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6 February 2026
First week of February sees another 365 people charged in border security-related matters in the Southern District of TexasRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A total of 363 cases have been filed related to immigration-related crimes from Jan. 30-Feb. 5, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
A total of 220 people have been charged with felony reentry after removal, and another 116 face allegations of illegal entry. Most have felony convictions for narcotics, violent crime, various immigration offenses and more. The filed cases also include 23 individuals accused of human smuggling, while the remaining six matters are related to other immigration crimes.
One of those charged is Honduran national Nixon Ariel Villalobos-Quijada. The criminal complaint alleges he attempted to unlawfully reenter the United States within six months of his most recent removal. He was previously removed Aug. 17, 2025, according to the complaint. The charges allege Villalobos-Quijada has a prior conviction for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. Authorities allegedly discovered him again near Roma without any legal authorization.
Additional complaints allege two previous felons had also illegally reentered the country. Mexican nationals Alvaro Zavala-Valdez and Ricardo Enede Rodriguez-Alvarez had both been previously removed Aug. 7, 2013, and May 10, 2022, according to their respective charges. However, both were allegedly found in the McAllen area this week. According to court documents, Zavala-Valdez has a previous conviction for illegal reentry, while Rodriguez-Alvarez was sentenced for transportation/harboring illegal aliens.
If convicted, all three men face up to 20 years in federal prison.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal histories, including convictions for human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes.
An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Felon Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a Gun to almost 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A Federal Judge sentenced Marcus Terrell Burney, 44, to 4.8 years in federal prison for possession of a gun by a felon. Inmate Burney pleaded guilty to the crime.
According to court documents and other information presented in court, Inmate Burney drove his car on I-40 in Sampson County with an expired registration. Sampson County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop and during an open-air sniff, K-9 “Rocky” gave a positive alert for the presence of narcotics. That led to the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office along with ATF to conduct a probable cause search of the car, which yielded a loaded S7W M&P 40 caliber gun in the center console, an open bottle of tequila, digital scales with powder residue, and marijuana residue. Inmate Burney had a blood alcohol content level of 0.13 when tested on the roadside.
This conviction is Inmate Burney’s third federal conviction. First, in 2004, Inmate Burney was convicted of federal felony offenses Possession with the Intent to Sell Marijuana and Possession of a Gun in Furtherance of a Drug Crime. Second, in 2012, Inmate Burney was convicted of the federal felony offenses Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Sell Crack Cocaine and Hydrocodone. Inmate Burney was on Federal Supervised Release at the time of the third offense.
“It’s really easy to avoid this type of crime. If you cannot legally possess a gun, then don’t even try. Stay away from drug dealing, too, unless you want to go to prison for many years.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
“Thanks to the alert work of our deputies, a traffic stop led to the arrest of an individual who was already on federal probation and illegally in possession of a firearm. This case highlights the importance of proactive policing and traffic enforcement in keeping dangerous weapons off our streets. I’m proud of our deputies for their dedication to public safety and their commitment to holding offenders accountable” said Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton.
W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. Sampson County Sheriff’s Office and ATF investigated the case and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Aria Q. Merle and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Severo prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Federal grand jury indicts convicted felon on multiple drug and weapons chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Martino Carter, 38, of Sloan, NY, with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of firearms and ammunition by person subject to domestic violence protective order. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, on June 5, 2025, the Buffalo Police Department, ATF and FBI executed a search warrant at Carter’s Jackson Avenue residence in Sloan. During the search, investigators recovered two firearms, a magazine, and approximately 25 pounds of suspected marijuana. Carter was taken into custody at the scene.
In May 2009, Carter was convicted of two felonies in Erie County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. In addition, at the time of his arrest, he had an active order of protection against him, which also legally prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
Carter was arraigned this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Acting Police Commissioner Craig Macy, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Federal Inmate and Four Others Charged with 2016 Kidnappings and Murders in Oakland Park and LauderhillRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Palacio Valdes Farley, 45, a federal inmate serving consecutive sentences totaling 34 years for conspiring to commit drug-trafficking and money laundering offenses, and conspiring to rob drug-traffickers of narcotics, money, and other property, made his initial appearance in federal court on Jan. 27 to face new charges arising from the August 2016 kidnapping and murders of two victims.
According to court records, Farley and his co-conspirators allegedly planned and carried out the robbery of an apartment in Oakland Park used to store narcotics and drug-trafficking proceeds. Farley recruited Frederic Wayne Mordon, Jr., 44, Emmanuel Xavier White, 51; Walter James Tillman, 37; Andrew Francois Martin, 33; and Joassaint Josiah Aristil, Jr., 30, to execute the robbery.
In preparation, the defendants allegedly purchased GPS tracking devices, clothing bearing the letters “DEA,” masks, holsters, and flashlights, and rented two vehicles. They placed a GPS tracking device on a vehicle belonging to a drug-trafficker, “John Doe,” who used the Oakland Park apartment as a narcotics stash house.
On Aug. 18, 2016, the defendants met at a staging location in Lauderhill and used the GPS tracking device to locate Doe’s vehicle, which was parked at an apartment complex in Lauderhill. The defendants drove to the apartment complex in the two rental vehicles. When the defendants arrived, Doe was seated in the driver’s seat of his vehicle, with his acquaintance, Tiara Jeanne Register, seated in the front passenger seat. Farley, Mordon, and White allegedly approached wearing DEA-style shirts and masks and carrying firearms, announced they were the DEA, and ordered Doe and Register to put their hands up.
Farley forcibly removed Doe at gunpoint from the vehicle and placed him in the back seat, while Martin got into the driver’s seat. White removed Register from the vehicle and handed her to Mordon, who placed her into one of the rental cars. Aristil and Tillman allegedly served as lookouts during the carjacking and kidnappings of Doe and Register.
After leaving the Lauderhill complex, Mordon took Register back to the staging location and handed her over to Aristil to hold her captive. Meanwhile, Martin, Farley, and White drove Doe to the Oakland Park stash apartment. Upon arrival, Farley and White took Doe out of his vehicle, intending to use Doe to access his apartment. However, Doe’s associate, Eric Orlando McNair, was standing at the bottom of the stairs smoking a cigarette, saw them, and fled upstairs to the apartment. Doe struggled with White, attempting to disarm him. Farley allegedly shot Doe twice, and Doe fell to the ground. Doe survived and fled the scene.
Farley and White then pursued McNair upstairs. Inside the stash apartment, Farley and White pursued McNair into a bedroom, where Farley fatally shot McNair in the head and the neck, killing him. Farley and White collected narcotics and cash from inside the apartment and fled the scene in Doe’s vehicle, driven by Martin.
Following the robbery, Martin, Farley, White, Mordon, and Tillman met up at White’s residence in Lauderhill. Soon after, Aristil arrived in one of the rental cars, with Register. Farley handed Martin a firearm and instructed him to take Register to a nearby cul-de-sac and kill her. Martin and Aristil drove Register to the dead end, where Martin shot her in the head, killing her. Aristil and Martin then returned to White’s house, where Martin reported to Farley that he had executed Register.
The defendants are charged with two counts of kidnapping resulting in death and one count of causing the death of a person in furtherance of a crime of violence and a drug trafficking crime. Farley, Martin, and Aristil are also charged with killing a witness. If convicted, the defendants face mandatory sentences of life imprisonment on the kidnapping counts. The maximum penalty for all counts is death or life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), and Chief Constance Stanley of the Lauderhill Police Department (LPD) made the announcement.
FBI Miami, BSO, and LPD are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dwayne E. Williams is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Miami comprises agents and officers from FBI Miami, Broward Sheriff’s Office, and the Lauderhill Police Department with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
An indictment/complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.sdfl.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.sdfl.uscourts.gov, under case numbers 25-cr-60305, and 24-cr-60063 (Mordon).
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Father and son going to prison for killing Niagara Falls man in furtherance of drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Office Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Lavon Parks, a/k/a Dutch, 35, and his father, James C. Parks, 61, both of Niagara Falls, NY, were sentenced to serve 30 years and 20 years in prison respectively, by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. The defendants were convicted following a jury trial of narcotics conspiracy, discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and discharge of firearm causing death. In addition, Lavon Parks was also convicted of attempting to possess, with intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney P. Richard Antoine, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that between May 2017, and March 2019, the defendants were part of a conspiracy to sell cocaine in the Niagara Falls and Buffalo, NY areas. On the afternoon of January 21, 2018, Kevin Turner was murdered in a shooting in front of a Niagara Street residence in Niagara Falls. Turner was an alleged crack cocaine dealer who had recently moved from Buffalo to Niagara Falls, where, the night before the shooting, he was staying just a few blocks from the scene of the shooting. The afternoon of the shooting, Turner went to the Niagara Street residence to sell crack cocaine. After exiting the residence, Turner was shot and killed. Evidence was presented by the Government that Lavon Parks and James Parks were driving around the area in a truck immediately before the shooting, apparently looking for someone. Video evidence placed a truck registered to Lavon Parks’ then-girlfriend in the immediate area of the shooting both before and after the murder. Ballistics recovered from the scene of the shooting matched a firearm that was recovered approximately two weeks later from an individual in Niagara Falls who was not near the scene at the time of Turner’s death. The firearm, however, was one of several firearms that were illegally trafficked from Pittsburgh, PA, by an individual who testified that he sold this type of firearm, along with at least seven others, to Lavon Parks in exchange for drugs.
The investigation included a series of controlled buys and payments involving defendant Lavon Parks. Investigators seized approximately 8.5 kilograms of cocaine and $52,000 in U.S. currency from postal parcels shipped from Puerto Rico to various locations in the Western District of New York, Florida, Alaska, Georgia, and Pennsylvania using the United States Postal Service. The shipments were made to co-conspirators. Additionally, the investigation identified $55,700 in U.S. currency and/or money orders shipped in parcels from co-conspirators to Puerto Rico as payment to the source of supply for the cocaine.
The sentencings are the result of an investigation by the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Nicholas Ligammari; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, New York Field Division; and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Nicholas J. Bucciarelli, Boston Division.
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Documented Shelltown Gang Member Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO –David Gilbert Gomez, a documented San Diego gang member also known as “Choker,” was sentenced in federal court today to 87 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm on March 12, 2024. Gomez previously pleaded guilty in federal court to that charge.
According to court records, officers with the City of Imperial Police Department were conducting a routine traffic stop when they observed two men standing near an unoccupied vehicle. Upon seeing police presence, both men ran into a nearby residence. Inside the unoccupied vehicle, police observed a semiautomatic firearm with an extended magazine located on the front passenger’s seat. Police recovered the firearm, which was determined to be a 9mm Glock loaded with approximately 17 rounds of ammunition. A records search of the firearm’s serial number revealed it to be reported stolen out of Maricopa County, Arizona.
A further search of the unoccupied vehicle revealed a black bag with a lighter bearing the words “Choker” and “Shelltown.” At the time of the firearm seizure, there was an active “Be on the Lookout” (BOLO) for an individual named David Gomez a/k/a “Choker” with a documented affiliation to the San Diego-based “Shelltown” gang. Police positively identified Gomez from the BOLO as one of the individuals who fled into the residence.
The investigation was then taken over by federal investigators, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). A federal search warrant for Gomez’s DNA was obtained and while executing the warrant, Gomez admitted to stealing the firearm from another person.
Twelve prior felony convictions prohibit Gomez from possessing a firearm. He was therefore charged with unlawful firearm possession, following investigation by ATF. In fact, Gomez had previously been federally convicted for unlawful firearm possession, among other crimes such as escape and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
While discussing Gomez’s criminal history at sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge Cynthia Ann Bashant noted her sentence reflected a “worry about protection of the public” given Gomez’s continued criminal conduct.
DEFENDANT Case Number 24CR1962
David Gilbert Gomez Age: 43 Imperial, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Felon in Possession of a Firearm — 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(1)
Maximum Penalty: Fifteen years in prison and $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Federal Bureau of Investigation
City of Imperial Police Department
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 gun violence and other violent crime, 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
District of Arizona Charges 139 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this WeekRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from Jan. 31 through Feb. 6, 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 139 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 84 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 40 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 13 cases against 15 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), ICE- Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Recent matters of interest include:
United States v. Pedro Nunez-Espino. Nunez-Espino was charged by complaint with Re-entry of Removed Alien, Feb. 6, 2026. The defendant was previously removed from the United States on May 3, 2015, and was previously convicted of Possession of Narcotic Drugs for Sale, a felony, in the Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County. In that case, Nunez-Espino was sentenced to six months of imprisonment followed by three years of probation. 26-6046MJ, Phoenix.
United States v. Pedro Cazares-Diaz. Cazares-Diaz was charged by complaint with Re-entry of Removed Alien, Feb. 4, 2026. The defendant was previously removed from the United States on May 18, 2010, after being convicted of Assault with a Deadly Weapon/Force Likely to Cause Great Bodily Injury, and Receiving Stolen Property, felonies, in the Superior Court of California, San Diego, South County Division. In that case, Cazares-Diaz was sentenced to two years of imprisonment and one year and four months of imprisonment, respectively for each count, to be served concurrently. 26-6036MJ, Phoenix.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-023_February 6 Immigration Enforcement
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Detroit man sentenced for shooting 24 rounds into home where his six-year-old daughter sleptRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Jevonte Cassidy Doakes, 33, of Detroit, Michigan, who shot into his ex-girlfriend’s home in May 2024 while his own child was sleeping inside, was sentenced yesterday to 110 months in federal prison on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Detroit Field Division and Chief Todd Bettison, Detroit Police Department.
In May 2024, Doakes fired 24 shots into his ex-girlfriend’s home where she and her family, including his own six-year-old daughter, slept. One bullet struck a closet door in the child’s bedroom. Another went through a couch beside where other children slept. A few hours after the shooting, Doakes called his ex-girlfriend, saying, “Bitch, you still alive?” before hanging up. Fired casings from the May 2024 shooting matched other recent shootings, including a felonious assault in River Rouge, so the ATF began investigating Doakes.
Agents executed search warrants at Doakes’s house and the flop house next door where Doakes kept some of his guns. Agents found 7 guns, including two machineguns between the two houses. One of the machineguns matched the fired casings from the May 2024 shooting into Doakes’s ex-girlfriend’s house. Doakes and another man, Joshua Griggs, 21 of Detroit, were arrested.
Griggs, who was caught on video holding another gun at the house while on probation, was sentenced to 24 months prison in August 2025 for receipt of a firearm while under indictment.
“These are the acts of a crooked man who loves violence and hates innocent life. I am thankful for our strong alliance with our federal and Detroit Police partners. This is how we keep our city safe,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon.
“Javonte DOAKES is the one of the most deserving candidates for federal prison. Using an illegal machine, he recklessly fired 24 rounds into a home full of sleeping children, one of whom was his daughter. These types of acts of gun violence have consequences,” said James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Detroit Field Division. “Calling the mother of his child afterward asking if she survived only highlights DOAKES’ complete and utter disregard for human life. ATF will continue working with our partners to identify prolific shooters in the community and hold them accountable for their acts by helping them pack their bags for an extended stay in federal prison.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Detroit Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew R. Picek and Philip Jacques.
Detroit Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Federal Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Antonio Shelby Jr., 33, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced on Thursday, February 5, 2026, to 12 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
A federal jury found Shelby guilty of both counts on August 19, 2025, following a two-day trial. Evidence at trial showed that on January 10, 2024, a law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Shelby in the Institute area of Kanawha County. The officer smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, asked Shelby to exit the vehicle, and told him that the vehicle would be searched. Shelby fled in the vehicle, driving at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour on West Virginia Route 25 and Interstate 64 while trying to elude law enforcement.
The pursuit ended when Shelby crashed his vehicle while attempting to exit I-64 at South Charleston. Officers encountered Shelby climbing out of the vehicle and detained him. When officers lifted Shelby from the ground, they found a Keltec model P3 AT .380-caliber pistol, loaded and with a round in the chamber, on the ground underneath him. Officers also seized over 60 grams of methamphetamine in multiple baggies, over 100 grams of fentanyl, marijuana, digital scales, and $2,495 from the vehicle.
Shelby has a criminal history that includes prior felony convictions for fleeing from a police officer and reckless driving causing serious impairment of a body function.
“This defendant possessed and transported distribution-level quantities of lethal drugs into our community while armed. He doubled down on his disregard for our people and their safety by fleeing from law enforcement, creating a substantial risk of serious injury or death to the public and responding officers,” said United States Attorney Moore Capito. “We are unrelenting in our commitment to attacking the drug crisis with the utmost toughness.”
Capito commended the law enforcement agencies involved in apprehending Shelby, investigating the case, and securing the convictions at trial: the Nitro Police Department, the Dunbar Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys JC MacCallum and Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-197.
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Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – James Richard Mathis, 30, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty on Thursday, February 5, 2026, to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 3, 2024, Mathis possessed over 90 grams of methamphetamine and over 20 grams of fentanyl in or near Dunbar, West Virginia, that he intended to distribute.
Mathis is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-87.
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Defendant Sentenced to federal prison for Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
AUGUSTA, GA: A Columbia County, Georgia woman was sentenced to federal prison for using stolen and counterfeit business checks to commit Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft.
Dechanta Benning, 35, was sentenced to 70 months in prison, along with substantial financial penalties and five years of supervised release upon completion of any prison term, said Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge Randall Hall also ordered Benning to pay a $2,500 fine and $300 in special assessments. There is no parole in the federal system.
As described in court documents and at sentencing, the Defendant obtained business checks stolen from the United States Postal Service, altered them, deposited the altered checks into the bank accounts of co-conspirators as well as her own accounts, then withdrew the money. The money was withdrawn before the banks were able to recognize the checks as fraudulent. The Defendant stole approximately $1,000,000 through this scheme.
“There were hundreds of citizens and businesses in this District and nationwide, who were victimized by this Defendant. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting and defending the nation’s mail system from theft and aggressively pursuing those who would commit fraud in this district. With the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement partners, fraudsters who use stolen mail to steal will be brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Heap.
“Financial fraud schemes like this don’t just impact banks — they devastate small businesses, families, and entire communities,” said Matthew Ploskunak, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta's Augusta office. “By exploiting stolen mail and stolen identities, the defendant attempted to steal nearly $1 million and left hundreds of victims in her wake. The FBI remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and hold accountable anyone who uses deception and theft for personal gain.”
“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is responsible for protecting the sanctity of the nation’s mail system. We remain resolute in our investigative efforts to bring those to justice who defraud the U.S. Postal Service, or those who fraudulently use the nation’s mail system in the furtherance of their deceptive schemes. Make no mistake, those who choose this path, will be held responsible for their actions in sentencing,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Postal Inspector in Charge, Atlanta Division.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigations and prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney David H. Estes.
For any questions, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.
Convicted murderer sentenced to over three years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearmRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced yesterday to three years and 10 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on Jan. 11, 2025, a Richmond Police officer encountered Raheem Bennie Smith, aka Too-Too, 44, asleep at the wheel of a vehicle at an intersection in Richmond. The vehicle was running and still in gear. The officer awakened Smith by tapping on his window and asked Smith to put the vehicle in park.
While speaking with Smith, the officer observed a firearm in the front passenger seat and instructed Smith not to reach for it. Another officer opened the passenger door and recovered the loaded handgun and Smith was arrested. The officers also found cocaine in Smith’s pants.
At the time of his arrest, Smith previously had been convicted of, among other crimes, possession of cocaine, eluding the police, continuously driving with a suspended or revoked license, and second degree murder. As a convicted felon, Smith cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division and the Richmond Police Department investigated this case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Groover, an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, 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. 3:25-cr-112.
Convicted drug trafficker pleads guilty mid-trial to methamphetamine traffickingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – After one day of trial testimony, an Albuquerque woman pleaded guilty to methamphetamine trafficking.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on May 18, 2023, the FBI Violent Gang Task Force executed a search warrant at the northeast Albuquerque residence of Nora Baca, 67. During the search, agents located approximately three pounds of methamphetamine in the bedroom of Baca’s housemate and codefendant.
On September 10, 2024, following an investigation into a significant intergang drug trafficking conspiracy involving both incarcerated and non-incarcerated gang members linked to the Cibola County Correctional Center in Milan, New Mexico, Baca was charged in a superseding indictment with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Subsequently, on October 30, 2024, the FBI Violent Gangs Task Force and the U.S. Marshals Service conducted a coordinated operation executing search warrants at 13 locations across New Mexico, including the home of Baca. Despite being tipped off that agents were coming, more methamphetamine and a firearm were found in Baca’s home.
During the trial, the government presented evidence that Baca was a known large-scale methamphetamine dealer who had supplied others with drugs. This is Baca’s second federal conviction for drug trafficking. She was previously sentenced to 120 months in prison in 2012, which was later reduced to 92 months pursuant to the retroactive application of new federal sentencing guidelines for drug offenses, followed by four years of supervised release.
Baca pled guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Following her plea, the Court ordered Baca held in custody until sentencing. At sentencing, Baca faces five years in federal prison pursuant to the plea agreement, as well as supervised release and other penalties.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, and David Barnett, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico, made the announcement today.
The FBI Albuquerque Division Violent Gang Task Force (VGTF) and United States Marshals Service jointly investigated this case with assistance from the CoreCivic Intelligence Unit and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Paul Mysliwiec and David Hirsch are prosecuting these cases.
Convicted Rapist from Mexico Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Mexican national, currently serving a state prison sentence for rape, has been charged with illegally re-entering the United States after deportation.
Eugenio Isidro Victoriano, 54, is charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. The defendant is currently serving a state prison sentence for rape, indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 years of age and larceny.
According to court documents, Isidro Victoriano was first encountered as being unlawfully present in the United States in April 2004, when he was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol near El Paso, Texas. He was subsequently removed from the United States to Mexico.
It is alleged that sometime thereafter, Isidro Victoriano unlawfully reentered the United States without inspection or authorization.
In February 2021, Isidro Victoriano was arrested in Great Barrington, Mass., for operating under the influence of alcohol. According to court documents, fingerprints taken during that arrest matched Victoriano’s prior immigration records. Isidro Victoriano was released from state custody before immigration authorities could take action.
It is alleged that, in December 2022, Isidro Victoriano was again arrested by local law enforcement in Great Barrington, Mass., for rape, indecent assault and battery on a person over 14 years of age and larceny under $1,200. Isidro Victoriano pleaded guilty to those charges in November 2025 and was sentenced to four to six years in prison, with credit for time served. Immigration authorities lodged a detainer following his arrest.
According to the charging documents, following his November 2025 state conviction, Isidro Victoriano admitted that he was not a U.S. citizen, that he paid a smuggler to enter the United States and that he had no legal authorization to do so.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches, Chief of the Springfield Branch Office, is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Contractor Agrees to Pay $2.4 Million to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. B A Vernon, New Jersey company will pay $2.4 million to resolve allegations that it overbilled the United States Postal Service on facilities management contracts, Senior Counsel Phillip Lamparello announced today.
The settlement resolves allegations that from August 1, 2020 through August 12, 2025, Phillips-Glenwood Construction, Inc. made false claims in conjunction with its contract for construction and facilities maintenance of USPS facilities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. More specifically, Phillips-Glenwood allegedly submitted to the USPS false and altered documentation inflating its labor hours and materials purchases in its requests for payment for work performed.
Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Colleen Ehlich, for the investigation of the allegations against Phillips-Glenwood.
The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark C. Orlowski of the U.S. Attorney’s Health Care Fraud and Opioids Enforcement Unit in Newark.
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Defense Counsel for Phillips-Glenwood is Dennis J. Francis, Esq., Little Ferry, New Jersey.
phillips_glenwood.agreement.pdfColombian National Convicted of Voter Fraud; Federal Benefit Fraud; and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Colombian woman, unlawfully residing in Boston, was convicted today following a five-day jury trial in federal court in Boston of identity theft offenses, including receiving rental assistance, Social Security and Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, as well as voter fraud under the stolen identity. The defendant also applied for a United States passport and obtained a Massachusetts Real ID and eight other state IDs.
Lina Maria Orovio-Hernandez, 59, was convicted of one count of false representation of a Social Security number; one count of making a false statement in an application for a United States passport; one count of aggravated identity theft; three counts of receiving stolen government money or property; and one count of fraudulent voting. Orovio-Hernandez was charged by superseding indictment in May 2025. She was previously charged in an indictment in February 2025 and has remained in federal custody since that time.
Orovio-Hernandez, a Colombian national without lawful status in the United States, has lived under a stolen identity for more than 20 years. Using the stolen identity, Orovio-Hernandez obtained nine state IDs, including a Massachusetts Real ID and applied for a U.S. passport.
Orovio-Hernandez also used the stolen identity to cast a fraudulent ballot in the November 2024 presidential election. In addition, Orovio-Hernandez improperly received approximately $400,000 in federal benefits: $259,589 in Section 8 rental assistance benefits from October 2011 through January 2025; $101,257 in Social Security disability benefits from July 2014 through January 2025; and $43,348 in SNAP benefits from April 2005 through January 2025.
“Ms. Orovio-Hernandez has lived in this country illegally for two decades, during which time she repeatedly made false statements, stole, committed fraud and even voted illegally,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Her repeated criminal acts are a slap in the face to all those who come into this country legally and abide by our laws. The air of entitlement is astounding. This case is yet another example of our commitment to rooting out those who violate our immigration laws and steal from United States Citizens.”
“This investigation highlights the critical role of DSS in protecting the American public from identity and document fraud,” said Special Agent in Charge Nathan Hebert of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Boston Field Office. “This conviction reflects the tireless efforts of our special agents and the strength of our partnerships across agencies.”
“This verdict sends a clear message: identity theft and fraud against federal benefit programs will not go undetected or unpunished,” said Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG), Boston–New York Field Division. “The jury confirmed that the defendant used a stolen identity to illegally collect Social Security benefits, commit voter fraud, and undermine public trust. SSA OIG is committed to investigating and holding accountable anyone—including illegal immigrants—who exploit Social Security programs.”
“Orovio-Hernandez’s calculated deception caused her to fraudulently receive over $400,000 in federal benefits including more than $250,000 in HUD rental assistance. These taxpayer funds were intended to provide housing assistance to our most at-risk populations—low income, disabled, and elderly United States citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Rice with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General (OIG). “Her actions were not a onetime mistake or accident. She lived under a stolen identity for over two decades, taking numerous actions and steps to further defraud the United States Government. HUD OIG remains steadfast in its commitment to working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue those who engage in activities that threaten the integrity of HUD programs.”
The charge of false representation of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of making a false statement in an application for a United States passport provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory two-year sentence to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charges of receiving stolen government or property provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of fraudulent voting provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
U.S. Attorney Foley; DSS SAC Hebert; SSA OIG SAC Connelly; HUD OIG SAC Rice; and Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations – Northeast Region made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg and Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
Carlsbad Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Role in Fatal Fentanyl Overdose of Carlsbad WomanRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Cameron William Fulston of Carlsbad was sentenced in federal court today to 144 months in prison for coordinating the sale of the fentanyl that resulted in the fatal overdose of 25-year-old Carlsbad resident Danielle Good in 2023.
“Danielle’s life was much more than her final moments,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon, “Danielle was a beloved daughter and sister. Our office prosecutes these fatal drug distribution cases in part because we value the humanity of those victims of the fentanyl epidemic.”
“Fentanyl continues to steal lives,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge James Nunnallee. “The defendant in this case didn’t just arrange a deadly sale, he abandoned a young woman in her final moments and then chose deception over accountability. His selfish actions denied the victim and her family the future they deserved.”
According to court documents, on September 9, 2023, Fulston contacted the victim on social media and arranged for her to come meet him and his co-defendant and source of supply, prolific drug dealer Bryan Kim Bullard. Fulston coordinated with Bullard to supply Good with fentanyl at a Mission Valley apartment. As Bullard supplied the fatal fentanyl to the victim, he sent Fulston to a nearby restaurant to pick up food, then messaged him quickly thereafter to ask for Narcan at 11:17 p.m.
Despite early signs of a medical emergency, the defendants both failed to seek help for over an hour while Good lay dying of an overdose in a bathtub. It was not until more than an hour later, at 12:22 a.m., that Bullard called 911 from Good’s phone, then fled the scene before help arrived. During the critical delay, Fulston and Bullard had two Facebook video conversations during which, despite Good’s rapidly deteriorating condition, no one sought help for her. Instead, Bullard engaged in multiple Facebook video chats and sent disturbing messages, including a video showing the unconscious and unclothed victim in the bathtub.
During Bullard’s 9-1-1 call, he stated, “overdose, overdose,” and that he was calling from “…her phone…” While the dispatcher was trying to explain life saving measures, Bullard stopped talking, and the call ended.
San Diego Police officers were dispatched immediately, at approximately 12:23 a.m., to the Mission Valley apartment complex. Bullard fled the scene before police arrived. While law enforcement was on scene, Fulston arrived back at the apartment. Fulston told police a series of lies in an effort to distance himself from the overdose but eventually admitted that Good originally came to the apartment with him, as seen on video surveillance. The evidence in the case reflected that Fulston let Bullard know when police and paramedics had left so that it was safe to return. Afterwards, the defendants immediately resumed distributing drugs, with Fulston offering to provide drugs to at least three different users on Facebook in the span of just a few hours that same morning.
Prosecutors argued for a significant sentence, arguing that the defendant’s egregious conduct in this case resulted in the loss of life and his indifference towards continued drug distribution put the public at continuous risk and demanded a significant custodial sanction.
Fulston pleaded guilty to Distribution of a Controlled Substance in September 2025. Bullard, who pleaded guilty to the same charge in December 2024, was sentenced in July 2025 to 20 years in prison, the statutory maximum sentence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Streja.
Special Agents and Task Force Officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team (formerly known as Team 10) led the investigation. This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the San Diego Police Department, the La Mesa Police Department, National Guard Counterdrug Task Force and the California Department of Health Care Services to investigate and prosecute the distribution of dangerous illegal drugs—fentanyl in particular—that result in overdose deaths. The Drug Enforcement Administration created the Overdose Response Team as a response to the increase in overdose deaths in San Diego County.
The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, provides assistance to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. This grant program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). There are currently 33 HIDTAs, and HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 24cr1063
Cameron William Fulston Age: 31 Carlsbad
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Distribution of Controlled Substance (fentanyl), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1)
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
Drug Enforcement Administration
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
Homeland Security Investigations
San Diego Police Department
La Mesa Police Department
California Department of Health Care Services
California Man Charged with CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Jeremy Ryan (38, San Diego, CA) has indicted for cyberstalking by a federal grand jury. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, from October through December 2025, Ryan used electronic communications to message Victim 1 with the intent to kill, injure, harass, and intimidate Victim 1.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abigail K. King.
Brazilian National Sentenced for Selling Firearms Without a License and ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully living in Massachusetts and New Hampshire was sentenced yesterday for dealing firearms without a license.
Riquelme Henrique De Aguiar Ferreira, a/k/a “Koringa,” 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William G. Young to two years in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of the imposed sentence. In September 2025, De Aguiar Ferreira pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license.
Between May 2023 and August 2023, De Aguiar Ferreira coordinated the sale of two pistols (one with a large capacity magazine) to a cooperating witness without the required license in exchange for cash. The following year, De Aguiar Ferreira also offered the cooperating witness additional firearms for sale, but those transactions never occurred. De Aguiar Ferreira also conspired with others to deal firearms, traveling to South Carolina and connecting supply sources in South Carolina with individuals in Massachusetts. The picture below of the firearms obtained from South Carolina were found on De Aguiar Ferreira’s phone:
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Framingham, Revere and Merrimac (N.H.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Crowley and John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Billings man sentenced to over 3 years in prison for multiple gun chargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man, who is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms because of his prior commitment to a mental institution, was sentenced today to 46 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for making false statements to obtain firearms and for being a prohibited person in possession of firearms, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Ryan David Schreder, 45, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to four counts of making a false statement in acquisition of a firearm and one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement began investigating Schreder after repeatedly being told about his escalating behavior. On October 10, 2024, the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office obtained and executed a search warrant for Schreder’s residence. They recovered 23 firearms and 1,176 assorted rounds of ammunition, including large capacity magazines, during the search.
During ATF’s investigation, it was discovered that between February 11, 2022, and June 18, 2024, Schreder purchased firearms on at least 18 occasions from four different licensed firearms dealers in Billings. Each count of conviction for false statement in acquisition of a firearm represented the transactions made at each of the respective firearms dealers.
To obtain the firearms, Schreder knowingly responded untruthfully on ATF Form 4473 (“Firearms Transaction Record”) by answering “no” in response to the question “Have you ever been adjudicated mentally defective OR have you ever been committed to a mental institution.” If a potential buyer answers “yes” in response to this question, a licensed firearms dealer cannot proceed with the sale of a firearm. A licensed firearms dealer has no ability to independently verify the veracity of a response to that question as involuntary commitments are not recorded on criminal history reports in Montana.
At least three firearms Schreder purchased have been recovered by law enforcement during investigations into reports unrelated to him.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Vestal prosecuted the case. The ATF and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
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Anthon, Iowa, Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Robert J. Fundermann, 50, from Anthon, Iowa, pled guilty February 5, 2026, to one count of distribution of child pornography, in federal court in Sioux City.
At the plea hearing, Fundermann admitted that from about April 2023 through April 2025, he distributed and attempted to distribute visual depictions of child pornography. Evidence further showed that Fundermann was grooming a 17-year-old in order to obtain images and videos of the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. A forensic review of Fundermann’s phone showed he possessed 54 images and 98 videos of child pornography, involving material that portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct as well as prepubescent children and toddlers. The investigation in the case also revealed that Fundermann was previously investigated for soliciting nude images from a minor in 2019. He successfully completed a deferred judgement in that case to a charge of Disseminating Obscene Material to Minor -1st Offense in 2020.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Fundermann remains in custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Fundermann faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-4039.
Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Alleged Shooter of Armored Vehicle Security Guard in Balch Springs Federally ChargedRead the Press Release
A man in Dallas, Texas was federally charged with attempted interference of commerce by robbery after allegedly shooting a security guard who was servicing a bank ATM in Balch Springs, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
Laroyce Antoine Lambert was charged by federal complaint with the offense of attempted interference of commerce by robbery on February 5, 2026. According to the complaint, Lambert attempted to rob an armored car while the security guard was servicing a Chase Bank ATM located at 2329 Lake June Road, Balch Springs, Texas.As described in the complaint, during the robbery, Lambert approached the security guard with a firearm and demanded access to the money located at the ATM he was servicing. After the guard informed Lambert that he could not access the money in the ATM, Lambert fired three shots at the guard and fled on foot through a fence. The security guard suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to the hospital. According to the complaint, footage from the security guard’s body worn camera captured Lambert with a firearm in his hand, pointed at the guard:
Court documents reflect that responding agents and officers with the Balch Springs Police Department and Dallas FBI Violent Crime Taskforce were able to obtain footage of Lambert fleeing the scene and entering a Dodge Charger to make his escape. The FBI worked in conjunction with the Fort Worth Police Department and Dallas Police Department to locate the Dodge Charger and tracked Lambert and the vehicle to an apartment in Fort Worth, Texas. Once located, the Fort Worth Police Department arrested Lambert.
“The swift apprehension of this individual is a testament to the tireless work and collaboration of our federal, state, and local partners. The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force and our local partners identified the perpetrator within hours of the horrific shooting,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This should serve as a warning to violent offenders in North Texas: we will find you and swiftly bring you to justice.”
“The FBI Dallas Violent Crimes Task Force worked alongside the Balch Springs Police Department, Dallas Police Department, Fort Worth Police Department, Mesquite Police Department and other law enforcement partners to investigate this robbery and brutal attack on an armored vehicle driver. This collaboration among multiple agencies and members of the public resulted in a swift arrest,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We will continue our work to hold this perpetrator accountable and remain committed to protect the residents of North Texas.”
“Our community was shaken by this senseless act of violence. I am relieved that a suspect has been apprehended and there is no ongoing threat to the public,” said Brent Hurley, Chief of the Balch Springs Police Department. “I want to thank our agency partners — including the FBI, Texas Rangers, Mesquite Police Department, Dallas Police Department, Mesquite Fire Department, and our own Balch Springs officers — for their professionalism and swift action that led to this arrest. Our thoughts remain with the victim, their family, and all affected by this incident.”
Lambert is currently in federal custody following an initial appearance on February 6, 2026, before a United States Magistrate Judge. If convicted, he faces a statutory maximum sentence of twenty years in federal prison.
The Dallas FBI Violent Crime Taskforce, ATF Dallas, Balch Springs Police Department, Fort Worth Police Department, Dallas Police Department, Mesquite Police Department, and Texas Rangers conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Withers and Jeremy Fugate.
A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. Like all defendants, Lambert is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
lambert_-_complaint.pdf
18th Street Gang Associate from El Salvador Sentenced for Dealing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salvadoran national associated with the transnational criminal organization 18th Street Gang was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for selling 1,000 fentanyl pills in and around the North Shore area of Boston.
Orlando Mancia, a/k/a Intruso, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Senior Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 21 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In August 2025, Mancia pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams and more of fentanyl.
On Oct. 15, 2024, in Everett, Mancia sold approximately 500 pressed fentanyl pills to a cooperating witness. Later, on Oct. 23, 2024, Mancia again sold another 500 pressed fentanyl pills along with cocaine to the cooperating witness.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement & Removal Operations; Suffolk County and Middlesex County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Falmouth, Lynn, Medford, Nantucket and Revere Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Moran of the Criminal Division and Fred Wyshak of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
5 February 2026
Yakama Repeat Offender Sentenced to 7 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington –United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Mitchell Jason Ranes aka Cricket, an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, age 45, of Toppenish, Washington, to 7 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Ranes will also be on federal supervised release for three years after serving his custodial sentence.
According to court records, Ranes pattern of criminal history led to this recent sentence. On September 6, 2000, Ranes was convicted of Drive-By-Shooting and sentenced to 33 months in prison. He was subsequently released, placed on a term of supervised release, violated his term of supervised release and was sent back to prison. On September 17, 2007, Ranes was convicted of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and sentenced to 77 months in prison. He was subsequently released, placed on a term of supervised release, again violated his term of supervised release and was again sent back to prison. On January 23, 2024, the Defendant was convicted of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and sentenced to 15 months imprisonment. Ranes was released from prison and on March 25, 2024, began serving a term of supervised release, and for a third time, violated his terms of supervised release and was sentenced to a time served sentence followed by a term of 34 months of supervised release.
Upon his recent release from prison, Ranes again engaged in dangerous conduct. On January 22, 2025, law enforcement officers were looking for Ranes due to an outstanding arrest warrant. Ranes was observed in a vehicle. The driver of the vehicle fled, attempting to elude pursuing police vehicles. After a lengthy car chase, the suspect car crashed near a residence and Ranes was apprehended. Ranes was later booked into the Yakima County jail. During the booking process, 6 rounds of ammunition was in Ranes’ pocket, a new federal crime.
On April 9, 2025, a federal indictment was filed charging Ranes with being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition and on October 17, 2025, he pled guilty to the Indictment.
On February 3, 2026, Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 84 months to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Judge Dimke based her sentence on Ranes’ lengthy criminal history involving firearms and found significant the multiple opportunities he had on prior supervision to attain services for substance abuse which he did not take advantage of and instead had a history of absconding and engaging in new criminal conduct.
United States Attorney Serrano stated, “I’m grateful to our office for pursuing this case. While some may question why the United States would prosecute the possession of ammunition, there is no need to look beyond Mr. Ranes’ persistent firearms-related criminal history. Yakima is now safer with Mr. Ranes off the streets for the next 7 years.”
Lieutenant Church with the Yakima County Sheriff’s state, “This case is a great example of collaboration with fellow law enforcement and federal partners working to get a dangerous person with a significant criminal history off the streets for a significant amount of time. This type of collaboration is what it takes to truly make an impact on public safety in Yakima County. Thanks again to our law enforcement partners and the US Attorney’s Office.”
“Mr. Ranes has a pattern of criminal history dating back over a quarter century in which he repeatedly violated his supervised release and persisted in possessing firearms despite being prohibited from doing so by federal law,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Together with our partners, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Forces will continue to combat violent crime throughout the state of Washington and nationwide.”
This case was investigated by the Southeast Washington Safe Streets Task Force which consists of agents and task force officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, the Toppenish Police Department, and United Stats Customs and Border Protection. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tom Hanlon.
West Tennessee Woman Convicted of Stolen Valor for Fraudulently Claiming to be a Marine Combat VeteranRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Amanda Kate Walker Bass, 36, of Fayette County, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of fraudulent use of military medals, otherwise known as “Stolen Valor.” U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the guilty plea today.
According to information provided in court, Bass claimed to be a multiple-time deployed U.S. Marine Corps veteran who was the lone survivor of an enemy ambush in Afghanistan in 2010 that left her seriously wounded. She used this fictitious narrative for financial gain by having a GoFundMe page set up for her benefit and sharing the story online and otherwise in order to gain donations, free labor, and other benefits. In July 2021, she induced The Daily Memphian to publish an article about her titled, “Disabled, legally blind veteran now dealer of luxury goods.” Bass never served in the armed forces.
Bass will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris on May 14, 2026, where she faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the wire fraud conviction and up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine for the fraudulent use of military medals conviction.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Fraudulently claiming military service or medals for unjust personal enrichment not only victimizes our military heroes, but also preys upon the trust that citizens have in veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. It is offensive, and it is illegal. We look forward to imposing a real consequence on this faker and thief.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney William C. Bateman III prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Waterloo Woman Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A woman who trafficked methamphetamine in the Waterloo area was sentenced February 4, 2026, to 20 years in federal prison.
Michelle Bruno, age 51, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 7, 2025, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that, in May 2024, Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force investigators made a controlled delivery of methamphetamine to Bruno. After the delivery, Bruno was in possession of four pounds of methamphetamine that she received during the controlled delivery and two additional ounces. Bruno had received approximately twelve pounds of methamphetamine over the past several months from her source of supply. She also sent over $25,000 to her source of supply. A few months later, investigators had contact with Bruno again. She admitted to acquiring another kilogram of methamphetamine and that she had paid her source of supply over $5,000 to satisfy her debt.
Bruno was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Bruno was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Bruno is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Hudson and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force, the Iowa State Patrol, and the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force, consisting of the
Waterloo Police Department, Cedar Falls Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Department, Evansdale Police Department, Waverly Police Department, Hudson Police Department, La Porte City Police Department, and the Bremer County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-cr-2033-2.
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Waianae Man Charged with Threatening to Kill Federal Officer and His Family During Execution of Warrant for Drugs and GunsRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Nehemiah Kealoha, 40, of Waianae, Oahu, was indicted on January 22, 2026, for threatening to assault and murder a federal law enforcement officer. The indictment was unsealed on January 30.
According to information provided to the Court, Kealoha approached a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Task Force Officer who had assisted in executing a federal search warrant at the Waianae residence of an individual who had been placed under arrest for drug and firearms offenses. As the HSI Task Force Officer was preparing to depart the residence and transport the arrested individual, Kealoha pointed at the officer and stated, “I’m going to kill you! I’m going to find you all and kill you and your family! You f****** haole, I’m going to kill you, remember this face. I’m going to find you and your family and kill you, remember this face, it’s the last face you going to see! You think I’m playing!?”
If convicted, Kealoha faces up to ten years in prison and fine of up to $250,000, plus a term of supervised release.
The charge in the indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Muehleck is prosecuting the case.
Upshur County Man Admits to Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – A Rock Cave, West Virginia man has admitted to selling methamphetamine in Upshur County, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Colton Darrell Lester, 37, pled guilty today to the distribution of more than 5 grams of methamphetamine. During the investigation, agents purchased methamphetamine from Lester on several occasions.
Lester faces at least 5 and up to 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge would determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Mountain Region Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
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. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.
U.S. Attorney Announces Fentanyl Importation and Firearms Charges Against Major Fentanyl Producer for the ChapitosRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Terrance C. Cole, announced the unsealing of an Indictment today charging IVAN VALERIO SAINZ SALAZAR, a/k/a “Mantecas,” with fentanyl importation and related weapons offenses in connection with his participation in a conspiracy to produce fentanyl for the Sinaloa Cartel and import it into the United States. The Mexican government announced the arrest of Sainz Salazar and his associates in Badiraguato, Sinaloa on January 19, 2026.
“As alleged, Sainz Salazar served as a major producer of the Sinaloa Cartel’s fentanyl shipments bound for the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Fentanyl kills, and violent dealers in fentanyl must be taken off our streets. Today’s charges target a major producer behind the Chapitos’ supply chain and underscore the commitment of the women and men of our Office to holding traffickers at all levels of the production and distribution chain accountable.”
“Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat this nation has ever confronted, and today’s indictment makes that unmistakably clear,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “The Chapitos, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, a foreign terrorist organization - ran an enterprise protected by armed sicarios and military-grade weapons, producing millions of counterfeit pills that have killed many people, and leaving devastation in their wake. This is not just alleged drug trafficking. Fentanyl is a weapon used to destroy lives. The DEA is dismantling these networks from the top down, and we will not relent until the laboratories are shut, the traffickers are behind bars, and these cartel organizations are destroyed piece by piece.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment:1
The Sinaloa Cartel (the “Cartel”) is one of the most powerful drug cartels in Mexico and is largely responsible for the manufacturing and importing of fentanyl for distribution in the United States. Fentanyl is a dangerous synthetic opioid that is more than 50 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl represents the single deadliest drug threat that the United States has ever encountered—it has ruined lives, devastated communities, and killed Americans at an unprecedented rate.
The sons of the Cartel’s notorious former leader, “El Chapo,” who are themselves collectively known as the “Chapitos,” have variously and at times led the most powerful faction of the Cartel. To protect and further their fentanyl trafficking operation, the Chapitos and their confederates have relied on armed enforcers, known as sicarios, who commit acts of violence to protect the Chapitos’ operation and its leaders, territory, labs, trafficking routes, and money, and regularly use military-grade weapons smuggled from the United States, including machine guns, to perpetrate violence, including murder, torture, and kidnapping.
From at least in or about 2022, up to and including in or about 2025, SAINZ SALAZAR served as a key fentanyl producer for the Chapitos. Among other things, SAINZ SALAZAR worked with others to produce millions of fentanyl pills on behalf of the Chapitos, participated in meetings to arrange fentanyl transactions, carried firearms and relied on armed security personnel at those meetings, and reported to high-ranking lieutenants of the Chapitos who themselves relied on sicarios armed with AK-47s and FN Minimis for the protection and promotion of their fentanyl operations. In or about 2023, the Chapitos consolidated fentanyl production at labs operated by SAINZ SALAZAR and his associates and issued orders authorizing only SAINZ SALAZAR and his associates to produce and distribute fentanyl in territories controlled by the Chapitos.
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SAINZ SALAZAR, 40, a Mexican national, is charged with conspiring to import fentanyl into the United States, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl in the United States, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; using, carrying, and possessing machine guns and destructive devices in connection with the fentanyl importation conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; and conspiring to use, carry, and possess machine guns and destructive devices in connection with the fentanyl importation conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The mandatory minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit and thanked the DEA San Diego Field Division, the DEA Hermosillo, Mexico Resident Office, and the Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division for their assistance.
This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jane Y. Chong, Sarah L. Kushner, and David J. Robles are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
1 As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Two Men Sentenced to Combined 80 years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking and Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
Two Arlington men were sentenced to a combined 80 years in federal prison for their roles in sex trafficking a juvenile female who had been reported as a runaway and to whom they supplied fentanyl, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
Jamal Howard, 52, was sentenced to 600 months on January 30, 2026, for Sex Trafficking Through Force Fraud and Coercion, Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Distributing Fentanyl to a Person Under 21, and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments. Renaldo Rojas, 27, was sentenced to 360 months for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Distributing Fentanyl to a person under 21 on January 15, 2026. Both men were indicted in June 2025 and pled guilty to the charges in October 2025.
“Tragically, sex trafficking and drug trafficking are nearly always intertwined, escalating the horrific harm to victims in these cases,” said United States Attorney Ryan Raybould. “I applaud the tremendous work of HSI and Arlington Police Department that led to the victim’s rescue in this case. We embrace the difficult work removing prolific traffickers from our community’s streets and continue to pursue justice to the fullest extent against these types of offenders.”“This intensely gratifying 50-year sentence reflects the seriousness of Howard’s crimes and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to protect our children and our communities,” said HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard. “The outcome is the result of outstanding teamwork and dedication from our agents, the Arlington Police Department, and our federal partners. Let this sentence serve as a warning: Those who traffic minors and distribute deadly narcotics will be brought to justice and face the full consequences of their actions.”
According to plea documents, in late July 2024, a minor female had been reported as a runaway to the Arlington Police Department. Rojas provided the minor with fentanyl and sent Howard, a known trafficker, photos of the minor, offering to connect Howard with the minor in exchange for fentanyl. After providing bags of fentanyl pills to Rojas, Howard transported the minor victim to his apartment, supplied her with fentanyl, had her photographed, and posted commercial sex advertisements for the victim on a website used for engaging in commercial sex transactions. Court records show that Howard trafficked the victim to several individuals in late July through August 1, 2024. Howard also distributed fentanyl to Rojas during this period. Communications found on Howard’s phone reflect messages with Rojas discussing fentanyl transactions totaling more than 5,000 fentanyl pills.On August 1, 2024, members from the North Texas Trafficking Force, including agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the Arlington Police Department, recovered the minor victim in an apartment in Arlington, Texas, along with evidence of Howard’s large-scale fentanyl distribution to Rojas and others.
Two additional individuals were convicted and sentenced for their roles in Howard’s drug trafficking activity. Elnora Jordan, 63, of Arlington, Texas, pled guilty in October 2025 to conspiring to launder monetary instruments related to proceeds generated from Howard’s fentanyl sales. According to plea documents, Jordan accepted payments from Howard’s fentanyl customers using an app on her phone, transferred the funds to her bank account, and withdrew cash that she gave to Howard. She was sentenced on February 3, 2026, to 21 months in federal prison. Court records further reflect that Yolanda Gonzales, 23, of Hurst, Texas, was sentenced to twelve months in federal prison on January 22, 2026, after pleading guilty in October 2025 for using her cellphone to communicate with Howard about purchasing and distributing fentanyl. United States District Judge Mark T. Pittman sentenced each of the defendants.
Homeland Security Investigations - Dallas and the Arlington Police Department conducted the investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Allyson Monte.
Titus County drug trafficker convicted of supplying deadly fentanyl-laced pillsRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Mount Pleasant man has been found guilty of federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jaquavion Markeith Veasley, 36, was found guilty by a jury of five counts of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death or serious bodily injury. The verdict was reached on February 4, 2026, following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle.
According to information presented in court, beginning in 2023, Veasley conspired with others to distribute illegal narcotics that he knew to be laced with fentanyl resulting in the death of at least two individuals.
“The law designates illicit fentanyl as a narcotic, but illicit fentanyl is also a weapon of mass destruction,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “Veasley’s greed turned the fentanyl he sold into a deadly weapon which destroyed two lives and forever altered the lives of the victims’ families. In the Eastern District of Texas, we cherish our duty to defend this great nation and its citizens. Those who spread this poison in our communities should be on notice that we will not stand for it.”
“This conviction underscores that federal drug trafficking is not a victimless crime, it is inherently violent and deadly,” said the Special Agent in Charge Brian Garner of ATF’s Dallas Field Division. “The distribution of fentanyl fuels addiction, drives violent crime, and destroys families and communities. ATF will continue to work alongside our federal, state, and local partners to target those who traffic in these lethal substances and hold them fully accountable under federal law.”
“The Mount Pleasant Police Department is committed to actively pursuing those responsible for causing the deaths of others through the distribution of narcotics,” said Chief of Police Mark Buhman. “We are thankful for the support of our fellow partners in law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their work in holding Veasley accountable.”
At sentencing, Veasley faces at least 20 years and up to life in federal prison. The statutory sentencing range prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing 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 U.S. Probation Office.
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.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Texas Department of Public Safety; and the Mount Pleasant Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lucas Machicek and Emil Mikkelsen.
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Studio City Man Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Federal Prison for Scheme in Which Real Estate and Money Were Stolen via Bogus TrustsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A San Fernando Valley man was sentenced today to 200 months in federal prison for breaking into an elderly man’s home, later stealing his jewelry and mail, then providing the victim’s personal identifying information (PII) to fellow criminals, who then joined him in looting the victim’s estate via a forged trust and power-of-attorney forms.
Matthew Jason Kroth, 52, a.k.a. “Speedy,” of Studio City was sentenced by United States District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, who also ordered him to pay $1,947,051 in restitution.
Kroth pleaded guilty in October 2023 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He has been in federal custody since August 2023.
According to his plea agreement and other court documents, Kroth in the summer of 2020 broke into the home of an elderly man, who was living alone in the house at the time. Later, Kroth returned to the victim’s home to steal items, including mail and jewelry. By this time, the victim had died, but his death went unreported to authorities.
Kroth then provided to his co-conspirators the victim’s PII and his mail so they could impersonate the victim and steal his assets, including his home and money in his financial accounts. Kroth’s co-conspirators forged a trust document and power-of-attorney forms so that they could pretend that the now-deceased victim supported the sale of his assets for the benefit of Kroth’s accomplices.
The conspirators then dismembered and disposed of the victim’s body so his death would be hard to discover.
Kroth also received into a joint bank account held with a co-conspirator most of the proceeds of the sale of another victim’s real estate, which Kroth knew was fraudulent and had been carried out with forgeries.
The co-conspirators – Kroth included – used interstate wire transfers to defraud their victims throughout the conspiracy, which lasted from at least 2020 until January 2023.
“[Kroth] admitted that he had been surveilling [the victim’s] home because it looked uncared for, and therefore easy to rob,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “[The victim] was alive and home when [Kroth] first broke into his residence, so [Kroth] used the ruse of performing a ‘welfare check’ to explain his presence in the house. Even though [Kroth] had encountered [the victim] during the first break in, [Kroth] went back months later to try again, by which time [the victim] had died. Rather than notify the authorities of [the victim’s] death, [Kroth] used it as an opportunity to steal not just his belongings as in a regular burglary, but his entire estate, including his home.”
Kroth further admitted in his plea agreement that in January 2023 he knowingly possessed approximately 120 grams of methamphetamine along with cutting agents, a digital scale, ammunition, and baggies. Kroth possessed the methamphetamine intending to dilute it and sell it to other people.
The total loss to the victims attributable to Kroth in the conspiracy is $1,947,051.
Caroline Herrling, 46, of West Hills, who led the conspiracy after Kroth brought into it, is serving a 20-year federal prison sentence after she pleaded guilty in March 2023 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She has been in federal custody since January 2023.
Another co-conspirator, James Rhys Kantor, 46, of Cumming, Georgia and a former resident of West Hollywood, is scheduled to be sentenced on February 19, at which time he will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Kantor pleaded guilty in October 2024 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Los Angeles Police Department, Valley Bureau Homicide investigated this matter. Significant assistance was provided by the Los Angeles Joint Regional Intelligence Center.
Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Brown of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps.
Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 3 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific Time. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
Information about the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice.
Spokane Man Sentenced for Repeatedly Distributing Drugs in De Facto Open Air Drug Market in Downtown SpokaneRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – First Assistant Pete Serrano announced that on January 14, 2026, United States District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice, sentenced Timothy Michael Hanahan, age 38, of Spokane, Washington, to 84 months of prison distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl into the Spokane community. Judge Rice also ordered that, following his sentence, Hanahan will be on 4 years of supervised release.
According to court records, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives was conducting a crime reduction emphasis in the greater Spokane area. Hanahan, a homeless transplant from Texas using the moniker “Big Mike”, was identified as a distributor of methamphetamine and fentanyl. He was known to distribute drugs near the House of Charity in downtown Spokane. Over the course of numerous interactions, Hanahan bragged to undercover law enforcement agents posing as drug customers that he had connections in Idaho and Montana, and that his “connections” were moving large volumes of drugs. Ultimately, Hanahan sold the undercover agents methamphetamine and fentanyl on several occasions and introduced the undercover agents to additional drug sources who also sold drugs to the undercover agents.
Hanahan has notable criminal history dating back almost 2 decades, to include several previous significant sex offenses as well as being an accessory to assault with a deadly weapon in Nevada, forgery and drug offenses in Texas, and most recently an assault in Spokane. Hanahan was transient living in and around the House of Charity at the time of the instant offense.
“This case shows the impact of focused, intelligence-driven enforcement,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais of the ATF Seattle Field Division. “Mr. Hanahan repeatedly brought dangerous drugs into the heart of downtown Spokane and actively expanded their distribution. This sentence disrupts a supply chain that was harming this community, and ATF is proud to work alongside our federal and local partners and the U.S. Attorney’s office to target those who seek to profit from addiction and victimization.”
“I applaud our partners at ATF for taking the lead in addressing crime in our community. Their investigation led to the prosecution of several individuals who victimize our community, including Mr. Hanahan who has a significant and concerning criminal history and came to our community to distribute his poison,” stated Mr. Serrano.
“The outcome in this case is a prime example of why the City of Spokane is proud to partner and coordinate with our various law enforcement partners in the fight to remove fentanyl and methamphetamine dealers from our community,” stated City Prosecutor Justin Bingham. “Strong partnerships are key to successfully reducing crime and safeguarding our citizens from the dangerous effects of illicit drugs.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Border Patrol, and the Spokane Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Annika Tangvald.Speed and Crack Dealer, a Convicted Felon, Sentenced to 36 Months for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – John Calvin Harris, 29, a convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 36 months in prison in connection with his illegal possession of a firearm and trafficking amphetamines and crack cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Harris pleaded guilty Sept. 18, 2025, to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon and to possession with intent to distribute amphetamine and cocaine base. In addition to the prison term, Chief Judge James E. Boasberg ordered Harris to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on June 30, 2025, Metropolitan Police officers were patrolling the 4000 block of Minnesota Ave, NE, when they spotted Harris in the driver’s seat of a parked Honda. Harris was wanted on an active warrant out of Maryland.
Police initiated an arrest, placed Harris in handcuffs, and recovered a loaded Glock 29 pistol from the front of Harris’ pants. Officers then searched the Honda and found three containers containing more than 45 grams of a hard rock-like substance that tested positive for cocaine. Officers also found a fourth container that held 30.5 grams of a white powder that tested positive for amphetamines.
Harris previously was convicted in 2023 of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, received a probationary sentence, and therefore was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department with assistance from the ATF. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Caelainn Carney.
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South Carolina Man and Coal Mine Owner Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Meggett, South Carolina, man, John Quintrell, 52, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier to 48 months in prison for willful failure to pay over more than $22 million in taxes owed to the IRS.
According to his plea agreement, from at least September 2018 through April 2025, Quintrell was the sole owner of Civil LLC, a mining business, located in Harlan County. Civil LLC was required to withhold taxes from its employees’ paychecks, including federal income taxes, as well as Medicare and Social Security taxes (i.e., FICA taxes). For the period of October 1, 2019, through March 31, 2025, Quintrell caused Civil LLC to withhold federal income taxes and FICA taxes from employees' paychecks, as it should have done; however, Quintrell then willfully caused the business to fail to account for, and pay over, to the IRS approximately $22,146,389.56 in federal income taxes, FICA taxes, as well as the employer's share of such payroll taxes.
Quintrell was also ordered to pay $22,146,389.56 in restitution.
Under federal law, Quintrell must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years.
Paul McCaffrey, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigations, Detroit Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the IRS. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Mattingly Williams is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Skagit County, Washington, man, who threatened two different congresspeople and their staffs, sentenced to six months in prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 67-year-old Skagit County, Washington, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to six months in federal prison for making Interstate threats against two different U.S Congressmen and their staffs, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. In March 2025, Bradley Whaley repeatedly called the offices of congresspeople in Washington DC, leaving threats on voicemail as well as directly with staffers. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead said, “Mr. Whaley made multiple threatening calls to offices of two U.S. Representatives… This was part of a dangerous pattern that if left unchecked threatens the democratic process.”
According to records filed in the case in March 2025, Whaley made multiple calls to two different DC offices threatening to kill the congresspeople and their staff. Whaley referenced his second amendment rights and threatened to slit their throats. Whaley left his name and phone number in the voice messages.
Whaley was arrested on March 21, 2025, at the downtown Seattle location where he worked. In the center console of his vehicle was a loaded handgun.
Whaley pleaded guilty on October 31, 2025.
In asking for a one-year sentence, prosecutors noted the incredible increase in threats to members of congress writing, “… over the last several years, there has been an alarming surge in the number of similar threat cases against members of congress, their families, and staff. The number of threat cases increased from 7,501 cases in 2022, to 8,008 cases in 2023, and to 9,747 cases in 2024, according to the United States Capitol Police. In 2025, the number of threat cases investigated by USCPS jumped to about 14,000.”
In his letter to the court, Brad Whaley blamed the threatening phone calls on heavy alcohol abuse. His attorney noted that Whaley has since completed treatment.
Judge Whitehead ordered that he complete three years of supervised release following the prison term.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Capitol Police and the FBI.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Yemini.
Sallisaw Resident Pleads Guilty to Attempted Robbery in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that James Paul Cripps, age 28, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Attempted Robbery in Indian Country, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Indictment alleged that on October 28, 2025, Cripps attempted to take by force and violence and by intimidation, a thing of value from the person and presence of the victim. The crime occurred in Sequoyah County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office.
The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Cripps will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Conway represented the United States.
Repeat sex offender pleads guilty to attempted kidnapping, sexually exploiting minor he met through online gamingRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Texas man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court here today to exploitation crimes related to traveling to Ohio to have sex with a minor he met online playing Call of Duty.
Harrison Michael Barton, 38, of North Detroit, Texas, was arrested in February 2025 at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport while attempting to fly to Florida with the victim. Barton’s plea agreement includes a recommended sentence of 25 to 30 years in prison.
According to court documents, in February 2025, Barton took a Greyhound bus from Texas to Ohio to meet a 15-year-old approximately one month after connecting with the victim on the Call of Duty mobile game.
At the time, Barton was wanted on an outstanding parole warrant out of Texas stemming from a prior conviction for online solicitation of a minor, in which he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Barton admitted that, in this instant case, the teenager picked him up in Newcomerstown, Ohio. Prior to arriving at the airport, the defendant admitted to having vaginal and oral sex with the minor and to taking sexually explicit pictures of the victim.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Coshocton County Sheriff Christopher Walters; Newark Police Chief Erik McKee; and John Glenn Columbus International Airport Police Chief Ronald Gray announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Czerniejewski and Jennifer M. Rausch are representing the United States in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Repeat Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 6 YearsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Edward L. Jackson, III, 29, Rothschild, Wisconsin, was sentenced January 8, 2026 by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 6 years in federal prison for possessing fentanyl and methamphetamine intended for distribution, and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Jackson pleaded guilty to these charges on September 29, 2025.
On May 20, 2024, the Wausau Police Department was dispatched to a residence for reports of a domestic incident involving Jackson. A short time later, Jackson’s vehicle was located at a nearby residence. After a K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics in Jackson’s vehicle, his car was searched. During the search, police found a backpack belonging to Jackson containing 105 grams of methamphetamine, 247 pills containing fentanyl, and a loaded firearm.
Jackson is prohibited from legally possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions.
At sentencing, Judge Conley found that a substantial sentence was warranted because Jackson was a danger to the community due to his history of drug dealing and frequent possession of firearms.
The charges against Jackson were the result of an investigation conducted by the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, the Wausau Police Department, the Mountain Bay Metro Police Department, and the FBI’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger prosecuted this case.
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to over 33 Years in Federal Prison for Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Beaverton, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for coercion and enticement of a minor after he directed the minor victim to send him child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Michael Cambalik, 43, was sentenced to 405 months in federal prison and a lifetime term of supervised release. Cambalik will pay restitution to the minor victim.
“Our foremost responsibility is the safety of children. Predators like this one hide in plain sight, including on online gaming platforms,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “We will remain vigilant in holding them accountable and keeping our children safe.”
“Today’s sentence sends a clear message emphasizing the FBI’s unwavering commitment to holding child sex abusers accountable for their actions,” said FBI Portland Acting Special Agent in Charge Mari Panovich. “Our focus while investigating these horrendous crimes is victim-centric and removing violent offenders from our community continues to be a top priority.”
According to court documents, in December 2024, the parent of a then-nine-year-old minor victim contacted their local police department after finding CSAM texted to an unrecognized phone number from the minor victim. Cambalik, a registered sex offender, contacted the minor victim through an online video game, Call of Duty. After posing as a female minor, Cambalik coerced the minor victim into sending him sexually explicit photos and videos.
On May 20, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Cambalik with sexual exploitation of a child, receipt of child pornography, and coercion and enticement of a minor.
On November 12, 2025, Cambalik pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor.
This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela Paaso.
This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Quad City Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – Two Quad Cities men were sentenced on January 27, 2026, to federal prison for firearms and drug crimes.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Jewahn Lequez Walton, 28, and Preston Manning McDowell Jr., 26, each tossed loaded firearms from a vehicle driven by Walton while attempting to elude law enforcement in June 2024.
In July 2024, McDowell possessed another firearm in Davenport. McDowell is prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple prior felony convictions, including a 2022 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois.
In May 2025, Walton was arrested and found in possession of a distribution quantity of cocaine and a loaded firearm. Walton is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2018 felony conviction for possession with intent to distribute cocaine in the Illinois Circuit Court for Rock Island County.
McDowell was sentenced to a 72-month prison term to run consecutively to his supervised revocation sentence, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Walton was sentenced to a 100-month prison term, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Davenport Police Department and the Bettendorf Police Department investigated the case.
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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Previously Convicted DC Man Indicted for Assaulting His Former Romantic Partner with a Firearm with Enhancements for Two Prior Convictions for Crimes of ViolenceRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A 23-year-old man from Washington, D.C., was indicted by a grand jury on charges stemming from his brandishing a firearm and threatening his ex-girlfriend during an argument in October 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine F. Pirro.
A Superior Court grand jury indicted the man on February 4, 2026, on assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, unlawful possession of a firearm (prior conviction), possession of a firearm with an altered or obliterated serial number, and carrying a pistol without a license.
This case is set for a status hearing on February 6, 2026, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia before the Honorable Carmen McLean.
The man has two prior convictions for crimes of violence.
According to the government’s evidence, on October 26, 2025, at approximately 6:20 p.m., the man got into an argument with his child’s mother in an apartment complex on Oak Street NW. At some point during the argument, the man pointed a firearm at the victim while she was holding their two-year-old son. The man threatened the victim, indicating that if she was not holding his son, he would shoot her. The victim was able to call police from a nearby market. The man was arrested on scene, and a firearm was found in the closet of an apartment where the man was seen exiting and entering.
Joining the announcement was Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jasmine Dohemann.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Postal carrier pleads guilty to stealing gift cardsRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Matthew Hurlburt, 25, of Pavilion, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to theft of mail by an officer or employee of the United States Postal Service, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Irvin Jefferson, who is handling the case, stated that Hurlburt was employed by the United States Postal Service as a city carrier assigned to the Perry Post Office, in Perry, NY. In July 2025, an individual mailed a birthday card that included a $100 Visa gift card to Perry, but it never arrived. Subsequent investigation determined that the gift card was utilized multiple times at a gas station and a restaurant by Hurlburt. In August 2025, investigators placed an integrity test envelope containing a $25.00 Visa gift card in Hurlburt’s assigned mail delivery tray. The envelope was labeled with an insufficient/no such number destinating address and should have been returned to the Post Office by Hurlburt at the end of his shift. Hurlburt did not return the envelope, instead he utilized the gift card at two different gas stations.
The plea is the result of an investigation by U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent-in-Charge Northeast Field Office.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 12, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.
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Philadelphia Man Sentenced to over 17 Years in Prison for Committing Two Armed Carjackings Days ApartRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Richard Pridgen, 20, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 214 months’ imprisonment, five years’ supervised release, and $11,709.82 in restitution by United States District Judge Juan R. Sánchez for committing two carjackings in the city just days apart.
The defendant was charged by superseding indictment in August 2024 and pleaded guilty in October of last year to two counts of carjacking and two counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
As detailed in court filings and statements, the first carjacking was on July 3, 2023, when Pridgen carjacked a victim, who had been sitting in his parked blue Jeep, at gunpoint. Pridgen had at least one co-conspirator who drove him there in a separate vehicle.
Then, on July 6, 2023, Pridgen and two co-defendants, Raheem Bivens and Raheim Brown, used the first victim’s blue Jeep to carjack a second victim of his white Jeep. Pridgen and Bivens both pointed firearms with extended magazines at the victim, demanding the car and keys. Pridgen and Bivens then fled in the second victim’s white Jeep, with Bivens behind the wheel.
Philadelphia police located both Jeeps quickly and pursued all three men. Bivens crashed the white Jeep into several other cars, and Brown, who was driving the blue Jeep, crashed into another car. All the men ran, but all were apprehended, and police recovered both guns. Pridgen had the second victim’s identification on him when he was apprehended.
Pridgen carried out these carjackings right after his release from juvenile state custody for committing several violent gunpoint commercial robberies in 2021.
Co-defendants Bivens, 22, and Brown, 25, both also of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty in 2024 to one count of carjacking and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. They were each sentenced to 14 years in prison and five years of supervised release, with Bivens also ordered to pay $11,709.82 in restitution.
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 Katherine Shulman and Special Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Bowerman.
Omaha Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Ricky Allen Kane, 47, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 5, 2026, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Kane to 162 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Kane is released from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
An investigation into the 2022 death of a man from a fentanyl overdose led investigators to a suspected source of supply of fentanyl in the Omaha area. The DEA executed a search warrant on November 14, 2022, on the residence of Michele Waters, Kane’s co-defendant. Both Waters and Kane were present. Law enforcement seized two baggies: one contained 86 grams of actual methamphetamine, and one contained 11 grams of actual methamphetamine. The 86 grams of actual methamphetamine were found between the armrest and seat of the chair in the living room. Numerous items of drug paraphernalia were seized, including scales and baggies.
Michele Waters pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. On October 17, 2024, she was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Justin Antonio Jones, 40, of Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 29, 2024, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in Mingo County, West Virginia. During the traffic stop, officers heard what they believed was the sound of a slide moving on a semi-automatic firearm coming from the area of another vehicle parked nearby. Officers investigated the sound and encountered Jones standing by the other vehicle. Officers saw Jones place an object beneath the passenger side front tire of that vehicle and recovered a Keltec model PF-9 9mm pistol from that spot.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Jones knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance on October 27, 2008, and on May 22, 2012, both in Mingo County Circuit Court.
Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Mingo County Sheriff’s Office.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney D. Keith Randolph is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-191.
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North Carolina Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, S.C.—Oliver Austin Thomas, III, 50, formerly of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, now residing in Raleigh, North Carolina, has been sentenced to more than a year in federal prison for failure to file an income tax return and tax evasion.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in 2020 and continuing into 2021 and 2022, Thomas gambled at several casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada, resulting in substantial winnings. Thomas then attempted to evade paying income taxes on his winnings by providing false social security numbers to casinos to hide the gambling income. During the investigation, Thomas denied using another individual’s social security number when interviewed by IRS agents. Thomas failed to file a tax return for tax years 2020, 2021, and 2022, despite having enough income to trigger a filing requirement, resulting in a tax loss of $446,072.
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Thomas to a total term of 15 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. The court also ordered Thomas to pay $446,072 in restitution.
“By willfully evading tax responsibilities, this defendant isn’t just cheating the government, but he is also shifting the burden of maintaining our nation’s taxpayer funded systems onto the shoulders of honest, hardworking Americans,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Our office remains committed to ensuring that the law applies equally to everyone, and we will continue to prosecute those who attempt to bypass their civic duties for personal gain.”
“It’s important for the American people to know everyone is complying with their tax obligations,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “This sentence is a positive message to honest taxpayers and further exhibits the partnership between IRS-CI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office who are committed to protecting the integrity of the tax system and ensure compliance with their tax obligations.”
This case was investigated by the IRS-CI Charlotte Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Hummel prosecuted the case.
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New York Man Charged in Multi-State Organized Cargo-Theft ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New York man has been arrested and charged for allegedly conspiring to infiltrate email accounts of legitimate truck-load carriers, using the hacked accounts to book cargo with shippers and selling the items for illicit profit. The goods allegedly stolen include over 33,000 pounds of frozen snow crab, pallets of blueberries and more than $400,000 of designer cologne.
Romoy Forbes, 31, a Jamaican national living in Deer Park, N.Y., has been charged with interstate transportation of stolen goods, and conspiracy to commit that offense. Forbes was arrested today in Long Island, N.Y. and will make his initial appearance in the Eastern District of New York. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging documents, on July 15, 2025, Forbes allegedly stole 33,750 pounds of frozen snow crabs worth $325,000 from a warehouse that held the goods in Worcester, Mass. Leading up to the theft, a co-conspirator allegedly hacked into the email account of a trucking carrier company (Carrier 1). The co-conspirator, pretending to work for Carrier 1, and using the email account of Carrier 1, allegedly contacted and contracted with Shipper 1, a transportation business, to ship the goods to a customer in Jacksonville, Fla. Forbes then allegedly arrived at the warehouse in Worcester pretending to work for Carrier 1, loaded the seafood into his truck and drove off.
Instead of delivering the seafood to the customer in Florida, Forbes allegedly transported it to the location of a grocery store business in Queens, N.Y., where Forbes took a picture of the pallets of packaged crabs with his cellphone.
Before the alleged seafood heist, Forbes, on June 25, 2025, allegedly stole a shipment of blueberries in Winslow Junction, N.J. A co-conspirator allegedly hacked into the email account of Carrier 2, a trucking carrier company, and, pretending to be Carrier 2, contacted and contracted with Shipper 2, a transportation business, to ship the goods to a customer in Illinois. Forbes then allegedly arrived at the warehouse that was holding the goods, and, pretending to work for Carrier 2, loaded the fruit into his truck and drove away.
Instead of delivering the blueberries to the customer in Illinois, Forbes allegedly arranged to illicitly sell the fruit to his phone contact named, “My customer for everything.”
After the seafood and blueberry thefts, on July 25, 2025, Forbes allegedly conspired to steal approximately $433,830 worth of cologne in Ronkonkama, N.Y. Again, a co-conspirator allegedly hacked into the email account of Carrier 3, a trucking carrier company, and, pretending to be Carrier 3, contracted with Shipper 3, a transportation business, to ship the goods to a customer in Los Angeles, Calif. Forbes then allegedly arrived to the warehouse that was holding the goods, and, pretending to work for Carrier 3, loaded the items into his truck and drove away.
Instead of delivering the fragrances to the customer in California, Forbes allegedly contacted his “customer for everything” offering to sell the cologne and sent the contact a video of the cologne, to which the contact replied, “Ok.”
The charge of interstate transportation of stolen goods provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit that offense carries a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
New Gloucester Man Pleads Guilty to Presenting Counterfeit Treasury ChecksRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A New Gloucester man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to passing counterfeit U.S. Treasury checks and to a wire fraud scheme.
According to court records, Keith Mitchell, 38, deposited eight counterfeit U.S. Treasury checks totaling $40,379 into his bank account in May and June of 2024. The checks contained the serial numbers and amounts of actual U.S. Treasury checks that had been issued to third parties, but were counterfeited to be made payable to Mitchell. In May of 2021, Mitchell also received $20,832 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds based on a false and fraudulent PPP loan application. The application falsely claimed that Mitchell owned a sole proprietorship business that had earned a gross revenue of $100,000 in 2020. Mitchell also submitted a falsified tax return in support of the application.
Mitchell faces a maximum term of imprisonment of up to 20 years and a maximum fine of $250,000. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Paycheck Protection Program: The PPP was a COVID-19 pandemic relief program administered by the SBA that provided forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses. The PPP permitted participating third-party lenders to approve and disburse SBA-backed PPP loans to cover payroll, fixed debts, utilities, rent/mortgage, accounts payable and other bills incurred by qualifying businesses during, and resulting from, the COVID-19 pandemic. PPP loans were fully guaranteed by the SBA.
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NDOK Collects More than $2.5 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2025Read the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson announced that the Northern District of Oklahoma (NDOK) collected $2,586,678.72 in criminal and civil actions in fiscal year 2025. Of this amount, $1,625,271.97 was collected in criminal actions, and $961,406.75 was collected in civil actions.
The NDOK is not only responsible for litigation. The Asset Recovery and Asset Forfeiture teams are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the United States and crime victims. Under federal law, a District Judge may order a defendant to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes. The department’s Crime Victims Fund collects criminal fines and felony assessments. Those funds are distributed to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, a defendant may be ordered to forfeit assets. The funds from assets are deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund. In fiscal year 2025, the NDOK collected $613,330 in asset forfeiture actions. Those funds are used for a variety of law enforcement purposes and to restore funds to crime victims.
Examples of Asset Recovery...
In November 2024, Devin Darel Fletcher was sentenced for embezzling funds from Tulsa Public Schools, and the Court ordered Fletcher to pay $593,492.32 in restitution. The Northern District successfully garnished $111,511.98 from retirement accounts. The U.S. Secret Service seized an additional $45,710.19 that has been paid towards restitution.
In November 2024, Randal Dewayne Davis was sentenced to child pornography offenses and forfeited $25,000 cash in lieu of real property. The Court ordered Davis pay $44,000 in restitution to nine identified victims of child sexual abuse material. The Northern District successfully garnished $30,976.67 from a retirement account, and the remaining $13,198.33 was collected from forfeited funds.
In October 2011, Elizabeth Ann Stanley was sentenced for Misapplication of Financial Institution Funds. The Court ordered her to pay $118,956.87 in restitution to First National Bank and Trust of Miami. Multiple bank accounts were forfeited, and $48,106.38 was paid towards restitution in 2012. Throughout the years, Stanley paid monthly. The remaining $24,489.52 balance was paid in full once the Northern District began withholding portions of her retirement benefits.
Examples of Asset Forfeiture...
In January 2025, William Shane Garrow pleaded guilty to bank fraud and filing false tax returns. Garrow was a Senior Vice President of Private Banking and lied to clients and colleagues by stealing more than $4.2 million from at least 16 accounts. The court authorized the seizure of $700,092.65 in currency and two real properties valued at $340,417.
In July 2024, Eduardo Agustin Barrera-Lopez pleaded guilty to possessing heroin with the intent to distribute. Barrera-Lopez admitted to financially benefiting from distributing heroin and other narcotics he brought to Tulsa. The court authorized the seizure of $124,236 in currency.
In December 2024, Kevin Gamboa-Olivas pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy. Gamboa-Olivas admitted to conspiring with others to distribute cocaine in Tulsa. The court authorized the seizure of $86,018 currency and a 2023 GMC Denali valued at $60,725.00, repurposed for law enforcement.