Sanchez-Valencia indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Amy Jaquette and C. Andrew Colasurdo.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Tacoma Resident Office in partnership with Tahoma Narcotics Enforcement Team (TNET), Kent Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, SeaTac Police Department, Thurston County Narcotics Team (TNT), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
This investigation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Seattle comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), The United States Marshals Service (USMS), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the United States Secret Service (USSS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington.
Slidell Man Indicted for Injury to Government Property and Federal Clean Water Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On February 12, 2026, BRYANT BROWN, (“BROWN”), age 58, of Slidell, was indicted for injuring government property, and violating the federal Clean Water Act, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1361 and Title 33, United States Code, Section 1319(c)(2)(A), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, beginning on or about March 2025 and continuing until or about June 12, 2025, BROWN discharged pollutants onto the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge. The pollutants caused property damages in excess of $1,000.00. The Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge is the largest urban wildlife refuge in the United States. It is comprised of wetlands that span nearly 30,000 acres.
For the injuring of government property offense, BROWN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. For the federal Clean Water Act offense, BROWN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three (3) years, a fine of not less than $5,000.00 nor more than $50,000.00 per day, up to one (1) year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.
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.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation Division, the Environmental Protection Agency-Office of Inspector General, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the United States Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans of the General Crimes Unit is prosecuting the matter.
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Sequoyah County Resident Sentenced to Thirty Years for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of A MinorRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Justin Floyd Qualls, a/k/a Jay Qualls, age 40, of Muldrow, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 360 months in prison for one count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On August 7, 2025, Qualls was found guilty of the charge by a federal jury at trial.
At trial, the United States presented evidence that in May of 2024, Qualls knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a child who had not attained 12 years of age.
The crime occurred in Adair County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation of Oklahoma, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
“This individual, who preyed on the innocence of a child for his own perverse gratification, will now face the consequences of his actions,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Qualls will spend three decades behind bars where he cannot harm another child.”
“I commend the FBI and prosecutors for their exceptional work in bringing the defendant to justice,” said United States Attorney Christopher J. Wilson. “Both the verdict handed down by the jury and the sentence imposed by the court should send the strong message that preying on children will not be tolerated.”
The Honorable Timothy M. Reif, Judge for the United States Court of International Trade, sitting by assignment in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Qualls 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 Jessie K. Pippin and Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.
Sedalia Man Sentenced for Attempted Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Sedalia, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for attempting to rob a local bank.
Cleburn Bruce Greene, 51, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Brian C. Wimes, to more than three years (37 months) in prison without parole for attempting to rob a bank.
On May 22, 2025, Greene pleaded guilty to one count of attempted bank robbery that occurred on October 1, 2024.
According to statements of bank employees and surveillance videos, Greene entered the bank at approximately 10:08 a.m. and went to the customer service counter where he wrote on a piece of paper. Greene then approached a teller and showed the note that read: “Give me your money.” The teller asked Greene if the male had an account at the bank and Greene stated: “No. this is a robbery.” Greene further stated: “Don’t play with me” and “don’t make me do something crazy,” or words to that effect. While the teller was typing on his computer to get access to emergency cash, Greene exited the bank and threw the note in a dumpster adjacent to the bank. Investigators later recovered the note. Surveillance video footage captured Greene flee the scene in a nearby Kia Sportage vehicle.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., Kansas City, Missouri Police Department Officers observed Greene in a restaurant parking lot in Kanas City, Mo. Greene was wearing the same clothing he had on during the attempted bank robbery. Greene drove to a gas station where officers arrested him without further incident.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the FBI and the Kansas City, Mo. Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Scott County Man Sentenced for Armed Fentanyl and Fluorofentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Georgetown, Ky., man, Jamon Ritter, 35, was sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove to 132 months for possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of fluorofentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to his plea agreement, on July 2, 2024, Ritter – who was wanted on active warrants – led law enforcement on a reckless, high-speed vehicular chase in Scott County, eventually bailing out of his vehicle and fleeing on foot before being apprehended. Following the chase, law enforcement searched the vehicle Ritter was driving and found a Glock pistol, ammunition, and a variety of drugs, which KSP laboratory testing determined to be 122 grams of fentanyl, 1.707 grams of cocaine, and 29.786 grams of fluorofentanyl. Ritter admitted possession of the narcotics during the search and also admitted to possessing the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime.
Under federal law, Ritter must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 5 years.
Paul McCaffrey, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Sheriff Jeremy Nettles, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, announced the sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by ATF and Scott County Sheriff’s Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker.
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Salvadoran National Pleads Guilty to Selling Firearms Without a LicenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salvadoran national unlawfully residing in Chelsea pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to making multiple illegal firearms sales.
Melbi Ovidio Ortez, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for May 6, 2026. In June 2025, Ortez was arrested and charged.
According to charging documents, Ortez was identified as an 18th Street Gang associate who supplied firearms and controlled substances to gang members. On four different occasions between April 3, 2025 and May 2, 2025, Ortez sold firearms and ammunition behind his Chelsea residence. Ortez sold a Glock 9mm caliber pistol; a Sturm and Ruger .22 caliber revolver; a Glock .40 caliber pistol; a Colt .380 caliber pistol; magazines; and over one hundred rounds of ammunition. In addition, the serial numbers on both the Glock 9mm pistol and the Colt .380 pistol had been defaced. The Glock 9mm pistol had been purchased only 20 days earlier from a licensed firearms dealer in New Hampshire. Ortez also sold cocaine two times during that same period.
The charge of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. 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; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Falmouth, Lynn, Medford, Nantucket and Revere Police Departments; Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Fraud Detection and National Security Unit; Massachusetts Department of Correction; and the Suffolk County and Middlesex County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Romanian Man Admits to Placing Credit Card Skimming Devices at Retailers in West VirginiaRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Romanian National has admitted to placing credit card skimming devices in several retailers in the Northern District of West Virginia, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Andrei Daniel Fagaras, age 36, illegally in the United States, pled guilty today to an access device fraud charge. According to the plea agreement, Fagaras worked with another defendant, Madalin Olar, to place a credit card skimming device at a self-checkout register in a Clarksburg, WV grocery store. The device was intended to collect credit card and debit card numbers which would in turn would allow fraudsters access to those credit cards and bank accounts. Fagaras was responsible for placing other skimming devices at nine locations across West Virginia. The estimated amount of intended fraud totals approximately $250,000.
Olar, a Romanian National, age 31, is facing six access device charges related to this case. His case is pending.
Fagaras faces up to 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Clarksburg Police Department investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
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.
Ring of Thieves Plead Guilty to Drug Trafficking, Bank Fraud and Mail Theft Conspiracy in Miami for $1.7M in Stolen Checks and Mail SchemeRead the Press Release
Five defendants pleaded guilty in federal court for their roles in a sophisticated scheme involving stolen U.S. Postal Service mail keys, which are pass keys for locked mailboxes, and counterfeit checks. These defendants were part of a ring of thieves who stole checks and other mail and then used counterfeit identification to cash the stolen checks that they had altered to higher amounts than originally intended.
According to court documents, from September 2021 through May 2023, the five defendants, all of Miami Gardens, Florida ─ Angel Joe Gonzalez, 28; Evens Necler Monestime, 27, David Gonzalez, 23, Cristina Azahares, 27, and Adriana Ginel, 56 ─ conspired to defraud federally insured financial institutions — banks. The scheme involved unlawfully getting and using U.S. Postal Service arrow keys to steal mail; opening stolen mail to acquire checks without authorization; producing counterfeit and forged checks using information from stolen checks; obtaining and using personal identifying information including names, addresses, bank account numbers, and signatures; depositing fraudulently altered checks into bank accounts they controlled; and using the illicit proceeds for personal gain and to advance the conspiracy. Some of the defendants were also involved in trafficking drugs.
Police learned of defendants’ crimes when, on May 3, 2023, Miami Gardens Police Department officers responded to reports of shots fired at a Miami Gardens residence shared by Angel Joe Gonzalez, Azahares, and Monestime. Officers found approximately $1.7 million in stolen checks and stolen mail, along with personal identifying information of individuals who did not live at the residence. Officers also seized six U.S. Postal Service mail keys; 40 debit and credit cards embossed with names of unknown individuals; additional checks addressed to and by different persons and companies; and numerous electronic devices including 27 cell phones, six laptops, a digital video recorder, and two Apple iPads.
The search also uncovered multiple firearms and ammunition, various narcotics packaged for sale, including heroin, cocaine, MDMA pills, and other controlled substances. Inside a Lexus registered to Gonzalez, officers found fentanyl and more cocaine, scales and baggies used for narcotics packaging, and additional debit and credit cards in other people’s names.
Angel Joe Gonzalez pleaded guilty to possession of stolen mail keys, conspiracy to commit money laundering, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Monestime pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, possession of stolen mail keys, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. David Gonzalez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of stolen mail keys. Cristina Azahares and Adriana Ginel each pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft for their role in cashing the altered and stolen checks.
Investigation also revealed that Angel Joe Gonzalez and David Gonzalez moderated a Telegram group of approximately 2,000 individuals where they sold stolen checks.
Angel Joe Gonzalez and Monestime each face a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. David Gonzalez, Cristina Azahares, and Adriana Ginel each face a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison and a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida; and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of FBI Miami Field Office, announced the guilty pleas.
The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the City of Miami Gardens Police Department.
Trial Attorneys Jennifer Burns and Alieu Kargbo of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Quinshawna Landon for the Southern District of Florida and are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Miami. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida have partnered, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes committed by gang members and associates through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute offenders and prevent violence.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Religious Liberty Commission Hosts Fifth Hearing on Anti-Semitism and Religious Liberty in the Private SectorRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – This week, the Religious Liberty Commission (RLC) held a hearing to discuss the dangers of rising anti-Semitism from the perspectives of students, teachers, and Jewish leaders. The hearing included panels with testimony from graduate students, coaches, university administrators, and relatives of Holocaust survivors, as well as individuals who experienced religious liberty issues in the private sector and employment contexts. It also included testimony from Justice Department and Civil Rights leaders on the front lines of combatting anti-Semitism through the legal system. The hearing’s objectives aimed to understand the ideologies behind anti-Semitism, recognize present threats to religious liberty in the private sector and employment, and identify opportunities to secure religious liberty in these contexts for the future.
"Religious liberty is our first and foundational freedom," said Chairman Dan Patrick. "Physical violence is the ultimate deprivation of this freedom. In recent years, our Jewish brothers and sisters have increasingly been faced with hostility and physical violence in their houses of worship and communities—as recently as this weekend, when a driver repeatedly rammed his car into a peaceful gathering at a Brooklyn Chabad. This is un-American and unacceptable. Following President Trump’s lead, the Religious Liberty Commission will be fully considering this issue to ensure that all Americans enjoy the full freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment."
The witnesses included:
Yitzchok Frankel: Plaintiff in Frankel v. Regents of the University of California
In the wake of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel, anti-Jewish protests emerged on college campuses nationwide. At UCLA, activists set up an encampment and enforced a “Jew Exclusion Zone,” segregating Jewish students and faculty and preventing them from attending class or accessing campus spaces. UCLA’s administration ordered police to stand down allowing the activists to wreak havoc on campus through the 2024-25 academic year. Three Jewish UCLA students and a Jewish UCLA professor sued UCLA in federal court. After battling the suit for more than a year, UCLA ultimately agreed to a permanent court order and paid more than $6 million in damages and fees.
Shabbos Kestenbaum: American Jewish Activist, Political Commentator
Kestenbaum is an American Jewish activist who filed a lawsuit against Harvard University over accusations that the school had failed to protect Jewish students from anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination.
Rabbi Ari Berman: President, Yeshiva University
Berman is a global faith leader, distinguished scholar, and educational visionary who is shaping contemporary discourse at the intersection of faith, ethics, and higher education. As the fifth president of Yeshiva University, Dr. Berman has anchored the university on the twin pillars of academic excellence and values-based education, guiding it into a new era of growth and innovation as a global leader in higher education.
Coach Bruce Pearl: Founder, Jewish Coaches Association
The all-time winningest coach in Auburn men’s basketball history, head coach Bruce Pearl has made the program into a national power by leading the Tigers to a pair of Final Fours, five Southeastern Conference Championships and six NCAA Tournament appearances in 11 seasons. Pearl is a Founder and Senior Advisor of the Jewish Coaches Association, a non-profit organization working to foster the growth and development of individuals of the Jewish faith at all levels of sports, both nationally and internationally.
Leo Terrell: Chair of DOJ’s Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights
Terrell is an American civil rights attorney and former talk radio host who has frequently appeared on Fox News programs. Previously a Democrat, in a July 2020 interview, he declared his support for President Donald Trump—the first time he declared support for a Republican Party presidential candidate. In January 2025, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to appoint Terrell as Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division in the United States Department of Justice, where he currently serves as the Chair of the Department’s Task Force to Combat Antisemitism.
Dr. Elizabeth Spalding: Author, Lifelong Educator, and Religious Liberty Advocate
A lifelong educator and frequent public speaker, Spalding is a Visiting Fellow at Hillsdale College’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government in Washington, D.C. She is a Senior Fellow at the Pepperdine University School of Public Policy and serves as the Chairman of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation where she is also Founding Director of the Victims of Communism Museum. Spalding has taught on subjects ranging from the American presidency, religion and politics, and comparative ideologies to U.S. foreign policy, national security, and international relations. Her expertise is regularly sought for documentaries, podcasts, and other media outlets. She also serves on the Board of the Institute on Religion and Democracy.
Dr. Moshe Glick: Member of Congregation Ohr Torah in West Orange, New Jersey
Glick is a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected community leader in West Orange, New Jersey, who was unfairly charged with assault after coming to the aid of someone attacked by pro-Hamas protestor in November 2024. Last month, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy pardoned Glick, wiping away state charges and ending his baseless prosecution. The Justice Department filed a civil complaint under the FACE Act against entities and individuals who targeted Ohr Torah synagogue in West Orange, New Jersey, during the November 2024 incident that escalated into violence.
Liat Cohen-Reeis: Founder, The Jewish-Christian Alliance
Cohen-Reeis is a Jewish leader in the San Diego area who founded an interfaith organization to bring together Christians and Jews for worship and fellowship.
Pastor JC Cooper: Pastor, The Mission Church, San Diego
Cooper is the Associate Pastor of the Mission Church, which has locations in Carlsbad, Encinitas, Cardiff, Del Mar, and Rancho Santa Fe. His church community was targeted by violent protests after hosting joint Jewish-Christian worship events.
Seth Dillon: CEO, The Babylon Bee
Dillon is the CEO of The Babylon Bee, a fast-growing news satire site that has overtaken The Onion in traffic and engagement. Taking on the tone of a traditional news media publication, the Bee satirizes real-world events and public figures. Dillon's experience with censorship and deplatforming has placed him on the front lines of the battle for free speech in the public square. He now speaks on college campuses and at conferences across the country about the effectiveness of humor, the moral imperative of mockery, and the dangers of censorship.
John Mertens: Acting Deputy Chief, Education Section for the Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice
John P. Mertens joined the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice in September 2025, after nearly twenty years as a litigator in private practice. He has represented civil rights plaintiffs on issues from political expression to freedom of consciousness. In July 2025, he completed a second term as president of the Board of Trustees of the largest synagogue by membership in the State of Utah.
Fr. Thomas Ferguson: Pastor, Good Shepard Parish
Father Thomas Ferguson is the pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Alexandria, Virginia. He is the author of Catholic and American: The Political Theology of John Courtney Murray.
Rabbi Meir Soloveichik: Rabbi, Congregation Shearith Israel
Meir Y. Soloveichik is Rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel- the oldest Jewish congregation in the United States, the Director of the Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought at Yeshiva University, and a Senior Scholar at the Tikvah Fund. He graduated summa cum laude from Yeshiva University, and received his Phd in religion from Princeton University. Rabbi Soloveichik's recent book is Providence and Power: Ten Portraits in Jewish Statesmanship. Much of his writing and academic work focuses on the American Founding, and the unique story and role of religion in the United States. His podcasts include Bible365, a daily study of the Hebrew Bible that completes all of Jewish scripture in a year, and Jerusalem365, which tells the 4,000 year history of Jerusalem. In 2018 Rabbi Soloveichik was awarded the Canterbury Medal for his work on behalf of religious liberty by the Becket Fund.
Ambassador Sam Brownback: Former Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom, Former Governor of Kansas
Sam Brownback formerly served as Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom and continues to work with coalitions around the globe to promote and protect the fundamental human right to religious liberty. Brownback was the 46th Governor of Kansas. He was first elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. He left office after being confirmed to the position of Ambassador-at-Large in January 2018. Prior to becoming governor, Brownback served in a number of elected government offices in Kansas. After one term in the House of Representatives, he served as Senator for Kansas from 1996-2011, having first won a special election to fill the seat left vacant by Bob Dole (R). Brownback began his political career in 1986 when he became the youngest individual to be the Secretary of Agriculture in the state's history. During his tenure as Secretary, Brownback did double duty as a White House Fellow under the administration of George H.W. Bush. Brownback is a licensed attorney, having graduated from the University of Kansas School of Law.
Lacey Smith: Former Alaska Airlines Employee
In February 2021, Alaska Airlines posted an internal company message announcing its support for the “Equality Act,” a controversial bill that, among other things, would gut protection for people of faith under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Employees were invited to comment on the post, to which Smith respectfully expressed her concerns with the bill. Her post was swiftly deleted, work schedule paused, and within a month, Smith was fired. Since then, Smith has chosen to speak out and continue the fight for religious freedom.
Hermione Susana: Hospitality Worker, New York City
Susana is lifelong New Yorker who built a career as a hospitality industry worker. She was working in three different premium stadium and arena venues when her living was jeopardized because her religious beliefs were not accommodated in the face of corporate and city vaccine mandates.
Watch the hearing HERE.
The Religious Liberty Commission was established by President Trump under Executive Order 14291 and is tasked with producing a comprehensive report on the foundations of religious liberty in America, increasing awareness of and celebrating America’s peaceful religious pluralism, highlighting current threats to religious liberty, and developing strategies to preserve and enhance protections for future generations.
Prolific Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 96 Months for Role in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Ricky Jackson, 67, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 96 months in federal prison in connection to his role in a large drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in the Nation’s capital, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Jackson pleaded guilty on Oct. 7, 2025, before Judge Trevor N. McFadden to a charge of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams of fentanyl. In addition to the 96-month prison term, Judge McFadden ordered Jackson to serve five years of supervised release.
“Thanks to our prosecutors, a 10-time convicted felon and drug-trafficker is off the streets and behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. “Jackson went so far as to target drug addicts seeking rehabilitation by selling drugs outside of rehabilitation and treatment facilities in Southeast Washington D.C., but now he won’t be bringing down this community anymore.”
According to court documents, Jackson was a prolific narcotics redistributor who collaborated with other members of the conspiracy to obtain wholesale quantities of fentanyl which he in turn cut and repackaged for other redistributors and purchasers in the district.
Jackson obtained bulk quantities – up to 24 grams of fentanyl – five or six times each week. Jackson then redistributed the narcotic in Southeast Washington D.C. in the vicinity of methadone clinics.
He was arrested on Nov. 29, 2023, and has remained continuously detained since that date. Jackson has approximately 10 prior convictions that include violent crimes like armed robbery, voluntary manslaughter, and drug trafficking offenses.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement were DEA Special Agent in Charge Chris Goumenis of the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division Office, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office, ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Washington Field Division, and Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
This matter was investigated by the DEA Washington Division, the FBI Washington Field Office, the ATF Washington Field Division, and the MPD. It was prosecuted Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Eliopoulos and Matthew Kinskey.
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Previously Convicted Felon Charged with Firearm and Ammunition OffenseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn man with multiple prior criminal convictions has been charged with unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition.
Derrick Poe, 40, was charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Poe is currently in state custody and is scheduled to appear in federal court on Feb. 18, 2026.
It is alleged that between Dec. 2, 2025 and Dec. 18, 2025, Poe allegedly distributed crack cocaine to undercover law enforcement in three separate controlled purchases in Salem, Mass. Poe was arrested after the third controlled purchase. According to court records, a subsequent search of Poe’s Lynn residence resulted in the recovery of suspected crack cocaine and other evidence of drug distribution as well as three firearms and ammunition. Two of the firearms were privately made polymer-80 pistols, bearing no serial numbers, which are commonly referred to as “ghost guns.” The third firearm was a Springfield Armory 9mm pistol that had been reported stolen from Columbus, Ohio:
According to court records, Poe is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions, including in Alabama. These include a 2006 conviction for unlawful possession of a controlled substance and robbery as well as a 2012 conviction for receiving stolen property. Poe received concurrent 10year and 20-year sentences for the 2006 drug and robbery offenses – sentences which were later suspended and he was ordered to serve four years in prison followed by four years of supervised probation. As for the 2012 receipt-of-stolen-property offense, Poe received a 69-month prison sentence that was suspended, with credit for time served, and was placed on probation for 60 months. In 2016, he was convicted in Massachusetts state court of possessing Class B drugs with intent to distribute.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 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 other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas A. Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aidan Lang of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Praetorian Group International CEO sentenced to 20 years in prison for $200M bitcoin Ponzi schemeRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Chief Executive Officer of a multi-level marketing and bitcoin trading firm was sentenced today to 20 years in prison following his conviction on wire fraud and money laundering charges for operating a Ponzi scheme that defrauded over 90,000 investors worldwide.
According to court documents, Ramil Ventura Palafox, 61, a dual citizen of the United States and the Philippines, owned and operated Praetorian Group International (PGI) and served as PGI’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and chief promoter. Palafox falsely claimed that PGI was engaged in bitcoin trading, and he promised daily returns of 0.5 to 3%. PGI was not trading bitcoin at a scale capable of making the promised returns, however, and Palafox was paying the investors back with their own money or with funds received from other investors.
From December 2019 to October 2021, at least 90,000 investors worldwide invested more than $201,000,000 in PGI, including at least $30,295,289 in fiat currency and at least 8,198 bitcoin worth $171,498,528. As a result of Palafox’s actions, investors suffered losses totaling at least $62,692,007.
Palafox created a PGI website for investors to review their purported investment performance. From 2020 through 2021, Palafox caused the online portal to consistently and fraudulently misrepresent that victims’ investments were gaining value, misleading them to believe that their investments were profitable and secure.
Palafox spent money on expenses that served both personal purposes and to promote the fraudulent scheme. He spent approximately $3 million on 20 luxury vehicles, including automobiles by Porsche, Lamborghini, McClaren, Ferrari, BMW, Bentley, and others. Palafox spent approximately $329,000 on penthouse suites at a luxury hotel chain and purchased four homes in Las Vegas and Los Angeles worth more than $6 million. Palafox spent another $3 million of investors’ money to buy clothing, watches, jewelry, and home furnishings at luxury retailers, including Louboutin, Neiman Marcus, Gucci, Versace, Ferragamo, Valentino, Cartier, Rolex, and Hermes, among others. He transferred at least $800,000 in fiat currency, plus an additional 100 bitcoin, then valued at approximately $3.3 million, to one of his family members.
The FBI Washington Field Office and the IRS Criminal Investigation Washington D.C. Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jack Morgan and Annie Zanobini and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Bedell prosecuted the case.
Victims of PGI may be entitled to restitution payments. Information about how to submit a restitution claim can be found here.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-5.
Panola County Man Sentenced for Cocaine DistributionRead the Press Release
Aberdeen, MS – Irish Lee of Como, MS was sentenced today to 5 years in prison for distributing cocaine.
According to court documents, Irish Lee, 49, previously pled guilty to cocaine distribution on November 13, 2025. Lee was charged in an indictment which also named Christopher Mack as a co-defendant. Mack also pled guilty to distribution of cocaine and is awaiting sentencing on March 19, 2026 before the Honorable Michael P. Mills, Senior United States District Court Judge.
Senior U.S. District Court Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Lee today to 60 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Lee was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following sentencing.
U.S. Attorney Scott F. Leary of the Northern District of Mississippi and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff made the announcement.
“Several years ago, our border opened up and drugs poured into our country,” states U.S. Attorney Leary. “The price of drugs then dropped precipitously. Drug cartels took advantage of this situation and made hundreds of millions of dollars by overdosing our kids and taking our money. Cheap drugs resulted in an increase in gang activity and violent crime throughout our district. A response to this crisis was the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative, of which this case is a part. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, drug trafficking rings, human smuggling, child trafficking or other crimes involving children. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting such crimes. The Mississippi HSTF is comprised of agents from FBI, HSI, ATF, DEA, among others, who work closely with the United States Attorney’s Office. I want to commend the FBI for leading this investigation, their tenacity and professionalism is superb. I also want to commend prosecutor Chad Doleac. We are blessed in the Northern District of Mississippi to have the most capable narcotics prosecutors in the nation, and Chad Doleac is one of them. We work for the people of the Northern District of Mississippi. The HSTF initiative is an important component of our service to you. Please contact law enforcement if you become aware of these crimes. We will respond.”
“Illegal drugs like cocaine devastate communities across our nation and have no place in Mississippi,” states FBI SAC Eikhoff. “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: drugs will not be tolerated, and Mississippi will not be a safe haven for drug traffickers and distributors. The FBI, the Cleveland Police Department, the Homeland Security Task Force, and our law enforcement partners will continue to work tirelessly to pursue individuals like Mr. Lee who bring these harmful substances into our communities.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chad Doleac prosecuted the case.
Norwalk Man Convicted of Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal jury in New Haven today found CHRISTOPHER MILES, 40, of Norwalk, guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to the evidence introduced during the trial, in the early morning hours of September 13, 2023, Miles inadvertently left a loaded Glock 9mm pistol inside the restroom of a restaurant in Norwalk. After a restaurant employee discovered the firearm while cleaning the restroom, the restaurant manager contacted Norwalk Police. Analysis of surveillance video from the restaurant confirmed that Miles had entered the restroom shortly before an employee discovered the firearm, and also shows Miles returning to the restaurant in an attempt to retrieve it. Subsequent analysis of the firearm revealed the presence of Miles’ DNA.
Miles’ criminal history includes state convictions for assault in the first degree, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, and sale of a narcotic substance. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
At sentencing, Miles faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.
Miles has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on November 21, 2023.
This matter has been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Norwalk Police Department, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Division of Scientific Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Gresham and Rahul Kale.
New York Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Drug Trafficking in Franklin CountyRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A New York man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for possessing heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine base with the intent to distribute those substances.
U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced Oscarlin Peguero Ortiz, 27, to 30 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Ortiz pleaded guilty on July 23, 2025.
According to court records, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the suspected trafficking of illegal narcotics from an Avon residence. In July 2020, investigators executed a search warrant and found Ortiz inside the residence. During a search of the residence, law enforcement seized approximately 85 grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl and 40 grams of crack cocaine. Investigators also seized digital scales, drug paraphernalia, and over $8,000 in cash.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Maine State Police, Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
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Mississippi Man Indicted for Arson of Beth Israel Synagogue and the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish LifeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19, of Madison, Mississippi, was charged by superseding indictment Tuesday, February 10, 2026, with civil rights and arson offenses related to the burning of the Beth Israel Congregation and the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life building. Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Harmeet K. Dhillon, United States Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger for the Southern District of Mississippi, and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office made the announcement.
According to court documents from his arrest, Pittman is alleged to have used gasoline to set fire to the religious building in the early morning hours of Saturday, January 10, 2026. The fire resulted in extensive damage to a significant portion of the building and rendered it inoperable for an indefinite period time.
“The Department of Justice will not tolerate attacks on houses of worship,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This superseding indictment shows that we will investigate and we will prosecute such vicious attacks that strike at the core of our country’s long tradition of religious liberty.”
“I applaud our law enforcement partners for their swift response to this heinous act of hate-fueled violence,” said United States Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger. We Americans should not fear for our safety because of our faith. The superseding indictment demonstrates our commitment to that cause.”
According to its website, the Beth Israel Congregation was founded in 1860, and it has operated in its present location since 1967. On September 18, 1967, the then-new temple on Old Canton Road was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan. The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life provides services to Jewish communities in 13 states and comprehensive religious school programs to 70 Jewish congregations and offers traveling rabbinical services.
Pittman was charged in the three-count indictment with violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i), which prohibits arson of property used in interstate commerce or used in an activity affecting interstate commerce, Title 18, United States Code, Section 247, which prohibits damaging or destroying religious real property because of the character of that property, and Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(h), which prohibits the use of fire during the commission of a federal felony.
The FBI, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Jackson Police Department, and Jackson Fire Department are investigating the case.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matt Allen, Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Buckner and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Taylor Payne.
A criminal indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.