Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
12 February 2026
Cleaning Service Owner Pleads Guilty to Employment Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
A former Nevada business owner pleaded guilty today to willfully failing to pay over employment taxes on behalf of the cleaning company she owned and operated.
According to court documents and statements made in court: Deborah Meadows, 64, formerly of Las Vegas, owned and operated A to Z Employment Services LLC, which provided carpet, upholstery and roadside cleaning services in Nevada. Meadows controlled all financial matters related to the company. She also was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare and income taxes from her employees’ wages and paying those funds over to the IRS, as well as filing quarterly employment tax returns with the IRS.
From the first quarter of 2010 through the fourth quarter of 2020, however, Meadows withheld taxes from her employees’ wages but did not pay over those taxes to the IRS or file the required quarterly employment tax returns. From 2018 through 2021, Meadows also did not file individual tax returns, even though she was required to do so by law. In total, Meadows caused a tax loss to the U.S. government exceeding $1.2 million.
After the IRS began investigating Meadows, she took steps to obstruct the grand jury investigation. In response to a grand jury subpoena, Meadows provided investigators with altered bank records and inaccurate tax records. These altered bank records purportedly showed that another company Meadows owned had made sizeable tax payments to the IRS, when in fact the company had not made any such payments. She also provided inaccurate individual and employment tax returns that allegedly showed taxes paid to the IRS, when in fact Meadows knew at the time that she had never paid such taxes.
Meadows pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to account for and pay over trust fund taxes. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Meadows is scheduled to be sentenced on May 21, 2026.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant Deputy Chief Eric Powers and Trial Attorney Regina Jeon of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.
Cleaning Service Owner Pleads Guilty to Employment Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS — A former Nevada business owner pleaded guilty today to willfully failing to pay over employment taxes on behalf of the cleaning company she owned and operated.
According to court documents and statements made in court: Deborah Meadows, 64, formerly of Las Vegas, owned and operated A to Z Employment Services LLC, which provided carpet, upholstery, and roadside cleaning services in Nevada. Meadows controlled all financial matters related to the company. She also was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare and income taxes from her employees’ wages and paying those funds over to the IRS, as well as filing quarterly employment tax returns with the IRS.
From the first quarter of 2010 through the fourth quarter of 2020, however, Meadows withheld taxes from her employees’ wages but did not pay over those taxes to the IRS or file the required quarterly employment tax returns. From 2018 through 2021, Meadows also did not file individual tax returns, even though she was required to do so by law. In total, Meadows caused a tax loss to the U.S. government exceeding $1.2 million.
After the IRS began investigating Meadows, she took steps to obstruct the grand jury investigation. In response to a grand jury subpoena, Meadows provided investigators with altered bank records and inaccurate tax records. These altered bank records purportedly showed that another company Meadows owned had made sizeable tax payments to the IRS, when in fact the company had not made any such payments. She also provided inaccurate individual and employment tax returns that allegedly showed taxes paid to the IRS, when in fact Meadows knew at the time that she had never paid such taxes.
Meadows pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to account for and pay over trust fund taxes. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Meadows is scheduled to be sentenced on May 21, 2026.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jarom Gregory for the IRS Criminal Investigation's Phoenix Field Office made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant Deputy Chief Eric Powers and Trial Attorney Regina Jeon of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.
###
City Man Who Committed Armed Robbery and Shot at Philadelphia Police Officers Sentenced to over 15 Years in Prison for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Carlian Gonzalez, 36, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 188 months in prison and five years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Kai N. Scott for possession of a firearm by a felon.
The defendant was charged by indictment in June 2024 and pleaded guilty last November.
As detailed in court filings and statements, on September 14, 2023, Gonzalez robbed a victim of his cell phone on a sidewalk in North Philadelphia, pointing a gun to his head and demanding he turn over his phone. Shortly after the robbery, the victim stopped police officers patrolling the area and informed them that Gonzalez had robbed him and was armed with a gun.
The officers followed behind Gonzalez and activated their lights and sirens, in an attempt to stop him. Video footage shows Gonzalez dismount the bicycle he was riding, raise his arm, and fire several shots at the police vehicle. One officer returned fire and hit Gonzalez in the ankle, causing Gonzalez to fall and drop his gun, which the defendant knew that he was not permitted to possess, due to his status as a convicted felon.
This case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Osborne.
Cincinnati Man Convicted of Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky.- A Cincinnati, Ohio, man was convicted on Thursday by a federal jury in Lexington of possession with intent to distribute a fentanyl analogue and fentanyl.
After 2 hours of deliberation following a two-day trial, the jury convicted 32-year-old Daquan Gatling of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to evidence presented at trial, on March 17, 2024, Gatling crashed into a utility pole in the Georgetown corridor area of Lexington and fled the scene of the accident. Officers searched the vehicle and found drugs, a scale, and plastic baggies in a backpack in the backseat. The evidence in the case connected him to the collision and the drugs found inside the vehicle, which were tested and found to contain more than 100 grams of a mixture of a fentanyl analogue and more than 40 grams of fentanyl. At the time of the offense, Gatling was on federal supervised release following a conviction in the Eastern District of Kentucky for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Paul McCaffrey, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Colin Jackson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the conviction.
The investigation was conducted by HSI and Lexington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle Winslow and Joel King are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
Gatling is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16. He faces a minimum of 10 years in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing a sentence.
— END —
Chautauqua county man pleads guilty to possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jose Perez, 41, of Celeron, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that on December 15, 2022, a search warrant was executed at Perez’s residence after he uploaded a child pornography file to Dropbox, an electronic service provider that offers internet-based file storage services. During the search, Perez’s cell phone was seized. A subsequent examination of the phone revealed approximately three images and one video of child pornography. Some of the images depicted prepubescent minors less than 12 years old engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In addition, Perez admits that, on two or more occasions, he engaged in the sexual abuse, exploitation, and attempted sexual abuse and exploitation of a minor.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 22, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.
# # # #
Carroll, Iowa Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Meth and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
Shawn Zak, 32, from Carroll, Iowa, pled guilty February 11, 2026, in federal court in Sioux City to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and illegal possession of a firearm.
At the plea hearing, Zak admitted that from June 2025 through September 2025, he and others conspired to distribute more than 1500 grams of methamphetamine in the Carroll, Iowa, area. On September 11, 2025, Zak was approached by law enforcement based on an active warrant for his arrest. At the time Zak provided a false name to officers and he was arrested. During his arrest, Zak had a brief, physical struggle with law enforcement. Law enforcement seized 53.19 grams of pure methamphetamine, some marijuana, .22 caliber ammunition, indicia of drug dealing including baggies, syringes, and scale weights from the vehicle. Zak admitted he planned to distribute the methamphetamine to others. Law enforcement later recovered a .22 caliber handgun which Zak possessed in the vehicle in which he was stopped. Zak further admitted he received the .22 caliber handgun from another person earlier in September 2025.
Zak was previously convicted of burglary in January 2023 in Iowa and criminal trespass in Pennsylvania in 2017. The felony convictions prohibited Zak from possessing a firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Zak remains in custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Zak faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Carroll County Sheriff’s Office; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-3049. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Career Offender Sentenced to over 15 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Kelly Bruce Duncan, Jr., who has previous felony drug convictions, will spend the next 188 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down Tuesday, February 10, 2026, by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky.
A federal grand jury indicted Duncan, 43, of Lamar, in a three-count Indictment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance with a drug trafficking crime. On September 29, 2025, Duncan pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Duncan to three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On June 8, 2024, law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Duncan after observing a traffic violation. The vehicle, which had fictitious tags, fled at a high rate of speed, reaching speeds up to 112 miles per hour while passing other vehicles, driving in the oncoming traffic lane multiple times, running a stop sign, and while making a turn, striking another passenger car that contained a juvenile in a car seat. Duncan drove down an ATV trail, eventually causing the vehicle to become inoperable. The pursuit was approximately 21 minutes long and covered approximately 35 miles. Duncan then fled on foot, and law enforcement saw Duncan holding a revolver. Duncan stated to law enforcement, “I’ve got a gun.” Law enforcement gave Duncan several commands to drop the firearm, while Duncan was stating he was not going back to jail. After several minutes, Duncan eventually dropped the firearm on the ground and was placed into custody. The loaded firearm was a Taurus, .45/.410 revolver.
During the search of Duncan’s person, two separate clear baggies were found in his front right pocket containing methamphetamine (6.7885 grams in one bag confirmed to be methamphetamine by the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, with a second bag weighing 1.2544 grams not tested), along with a .410-gauge shell. A handgun holster was located near the vehicle, and drug paraphernalia was inside the vehicle console. During the transport to the detention center Duncan made statements that he was planning to drive the vehicle off into the creek hoping to evade the officers and acknowledged possessing the firearm. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Duncan’s Facebook account and located messages between Duncan and others regarding the acquisition and distribution of ounce quantities of methamphetamine. Duncan admitted he was involved in the distribution of at least 200 grams of methamphetamine.
Duncan has prior felony convictions dating back to 2001. His prior felony convictions include possession of firearms by certain person, felony fleeing, two counts of delivery of methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine with purpose to deliver.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Pope County Sheriff’s Office and the Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force.
# # #
Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
X (formerly known as Twitter):
@USAO_EDAR
California Man Makes Initial Appearance for Transmitting a Demand for RansomRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – A California man charged with transmitting a demand for ransom made an initial appearance today in federal court in Tucson, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine.
Derrick Callella, 42, of Hawthorne, California, is charged with transmitting a demand for ransom in interstate commerce, and without disclosing his identity, utilizing a telecommunications device with intent to abuse, threaten or harass a person.
According to the criminal complaint, Callella is alleged to have sent the demands via two text messages to a missing person’s family on Feb. 4, 2026. He is also alleged to have made a 9-second phone call to a family member.
Through the course of the investigation, it was found that Callella was acting as an imposter, trying to take advantage of the ongoing situation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI will continue to hold this defendant accountable and any other individuals who seek to interfere with federal investigations or profit from the victim family’s grief.
A criminal complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
CASE NUMBER: 26-04209MJ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026- 025_Callella
# # #
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.
Caldwell Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison for Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
BOISE – Emanuel Avalos, 30, of Caldwell was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced.
According to court records, in April of 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Nampa Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit began investigating Avalos for distributing methamphetamine in the Treasure Valley. On April 3, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Avalos’s residence in Caldwell, Idaho. In the residence, law enforcement found Avalos attempting to flush a bag of methamphetamine down the toilet. In Avalos’s bedroom, investigators found more methamphetamine, an AR style rifle with three loaded magazines, and approximately $8,210.00.
In total, law enforcement recovered 975 grams (over two pounds) of methamphetamine which Avalos possessed with the intent to distribute to others.
U.S. Attorney Davis commended the work of the Idaho State Police which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kane Venecia prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney position.
###
Buffalo man going to prison for his role in a drug trafficking organization and failing to appear in courtRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Omar Vazquez-Baez, a/k/a Tutu, 33, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, five kilograms or more of cocaine, was sentenced to serve a total of 146 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Vazquez-Baez received 120 months for his drug conviction and 46 months for failing to appear in court for his original sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that between July 2017 and September 29, 2017, Vazquez-Baez conspired with others to distribute cocaine in the Niagara Falls area for a drug trafficking organization led by co-defendant Cesar Rivera-Figueroa. Vazquez-Baez regularly distributed quantities of cocaine to customers on behalf of the Rivera-Figueroa organization.
On September 13, 2017, investigators intercepted a phone call between Rivera-Figueroa and Vazquez-Baez. During the call, Rivera-Figueroa told Vazquez-Baez, “I have some lockers for you to take a look at. I already gave six, but for you to see them and offer them around. . . .I’m like a display cabinet right now.” Vazquez-Baez then met with Rivera-Figueroa and collected several packaged quantities of cocaine. Later that day, Vazquez-Baez called Rivera-Figueroa looking for more cocaine but Rivera-Figueroa indicated he was out of supply. On September 29, 2017, during the execution of a search warrant at Vazquez-Baez’s residence, investigators recovered a firearm and ammunition, multiple quantities of cocaine and marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and numerous cell phones.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Craig Macy, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.
# # # #
Box Elder man pleads guilty to drug charges on the Rocky Boy’s Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS - A Box Elder man accused of distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Harold Blake Whitford, Sr., 56, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Whitford faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years, a maximum term of 40 years, a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for June 17, 2026. Whitford remains released with conditions pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that in the early hours of March 28, 2024, law enforcement was dispatched to investigate reports of a shooting on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. Surveillance video from the scene showed two suspected gunmen arrive and depart in a pickup truck. A truck that looked like the one used in the shooting was located shortly thereafter in front of Whitford’s home. Officers confirmed that vehicle was the truck used in the shooting.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant and found the following items rolled up in a shirt near Whitford’s bed:
- A plastic baggie containing 489 suspected fentanyl pills;
- Twenty-seven small plastic baggies each containing 10 suspected fentanyl pills;
- A plastic baggie containing powder; and
- Two plastic baggies containing suspected methamphetamine.
Officers also found a ripped piece of paper that said, “100pack-$1400,” “$700,” “$300” near the head of Whitford’s bed. They found a scale and a rifle at the house as well.
When Whitford was arrested on an outstanding warrant over a week later, he removed a ziplock bag from his pocket and threw it. A pink pill also fell out of his pocket, and another pill was found on his person. The ziplock bag had suspected fentanyl pills in it.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Tri-Agency Task Force, Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and Hill County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
Baltimore Man Will Spend More than 5 Years in Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Baltimore, Maryland man was sentenced for his role in distributing fentanyl in Hampshire County, West Virginia, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Dorian Andre Ward, also known as “Tay Blue,” age 32, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute fentanyl. Ward was supplying others with fentanyl to be sold in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia and elsewhere. A federal search warrant was executed at Ward’s home and investigators seized 20 grams of fentanyl, $10,000, and a loaded 9mm pistol. Ward has prior drug, assault, and theft convictions.
Ward will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
The Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Fentanyl has been designated by President Donald Trump as a weapon of mass destruction due to its extreme lethality which poses a grave threat to public safety, even in trace amounts. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Fayetteville man was sentenced Friday, February 6, to a total of 210 months in prison on one count of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The Honorable Chief Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, on November 21, 2024, officers with the Fayetteville Police Department responded to a call of an armed person at an apartment complex. A witness reported that David Robinson, age 21, arrived at the apartment complex, made verbal threats and exposed a handgun in his waistband. Officers subsequently located Robinson, searched his residence based on his parole search waiver and located a Glock .40 caliber pistol. Robinson has an extensive criminal history and is considered an Armed Career Criminal under Federal Law based on his prior felony convictions for violent offenses.
United States Attorney Kimberly D. Harris of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Fayetteville Police Department, the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
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.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
FAYETTEVILLE – A Fayetteville man was sentenced Friday, February 6, to a total of 210 months in prison on one count of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The Honorable Chief Judge Timothy L. Brooks presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Fayetteville.
According to court records, on November 21, 2024, officers with the Fayetteville Police Department responded to a call of an armed person at an apartment complex. A witness reported that David Robinson, age 21, arrived at the apartment complex, made verbal threats and exposed a handgun in his waistband. Officers subsequently located Robinson, searched his residence based on his parole search waiver and located a Glock .40 caliber pistol. Robinson has an extensive criminal history and is considered an Armed Career Criminal under Federal Law based on his prior felony convictions for violent offenses.
United States Attorney Kimberly D. Harris of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.
The Fayetteville Police Department, the Fourth Judicial District Drug Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case for the United States.
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.
Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.
11 February 2026
Wisconsin Man Sentenced for Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Tyler James Martinez, 35, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, was sentenced on February 11, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for two counts of bank robbery. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Martinez to 96 months’ imprisonment for each count to be served concurrently. Additionally, Martinez’s sentence was ordered to run consecutively to a sentence that Martinez is currently serving in Wisconsin bringing his total sentence to 192 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After Martinez’s release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
On or about March 11, 2022, Martinez entered the Centris Federal Credit Union at 343 North 114th Street in Omaha. Martinez approached the teller and displayed a note that stated, “This is a hold up. No GPS. No dye. Don’t make a scene. Give me the money. Stay quiet. Don’t sound the alarm. Don’t get the manager.” The teller gave Martinez $1,000 and he told the teller, “Have a nice day,” and left the credit union. The Centris Federal Credit Union was insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
On March 15, 2022, Martinez entered the Mabrey Bank at 2525 E. 21st Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Martinez approached the teller. Martinez handed the teller a note that read, “No Alarm’s. Give me All the money in the till/Drawer. I want $2,500 or Better. No Dye packs. No GPS. Do not look at anyone. Stay calm. Give me my money now!! You can hit Alarm after I leave.” The teller gave Martinez $2,500 and Martinez left. The Mabrey Bank was insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Winter Haven Tax Preparer Sentenced to More than Six Years in Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay over $1.6 Million in Restitution to the IRSRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Timothy Smith has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday to six years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aiding and assisting in the filing of false and fraudulent tax returns. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $274,000, the proceeds of the criminal conduct, and ordered Smith to pay restitution in the amount of $1,637,829.64.64 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Smith entered a guilty plea on September 26, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, beginning in January 2023 and continuing through February 2024, Smith engaged in a scheme to defraud the IRS. Smith prepared or assisted in the preparation of 97 false and fraudulent tax returns for 92 taxpayers, including himself, for tax years 2022 and 2023. The tax returns contained falsified Schedules A, C, and 1, as well as fraudulent Forms W-2G. The returns contained fabricated figures for gambling winnings and losses, and federal tax withholding amounts (based on the fake gambling winnings). The false tax returns requested substantial refunds from the IRS that the taxpayers were not legally entitled to receive.
The total intended tax loss from the tax returns Smith prepared was $17,612.039. The actual loss totaled $1,637,829.64, which the IRS paid out to taxpayers either as tax refunds or credits applied to prior debts. Smith personally profited $274,000 in the form of payments from his taxpayer-clients.
This is the fourth individual to be sentenced as part of this scheme. All sentences are reflected below.
Name
Term of Imprisonment
Restitution to IRS
Forfeiture
Jeffrey Dixon4 years, 9 months$12,964,382$1,093,552.50Sean Laster5 years, 3 months$6,359,046.23$1,234,605.56George Tucker7 years, 6 months$15,028,309.89$1,354,757.64Timothy Smith6 years, 6 months$1,637,829.64$274,000“These defendants orchestrated a deliberate scheme to steal from American taxpayers,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “Their calculated, malicious conduct showed complete disregard for the rule of law. These sentences affirm a core principle: those who abuse our tax system for personal gain will be held accountable. IRS Special Agents continue to safeguard the integrity of the tax system and deliver justice for American taxpayers.”
These cases were investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. They were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ross Roberts and Jennifer Peresie. The forfeitures are being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys James Muench and Suzanne Nebesky.
Windsor Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Extortion and ThreatsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Windsor man was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield for making online threats and extortionate demands.
Michael Andrew Rodgers, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 15 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In November 2025, Rodgers pleaded guilty to one count of threatening interstate communications and one count of extortionate interstate communications. Rodgers was arrested and charged in September 2024.
On April 5, 2023, Rodgers posted a threat on the Google review page of a Springfield medical practice that stated: “They gonna get what’s coming soon. […] Will be there in the morning to get them myself one way or another. Locked and loaded.” Beneath this text, Rodgers included an image of a hand holding a gun.
On April 6, 2024, Rodgers submitted a threat through a fraud reporting website for the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General with the intent to extort Social Security disability benefits. Specifically, Rodgers stated: “I m gonna start taking what I need. By any means nessacary. […] GIVE ME MY MONEY OR IM GONNA START DROPPING PEOPLE. YOULL NEVER FIND MY WEAPONS SO STOP LOOKING AND GIVE ME MY CHECK. […] NEXT TIME I SLICE SOMETHING OPEN. IT WONT BE ME. ITLL BE ONE OF YOUR CHILDREN ILL MERC A WHOLE SCHOOL AND NOT GIVE A F***. […] SO YOULL BE MY FIRST TARGET IF YOU KEEP REFUSING TO HELP ME.”
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Massachusetts State Police, Springfield Police Department, Windsor Police Department and Federal Protective Service. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Virtual Asset Trading Platform Sentenced for Violating the Travel Act and Other Federal Criminal ChargesRead the Press Release
Paxful Holdings, Inc., an online virtual currency trading platform, was sentenced yesterday to pay a criminal penalty of $4 million based on its ability to pay following its guilty plea to conspiracies to promote illegal prostitution, violate the Bank Secrecy Act, and knowingly transmit funds derived from criminal offenses.
“Paxful profited from moving money for criminals that it attracted by touting its lack of anti-money laundering controls and failure to comply with applicable money-laundering laws, all while knowing that these criminals were engaged in fraud, extortion, prostitution and commercial sex trafficking,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Crimes like this are a high priority for the Criminal Division because criminal money transmitters facilitate so many other crimes like money laundering, prostitution, fraud, romance scams, extortion and human trafficking. This sentence shows that companies will be held accountable when they create safe havens for criminal activity.”
“This sentence holds the company accountable for knowingly allowing its platform to facilitate serious criminal conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Eric Grant for the Eastern District of California. “By putting profit over compliance, the company enabled money laundering and other crimes. This sentence sends a clear message: companies that turn a blind eye to criminal activity on their platforms will face serious consequences under U.S. law. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to protect victims and ensure that the cryptocurrency ecosystem is not exploited by criminals.”
“This sentencing underscores IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) unwavering commitment to holding accountable those who exploit financial systems to facilitate criminal activity,” said Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen of the IRS-CI Oakland Field Office. “Paxful’s deliberate disregard for anti-money laundering requirements and its role in promoting illegal prostitution and other criminal schemes enabled the movement of illicit funds at scale. This case sends a clear message: platforms that choose profit over compliance will face serious consequences and be brought to justice.”
According to court documents, Paxful, Inc., and later, Paxful Holdings, Inc. (collectively Paxful), owned and operated an online peer-to-peer virtual currency platform and money transmitting business (MTB) where customers negotiated for and traded virtual currency for a variety of other items, including currency like cash, pre-paid cards and gift cards. Paxful knew that its customers transmitted funds from criminal offenses, including fraud schemes and illegal prostitution. From Jan. 1, 2017, to Sept. 2, 2019, Paxful facilitated more than 26.7 million trades, totaling nearly $3 billion in value, and collected more than $29.7 million in revenue.
Paxful knowingly transferred virtual currency on behalf of its customers, including Backpage, an online advertising platform for illicit prostitution and similar sites. In various criminal proceedings, Backpage and its owners and operators admitted that Backpage advertised and profited from illegal prostitution, including illegal sex work depicting minors. Paxful’s founders boasted about the “Backpage Effect,” which enabled the business to grow. Between December 2015 and December 2022, Paxful’s collaboration with Backpage and a similar site caused nearly $17 million worth of bitcoin to be transferred from the Paxful wallet to Backpage and the copycat site from which Paxful obtained at least $2.7 million in profits.
As described in the plea agreement, from July 2015 to June 2019, Paxful and its founders marketed Paxful as a platform that did not require know-your-customer (KYC) information; allowed customers to open accounts and trade on the Paxful platform without gathering sufficient KYC information; presented to third parties fake anti-money laundering (AML) policies that they knew were not implemented or enforced; and failed to file suspicious activity reports, despite knowing that Paxful users were engaged in suspicious and criminal activity. As a result, Paxful knew it was used as a vehicle for prostitution, fraud, romance scams and extortion schemes.
Paxful pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the Travel Act by promoting illegal prostitution through interstate commerce; conspiring to operate an unlicensed MTB by knowingly transmitting funds derived from criminal offenses or supporting unlawful activity, including illegal prostitution and fraud schemes; and conspiring to violate the Bank Secrecy Act’s (BSA) anti-money laundering (AML) program requirement. As a result of its illegal conduct, the virtual currency platform was used to transfer the proceeds of fraud schemes, illegal prostitution, hacks by malign state actors and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
The Justice Department reached its resolution with Paxful based on several factors, including the nature and seriousness of the offenses, which involved Paxful’s processing of millions of dollars of illicit transactions. Paxful did not make a timely and voluntary disclosure of wrongdoing, but it received credit for its cooperation with the department’s investigation, including among other things, collecting, analyzing and producing voluminous information, providing timely updates on facts learned during its internal investigation and engaging in extensive and timely remedial measures. According to court documents, Paxful agreed that the appropriate criminal penalty based on the law and the facts in its case is $112,500,000. Based on the Justice Department’s independent analysis, it determined that Paxful did not have the ability to pay a criminal penalty greater than $4 million.
On July 8, 2024, Paxful’s co-founder and former chief technology officer, Artur Schaback, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to fail to maintain an effective AML program in relation to the same scheme.
Paxful’s guilty plea was part of a coordinated resolution with FinCEN.
HSI and IRS-CI are investigating the case.
Bank Integrity Unit Deputy Chief Kevin Mosley and Trial Attorneys Emily Cohen, Caylee Campbell and Katherine Nielsen of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Thuesen for the Eastern District of California are prosecuting the case.
The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers and employees whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.
Virtual Asset Trading Platform Sentenced for Violating the Travel Act and Other Federal Criminal ChargesRead the Press Release
Paxful Holdings Inc., an online virtual currency trading platform, was sentenced yesterday to pay a criminal penalty of $4 million based on its ability to pay following its guilty plea to conspiracies to promote illegal prostitution, violate the Bank Secrecy Act, and knowingly transmit funds derived from criminal offenses.
“Paxful profited from moving money for criminals that it attracted by touting its lack of anti-money laundering controls and failure to comply with applicable money-laundering laws, all while knowing that these criminals were engaged in fraud, extortion, prostitution and commercial sex trafficking,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Crimes like this are a high priority for the Criminal Division because criminal money transmitters facilitate so many other crimes like money laundering, prostitution, fraud, romance scams, extortion and human trafficking. This sentence shows that companies will be held accountable when they create safe havens for criminal activity.”
“This sentence holds the company accountable for knowingly allowing its platform to facilitate serious criminal conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Eric Grant for the Eastern District of California. “By putting profit over compliance, the company enabled money laundering and other crimes. This sentence sends a clear message: companies that turn a blind eye to criminal activity on their platforms will face serious consequences under U.S. law. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to protect victims and ensure that the cryptocurrency ecosystem is not exploited by criminals.”
“This sentencing underscores IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) unwavering commitment to holding accountable those who exploit financial systems to facilitate criminal activity,” said Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen of the IRS-CI Oakland Field Office. “Paxful’s deliberate disregard for anti-money laundering requirements and its role in promoting illegal prostitution and other criminal schemes enabled the movement of illicit funds at scale. This case sends a clear message: platforms that choose profit over compliance will face serious consequences and be brought to justice.”
According to court documents, Paxful Inc., and later, Paxful Holdings Inc. (collectively Paxful), owned and operated an online peer-to-peer virtual currency platform and money transmitting business (MTB) where customers negotiated for and traded virtual currency for a variety of other items, including currency like cash, pre-paid cards and gift cards. Paxful knew that its customers transmitted funds from criminal offenses, including fraud schemes and illegal prostitution. From Jan. 1, 2017, to Sept. 2, 2019, Paxful facilitated more than 26.7 million trades, totaling nearly $3 billion in value, and collected more than $29.7 million in revenue.
Paxful knowingly transferred virtual currency on behalf of its customers, including Backpage, an online advertising platform for illicit prostitution and similar sites. In various criminal proceedings, Backpage and its owners and operators admitted that Backpage advertised and profited from illegal prostitution, including illegal sex work depicting minors. Paxful’s founders boasted about the “Backpage Effect,” which enabled the business to grow. Between December 2015 and December 2022, Paxful’s collaboration with Backpage and a similar site caused nearly $17 million worth of bitcoin to be transferred from the Paxful wallet to Backpage and the copycat site from which Paxful obtained at least $2.7 million in profits.
As described in the plea agreement, from July 2015 to June 2019, Paxful and its founders marketed Paxful as a platform that did not require know-your-customer (KYC) information; allowed customers to open accounts and trade on the Paxful platform without gathering sufficient KYC information; presented to third parties fake AML policies that they knew were not implemented or enforced; and failed to file suspicious activity reports, despite knowing that Paxful users were engaged in suspicious and criminal activity. As a result, Paxful knew it was used as a vehicle for prostitution, fraud, romance scams and extortion schemes.
Paxful pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the Travel Act by promoting illegal prostitution through interstate commerce; conspiring to operate an unlicensed MTB by knowingly transmitting funds derived from criminal offenses or supporting unlawful activity, including illegal prostitution and fraud schemes; and conspiring to violate the Bank Secrecy Act’s (BSA) anti-money laundering (AML) program requirement. As a result of its illegal conduct, the virtual currency platform was used to transfer the proceeds of fraud schemes, illegal prostitution, hacks by malign state actors and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
The Justice Department reached its resolution with Paxful based on several factors, including the nature and seriousness of the offenses, which involved Paxful’s processing of millions of dollars of illicit transactions. Paxful did not make a timely and voluntary disclosure of wrongdoing, but it received credit for its cooperation with the department’s investigation, including among other things, collecting, analyzing and producing voluminous information, providing timely updates on facts learned during its internal investigation and engaging in extensive and timely remedial measures. According to court documents, Paxful agreed that the appropriate criminal penalty based on the law and the facts in its case is $112,500,000. Based on the Justice Department’s independent analysis, it determined that Paxful did not have the ability to pay a criminal penalty greater than $4 million.
On July 8, 2024, Paxful’s co-founder and former chief technology officer, Artur Schaback, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to fail to maintain an effective AML program in relation to the same scheme.
Paxful’s guilty plea was part of a coordinated resolution with FinCEN.
HSI and IRS-CI are investigating the case.
Bank Integrity Unit Deputy Chief Kevin Mosley and Trial Attorneys Emily Cohen, Caylee Campbell and Katherine Nielsen of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Thuesen for the Eastern District of California are prosecuting the case.
The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers and employees whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.
Virginia Beach man sentenced to over five years in prison for latest felony convictionRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man was sentenced today to five years and six months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on May 25, 2024, Virginia Beach Police (VBPD) officers observed Khyri Jamar Whitehead, 33, remove a handgun from the trunk of a vehicle, place it in the front of his waistband, and then conceal it with his shirt. Officers continued watching Whitehead until he entered another vehicle as a passenger. VBPD then conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle, removed Whitehead from the vehicle, and recovered the handgun.
Whitehead, a member of the Bounty Hunter Watts gang, has 18 previous felony convictions. As a convicted felon, Whitehead cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division and the Virginia Beach Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke Bresnahan and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc W. West 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 protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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. 2:25-cr-120.
Vacaville Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Drug PossessionRead the Press Release
On Feb. 10, 2026, James Cargill, 44, of Vacaville, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, in January 2025, law enforcement officers arrested Cargill after they found him in possession of approximately 570 grams of a substance or mixture containing methamphetamine. In May 2025, officers arrested Cargill after they found him in possession of approximately 230 grams of a substance or mixture containing methamphetamine and a loaded Glock 20 semi-automatic pistol.
The Vacaville Police Department, the Fairfield Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Campbell is prosecuting the case.
Cargill is set to be sentenced on June 2, 2026, by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez. Cargill faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will 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.
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.
U.S. District Court rules in favor of the government after weeks-long trial in alleged birth injury case against military providers in AlaskaRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman announced today a complete defensive verdict in a medical malpractice claim brought against the U.S. under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). On Nov. 6, 2025, a judgment was entered in favor of the U.S. following a three-week bench trial before visiting U.S. District Judge Scott A. Rash. On Feb. 10, 2026, the Court entered a judgement against the plaintiffs and ordered them to pay $44,000 in legal costs to the U.S.
On June 13, 2023, the plaintiffs, Emily and Justin Acker, filed a medical malpractice complaint against the U.S. for alleged birth injuries sustained by their baby, who was born at Bassett Army Community Hospital at Fort Wainwright in late 2020. Under the FTCA, the U.S. is liable for medical malpractice claims arising from the actions of its employees acting within the scope of their employment. A plaintiff bringing an FTCA complaint must prove healthcare providers breached the standard of care and caused injury to the patient.
In their complaint, the plaintiffs claimed doctors and nurses at the hospital caused the child to suffer a skull fracture and permanent brain injury during a C-section delivery. However, the evidence demonstrated that at birth, the child was in excellent condition but returned to the hospital three weeks later manifesting symptoms of a severe brain injury, a rib fracture, and a fractured wrist. The Ackers were seeking over $14 million in economic damages.
In an order filed on Nov. 6, 2025, the Court found that the evidence did not demonstrate or establish that the healthcare providers at Bassett breached the applicable standard of care during the birth of the child. The Court specifically remarked that “[g]iven the extensive injuries [the infant] presented with… it strains credulity to find that such injuries occurred at birth but did not have any medically significant manifestation for approximately twenty days.” The Court found the evidence did not demonstrate any medical providers deviated from the standard of care and that the child’s injuries were not caused by the doctors.
The Court ordered the plaintiffs to pay the U. S. $44,000 in costs accrued while defending the case.
“I want to commend our Assistant U.S. Attorneys of their tireless fight to receive a defensive verdict on behalf of the U.S. in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Their work helps ensure that our military medical professionals can work to provide our armed forces and their families with the best possible care, as well as protects the American taxpayers from frivolous claims.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Traini and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Scheperle handled the case on behalf of the U.S.
###
U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta responsible for over $77 million in collections and forfeitures during fiscal year 2025Read the Press Release
ATLANTA - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia collected over $35 million in civil and criminal penalties and forfeited nearly $8 million of assets during Fiscal Year 2025, which ended on September 30, 2025.
“These collections and forfeitures underscore my office’s dedication to securing financial justice for victims and the public,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “We and our law enforcement partners will aggressively use all available legal means to hold wrongdoers accountable, compensate crime victims, and protect the public fisc by collecting debts owed to the government.”
Defendants who commit certain crimes must pay restitution to the victims of those crimes. Criminal defendants also must pay criminal fines and assessments, which go to the Department of Justice’s Crime Victims Fund. This fund distributes the monies to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. During Fiscal year 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office collected over $17 million in restitution, fines, and/or assessments imposed against defendants in criminal cases.
In affirmative civil enforcement cases, the United States sues individuals and/or corporations to recover government monies lost to fraud or other misconduct, or to collect fines imposed for non-criminal violations of federal law. This office collected over $18 million through affirmative civil enforcement cases.
This office also worked with other Department of Justice components to jointly collect an additional $34 million in civil and criminal cases.
In addition, this office’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section used civil and criminal forfeiture tools to deprive wrongdoers of their ill-gotten gains and divest them of the property used to facilitate their crimes. Specifically, in Fiscal Year 2025, this office forfeited more than $4.5 million in criminal cases and over $1.5 million in civil forfeiture cases. This office also worked with its federal law enforcement partners to forfeit an additional $1.8 million through nonjudicial forfeiture processes.
The Department of Justice uses forfeited property to compensate crime victims, to share with federal, state and local law enforcement partners and for a variety of other law enforcement purposes. In Fiscal Year 2025, more than $3 million was returned to crime victims and over $5 million was shared with law enforcement agencies.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Two Men Indicted in Transnational Human Smuggling and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed yesterday in the District of Vermont charging a Dominican national and a U.S. citizen with conspiring to smuggle foreign nationals from Mexico and Central and South America into the United States via the U.S.-Canada border.
According to court documents, Francisco Antonio Luna Rosado, 27, an illegal alien from the Dominican Republic, and Jesus Hernandez Ortiz, 37, of Puerto Rico, are charged with one count of conspiracy to illegally bring aliens to the United States and 12 counts of illegally bringing aliens to the United States for the purpose of private financial gain related to a Sept. 17, 2023, smuggling event. Luna Rosado is also charged with two counts of transactional money laundering for engaging in monetary transactions involving property derived from smuggling activities.
Image captured during the movement of alien groups that Luna Rosado allegedly guided through the Canadian and Vermont border to his human smuggling drivers.Luna Rosado allegedly directed smuggling operations from at least Aug. 2022 through at least March 2024, coordinating the illegal transport of aliens across the U.S.-Canada border into northern Vermont. Aliens arrived by airplane, from their origin country to southern Canada. Luna Rosado then used live shared cellular location data to guide the aliens across the Canadian border to northern Vermont. From northern Vermont, Luna Rosado used an approximate 70-person encrypted chat platform to communicate and arrange for drivers, including Hernandez Ortiz, to pick up aliens at the northern border. The drivers then drove the aliens from Vermont to New York City. Upon arrival in New York City, the aliens paid Luna Rosado in U.S. currency. Luna Rosado deposited and withdrew this money into and through the U.S. financial system, in amounts exceeding $10,000.
Images of the rented Home Depot van, which Hernandez drove during an alleged smuggling event, that law enforcement stopped. Text messages between Luna Rosado (left side in blue) and Hernandez (right side in green), with translations into English, discussing the alleged smuggling operation.
Text messages between Luna Rosado and aliens during an alleged smuggling event.Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt for the District of Vermont and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia of the Swanton Sector of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) made the announcement.
Agents from the Swanton Sector Intelligence Unit assigned to the U.S. Border Patrol Newport Station and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Derby Line Office led U.S. investigative efforts, with assistance from HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. and CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force.
Trial Attorneys Jake Drucker and Emily Cohen of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chet Kirkham and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles for the District of Vermont are prosecuting the case.
The investigation and charges are supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant United States Attorney-detailees from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/ HSI and CBP/BP and OFO, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 435 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 385 U.S. convictions; more than 330 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.
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.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Individuals Sentenced for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On February 10, 2026, United States District Court Judge Gina R. Méndez-Miró sentenced David Montes-García, 49, from San Juan to 12 years in prison and 15 years of supervised release for possession of child pornography. David Montes-García was indicted on February 20, 2025, and arrested on October 15, 2025.
According to court documents, from August 2023 to June 2024, Montes-García knowingly possessed sexually explicit images and videos of minors and minors engaging in sexual acts, including images of infants and prepubescent minors or minors who had not attained 12 years of age. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Human Exploitation Investigation Group executed a search warrant on Montes-García’s mobile device and found a total of 367 images, including pictures and videos of infants, prepubescents minors, and adolescents engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The defendant plead guilty on October 9, 2025, to one count of possession of child pornography. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daynelle Álvarez-Lora of the Crimes Against Children, Human Trafficking and Immigration Unit, prosecuted the case. The Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force led by HSI was in charge of the investigation, with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Department.
In a second unrelated case, on February 5, 2026, defendant Derek Orengo-Delgado, of Ponce, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Aida M. Delgado-Colón, to 13 years and 4 months in prison for transportation of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. According to court documents, in January 2025, Orengo-Delgado knowingly transported a 15-year-old female minor to a motel in Juana Díaz to engage in sexual activities and had taken sexually explicit images of the minor. Defendant Orengo-Delgado was indicted on May 7, 2025, arrested on May 8, 2025, and pleaded guilty on October 23, 2025.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenifer Y. Hernández Vega, Chief of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Section, prosecuted the case. The Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force led by HSI was in charge of the investigation, with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Department.
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico and Yariel Ramos, Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations San Juan made the announcement.
###
Texas Residents Charged with Federal Drug and Gun ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that ELIBERTO GUAJARDO (“GUAJARDO”), age 37, of San Juan, TX., and BRICE STRAIN (“STRAIN”),age 43, of Houston, TX, were charged in a four-count indictment with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and Federal Gun Control Act.
GUAJARDO and STRAIN were indicted in Count 1 for Conspiracy to Distribute, and Possess with Intent to Distribute, Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1),841(b)(1)(A), and 846. If convicted of Count 1, the defendants face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten years up to life imprisonment; a fine of up to $10 Million; and at least five years of supervised release.
GUAJARDO and STRAIN were indicted in Count 2 for Distribution of Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2. If convicted of Count 2, the defendants face a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten years up to life imprisonment; a fine of up to $10 Million; and at least five years of supervised release.
STRAIN was indicted in Count 3 for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). If convicted of Count 3, STRAIN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten years up to life imprisonment; a fine of up to $10 Million; and at least five years of supervised release.
STRAIN was also indicted in Count 4 for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 924(c)(1)(A). If convicted of Count 4, STRAIN faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000.00 and up to five years supervised release.
According to court documents, beginning on an unknown date, but at least by June 2025, and continuing to on or about January 27, 2026, the defendants GUAJARDO and STRAIN allegedly conspired to distribute, possess with intent to distribute five (5) kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine. Additionally, according to court documents, on or about January 27, 2026, STRAIN allegedly possessed a firearm, a Glock Model G43, nine-millimeter semi-automatic handgun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The defendants also face payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count for which they are charged.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Orleans comprises agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and assisted by the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Briana N. Williams of the Narcotics Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
***
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Gas Station and Discharging FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - Rafael Jimenez (31, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of possession and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. He faces a minimum of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Jimenez’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 23, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, on March 8, 2025, Jimenez entered a gas station in Tampa and brandished a firearm while demanding money from the cash register. Shortly after making this demand, Jimenez fired a shot in the direction of the clerk, striking the ground directly behind the clerk.
Jimenez stole cigarettes and more than $600 from the store. He was apprehended after surveillance footage from days earlier showed physical similarities between Jimenez and the robber, including a distinctive tattoo. Evidence found in Jimenez’s trash included a ski mask, gloves, and cigarettes of the same brand the robber had used. Surveillance video showed a vehicle like Jimenez’s traveling near the scene of the robbery before and after it had occurred.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky is handling the forfeiture.
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 Neighborhoods (PSN).
Tallahassee Felon Indicted on Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Landon Dashawn Wilson, 27, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.
Wilson appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick for his initial appearance at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida. Trial is scheduled for March 31, 2026, before Chief District Court Judge Allen Winsor.
If convicted, Wilson faces up to 5 years’ imprisonment on the possession with intent to distribute marijuana count; up to 5 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon count; and not less than 5 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense count consecutive to other sentences imposed.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tallahassee Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, human and drug trafficking.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
St. Louis Man Sentenced to 146 Months in Prison for Attempted Armed Robbery and Attempted Carjacking After Drunk Driving CrashRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Joshua M. Divine on Wednesday sentenced a convicted felon to 146 months in prison for attempting to rob a cabdriver at gunpoint after a drunk driving crash and trying to carjack a good Samaritan who stopped to help.
Judge Divine also fined Cornell Woolfolk $3,000. Woolfolk, 29, pleaded guilty in November in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted that early on the morning of Dec. 4, 2024, officers from the Berkeley Police Department and the Woodson Terrace Police Department were dispatched to a crash on Natural Bridge Road near Interstate 70. A 2008 Pontiac had struck a 2017 Dodge Journet taxicab, causing the cab to roll over onto its roof. Officers spotted Woolfolk removing a large bag from the Pontiac and getting into the rear seat of a 2011 Nissan Altima driven by a good Samaritan who stopped to help after the crash. Woolfolk initially ignored officer’s requests to get out of the car. When the car’s driver got out, Woolfolk began chasing him before Woolfolk was caught and arrested by police, the plea says. Officers found a stolen .380 caliber pistol in Woolfolk’s bag and several half-empty liquor bottles in the Pontiac. Woolfolk’s blood alcohol level was 0.14 percent.
Following the introduction of evidence and sentencing testimony from a Berkeley police officer, Judge Divine ruled that Woolfolk attempted to rob the cab driver at gunpoint. Judge Divine also ruled that Woolfolk then attempted to carjack the good Samaritan to escape the scene of the crash. Police intervened before Woolfolk made his escape.
The Berkeley Police Department, the Woodson Terrace Police Department, and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nino Przulj 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.
St. Francis Woman Sentenced to over 2 Years in Federal Prison for Shooting a Person with a Pellet Gun Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a woman from St. Francis, South Dakota, convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on February 3, 2026.
Chassity Red Tomahawk, age 40, was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Red Tomahawk was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2025. She pleaded guilty on October 30, 2025.
On May 31, 2025, the victim went to Red Tomahawk’s residence in St. Francis, South Dakota, within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. Red Tomahawk was outside when she saw the victim arrive. Red Tomahawk went inside the residence and retrieved a pellet gun. Red Tomahawk came back outside and shot the victim in the chest, causing a pellet to lodge under the victim’s skin. The victim was taken to the hospital due to her injuries.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Zachrison prosecuted the case.
Red Tomahawk was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Nearly 3 Years in Federal Prison for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on February 3, 2026.
James Holloway, age 46, was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Holloway was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2025. He pleaded guilty on October 20, 2025.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on May 2, 2025, in the Lower Brule Indian Reservation. On that day, tribal law enforcement responded to a call for service from a residence in Lower Brule. The caller indicated Holloway had entered the residence without permission. Holloway was found in the basement of the residence by an officer of the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. As the officer was attempting to remove Holloway from the home, Holloway physically struggled with the officer and knocked him down, injuring the officer’s arm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services – Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Holloway was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Second KC Man Pleads Guilty to Cyberstalking That Resulted in MurderRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to using a GPS tracking device to surveil an individual who was shot to death in a grocery store parking lot.
Michael Smith, also known as “Black Mike,” 39, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to one count of cyberstalking resulting in death.
Co-defendant Dontay Campbell, 36, formerly of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to the same offense on Nov. 6, 2023.
By pleading guilty today, Smith admitted that he was hired to kill the victim in late January or early February 2019. To carry out the murder, Smith and Campbell obtained a GPS tracking device and on March 5, 2019, Smith and Campbell deployed the GPS device on the victim’s red Chevrolet Tahoe by placing the device under the vehicle. Smith used the GPS device to track the victim through the movements of the Tahoe. On several occasions, Smith used the GPS tracking service to physically locate the victim.
On March 16, 2019, Smith surveilled the victim as they drove to a Kansas City grocery store. When the victim left the store and walked back to the Tahoe, Campbell and a co-conspirator pulled up next to the Tahoe in a Chrysler Sebring. The co-conspirator exited the Sebring and shot at the victim several times with a Ruger .40-caliber handgun that belonged to Campbell. During the shooting spree, Campbell attempted unsuccessfully to remove the GPS tracker from the vehicle.
Campbell and the co-conspirator then ran back to the Sebring, briefly drove around the parking lot, and parked again near the Tahoe. The co-conspirator again fired multiple shots into the Tahoe while Campbell again tried unsuccessfully to retrieve the GPS tracker. Campbell and the co-conspirator then sped out of the parking lot in the Sebring.
The victim died from multiple gunshot wounds, and Smith was paid in cash for the murder.
Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, the government and Smith agreed to a sentence of 30 years in federal prison without parole. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Trey Alford, Nicholas Heberle, and Matthew Wolesky. 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.
Seattle man convicted of abusive sexual contact on flight from Billings, Montana to SeattleRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 55-year-old Seattle man was convicted late yesterday in U.S. District Court in Seattle of abusive sexual contact aboard an aircraft, announced First Assistant United States Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Jurors found Keith Witt molested the 19-year-old victim on an August 11, 2023, flight from Billings, Montana to Seattle. The jury deliberated for an hour and a half following a two-day trial. U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez scheduled sentencing for May 22, 2026.
According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, the victim was in the window seat and Witt was next to her in the aisle seat on the 90-minute flight. Witt engaged the victim in conversation immediately upon boarding. The victim testified that he asked a number or personal questions that made her uncomfortable and touched her shoulder and earbuds, invading her space. The victim decided to feign sleep to avoid having to interact further.
The victim moved as far as she could towards the wall of the plane. Over several minutes, she felt Witt’s hand first move to her seat. Then he touched her thigh and after pausing continued to move his hand up to the hem of her shorts towards her genitalia. The victim flinched, and Witt would remove his hand, only to move it slowly back a few moments later. When the victim opened one eye, she was able to see that Witt appeared to be sexually aroused, and he was rubbing his erection. The victim got up and went to the front of the plane. She reported the conduct to the flight crew and closed herself in the restroom. In tears, she texted her mother about what had happened.
The flight attendants moved Witt to a seat at the back of the plane and reported the incident to the flight crew. The flight crew alerted personnel at SeaTac Airport, who contacted the Port of Seattle Police who met the plane and interviewed both Witt and the victim.
In closing argument Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Yemini noted that the victim’s testimony was corroborated by others on the plane who saw she was upset and crying. “There is no motive for (the victim) to fabricate the story. She suffered the consequences: she had to talk to the flight attendant; she had to talk to the detectives; she had to come to court and describe what happened to her to strangers. She had no motive to fabricate these allegations.”
In his rebuttal closing argument, Assistant United States Attorney Brian Wynne noted that Witt had testified that any contact was inadvertent as he had fallen asleep. Wynne said that testimony was simply not credible. “He was testing boundaries, pressing those boundaries… he does not want to bring attention to himself… he is trying to do it slowly and methodically. That is evidence of his intent.”
Abusive sexual contact on an aircraft is punishable by up to two years in prison.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Port of Seattle Police.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Yemini and Brian Wynne.
Salvadoran National Who Illegally Reentered U.S. is SentencedRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FREDDY ALEXANDER MORALES TEJADA, 25, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in Vernon, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to nearly four months of imprisonment, time already served, for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2023, Morales Tejada was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court of carrying a pistol without a permit and failure to appear in the first degree. In February 2024, he was deported to El Salvador. Morales Tejada unlawfully reentered the U.S. and was found in South Windsor on May 19, 2025, when he was arrested for engaging in a police pursuit, reckless driving, operating motor vehicle without license, and illegal operation of motor vehicle under suspension.
Morales Tejada was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on October 23, 2025. On November 10, 2025, he pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the U.S.
Morales Tejada, who has been detained since his federal arrest, will remain detained pending his removal to El Salvador.
This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
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.
Sacramento County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a ChildRead the Press Release
Mark Sigl, 63, of Antelope, was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, in March 2024, Sigl communicated with an individual he believed to be the father of a 10-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover officer. Sigl communicated his desire to perform sex acts on the child and planned to meet the undercover officer and child at a designated site to do so. When Sigl arrived at the designated site, he was arrested by law enforcement officers. Several sex items were recovered from his vehicle parked outside. Sigl pleaded guilty to the charge on July 1, 2025.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Taskforce conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zulkar Khan prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Salvadoran Alien Child Molester Sentenced for Naturalization Fraud, Denaturalized, and DeportedRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Isidro Arcenio Alvarado, 58, a native of El Salvador, to active prison time after he pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining U.S. citizenship. The judge also revoked his citizenship and ordered him removed from the United States.
“Sex predators who sexually abuse 10-year-old children deserve, at the very least, prison time and should never be granted the privilege and honor of United States’ citizenship.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Thanks to the excellent investigation by ICE, this pervert will never harm another child in the United States. He better stay out.”
Alvarado confessed to having knowingly made materially false statements under oath and penalty of perjury on his naturalization application and during a naturalization interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS). He answered “No” to the following questions “Were you EVER involved in any way with any of the following:…[f]orcing or trying to force someone to have any kind of sexual contact or relations?”; “Have you EVER committed, assisted in committing, or attempted to commit, a crime or offense for which you were NOT arrested?”; “Have you EVER given any U.S. Government officials any information or documentation that was false, fraudulent, or misleading?”; and “Have you EVER lied to any U.S. government officials to gain entry or admission into the United States or to gain immigration benefits while in the United States?” Alvarado took the oath of citizenship and naturalized on October 12, 2022.
On April 25, 2023, police arrested Alvarado and charged him with having committed multiple sex offenses against a child. On July 8, 2025, in the Wake County Superior Court of North Carolina, Alvarado pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent liberties with a child. The state judge sentenced him to a suspended prison term and ordered him to register as a sex offender. Alvarado admitted to having committed the crimes from January 1, 2019, through April 10, 2021. In 2019, the victim was only 10 years old. Immigration officials did not know about his deviant sex crimes prior to granting him citizenship.
Upon completion of his sentence, ICE will deport him from the United States.
Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. ICE ERO officers investigated the case as part of Operation False Haven, an ongoing initiative designed to aggressively target child molesters and other egregious felons who fraudulently obtain U.S. citizenship. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Fraud Detection and National Security Division is assisting with the initiative. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Warlick prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-208-D-BM.
Retired U.S. Army Officer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Disclosing Classified National Defense InformationRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Kevin Charles Luke (62, Tampa) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge James Moody, Jr. to 24 months in federal prison for the disclosure of classified information relating to the national defense of the United States. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
Luke pleaded guilty on October 7, 2025. In his plea agreement, he admitted to abusing a position of public trust.
According to court documents, Luke served in both active duty and reserve components of the United States Army from 1981 until his retirement with the rank of Colonel on June 30, 2018. Following his retirement, Luke was employed as a civilian employee at United States Central Command (CENTCOM). During his time in the Army and as a civilian employee, Luke held a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance. On multiple occasions, including as recently as February 2019, Luke acknowledged his responsibility to protect classified information by signing a Standard Form 312 Nondisclosure Agreement.
In October 2024, Luke sent a woman a text message from his personal cellphone that stated, “sent to my boss earlier, gives you a peek at what I do for a living.” Following that message, he sent a photograph of a computer screen displaying a classified email message that he had authored and sent using a government email address intended for classified email communications. The photograph of the classified email also revealed targets of a planned U.S. military operation as well as the future date of the operation, the means of executing the operation, and the goal of the operation. The email contained classified markings at the Secret level that Luke himself had added. The unauthorized release of the information contained within the photograph could be expected to cause serious damage to the national security of the United States.
This case was investigated by the United States Air Force—Office of Special Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Schmidt and Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.
Real Estate Broker, 2 Others Arrested on Complaint Charging Them with Fraudulently Selling $1.5 Million Home Owned by VictimRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A licensed real estate broker and two other defendants were arrested today on a federal criminal complaint alleging they fraudulently sold a $1.5 million Burbank house – whose owner had his home sold out from under him – by using the stolen identifies of that victim homeowner and that of a purported buyer to obtain a near-$1 million loan.
The following defendants are expected to make their initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in Los Angeles:
- Glenis Cardona, 63, of Highland, a licensed real estate broker who operates an escrow business;
- Ivan Reyes, 50, of Van Nuys; and
- Arshak Akopyan, 46, a.k.a. “John Akopyan,” of Northridge.
Law enforcement continues to search for defendant Basil Tikriti, 54, of Marina del Rey, who is at large.
According to an affidavit filed on January 30 with the complaint, the defendants in late 2023 and January 2024 successfully executed the fraudulent sale of a $1.5 million home in Burbank, through which they secured approximately $975,000 in loan proceeds.
To complete this transaction, they used the stolen identities of the victim homeowner and a purported buyer. Through her company – Golden Escrow, which has offices in Downey and Sherman Oaks – Cardona obtained a report to evaluate whether the Burbank property was encumbered with liens, such as legal judgments.
The defendants also prepared fraudulent documents, including false identity cards, a purchase agreement, a grant deed, a deed of trust, and loan applications, and falsely notarized the deeds. These false documents and information were submitted to a lender who funded the loan.
Cardona purported to represent the victim seller and the victim buyer – even though neither authorized the transaction – and controlled escrow. Tikriti used the victims’ stolen identities to impersonate both the victim seller and the victim buyer. Reyes and Akopyan acted as mortgage brokers and submitted fraudulent loan applications to solicit lenders to fund the illicit transaction.
After the victim lenders deposited the funds in escrow, Cardona directed the funds to various third-party entities so the schemers could collect their fraudulently obtained money.
The scheme’s victims include the owner of the Burbank house, who lost ownership of the home; the victim buyer, who became obligated to pay back the $975,000 mortgage; the lender, a mortgage lending business that unwittingly approved the funded the loan; and the title company, who unwittingly insured the transaction.
A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
If convicted, each defendant would face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison.
The FBI is investigating this matter with the help of the Burbank Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Larocque of the Transnational Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.
Prior felon going back to prison for selling meth and possessing firearmsRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Albey H. Braster, 44, of Elmira, NY, who was convicted of distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine, and being a felon in possession of firearms, was sentenced to serve 128 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. Braster was also ordered to forfeit $1,861.00 in seized U.S. currency.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Marangola, who handled the case, stated that on multiple occasions between December 4, 2023, and January 18, 2024, Braster distributed over 166 grams of methamphetamine, four firearms, and over 100 rounds of ammunition to an undercover investigator with the New York State Police. Braster, who has multiple prior felony convictions, was arrested January 18, 2024, after members of the ATF Violent Crime Task Force, New York State Police, and the Elmira Police Department executed a search warrant at his Columbia Street residence, during which they recovered approximately 2.4 grams of methamphetamine, and $1,861 in cash.
The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Violent Crimes Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, and the Elmira Police Department, under the direction of Chief Kristen Thorne.
# # # #
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to over 19 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Conspiracy and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Carrying a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Offense. The sentencing took place on January 27, 2026.
James Shangreaux, age 43, was sentenced to 19 years and seven months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $200 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture of the pistol was also ordered.
Shangreaux was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2025. He pleaded guilty on September 18, 2025.
Shangreaux conspired with others to distribute at least 350 grams of methamphetamine in Rapid City and within the Pine Ridge Reservation. Shangreaux acted as an organizer and leader of the conspiracy, making trips to Colorado, as well as wiring money to his source of supply. Shangreaux’s conspiracy was exposed following a pursuit that was terminated near the reservation and State boundary line. When ultimately taken into custody, Shangreaux was found in possession of methamphetamine as well as a 9mm caliber pistol that he attempted to conceal.
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). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen handled the prosecution.
Shangreaux was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pine Ridge Man Convicted of Assaulting a Deputy U.S. Marshal and of Threatening to Murder Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted Franklin Long Black Cat, age 32, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, of Assaulting a Federal Officer and two counts of Threatening a Federal Officer following a two-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on January 29, 2026.
The maximum penalty for the assault charge is eight years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, and the threat charges carry a maximum penalty of ten years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine. All three charges carry a maximum term of three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Long Black Cat was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2025.
On November 18, 2025, Long Black Cat was in the custody of the United States Marshals Service at the federal courthouse in Rapid City in connection with a court hearing. Long Black Cat spit in the face of one Deputy United States Marshal and threatened to shoot two other Deputy United States Marshals.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date has yet to be set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Palmetto Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Markis Maxwell (41, Palmetto) was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland today to seven years in federal prison for possession of a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon. The sentence will run consecutive to the state prison sentence that Maxwell is currently serving for the sale of controlled substances and fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer. The court also ordered Maxwell to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the commission of the offense. Maxwell pleaded guilty on October 24, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, on June 16, 2023, deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call and learned that Maxwell was armed with a handgun during a verbal argument with his significant other. Maxwell was subsequently arrested on outstanding arrest warrants for unrelated offenses involving the sales of cocaine and fentanyl. Deputies located a loaded handgun hidden inside a bag in the bedroom closet. Subsequent analysis supported Maxwell as a contributor to DNA swabs taken from the handgun. Prior to possessing the firearm and ammunition, Maxwell had been convicted of multiple felony offenses. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Omaha Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Illegally Possessing a Machine Gun and Felon in PossessionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Tyler Webster, 28, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced on February 6, 2026, in federal court in Omaha for illegally possessing a machine gun and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Webster to 120 months’ imprisonment on each count to run concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. After Webster’s release, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release on each count to run concurrently.
On November 13, 2023, Omaha Police officers dispatched to an apartment near 61st and Spencer streets in Omaha where a tenant reported that a male wearing a ski mask, later identified as Tyler Webster, had broken into her apartment and was holding a hammer. Officers arrived and took Webster into custody and found a high-capacity handgun magazine in his pocket. On November 15, 2023, the tenant found a 9mm Polymer 80 handgun concealed in a plastic bin in her apartment that Webster had discarded while hiding. The handgun was equipped with a ‘Glock switch’ machine gun conversion device making it capable of fully automatic fire, and a machine gun as defined in federal law.
On January 29, 2024, at 3:28 am, while patrolling Leavenworth Street near South 31st Avenue, Omaha Police officers heard gunshots coming from a Chevy Equinox travelling eastbound, leaving behind .45 ACP caliber shell casings. Officers attempted a traffic stop but the Equinox led them on a high-speed.
The Equinox eventually came to a stop near a construction site on 13th and Farnam streets where Webster, the vehicle’s front passenger, threw a stolen Springfield .45 ACP caliber handgun from the window into a construction site before continuing their flight onto I-80, into Iowa.
Iowa law enforcement continued the pursuit and eventually punctured the Equinox’s tires with stop sticks, causing it to stop near Shelby, Iowa. The driver remained with the vehicle, surrendered, and was ultimately taken into custody. Webster fled through a field on foot and escaped arrest. He was arrested later that day at a residence in Omaha.
Webster has the following prior felony convictions punishable by more than one year of incarceration: Criminal Conspiracy, a Class II Felony, and Robbery, a Class II Felony, both in the District Court of Douglas County, Nebraska (CR l7-406, November 9, 2017).
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Omaha Police Department.
Mother’s Day Carjackers Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, FL – Miranda Lee Pryor (39, Orange Park) was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to 10 years and 5 months in federal prison for her role in a May 2025 armed carjacking in Lehigh Acres. Pryor pleaded guilty on October 29, 2025, to carjacking, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Her co-defendant, Rebecca Lea Stacey (36, West Palm Beach) was previously sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison in connection with the same case. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, on the afternoon of May 11, 2025, Stacey and Pryor carjacked a man waiting in his vehicle outside a store in Lehigh Acres. During the carjacking, Pryor brandished a firearm as the pair stole the victim’s vehicle and sped away from the scene. Later that afternoon, after law enforcement located the vehicle on I-75, Stacey (driving the vehicle) led police on a high-speed chase on the interstate through Collier County, eventually losing control and crashing the vehicle. Stacey and Pryor were quickly apprehended by law enforcement following the accident. During the chase, Pryor (the front-seat passenger) tossed the firearm used in the carjacking out the window of the stolen car, which was later recovered on the side of the highway.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Simon Eth and Kevin Huguelet.
Mooresville Man Sentenced for Mail Fraud and Money Laundering in $1.9 Million Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Mooresville man was sentenced to 41 months in prison today for stealing more than $1.9 million from his employer, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Gene Christopher Acuff, 62, was ordered to serve one year of supervised release after he is released from prison, to pay restitution in the amount of $1,997,150.29, and to forfeit $400,000 as a penalty for his crimes.
Steven Gutierrez, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Charlotte Field Office, joins U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making the announcement.
According to court documents and court proceedings, Acuff was employed as a senior manager by Company A, a large retailer with stores throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As part of his duties, Acuff was responsible for reviewing property tax assessments on Company A’s stores and retaining real estate appraisers and other professionals to evaluate tax assessments on company stores. Businesses that provided those services to Company A would submit invoices which Acuff paid through Company A’s bill pay system.
According to court records, between January 2020 and June 2024, Acuff created five businesses with names related to real estate appraisal and consulting services. As part of the scheme, Acuff submitted false and fraudulent invoices to Company A in the names of his businesses for appraisals and other services that were never provided to Company A. Acuff then used his authority and access to Company A’s billing system to authorize payments of the false invoices. Through this scheme, Acuff issued payments totaling more than $1.9 million, which he deposited into bank accounts he controlled.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. District Judge Matthew E. Orso said, “A slap on the wrist in a case like this won’t establish true deterrence.”
Acuff pleaded guilty to mail fraud and money laundering. He will be ordered to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bain-Creed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Milford Man Who Threatened Federal Law Enforcement Officer is SentencedRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HAMILTON CLARK SMITH, 61, of Milford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 43 days of imprisonment, time already served, and one year of probation for threatening a federal law enforcement officer.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 10 and 11, 2023, Smith sent a series of threatening text messages to a Deputy U.S. Marshal, including threats to harm and kill the Deputy U.S. Marshal, and to harm the Deputy U.S. Marshal’s family.
Smith was arrested on January 12, 2023, and was detained until February 16, 2023, when he was released on bond. On April 22, 2024, he pleaded guilty to making repeated harassing communications.
This investigation was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.
Mexican national who stole U.S. citizen’s identity sentenced to prisonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 39-year-old Mexican citizen has been ordered to federal prison after illegally reentering the United States under an assumed identity, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Following a two-day-trial, a federal jury found Jose Martin Valdez-Galvan guilty May 29, 2025, after approximately four hours of deliberation.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo sentenced Valdez-Galvan to 41 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is once again expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.
On June 11, 2024, authorities encountered Valdez-Galvan in Laredo. During the encounter, he provided a false name and claimed to be a U.S. citizen. Authorities later determined Valdez-Galvan was an illegal alien who had previously been removed from the United States and had returned without permission.
Court records reflect Valdez-Galvan assumed the false identity in 2015 following his second removal from the United States.
Law enforcement positively identified Valdez-Galvan through fingerprint analysis. At trial, Valdez-Galvan disputed his identity, and his mother testified that her son’s name was different, despite having previously identified him as Valdez-Galvan.
The defense challenged the reliability of the evidence, but the jury found Valdez-Galvan guilty as charged.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Cortez, Jay Hileman and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Oliver prosecuted the case.
Mexican National to Serve More Than Eight Years in Prison for Cocaine Conspiracy and Illegal Ammunition PossessionRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSE TRINIDAD PEREZ FRAIRE, 38, of Mexico, has been sentenced to serve 105 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute cocaine and being an illegal alien in possession of ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to public records, in May 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) obtained information that Fraire was involved in cocaine distribution. On May 14, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Fraire’s residence and discovered approximately three kilograms of cocaine, more than $70,000 in cash, suspected drug ledgers, and ammunition.
On June 26, 2025, Fraire was charged by Information with a drug conspiracy and being an illegal alien in possession of ammunition. Fraire pleaded guilty on July 28, 2025, and admitted he conspired with others to possess and distribute cocaine and knowingly possessed ammunition despite his status as an illegal alien.
At the sentencing hearing on February 5, 2026, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Fraire to serve 105 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the need for deterrence and to protect the public from further criminal activity.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew E. Davis prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Mexican national pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally reentering the United States after he was previously deported.
Javier Luis Arias-Zamudio, aka Jose Luis Cordova, 34, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Judge David P. Rush, to a federal indictment charging him with one count of illegal reentry after a felony conviction.
According to court documents, on Oct. 23, 2025, deputies with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Arias-Zamudio and determined that he was unlawfully present in the United States.
Arias-Zamudio has previously been convicted of felony illegal reentry, in the District of Arizona, in 2021, and removed from the United States on April 21, 2021, through Nogales, Ariz. Additionally, Arias-Zamudio was previously removed from the United States on May 5, 2017, and August 29, 2019, at Laredo, Tx.
Under federal statutes, Arias-Zamudio is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security – Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Sparta, Missouri Police Department, and the Christian County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Mexican National Illegally in the United States Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today the sentencing of a Mexican national for federal drug and firearm offenses stemming from his unlawful reentry into the United States.
On February 10, 2026, a federal judge sentenced Agustin Osorio-Lopez, 42, originally from Hidalgo, Mexico, to 120 months in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system. Following his ten-year term of imprisonment, Osorio-Lopez will be subject to removal proceedings. The sentence follows Osorio-Lopez’s guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully present in the United States, and illegal reentry after deportation.
“The defendant repeatedly violated federal law by illegally reentering the United States and engaging in serious drug and firearm offenses,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “This case demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement in the Middle District of Alabama, and the sentence imposed should serve as a warning to those who disregard our immigration laws and threaten public safety.”
According to court records, law enforcement officers in Elmore County began investigating suspected drug-trafficking activity in July 2025. During the investigation, agents identified Osorio-Lopez as a person of interest and determined that he was unlawfully present in the United States after having been previously deported on two occasions.
On September 22, 2025, federal agents, along with deputies from the Elmore County Drug Task Force, executed an arrest warrant at a residence in Elmore, Alabama, where Osorio-Lopez was located. During the arrest, law enforcement officers seized methamphetamine, marijuana, multiple handguns, digital scales, and other items commonly associated with drug distribution.
The Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) and the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration Southeast Laboratory in Miami, Florida. Assistant United States Attorney Eric M. Counts prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.