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22 January 2026
Paterson Doctor Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute OpioidsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Paterson, New Jersey, doctor was sentenced to a term of 87 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute opioids without a legitimate medical reason, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced.
“Physicians are entrusted with extraordinary power over the lives and health of their patients. When a physician abandons that duty and instead fuels opioid addiction for profit, the damage ripples far beyond a single exam room and into entire communities. This sentence reflects the seriousness of that breach of trust and sends a clear message: medical licenses are not shields for criminal conduct, and doctors who help drive the opioid epidemic will be held accountable.”
- Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello
Lisa Ferraro, 67, of Hillsdale, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to one count of knowingly and intentionally conspiring and agreeing with others, to distribute oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From January 2019 to September 23, 2023, Ferraro, who practiced internal medicine in Paterson until her arrest in October 2023, participated in a conspiracy to prescribe oxycodone, an opioid pain medication, to individuals who posed as patients, but whom Ferraro never physically examined or questioned about symptoms to determine whether there was a legitimate medical need for prescribing oxycodone. Over the course of the conspiracy, Ferraro wrote prescriptions for tens of thousands of 30mg oxycodone pills.
Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents and members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, with the investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Webman, Deputy Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.
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Defense counsel: Linda George, Hackensack, NJ
Passaic County Man Sentenced to 144 Months for Fentanyl Analogue Distribution and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County man was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment for his role as a member of a drug trafficking organization responsible for the importation and distribution of hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl analogues, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced.
Defendant William Panzera, 53, of North Haledon, New Jersey was previously convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy and international promotional money laundering conspiracy by a jury in Newark, New Jersey. U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court. Eight other defendants have previously pleaded guilty in the case and are awaiting sentencing.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From approximately January 2014 through September 2020, William Panzera and other members of the drug trafficking organization agreed to import and distribute various controlled substances and controlled substance analogues, including fentanyl analogues, MDMA, methylone, and ketamine. Members of the conspiracy placed orders with a source in China and agreed to distribute, and did distribute, the controlled substances and analogues in New Jersey, both in bulk and in the form of counterfeit pharmaceutical pills that actually contained fentanyl analogues. In total, they imported over a metric ton of fentanyl related substances and other drugs into the United States. They also sent hundreds of thousands of dollars to China using wire transfers and Bitcoin to pay for the drugs.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Panzera to 5 years of supervised release.
Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello of the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office and Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement. Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) – Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. He also thanked U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New Jersey, New York, and Kentucky, HSI in Philadelphia, the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Newark Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Newark Police Department, and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammi Malek and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Hasapidis-Sferra of the Criminal Division in Newark and Trial Attorney Stephen Sola, Chief of the Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section. Financial Investigator Kathryn Montemorra of the MLARS Special Financial Investigations Unit supported the investigation. The case is being prosecuted jointly by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey and the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) of the United States Department of Justice.
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Defense counsel: Jeffrey G. Garrigan, Esq.
Panama City Man Indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Kendrick R. Parham, 48, of Panama City, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge.
Parham appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for February 23, 2026, at 8:30 am before District Court Judge Mark E. Walker in Tallahassee, Florida.
Parham faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment if convicted.
The case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, human and drug trafficking.
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.
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.
Owner of Defunct Prenatal Care Coordination Company Sentenced to 111 Months’ Imprisonment for Healthcare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Brad D. Schimel, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on January 20, 2026, Precious Cruse (32), was sentenced to 111 months’ incarceration for committing a Healthcare Fraud Scheme through which she stole $780,600.07 from a Medicaid benefit meant to help at-risk pregnant women and women with young children.
On September 22, 2025, a federal jury convicted Cruse of nine counts of healthcare fraud, two counts of false statements related to healthcare matters, two counts of violating the anti-kickback statute, one count of money laundering, and two counts of aggravated identity theft.
In announcing the sentence, Chief United States District Judge Pamela Pepper focused on the “significant and extensive” evidence of Cruse’s guilt. Chief Judge Pepper described the evidence as “overwhelming” and noted the significant impact that Cruse’s scheme had on both the taxpayers and the people she was supposed to help. Chief Judge Pepper explained that the significant sentence of incarceration was necessary to account for the seriousness of Cruse’s conduct and to send a message of deterrence to others considering engaging in fraud against hard-working taxpayers.
In addition to the 111-month period of incarceration, Chief Judge Pepper issued a money judgment of forfeiture in the amount of $780,600.07 and ordered Cruse to pay restitution to Medicaid in the same amount.
“The lengthy prison sentence and immediate remand of the defendant into custody are clear messages to anyone who steals from social service programs designed to help our most vulnerable neighbors: we are coming after you and you will be held accountable,” said United States Attorney Brad Schimel. “The investigators from the FBI and prosecutors from the Office of the United States Attorney did amazing work to bring this defendant to justice.”
"Healthcare fraud schemes that exploit federal programs erode public trust and steal from the American people. Precious Cruse defrauded taxpayers and diverted resources that were meant to provide assistance to those who need it most, pregnant women and children,” said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Alan Karr. “The FBI will continue to work aggressively with our partners to combat and prevent healthcare fraud.”The Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse Control Unit investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Julie F. Stewart and Kate M. Biebel prosecuted the case.
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Omaha Man Sentenced for Selling Fentanyl and FirearmsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Doob Tut, 32, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 7, 2026, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl analogue and being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Tut to 137 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Tut’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
Beginning in October 2023, a Federal Bureau of Investigation task force began investigating Tut for distributing fentanyl pills in Omaha. Individuals cooperating with law enforcement purchased fentanyl pills from Tut 11 times over a span of nine months. Tut would receive fentanyl pills from other dealers and then immediately sell them to the cooperators. Tut also twice sold firearms: an AR style rifle and a revolver. Tut was prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law because of a previous felony conviction for robbery in Lancaster County District Court in 2013.
During the investigation, the task force arrested three individuals who were supplying Tut with fentanyl pills. All three pleaded guilty to federal drug and firearm offenses, each receiving sentences between 235- and 300-months’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve More Than Three Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSE EDUARDO SUCHITE-RAMIREZ, 34, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 41 months in federal prison for possession of firearms after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to public record, in December 2024, the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) responded to a call alleging workplace harassment and discovered that Suchite-Ramirez, a convicted felon, had several firearms in his possession. A subsequent search of Suchite-Ramirez’s workplace and company-provided vehicle resulted in the seizure of multiple firearms and ammunition.
On February 5, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Suchite-Ramirez with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Suchite-Ramirez pleaded guilty on June 9, 2025, and admitted he possessed the firearms despite his previous felony convictions. Public record reflects that Suchite-Ramirez has a previous felony conviction in Oklahoma County District Court for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, leaving the scene of an accident with personal injury, and aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, in case number CF-2019-1071.
At the sentencing hearing on January 21, 2026, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Suchite-Ramirez to serve 41 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the need for deterrence, adding that Suchite-Ramirez’s prior criminal history did not appear to provide sufficient deterrence.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nichols, Jr., prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (OTBA), 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 also part of “Operation 922,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of OTBA, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
North Carolina Man Sentenced for Civil Rights ViolationRead the Press Release
A Charlotte, North Carolina, man was sentenced today to 40 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for a federal civil rights violation after he threatened eight individuals with force because of their race, color, religion and national origin. Maurice Hopkins, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of interference with federally protected activities on Aug. 19, 2025.
According to filed court documents and the sentencing hearing, on June 8, 2024, Hopkins threatened eight individuals with a firearm inside a pizza restaurant in Charlotte. When Hopkins first encountered the victims, who were a group of friends getting pizza at the time, he asked if they were American. Hopkins then proceeded to harass the victims calling them terrorists, demanding they speak English, telling them to go back to their country, and making other statements because of the victims’ race, color, religion, and national origin. Court records show that Hopkins made multiple threats, telling the victims, “If you say one more thing I’m going to punch you in the face,” and threatened to “Shoot the place up,” and “kill all of them.” Hopkins then left the restaurant and returned minutes later, walking through the doorway with a loaded AR-15 style rifle. The victims immediately fled through the door in the rear of the restaurant.
With his guilty plea, Hopkins admitted that he threatened the eight individuals with force because of their race, color, religion and national origin and because they were enjoying the goods, services and facilities of the restaurant.
“This defendant targeted people enjoying a simple night out and threatened them with violence because of their race and national origin,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This was an outrageous act motivated by nothing other than racial bigotry. Today’s sentence makes clear: if you threaten people with violence because of who they are — or where they come from — you will be met with the full force of federal law.”
“You ought to be able to get pizza with your friends without being harassed due to your race or national origin and certainly without being threatened with an AR-15,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson for the Western District of North Carolina. “Incidents like this should never happen, but when they do, my office will act swiftly to bring justice.”
Hopkins remains in federal custody and will be transferred to the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
The FBI Charlotte Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick J. Miller for the Western District of North Carolina and Trial Attorney Chloe Neely of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
Newport News pair sentenced to prison for firearms conspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A mother and son were sentenced to prison on Jan. 20 for their roles in a conspiracy to deal firearms without a license.
According to court documents, Devonte Jermaine Kelley, 24, and Lalita Jane Owens, 45, both of Newport News, used Armslist, an online marketplace for arranging private firearms sales, and other avenues to facilitate and negotiate illegal firearms transactions. During the conspiracy, Kelley was involved in the dealing of 23 firearms with a value of at least $12,117.24. Owens purchased 16 of the 23 firearms before Kelley’s 21st birthday when he could not legally purchase handguns.
Kelley and Owens made false statements on federal forms attesting to being the actual transferees and buyers of the firearms during purchases from licensed firearms dealers. Law enforcement agencies connected several firearms purchased by Kelley and Owens that were seized or used in crimes involving associates of Kelley, some of whom are affiliated with the Walk Down Gang, formerly known as Warwick Lawnz.
Kelley pled guilty on Aug. 21, 2025, and was sentenced to three years and four months in prison. Owens pled guilty on Aug. 26, 2025, and was sentenced to two years and six months in prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Podlesni and Peter Osyf prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:25-cr-34.
New York City Man Pleads Guilty to D.C. Swatting and Carjacking IncidentsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Thierno Barry, 23, of Queens, New York, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to the March 2025 swatting of a random Northwest residence and a subsequent carjacking of an elderly couple the same day at Union Station, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Barry pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking, to one count of interstate transport of a stolen vehicle, and to making false alarms and reports before Judge Reggie B. Walton.
According to court documents filed by the Government, at about midnight on March 31, 2025, Barry was being pursued by Virginia State Police when he drove into the District. Barry abandoned the vehicle he was driving in an alley behind 4300 block of Reno Road, NW. Metropolitan Police officers responded to the area at 12:21 a.m., recovered the vehicle, but were unable to locate Barry.
At 1:30 a.m., Barry called 911 and falsely reported to the operator that his ex-husband had shot his wife in the face and chest. He indicated that the shooter had driven away. Barry provided an address on Brandywine Street NW where he claimed the shooting had occurred. At the time Barry made the report, he knew that it was false.
MPD responded to the address of the reported shooting and made contact with the residents of the house, who were asleep when MPD arrived.
Barry remained in the area until 2:30 a.m., then traveled by bus to Union Station. At 3:37 a.m., Barry approached a Buick sedan occupied by an 88-year-old man and an 87-year-old woman who had been stopped directly in front of the station.
Barry approached the driver’s side, then reached into the open window and opened the driver’s side door. Barry ordered the couple out of the car repeatedly, stating “Get out of the car! If you don’t, I’m gonna kill you.” Barry told the victims that he had a gun and held his hand in the pocket of his sweatshirt to imitate a firearm.
The victims told Barry that they could not give him the car because they were on their way to the hospital, but Barry continued to threaten them and demand the car.
With the driver’s door still opened, Barry grabbed hold of the driver’s upper body, physically wrenched him out of the vehicle, and threw him to the ground. Barry stepped over the man and climbed into the driver’s seat. The woman passenger got out of the car. With the doors still open and the man still on the ground, Barry drove away, eventually reaching a gas station in Greenbelt, Maryland. During that drive, images of the car were captured by a speed camera. Barry only stopped driving after the car suffered a flat tire.
The Greenbelt Police Department apprehended Barry, who initially identified himself as with the alias “Usaman Barrie.”
This case was investigated by the MPD, the FBI Washington Field Office, and the Greenbelt Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan M. Horan, who is detailed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office from the United States Capitol Police.
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New Orleans Man Indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute over 5 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA. – LAMONT WILLIAMS (“WILLIAMS”), age 50, of New Orleans, was indicted on January 15, 2026, for possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
If convicted, WILLIAMS faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least 5 years of supervised release.
According to the indictment, on or about July 4, 2025, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, WILLIAMS, did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated by the Louisiana State Police and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Orleans comprises agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
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New London Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Smuggle Chinese Goods into the United States to Avoid TariffsRead the Press Release
New London Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Smuggle
Chinese Goods into the United States to Avoid Tariffs
CONCORD – A New London man pleaded guilty today to conspiring to smuggle plastic resin from China into the United States in order to evade increased tariffs on Chinese goods, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
David Guimond, 48, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to smuggle goods into the United States. Chief U.S. District Judge Samantha D. Elliott scheduled sentencing for June 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
“Trade laws and customs duties exist to protect American businesses, workers, and the integrity of our markets,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “Schemes that falsify country-of-origin information and evade lawful duties undermine fair competition and take money away from the American taxpayer. This office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the public from those who attempt to circumvent our trade laws.”
According to the public record, in 2021, Guimond was a shareholder and Chief Operating Officer of Global Plastics and its sister company Marco Polo International, U.S.-based plastic resin distributors. In February 2021, Winter Storm Uri severely disrupted the domestic resin supply, and as a result, Global Plastics and Marco Polo International began importing resin from countries other than the United States, including China. At the time, plastic resin originating from China was subject to an additional tariff rate of 25%. Guimond instructed and agreed with other employees to input manufacturers and countries of origin other than China on paperwork submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in order to avoid the additional tariff rate. Guimond also instructed an employee to repackage plastic resin from bags to boxes that were shipped through Canada to conceal the resin’s country of origin. The conspiracy resulted in at least $497,249 of unpaid tariff duties to CBP.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 5 years in prison, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. 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.
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Jennifer Bilinkas and Siji Moore of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasir Sadat are prosecuting the case.
New Haven Man Sentenced to 44 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Gun on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ELBERT LLORRENS, 33, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 44 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation determined that, on February 25, 2024, after a traffic dispute, Llorrens fired a gunshot into an occupied vehicle on Vine Street in New Haven. West Haven Police arrested Llorrens on March 1, 2024, after finding Llorrens in possession of a loaded Smith & Wesson, model SD40 VE, .40 caliber pistol. Subsequent analysis of the firearm using the National Integrated Ballistic Identification Network (“NIBIN”) linked it to three separate gunfire incidents, including the Vine Street shooting on February 25, 2024.
In March 2017, Llorrens was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 60 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for committing multiple carjackings and armed robberies, and he was on federal supervised release when he possessed the firearm.
It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
Llorrens has been detained since March 1, 2024. He pleaded guilty to the offense on March 5, 2025.
This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, and the West Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.
Moline Woman Sentenced to 139 Months in Federal Prison for Wire Fraud and Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Moline woman was sentenced on January 20, 2026, to 139 months in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Rianne Len Brinker, 36, embezzled $551,961.66 from her employer, located in Bettendorf, over a three-year period from October 2020 to October 2023. As part of the fraud, Brinker applied for a credit account that reimbursed funds to her personal bank account and opened a credit card using the identifiers of her employer. Brinker also registered a fraudulent business with the Illinois Secretary of State in an attempt to legitimize her theft from her employer.
In 2008, Brinker was convicted of credit union embezzlement in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois. Brinker was also convicted in Illinois and Iowa for other theft-related offenses.
After completing her term of imprisonment, Brinker will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Brinker was also ordered to pay $534,461.66 in restitution.
United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the FBI.
Middlesex County Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison for Receiving and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – Today, a Middlesex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced to 15 years in prison and 15 years of supervised release for receiving and possessing images and videos depicting child pornography, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced.
Jeremy Greenwald, 47, of South Amboy, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court to a two-count information charging him with receipt and possession of child pornography.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From May 2022 through February 2023, Greenwald used an online chat application to communicate with a minor victim located outside of New Jersey. Greenwald persuaded the minor victim to create and send Greenwald images and videos of her engaging in sexually explicit conduct. On multiple occasions, Greenwald directed the minor victim to perform certain sexual acts using items Greenwald had purchased and sent the minor victim to use during the videos, including sex toys and costumes, and Greenwald paid the minor victim a nominal amount for these images and videos. A search of Greenwald’s electronic devices revealed additional videos and images of child pornography, including depictions of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts.
Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, specifically those working on the FBI Newark Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, with the investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
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Defense counsel: Michael Chazen, Esq., Freehold, New Jersey
Mexican national sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas–An illegal alien has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Luis Emmanuel Quevedo-Vasquez, 30, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on January 22, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on April 2, 2024, Quevedo-Vasquez, a Mexican national illegally in the United States, and Carmen Guadalupe Diaz, 26, of Georgia, were stopped for a traffic violation in Nacogdoches County. During the stop, law enforcement noticed an open container of alcohol and searched the vehicle discovering various illegal drugs including over a kilogram of methamphetamine, almost two kilograms of cocaine, and nearly a kilogram of heroin. During the search, the deputy also located two firearms. It was determined that the pair were transporting the drugs from Texas to Wisconsin.
Diaz admitted to regularly smuggling both humans and narcotics and stated she was being paid $20,000 to transport the load that was intercepted by law enforcement. On January 15, 2026, Diaz was also sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
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.
This case was investigated by the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.
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Mexican National Sentenced to 25 Years for Meth Trafficking, an Illegal Firearm, and for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national was sentenced in federal court today for possessing methamphetamine to distribute, illegally possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and illegally reentering the United States after having previously been deported.
Jose Alberto Rodriguez-Landeros (also known as Raul Garcia, Raul Garcia Rodriguez, Saul Dias Gonzalez, Miguel Angel Garcia Perez, Miguel Garcia Perez, Jose Alberto Landeros, Angel Saucedo, Jose M. Rodriguez, Ivan M. Pantoja, Guillermo Gonzalez-Dias), 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 25 years in federal prison without parole.
On Nov. 14, 2024, Rodriguez-Landeros pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and one count of illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported.
Based on the written plea agreement, Rodriguez-Landeros admitted to selling methamphetamine to a confidential source on three separate occasions on Oct. 11, 2022, Oct. 21, 2022, and Nov. 22, 2022. On Dec. 13, 2022, law enforcement officials executed a federal search warrant of the defendant’s residence located in Kansas City, Mo. Officers discovered the following items: a Keltec, Model P-32, .32 caliber pistol; identification documents with various aliases utilized by Rodriguez-Landeros; approximately 2 kilograms of methamphetamine; approximately 148 grams of powder cocaine; and $9,500 in U.S. currency. Also on Dec. 13, 2022, law enforcement officials arrested the defendant while driving on Indiana Avenue in Kansas City, Mo. During the arrest, officers seized approximately 380 grams of methamphetamine and 75 grams of cocaine found on Rodriguez-Landeros’s person and in his vehicle. Immigration and Customs Enforcement records confirmed that Rodriguez-Landeros was previously deported from the United States on at least three occasions since 2000.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Mexican National Sentenced to 15 years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Alberto Ayala-Ordonez, 44, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced on January 9, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Ayala-Ordonez to 180 months’ imprisonment. Ayala-Ordonez also forfeited to the government $7,924 in U.S. currency that was seized during the investigation. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Ayala-Ordonez will serve a five-year term of supervised release.
Ayala-Ordonez was indicted based on his involvement with a Mexico source of supply of methamphetamine known to supply the Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa areas with the drug via a local network of couriers. Ayala-Ordonez was a local courier operating in Nebraska and Iowa who distributed the Mexican source’s drugs.
On October 2, 2023, law enforcement conducted a controlled buy of one pound of methamphetamine from Ayala-Ordonez at an Omaha location. After the buy, surveillance officers observed Ayala- Ordonez meet with other co-conspirators who were found in possession of one pound of methamphetamine when stopped shortly after the meet.
On January 19, 2024, a search warrant was conducted on Ayala- Ordonez’s South Omaha residence where approximately 1,140 grams of methamphetamine and $7,924.00 in U.S. Currency were seized. In a post-Miranda interview Ayala- Ordonez admitted to his involvement in drug distribution for a Mexican source.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Mexican Citizen with Green Card Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A Mexican citizen residing in Poteet with Permanent Resident status was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio today to 108 months in prison for distributing four kilograms of pure methamphetamine on three separate occasions.
According to court documents, Sabino Diaz-Silva, 63, used his ties to Mexico to directly communicate with a Mexican source of supply regarding the importation and distribution of methamphetamine in the United States. On two separate occasions in October 2022, Diaz-Silva sold one kilogram of methamphetamine to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration agent. On Dec. 5, 2022, the Texas Department of Public Safety stopped Diaz-Silva and found two kilograms of methamphetamine hidden inside the trunk of his vehicle.
Diaz-Silva was charged in a federal indictment on Oct. 4, 2023, and taken into federal custody on Dec. 6, 2023. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Diaz-Silva will face deportation to Mexico once his sentence of imprisonment is completed.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The DEA and TX DPS investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Spears prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Memphis Woman Sentenced to 41 Months in Federal Prison for Defrauding COVID-19 Relief Programs of over $560,000Read the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Memphis woman has been sentenced to federal prison for defrauding two federal programs intended to help people survive the COVID-19 pandemic out of over $560,000. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.
Deashley Tabor, 37, was sentenced on January 16, 2026, to 41 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release by Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and making false claims against the U.S. Government.
According to information presented in court, Tabor and her co-conspirator defrauded the U.S. Government out of over $560,000 by filing fraudulent applications for unemployment benefits in over 27 different states during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tabor and her co-conspirator also defrauded the federally funded Tennessee Emergency Cash Assistance (ECA) program of approximately $20,000 by creating fake employment termination notices for themselves and others. The ECA program was intended to provide financial assistance to families that had been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic because of lost employment.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Fraudulent schemes and crimes of dishonesty will be exposed and punished. This case represents our commitment to expose COVID-19 benefit fraud well beyond the pandemic, protect the integrity of the employment assistance system, hold offenders accountable for their dishonest criminal conduct, and to recover ill-gotten proceeds on behalf of victimized agencies."
“Deashley Tabor defrauded the U.S. Government and taxpayers in an unemployment insurance fraud scheme that targeted multiple State Workforce agencies, enriching themselves when millions of Americans desperately needed the money,” stated Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “The Office of Inspector General is committed to protecting the integrity of the unemployment insurance program by vigorously pursuing those who commit this type of fraud.”
“These individuals exploited a public health emergency to steal money and resources intended for families in need,” said Kelly Blackmon, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This sentencing underscores HHS-OIG’s unwavering commitment, alongside our law enforcement partners, to protect taxpayer dollars and hold accountable those who defraud programs designed to help during times of crisis.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
The case was prosecuted on behalf of the government by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony R. Arvin.
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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at [email protected]. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Massachusetts Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Distribution and Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Springfield, Mass. man was sentenced yesterday for possessing more than 40 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Lamiek White, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to 147 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In September 2025, White pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
From November 2022 through June 2023, White conspired with others to distribute fentanyl. During a search of White’s Springfield residence in June 2023, approximately 200 grams of fentanyl was found along with a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Massachusetts State Police; the Berkshire, Hampden and Franklin County Sherriff’s Offices; and the Holyoke, Springfield, Chicopee, West Springfield and Easthampton Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil L. Desroches, Chief of the Springfield Branch Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Maryland Man Remains Detained on Charges of Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Daniel Ivan Cruz Ramirez, 28, of Brandywine, Maryland, was ordered detained pending trial today in U.S. District Court in connection with producing child pornography of a 13-year-old girl, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
On Jan. 13, 2026, Cruz Ramirez was charged by complaint with one count of sexual exploitation of a child for producing a 26-minute video depicting his rape of the 13-year-old victim. At a Jan. 22, 2026, detention hearing, Magistrate Judge Zia M. Faruqui detained Cruz Ramirez pending trial.
“This case represents the ultimate nightmare for any parent,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “An individual who targets his victim at church, exploits a place meant to protect children – to prey on the most innocent and vulnerable. My office will use every tool available to bring to justice those who exploit our children.”
According to court documents, Cruz Ramirez met the victim at church services when she was twelve-years-old. Cruz Ramirez began texting the victim and told her that he liked her on her first day of school in the eighth grade. Cruz Ramirez sexually abused the victim multiple times in 2025, including vaginally penetrating her. On Nov.17, 2025, Cruz Ramirez recorded a series of videos with the victim, including a 26-minute video depicting vaginal and oral penetration of the victim.
This case was investigated by FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Kelley and Amanda Swanson.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Snap Benefits Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, Witness Tampering, Other Related Criminal ChargesRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – Brendyn Andrew, 34, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, pled guilty in federal court to all charges listed in a 10-count superseding indictment, including SNAP benefits fraud, possessing unauthorized access devices, aggravated identity theft, passport fraud, and witness tampering.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker, U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) Northeast Region, and Special Agent in Charge David Richeson, U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) – Washington Field Office.
In February 2025, a grand jury indicted Andrew for aggravated identity theft, supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits fraud, social security number misuse, and theft of government property. Additionally, in May 2025, a grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Andrew with additional criminal charges for possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices, aggravated identity theft, passport fraud, and tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant. Dominique Collins, 38, of Stafford, Virginia, was named as a co-defendant, in the superseding indictment, for tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant. Ms. Collins is scheduled for trial in April 2026.
According to facts in Andrew’s plea, between February and June 2021, he used the Department of Human Services’ online system to apply for SNAP benefits and obtain EBT cards, later found in his possession, using identities belonging to other individuals. Andrew intentionally misrepresented his identity to obtain those benefits.
In October 2022, during execution of a search warrant, law enforcement officers found Andrew in possession of more than 15 electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards in the names of individuals other than himself. Then, in February 2024, Andrew submitted a United States passport application, stating he was another person, and without legal authority, used the social security number of that person in the application. Andrew obtained the passport for his own use. In March 2025, while detained on the original indictment at the Chesapeake Detention Facility in Baltimore, Maryland, Andrew spoke to Collins on the phone and asked her to try to delete an e-mail account to make the account unavailable for use in an official proceeding.
Andrew faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years for aggravated identity theft, to be imposed consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, up to five years for SNAP benefits fraud, up to five years for misuse of a social security number, and up to 10 years for theft of government property. Additionally, Andrew is facing up to 10 years for possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices and up to 15 years for passport fraud. Andrews also faces up to 20 years for tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended USDA-OIG and DSS for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked the Montgomery County Police Department for its investigative assistance and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon who is prosecuting the case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
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Maryland Man Indicted on Unlawful Transmission and Retention of Classified National Defense Information ChargesRead the Press Release
Today, a federal grand jury indicted a Laurel, Maryland man on five counts of unlawfully transmitting and one count of unlawfully retaining classified national defense information, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 793(e).
"Illegally disclosing classified defense information is a grave crime against America that puts both our national security and the lives of our military heroes at risk," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "This Department of Justice will remain ever-vigilant in protecting the integrity of America's classified intelligence."
“Perez-Lugones allegedly printed and removed classified documents from his workplace on multiple occasions, took them home, and later passed them to a reporter who used the information in news articles,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Protecting our country’s secrets is essential to the safety of our most sensitive intelligence, military, and law enforcement operations. The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate everyone who seeks to undermine our national security and hold them accountable.”
“The indictment charges that Perez-Lugones willfully transmitted national defense information to a news reporter, placing our national security at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “Protecting sensitive national security information is a core responsibility of the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will pursue accountability when that trust is violated. Putting it simply, risking our national security cannot and will not be tolerated.”
“Today’s indictment sends a clear message to all clearance holders that the FBI and our partners will spare no resource to immediately identify and hold accountable those who violate the law by disclosing classified information without authorization,” said Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “This alleged brazen betrayal posed the threat of exceptionally grave damage to national security, including endangering our warfighters and ongoing military operations.”
Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones, 61, a long-time holder of a Top-Secret security clearance who has worked as a government contractor for the past two decades, is charged with the unauthorized transmission and retention of national defense information. Since at least 2002, Perez-Lugones has worked as a system engineer and information technology specialist for a government contractor. In that role, Perez-Lugones worked on contracts for the U.S. Intelligence Community. Perez-Lugones was previously charged by criminal complaint on January 9, 2026, with the unlawful retention of national defense information.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland, and Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s Washington Field Office announced the indictment.
According to the indictment, between October 2025 and January 2026, Perez-Lugones repeatedly accessed classified reports, printed or copied the information in these classified reports, and then removed this classified information from the sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) where he worked. Thereafter, Perez-Lugones transmitted the classified national defense information to a reporter (referred to as “Reporter 1” in the indictment), who was not authorized to receive it. In turn, Reporter 1 co-authored and contributed to at least five articles that contained classified information Perez-Lugones provided, resulting in the dissemination of the information to the public.
Perez-Lugones was arrested on Jan. 8, 2026. During the execution of a court-authorized search warrant for his mobile phone, investigators reviewed messages between Perez-Lugones and Reporter 1 discussing the classified information that Perez-Lugones had provided. These messages also showed Perez-Lugones transmitting to Reporter 1 two documents that contained classified national defense information. After sending one such document, Perez-Lugones sent a message stating, “I’m going quiet for a bit . . . just to see if anyone starts asking questions.” Additionally, during the execution of a court-authorized search warrant for Perez-Lugones’s vehicle, investigators recovered a hard-copy document classified at the SECRET level.
If convicted, Perez-Lugones faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for each count of retention and transmission of national defense information. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia McLane and Thomas Sullivan of the District of Maryland and Trial Attorneys Menno Goedman and Brendan Geary of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. The FBI’s Washington Field Office is investigating.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Maryland Man Indicted on Unlawful Transmission and Retention of Classified National Defense Information ChargesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted a Laurel, Maryland, man today, for allegedly mishandling classified information.
Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones, 61, is charged with five counts of unlawfully transmitting and one count of unlawfully retaining classified national defense information. Perez-Lugones was previously charged by criminal complaint with retention of national defense information.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Attorney General Pamela Bondi; FBI Director Kash Patel; Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg; and Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox, FBI – Washington Field Office.
Between October 2025 and January 2026, Perez-Lugones repeatedly accessed classified reports, printed or otherwise copied the information in these classified reports, and removed the printouts and information from the sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) where he worked. He then transmitted the classified national defense information to a reporter (Reporter 1), who is not authorized to receive it.
In turn, Reporter 1 co-authored and contributed to at least five articles that contained classified information Perez-Lugones provided, resulting in the dissemination of the information to the public. On October 31, 2025, November 11, 2025, December 8, 2025, January 6, 2026, and January 9, 2026, Reporter 1 co-authored articles containing classified information from these reports.
"Illegally disclosing classified defense information is a grave crime against America that puts both our national security and the lives of our military heroes at risk," Bondi said. "This Department of Justice will remain ever-vigilant in protecting the integrity of America's classified intelligence."
“Perez-Lugones allegedly printed and removed classified documents from his workplace on multiple occasions, took them home, and later passed them to a reporter who used the information in news articles,” Patel said. “Protecting our country’s secrets is essential to the safety of our most sensitive intelligence, military, and law enforcement operations. The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate everyone who seeks to undermine our national security and hold them accountable.”
“The indictment charges that Perez-Lugones willfully transmitted national defense information to a news reporter, placing our national security at risk,” Hayes said. “Protecting sensitive national security information is a core responsibility of the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will pursue accountability when that trust is violated. Putting it simply, risking our national security cannot and will not be tolerated.”
“Today’s indictment sends a clear message to all clearance holders that the FBI and our partners will spare no resource to immediately identify and hold accountable those who violate the law by disclosing classified information without authorization,” Cox said. “This alleged brazen betrayal posed the threat of exceptionally grave damage to national security, including endangering our warfighters and ongoing military operations.”
On January 8, 2026, a federal court authorized search warrants for Perez-Lugones’s Laurel residence and vehicle, along with other locations. During the search, investigators uncovered multiple documents marked as “SECRET.”
They also found a lunch box in his car containing a document marked as “SECRET.” Additionally, while searching Perez-Lugones’s residence, investigators located a document in the basement of the residence also marked as “SECRET.” One or more of these documents are related to national defense.
On several occasions, since at least October 2025, Perez-Lugones navigated and searched databases or repositories containing classified information without authorization, including classified intelligence reports or summaries. Specifically, Perez-Lugones accessed classified intelligence reports, some of which are related to a foreign country, and classified as Top Secret. He took screenshots of the reports and pasted them in Microsoft Word documents and other applications to obscure his unauthorized review and access of this information.
Then on January 8, authorities observed Perez-Lugones looking at national defense information and printing it in his cubicle at his workplace. Agents later found that Perez-Lugones removed his name from headers on documents prior to leaving his workplace.
According to the indictment, the search also revealed that on January 8, Perez-Lugones transmitted photographs of classified documents. Perez-Lugones then wrote to Reporter 1, “I’m going quiet for a bit . . . just to see if anyone starts asking questions,” via an encrypted messaging application.
Since 2002, Perez-Lugones worked as a government contractor in various capacities. Perez-Lugones was working as a systems engineer and information technology specialist for a government contracting company. He possesses a Top-Secret security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information as long as it is essential for performing his job. The Government entrusted Perez-Lugones with access to classified and national defense information since he held a security clearance as a member of the U.S. Navy and as a government contractor.
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, Perez-Lugones faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for each count of retention and transmission of national defense information. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI Washington Field Office for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia McLane and Thomas Sullivan, along with Trial Attorneys Menno Goedman and Brendan Geary, National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, who are 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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Manchester Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzlement and Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARIA HIGGINS, 36, of Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 34 months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release for offenses stemming from two embezzlement schemes and related tax evasion.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from mid-2018 to April 2022, Higgins was employed as a bookkeeper for New England Kitchen & Bath LLC in Glastonbury. Higgins stole from the business by issuing company checks payable to herself, often including the words “commission” or “bonus” in the memo line of the check, and used a signature handstamp of the company’s owner to issue the checks; initiating wire transfers to bank accounts in her name; creating a fictitious supplier and billing the company for fictious expenses; using company debit cards to pay for personal expenses; and overseeing a construction proposal for a legitimate client project, expensing incurred costs of the project through the company, and having the client pay her directly. Higgins stole $504,807 through this scheme.
From February 2023 to April 2024, Higgins was employed as an accounting manager for PVC Solutions, Inc., in Danbury, a company that produces and distributes PVC products. Higgins stole from the company by issuing company checks payable to herself; creating duplicate vendor payment templates to initiate wire transfers to her personal bank account; creating fictitious suppliers to bill the company on her behalf; and paying personal expenses through the company’s bank account. Higgins manipulated the company’s accounting records to conceal her criminal activity. Higgins stole $356,181 through this scheme.
Higgins failed to report approximately $768,650 of her stolen income on her personal federal income tax returns for the 2018 through 2023 tax years, resulting in a loss of $167,831 to the IRS.
Judge Oliver ordered Higgins to pay full restitution to New England Kitchen & Bath, PVC Solutions, Inc., and the IRS.
On September 9, 2025, Higgins pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen money and one count tax evasion.
Higgins, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on February 21.
This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Dale Patrick Grant, 37, originally from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced on January 9, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for failure to register as a sex offender. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Grant to 21 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Grant’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
In January 2020, Grant was convicted in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska of sexual abuse of a minor, for which he was sentenced to a term of 48 months’ imprisonment. Because of the 2020 conviction, Grant is required to register as a sex offender, including updating his residential address to reflect any changes, which he acknowledged in writing on his release from federal prison in March 2024 onto supervised release. Despite his duty to register, beginning in late June 2025, Grant failed to update his registered address after leaving his registered residence in Omaha. Grant was later located by law enforcement in August 2025 in Grand Island and taken into custody.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.
Man Sentenced for Escape from CustodyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Dylan Michael Joseph Hoffman, 34, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced on January 7, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for escape from custody. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Hoffman to 18 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Hoffman’s release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release.
In August 2021, Hoffman was sentenced to serve 63 months’ imprisonment in the custody of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa following his conviction for prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. In February 2025, while serving that custodial sentence, BOP transferred Hoffman to Dismas Charities Residential Reentry Center (Dismas) in Omaha, Nebraska. Dismas assigned Hoffman to home confinement at an area residence, but, after Hoffman was ordered to return to Dismas on May 4, 2025, he failed to do so. Hoffman was given multiple opportunities to return to Dismas as directed, but he failed to return and ultimately disabled his BOP electronic location monitoring system. Several days later, the United States Marshals Service was able to locate Hoffman in Council Bluffs and return him to custody.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.
Lynchburg Man to Serve Four Years for Selling Machine GunsRead the Press Release
LYNCHBURG, Va. – A convicted felon who sold a pistol and several rifles, at least two of which were classified as machine guns, was sentenced this week to four years in federal prison.
Les Christopher Burns, 44, of Lynchburg, Va., pled guilty in October 2025 to one count of possessing a machine, one count of possessing two machine guns and a short barrel rifle which were not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on September 11, 2024, Burns engaged in a Facebook conversation with an individual regarding the sale of several firearms. At the time, Burns was a convicted felon and subject to an active protective order, both of which prohibited him from legally possessing firearms.
Burns drove to Vinton, Virginia to meet with that individual, at which time he sold him a pistol and three rifles, later identified as a Taurus TH9, 9mm pistol, a Del-Ton Incorporated, model DTI-15, 6.5 mm Grendel caliber rifle, an Anderson Manufacturing, model AM-15, 5.56 mm Nato caliber rifle, and an Anderson Manufacturing, model AM-15, 6.5 mm Grendel caliber rifle.
An ATF firearms expert determined that both 6.5 mm Grendel rifles were built or modified to function as machineguns and the 5.56 mm Nato caliber rifle was built or modified to have a barrel less than 16 inches in length.
None of these rifles, as modified, were registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required by the National Firearms Act.
Following a thorough investigation, law enforcement executed arrest and search warrants at Burns’ home on December 10, 2024. Inside his residence, investigators located a Beretta, PX4 Storm 9 mm pistol under Burns’ pillow on his bed, multiple pistol magazines, 9mm ammunition, a Glock pistol slide, a Polymer 80 lower receiver, multiple cell phones, a hard drive, laptop, and a tablet.
Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Customs Enforcement- Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Special Assistant United States Attorney John Beamer, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office and Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Miller prosecuted the case.
Luzerne County Man Sentenced to 48 Months’ Imprisonment for Firearm Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jeremy Shea, age 35, of Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 48 months’ imprisonment and two years of supervised release by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley for one count of firearms trafficking conspiracy.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Shea previously pled guilty to conspiring with three co-defendants to traffic at least three firearms from April of 2022 to on or about July 9, 2024, in Luzerne County, and elsewhere. Shea further admitted that as part of the conspiracy, he picked up three firearms from a hotel room occupied by his brother, Justis Shea, after his brother was arrested on an unrelated case. Jeremy Shea then safeguarded those firearms in his house with the intent to transport, transfer, or otherwise dispose of those firearms to others. While his brother was incarcerated, he directed Jeremy Shea to sell or otherwise dispose of the firearms. When investigators executed a search warrant at the Shea’ house in Glen Lyon, they found an American Tactical AR-style rifle with a Bushell mounted optic, a short-barreled AR-style personally-made firearm with an overall length of less than 16 inches, a .22 caliber EIG model E 15 six-shot revolver, AR-style magazines, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia in Jeremy Shea’s bedroom.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Kingston Police Department, the Wilkes-Barre Police Department, the Pittston Police Department, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Buchanan 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.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to 15 years for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Jefferson County, Kentucky, man was sentenced this week to 15 years in federal prison after being convicted of multiple drug and firearm offenses.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.
On January 21, 2026, Priestlen Mitchell, 33, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for three counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, three counts of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, one count of distribution of controlled substances, one count of receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm, and one count of commission of an offense while out on pretrial release in United States District Court.
Between May 7, 2021, and May 8, 2021, Mitchell, a convicted felon, possessed a Century Arms Inc., model Micro Draco, 7.62x39 caliber semiautomatic pistol, an Armalite, model M15A2, 5.56 caliber rifle, and ammunition. Mitchell also possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and oxycodone.
On January 26, 2023, Mitchell possessed a Mossberg, O.F. & Sons, Incorporated, model 500, 12-guage shotgun and ammunition. He also possessed with the intent to distribute marijuana.
On February 2, 2024, Mitchell Glock, model 19x, 9-millimeter pistol, an AR style short-barreled rifle, a Ruger, model Five Seven, 5.7x28 caliber pistol, a Girsan, model Regard MC, 9-millimeter pistol, and ammunition. Mitchell also possessed with the intent to distribute heroin, MDMA, psilocybin (mushrooms), hydrocodone, oxycodone, alprazolam, and marijuana. Mitchell also distributed fentanyl on that same day. At the time Mitchell committed these offenses he was on pretrial release in federal court for the previous offenses.
At the time Mitchell possessed the firearms, he was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On July 15, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mitchell was convicted of burglary in the third degree.
On August 16, 2012, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mitchell was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On February 23, 2012, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mitchell was convicted of burglary in the third degree.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Mitchell is a dangerous person, plain and simple. He received a substantial sentence because he continually demonstrated by his conduct that he has no respect for the judicial system or our citizens. The Western District of Kentucky is better because Mitchell will not see the light of day for 15 years.”
There is no parole in the federal system.
The ATF and KSP investigated the case with assistance from the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Dahl and Emily Lantz are prosecuting the case with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Lawrence County Woman Sentenced for Wire Fraud Targeting the Missouri LotteryRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Mt. Vernon, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for her role in a wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud scheme that targeted the Missouri Lottery Commission and an area gas station.
Amy Young, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas Harpool to 23 months imprisonment with the Bureau of Prisons based upon her prior guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.
Young conspired with others to employ a scheme to purchase Missouri lottery tickets using stolen and fraudulent credit cards and credit card numbers at a Joplin, Mo., gas station. Young and her co-conspirators made $62,082.50 in fraudulent transactions at the gas station in July and August of 2022. These transactions included the purchase of Missouri Lottery tickets. The perpetrators would send other individuals to collect any cash prizes associated with the tickets. The group fraudulently claimed $54,248 in cash prizes from the Missouri Lottery Commission. The fraudulent cash prizes and credit card transactions totaled $116,330.50.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Joplin, Missouri, Police Department.
Laurel man pleads guilty to illegal possession of ammunitionRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - A Laurel man accused of possessing a firearm illegally admitted to charges on Tuesday, January 20, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Kenton Charles Maslen, 64, pleaded guilty to one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Maslen faces a term of imprisonment of 15 years, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing will be set for a later date. Maslen was detained further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that on April 19, 2025, law enforcement was asked to assist with the eviction of Maslen from a residence in Laurel, Montana. During the search, law enforcement observed a white crystalline substance on a piece of glass in Maslen’s bedroom. Based on this discovery, law enforcement obtained a search warrant on the same day and discovered the following:
- The search in Maslen’s bedroom yielded a brown leather handgun holster a green ammunition can. The can contained boxes of .22 caliber ammo and 12-gauge shotgun ammunition.
- In the driveway of Maslen’s residence was a fifth-wheel camper Maslen claimed as his own. During the search of the camper, a black 12-gauge shotgun was in a case. The shotgun did not have a serial number, and it appeared that the barrel had been cut short to approximately 16 inches. The case also contained a loaded pistol magazine for a Smith and Wesson pistol, more shotgun ammunition and 9mm ammunition.
- On the floor of the camper was a compartment that agents were able to open. They discovered another firearm, a North American Arms .17 caliber revolver.
- Law enforcement also searched the defendant’s truck and discovered a gun box containing a Ruger “Single Six” .22 caliber revolver.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The ATF, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.
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Lamar Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Federal Prison for Drug DealingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Kenneth Johnston, Jr., 46, of Lamar, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 8, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for Distribution of at Least 50 Grams of Actual Methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Johnston to 151 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Johnston’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
Johnston was arrested following an investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol and CODE Drug Task Force. In the course of that investigation, Johnston sold a half pound of methamphetamine to a cooperating individual at a gas station in Big Springs, Nebraska, on two separate occasions in July of 2023. Subsequent testing by the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab confirmed that the substance was in fact methamphetamine, with a purity of 100%. At the time of the sales, Johnston was out on bond on a state case for simple possession of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and CODE Task Forces which is made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22-county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska and includes the North Platte Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Ogallala Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Kansas City Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing a Bank with a FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today for robbing a local bank with the use of a firearm.
Richie E. Manley, 50, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough, to one count of aiding & abetting bank robbery, along with one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
On Oct. 3, 2024, at approximately 10:43 a.m., Richie E. Manley entered a bank in Kansas City, Missouri. While speaking to a bank teller, Manley pulled out a handgun, later determined to be a Smith and Wesson, Model SD, .40 caliber pistol, and told the tellers “give me your money.” While pointing the pistol at the tellers, Manley told the tellers to give him the “hundreds.” The tellers provided the money from the bank drawers and Manley took the money and fled the bank. The bank reported an estimated loss of $2,155 from the robbery. The bank was federally insured by the FDIC.
Under federal statutes, Manley is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, up to life in federal prison without parole. The minimum and maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department (KCPD).
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Kanawha County Man Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Tracy Don Jackson Jr., 23, of St. Albans, was sentenced on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, to one year and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 15, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Charleston residence where they encountered Jackson sleeping on a couch in the living room. Officers found a quantity of a heroin-fentanyl mix and a Glock model G48 9mm pistol between the arm of the couch and the couch cushion underneath Jackson. As part of his guilty plea, Jackson admitted that he possessed the drugs and intended to distribute them within the Southern District of West Virginia.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-98.
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Japanese National Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Export Firearm Components and Tactical Accessories to JapanRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Shota Yamamoto, 29, of Tokyo, Japan, pled guilty today in federal court to conspiring to violate the Export Control Reform Act. Sentencing is set for June 1, 2026, before United States District Judge Micah W.J. Smith.
According to court records, from approximately March 2024 through July 2025, Yamamoto conspired with another person to export firearm components and tactical accessories from the United States to Japan without the required licenses. Yamamoto intended to use those items to retrofit airsoft equipment for sale to airsoft enthusiasts in Japan seeking highly realistic equipment. Airsoft is a recreational activity in which participants use replica firearms to engage in simulated combat scenarios using non-metallic pellets.
Yamamoto used an address in Hawaii to receive shipments from U.S. firearms components and accessories dealers, and then arranged for their export to Japan, either by carrying them in checked luggage or by shipping them through a commercial shipping company. Yamamoto admitted that he exported or attempted to export over 900 firearms components and accessories, including AR-15 lower receiver parts kits, upper receivers, magazines, and similar components, each of which required a license to export that Yamamoto did not have.
Yamamoto faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a period of supervised release of up to three years.
Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese is prosecuting the case.
January Federal Grand Jury 2025-B Indictments AnnouncedRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the January Federal Grand Jury 2025-B Indictments.
The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.
Whitney Lynn Adney. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. Adney, 36, of Kinta and a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, is charged with assaulting the victim with a deadly weapon with intent to do bodily harm. The FBI and the Pryor Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Weems is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-019
Rigo Alberto Amaya-Vasquez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Amaya-Vasquez, 38, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Feb. 2018 and Sep. 2018. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shakema Onias is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-020
Mark Wayne Craine. Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Craine, 65, of Tulsa, is an individual who is knowingly required to register as a sex offender. He is charged with failing to register as a sex offender from October 2025 through January 2026. The U.S. Marshal Service is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-021
Samantha Ann Demaro. Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute. Demaro, 32, of Owasso, is charged with knowingly possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Elmore is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-032
Osiel Garcia-Estrada. Fraud and Misuse of Visas and Permits. Garcia-Estrada, 43, a Mexican national, is charged with knowingly possessing a fraudulent Social Security card. Homeland Security Investigations and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Greenough is prosecuting the case.
26-CR-022Nicolas Gonzalez. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Gonzalez, 32, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Sep. 2017 and Aug. 2018. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-025
Jason Allen Matthew Harjo. Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child Under 12. Harjo, 55, of Oklahoma City and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with engaging in and causing sexual contact with a minor child under 12 years old. The FBI and the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Hockenbury is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-023
Allontae Taquon Jackson. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Jackson, 22, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of a felony. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Broken Arrow Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-024
Carmen Ana Llompart Cruz. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Llompart Cruz, 41, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. She is further charged with maintaining a residence for drug distribution. Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nasar is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-031
Deaunte Khyree Spirlin. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Spirlin, 36, of Tulsa and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is charged with assaulting the victim with a deadly weapon with intent to do bodily harm. Additionally, Spirlin is charged with using a firearm during a crime of violence. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shakema Onias is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-026
Iowa Woman to Federal Prison for Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Starr Ledford, 43, from Manson and Atlantic, Iowa, was sentenced on January 21, 2026, to 60 months’ imprisonment. Ledford pled guilty July 22, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from January 2024 through May 2024, Ledford and others were involved in a conspiracy that distributed at least three pounds of pure methamphetamine in the Fort Dodge, Iowa, area. Evidence further showed that on two occasions in April 2024, Ledford distributed a total of more than 300 grams of pure methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. In May 2024, law enforcement conducted surveillance of Ledford as she traveled to Omaha, Nebraska and it was later determined she obtained about ½ pound of methamphetamine from her source of supply in Omaha. Ledford obtained methamphetamine multiple times from her source in Omaha to re-distribute in and around Fort Dodge.
United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Ledford to 60 months’ imprisonment. Ledford must serve a three-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Ledford remains in the custody of the United States Marshal until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Council Bluffs Police Department, and the Iowa DCI Laboratory.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-3006. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Investiture Ceremony for United States Attorney Moore CapitoRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The investiture ceremony for Moore Capito, United States Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Capito will be joined by United States Senator Shelley Moore Capito, United States Senator James Conley Justice II, members of the Judiciary, and distinguished guests and family to celebrate his appointment. He will also outline his visions and goals for the Southern District of West Virginia and the importance of serving as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the District.
This is the formal, public swearing-in ceremony for U.S. Attorney Capito, who was nominated by President Donald J. Trump on June 30, 2025. The United States Senate confirmed Capito on October 7, 2025.
WHAT: Investiture Ceremony for Moore Capito as United States Attorney, Southern District of West Virginia
WHEN: Friday, January 23, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Seventh Floor Ceremonial Courtroom, Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse, 300 Virginia Street, East, Charleston
NOTE: All media must present government-issued photo I.D. (Such as a driver’s license) and valid media credentials. Media are to enter the courthouse via the Goshorn Street loading dock, across the street from the Kanawha County Judicial Annex. Media may begin arriving at 2 p.m. and must have cameras set by 2:30 p.m. Media should RSVP to [email protected].
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.
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International Arms Dealer Sentenced to 39 Months’ Imprisonment for Conspiring to Export American-Made Firearms and Ammunition to RussiaRead the Press Release
Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, Kyrgyz national Sergei Zharnovnikov was sentenced to 39 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to export American-made firearms. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Hector Gonzalez. The defendant illegally exported firearms and ammunition worth over $1.5 million from the United States to Russia, by way of Kyrgyzstan. Zharnovnikov does not have lawful permanent resident status and faces deportation upon sentencing.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Terence G. Reilly, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Jonathan Carson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office (DOC), announced the sentence.
“The defendant bought American-made, military-grade firearms and ammunition and reexported them to Russia—the same brand of firearms and ammunition known to be used in Russia’s war against Ukraine,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our sanctions are only as effective as our ability to enforce them. Today’s sentence is a message to would-be violators: breaking this law has serious consequences.”
“Sergei Zharnovnikov circumvented international trade law to illegally provide Russia with American firearms – including semiautomatic rifles – and ammunition worth more than one million dollars,” stated FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Reilly. “His blatant lies directly fueled Russia’s military siege against Ukraine with American-made weapons. May today’s sentencing reflect the FBI’s steadfast commitment to preventing enemy nations from exploiting export restrictions to accomplish their malevolent agendas.”
According to court filings, the defendant was an arms dealer who operated through a company that he owned located in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (Kyrgyzstan Company-1). Since at least March 2020, the defendant, together with others, conspired to export firearms and ammunition controlled by the DOC from the United States to Russia. The defendant exported approximately $1.58 million worth of U.S.-manufactured firearms and ammunition from the United States to Russia.
In one transaction, the defendant entered into a five‑year, $900,000 contract with a company in the United States (“U.S. Company‑1”) to purchase and export U.S. Company-1 firearms to Kyrgyzstan. DOC issued a license for U.S. Company-1 to export firearms to Kyrgyzstan Company-1, but the license prohibited the export or reexport of the firearms to Russia. Nevertheless, the defendant reexported U.S. Company‑1 firearms to Russia (via Kyrgyzstan), including semi‑automatic hybrid rifle-pistols., without a license
In another transaction, the defendant reexported five rifles from a second U.S. Company (“U.S. Company-2”) to Russia, via Kyrgyzstan. Here too, the DOC license prohibited the rifles from being reexported out of Kyrgyzstan. Notably, U.S. Company-2 rifles have been used by Russian military snipers, including by Russian battalions known to be active in key battles in Ukraine.
Finally, the defendant conspired to illegally reexport U.S.‑manufactured ammunition from Italy to Kyrgyzstan (and eventually Russia), in violation of U.S. law. The defendant, together with others, placed an order and received 13,000 rounds of ammunition from a third U.S. company (“U.S. Company-3”) worth $23,000 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan by way of Italy. The license for this ammunition required that the ammunition stay in Italy. Nevertheless, the defendant flouted U.S. law and reexported the U.S. Company-3 ammunition from Italy to Kyrgyzstan. U.S. Company-3 ammunition has reportedly been used in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorney Ellen H. Sise is in charge of the prosecution, along with Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, with assistance from Litigation Analyst Rebecca Roth.
The Defendants:
SERGEI ZHARNOVNIKOV
AGE: 47
Bishkek, KyrgyzstanE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-45 (HG)
Interim U.S. Attorney Recognizes National Human Trafficking Prevention MonthRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. To commemorate the month and continue to raise awareness about this important issue, Interim U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma reaffirmed his office’s commitment to fight against human trafficking by bringing traffickers to justice, dismantling human trafficking networks, assisting trafficked victims, and enhancing public awareness through community outreach.
“Working with our law enforcement and community partners, we will continue to raise awareness and shine a light on all forms of human trafficking,” said Interim U.S. Attorney Elgersma. “My office will continue to identify and prosecute those who use fraud, force, and coercion to profit from the exploitation of others.”
Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of a person for labor, services, or commercial sex, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Under federal law, methods of coercion include physical or nonphysical (for example, psychological, financial, and reputational), as well as using or threatening to use a legal process in an inappropriate manner. The exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is human trafficking regardless of whether any form of force, fraud, or coercion is used by the trafficker.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages victims to come forward. If you, or someone you know, has been made to engage in prostitution, unwanted sex acts for money, drugs, or any items of value, or forced labor, help is available. There are advocates committed to help you find support and resources. There are local, state, and federal law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating human trafficking. There are prosecutors who will work with law enforcement to hold traffickers accountable.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s ongoing anti-trafficking efforts have resulted in many prosecutions that have led to convictions and prison sentences. Recent notable sentencings and guilty pleas include:
United States v. Austin Koeckeritz. On April 11, 2024, Koeckeritz of River Falls, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison and a life-term of supervised release for one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and one count of sex trafficking of a minor. Between August 2020 and August 2022, Koeckeritz used violence, threats of violence, emotional manipulation, isolation, and surveillance to compel an adult victim to perform commercial sexual acts online between eight and 12 hours a day, six days a week. Koeckeritz controlled and maintained all proceeds made by the adult victim from this online commercial sex work. Between October 2021 and January 2022, Koeckeritz also recruited a minor to engage in commercial sex acts and promote the adult victim’s online commercial sex work. He also caused the minor victim to engage in sexual acts that he photographed with the intent to sell them online. As part of his sentence, Koeckeritz was ordered to pay over $400,000 in restitution.
United States v. Raymond Armour. On October 29, 2024, Armour was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for two counts of transporting an individual across state lines with the intent to engage in prostitution. His prison sentence will be followed by a term of 20 years of supervised release. Raymond Armour encountered two minors, ages 14 and 15, in Dubuque, Iowa, and drove them across the state lines to his residence in Cassville, Wisconsin. Armour posted photos of the victims on online platforms, offering for them to engage in various sexual services in exchange for money.
United States v. Dwayne “Swag” Davis. On January 12, 2026, Davis pled guilty to sex trafficking of a minor. According to court documents, Davis recruited a 16-year-old minor to engage in commercial sex acts for him in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Davis utilized online platforms to offer the minor victim for commercial sexual activities in exchange for money. Davis arranged for the minor to be transported to these meetups. Davis kept control of all the money that was paid for the sexual acts. The penalties for this charge are a mandatory minimum of ten years in federal prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison.
How to Report Human Trafficking
If you believe you or someone else are the victim of human trafficking or have information about a potential trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888
Specialists are available to answer calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also send a text to 233733 or start a live chat or submit a tip online at humantraffickinghotline.org.
Illegal alien sentenced for gun trafficking in Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas –An illegal alien has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Abigael Colin Saldana, 28, pleaded guilty to trafficking firearms and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III on January 21, 2026.
According to information presented in court, beginning in 2021, Saldana, who is a Mexican national illegally living in Royse City, was part of a firearms trafficking conspiracy responsible for trafficking firearms from Texas to Mexico.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Texas Department of Public Safety and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.
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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 Jorge Alberto Mejia Rodriguez, a/k/a Alberto Mejia, a/k/a Jorge Mejia, age 44, a Mexican national unlawfully present/residing 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, Rodriguez, 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 August 23, 2014, and on September 27, 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 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.
Rodriguez will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edith A. Singer and Jacob R. Parker represented the United States.
Honduran man sentenced on immigration chargesRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Honduran man who entered the United States illegally was sentenced today to time served, 192 days, and was remanded to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Grevil Lopez Flores, 36, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of reentry of removed alien.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that on July 12, 2025, Lopez Flores was arrested for driving under the influence in Bozeman. The detention facility notified the Department of Homeland Security that he matched the description of an individual with immigration arrests and prior deportations.
Fingerprint comparisons confirmed Lopez Flores was issued a final order of removal on April 23, 2019, and has been removed from the United States on one prior occasion. On May 15, 2019, he was removed through the Mesa, Arizona, port of entry. He was served with notice barring him from returning to the United States for 10 years.
During an interview on July 14, 2025, Lopez Flores provided his name and his date of birth. He confirmed he is a Honduran national and citizen and has no documents to enter or remain in the United States.
There is no indication in the files of the Department of Homeland Security Lopez Flores ever applied for or obtained the permission of the United States Attorney General or successor, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, to reenter the United States.
Prior criminal history for Lopez Flores includes a December 7, 2018, conviction in the United States District Court, District of Wyoming, for operating a vehicle under the influence, a misdemeanor, for which he was sentenced to a term of six days in jail and a fine.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bozeman Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, and Department of Homeland Security Enforcement and Removal Office conducted the investigation.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Honduran Citizen Indicted on Illegal Re-Entry After Aggravated Felony Conviction and Removal ChargeRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted a citizen and national of Honduras, on an illegal re-entry after aggravated felony conviction and removal charge.
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.
Carlos Amador Lopez, 29, is charged with illegally re-entering the U.S. after he was convicted for committing an aggravated felony and being removed. According to the indictment, law enforcement encountered Lopez in the District of Maryland again in December 2025.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding.
Lopez faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for illegal re-entry after an aggravated felony conviction.
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 Jared M. Beim 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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Hastings Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and a Related Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Andrew Juarez, 38, of Hastings, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 8, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and one count of using, carrying, or possessing a firearm during and relation to a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Juarez to a total of 230 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Juarez’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
Between January 24, 2024, and March 23, 2024, CODE and TRIDENT task forces coordinated eight controlled buys of methamphetamine from Sonia Martinez and Andrew Juarez. Four of the controlled buys also involved purchasing six firearms. The buys were coordinated by a confidential informant and by an undercover officer. The Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab confirmed at least 470 grams of methamphetamine actual and at least 450 grams of methamphetamine mixture from the eight controlled buys in total.
Co-defendant Martinez is currently set for sentencing on March 12, 2026, before United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis.
This case was investigated by the TRIDENT and CODE Task Forces which is made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22-county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska and includes the North Platte Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Ogallala Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations.
Hampton felon sentenced to three years in prison for illegally possessing a firearmRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Hampton man was sentenced yesterday to three years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, on March 8, 2025, Newport News Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Jermain Antonio Bernard, 41, for driving at night without using headlights. An officer smelled alcohol as he approached the vehicle and observed that Bernard’s eyes were glassy and bloodshot, and the officer called for backup to administer a field-sobriety test.
During the traffic stop, the officer observed a firearm near Bernard. When the officer told Bernard he could see the firearm, Bernard fled in his vehicle. Bernard eventually stopped his vehicle and fled on foot. After a brief chase, police found Bernard knocking on a door to an apartment and arrested him. Officers then recovered the loaded handgun from Bernard’s vehicle.
At the time of his arrest, Bernard had approximately 24 previous convictions, including for firearms charges. As a convicted felon, Bernard cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division and the Newport News Police Department investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mack Coleman prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:25-cr-47.
Guatemalan national pleads guilty to illegally reentering United StatesRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Guatemalan man who was twice convicted in Warren County of sex crimes involving minors pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to illegally reentering the United States.
Cincinnati Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) agents learned of a warrant from Guatemala for the arrest of William Noe Cuellar Montufa for homicide.
Cuellar Montufa, 39, was illegally residing in Cincinnati and was arrested in Colerain Township, Ohio, on Oct. 29.
“This defendant illegally reentered the country after being deported following his convictions for sex crimes and is now wanted for murder in Guatemala,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “The identification, apprehension, and prosecution of criminal illegal aliens like Cuellar Montufa is essential to protect our communities, and my office will continue aggressively to pursue these cases.”
Court documents detail that U.S. Border Patrol intelligence agents alerted the Cincinnati HSTF to Cuellar Montufa’s potential presence in the area and described vehicles possibly associated with the defendant. Further investigation by the HSTF agents led them to surveil Cuellar Montufa’s residence, where one of the associated vehicles was located. He was subsequently apprehended.
The defendant was convicted in Warren County in January 2006 for attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and in September 2007 for unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Cuellar Montufa was deported in 2008 following his terms of incarceration.
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.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Jared Murphey, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit, announced the guilty plea entered on Jan. 21 before U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole. Assistant United States Attorney Danielle E. Margeaux is representing the United States in this case.
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Guatemalan National Sentenced to Five Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A Guatemalan national has been sentenced for illegally returning to the United States after deportation, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.
United States District Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced Lucas Lucas-De Lucas, 36, to 60 months in prison for illegal reentry of a previously deported alien.
According to court documents, Lucas has two prior felony convictions for illegal reentry. He was first removed from the United States in May 2012. He was removed again in December 2019, February 2021, and April 2023.
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.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case along with the Albertville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara M. Judah prosecuted the case.
Guatemalan National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Reentry and Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Jairon Michael Juarez-Gomez (36, Guatemala) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 18 months in federal prison for illegal reentry by a previously deported alien and failure to register as a sex offender. Juarez entered a guilty plea on October 22, 2025.
According to court documents, Juarez is a citizen and national of Guatemala. He is also a registered sex offender following his 2020 Florida conviction for sexual battery with a child. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”) a sex offender is required to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction where the offender resides and is employed.
On December 29, 2020, Juarez was deported from the United States to Guatemala. Afterward, he illegally returned and began living in the Middle District of Florida. When he did so, he failed to update his sexual offender registration as required by SORNA. On August 8, 2025, law enforcement discovered Juarez during a traffic stop. Juarez provided the officer with a false name and date of birth, but authorities soon confirmed his identity. When interviewed by law enforcement, Juarez eventually admitted that he had unlawfully been in the United States for the previous four years.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Mount Dora Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
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.