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5 February 2026
Montgomery Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms and Machinegun ChargesRead the Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – On February 4, 2026, Ladarius Lamar Knight, 25, of Montgomery, Alabama, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and to the unlawful possession of a machinegun, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson.
According to court records, on January 7, 2025, units with the Montgomery Police Department and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) were on Zelda Road in Montgomery when they heard gunshots coming from a nearby gas station. Responding officers observed three individuals fleeing the area.
ALEA troopers pursued one of the suspects into a fast-food restaurant across the street from the gas station. The suspect, later identified as Knight, was found hiding in the restaurant’s back storage area and was taken into custody. Troopers recovered a handgun Knight was attempting to conceal inside a box.
Further examination revealed that the handgun was equipped with a machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “switch.” When installed, such a device enables the firearm to fire continuously with a single pull of the trigger, resulting in an extremely high rate of fire that allows the weapon to discharge an entire magazine in a matter of seconds.
Knight has prior felony convictions and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. At sentencing, Knight faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), including its Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit; and the Montgomery Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys John J. Geer, III and Christine Levi are prosecuting the case.
Mississippi Man Sentenced for Federal Civil Rights and Arson Charges for Setting Fire to Mormon ChurchRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Stefan Day Rowold, 37, of Wiggins, Mississippi was sentenced Feb3, 2025 to 360 months in prison for vandalizing and setting fire to a house of worship. A jury in the Southern District of Mississippi found Rowold guilty of six counts of federal arson and civil rights charges after a trial in September 2025.
The evidence presented at trial last year showed that on July 5, 2024, and July 7, 2024, Rowold vandalized and set fire to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Wiggins, Mississippi. Evidence at trial also proved that Rowold targeted the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints because of his animosity toward what he believed to be their religious views. Rowold confessed to police that he broke into the building, vandalized the interior walls of the building with hateful messages, and ultimately set a fire in the middle of the church’s multipurpose room. Rowold used the church’s hymnals, paintings, and other religious objects as kindling for his original fire. Rowold also confessed that after he learned that his first fire had failed to burn down the building, he broke into the church again two days later to finish the job, after police had attempted to secure the scene. Rowold then set a second fire against a wall inside the church, trying again to burn the building down.
Due to the damage from the fires, members of the church were unable to hold services in their church building for months. At sentencing, the District Court found that the church suffered $176,564.97 in damages. The Court awarded the church $176,654.97 in restitution.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger for the Southern District of Mississippi, and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office made the announcement.
U.S. Attorney Kruger said, “This was a deliberate, hate-fueled attack on a place of worship meant to intimidate an entire community. Attacks like this will be met with the full force of federal law. Today’s sentence demonstrates our commitment to protecting the right to worship in safety and without fear.
The FBI Jackson Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, the Mississippi State Fire Marshal, and the Wiggins Police Department.
Massachusetts Company Pleads Guilty to Violating OSHA Rule Leading to Worker's DeathRead the Press Release
BOSTON – John Oliveira & Sons Stamp Concrete, Inc., a corporation doing business in East Freetown, Mass. pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to willfully violating Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards in a 2023 incident that led to a worker’s death.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul G. Levenson scheduled sentencing for May 4, 2026.
According to court documents, the company utilized a large soil screener for purposes of processing and screening soil and similar substances. The soil screener was approximately 46 feet long and 13 feet high, and weighed approximately 35,880 lbs. The tail conveyor of the soil screener – which weighed approximately 1,500 pounds – could be placed in a vertical closed position or could be opened to an approximate 45° angle. At various occasions in 2022 or 2023, the tail conveyor of the soil screener closed unexpectedly, and the soil screener had suffered a ruptured hydraulic pressure line.
On Sept. 6, 2023, a company employee was working alongside a co-owner on the tail conveyer of the soil screener, which was in the open position. At the time, there was no equipment in place to prevent the tail conveyer from closing. According to the charging documents, as the employee was seeking to remove a bolt, the tail conveyor closed unexpectedly. The employee held onto the upper frame of the soil screener as the tail conveyer closed into the vertical position, crushing the employee’s head. The employee suffered massive head trauma and was pronounced dead soon thereafter.
For willfully violating an OSHA safety standard, John Oliveira & Sons Stamp Concrete, Inc. faces a term of probation of up to five years, a fine of up to $500,000 and restitution payable to the estate of the deceased victim. Sentences are imposed by a federal judge based upon statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Anthony D’Esposito, Inspector General of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Jeff Erskine, Regional Administrator of the Department of Labor OSHA Boston Region; and Maia Fisher, Regional Solicitor for Department of Labor Boston Region made the announcement. Assistance in the investigation was also provided by the OSHA Criminal Investigations Team, Boston Region. Assistant U.S. Attorney William F. Abely, Chief of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Drug Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A Lexington Park, Maryland, man pled guilty in federal court today, to drug trafficking and weapons crimes.
Dominick Mackall, 37, is charged with possessing firearms and ammunition as a felon and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Sheriff Steven A. Hall, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the guilty plea, on October 26, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Mackall’s residence and took him into custody in connection with a five-month narcotics trafficking investigation. During the search, law enforcement discovered multiple loaded firearms, including a ghost gun, and numerous rounds of ammunition in Mackall’s bedroom. Mackall is a convicted felon, so he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Law enforcement also uncovered several controlled substances in different quantities — including 964 fentanyl pills, cocaine, and marijuana — along with approximately $4,000 in cash. Additionally, law enforcement found reloadable government-benefit cards in other people’s names.
Mackall is facing a maximum of 15 years for the firearms charges. He also faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years in connection with the drug trafficking crimes. U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman set sentencing for Wednesday, May 13, at 10 a.m.
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.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Crespo and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Appleby-Rumon who are prosecuting this federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Long Island Assistant High School Lacrosse Coach Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Joseph Garofalo pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child. At the time of the offense, the defendant was an assistant high school lacrosse coach on Long Island. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Nusrat J. Choudhury. When sentenced, Garofalo faces a minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty plea.
“This case is a stark reminder that those entrusted with the care and mentorship of children must be held to the highest standards. Our Office will relentlessly pursue predators like this defendant who victimize the most vulnerable members of our society,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect victims and hold sexual predators accountable.”
“Joseph Garofalo, an assistant high school coach, exploited more than 30 minors by blackmailing them into sending multiple sexually explicit photos and videos through social media threads,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “Garofalo, entrusted with the care and development of young teenagers, violated this trust when he victimized these children to fulfill his perverted wants. The FBI will continue to hold accountable those who manipulate their positions of authority to target vulnerable victims.”
As set forth in court filings, while employed as an assistant lacrosse coach at a local Long Island high school, the defendant used social media platforms to engage in sexually explicit conversations with minors. The defendant threatened to share naked photos and videos of the minors unless they sent more naked photos or sent explicit media of their friends, which is colloquially known as “sextortion.” For example, the defendant told one minor to send naked photos of the minor’s friends or the defendant would not delete naked photos that he had of the minor. The defendant also consistently uploaded child sex abuse material (CSAM) files to the internet.
On April 18, 2025, the FBI executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence, at which time the FBI interviewed the defendant, who admitted that he controlled the social media account that solicited CSAM from minors, solicited minors for CSAM, and had CSAM on his electronic devices. During the course of the investigation, the FBI seized electronic devices and recovered electronic evidence from social media platforms that contained evidence regarding approximately 30 minor victims.
This prosecution is 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone with information about sexual exploitation by the defendant is asked to contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or 212-384-1000.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorney Adam R. Toporovsky is in charge of the prosecution with assistance from paralegal specialist Janelle Robinson.
The Defendant:
JOSEPH GAROFALO
Age: 21
Valley Stream, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-005 (NJC)
Leader of Criminal Tow Truck and Auto Repair Company Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for MurderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that CHRISTIAN LUGO, a/k/a “Coco,” was sentenced today to 19 years in prison for LUGO’s leadership role in a racketeering conspiracy that used fraud and violent intimidation to run a tow truck and auto repair shop known as Certified Auto. On February 7, 2022, LUGO allowed and encouraged a co-conspirator who worked for him at Certified Auto to shoot at members of a rival tow truck company, which resulted in the death of Gloria Ortiz. In August 2025, LUGO pled guilty to racketeering conspiracy and firearms offenses, while admitting to his role in the murder, before U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho, who imposed today’s sentence.
“As Christian Lugo has now admitted, his rivalry with other tow truck companies set in motion a deadly chain of events, which caused a broad daylight shooting, killing Gloria Ortiz,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Lugo used a gun to further his tow truck business, itself part of a criminal enterprise. His actions led to the murder of a woman. He is now where New Yorkers want him—off the streets and in prison.”
According to the indictment, public court filings, and statements made at court proceedings:
LUGO, along with others, corrupted the operations and activities of Certified Auto, which was a company that provided towing and auto repair services to vehicles damaged in car accidents. LUGO and his co-conspirators used Certified Auto to commit wire, mail, and insurance fraud and to assert control over the towing and auto repair industry in their territory in the Bronx, New York, using violence and threats of violence.
LUGO had a rivalry with a nearby tow truck shop owned by Gloria Ortiz. On February 7, 2022, one of Lugo’s tow truck drivers got into a minor car accident while driving one of LUGO’s pickup trucks (illegally used as a tow truck) with a passenger vehicle in Ortiz’s shop’s claimed territory, resulting in a physical dispute with workers for that shop over the right to tow the passenger vehicle. LUGO then contacted another subordinate member of Certified Auto (“CC-1”) to pick up the driver, after which they all met up with LUGO. At that meeting, LUGO allowed and permitted CC-1 to shoot at members of the rival company. Specifically, during that conversation, LUGO told CC-1 “are you going to take care of it or am I?” and CC-1 stated that CC-1 would do so. CC-1 then drove to Certified Auto, where Gloria Ortiz and her workers had gathered. CC-1 opened fire, causing the death of Gloria Ortiz and nonfatal injuries to two other people outside of the Certified Auto shop.
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In addition to the prison term, LUGO, 38, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to six years of supervised release.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of Special Agents from the FBI New York Safe Streets Task Force and the New York City Police Department. Mr. Clayton also thanked the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael R. Herman, Ni Qian, and Andrew Jones are in charge of the prosecution.
Latimer County Resident Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of A MinorRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Michael Morgan Ellis, Jr., age 38, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to three counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country, punishable by up to fifteen years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country, punishable by up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Indictment alleged that beginning in July 2023, and continuing until June 26, 2024, Ellis knowingly engaged in sex acts and sexual contact with a minor who had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years, and who was at least four years younger than Ellis.
The crimes occurred in Pittsburg County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the McAlester Police Department, and the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police.
The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Ellis will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Wittlinger and Nicole Paladino represented the United States.
Lame Deer man sentenced to 10 years in prison for assault and gun charges on the Northern Cheyenne Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Lame Deer man who committed an assault with a firearm on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 10 years and 1 day in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Jerray Eugene Rowland, 29, pleaded guilty in October 2025 to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on July 15, 2023, Rowland and others were driving around and drinking. They stopped at a house to obtain more alcohol. The victim, John Doe, had been drinking at a nearby residence and was walking down the road. Doe encountered Rowland and a female. Rowland and/or the female said Doe was the man who had shot their father. Rowland then said he was “[father’s] oldest boy.” Rowland pulled out a pistol and shot Doe. In 2017, Doe shot Rowland’s father and law enforcement determined the shooting was in self-defense.
Doe told law enforcement Rowland shot him with a 9mm firearm. Officers recovered a 9mm shell casing at the scene and, later, a 9mm bullet from Doe’s hospital room. Doe was shown a photo array of five individuals, including Rowland, and identified Rowland as the man who shot him.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, BIA and Northern Cheyenne Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.
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Lafayette Father and Daughters Sentenced for Yearslong Conspiracy to Defraud Federal Child Nutrition ProgramRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE– On February 3, 2025, Brian Paul Desormeaux, a 64-year-old Lafayette resident, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison for his role leading a yearslong conspiracy to defraud a federal nutrition assistance program operated by the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”). His co-conspirator daughters, Amy Desormeaux Hernandez, a 38-year-old Lafayette resident, and Lenzi Desormeaux Babineaux, a 35-year-old Lafayette resident, were each sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison after their convictions for wire fraud as well, with Babineaux sentenced in November 2024 and Hernandez sentenced on the same day as her father.
“The Desormeauxs’ shameful scheme stole food out of the mouths of Louisiana’s children to satisfy their own greed, and they’re now heading to federal prison as a result,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Protecting Louisiana’s children from financial and other abuses is one of our Office’s core missions, and this case shows our commitment, alongside our federal and state partners, to investigate and prosecute these crimes to the fullest extent of the law.”
“The Desormeauxs stole half a million dollars of money that was allocated to help hungry children and adults in Louisiana, and we will not tolerate that criminal behavior," said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. "The FBI is committed to work with our state and federal partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office to root out fraud in Louisiana and make sure those responsible are held to account.”
“The defendants exploited the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program intended to provide nutritious meals to children in need. They fraudulently claimed to administer the assistance at childcare programs and instead used it as a vehicle for personal financial gain. The USDA Office of Inspector General remains committed to protecting the integrity of USDA nutrition programs and safeguarding taxpayer dollars. We appreciate the strong partnership of our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners in holding those who commit fraud accountable,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk.
According to court documents, Desormeaux was the executive director of Regional Nutrition Assistance, Inc., a non-profit sponsoring organization for the Child and Adult Care Food Program, a federal program operated by the USDA and administered by the Louisiana Department of Education. Over the course of roughly five years, Desormeaux and his daughters, Hernandez and Babineaux, submitted fraudulent claims for reimbursement from the federal government that involved, among other things, creating and submitting false state fire marshal inspection reports, which were required for reimbursement by the program, and submitting claims for alleged providers who they knew were not active and participating in the program. Desormeaux and his two daughters diverted these fraudulently obtained reimbursements for their own personal use and benefit, with the defendants receiving over $500,000.00 in federal funds that they were not entitled to.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Louisiana Office of Inspector General, and the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren L. Nickel with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 6:25-cr-00092.
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Public Affairs
United States Attorney’s Office
Western District of Louisiana
www.justice.gov/usao-wdla
Twitter @USAO_WDLA
Kansas City, Kansas Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Ks., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a Glock .45 caliber handgun.
Aaron T. Fant, 35, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Brian C. Wimes, to 12 years (144 months) in prison without parole for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On March 20, 2023, Fant attempted to push his way into the apartment of a female acquaintance. As the adult female resisted and tried to close the door, Fant punched the female in the chest to gain entry. The adult female’s 16-year-old son tried to intervene, stepping between his mother and Fant. Fant then produced a black and silver handgun from his waistband and struck the juvenile in the head with the firearm. The adult female was able to push Fant back from the doorway and lock the door. As Fant walked away, he yelled, “If you call the police, I will kill you.” The juvenile was transported to Children’s Mercy Hospital where he received three staples to close the wound.
On March 29, 2023, Fant was arrested following a prolonged standoff with law enforcement at a hotel he was staying at in Kansas City, Mo. During the standoff, Fant made several threatening statements, including “I have a gun,” “I’m armed,” “You’ll have to kill me” and “Come in and get me.” Ultimately law enforcement deployed a gas projectile through the window of the hotel room, and Fant came out of the room without further incident. In Fant’s vehicle at the hotel, officers located a Glock, Model 37 Gen 4, .45 caliber handgun that was loaded.
Fant, who is a convicted felon, had been found guilty of nineteen prior felony offenses.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Justice Department Resolves Lawsuit Against Pennsylvania Borough Alleging Its Zoning Code Violated Religious Land Use ProvisionsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG — United States Attorney Brian D. Miller and the Justice Department today announced an agreement with the Borough of Kingston, Pennsylvania, to resolve allegations that it violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) by enacting and enforcing a 2023 zoning ordinance that treats religious land uses worse than comparable secular uses and unreasonably limit religious land use.
The proposed consent order, which was filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and must still be approved by the Court, would resolve a lawsuit the United States also filed today alleging that the 2023 zoning ordinance dramatically restricted how and where religious land uses can locate, which particularly impacted Kingston’s growing Orthodox Jewish Chabad community and prevented it from developing places needed for religious worship.
“Time and time again, local governments enact zoning laws that treat places of worship and religious schools worse than comparable secular places of assembly, and unreasonably limit where religious land uses can locate. And too often the Jewish community bears the brunt of those restrictions,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will relentlessly pursue and prosecute jurisdictions that violate RLUIPA.”
As alleged in the lawsuit, Kingston’s zoning ordinance violates RLUIPA because it requires that places of worship obtain discretionary special exception use permits, while comparable nonreligious assembly uses like theaters, bowling alleys, recreational facilities, and libraries are permitted as of right. The ordinance also restricts places of worship to one-acre or more parcels, while no acreage restriction is placed on comparable nonreligious assembly uses. These restrictions unreasonably limit religious land uses to only a tiny fraction of existing parcels in the entire Borough such that, in practice, there are essentially no available qualifying parcels on which to develop a new place of worship. As a result, Kingston’s Chabad community has struggled to find sufficient suitable places for prayer, religious study, religious schools, and mikvahs (ritual baths).
Under the consent order, the Borough will revise its zoning ordinance to allow places of worship and religious schools as a permitted use in commercial districts and as a special use in residential districts; eliminate the acreage requirements for places of worship and religious schools; and treat places of worship on comparable terms to nonreligious places of assembly with respect to other zoning concerns like parking and landscaping. The consent order also requires the Borough to train its officials and employees on RLUIPA’s requirements, establish a procedure for receiving and resolving RLUIPA complaints, and undertake other injunctive relief.
The Civil Rights Division’s Housing & Civil Enforcement Section handled this matter in collaboration with Middle District of Pennsylvania Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Butler, Civil Rights Coordinator.
RLUIPA is a federal law that protects persons and religious institutions from unduly burdensome, unequal, or discriminatory land use regulations. More information about RLUIPA and the Department’s efforts to enforce it can be found on the Place to Worship Initiative’s webpage. Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination in land use or zoning decisions may contact the Civil Rights Division Housing and Civil Enforcement Section at (800) 896-7743, or through the online RLUIPA complaint portal. Anyone in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may also report civil rights violations to the Civil Rights Coordinator of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania by calling 717-614-4911 or emailing [email protected].
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Justice Department Resolves Lawsuit Against Pennsylvania Borough Alleging Its Zoning Code Violated Religious Land Use ProvisionsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced an agreement with the Borough of Kingston, Pennsylvania, to resolve allegations that it violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) by enacting and enforcing a 2023 zoning ordinance that treats religious land uses worse than comparable secular uses and unreasonably limit religious land use.
The proposed consent order, which was filed yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and must still be approved by the Court, would resolve a lawsuit the United States also filed yesterday alleging that the 2023 zoning ordinance dramatically restricted how and where religious land uses can locate, which particularly impacted Kingston’s growing Orthodox Jewish Chabad community and prevented it from developing places needed for religious worship.
“Time and time again, local governments enact zoning laws that treat places of worship and religious schools worse than comparable secular places of assembly, and unreasonably limit where religious land uses can locate. And too often the Jewish community bears the brunt of those restrictions,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will relentlessly pursue and prosecute jurisdictions that violate RLUIPA.”
As alleged in the lawsuit, Kingston’s zoning ordinance violates RLUIPA because it requires that places of worship obtain discretionary special exception use permits, while comparable nonreligious assembly uses like theaters, bowling alleys, recreational facilities, and libraries are permitted as of right. The ordinance also restricts places of worship to one-acre or more parcels, while no acreage restriction is placed on comparable nonreligious assembly uses. These restrictions unreasonably limit religious land uses to only a tiny fraction of existing parcels in the entire Borough such that, in practice, there are essentially no available qualifying parcels on which to develop a new place of worship. As a result, Kingston’s Chabad community has struggled to find sufficient suitable places for prayer, religious study, religious schools, and mikvahs (ritual baths).
Under the consent order, the Borough will revise its zoning ordinance to allow places of worship and religious schools as a permitted use in commercial districts and as a special use in residential districts; eliminate the acreage requirements for places of worship and religious schools; and treat places of worship on comparable terms to nonreligious places of assembly with respect to other zoning concerns like parking and landscaping. The consent order also requires the Borough to train its officials and employees on RLUIPA’s requirements, establish a procedure for receiving and resolving RLUIPA complaints, and undertake other injunctive relief.
RLUIPA is a federal law that protects persons and religious institutions from unduly burdensome, unequal, or discriminatory land use regulations. More information about RLUIPA and the Department’s efforts to enforce it can be found on the Place to Worship Initiative’s webpage. Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination in land use or zoning decisions may contact the Civil Rights Division Housing and Civil Enforcement Section at (800) 896-7743, or through the online RLUIPA complaint portal. Anyone in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may also report civil rights violations to the Civil Rights Coordinator of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania by calling 717-614-4911 or emailing [email protected].
Jury convicts two Houston-area men in murder-for-hire plot against wrong manRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two men have been found guilty on multiple charges related to a conspiracy that resulted in the shooting of a Katy man on his way to work, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The federal jury deliberated for approximately two days before convicting Michael Seery, 43, Katy, and Ricardo Obando Jr., 51, Houston, following an eight-day trial.
The jury heard the men plotted the murder over the course of months and executed their plan in the early morning of Feb. 4, 2025. Obando shot the victim several times as the man was traveling on his way to work. The victim sustained gunshots wounds to his neck, torso and hand, but ultimately survived.
“An innocent victim was ambushed by gunfire during his daily commute—all because of one man’s jealousy and faulty information,” said Ganjei. “This verdict demonstrates my office’s commitment to identifying and prosecuting all members of violent criminal conspiracies. No matter your role, if you conspire to commit an act of violence in the Southern District of Texas, we will hold you accountable and seek a significant sentence. All Texans deserve to be able to travel to work without fear of becoming a target of violent criminals.”
“A murder-for-hire plot transformed a Houston highway into an incredibly dangerous situation for morning commuters,” said FBI Houston Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson. “Michael Seery and Ricardo Obando Jr. showed total disregard for human life and put countless innocent bystanders at risk. FBI Houston proudly partnered with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety to identify, locate, and apprehend these men in order to bring them to justice."
Seery hired Obando to kill a man he believed had an affair with Seery’s wife while Seery was in prison. Cell phone evidence demonstrated how Obando conducted extensive surveillance and a failed attempt on the victim before finally executing the plot.
Obando shot the victim using a firearm equipped with a silencer while the man was driving to work on Highway 99. Jurors heard testimony from the victim and watched the actual footage of the shooting captured on his in-car camera system, which showed the moment of the shooting and the subsequent 911 call.
In reality, Seery targeted the wrong person. The actual intended target had moved out of the residence where Seery believed he lived.
The intended target testified as did Seery’s wife. The jury heard about the affair that had occurred 12 years prior and that Seery could not get over it. Testimony revealed that even in January 2025, a few weeks before the murder attempt, Seery was angry about the affair.
Evidence included multiple photos of various firearms and firearm parts found at Seery’s home and storage unit. The jury also saw the 3D printer Seery used to manufacture the weapon and silencer that Obando is believed to have used.
Seery had paid Obando through his business to carry out the crime.
The defense attempted to convince the jury there was no evidence about the real intended target or that there was any relationship between the two men and the actual victim, or the intended target. Obando’s defense disputed cellular phone evidence, while Seery claimed he was not involved at in the conspiracy. The jury did not believe any of those claims and found the two men guilty as charged.
Both were found guilty of conspiracy to use interstate facilities to commit murder for hire causing bodily injury, aiding and abetting the use of interstate facilities to commit murder for hire causing bodily injury, aiding and abetting discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and aiding and abetting the use of a firearm silencer during and in relation to a crime of violence. Additionally, Seery was found guilty of transferring a firearm to be used in a felony and felon in possession of a firearm, while Obando was convicted of receiving a firearm that was to be used in a felony.
They face up to life in federal prison.
The FBI conducted the investigation along with Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety and Katy Police Department with assistance of Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hunter Brown and Jill Stotts are prosecuting the case.
Jefferson County felon charged with federal firearms violation in Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been charged with a federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
David Earl Greer, Jr., 23, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas this week charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
If convicted, Greer faces at least 15 years in federal prison.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Java Center man charged with possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Patrick Kerwin, 43, of Java Center, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on January 2, 2026, the FBI was alerted by the New York State Police (NYSP) regarding an investigation of Kerwin for suspected possession of child pornography, which began in 2022 based on a CyberTip Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In November 2025, the NYSP also learned that the Lancaster Police Department arrested and charged Kerwin with violations of New York State Penal Law.
The arrest stemmed from a tip received from a civilian child safety advocacy group that indicated a group member communicated with Kerwin. Based upon the information provided by the group, Kerwin purportedly believed that he communicated with a minor to meet her for sex. On November 19, 2025, Lancaster Police encountered Kerwin at a local restaurant, at which time he was arrested, and his cell phone was seized. A preliminary review of the cell phone recovered several sexually explicit images and videos of underage females.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, the Lancaster Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Gummo, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
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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Jasper County felon charged with federal firearms violation in Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Jasper man has been charged with a federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Kenneth Mitchell Woods, 28, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas this week charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
If convicted, Woods faces at least 15 years in federal prison.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Jasper Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Inmates indicted for murder at Beaumont federal prisonRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – Four federal inmates have been charged with murder in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Conrad Edward Nedd, also known as CJ, 41; Jeremy Crow, 32; Ramon James Ybarra, also known as Apache, 35; and Curtis Ray McClendon, 43; were named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas, charging them with murder.
The indictment alleges that on November 21, 2025, the inmates were involved in an altercation resulting in the death of another inmate at the Federal Correctional Complex in Beaumont.
If convicted, the defendants each face up to life in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Prisons and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.
A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Illinois Resident Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jalen Jace Cancel, age 25, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to one month in prison and seven months home detention for one count of Wire Fraud Conspiracy, one count of Wire Fraud, and one count of Money Laundering Conspiracy, and ordered to pay $504,948.49 in restitution.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
On July 21, 2025, Cancel pleaded guilty to the charges. Between June and September 2023, Cancel conspired with others to obtain money from area businesses through materially false and fraudulent pretenses. According to investigators, the businesses received emails claiming to be from legitimate vendors with instructions to wire payments to certain bank accounts. It was later determined the emails were created and sent by a member of the conspiracy, and the bank accounts were opened by conspirators to receive and distribute the fraudulently obtained funds. Cancel facilitated the fraud by opening bank accounts for receiving and distributing the funds.
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, Chief District Court Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Cancel will self-report to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve his sentence on March 2, 2026.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard J. Lorenz represented the United States.
Illinois Man Sentenced to 216 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund sentenced Robert Crayton, 48 years old, of Evanston, Illinois, to 216 months in prison after Crayton was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Crayton was sentenced to 216 months in prison followed by 6 years of supervised release.
On March 14, 2023, officers of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department stopped Robert Crayton on I-65. During a search of Crayton’s car, officers found approximately 2 kilograms of cocaine hidden behind the center console and under the front passenger area floor mat. Crayton’s travel plans showed that he had flown from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Atlanta, Georgia and was driving back to Illinois when apprehended by law enforcement. Crayton has two prior felony drug distribution convictions, including a prior federal conviction for distribution of crack cocaine near a public elementary school.
This case was investigated by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department and Drug Enforcement Administration’s Merrillville Field Office, with assistance from Drug Enforcement Administration’s South Central Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Toth and Ambris Saravanan.
Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Identity Theft and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Illinois man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to phishing the Snapchat access codes of nearly 600 women in an effort to hack their Snapchat accounts and steal nude photos, which he kept, sold, or traded on the internet.
Kyle Svara, 27, of Oswego, Ill., pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, computer fraud, conspiracy to commit computer fraud and false statements related to child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy scheduled sentencing for May 18, 2026. Svara was charged in December 2025.
From at least May 2020 to February 2021, Svara used social engineering and other resources to collect victim emails, phone numbers and/or Snapchat usernames. He used those means of identification to access victim Snapchat accounts, which prompted Snap Inc. to send account security codes to victims. Using anonymized phone numbers, Svara posed as a representative of Snap Inc. and texted more than 4,500 victims requesting those Snapchat access codes. When approximately 570 women provided those codes, Svara accessed the Snapchat accounts of at least 59 women without permission and downloaded their nude or semi-nude images. Once he had the stolen images, Svara sold or traded them on internet forums or in transactions with others who had hired him to hack the Snapchat accounts. Svara advertised on internet forums like Reddit that he could “get into girls snap accounts” for others and provide content “for you or trade.”
One of Svara’s co-conspirators, Steve Waithe, a former Track and Field Coach at Northeastern University hired and paid Svara to hack the Snapchat accounts of women Waithe coached or had other relationships with. In November 2023, Waithe was convicted in federal court in Boston of 12 counts of wire fraud; one count of cyberstalking; one count of conspiracy to commit computer fraud; and one count of computer fraud, aiding and abetting. In March 2024, Waithe was sentenced to five years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
In addition to the women Waithe and others hired Svara to hack, Svara also targeted women who resided in or around the area of Plainfield, Ill. or who were students at Colby College in Waterville, Maine.
When Svara was interviewed by investigators, he falsely stated that he did not know anything about hacking Snapchat. Additionally, he falsely stated that had no interest in child pornography and had never actively sought out or accessed child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Contrary to these statements, the defendant collected, distributed and solicited CSAM.
Members of the public who believe they may be a victim of this case or have any relevant information related to this case are requested to please fill out the attached form to be contacted by a member of law enforcement: https://forms.fbi.gov/victims/snaphackvictims
The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a sentence of at least two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain/loss from the offense. The charges of computer fraud and conspiracy to commit computer fraud provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Boston made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Chicago and the Oswego Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Cleary of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
Illegal alien receives five years for smuggling cocaine hidden in vehicle batteriesRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 29-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to federal prison for possessing narcotics with the intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Azael Sotelo-Espinoza pleaded guilty Oct. 22, 2025.
U.S. District Judge David Morales has now ordered Sotelo-Espinoza to serve 60 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence Feb. 4, the court noted Sotelo-Espinoza was not to return to the United States without permission.
On Aug. 15, 2025, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a white Chevrolet Silverado for a defective light. Sotelo-Espinoza was driving. Upon questioning, he appeared nervous and was breathing heavily, sweating, and his hands were shaking. He also gave inconsistent statements about his travels.
Authorities observed a second battery in the engine compartment that displayed evidence of tampering. An X-ray scan showed the batteries lacked internal components. A K-9 also alerted to the presence of narcotics.
Further investigation revealed two bundles wrapped in duct tape and electrical tape inside the battery. The packages weighed approximately 2.34 kilograms and tested positive for cocaine.
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered jumper cables and a wrench that fit the terminals on the battery located in the back seat.
Authorities also discovered Sotelo-Espinoza had deleted cell phone messages before they approached him and that the vehicle he was driving had made frequent trips from the Rio Grande Valley to Houston, returning the same day.
Sotelo-Espinoza has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with assistance from Kingsville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine K. Tucker prosecuted the case.
Illegal Sex Trafficking Ringleader Indicted in the District of UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a Venezuelan national who was residing in the United States illegally with sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion after he allegedly threatened a commercial sex worker prior to transporting the alleged victim to Utah to continue doing commercial sex work under threat of force.
Jorge Luis Tejera, 40, who was living in Chicago, Illinois, prior to his arrest, was initially charged by complaint on December 19, 2025.
According to court documents, in November 2024, Homeland Security Agents opened an investigation into a cell of transnational criminal organization “Desastre” related to their potential involvement in a human trafficking operation. Individuals alleged to have been working for Desastre forced vulnerable individuals to work as commercial sex workers for financial benefit. Beginning on a date unknown, and continuing to December 31, 2024, agents identified Tejera as an alleged principal in this illicit business along with others that forced Venezuelan nationals to participate in commercial sex work. Some trafficked individuals were forced into commercial sex work in order to work off a “debt” incurred for their passage (transportation and smuggling) to the United States.
As alleged, investigators have identified numerous victims of human trafficking in this operation. One such victim, who is alleged to have been trafficked directly by Tejera, had their young child allegedly removed from their custody with threats being made toward the victim and the child if the victim did not engage in commercial sex work.
Tejera, and his cohorts, who were largely men who are in the United States illegally, often possessed firearms and would routinely brandish them to enforce their will. Under federal law, illegal aliens are restricted from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition. Additionally, it is known that other individuals associated with an outgrowth of this operation were involved in threatening witnesses and victims (forced commercial sex worker) in case number 2:25-cr-00141.
Tejera’s initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for February 5, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (DHS-HSI).
Assistant United States Attorney Sam Pead of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Ersy Gregorio Umanzor Lopez, a/k/a Ersy Gregorio Umanzor, a/k/a Ersy G. Umanzor, age 33, a Honduran national unlawfully present in Bryan County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.
The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
On January 5, 2026, Lopez pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on November 17, 2025, Lopez, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on September 8, 2017, October 20, 2017, and January 12, 2018.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lewis M. Reagan and Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Cesar Briseno Mauricio, age 26, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Love County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.
The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
On January 7, 2026, Mauricio pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on November 17, 2025, Mauricio, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on March 18, 2020.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan E. Soverly and Nicole Paladino represented the United States.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Abraham Suy Suar, age 35, a Guatemalan national unlawfully present in Bryan County, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than two years, and a fine of not more than $250,000.00.
The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
The Indictment alleged that on November 17, 2025, Suy Suar, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on September 23, 2014.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The Honorable 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.
Suy Suar will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.
Humboldt County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Attempted Enticement of A MinorRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – A Humboldt County resident was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for attempting to coerce and entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley handed down the sentence.
Joseph Raymond Shinn, 47, of Ferndale, Calif., was indicted by a federal grand jury on Feb. 19, 2025, and pleaded guilty on Nov. 5, 2025, to one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. According to the plea agreement, between Sept. 30, 2024, through Oct. 6, 2024, Shinn messaged an individual whom he believed to be a 13-year-old minor, sending sexually explicit messages and images via a messaging application. He eventually arranged a meeting with the minor to engage in sexual acts. On his way to the minor’s home, Shinn purchased sex paraphernalia that he intended to use. Shinn was arrested by law enforcement upon his arrival at the home.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement.
Shinn has been in custody since November 2024. He will begin serving his prison term immediately. In addition to the prison term, Judge Corley also ordered Shinn to serve eight years of supervised release which will begin after his term of imprisonment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara E. Henderson is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Soana Katoa. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office and the FBI, with assistance from the Eureka Police Department and Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.
Houston transplant doctor indicted for making false statements in patients’ medical recordsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 66-year-old Houston physician has been charged with falsifying medical records which made potential transplant recipients ineligible for organ donations, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
John Stevenson Bynon Jr. has now surrendered to federal authorities and is set for his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena H. Palermo at 2 p.m.
According to the indictment, returned Jan. 14, Bynon was Director of Abdominal Organ Transplantation and Surgical Director for Liver Transplantation at Memorial Hermann Health System’s Texas Medical Center in Houston. Under his care, patients were allegedly activated on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) liver transplant waitlist while awaiting an organ donation.
The charges allege that even though patients should have been able to receive donations through UNOS, Bynon made false statements in their medical records which rendered them functionally ineligible for a donation. Patients, their families, and other members of their medical care team, were unaware of the false information, according to court documents. Many patients allegedly remained ineligible for months without knowing they could not receive donor organ offers during that time.
“Dr. Bynon is alleged to have betrayed the most sacred duty of a medical professional—to heal,” said Ganjei. “According to the indictment, he stole years and hope from those who trusted him most by falsifying records and preventing patients from receiving organ transplants. Rest assured, the Southern District of Texas will continue to seek justice for every victim in this case.”
“Ultimately, at the center of this case are vulnerable patients who hung their hope of survival on a nationally renowned surgeon now federally charged for manipulating their medical records,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson of the FBI Houston Field Office. “Dr. Bynon is accused of manipulating the criteria of patients on organ transplant waiting lists, thereby allegedly manipulating the patients’ chance of survival. Today’s indictment makes it clear that the FBI will investigate allegations of patient harm regardless of how reputable and respected the practitioner is or the hospital system they work for.”
“Falsely manipulating organ transplant eligibility endangers lives and undermines the integrity of our health care system,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “The allegations in this indictment, if proven true, represent a grave betrayal of medical ethics and patient trust. HHS-OIG will work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that anyone who falsifies medical records to manipulate patient care is stopped, caught and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
The indictment further alleges that due to Bynon’s unilateral decision making and false statements, which were unknown to other care providers, patients continued receiving health care benefits, items and services that Medicare paid as if they were eligible to receive donor organ offers.
Some of Bynon’s patients had dire health outcomes. The indictment alleges two others sought care at alternate facilities following the discovery of the alleged false statements and ultimately received organ transplants.
Bynon is charged with five counts of making false statements in health care matters. If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine upon each conviction.
FBI and DHHS-OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherin Daniel and Suzanne Elmilady are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Henryetta Resident Pleads Guilty to Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Daeshaun Jared Ickle Cobretti Small, age 22, of Henryetta, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of a Superseding Indictment charging him with Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country, punishable by up to eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Superseding Indictment alleged that on December 31, 2022, Small unlawfully killed the victim in the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, that is failing to devote full time and attention to driving and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and in the commission in an unlawful manner and without due caution and circumspection of a lawful act, that is, operating a motor vehicle, which might produce death.
The crime occurred in Okmulgee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Small will remain on bond with conditions of release pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Gross and Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.
Guyanese National Sentenced to 65 Months’ Imprisonment for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Sean Allicock, age 53, a citizen of Guyana, who was illegally residing in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 65 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for illegally reentering the country after having previously been removed.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Allicock was indicted by a federal grand jury after being arrested for Theft by Unlawful Taking and related charges in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, on June 18, 2025. Allicock was previously convicted of illegal reentry in 2007. Allicock had previously been removed from the United States pursuant to a court order in 1998 and 2015. Allicock pleaded guilty to illegal reentry before being sentenced.
The ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kelley K. McGraw prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) 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.
Allicock still faces pending state charges in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
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Grand jury indicts Columbus man for threatening to kill federal agentsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man was indicted today and charged federally for allegedly threatening on social media to kill federal immigration agents.
Justin Mesael Novoa, 21, is charged in a two-count indictment with threatening to assault or murder a federal law enforcement officer and with making threatening interstate communications. Novoa was originally charged by criminal complaint on Jan. 22.
According to charging documents, HSI received information in December 2025 regarding threats to ICE employees on the social media platform X. Investigation revealed that, in June 2025, Novoa allegedly posted: “they should blast every ice agent they find.”
Later, in November 2025, Novoa allegedly posted “can’t wait to shoot these p***y ice agents and r******d maga maggots.”
Novoa used the screennames “Lord of Frenzied Flame” and “Father2High.”
Federal agents executed a search warrant at Novoa’s residence in December 2025 and seized multiple firearms, including two rifles, two shotguns and one handgun, as well as ammunition. Novoa also possessed two helmets and a body armor vest.
Threatening to kill a federal officer is a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Making threatening interstate communications carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Jared Murphey, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Prichard is representing the United States in this case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Going bust: Houston man sentenced for $1 million embezzlement scheme to fund gambling habitRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 34-year-old Spring resident has been sentenced for embezzling more than $1 million from his employer, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Donald Ray Owens Jr. pleaded guilty May 9, 2025.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. has now ordered Owens to serve 24 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony from Owens, who asked for leniency and said he had developed an addiction to online sports gambling. In imposing the sentence, the court noted the significant financial harm to the company and Owens’ repeated misuse of its credit card. Owens must also pay $1,081,722.96 in restitution.
Owens was employed at Dominion Aesthetics Technology Inc. Between May 2022 and January 2024, he used his company credit card approximately 217 times to send money to an online payment platform account opened in his wife’s name. He then transferred the funds to bank accounts he controlled and ultimately into a personal gambling account.
He admitted he used the company credit card to embezzle approximately $1.1 million to pay gambling debts he incurred.
Owens was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hileman prosecuted the case.
Fort Lauderdale Financial Advisor Sentenced to 20 Years for $94 Million International Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A Fort Lauderdale financial advisor was sentenced Monday to 240 months in federal prison for operating a decades-long international investment fraud scheme that defrauded international investors — primarily Venezuelan nationals — of more than $94 million.
U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Becerra imposed the sentence on Andrew Hamilton Jacobus, 64, who previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering.
“This was a $94 million international fraud built on lies and broken trust,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “The defendant preyed on families, professionals, and faith-based institutions across our community and beyond. At 64 years old, he was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. That sentence reflects the real harm to victims and sends a clear message: sophisticated financial fraud will be exposed and punished in South Florida.”
“Greed was Jacobus’s greatest tool — paired with a computer and a phone, it fueled a scheme that stole millions and shattered lives,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Florida Field Office. “IRS Special Agents will continue to work tirelessly to uncover financial fraud and deliver justice to victims.”
According to court records, Jacobus falsely portrayed himself as a seasoned financial advisor managing legitimate investment portfolios while misappropriating investor funds for personal use and to pay purported returns to earlier investors in classic Ponzi-scheme fashion.
After completing his education in engineering, Jacobus began a career in finance in the early 1990s. Over the years, he solicited funds through entities under his control, including Kronus Financial Corporation and Finser International Corporation, promising investors access to secure investment products and high-yield returns. In reality, Jacobus forged account statements, falsified financial documentation, and diverted client funds to support a lavish personal lifestyle and unrelated business ventures.
Jacobus victimized more than 150 investors whose combined investments exceeded $90 million. His scheme spanned multiple continents, with victims located in South Florida, Venezuela, and Spain. Among those defrauded were lawyers, doctors, members of the Venezuelan Archdiocese, former employees, and members of his own family.
More than 20 victims appeared in court for the sentencing hearing, with an additional 80 victims participating remotely.
U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones and Special Agent in Charge Loecker made the announcement.
IRS-CI, Florida Field Office, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert F. Moore prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitch Hyman is handling asset forfeiture.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 25-cr-20309.
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Former Pinellas Teacher Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Abuse CrimesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Lee Hughes (46, Pinellas Park) has pleaded guilty to attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and receipt and possession of child sex abuse material. Hughes faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Hughes communicated with an undercover officer online for months with the understanding the undercover officer had a 9-year-old daughter. Hughes expressed his specific explicit desire to sexually abuse the purported 9-year-old girl. During those conversations, he also sent explicit photos and videos of himself, which he requested be shown to the purported child. On May 1, 2025, Hughes arrived at a predetermined location with a purple teddy bear to engage in sexual activity with the 9-year-old girl. He was apprehended by the FBI on scene.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abigail K. King.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former NYPD Supervisor Pleads Guilty to Bribery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Michael Alfonso, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced that PAMELA DILLARD, a former supervisor in the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), pled guilty to participating in a conspiracy to solicit and accept bribes. DILLARD admitted to providing personally identifiable information of automobile accident victims contained in a non-public NYPD database to a co-conspirator (“CC-1”) who owned and operated a call center that referred accident victims to lawyers and doctors, in exchange for bribes of money and other things of value. DILLARD pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 1, 2026.
“The NYPD is the gold standard of police departments,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “There is no place in the NYPD for those who compromise the Department’s integrity for personal profit.”
“Pamela Dillard shamelessly exploited her law enforcement position to profit from the personal information of vulnerable accident victims, betraying the public’s trust for her own selfish gain,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso. “The defendant’s guilty plea is a direct result of her calculated abuse of her access to confidential data, choosing personal greed over the duty to protect sensitive victim information. HSI New York, together with the FBI, the NYPD and the Southern District of New York, remains steadfast in placing New Yorkers’ wellbeing above all else, and will relentlessly pursue those who forsake their sworn responsibilities and in turn endanger our communities.”
“Pamela Dillard, a former NYPD civilian employee, abused her supervisory position within a highly acclaimed police department and her access to sensitive information to generate an illicit income,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “While the vast majority of our local law enforcement partners are dedicated to protecting the communities they serve, the FBI will not tolerate those who choose to betray that trust at the expense of New Yorkers.”
According to the allegations contained in the Information, court records, and statements made in court:
From at least in or about January 2021 through at least in or about September 2023, while working as an NYPD Principal Police Communication Technician (“PCT”), DILLARD solicited and accepted bribes from CC-1 in exchange for providing CC-1 the personally identifiable information of automobile accident victims from a non-public NYPD database. In her capacity as a Principal PCT, DILLARD supervised other PCTs who dispatched police officers to the location of incidents that were called into 911 and had access to sensitive information about automobile accident victims. During this period, DILLARD accepted at least 21 bribe payments from CC-1, totaling approximately $17,300.
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DILLARD, 48, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, HSI, and the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau, Group 25.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Connie L. Dang and Rebecca T. Dell are in charge of the prosecution.
Former Luzerne County Attorney Sentenced to Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A Florida man was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for tax evasion in connection with substantial legal fees he earned.
The following is based on court documents and statements made in court: Robert J. Powell, of Palm Beach, Florida, and formerly of Pennsylvania, carried out his tax evasion scheme by using nominee bank accounts, causing an accountant to file a request for a filing extension that falsely reported zero estimated tax liability for 2016, and by making false statements during a subsequent IRS audit.
After his suspension and disbarment from the practice of law, Powell retained the right to collect a portion of future fees collected by his former firm for representing thousands of plaintiffs in a mass tort litigation that settled for approximately $5.15 billion in 2015. Powell’s firm was expected to receive approximately $120 million in attorneys’ fees from that settlement.
Before those attorneys’ fees were disbursed, Powell’s firm used the fees as collateral to obtain a series of loans totaling over $125 million. Instead of depositing the loan proceeds into firm bank accounts and using them to pay firm expenses, Powell directed the loans to nominee bank accounts under his control. He then used the loan proceeds to pay his personal debts and expenses, as well as for the personal benefit of his former law partner and himself.
In June 2016, most of the attorneys’ fees were finally disbursed and the loans repaid. Powell did not file a personal income tax return and pay taxes on those fees, even though he personally received an additional $3.6 million of the fees.
For the tax years 2010 through 2022, Powell did not file personal tax returns even though he earned income during each of those years and was required to file.
In 2019, the IRS audited Powell. During the audit, Powell made false statements in an attempt to conceal his income and expenditures. Specifically, Powell falsely informed the IRS that his only source of funds were loan advances, he and his spouse did not have signature authority or control over other bank accounts, and he had no ownership in any corporations. All of these statements were false.
In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for the Middle District of Pennsylvania ordered Powell to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $3.5 million in restitution to the United States and a $100,000 fine.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller for the Middle District of Pennsylvania made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Alexandra K. Fleszar of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Sharma for the Middle District of Pennsylvania prosecuted the case.
Former Luzerne County Attorney Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
SCRANTON, Pennsylvania – Robert J. Powell, age 65, of Palm Beach, Florida, was sentenced today to 48 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for tax evasion in connection with substantial legal fees he earned.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Powell sought to evade a substantial tax that was due and owing the IRS for 2016 by using “nominee” bank accounts (i.e., accounts in others’ names), causing an accountant to file a request for a filing extension that falsely reported zero estimated tax liability for 2016, and making false statements during an IRS audit in 2019. At sentencing, the Government put forth evidence that Powell did not file taxes for a period of approximately fifteen years, during which he earned over $18 million in income.
“Today’s sentencing holds Mr. Powell accountable for his criminal actions” said Yury Kruty, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation for the Philadelphia Field Office. “Mr. Powell’s fraudulent scheme to evade income taxes is unfair to every taxpayer who obeys the law and pays their fair share. IRS CI is committing to working with our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office to see that criminals like this are stopped.”
In 2009, Powell pleaded guilty to multiple federal felony offenses for paying bribes to two judges of the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas and assisting those judges in concealing the bribe payments from tax authorities. In 2011, Powell was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for these offenses. The conduct for which he was sentenced today began around the time that he pleaded guilty to the earlier offenses and continued throughout the time of his imprisonment and beyond.
Powell’s license to practice law was suspended in 2009, and he was subsequently disbarred in 2015, in connection with his earlier convictions. As a result, in 2009 he relinquished his ownership of The Powell Law Group. He nevertheless retained the right to collect 90% of the remainder of any future fees collected by the firm after the payment of firm expenses. Specifically, The Powell Law Group represented thousands of plaintiffs in a mass tort litigation that settled for approximately $5.15 billion in 2015, and The Powell Law Group was expected to receive approximately $120 million in attorneys’ fees from that settlement.
Prior to the disbursement of the attorneys’ fees, The Powell Law Group and its co-counsel used those future legal fees as collateral to obtain a series of loans totaling over $125 million. Instead of depositing the loan proceeds into The Powell Law Group’s bank accounts and using them to pay firm expenses, Powell instead directed the loans to nominee bank accounts that were under his control. He then used the loan proceeds for his personal debts and expenses, as well as his and his former law partner’s personal benefit. Powell’s personal expenses included multiple luxury vehicles, a $1.25 million sportfishing yacht, and tuition and living expenses for private high schools and universities for his children. Powell’s personal expenses also included buying a $2.65 million home in Palm Beach Gardens, to which he then made more than $1 million in renovations. Once Powell was informed that he was the focus of a federal investigation, he transferred ownership of the home to a business partner, but Powell and his wife have continued to live in that home—now worth more than $6 million-rent-free.
In June 2016, most of the attorneys’ fees were finally disbursed and the loans were repaid. Nevertheless, Powell did not file a personal income tax return and pay taxes on the receipt of the fees in that year. After the initial disbursement and through October 2019, an additional $12 million in attorneys’ fees was distributed, and The Powell Law Group’s share continued to be directed into nominee bank accounts that Powell controlled. Powell personally received an additional $3.6 million of the fees during that time.
In 2019, when the IRS commenced an audit of his tax liabilities, Powell made false statements to the interviewing agents to conceal his income and expenditures. Namely, Powell falsely stated that, for tax years 2014 through 2016, his only sources of funds were loan advances, that he and his spouse did not have signature authority or control over other bank accounts, and that he had no ownership in any corporations.
Powell agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $3,500,000, to the IRS. Powell also agreed that the IRS may later determine that he owes even more in taxes, plus penalties and interest, beyond what he has agreed to pay.
Assistant Attorney General Tyson Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller for the Middle District of Pennsylvania made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Alexandra K. Fleszar of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania prosecuted the case.
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Former DC Government Employee Pleads Guilty to Theft and Trafficking of Government LaptopsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Darrell A. Smith, Sr., 56, of Newark, New Jersey, pleaded guilty Tuesday in District of Columbia Superior Court to three counts of first-degree theft and one count of trafficking in stolen property for stealing D.C. government-issued laptops and selling many of them for personal profit, announced Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The Honorable Andrea Hertzfeld accepted Smith’s plea and scheduled sentencing for April 17, 2026.
According to court documents, in 2022, while serving as an Information Technology manager for the DC Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF), Smith used his official badge access to enter secured DHCF storage areas and remove multiple Apple MacBook Pro laptops purchased for agency use as part of a $1.6 million technology procurement. Each laptop was valued at more than $3,000. Smith kept some of the stolen devices, gave others away as gifts, and sold several for as much as $1,250 each, retaining the proceeds.
When DHCF officials began inquiring about the missing devices, Smith falsely denied knowledge of their whereabouts. During his guilty plea, he admitted to using his official system access to delete security camera footage from an IT storage room to conceal the theft. In total, Smith’s actions caused a loss to the District government of at least $30,000.
Joining the announcement was Brian L. Schwalb, Attorney General for the District of Columbia; and Jeffery Carroll, Interim Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the guilty plea, U.S. Attorney Pirro, Interim Chief Carroll, and D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb commended investigators from the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and acknowledged valuable assistance provided by investigators from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.
The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Micah Bluming, on detail from the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, assigned to prosecute matters involving fraud and public corruption impacting the District and its residents.
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Former California resident sentenced to prison for defrauding his Kent, Washington employerRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 44-year-old former Laguna Niguel, California resident was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 18 months in prison for wire fraud for his scheme to steal nearly $1 million from his employer, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Paul Joseph Welch was the IT manager of a Kent, Washington energy manufacturing company when he used various schemes to steal more than $950,000 from the company. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead said, “This was not a crime of desperation. You used the funds to support a lifestyle you could not afford.”
“Mr. Welch stole nearly $1 million from his company to pay for luxuries such as expensive hotel stays, first class airline tickets, and even a Porsche for his wife as a Mother’s Day gift,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “His theft caused the company to cut staff, reduce or cancel bonuses, and delay projects. These impacts justify this prison term.”
According to records in the case, Welch worked for the company from 2011 to 2024. He was promoted to Information Technology Manager in 2018. As early as 2017, Welch used the company’s Amazon business account to make unauthorized personal purchases from Amazon.com. Between 2017 and 2023, those purchases totaled at least $43,000. Welch primarily purchased electronics such as televisions, laptops and more—all for personal use. In 2019, Welch began using his company credit card for personal purchases through other online retailers such as Apple, Alaska Airlines, Instacart, and BestBuy. Between 2019 and 2024, those unauthorized personal purchases totaled at least an additional $60,000.
The scheme really accelerated in January 2021 when Welch began making payments to himself disguised as payments to a computer services company. Welch created a series of email addresses and payment processor accounts using a business name that was very similar to a legitimate computer services company based in Washington State. Welch then used the company credit cards to pay the computer services company under the guise that the company was providing IT equipment and services to the victim company. However, the legitimate computer services company had no relationship with Welch and never provided any services or equipment to the victim company. The credit card payments Welch made went directly to the payment processor accounts that Welch controlled. Between 2021 and 2024 Welch used this scheme to transfer approximately $879,175 from company accounts to his own accounts.
The victim company tried to verify the legitimacy of Welch’s activity on multiple occasions, but each time, Welch provided false or misleading information to cover up his scheme. When Welch was asked to submit invoices to substantiate his charges, he emailed phony documents designed to look like invoices from the legitimate computer services company. At one point in 2023, an accounting employee at the victim company identified personal purchases on Welch’s company credit card. Welch claimed the charges were inadvertent and said he would repay the company. Welch never repaid the charges and continued to defraud the company through unauthorized personal purchases and more fake vendor charges.
On January 19, 2024, company employees confronted Welch about the charges from the computer services company accounts that Welch controlled. After Welch again claimed that the vendor was a real vendor for the company, the company fired him.
In all, between 2017 and January 2024 Welch secretly made at least 250 fraudulent charges for the third-party vendor he controlled. He made at least 140 unauthorized purchases with retailers using the company credit card and at least 100 fraudulent purchases on the company’s Amazon account. While Welch profited some $950,000 from his theft, the loss to the victim company was approximately $982,520 due to various fees on the transactions.
“As an information technology manager, Mr. Welch held a position of trust with his employer which allowed him access to business accounts and the company credit card," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "Welch betrayed that trust by stealing almost $1 million from the company through years of fraudulent transactions for his own personal gain. Despite being confronted about his illicit expenditures multiple times, Welch disguised his schemes with false documents or by saying he didn’t intend to make the charges. When such theft occurs, the FBI diligently follows the money to ensure fraudsters are held accountable for their crimes.”
Welch agreed to make full restitution to the company.
The case was investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dane A. Westermeyer.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Biofuel Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MIAMI – The owner of a company that produces and sells renewable fuel and fuel credits pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy for his role in a scheme that generated over $7 million in fraudulent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) renewable fuels credits and sought over $6 million in fraudulent tax credits connected to the purported production of biodiesel.
According to court documents, Christopher Burdett, 59, owned a biofuel company based in Fort Pierce that claimed to turn various feedstocks into biodiesel. However, when reporting to the IRS and the EPA the number of gallons they produced, Burdett and his company vastly overstated their production volume to generate more credits. When auditors sought more information from the company, Burdett and general manager Royce Gillham, who was sentenced last year to 37 months in prison, provided false information about their fuel production and customers.
“The defendant’s fraud undermines the integrity of EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard and hurts farmers and refiners who follow the law,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “This guilty plea is another example of the Justice Department’s broader efforts to hold those accountable, like Burdett and Gillham, who defraud American taxpayers.”
“This was not a paperwork error or a regulatory misunderstanding — it was fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “The defendant inflated production numbers to steal millions in fuel and tax credits, taking money straight from taxpayers. Working closely with our partners at EPA and IRS, we will continue to hold accountable anyone who lies, cheats, and tries to game federal programs for personal profit.”
“The defendants compromised the core of a program designed to secure abundant renewable fuel. By claiming credit (RINs) for fuel they never produced or sold, the defendants not only defrauded American fuel producers and consumers but also compromised our energy security,” said Assistant Administrator Jeffrey A. Hall of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Lying to the federal government and to others under federal programs for profit is an elemental federal crime and intolerable in our society.”
“Fraudulent tax schemes erode trust in our tax system and harm every honest taxpayer,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “Our mission is to ensure that those who attempt to exploit tax credits are identified and brought to justice, protecting the integrity of our nation’s tax laws.”
Burdett pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and to file false claims. He is scheduled to be sentenced in the coming months. The conspiracy count has a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine whether to accept the plea agreement after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and IRS Criminal Investigations investigated the case.
Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of ENRD and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Funk for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting this case.
ENRD is a member of the Department of Justice Trade Fraud Task Force, a cross-agency law enforcement effort that also involves the Criminal and Civil Divisions’ Fraud Sections, the Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide. The Task Force was created to leverage all of the Department’s tools and authorities to prevent trade fraud that deprives the government of vital revenue, threatens critical domestic industries, undermines consumer confidence, and weakens national security. The Task Force is designed to pursue enforcement actions against parties who seek to evade tariffs and other duties, as well as smugglers who seek to import prohibited goods into the American economy. The Justice Department encourages whistleblowers to alert the government to credible allegations of fraud, including utilizing the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act or through the Criminal Division’s Corporate Whistleblower Program at [email protected] using the form available here.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 25-cr-14071.
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Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Biofuel Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
The owner of a company that produces and sells renewable fuel and fuel credits pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida to conspiracy for his role in a scheme that generated over $7 million in fraudulent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) renewable fuels credits and sought over $6 million in fraudulent tax credits connected to the purported production of biodiesel.
According to court documents, Christopher Burdett, 59, owned a biofuel company based in Fort Pierce, Florida, that claimed to turn various feedstocks into biodiesel. However, when reporting to the IRS and the EPA the number of gallons they produced, Burdett and his company vastly overstated their production volume to generate more credits. When auditors sought more information from the company, Burdett and general manager Royce Gillham, who was sentenced last year to 37 months in prison, provided false information about their fuel production and customers.
“The defendant’s fraud undermines the integrity of EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard and hurts farmers and refiners who follow the law,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “This guilty plea is another example of the Justice Department’s broader efforts to hold those accountable, like Burdett and Gillham, who defraud American taxpayers.”
“The defendants compromised the core of a program designed to secure abundant renewable fuel. By claiming credit (RINs) for fuel they never produced or sold, the defendants not only defrauded American fuel producers and consumers but also compromised our energy security,” said Assistant Administrator Jeffrey A. Hall of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Lying to the federal government and to others under federal programs for profit is an elemental federal crime and intolerable in our society.”
“This was not a paperwork error or a regulatory misunderstanding — it was fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “The defendant inflated production numbers to steal millions in fuel and tax credits, taking money straight from taxpayers. Working closely with our partners at EPA and IRS, we will continue to hold accountable anyone who lies, cheats, and tries to game federal programs for personal profit.”
“Fraudulent tax schemes erode trust in our tax system and harm every honest taxpayer,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “Our mission is to ensure that those who attempt to exploit tax credits are identified and brought to justice, protecting the integrity of our nation’s tax laws.”
Burdett pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and to file false claims. He is scheduled to be sentenced in the coming months. The conspiracy count has a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A federal district court judge will determine whether to accept the plea agreement after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and IRS Criminal Investigations investigated the case.
Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of ENRD and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Funk for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting this case.
ENRD is a member of the Department of Justice Trade Fraud Task Force, a cross-agency law enforcement effort that also involves the Criminal and Civil Divisions’ Fraud Sections, the Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide. The Task Force was created to leverage all of the Department’s tools and authorities to prevent trade fraud that deprives the government of vital revenue, threatens critical domestic industries, undermines consumer confidence, and weakens national security. The Task Force is designed to pursue enforcement actions against parties who seek to evade tariffs and other duties, as well as smugglers who seek to import prohibited goods into the American economy. The Justice Department encourages whistleblowers to alert the government to credible allegations of fraud, including utilizing the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act or through the Criminal Division’s Corporate Whistleblower Program at [email protected] using the form available here.
Final Defendant Pleads Guilty in $17 Million Pandemic Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ga. – The last remaining defendant in a pandemic-related tax fraud investigation costing U.S. taxpayers millions has pleaded guilty.
Christopher Upshaw, aka “Troub,” 26, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud on Feb. 4, and faces a maximum of 30 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine.
The co-defendants Johnathon Swift, aka “JB,” aka “John Boy,” 34; Dontavis Williams, aka “Turk,” 41; and Donterious Sparks, 37, all of Columbus, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud on Jan. 21, and face a maximum of 30 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine.
U.S. District Judge Clay Land is presiding over the case. Sentencing dates will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
“The defendants devised a scheme to illegally obtain millions of dollars in COVID tax credits intended for honest business owners working to sustain their companies and employees during the pandemic, not for fraudsters seeking luxury cars and other indulgences,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Our office will continue working with our federal law enforcement partners to identify those who cheat taxpayers and ensure they are held accountable.”
"This scheme attempted to steal nearly $17.5 million from programs meant to help struggling workers and small businesses survive the pandemic—not bankroll luxury purchases and personal gain,” said Peter Ellis, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta “The FBI will aggressively pursue anyone who exploits national emergencies for profit."
“By pleading guilty to one count of mail fraud, Christopher Upshaw has admitted to unlawfully obtaining funds intended to support legitimate economic recovery efforts,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Lisa Fontanette, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Protecting taxpayer dollars remains a top priority for IRS Criminal Investigation.”
According to filed court documents and statements made in court, Upshaw registered DOPE! Apparel, LLC with the Georgia Secretary of State’s office on June 26, 2022. Upshaw filed five falsified returns on April 29, 2023, using this business to fraudulently claim COVID-related tax credits, including credits to assist employers with the cost of keeping staff employed and to assist with the cost of employers providing paid sick and family leave wages to employees for COVID-related leave.
As a result of these falsified returns the IRS issued five refunds to Upshaw’s business: $65,990.85, $109,680.76, $64,945.17, $65,328.07, and $105,167.36, totaling $411,112.21. Investigators discovered Upshaw did not have any W-2s filed from 2019 through 2023; there was also no record of Upshaw filing any tax returns for years 2019, 2020, 2022, or 2023, despite claiming COVID related tax credits for 2022. In addition, the Georgia Department of Labor records revealed Upshaw did not file Georgia individual income tax returns for 2020 and 2022 through 2023, nor did the agency have any records whatsoever for Dope! Apparel, LLC, or that Upshaw’s company employed any staff or paid any of the qualified wages or sick and family leave wages that were claimed on the Form 941 returns. Upshaw cashed the checks and used some of the money to purchase a luxury vehicle.
Swift, Williams and Sparks similarly filed falsified tax returns, fraudulently claiming they were entitled to COVID tax credits: Swift obtained $417,095.56; Williams obtained $156,531.74; and Sparks obtained $311,072.55. All three co-defendants used LLCs registered to their names to file false tax returns claiming COVID tax credits they were not entitled to. The four co-defendants received a combined 16 checks totaling $1,295,812.06. The checks were deposited into bank accounts controlled by the defendants or cashed. The total attempted loss was $2,250,423.67.
The defendants also recruited others to participate in this scheme. In exchange for a percentage of the refund, the defendants would electronically file returns on behalf of others. They also assisted some people with establishing a limited liability company and obtaining an EIN number. The defendants submitted over 150 Form 941 returns on behalf of others resulting in an additional total combined attempted and actual loss amount of $15,239,326.17. The total combined attempted and actual loss to federal taxpayers was $17,489,749.80.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the IRS.
Deputy Criminal Chief Veronica Hansis is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Felon Who Crashed into Unmarked FBI Car Sentenced in Illegal Possession of Handgun and Marijuana with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Lorenzo Greene, 21, a previously convicted felon residing in the District, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 30 months in prison in connection with a flight from police, a crash into a law enforcement vehicle, and the subsequent discovery of a 9mm handgun, 18 rounds of ammunition, and about five ounces of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Greene pleaded guilty Nov. 5, 2025, before Judge Amir H. Ali to one count of possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances and to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. At sentencing, in addition to the prison term, Judge Ali ordered Greene to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on Aug. 24, 2025, Greene was driving a Nissan Altima erratically in the vicinity of 17th St. SE and T St. SE, The Nissan was tagged with a stolen Virginia temporary license plate and had heavily tinted windows.
Police attempted to stop the Nissan after Greene ran a red stoplight and drove across the center of the roadway into oncoming traffic. Instead of pulling over, Greene accelerated. He recklessly swerved the Nissan into an alley, rounded a curve, and collided with an unmarked FBI vehicle that was driving with its lights and sirens activated.
As officers approached the crashed Nissan, Greene got out and attempted to flee, which led to a struggle. One of the officers observed a black handgun protruding from Greene’s waistband and recovered it. The firearm was a Taurus G3C handgun, 9mm caliber, loaded with 17 rounds in a large capacity ammunition feeding device and one round in the chamber. From Greene’s backpack, officers also seized about five ounces of marijuana, packaging materials, a scale, and $369 in cash.
Greene previously had been convicted of carrying a pistol without a license, punishable by a sentence of more than a year, and was therefore prohibited from possessing any firearm.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jolie Zimmerman as part of the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Initiative.
Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenses, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
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Photo showing an obliterated serial number on firearm belonging to Greene.Federal Jury Delivers Speedy Verdicts Convicting Green Bay Man of Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
Brad D. Schimel, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on February 3, 2026, a federal jury in Green Bay convicted Ricky Q. Chambers, a/k/a “Goldi” (age: 29) of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Distribution of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841 and 846. Given very strong evidence, the jury required less than 15 minutes to reach a verdict.
Evidence at trial demonstrated that Chambers frequently traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, where he purchased large quantities of fentanyl pills. Chambers then shipped the pills to various cities throughout the Midwest before distributing them in the Green Bay, Wisconsin area. On July 25, 2024, law enforcement officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota intercepted a package sent by Chambers containing more than 55,000 fentanyl pills.
Further evidence showed that Chambers spent many thousands of dollars on luxury travel and expensive jewelry. Jurors also reviewed photographs and videos depicting Chambers flashing tens of thousands of dollars in cash. In some of those videos, agents determined that serial numbers on the bills Chambers displayed matched prerecorded currency used in controlled purchases of fentanyl from Chambers.
Testimony revealed that highly connected traffickers can purchase tens of thousands of fentanyl pills in Phoenix for as little as 50 cents per pill and then sell them in Green Bay for up to $20 per pill. An expert also testified that seven out of ten fentanyl pills tested at DEA crime laboratories contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl.
Chambers is one of eight defendants convicted as part of this fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. The remaining defendants charged in the case pleaded guilty. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized more than 175,000 fentanyl pills linked to this drug trafficking organization.
Chambers will be sentenced by Senior District Judge William C. Griesbach on May 11, 2026. He faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.
This case was investigated by the Brown County Drug Task Force, the Dakota County (Minnesota) Drug Task Force, the MSP Airport Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Green Bay Resident Office and Phoenix Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alex Duros and Tim Funnell.
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For further information contact:
Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero
(414) 297-1700
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Five Indictments Returned and Thirteen Illegal Aliens Convicted of Immigration, False Document Offenses in JanuaryRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA and GAINESVILLE – Today, United States Attorney John P. Heekin announced that five previously deported illegal aliens have been indicted separately by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States, and thirteen illegal aliens were convicted of federal crimes in the month of January.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “My office continues to make positive contributions to the success of Operation Take Back America as we follow the directive set forth by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to aggressively prosecute criminal aliens who have repeatedly violated our immigration laws and endangered the safety of our communities. Those who try to lie, cheat, and steal their way into our country will be met with swift justice and quick deportations.”
According to court records, five illegal aliens indicted in the month of January include:
- Pedro Vasquez-Guerra, 26, of El Salvador, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in December 2025, after previously being deported in 2017. Sentencing is set for February 24, 2026, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
- Jose Perez-Perez, 42, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Escambia County in December 2025, after previously being deported three times in 2011 and once in 2023. Trial is set for March 2, 2026, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
- Emin Perez-Mendez, 37, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Santa Rosa County in December 2025, after previously being deported in 2018. Plea and Sentencing took place yesterday, February 4, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
- Delmer Francisco Garcia-Palma, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Santa Rosa County in January 2026, after previously being deported in 2017, 2019, and 2020. Trial is set for March 16, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
- Genaro Lopez Lopez, 49, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Santa Rosa County in January 2026, after previously being deported twice in 2009. Trial is set for March 16, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
The penalty for illegally reentering the United States after deportation is a maximum of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Garcia-Palma and Perez-Perez both face a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine pursuant to allegations of prior convictions qualifying for an increased maximum sentence.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In addition to the indictments filed, eleven defendants were convicted in the month of January for having had each been previously removed due to being unlawfully present in the country and thereafter illegally reentered without seeking the necessary permission or approval from the United States. The illegal aliens convicted in the month of January include:
- Melvin Saavedra-Vasquez, of Honduras, who was previously removed in March 2025. He was encountered in Okaloosa County on October 17, 2025.
- Luis Moscoso-Vidal, of Guatemala, who was previously removed in March 2019. He was encountered in Okaloosa County on October 27, 2025.
- Eugenio Hernandez-Vargas, of Mexico, who was previously removed in October 2010, November 2011, and April 2014. He was encountered in Bay County on October 29, 2025.
- Jose Alvarado Lopez, of Honduras, who was previously removed in June 2019 and August 2019. He was encountered in Bay County on October 29, 2025.
- Edgar Enamorado-Lara, of Honduras, who was previously removed in December 2006. He was encountered in Bay County on October 29, 2025.
- Maynor Esquivel-Amador, of Guatemala, who was previously removed in February 2019. He was encountered in Bay County on October 29, 2025.
- Edgar Castaneda-Herrera, of Mexico, who was previously removed in January 2006 and April 2008. He was encountered in Santa Rosa County on November 8, 2025.
- Allan Josue Sanchez-Lozano, of Honduras, who was previously removed in July 2016. He was encountered in Escambia County on November 22, 2025.
- Carlos Sanchez-Mendez, of Mexico, who was previously removed in January 2010, February 2010, March 2010, October 2014, and April 2016. He was encountered in Okaloosa County on November 28, 2025.
- Leobardo Gomez-Lopez, of Mexico, who was previously removed in April 2016 and April 2017. He was encountered in Escambia County on November 28, 2025.
- Carlos Castellanos, of Honduras, who was previously removed in August 2014. He was encountered in Santa Rosa County on December 11, 2025.
Two aliens were also convicted of false document crimes. They include:
- Belarmino Godinez, of Guatemala.
- Miguel Gomez-Ical, of Guatemala.
The cases are being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations with assistance from the
Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Police Department, and the Florida Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorneys James A. McCain, Christopher C. Patterson, Jeffrey M. Tharp, Walter E. Narramore, Joseph A. Ravelo, Meredith L. Steer, and Brooke DiSalvo are prosecuting the cases.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, human and drug trafficking.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Federal Charges Filed Against Pensacola Registered Sex Offender for Obscenity Crimes Depicting ChildrenRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Jordan T. Quinones, 30, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on charges of possession of obscene material involving depictions of minors engaging in sexual activity. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
The obscene materials allegedly possessed by Quinones derive from computer generated images as well as drawings. The indictment also charges enhanced penalty provisions because Quinones is a registered sexual offender. If convicted, Quinones faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment.
Quinones is scheduled for trial before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida, on March 16, 2026.
The case is being jointly investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
El Salvadorian National Indicted for Illegal Re-Entry After an Aggravated Felony ConvictionRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced an indictment against a 45-year-old El Salvadorian national charged with illegally re-entering the United States after he was convicted of an aggravated felony and was previously removed from the country.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE-ERO) – Baltimore Field Office.
According to the indictment, on January 19, 2026, ICE law enforcement officers encountered Kevin Mendez Vasquez, aka “Kevin Estix Lara Henriquez,” while conducting a vehicle investigation in Elkridge, Maryland. As a result of the traffic stop, and after a positive confirmation, law enforcement officials arrested and charged Mendez Vasquez for illegally re-entering the U.S. Mendez Vasquez did not obtain consent from the Attorney General of the U.S., or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, for readmission into the country.
In May 2011, law enforcement officials deported Mendez Vasquez after he was convicted and served a five-year sentence for burglary, grand larceny, and abduction charges connected to three home invasions in Fairfax County, Virgina, during October 2010. Then in 2015, Mendez Vasquez illegally re-entered the U.S. at an unknown location.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.
If convicted, Mendez Vasquez faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended ICE-ERO for its work in the investigation. U.S. Attorney Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Ty Pittinger who is prosecuting the case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Eight Indicted in Denver Metro Area on Drug, Weapon, and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Dario Perez Quintero, 34, formerly of Denver, Colorado; Guadalupe Mendoza Martinez, 46, of Aurora, Colorado; Pedro Mendoza Martinez, 54, of Aurora, Colorado; Abimael Felix Luque, 32, of Aurora, Colorado; David Uvaldo Mora Sanchez, 32, formerly of Aurora, Colorado; Hector Joel Quijada Portillo, 30, of Commerce City, Colorado; Oscar Noel Ruelas Molina, 44, of Aurora, Colorado; and Jose Alexis Guzman Felix, 30, of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, were indicted this week on charges related to weapons possession, money laundering, and drug trafficking in the Denver metro area.
According to the eighteen-count indictment:
- Each of the aforementioned defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; fentanyl; and cocaine.
- Perez Quintero is also charged individually and with others with six additional counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, as well as one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Guadalupe Mendoza Martinez is also charged individually and with others with:
- Four counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl;
- Four counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
- One count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute cocaine;
- One count of possessing a firearm as an alien who is illegally and unlawfully present in the United States; and
- One count of promotion of unlawful activity using funds represented to be proceeds of illegal controlled substances distribution.
- Pedro Mendoza Martinez faces one additional charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
- Luque and Mora Sanchez face one additional charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Quijada Portillo faces one additional charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute cocaine; one additional charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and one count of promotion of unlawful activity using funds represented to be proceeds of illegal controlled substances distribution.
- Guzman Felix faces one additional charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
If convicted of count one, conspiracy, defendants face a sentence of up to life in prison.
The charges contained in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This investigation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Rocky Mountain HSTF comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Internal Revenue Service, Office of Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); United States Marshals Service (USMS); Diplomatic Security Service (DSS); United States Citizenship and Immigration Services; and Immigration and Customs Enforcement / Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE/ERO); and United States Customs and Border Patrol with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.
The prosecution is being handled by the Transnational Organized Crime and Money Laundering Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.
Case Number 26-CR-27-DDD
District Man Pleads Guilty in Domestic Violence HomicideRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Desmond Thurston, 48, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty yesterday to murdering his ex-romantic partner in her home on October 1, 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Thurston plead guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on February 4, 2026. Sentencing is scheduled for June 5, 2026, before the Honorable Judge Rainey Brandt.
According to the government’s evidence, on September 28, 2023, Patricia Johnson called 911 to report that Thurston had threatened her. The next day, Johnson obtained a Temporary Protection Order (“TPO”) against Thurston. On September 30, 2023, Metropolitan Police Department officers responded twice to Ms. Johnson’s residence, which she had shared with Thurston for years, to advise Thurston that they could escort him in to get needed items, but that he was not allowed in the residence.
Despite the TPO, and the warning from MPD, Thurston returned to Johnson’s home around 3:00 a.m. on October 1, 2023, and broke in, snapping a chain lock off the wall. Thurston proceeded up the stairs of the home to where Johnson and a minor family member had been sleeping in different bedrooms. After a brief exchange of words in the hallway, Thurston shot Johnson once through her left wrist and neck, causing her to fall to the ground. Thurston then shot Johnson a second time, in the chest, while she was on the ground. After going through Johnson’s devices, Thurston eventually left the home, allowing the minor family member witness to call 911. A few hours later, after disposing of the gun, Thurston turned himself into an MPD officer, advising that he assumed they were looking for him for a murder. He was placed under arrest and has remained in custody ever since.
Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
The Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zach Horton and Wes Faulkner Jr. are prosecuting the case.
2023CF1007099
Defendant Pleads Guilty for His Role in International Human and Drug Smuggling ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A defendant pleaded guilty today for his role in a scheme to illegally smuggle Honduran nationals and cocaine into the United States.
According to court documents, Olvin Javier Velasquez-Maldonado, 40, of Honduras, conspired with at least six others to bring Honduran nationals and cocaine from Honduras to the United States. In February 2022, Maldonado and others attempted to illegally bring more than 20 Honduran nationals and approximately 24 kilograms of cocaine from Utila, Honduras, to Cocodrie, Louisiana, aboard the M/V Pop, a sportfishing vessel co-owned by co-conspirator Carl Allison. Many of the aliens paid up to $20,000 to Allison or his co-conspirators to be smuggled into the United States.
At some point during the voyage in February 2022, the M/V Pop developed engine trouble. Allison and others chartered a boat to bring fuel to the disabled vessel so that it could complete its journey to the United States. Before the chartered boat reached the disabled vessel, the U.S. Coast Guard interdicted the vessel off the coast of Louisiana and towed it to shore. After the vessel was towed to Jean Lafitte Harbor, a search of the vessel discovered approximately 24 kilograms of cocaine in a hidden compartment under a mattress in the captain’s sleeping quarters. Maldonado packaged the cocaine and his fingerprints were found under the packaging.
Maldonado was extradited to the United States from Honduras on April 9, 2025. Maldonado pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Three additional co-conspirators have also pleaded guilty and were sentenced for their roles in the scheme. Lead defendant Carl Allison, of Pittsburgh, and Darrel Martinez, of Honduras, pleaded guilty to the same charges as Villeda. Lenord Cooper, also of Honduras, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to aid and assist aliens to enter the United States unlawfully and attempting to bring aliens to the U.S. for commercial advantage and private financial gain. Two other co-conspirators, Hennessy Devon Cooper Zelaya and Rudy Jackson Hernandez, both from Honduras, were convicted after trial of conspiracy to unlawfully bring aliens to the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain and attempting to bring aliens to the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Wright of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans Field Office made the announcement.
The investigation and charges are supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorney-detailees from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/ HSI and CBP/BP and OFO, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 435 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 385 U.S. convictions; more than 330 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
The HSI Houma, Louisiana Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the HSI Pittsburgh Field Office, HSI Atlanta Field Office and Louisiana Bureau of Investigation. The HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations, Louisiana State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, North Huntington Township Police and Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office also provided valuable assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance. The Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training in Honduras also provided assistance.
Deputy Chief Rami Badawy of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter Guice for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.
Defendant Indicted for Robbing and Assaulting his Former Romantic PartnerRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A 55-year-old Washington, D.C. man, was indicted yesterday by a grand jury on charges stemming from attacking and robbing his former romantic partner in October 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine F. Pirro.
A Superior Court grand jury indicted the defendant on February 4, 2026, on robbery and simple assault.
This case is set for trial on February 23, 2026, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia before the Honorable Andrea Hertzfeld.
According to the government’s evidence, on October 15, 2025, at approximately 2:30 p.m., the man came behind the victim, his former romantic partner, on W Street, NW and took her phone out of her hand. The man then fought with the victim as she tried to recover her phone. He struck the victim in the face and shoved her to the ground. When they stood back up, the man took the victim’s purse as well. A bystander observed the altercation and intervened by calling 911 and the defendant left the area with the victim’s phone and purse.
Joining the announcement was Interim 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.
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.