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Monday 17 November 2025
Rapid City Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler sentenced a man from Rapid City, South Dakota, convicted of Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. The sentencing took place on October 1, 2025.
Patrick Mousseaux, 41, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. His interest in a firearm and ammunition was also forfeited.
Mousseaux was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2024. He pleaded guilty to the charge on July 11, 2025.
On April 9, 2024, Mousseaux learned the victim in this case was going to an address in Rapid City. Mousseaux was already at the address and armed with a gun. When the victim arrived, Mousseaux pointed the barrel of the gun at the victim, ordered him out of the vehicle, and demanded that he surrender the car. Mousseaux got into the driver’s seat and sped off, taking two other individuals with him and leaving the victim on the curb. The victim immediately reported the carjacking to the Rapid City Police Department. The next day, law enforcement located the stolen Nissan Rogue near the address from which it was stolen. Inside the vehicle, officers located one Ruger semi-automatic handgun with ammunition. The handgun matched the description of the gun used on the victim. Officers searched the residence where the vehicle was found and observed Mousseaux trying to jump from a window. He was apprehended and arrested at that time. Mousseaux is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of two state convictions for burglary in the third degree.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Mousseaux was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Professional Tax Return Preparer Convicted for Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Brunswick man was found guilty on October 29, 2025, of aiding and assisting the preparation of false tax returns for others and of filing false tax returns for himself following a three-day jury trial in U.S. District Court in Portland.
According to court records and testimony at trial, Lawrence Okeyo, 48, was a professional tax return preparer in Portland. He prepared tax returns for others in exchange for a fee. Okeyo often collected his preparation fees, which sometimes exceeded $1,000, from the tax refunds issued to his clients. Okeyo falsified his clients’ tax returns by claiming bogus, unreimbursed employee expenses that can be deducted only by a limited set of professionals: Armed Forces reservists, qualified performing artists, fee-basis state or local government officials, and employees with impairment-related work expenses. Neither Okeyo nor his clients met these qualifications. By falsifying tax returns, Okeyo generated or inflated unwarranted tax refunds for his clients and himself. Okeyo also prepared a false tax return for an undercover IRS agent posing as a client. During his interactions with the undercover agent, Okeyo told the agent, “I know that you should pay [taxes]. What I’m wanting to do is save you from paying.” Okeyo then fabricated supposed business expenses on the tax return he prepared for the undercover agent. Okeyo advised the undercover agent that, if he was audited, he would not be able to prove that he was entitled to claim the expenses.
Okeyo faces up to three years of imprisonment for each of the 18 false tax returns he was convicted of preparing and filing. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation investigated this case.
Editor’s Note:
This matter occurred on the date indicated, but the press release was not published at that time due to the federal government shutdown. The release was posted and made available following the return to normal operations.###
President of Insurance Brokerage Firm and CEO of Marketing Company Convicted in $233M Affordable Care Act Enrollment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury in West Palm Beach, Florida, convicted a President of an insurance brokerage firm and a CEO of a marketing company today for their roles in a years-long scheme to submit fraudulent enrollments to fully subsidized Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance plans in order to obtain millions of dollars in commission payments from insurance companies.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Cory Lloyd, 46, of Stuart, Florida, and Steven Strong, 42, of Mansfield, Texas, engaged in an extensive fraud scheme that sought over $233 million in fraudulent ACA plan subsidies for which the federal government paid at least $180 million. ACA plans offer tax credits to eligible enrollees. These tax credits, or “subsidies,” are paid by the federal government directly to insurance companies in the form of a payment toward the applicable monthly premium. Evidence presented at trial showed that Lloyd and Strong conspired to enroll consumers in ACA plans that were fully subsidized by the federal government by submitting false and fraudulent applications for individuals whose income did not meet the minimum requirements to be eligible for the subsidies. Lloyd received commission and other payments from an insurance company in exchange for enrolling consumers in the ACA plans. In turn, Lloyd paid commissions to Strong in exchange for consumer referrals.
“The defendants exploited a health care safety net designed for working families to carry out a $233 million scheme to defraud taxpayers,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The defendants’ scheme targeted vulnerable people, including those suffering financial hardship, drug addictions and mental health disorders, to line their own pockets. Today’s guilty verdicts demonstrate that the Criminal Division seeks to protect all of our citizens and will continue to hold accountable criminals who steal taxpayer dollars and endanger the health and safety of our communities.”
“Health care fraud is nothing new to South Florida as many scammers see this as a way to earn easy, though illegal, money,” said Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office. “What is disturbing about this investigation is that the subjects deliberately targeted the most vulnerable — low-income citizens experiencing homelessness, unemployment and even mental health and substance abuse issues. All to line their own pockets with ill-gotten gains. The investigators who unraveled this scam are to be commended for their diligence and commitment. The FBI and our partners will continue to pursue those individuals who defraud our health care system at the expense of taxpayers.”
“The ACA marketplace is not a playground for fraudsters,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This $230 million dollar subsidies scheme was built on deception, targeting vulnerable individuals and manipulating the system for personal gain. HHS-OIG will continue to relentlessly pursue those who exploit enrollees and undermine public trust, using every tool at our disposal to prevent health care fraud.”
“This was not just a financial crime — it was a moral failure,” said Special Agent in Charge Ronald A. Loecker of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Florida Field Office. “Cory Lloyd and Steven Strong deliberately targeted the homeless and mentally ill to enrich themselves, which is unconscionable. IRS-CI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who exploit others and defraud the government face justice.”
As proven at trial, Lloyd and Strong targeted vulnerable, low-income individuals experiencing homelessness, unemployment, and mental health and substance abuse disorders, and, through “street marketers” working on their behalf, sometimes offered bribes to induce those individuals to enroll in subsidized ACA plans. Marketers working for Strong’s company coached consumers on how to respond to application questions to maximize the subsidy amount and provided addresses and social security numbers that did not match the consumers purportedly applying. As a result of being enrolled in subsidized ACA plans for which they did not qualify, some of these consumers experienced serious disruptions in their medical care and often lost their prior insurance coverage under Medicaid or other programs.
The evidence at trial further showed that Lloyd and Strong engaged in the scheme to maximize the commission payments they received from insurers, resulting in their companies’ receiving millions of dollars in commissions. Lloyd and Strong used misleading sales scripts and other deceptive sales techniques to convince consumers to state that they would attempt to earn the minimum income necessary to qualify for a subsidized ACA plan, even when the consumer initially stated to insurance agents that they had no income. Lloyd and Strong also conspired to bypass the federal government’s attempts to verify income and other information and deliberately submitted applications to Medicaid for various individuals in a way that guaranteed their denial so that they could sign up these same consumers for a fully subsidized ACA plan outside of the open enrollment period and therefore maximize their commissions year-round. Finally, evidence presented at trial showed that the defendants financed the purchase of luxury homes and vehicles with fraud proceeds from this scheme.
Lloyd and Strong were both convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. Steven Strong was also convicted of two counts of money laundering. Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for their conviction of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 20 years in prison for each substantive count of wire fraud, and five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States. Steven Strong faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for each count of money laundering. Sentencings are set for Feb. 4, 2026. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
FBI, HHS-OIG, and IRS-CI are investigating the case.
Assistant Chief Jamie de Boer and Trial Attorney D. Keith Clouser of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $24 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Portland Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Portland man was sentenced on November 5, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Portland for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Chief U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Keon Gaston, 36, to 48 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court records, in March 2025, officers from the Portland Police Department were dispatched following a report of a suspect breaking a vehicle window with a rock. Officers located the suspect and identified him as Gaston. When asked about the broken window, he replied, “What about it?” and told officers the vehicle had tried to “strike him.” After determining there was an active warrant for a failure to appear, officers searched Gaston and located a Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 9mm pistol, which had been reported stolen in August 2024. Gaston was precluded from possessing firearms due to previous convictions, including for drug trafficking and robbery.
ATF investigated the case with assistance from the Portland Police Department.
Project Safe Neighborhoods: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psn.
Editor’s Note:
This matter occurred on the date indicated, but the press release was not published at that time due to the federal government shutdown. The release was posted and made available following the return to normal operations.###
Peru Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Peru man was sentenced on October 14, 2025, in the U.S. District Court in Portland for his involvement in trafficking dangerous drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Adam Gill, 31, to 60 months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court records, on March 29, 2024, law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of approximately 20 grams of fentanyl and 36 grams of methamphetamine from Gill. Gill himself obtained the drugs from a juvenile male, a Trinitario associate, whom the gang had dispatched to Gill’s house to sell drugs. The Trinitarios are a Dominican-based street gang with vast operations in Northern Massachusetts who routinely travel to points in Maine to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine. As with Gill, the Trinitarios frequently find drug-addicted individuals in Maine with stable housing; they then utilize the drug-addicted individual’s house to distribute drugs, employing the addict to middle drug transactions with locals.
Gill’s prosecution is part of a larger operation conducted by FBI’s Southern Maine Gang Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the Maine State Police, the Lewiston Police, the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rumford Police under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Editor’s Note:
This matter occurred on the date indicated, but the press release was not published at that time due to the federal government shutdown. The release was posted and made available following the return to normal operations.###
Panama City Felon Sentenced to Twelve Years for Federal Drug Trafficking and Illegal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Jarrel Daniel Rivaz, 35, of Panama City, Florida was sentenced to twelve years in federal prison after a federal jury verdict convicted him for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Outstanding work by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners to dismantle this drug trafficking operation and get this repeat felon off our streets and back in prison where he belongs. My office stands ready to aggressively prosecute these drug traffickers to the fullest extent of the law, and we will not rest until the Northern District of Florida is drug-free and safe.”
Trial evidence established that on December 21, 2023, during a search warrant executed at the defendant’s house in Panama City, law enforcement found and seized over 900 grams of cocaine, over 10 kilograms of marijuana, two firearms, and ammunition. One of the firearms was found loaded in a locked shed in the same bag as some of the marijuana. The defendant had previously been convicted of a felony drug trafficking offense in New York under the name “Gerald Walker.”
The verdict was the result of a joint investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Walter Narramore and Alicia Forbes.
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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Owners and CEO of Wholesale Pharmaceutical Company Convicted of Distributing More Than $92 Million of Black-Market HIV DrugsRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A federal jury in Fort Lauderdale convicted two Maryland brothers who owned a pharmaceutical wholesale company on Oct. 29 for their roles in a scheme to purchase and resell more than $92 million worth of illegally obtained misbranded HIV drugs.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Patrick Boyd, 47, and Charles Boyd, 43, of Easton, Maryland, owned and operated a pharmaceutical wholesale company called Safe Chain Solutions. Their co-owner and co-defendant, Adam Brosius, previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud with the Boyds.
“This case exposed a reckless disregard for human life,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones. “The defendants put profit ahead of patient safety, moving more than $92 million in tampered, black-market HIV medication through pharmacies across the country. Our Office will continue holding accountable those who endanger the public and betray the trust that underpins our healthcare system.”
Trial evidence showed that the Boyds conspired with at least five black-market suppliers to purchase HIV drugs obtained through patient “buyback schemes.” The Boyds then resold the drugs to thousands of pharmacies nationwide—including South Florida—while using falsified paperwork to make the medications appear to have been purchased from legitimate distributors.
One of their suppliers, Peter Khaim, owner of Boulevard 9229, testified that he purchased HIV drugs from patients on the street, removed the original prescription labels, and packaged the bottles in cardboard boxes—sometimes scavenged from trash on pick-up days—before shipping them to the Boyds. On one occasion, Khaim used a diaper box he found on the street to ship the drugs because it was sturdy enough to hold the bottles. In a separate shipment, he sent approximately $500,000 worth of HIV medications in a single cardboard box to Safe Chain Solutions. Many of the bottles were dirty, scuffed, and missing patient instructions, yet the Boyds accepted and resold them with falsified paperwork concealing their origin.
In total, the Boyds purchased and resold more than $35 million in black-market HIV drugs from Boulevard 9229 and more than $42 million from another supplier, Gentek, whose leaders were based in Miami. One Gentek leader has already been convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Throughout the conspiracy, pharmacies repeatedly complained that the drugs purchased from Safe Chain Solutions were dirty, tampered with, or contained the wrong medication. On at least a dozen occasions, pharmacies reported receiving bottles labeled as HIV medication that instead contained other drugs, including Seroquel, an anti-psychotic, and pain medication.
One patient who ingested Seroquel believing it was his prescribed HIV medication lost consciousness for 24 hours. Evidence at trial established that missing even a single dose of HIV medication can increase a patient’s viral load and heighten community transmission risk in areas with high HIV infection rates.
A former attorney for the Boyds testified that they concealed and misrepresented material information while seeking legal advice about pharmacy complaints and reporting obligations to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to the evidence, the Boyds failed to report numerous incidents to the FDA involving pharmacies that had received incorrect or tampered medications.
Safe Chain Solutions’ former Director of Compliance testified over four days that she repeatedly warned the Boyds about the risks of purchasing from black-market suppliers, but her concerns were ignored. She testified that Charles Boyd falsely told her the company could continue doing business with Boulevard 9229 because the lawyers had approved it, contradicting both attorney testimony and contemporaneous emails.
A second former Compliance Manager testified that the Boyds instructed her not to document concerns in writing and often responded to compliance questions by saying, “Figure it the **** out,” or “FITFO,” a phrase she said was commonly used by the Boyds.
After a multi-week trial, the jury convicted the Boyds each of one count of conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs, two counts of introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, one count of conspiracy to traffic in medical products with false documentation, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of wire fraud.
The Boyds each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy to introduce misbranded drugs count, three years in prison for each count of introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce, 15 years in prison for conspiracy to traffic in medical products with false documentation, 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and 20 years in prison for the wire fraud count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida; Acting Special Agent in Charge Fernando Porras of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, (HHS-OIG), Miami Regional Office; and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement.
HHS-OIG Miami and FBI Miami are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Thor Pogozelski and Trial Attorney Jacqueline Zee DerOvanesian of the Department of Justice’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff is handling asset forfeiture.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-20255.
Othello Man Convicted by Federal Jury of Odometer TamperingRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on October 1, 2025, a federal jury in Spokane, Washington, convicted Reynaldo Garza, age 53, of Othello, Washington, of five felony counts of Odometer Tampering.
As evidence presented at the trial established, a thorough investigation initiated by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office determined that Garza would purchase high-mileage used cars for cheap. Garza would replace the odometers in the vehicles with an odometer purchased from wrecking yards or used auto parts sellers. The new odometer would display many fewer miles than the original. Garza then sold the vehicles under the false and fraudulent representation that they had fewer miles than was true. In some cases, Garza sold cars by misrepresenting the mileage by up to 100,000 miles less than it the actual mileage. In other cases, the difference was tens of thousands of miles. In doing so, Garza made thousands of dollars in profits for each fraudulent sale.
U.S. Attorney Serrano said, “Unlike in the movies where driving a car backwards may change the odometer, cars these days have digital odometers that are harder are tamper with, making customers unsuspecting of any inaccuracies. This sophistication allowed Mr. Garza to defraud and cheat the public and sell unsuspecting customers cars with false odometers for thousands of dollars more than they would be valued had these vehicles displayed correct mileage. Mr. Garza violated several statutes and regulations designed to protect the consumer; my office will continue to prosecute these cases.”
Odometer fraud is a serious crime that costs Americans billions of dollars every year. This scourge makes our roads less safe for everyone by leading purchasers to believe their brake pads and other components are newer than they are. Buyers of these tampered vehicles were deprived of their vehicles’ full-service history and overpaid for vehicles nearing the end of their lifespans. NHTSA encourages everyone to learn how to identify odometer fraud before purchasing a used vehicle,” NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said.
Garza’s sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2026. Garza faces a statutory maximum of 3 years imprisonment per count.This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Odometer Fraud and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jacob E. Brooks and Jeremy J. Kelley.
Individuals with information relating to odometer tampering should call NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236. More information on odometer fraud, including prevention tips, is available on NHTSA’s website.
Oncologist Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Selling Cancer DrugsRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Dr. Naveed Aslam, 52, of West Bloomfield, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his role in a multi-million-dollar scheme to illegally sell and divert expensive prescription cancer drugs, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. announced.
Joining in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Aslam was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brandy R. McMillion after having pled guilty. Judge McMillion also ordered Aslam to forfeit more than $2.6 million, his ill-gotten profit from his crimes.
According to court records, the scheme spanned from 2019-2023. Aslam, a licensed oncologist, worked with others to buy and sell expensive cancer drugs for profit. His co-conspirators identified customers who were interested in buying prescription cancer drugs but could not obtain those drugs. So, they worked with Aslam. They requested certain expensive cancer drugs from Dr. Aslam and Dr. Aslam used his access to those drugs through his medical practice, Somerset Hematology and Oncology, P.C., to order and purchase the cancer drugs from his supplier. Aslam then sold the cancer drugs to and through his co-conspirators’ company to the eventual customer.
Dr. Aslam only had the right to use these drugs in his medical practice, and he was barred by law from selling, or diverting, the prescription cancer drugs outside of the FDA’s supply chain that ensures the safety and efficacy of the drugs. These cancer drugs, which were meant to treat conditions like metastatic cervical, breast, bladder, and urinary tract cancers, are highly toxic and require special handling. Fortunately, there is no evidence of patient harm, but Aslam’s scheme put patients at risk.
During this scheme, Dr. Aslam acquired and sold more than $17 million in prescription cancer drugs and personally profited more than $2.6 million.
“Dr. Aslam’s actions represent a serious breach of trust and a dangerous exploitation of the health care system for financial gain,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Chicago Region. “By diverting cancer drugs intended for vulnerable patients, he not only violated the law but also put lives at risk. HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable those who compromise patient safety and the integrity of our federal health care programs.”
“The reckless and deliberate actions by Dr. Naveed Aslam not only enabled unlawful profit but created a risk of cancer medication going to individuals not intended to receive it,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The sentencing reflects the serious consequences that follow when those entrusted with patient care violate the obligations of their profession. By working alongside our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, this scheme was disrupted and further reinforces the FBI’s commitment to protecting the American People.”
“A scheme like this not only undermines the integrity of our healthcare system and the professionals who work tirelessly to keep us healthy but also jeopardizes the safety of vulnerable patients who depend on these life-saving medications,” said HSI Detroit Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz. “HSI, alongside our law enforcement partners, remains committed to holding accountable those who exploit their positions of trust for personal gain at the expense of public health and safety.”
“Diverting prescription drugs, especially cancer medications, from the legitimate and secure U.S. supply chain to supply the illegal and unregulated black market undermines the very safeguards designed to protect patients,” said Ronne Malham, Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Chicago Field Office. “FDA will continue to pursue and bring to justice medical professionals who jeopardize the safety of patients for profit.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Lievense. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica A. Nathan of the Money Laundering & Asset Recovery Unit handled related forfeiture matters. The investigation was conducted jointly by the FBI, HHS-OIG, HSI, and the FDA.
Offender Who Repeatedly Exploited Minors Sentenced to Decades in PrisonRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Jason Daniel Freiberg, 47, of Defiance, Ohio, was sentenced to 37 years in prison for the sexual exploitation of a minor.
In 2023, Freiberg met an 11-year-old from western Michigan online. The minor victim repeatedly told Freiberg that she was 11, but nevertheless he engaged in sexually explicit conversations with her, talked about meeting up with her for sex, and solicited and received sexually explicit images and videos of her. Freiberg pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting the minor victim and was sentenced to 324 months for that offense.
Freiberg had a previous conviction for enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity; he pleaded guilty to that offense in 2000 and was required to register as a sex offender. Consequently, Freiberg will also serve a ten-year consecutive sentence for committing this offense while a registered sex offender.
“Despite his previous conviction, Freiberg once again set out to sexually exploit a little girl,” said U.S. Attorney VerHey. “Today’s significant sentence of 37 years in prison sends a clear message that my office will vigorously prosecute those that seek to sexually exploit children, especially those who have previously been convicted of sexual exploitation and remain undeterred. Freiberg’s actions, like those of any sexual offender that fails to learn his or her lesson, have earned him a lengthy but justified prison sentence.”
“This conviction closes out a two-year investigation and reflects the strong partnership between local and federal agencies to protect children and hold predators accountable,” said Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief David Boysen. “This is also a reminder for parents and guardians to stay alert to their kids’ online activities; predators can often hide behind screens and vigilance is the first line of defense.”
“The 37 year long sentencing of Jason Freiberg is a crucial success toward protecting the children of Michigan from the heinous acts of those who target and exploit them,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “I commend the tireless work of the FBI Kalamazoo Resident Agency, along with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, in bringing this offender to justice. FBI Detroit will always safeguard our Michigan communities from predators through our strong and ongoing law enforcement partnerships, relentless investigative rigor, and outstanding support from U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety investigated this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, including resources for parents and children about staying safe online, please visit justice.gov/PSC.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Possessing Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the indictment of JEFFREY BOONE(“BOONE”), age 50, of New Orleans, on October 9, 2025, for the Possession of Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252(a)(4)(B) and (a)(2). If convicted, BOONE faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten (10) years and a maximum sentence of twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00, a term of supervised release of no less than five (5) years and up to life, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court records, beginning at an unknown time and continuing until July 8, 2025, BOONE was found in possession of images and videos of pre-pubescent child pornography. BOONE’s home was searched by state law enforcement officials and federal agents on July 8, 2025. Following the search of his home, BOONE was arrested by Louisiana Bureau of Investigation agents. Thereafter, BOONE was transferred from state to federal custody in connection with this federal indictment. Previously, BOONE was convicted in federal court in 2008 for Possessing Materials Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors and was sentenced to one-hundred eight (108) months in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigations. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
New Jersey Man Sentenced for Failing to Stop for Inspection at Calais International Port of EntryRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A New Jersey man was sentenced on September 30, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Bangor for failing to report his arrival and present himself for inspection at the international port of entry in Calais.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John C. Nivison sentenced Jason Brenner, 53, to 115 days of imprisonment, followed by a year of supervised release. Brenner pleaded guilty on August 12, 2025.
According to court records, on July 1, 2025, Brenner drove a vehicle traveling outbound from the United States and entered Canada. After a brief encounter with Canadian immigration officials, Brenner turned his vehicle around and sped back towards the U.S. Instead of stopping his vehicle and presenting himself for inspection at the Calais port of entry, Brenner entered the U.S. by traveling in the outbound lane in the wrong direction, bypassing the incoming traffic inspection lanes. Following a pursuit where Brenner reached speeds of over 100 mph, he crashed the vehicle and was found in the woods with a loaded firearm, two loaded magazines, and wearing body armor. Another loaded firearm was found inside the vehicle.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated the case with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol and the Baileyville and Indian Township police departments.
Editor’s Note:
This matter occurred on the date indicated, but the press release was not published at that time due to the federal government shutdown. The release was posted and made available following the return to normal operations.###
New Hampshire Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Barrington, New Hampshire man pleaded guilty on November 6, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Portland to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition while being a felon.
According to court records, in March 2025, Kittery Police Department officers responded to the Kittery Trading Post regarding a potential shoplifting incident. Police were directed to a group of males that had just left the store, one of whom was identified as Jonathan Grant, 43. Officers located a .22 caliber pistol and a box containing 100 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition during a search of Grant’s jacket. Grant was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition by virtue of prior felony convictions.
Grant faces a term of imprisonment of up to 15 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a supervised release term of up to three years. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with the assistance of the Kittery 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.
Editor’s Note:
This matter occurred on the date indicated, but the press release was not published at that time due to the federal government shutdown. The release was posted and made available following the return to normal operations.###
Mt. Oliver Felon Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
This release was published following the 43-day government shutdown during which the sentencing occurred.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh’s Mt. Oliver area pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and was sentenced to 51 months of incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.
Kyreese Thomas, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of violating federal firearms law before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon on October 6, 2025.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Thomas was one of two men who, on May 23, 2024, fired a gun at a residence in the Homestead neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Thomas used a stolen 9mm Ruger pistol with an obliterated serial number to shoot at the home, then attempted to flee the scene with his co-defendant by vehicle. Law enforcement officers were able to stop the vehicle and found Thomas in the front passenger seat with the Ruger under the seat. Gunshot residue was found on Thomas’s hand, and ballistic testing matched the firearm to spent shell casings found near the scene of the shooting. Thomas has two prior convictions for possessing a firearm as a prohibited person in Allegheny County and was on parole for one of those convictions, as well as a prior conviction involving possession of contraband while incarcerated, when he committed the instant offense.
Judge Bissoon agreed to allow Thomas to proceed to sentencing on the same date as his guilty plea. Prior to imposing sentence, the Court noted the defendant’s extensive criminal history for his young age.
Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Doolittle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Munhall and Homestead police departments; and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Thomas.
Moses Lake Man Sentenced to an Additional 10 Years in Prison for Dealing Drugs from Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on November 13, 2025, Chief District Court Judge United States District Judge Stanely Bastain, sentenced Joshua Isaac Stine, age 40, of Moses Lake, Washington, to 120 months of incarceration following his guilty plea to Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Judge Bastain ordered Stine’s sentence to commence after he finishes serving his current 20-year federal prison sentence, which was imposed for his previous for significant drug trafficking in the Moses Lake area. Stine will be on 8 years of supervised release upon his release from this sentence.
Evidence shows that Stine engaged in this conduct to facilitate the criminal activities of a national prison gang called “La Nuestra Familia” or “NF”. NF is attempting a targeted push to bring their “hardcore” principles and teachings to Washington State. NF doctrine dates back to the late 1960s and is encapsulated in multiple written documents, including an NF “constitution”. The rules of this criminal organization are mandatory and non-negotiable. NF leadership asserts they are engaged in this struggle for the betterment of Norteños – better known as “La Causa” or the “NF Movement”. Many individuals who have left the gang stated that La Causa is a ruse as its just about making money to perpetuate the criminal organization, which does not hesitate to use violence to achieve their objectives.
This persistent prison gang is purposely targeting minors to recruit into the gang and then indoctrinates them into their myopic way of life. These children are taught that if they are worthy Norteños, they will commit crimes and will end up in prison – so they need to follow the NF rules to be in “good standing” to comfortably serve their inevitable prison sentence. To advance further, these children will “owe a body” to advance their lifelong “careers”.
Stine’s conduct shows his clear desire to be selected by NF for membership. Stine is a member of the Moses Lake Norteño set East Side Familia. His criminal history dates back to 2000 and this is his 3rd federal conviction. In 2012, Stine was sentenced to 20 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm while on Washington State Department of Corrections supervision. Following his term of incarceration, Stine was on federal supervised release, and he participated in the STEP Program, which is intensive supervision to help drug addicts gain and maintain their sobriety. Shortly after his completed the program, Stine engaged in significant drug trafficking activity in the greater Moses Lake area in 2018-2019. He was ultimately sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his conduct in 2021. (Case No: 2:19-CR-111-WFN-2).While serving this federal prison sentence at FCI Forrest City (Arkansas), Stine did not change course. In an effort to ingratiate himself to NF, he was vocal and proactive about identifying and reporting individuals he believes to be violating NF’s code of conduct by fellow Norteños. He specifically inserted himself into investigations into who may have been acting as confidential informants for law enforcement against Norteños, especially those suspected in the Moses Lake and Tri-Cities areas. Stine utilized a contraband cell phone to communicate with the “streets” and research these individuals. There were even multiple photos of suspected informants with red “X”s through their faces located on his phone.
Stine also used his contraband phone or organize the distribution of drugs both inside of prison and on the “streets”. He was actively distributing large amount of fentanyl through the mails to Norteños in the Moses Lake area (for distribution into the community) as well as the distribution of large quantities of K2, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in prison facilities.
He also actively advised others of his status as a Norteño and his further intent to be NF and would send people photographs of himself with his “homies” as proof of his desires."Stine on Lower Right with His “Homies”
Stine engaged in these activities to enrich himself and to help fund NF through the payment of ‘taxes’ on his profits from his various illicit ventures, including his drug trafficking schemes. While it is clear Stine did not report all of his income to NF leadership (i.e. he was “freelancing”), he consistently paid the mandatory taxes on the amounts he did disclose as money is the only way this criminal enterprise survives.
In imposing this sentence, Judge Bastain noted Stine’s recidivism and unwillingness to change his behavior even after receiving a significant sentence.United States Attorney Pete Serrano stated, “The Defendant is the epitome of recidivism. He has made his choice, despite multiple attempts to persuade him to a different life trajectory. Stine is not repentant. This sentence sends a strong message to those who wish to follow in his footsteps.”
ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric Jackson commented, “Fentanyl devastates our communities, and Mr. Stine’s trafficking of this poison threatened countless lives in the Moses Lake area, showing an utter disregard for human life. Fortunately, our ATF Special Agents are steadfast in their dedication to protecting our communities from those who seek to profit from dealing illegal and dangerous narcotics in our neighborhoods. This case is a prime example of ATF’s commitment to combatting violent criminals and gangs, like NF, which are a scourge on our society’s peace and safety.”
Dave Sands, the Chief of the Moses Lake Police Department noted this case was possible due to the continued and productive partnership between MLPD, ATF and DEA in pursuit of our community’s safety. Together, our work has directly resulted in multiple arrests and significant seizures of illicit drugs and firearms. We intend to continue this important partnership to continue to fight the gang violence and drug crimes in our area.
This case is being investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) Violent Crime Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), the United States Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”) National Gang Unit, the Moses Lake Police Department (“MLPD”), Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”), the Yakima Police Department (“YPD”), and the Washington State Department of Corrections (“DOC”). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin Baunsgard and Benjamin Seal.1:24-CR-2027-SAB-29
Morrisdale Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Morrisdale, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics laws, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Brandon Kifer, 45, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines to Counts One and Two of the Indictment.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around February 2023 to March 2023 in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Kifer conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for March 26, 2026. The law provides for a total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Kifer.
Monroe County Man Sentenced to 262 Months in Prison on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ivan Nicholas Baez, age 46, of Kunkletown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 23, 2025, to over 21 years in prison by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley on child pornography charges.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, in May 2024, the Pennsylvania State Police obtained a search warrant to seize and download the contents of Baez’s cell phone. The search of the phone revealed approximately 150 images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Some of the images were created on the cell phone and depicted Baez engaging in sexual acts with minors as young as approximately 10-years-old. Baez was a caretaker to one of the minors.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
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Mexican National Unlawfully Present in the United States Sentenced to 20 Years for Discharging A Firearm at Spokane Police During A Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – On September 18, 2025, United States Chief District Judge Stanley A. Bastain sentenced Israel Garcia, 36, to 20 years in federal prison after his guilty pleas to Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime and Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Garcia was ordered to pay over $6,000 in restitution to the Spokane Police Department and placed on a period of 5 years of supervised release should he again return to the United States after serving his sentence.
According to information disclosed in court documents and proceedings, Garcia, a documented gang member living in the Yakima, Washington area, was convicted in 2015 of Assault on Federal Officers (15-CR-02068-SAB) related to a drug and firearm trafficking investigation. For that conduct, Judge Bastian sentenced him to 84 months in federal custody. Garcia was released in 2021 and deported to Mexico. Garcia returned unlawfully to the United States in 2022 and resumed his drug trafficking and escalated to distributing thousands of deadly fentanyl pills into the community.
On October 16, 2022, Garcia traveled from Yakima to Spokane to deliver 10,000 fentanyl pills. When Spokane Police identified themselves and approached him to effectuate his arrest, Garcia got out of his vehicle and immediately opened fire on the officers, while attempting to flee to avoid arrest. The path of the bullets from Garcia were directed at multiple law enforcement officers; however, the bullets were also fired in direction of his vehicle, which still contained his male and female passengers and a minor child. Additionally, but for the angle of a car door window, which redirected one of Garcia’s rounds, a law enforcement officer would have been shot in the head. That officer nevertheless suffered injuries to his head and face. Officers returned fire, striking Garcia and ending the clear and present danger he presented to the officers and the community. The female passenger and minor child were terrified but otherwise reported to be physically unharmed.
Because Garcia was under federal supervision for his prior conviction at the time of this incident, he was arrested for violation of his supervised release and later charged with the new offenses. Working in conjunction with the Spokane County Prosecutors Office, Garcia will be transferred to Spokane County to face state charges regarding the assault on the law enforcement officers.Pete Serrano, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, remarked on how dangerous Garcia’s conduct was: “We have zero tolerance for dangerous offenders like Garcia who pose an immediate threat to our community and our law enforcement partners. Garcia opened fire on the police in the streets of Spokane, attempting to strike several police officers. It is unconscionable that he engaged in this behavior after having just been released from prison for the same kind of violent conduct. This case highlights the importance of our partnerships between our state and federal partners and how closely we work with the Spokane County Prosecutors Office.”
“Mr. Garcia was a menace to our community, both because of his fentanyl trafficking as well as his violent behavior,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Prison is clearly the right place for him, and I am proud that DEA and our partners could facilitate his lengthy incarceration.”
This case was investigated by the Spokane Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter and Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Cartier Giroux.
2:23CR00001-SAB-1Mexican National Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the US After Prior RemovalsRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A Mexican national was sentenced on November 5, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Bangor for illegally entering the U.S. after a prior removal.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Javier Amateco-Navarrette, 38, to a sentence of time served (approximately 50 days). Amateco-Navarrette pleaded guilty on September 30, 2025.
According to court records, on September 16, 2025, Amateco-Navarrette was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by the U.S. Border Patrol in Oakland, Maine. During the traffic stop, Amateco-Navarrette admitted he was a citizen of Mexico and in the U.S. illegally. He was previously removed from the country on two separate occasions in 2018.
The U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case.
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.
Editor’s Note:
This matter occurred on the date indicated, but the press release was not published at that time due to the federal government shutdown. The release was posted and made available following the return to normal operations.###
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Drug-TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican National pleaded guilty in federal court today for his role in a drug-trafficking conspiracy.
Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
According to court documents, in 2019 law enforcement began an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of co-defendant, Serjio Diaz, which identified him as a primary organizer of a drug-trafficking organization responsible for methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine distribution. Other members of the organization included Lopez-Sanchez, Tony Diaz, Maria Jasmin Lopez, and Vicente Aguilera. Lopez- Sanchez is the last of these individuals to plead guilty.
On April 16, 2021, surveillance observed Lopez-Sanchez arrive at Serjio Diaz’s residence in Belton, Mo., in a black 2015 GMC Yukon with Texas license plates. Lopez-Sanchez had arrived prior to an arranged controlled drug purchase by a confidential human source. Lopez-Sanchez was observed carrying a blue bag into the residence. Lopez-Sanchez left the residence approximately 10 minutes later and before the arrival of the confidential human source, carrying the same blue bag. Later that day, the Missouri State Highway Patrol stopped the black Yukon as it was travelling westbound on Interstate 44 near the Oklahoma state line. Inside the Yukon, law enforcement recovered 995 grams of cocaine and $58,601.00.
Co-defendant Serjio Diaz, 41, of Belton, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, one count of possessing heroin with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of money laundering and was sentenced on Oct. 9, 2024, to 15 years in federal prison without parole.
Co-defendant Tony Diaz, 42, of Raymore, Mo., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, one count of possessing heroin with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and was sentenced on Dec. 13, 2024, to 9 years in federal prison without parole.
Co-defendant Maria Jasmin Lopez, 25, of Phoenix, Az., pleaded guilty to her role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and was sentenced on Aug. 1, 2023, to 11 years and two months in federal prison without parole.
Co-defendant Vicente Aguilera, 41, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty to use of a communication facility to facilitate a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and was sentenced on Nov. 1, 2024, to one year and four months in federal prison without parole.
Under federal statutes, Francisco Lopez-Sanchez is subject to a sentence of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, the Jackson County Drug Task Force and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Mexican National Convicted of Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Last week, a federal jury in Las Vegas convicted a Mexican national of operating a scheme in which he claimed to be an IRS officer and misrepresented to victims that he was able to obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars for them from a fictitious IRS program.
The following is according to court documents and evidence presented at trial: Francisco Ivan Velazquez, a Mexico national, falsely held himself out to be an employee of the IRS and claimed to his victims that he could secure large monetary payments for them from the IRS. Velazquez falsely claimed that such funds were available from a purported IRS program that allowed people who had previously lost a home to foreclosure to recoup money by applying to the IRS and filing certain documents. Velazquez advised the victims that, in exchange for a fee, he would submit an application for them to recover the funds. In some instances, Velazquez then aided in the presentation of a false tax return with the IRS on behalf of the victim that claimed that the victim had federal tax withholdings of $100,000 or more and requested the withholdings be refunded.
Velazquez was convicted of three counts of wire fraud, one count of aiding the presentation of a false tax return, and two counts of impersonating an IRS officer. The jury did not return a verdict on four counts of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns.
Velazquez is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 18, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count, a maximum penalty of three years in prison for aiding in the presentation of a false tax return, and a maximum penalty of years in prison for each count of impersonating an officer or employee of the United States. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
IRS Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration are investigating the case.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Attempting to Entice a Minor for Sex OnlineRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Earlier today, United States District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Timoteo Roque Roque to 120 months of imprisonment to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release for the crime of Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor.
According to information disclosed in court documents and proceedings, on July 28, 2024, an undercover (UC) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Officer (TFO) was participating in an undercover enticement operation in Chelan County with a goal of identifying those who were baiting children online for illegal sex. The UC ICAC TFO was online portraying a 13-year-old child and received communication from the defendant, Roque Roque. During the communications, Roque Roque affirmed that he was interested in having sexual contact with minors and agreed to pay $250 for 30 minutes of sex with the child at a local hotel; he also agreed to bring condoms for the meet. Roque Roque later sent the UC a text saying he was at the hotel, but he saw a police vehicle and he thought it was a trap. He left the hotel, but continued communicating with the UC, who was purporting to be a 13-year-old child. He returned to the hotel about six hours later, once again with the agreement to pay $250 for sex with the child. Upon arrest, Roque-Roque ultimately admitted he was communicating with who he believed to be a 13 year old and traveled to the hotel twice in order to have sex with the child.
Roque Roque was illegally present in the United States at the time of this crime. He is a citizen and national of Mexico who was arrested and deported from the United States previously at San Luis, Arizona, on July 15, 2019.“Investigations and prosecutions like these remain a high priority for my office, we simply have to protect our children from predators.” U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano said. “Thanks to the excellent, collaborative investigative work by local and federal law enforcement, Mr. Roque Roque is now being held accountable for attempting to pay a local minor for sex while illegally present in the United States.”
"This illegal alien represents the worst of the worst type of criminal who sought to conduct heinous abuse of a child, but fortunately in this case, the 'child' Roque Roque sought to harm was not real,” said HSI Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “It is deeply troubling to learn although he was removed in 2019, he was roaming our streets seeking victims. HSI is committed to holding those who pose the greatest risk to public safety accountable for their actions and protecting the vulnerable."
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 United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit
children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov
This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, Washington State Patrol, and the Seattle Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, with assistance from the Chelan County Prosecutor’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant
United States Attorney Alison Gregoire.Memphis Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Federal Covid-19 Relief Programs of over $500,000Read the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Memphis woman has pled guilty to defrauding two federal programs intended to help people survive the COVID-19 pandemic out of over half a million dollars. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the guilty plea today.
Deashley Tabor, 37, pled guilty on October 6, 2025 before Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to making false claims against the United States Government. According to information presented in court, Tabor and her co-conspirator defrauded the United States Government out of over $560,000 dollars 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 $15,000 dollars 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.
Tabor is scheduled to be sentenced on January 16, 2026. She faces up to 25 years in federal prison.
United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Protection of the United States Treasury is a top priority for the Department of Justice, and our office is absolutely committed to bringing to justice those who would seek to take unfair advantage of critical government resources through fraud during the challenging and uncertain time of the COVID-19 pandemic."
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General and by the United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General.
The case was prosecuted on behalf of the government by Assistant United States 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.
Melissa Holyoak Appointed Interim United States Attorney for the District of UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – On November 17, 2025, United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed Melissa Holyoak as the Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah.
Holyoak brings extensive experience to the United States Attorney’s Office as a litigator and leader. Most recently, she served as a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), protecting American consumers.
“I am grateful to Attorney General Bondi for trusting me to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah,” said U.S. Attorney Holyoak. “It is an honor to lead this outstanding office in my home state where I look forward to working closely with our federal, tribal, state, and local partners to ensure the safety of our citizens and uphold the rule of law.”
Prior to her role as an FTC Commissioner, Holyoak served as Solicitor General with the Utah Attorney General’s Office, where she oversaw civil appeals, criminal appeals, constitutional defense and special litigation, and antitrust and data privacy divisions. She also managed multistate matters including those involving consumer protection and antitrust claims.
Holyoak also served as president and general counsel of Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based public interest firm and in other public interest attorney positions with the Competitive Enterprise Institute and the Center for Class Action Fairness. Holyoak represented class members challenging unfair class actions and consumers fighting regulatory abuse in federal district courts and appellate courts across the country.
Holyoak has argued appeals in the Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, and D.C. Circuits. She is a former prosecutor and attorney with O’Melveny & Myers LLP. She graduated from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law in 2003 as a member of the Order of the Coif and Law Review. Holyoak is a member of the Utah, D.C., and Missouri (inactive) bars. Holyoak is married and has four children.
McKeesport Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
This release was published following the 43-day government shutdown during which the plea occurred.
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on October 2, 2025, to a charge of violating a federal firearms law, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.
Thomas Thornton, 48, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand to a one-count Indictment charging Thornton with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on December 19, 2024, Thornton discharged 10 rounds of ammunition from a stolen 9mm semi-automatic pistol into an occupied residence within the City of Pittsburgh. Officers with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police arrested Thornton within minutes of the shooting. Following the execution of a search warrant on Thornton’s vehicle, officers recovered the 9mm pistol Thornton used in the shooting. Thornton was previously convicted on federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses, and was also on federal supervised release at the time of the instant offense. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Judge Wiegand scheduled Thornton’s sentencing for February 4, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Thornton.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Lowell, Massachusetts, man pleaded guilty on November 12, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Portland to one count of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and three counts of distributing methamphetamine.
According to court records, Rocky Buth, 32, was part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine between November 2024 and January 2025. In late November 2024, an FBI confidential source met with Buth and a co-conspirator in southern Maine and received approximately 220 grams of methamphetamine pills. On two subsequent dates in December 2024 and January 2025, Buth provided the FBI source with approximately 361 grams of methamphetamine pills and 419 grams of methamphetamine pills, respectively.
Buth faces a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, up to a $10 million fine, and up to a lifetime of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI investigated the case, with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Portland Police Department, and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Editor’s Note:
This matter occurred on the date indicated, but the press release was not published at that time due to the federal government shutdown. The release was posted and made available following the return to normal operations.###
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Mailing Threatening Communications to Jewish Institutions and Civil Rights ViolationsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced that Clift Seferlis, 55, of Garrett Park, Maryland, entered a plea of guilty today before U.S. District Judge Mark A. Kearney on 17 counts of mailing threatening communications and eight counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs, arising from numerous threats sent to Jewish organizations and entities.
“We welcome today’s guilty plea, which holds the defendant accountable for sending threatening communications intended to intimidate Jewish individuals based on their religion,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “The Division holds a zero-tolerance policy for antisemitic threats, and will continue to vigorously prosecute such violations of federal civil rights laws.”
Seferlis was charged with those offenses by information last month, following his arrest in June on a criminal complaint and warrant in connection with such threats.
As presented in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, from at least March 2024 through at least June 2025, Seferlis used the United States mail to transmit at least 40 letters and at least two postcards to more than 25 Jewish organizations and entities located in multiple jurisdictions, including, but not limited to, synagogues, Jewish museums, Jewish community centers, Jewish schools, Jewish non-profit organizations, and a Jewish delicatessen. In many of these letters and postcards, Seferlis threatened to destroy physical buildings and/or to injure individuals.
Specifically, Seferlis caused the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to deliver threatening communications to these institutions on or about the following dates:
- Jewish Institution 1, a synagogue in Washington, D.C.
- (March 6, 2024; January 24, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 2, an entity in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- (April 4, 2024; July 29, 2024; January 18, 2025; March 5, 2025; May 7, 2025; May 9, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 3, an entity in Fairfax, Virginia
- (January 18, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 4, a synagogue in Gaithersburg, Maryland
- (February 3, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 5, an entity in Fairfax, Virginia
- (February 7, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 6, a synagogue in Hagerstown, Maryland
- (March 2025)
- Jewish Institution 7, an entity in Rockville, Maryland
- (May 12, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 8, an entity in Washington, D.C.
- (May 29, 2025; June 3, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 9, an entity in Washington, D.C.
- (June 3, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 10, a synagogue in Brookline, Massachusetts
- (June 3, 2025)
Each communication listed above contained a threat to injure the occupants of the receiving institution.
As court filings further detail, the defendant, by threat of force, intentionally obstructed and attempted to obstruct congregants and other attendees in the enjoyment of their free exercise of religious beliefs, by threatening to harm the occupants of:
- Jewish Institution 1, a synagogue in Washington, D.C.
- (March 6, 2024; January 24, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 11, a synagogue in Rockville, Maryland
- (January 25, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 12, a synagogue in Falls Church, Virginia
- (January 31, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 13, a synagogue in Gaithersburg, Maryland
- (February 3, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 14, a synagogue in Washington, D.C.
- (February 10, 2025)
- Jewish Institution 15, a synagogue in Hagerstown, Maryland
- (March 2025)
- Jewish Institution 16, a synagogue in Brookline, Massachusetts
- (June 3, 2025)
Further, the offenses against Jewish Institution 12, Jewish Institution 13, Jewish Institution 14, and Jewish Institution 15 included the threatened use of a dangerous weapon, fire, or explosives.
Seferlis waived venue as to those institutions and synagogues not in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and agreed to be charged in this District.
Seferlis is scheduled to be sentenced on March 16. He faces a maximum penalty of 169 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $5,650,000 fine.
This case was investigated by FBI Philadelphia, with assistance from FBI Baltimore, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Montgomery County (Md.) Police Department, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland’s Greenbelt office. The Anti-Defamation League, Secure Community Network, and Delaware Valley Intelligence Center also provided assistance with this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorney Mark Dubnoff for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Taylor Payne of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
- Jewish Institution 1, a synagogue in Washington, D.C.
Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Mailing Threatening Communications to Jewish Institutions and Civil Rights ViolationsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Clift Seferlis, 55, of Garrett Park, Maryland, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Judge Mark A. Kearney on 17 counts of mailing threatening communications and eight counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs, arising from numerous threats sent to Jewish organizations and entities.
Seferlis was charged with those offenses by information last month, following his arrest in June on a criminal complaint and warrant in connection with such threats.
As presented in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, from at least March 2024 through at least June 2025, Seferlis used the United States mail to transmit at least 40 letters and at least two postcards to more than 25 Jewish organizations and entities located in multiple jurisdictions, including, but not limited to, synagogues, Jewish museums, Jewish community centers, Jewish schools, Jewish non-profit organizations, and a Jewish delicatessen. In many of these letters and postcards, Seferlis threatened to destroy physical buildings and/or to injure individuals.
Specifically, Seferlis caused the U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”) to deliver threatening communications to these institutions on or about the following dates:
Jewish Institution 1, a synagogue in Washington, D.C.
(March 6, 2024; January 24, 2025)
Jewish Institution 2, an entity in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
(April 4, 2024; July 29, 2024; January 18, 2025; March 5, 2025; May 7, 2025; May 9, 2025)
Jewish Institution 3, an entity in Fairfax, Virginia
(January 18, 2025)
Jewish Institution 4, a synagogue in Gaithersburg, Maryland
(February 3, 2025)
Jewish Institution 5, an entity in Fairfax, Virginia
(February 7, 2025)
Jewish Institution 6, a synagogue in Hagerstown, Maryland
(March 2025)
Jewish Institution 7, an entity in Rockville, Maryland
(May 12, 2025)
Jewish Institution 8, an entity in Washington, D.C.
(May 29, 2025; June 3, 2025)
Jewish Institution 9, an entity in Washington, D.C.
(June 3, 2025)
Jewish Institution 10, a synagogue in Brookline, Massachusetts
(June 3, 2025)
Each communication listed above contained a threat to injure the occupants of the receiving institution.
As court filings further detail, the defendant, by threat of force, intentionally obstructed and attempted to obstruct congregants and other attendees in the enjoyment of their free exercise of religious beliefs, by threatening to harm the occupants of:
Jewish Institution 1, a synagogue in Washington, D.C.
(March 6, 2024; January 24, 2025)
Jewish Institution 11, a synagogue in Rockville, Maryland
(January 25, 2025)
Jewish Institution 12, a synagogue in Falls Church, Virginia
(January 31, 2025)
Jewish Institution 13, a synagogue in Gaithersburg, Maryland
(February 3, 2025)
Jewish Institution 14, a synagogue in Washington, D.C.
(February 10, 2025)
Jewish Institution 15, a synagogue in Hagerstown, Maryland
(March 2025)
Jewish Institution 16, a synagogue in Brookline, Massachusetts
(June 3, 2025)
Further, the offenses against Jewish Institution 12, Jewish Institution 13, Jewish Institution 14, and Jewish Institution 15 included the threatened use of a dangerous weapon, fire, or explosives.
Seferlis waived venue as to those institutions and synagogues not in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and agreed to be charged in this District.
Seferlis is scheduled to be sentenced on March 16. He faces a maximum possible sentence of 169 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $5,650,000 fine.
This case was investigated by FBI Philadelphia, with assistance from FBI Baltimore, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Montgomery County (Md.) Police Department, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland’s Greenbelt office. The Anti-Defamation League, Secure Community Network, and Delaware Valley Intelligence Center also provided assistance with this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Dubnoff and Trial Attorney Taylor Payne of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.
Marion County Man Pleads Guilty to Aiming A Laser Pointer at A Sheriff’s Office HelicopterRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Adam Santiago Lugo (41, Ocala) today pleaded guilty to a federal indictment charging him with aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. Santiago Lugo faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on the night of August 2, 2025, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office helicopter (“Air 1”) was in flight over Ocala working a burglary investigation when it was repeatedly struck with a green laser coming from Santiago-Lugo’s residence. The laser strikes interfered with the two-man flight crew’s ability to operate the helicopter and placed it in danger. The crew was forced to fly the helicopter primarily by instrumentation, shielding their eyes with their hands from the laser strikes.
Using the helicopter’s cameras, the crew located Santiago Lugo in his front yard. He was wearing binoculars and holding a laser pointer in his right hand.
Santiago Lugo in his driveway with the laser pointer and binoculars
(as seen from “Air 1’s” cameras).
Santiago Lugo pointing the laser at “Air-1.”
A deputy was quickly dispatched to the residence and arrested Santiago Lugo. He was still wearing the binoculars around his neck and had the green laser pointer in his hand. After waiving his constitutional rights, Santiago Lugo admitted that he was “just being silly” when he repeatedly struck the helicopter with the green laser. He said he knew the aircraft was a sheriff’s office helicopter because it “flies over his house all the time.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Air Marshals, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
Manchester Man Sentenced to 29 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation Offenses Related to His Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on October 30, 2025, HERNAN AYALA, 33, of Manchester, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 348 months of imprisonment, followed by 40 years of supervised release, for child exploitation offenses related to his sexual abuse of a minor.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in March 2024, the Manchester Police Department received a complaint that a minor female had been sexually abused by Ayala. The minor female reported that Ayala had engaged in sexual conduct with her for more than eight years, and that Ayala had recorded his sexual abuse of her on his cellphone. On that date, investigators searched Ayala’s residence and seized several electronic devices, including his iPhone. Analysis of the seized phone revealed numerous videos and images of Ayala engaging in sexual conduct with the minor victim.
Ayala has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on March 9, 2024. On July 8, 2025, he pleaded guilty in federal court to production of child pornography and possession of child pornography.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Manchester Police Department, the Glastonbury Police Department, and the Connecticut Center for Digital Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nancy V. Gifford.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the State’s Attorney’s Offices for the Judicial Districts of Hartford and Tolland for their cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Hanes Mall ShootingRead the Press Release
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – A Forsyth County, North Carolina, man was sentenced today in Greensboro to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Dan Bishop of the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC).
Angelo Addie Reid, VI, age 23, was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment plus three years of post-release supervision by the Honorable Catherine C. Eagles, Chief/Senior United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the MDNC.
According to court records and evidence, on the afternoon of August 14, 2024, REID and his girlfriend were at the Hanes Mall Shopping Center located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Following a confrontation with another mallgoer, REID pulled out a gun and shot at the other man. The shot missed and went into a nearby store that was occupied by both employees and customers. The other man fled towards the mall exit while REID chased him. Once outside the mall doors, REID shot the man in the back, hitting him in the spine. As the man lay injured on the ground, REID approached him and used the firearm to pistol-whip him multiple times. REID and his girlfriend then fled the mall and were found shortly afterward a nearby hotel. At the time of the shooting, REID was on post-release supervision for another offense.
REID pleaded guilty on July 8, 2025, to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).
The case was investigated by the Winston-Salem Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Martin.
###
Madison County Man Sentenced for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Richmond, Ky., man, Glen Long, Jr., 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell to 360 months in prison, for the production of child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, on July 28, 2023, a victim’s mother went to law enforcement after she discovered that her minor child had been sending nude images to an unknown adult male via the internet in exchange for money for Roblox, a video game. Law enforcement obtained the victim’s cellphone, reviewed the explicit messages, and identified the adult male as Long. Long knew that the victim was 14 years old and lied about his own age, falsely telling the victim that he was 16 years old. When confronted by law enforcement, Long admitted that he used the minor victim to produce explicit visual depictions of child pornography.
Under federal law, Long must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life.
Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Sheriff Mike Coyle, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the HSI and Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
– END –
Marianna Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Erik Gammons, 42, of Marianna, Florida was sentenced to eight years in prison after previously pleading guilty to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This substantial drug seizure by our state law enforcement partners, with support from the Drug Enforcement Administration, ensured these deadly narcotics were kept off our streets, and the successful prosecution by my office should send a firm message that federal prison time awaits anyone who tries to peddle this poison in the Northern District of Florida. This is yet another step toward fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the drug traffickers who have flooded our communities with deadly drugs for far too long.”
According to court records, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on May 5, 2025. After the vehicle stopped, the defendant exited from the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle and told law enforcement to arrest him. Later, as law enforcement was obtaining gloves to search the vehicle, the defendant stated to go ahead and take him to jail and that there were drugs in the vehicle.
Law enforcement searched the vehicle and located a garbage bag, which was found to contain two other bags with large amounts of crystal methamphetamine, a bag containing a large amount of suspected powder cocaine, three digital scales, one of which contained suspected cocaine residue, a box of opened clear plastic bags used to package drugs for resale, documents addressed to the defendant including pay stubs, and an opened vacuum sealed bag identical to the ones that contained crystal methamphetamine. The defendant was also found to be in possession of two cellular telephones and approximately $2,761.00 in numerous denominations.
The narcotics were later tested, weighed, and confirmed to be 899.1 grams of methamphetamine with 98% purity, equal to 881.1 grams of pure methamphetamine, per bag. The seized cocaine weighed 568.8 grams.
“I’m proud of the great work our agents and law enforcement partners did in bringing this investigation to a close,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “Removing methamphetamine—especially this purity level—will go a long way in making Panhandle communities safer.”
“We are working every day to keep drugs out of our community,” said Sheriff Edenfield. “When people choose to profit off poison, there are consequences. We’ll continue standing up for what’s right and working to protect the citizens of Jackson County.”
The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Etherton and Eric Welch.
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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Man Who Attempted International Travel to Exploit a Child Sentenced to Eleven Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Austin Keith Hibbert, 25, of Tallahassee, FL, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison after having pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to entice or persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity, attempting to travel for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct, and transferring obscene material to a person less than 16 years of age. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case was the result of incredible collaboration between our local, federal and international law enforcement partners to identify this sexual predator and stop him before he could victimize the minor child he was seeking to exploit. I am proud of the work of my office to build this successful prosecution and hold this offender accountable for his disgusting crimes.”
Court documents reflect that between May 2023, and August 2024, the defendant communicated almost daily through multiple social media platforms with a 13-year-old child from Estonia, a country in Northern Europe. The defendant met the child through a popular Internet game. The communications between the defendant and the child quickly became sexual in nature. The defendant told the child that he intended to travel to Estonia to meet and to engage in sexual activity. Additionally, the defendant sent the child more than twelve explicit videos. In August 2024, law enforcement officials learned that the defendant had applied for a U.S. passport and had booked an international flight from Tallahassee to Estonia. On August 12, 2024, law enforcement officials intercepted the defendant as he attempted to board his flight at the Tallahassee International Airport. A search of the defendant’s person and carry-on bags revealed items indicative of his intent to travel to meet with the child, including his U.S. passport, a bracelet, and a box of condoms. A later search of the defendant’s electronic devices confirmed the defendant’s communications with the child, his travel plans, and showed that he reserved lodging near where the child lived.
“This case demonstrates the FBI’s global reach and unwavering commitment to protecting children everywhere,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “Through partnerships with our domestic and international counterparts, we were able to identify and stop Hibbert from crossing borders to sexually exploit a young child.”
“Estonian Police and Border Guard Board is grateful to the FBI and the Northern District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office for great cooperation in this grave case,” said Rait Pikaro, Head of Crime Bureau, North Prefecture for the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board. “We strive to act as preventively as possible in Estonia and thanks to our U.S. colleagues, no [hands on] crime was committed in Estonia. This great example of cooperation shows that the fight against child sexual exploitation is truly global. We believe strongly that this is the way we can succeed in tackling this phenomenon.”
The sentence was the result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tallahassee Police Department, with assistance from the Estonian Police and Border Guard Agency. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked closely with Estonian authorities to provide significant assistance. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Lower Brule Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Assaulting and Resisting a Tribal Corrections OfficerRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man from Lower Brule, South Dakota, convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on October 9, 2025.
Leighton Laroche, Jr., age 42, was sentenced to five months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Laroche was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024. He pleaded guilty on July 9, 2025.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on January 19, 2024, when Laroche was in custody at the Lower Brule Detention Center. Laroche engaged in a physical struggle with a Bureau of Indian Affairs correctional officer after he refused to return to his cell as directed.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services - Lower Brule Agency.
Laroche was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Leader of White Supremacist Group Pleads Guilty to Soliciting Hate Crimes and Sending Instructions to Make Bombs and RicinRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Georgian national Michail Chkhikvishvili, also known as “Mishka,” “Michael,” “Commander Butcher,” and “Butcher,” pleaded guilty to soliciting hate crimes and sending instructions to make bombs and ricin. Chkhikvishvili was a leader of Maniac Murder Cult, an international racially motivated violent extremist group. Chkhikvishvili recruited people to commit violent acts in furtherance of Maniac Murder Cult’s ideologies, including planning and soliciting a mass casualty attack in New York City. In May 2025, Chkhikvishvili was extradited from Moldova to the Eastern District of New York.
United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi; Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the guilty plea.
“The outstanding investigative work in this case saved untold lives and underscores the crucial behind-the-scenes activity of our federal law enforcement agents,” stated Attorney General Bondi. “Violent, nihilistic, racist groups like these are an ongoing threat to the American people – our vigilance will not waver as we protect our citizens.”
“The defendant has admitted his vile actions, including recruiting others to commit acts of violence against Jewish and racial minority children. His incitement of hate crimes resulted in real-world violence,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This prosecution shows that our Office will protect all communities from evildoers like the defendant from wherever they spew their hate.”
Mr. Nocella praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the New York City Police Department, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the Department of State, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and the government of Moldova for their crucial assistance in securing Chkhikvishvili’s arrest and extradition.
“Chkhikvishvili’s monstrous plots and propaganda calling for racially motivated violence against civilians, including children, posed a grave threat to public safety,” stated Assistant Attorney General Eisenberg. “Unfortunately, his efforts on behalf of the aptly named Maniac Murder Cult in fact caused mayhem and death. We condemn his despicable ideology and will use every tool at our disposal to bring such predators to justice.”
“Michail Chkhikvishvili actively encouraged his recruits of his Maniac Murder Cult to incite mass violence targeted at Jewish individuals and other minorities, including orders to bomb Jewish facilities and poison Jewish children. His vile propensity for discriminatory violence sparked actual attacks and casualties not only in this country, but across the globe. The FBI and its Joint Terrorism Task Force will not tolerate anyone to solicit unnecessary death and harm out of prejudice and hate,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia.
“Michail Chkhikvishvili plotted extensive terrorist attacks targeting Jewish New Yorkers, including horrific plans to poison children. This wasn’t just violent behavior — it was extreme antisemitism rooted in Neo-Nazi ideology that put communities here and around the world at risk,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “All New Yorkers deserve a city where they can live free from fear, regardless of their religious identity, and this guilty plea makes one thing clear: The NYPD will never tolerate hate or bias-fueled violence in any form. I am grateful to the NYPD investigators, the FBI, the Justice Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for bringing Michail Chkhikvishvili to justice.”
In June 2022, Chkhikvishvili traveled to Brooklyn, New York. Beginning as early as July 2022, Chkhikvishvili repeatedly encouraged others, primarily via the encrypted messaging application Telegram, to commit violent hate crimes and other acts of violence on behalf of Maniac Murder Cult. This included soliciting acts of mass violence in New York from an individual who, unbeknownst to Chkhikvishvili, was an undercover FBI employee (the UC).
Since approximately September 2021, Chkhikvishvili has distributed a manifesto titled the “Hater’s Handbook” to Maniac Murder Cult members and others. The Hater’s Handbook encourages people to commit acts of mass violence. For example, the Hater’s Handbook encourages its readers to commit school shootings.
Beginning in approximately November 2023, Chkhikvishvili solicited the UC to commit violent crimes, such as bombings and arsons, for the purpose of harming racial minorities, Jewish individuals and others. In November 2023, Chkhikvishvili began planning a mass casualty attack in New York City to take place on New Year’s Eve. The scheme involved having an individual dress up as Santa Claus and hand out candy laced with poison to racial minorities. In January, the scheme evolved and Chkhikvishvili specifically directed the UC to target the Jewish community, Jewish schools, and Jewish children in Brooklyn with poison. Chkhikvishvili sent detailed manuals about creating and mixing lethal poisons and gases, including ricin.
Chkhikvishvili’s encouragement of violence have resulted in multiple attacks and killings around the world:
- In January 2025, a 17-year-old student killed one individual and injured another before dying by suicide inside Antioch High School in Nashville, Tennessee. The attacker livestreamed part of the attack. Prior to the attack, in an audio recording posted online and attributed to him, the attacker claimed he was taking action on behalf of Maniac Murder Cult and at least one other group. The attacker’s manifesto explicitly mentioned Chkhikvishvili.
- In August 2024, an individual livestreamed himself stabbing approximately five people outside of a mosque in Eskisehir, Turkey, wearing a tactical vest bearing Nazi symbols. A manifesto attributed to the attacker included explicit references to Chkhikvishvili and to violent statements made by him. Before the attack, the attacker also distributed a link to the Hater’s Handbook, authored by Chkhikvishvili, and other violent propaganda.
Chkhikvishvili faces a maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Ellen H. Sise and Andrew D. Reich are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Justin Sher of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Paralegal Specialists Wayne Colon and Rebecca Roth.
The Defendant:
MICHAIL CHKHIKVISHVILI (also known as “Mishka,” “Michael,” “Commander Butcher” and “Butcher”)
Age: 22
Tbilisi, GeorgiaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-286 (CBA)
Leader of White Supremacist Group Pleads Guilty to Soliciting Hate Crimes and Sending Instructions to Make Bombs and RicinRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Georgian national Michail Chkhikvishvili, also known as “Mishka,” “Michael,” “Commander Butcher,” and “Butcher,” pleaded guilty to soliciting hate crimes and sending instructions to make bombs and ricin. Chkhikvishvili was a leader of Maniac Murder Cult, an international racially motivated violent extremist group. Chkhikvishvili recruited people to commit violent acts in furtherance of Maniac Murder Cult’s ideologies, including planning and soliciting a mass casualty attack in New York City. In May 2025, Chkhikvishvili was extradited from Moldova to the Eastern District of New York.
“The outstanding investigative work in this case saved untold lives and underscores the crucial behind-the-scenes activity of our federal law enforcement agents,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Violent, nihilistic, racist groups like these are an ongoing threat to the American people – our vigilance will not waver as we protect our citizens.”
“With today’s guilty plea, this defendant admits to a horrific plot targeting Jewish people and racial minorities and even planned to poison children with candy around the holidays,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The defendant was extradited from Moldova to face charges. This case shows once more that no matter where you are, if you try to harm our citizens the FBI and our partners will find you and bring you to justice.”
“Chkhikvishvili’s monstrous plots and propaganda calling for racially motivated violence against civilians, including children, posed a grave threat to public safety,” said Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg. “Unfortunately, his efforts on behalf of the aptly named Maniac Murder Cult in fact caused mayhem and death. We condemn his despicable ideology and will use every tool at our disposal to bring such predators to justice.”
“The defendant has admitted his vile actions, including recruiting others to commit acts of violence against Jewish and racial minority children. His incitement of hate crimes resulted in real-world violence,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. “This prosecution shows that our Office will protect all communities from evildoers like the defendant from wherever they spew their hate."
In June 2022, Chkhikvishvili traveled to Brooklyn, New York. Beginning as early as July 2022, Chkhikvishvili repeatedly encouraged others, primarily via the encrypted messaging application Telegram, to commit violent hate crimes and other acts of violence on behalf of Maniac Murder Cult. This included soliciting acts of mass violence in New York from an individual who, unbeknownst to Chkhikvishvili, was an undercover FBI employee (the UC).
Since approximately September 2021, Chkhikvishvili has distributed a manifesto titled the “Hater’s Handbook” to Maniac Murder Cult members and others. The Hater’s Handbook encourages people to commit acts of mass violence. For example, the Hater’s Handbook encourages its readers to commit school shootings.
Beginning in approximately November 2023, Chkhikvishvili solicited the UC to commit violent crimes, such as bombings and arsons, for the purpose of harming racial minorities, Jewish individuals and others. In November 2023, Chkhikvishvili began planning a mass casualty attack in New York City to take place on New Year’s Eve. The scheme involved having an individual dress up as Santa Claus and hand out candy laced with poison to racial minorities. In January, the scheme evolved and Chkhikvishvili specifically directed the UC to target the Jewish community, Jewish schools, and Jewish children in Brooklyn with poison. Chkhikvishvili sent detailed manuals about creating and mixing lethal poisons and gases, including ricin.
Chkhikvishvili’s encouragement of violence have resulted in multiple attacks and killings around the world:
- In January 2025, a 17-year-old student killed one individual and injured another before dying by suicide inside Antioch High School in Nashville, Tennessee. The attacker livestreamed part of the attack. Prior to the attack, in an audio recording posted online and attributed to him, the attacker claimed he was taking action on behalf of Maniac Murder Cult and at least one other group. The attacker’s manifesto explicitly mentioned Chkhikvishvili.
- In August 2024, an individual livestreamed himself stabbing approximately five people outside of a mosque in Eskisehir, Turkey, wearing a tactical vest bearing Nazi symbols. A manifesto attributed to the attacker included explicit references to Chkhikvishvili and to violent statements made by him. Before the attack, the attacker also distributed a link to the Hater’s Handbook, authored by Chkhikvishvili, and other violent propaganda.
Chkhikvishvili faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.
The FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case. The task force consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the New York City Police Department, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the Department of State, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and the government of Moldova for their crucial assistance in securing Chkhikvishvili’s arrest and extradition.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Ellen H. Sise and Andrew D. Reich are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Justin Sher of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Paralegal Specialists Wayne Colon and Rebecca Roth.
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Sex Trafficking of 16-Year-Old Girl in San DiegoRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Vincent Bailey of Las Vegas was sentenced in federal court to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay $7,000 in restitution for the sex trafficking of a 16-year-old girl from Las Vegas.
Bailey trafficked the victim in three cities—Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Diego— from June 25 to July 15, 2024.
Bailey contacted the victim via Instagram on June 25 and pursued a sexual relationship with her before introducing her into the life of prostitution around Las Vegas. The next day, on June 26, Bailey took the minor victim to Los Angeles and began sex trafficking her on the “blade” on Figuera Street, a geographical area known for prostitution activity.
On July 4, Bailey took the minor victim from Los Angeles to San Diego to further sex traffic her on Roosevelt Ave. On July 5, the victim bravely reached out for help and awaited the arrival of National City police officers at a local restaurant. The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force was called to investigate.
On July 14, 2024, the minor victim was again reported missing by her mother and was later discovered to have been branded with a tattoo under her left eye that matched a tattoo that Bailey also had under his eye. The victim was ultimately rescued a second time and on October 1, 2024, Bailey was arrested by California Highway Patrol during a traffic stop wherein another missing juvenile reported from Spokane, Washington, was a passenger in the vehicle.
“This sentence holds the defendant accountable for the cruelty and exploitation he inflicted on a vulnerable 16-year-old girl,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “Branding a child as property and trafficking her for profit is an act of profound depravity. The 10-year prison term and $7,000 restitution order reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering justice for victims and ensuring traffickers pay for the harm they cause.”
“Human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors is a despicable crime that has no place in California,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “I’m proud of the work our California DOJ-led San Diego Human Trafficking Taskforce did to investigate and hold accountable the perpetrator of these horrific crimes. I’m grateful to our federal partners for their collaboration, and for holding Vincent Bailey accountable in a court of law. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to support survivors and combat human trafficking wherever it occurs. Our door remains open to anyone who believes they may be the victim of human trafficking: The California Department of Justice has your back.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Ko and Lyndzie M. Carter.
If you are living or working under threat of violence or extortion, or you suspect someone else may be, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center toll free, 24/7 Hotline: CALL: (888) 373-7888 or TEXT BeFree or 233733.
The sentencing took place on October 3, 2025. This press release was delayed due to the lapse in appropriations.
DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr1589-RSH
Vincent Bailey Age: 25 Las Vegas, Nevada
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Sex Trafficking of a Minor – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1591(a)(1) and (b)(2)
Maximum penalty: Mandatory Minimum of 10 years up to life in prison and $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force
National City Police Department
California Highway Patrol
San Diego County District Attorney Office
Department of Homeland Security Investigations
Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Diego
San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force
The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force is a cooperative effort involving the California Department of Justice, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, National City Police Department, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, San Diego City Attorney’s Office, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego County Probation Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego Police Department, Southwest Border High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Special Victims Unit. Formed in April 2025, the SVU is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving sex trafficking and child exploitation, civil rights, and labor trafficking. The SVU oversees the Southern District of California liaisons to the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force and Project Safe Childhood.
Lafayette Parish Couple Involved in Distributing Child Pornography Each Sentenced to a Decade or More in PrisonRead the Press Release
LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller announces that Brad William Blanchard, 45, has been sentenced for attempted receipt and attempted distribution of child pornography. United States District Judge David C. Joseph sentenced Blanchard to 150 months in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release for these offenses.
According to information presented in court, law enforcement agents involved in an undercover investigation began communicating with an individual, later identified as Blanchard, on an internet-based fetish forum wherein Blanchard expressed his sexual interest in underage children. Blanchard sent an undercover agent images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) which depicted a minor victim. Following this exchange, agents were able to obtain and execute search and arrest warrants for Blanchard’s person, residence, and electronic devices. At the time the warrants were executed, Blanchard admitted to law enforcement that he had sent the CSAM images and that his girlfriend, Amy Kraft, had assisted in sending him CSAM for his sexual gratification. Kraft was subsequently arrested and admitted her involvement in sending the CSAM images to Blanchard to fulfill his sexual fantasies and gratification.
Amy Kraft, 49, the co-defendant and girlfriend of Blanchard, pled guilty to attempted distribution of child pornography and was sentenced on October 1, 2025, to 120 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $12,000 in restitution to the victims.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Danny Siefker is prosecuting the case.
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 Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
To report suspected human trafficking or to obtain resources for victims, please call 1-888-373-7888; text “BeFree” (233733), or live chat at HumanTraffickingHotline.org. The toll-free phone, SMS text lines, and online chat function are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Help is available in English, Spanish, Creole, or in more than 200 additional languages. The National Hotline is not managed by law enforcement, immigration, or an investigative agency. Correspondence with the National Hotline is confidential, and you may request assistance or report a tip anonymously.
To report online child sexual exploitation, use the electronic Cyber Tip Line or call 1-800-843-5678. The Cyber Tip Line is operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in partnership with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.
To learn more about the National Resource Hotline, visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. To learn more about the U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking, visit www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 6:25-cr-00037-DCJ-DJA.
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Justice Department Files Complaint Challenging California Mask Ban and Identification Requirements for Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against California, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Attorney General Robert Bonta challenging their unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal law enforcement officers through the so-called “No Secret Police Act” and “No Vigilantes Act.”
Not only are the laws illegal attempts to discriminate against and regulate the federal government, but, as alleged in the complaint, the laws threaten the safety of federal officers who have faced an unprecedent wave of harassment, doxxing, and even violence. Threatening officers with prosecution for simply protecting their identities and their families also chills the enforcement of federal law and compromises sensitive law enforcement operations. The danger is acute.
"Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep Americans safe, and they do not deserve to be doxed or harassed simply for carrying out their duties," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "California’s anti-law enforcement policies discriminate against the federal government and are designed to create risk for our agents. These laws cannot stand."
"The Department of Justice will steadfastly protect the privacy and safety of law enforcement from unconstitutional state laws like California’s," said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.
"Assaults against federal agents have exploded over the last few months, thanks in part to recklessness political rhetoric aiming to delegitimize our brave agents," said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California. "Unconstitutional laws such as this one further endanger our brave men and women protecting our community. Our immigration enforcement will continue unabated and unhindered by unconstitutional state laws enacted by irresponsible politicians."
On her first day in office, Attorney General Bondi instructed the Department’s Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies, and practices that facilitate violations of federal laws or impede lawful federal operations. Today’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of lawsuits brought by the Civil Division targeting illegal policies designed to thwart federal law enforcement across the country, including in New York, New Jersey, and Los Angeles, California.
Johnstown Resident Pleads Guilty to Theft from a Program Receiving Federal FundsRead the Press Release
This release was published following the 43-day government shutdown during which the plea occurred.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of stealing funds from a program or entity receiving federal funding, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.
Brett Smith, 41, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on October 1, 2025.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Smith, the former manager of a Johnstown apartment complex that houses the elderly, deposited rental payments and coins from the complex’s laundry machine into his own bank account. The complex receives federal funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the form of Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for February 3, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or an alternative amount, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The HUD Office of Inspector General and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Smith.
Inmate Serving 50-Year Sentence for Rape of a Child and Aggravated Sexual Battery Sentenced to 10 More Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Dallas Jay Stewart, 43, was sentenced to 10 more years in federal prison on possession of child pornography. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, a targeted inmate cell search was conducted on Stewart’s cell. The search revealed an electronic storage device. A forensic examination revealed images of child sexual abuse material. Stewart was charged with one count of possession of child pornography.
On November 5, 2025, United States District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Stewart to 130 months' imprisonment and five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Stewart is currently serving a 50-year sentence for rape of a child and aggravated sexual battery. This sentence will run consecutive to the 50-year sentence.
Additionally, Stewart must comply with the conditions of the Sexual Offender Registry upon his release.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: “With persistent recidivism and technology, criminals are finding new and increasingly disturbing ways to victimize and exploit child victims, even while behind prison walls. This case demonstrates that no matter where offenders are located, our FBI partners in the Child Exploitation Task Force will find them and we will hold them accountable for internet crimes against children.”
This case was investigated by Agent Eric McCraw, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Nashville-Jackson Resident Agency Child Exploitation Task Force, and the State of Tennessee Department of Corrections Office of Investigations and Conduct.
Assistant United States Attorney Caroline Parish prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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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.
Inmate Sentenced to Five Years’ Imprisonment for Attempting to Distribute Drugs in A Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
SCRANTON, The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Julian Beavers, age 39, an inmate at United States Penitentiary- Canaan, was sentenced on November 14, 2025, to five years’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for attempting to provide fentanyl, marijuana and xylazine to other inmates.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on April 13, 2023, while sorting incoming mail, correctional officers at USP Canaan, Waymart, Pennsylvania, intercepted a large manilla envelope containing papers soaked in fentanyl, marijuana and xylazine ultimately destined for Beavers. Investigation revealed that Beavers conspired with other individuals outside of the facility to have the drugs packaged and shipped into the prison for his own personal use and for distribution. Beavers was at USP Canaan serving a 130 month sentence imposed by a District Court Judge in the United States District Court in Buffalo, New York for possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and fentanyl. The 60 month sentence was imposed to run consecutive to his New York sentence.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case.
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Indonesian Jewelry Company, Co-Owner, and Two Other Employees Charged in Large-Scale Duty and Tariff Evasion SchemeRead the Press Release
NEWARK, NJ. – An Indonesian jewelry company, its Indonesian co-owner, and two other Indonesian and Italian employees were charged last week with engaging in a scheme to illegally evade more than $86 million in customs duties and tariffs on more than $1.2 billion in jewelry imports into the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba announced.
Icha Anastasia, 37, of Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, and Claudio Fogale, 51, of Mussolente, Italy were arrested and charged last week by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. They appeared on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark, III in Newark federal court and were detained. Michael Yahya, who was also charged, remains in Indonesia and has not yet been arrested.
“As the complaint alleges, the defendants conspired to evade duties and tariffs for imports into the United States on an enormous scale. These charges demonstrate that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our agency partners are dedicated to rooting out efforts by foreign companies and individuals to defraud the United States and undercut American businesses.”
- Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba
“Perpetrating a years-long scheme to evade paying millions of dollars of customs duties and tariffs is a serious criminal offense. Michael Yahya, Icha Anastasia, Claudio Fogale, and others are alleged to have used a foreign company to import over $1.2 billion of jewelry and illegally defraud the United States out of more than $86 million in customs duties and tariffs,” stated Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, IRS Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office. “IRS-CI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate fraud against the United States and foster confidence in the legal system.”
“This case underscores HSI’s unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of U.S. trade and ensuring that those who attempt to evade lawful duties or circumvent U.S. laws are held accountable,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy. “As alleged, the defendants engaged in a complex, multi-year scheme to evade more than $86 million in duties and tariffs—defrauding the U.S. government and undermining legitimate American businesses. HSI, in partnership with our federal law enforcement colleagues, will continue to investigate and dismantle schemes that threaten the nation’s economic security and the rule of law.”
“This case underscores CBP’s role in safeguarding the U.S. economy by enforcing trade laws and holding suspected bad actors accountable,” said CBP’s New York Field Office Director of Field Operations Francis J. Russo. “Our officers and import specialists used data-driven targeting and meticulous examinations to help disrupt this suspected duty-evasion scheme while facilitating legitimate commerce.”
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
PT Untung Bersama Sejahtera, a/k/a “UBS Gold” (“UBS Gold”), Yahya, Anastasia, Fogale, and others have been involved in a large-scale customs duty and tariff evasion scheme. UBS Gold is a major jewelry company headquartered in Indonesia that ships jewelry around the globe, including to the United States. Yahya, an Indonesian national, is a co-owner of UBS Gold and its Export Marketing Head; Anastasia, an Indonesian national, served as a Senior Account Executive for UBS Gold who serviced customers in the United States; and Fogale, an Italian national, was also a UBS Gold employee who serviced customers in the United States.
UBS Gold—through its employees, agents, and representatives Yahya, Anastasia, Fogale, and others—engaged in a conspiracy to evade lawful duties and tariffs for shipments of jewelry to the United States. To evade tariffs and duties, the defendants engaged in at least two related and overlapping schemes.
For years until in or around the end of 2020, Indonesia had duty-free treatment with the United States through the Generalized System of Preferences (“GSP”) program. The GSP program expired on or about December 31, 2020, and was not reauthorized by Congress. Therefore, from on or about January 1, 2021, through the present, the United States has imposed a duty on jewelry imported from Indonesia to the United States. UBS Gold and its co-conspirators evaded these duties by making jewelry in Indonesia and then shipping it to Jordan, which had a Free Trade Agreement with the United States, before sending it to the United States. The defendants then falsely claimed that UBS Gold jewelry had been manufactured in Jordan, which avoided the duty that would otherwise apply.
Starting earlier this year, the United States imposed tariffs for the importation of goods into the United States from many different countries, including Indonesia and Jordan. To avoid those tariffs, the defendants and co-conspirators began shipping scrap gold from the United States to Jordan, which they falsely claimed was gold jewelry that simply needed to be assembled or finished in Jordan. Instead, the defendants and co-conspirators swapped the scrap gold for UBS Gold jewelry made in Indonesia, which they then shipped from Jordan to the United States. The defendants and co-conspirators falsely claimed that the jewelry had been manufactured in the United States, so they could avoid paying the tariffs that would otherwise apply.
Through these schemes, from in or around 2021 through in or around October 2025, the defendants caused UBS Gold and its customers to avoid more than approximately $86,477,705.72 in duties and tariffs on more than $1.2 billion in jewelry shipments to the United States, including to New Jersey.
The wire fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of either $250,000 for the individual defendants or $500,000 for the corporate entity or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater.
Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Habba credited special agents and task force officers of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer Piovesan in Newark; special agents with Homeland Security Investigations in Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy; and officers and specialists of U.S. Customs and Border Protection at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Francis J. Russo.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olta Bejleri of the Economic Crimes Unit, Peter Laserna of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit, and Marko Pesce, Deputy Chief of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit in Newark.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense Counsel for Icha Anastasia: Jerry Ballarotto, Hamilton
Defense Counsel for Claudio Fogale: Joseph Amsel, Newark
sejahteraetal.complaint.pdfIndictment Charges Shelton Woman with Fraud Offenses Stemming from Alleged $700K Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a five-count indictment charging PAMELA AGUILAR, 65, of Shelton, with fraud offenses stemming from an alleged embezzlement scheme that defrauded a Connecticut company of approximately $700,000.
As alleged in the indictment, Aguilar was employed as Chief Financial Officer of a Connecticut software company, identified in court documents as “Company A.” Between approximately 2018 and 2025, Aguilar defrauded Company A’s by making ACH and wire transfers from Company A’s account to personal bank accounts, writing checks and making cash withdrawals from Company A’s account, and by making PayPal and credit card payments from Company A’s account for her own benefit.
It is alleged that through this scheme, Aguila stole approximately $700,000 from Company A. Aguilar attempted to cover up her criminal behavior by providing false weekly cash reports and false monthly financial statements to Company A’s Chief Executive Officer.
The indictment was returned on October 15, 2025. On October 22, Aguilar appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and was released on a $50,000 bond.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.
Illinois Man Sentenced to 6 Months for Making Interstate ThreatsRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: An Illinois man was sentenced on October 30, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Bangor for making threatening interstate communications.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Massimo Frangella, 25, to 6 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Frangella pleaded guilty on June 2, 2025.
According to court records, Frangella sent seven identical emails to Maine public officials from his email account. The subject line of each read: “You’re going to die.” In the body of the emails, Frangella further threatened: “I’m going to kill you and all of your child raping friends.” He targeted the victims because of their status as public officials.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from Maine Capitol Police.
“Massimo Frangella used words as his weapon, sending threatening messages to Maine public officials whose views he didn’t agree with,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. "Now, he’ll spend the next six months behind bars in federal prison. Please don’t let keyboard courage short-circuit your future. There are productive ways to express your anger and desire for change, but threats of violence will never be one of them.”
Editor’s Note:
This matter occurred on the date indicated, but the press release was not published at that time due to the federal government shutdown. The release was posted and made available following the return to normal operations.###
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Santos Reyes-Garcia, a/k/a Edgar Benjamin Colorado Mora, a/k/a Edgar Colorado-Moran, a/k/a Santos Garcia Reyes, age 38, a Guatemalan national unlawfully present in Cherokee County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.
The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
On June 9, 2025, Reyes-Garcia pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on May 5, 2025, Reyes-Garcia, 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 December 15, 2008.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jaime Yair Arellano-Perez, age 37, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 12 months in prison for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.
The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
On October 8, 2025, Arellano-Perez pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on October 1, 2025, Arellano-Perez, 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 June 25, 2012, October 6, 2014, and August 26, 2015.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Arellano-Perez was remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Alex Eduardo Turcios-Brizuela, a/k/a Alex Turcior Brizaela, a/k/a Alex Turcios, age 42, a Honduran national unlawfully present in Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 14 months in prison for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.
The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office.
On June 26, 2025, Turcios-Brizuela pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on May 18, 2025, Turcios-Brizuela, 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 February 26, 2009, and March 20, 2009.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Turcios-Brizuela will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States.
Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Angel Urbina-Ramirez, a/k/a Angel Urbina Ramirez, a/k/a Angel Urbinaramirez, age 54, a Mexican national unlawfully present in LeFlore County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 10 months in prison for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien.
The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Poteau Police Department.
On July 21, 2025, Urbina-Ramirez pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on June 13, 2025, Urbina-Ramirez, 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 January 30, 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Urbina-Ramirez will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States.