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16 September 2026
Liability for Unregistered Foreign AgentsRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice would like to remind the public of federal laws that require individuals to register as foreign agents when they act in the United States at the direction or control of a foreign government or foreign principal, and that they will face civil and criminal liability if they fail to do so.
The Department recognizes and protects the First Amendment rights of those who seek to express their opinions publicly. The Department will not take action to inhibit anyone’s constitutionally protected right to free speech and free expression. Nor will any decisions be illegitimately influenced by anyone’s political associations, activities, or beliefs.
At the same time, the Department is committed to upholding the rule of law and keeping our country safe against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. It does so by holding to account those who violate federal law. Two such federal laws — the Foreign Agents Registration Act, known as FARA, and 18 U.S.C. § 951 — impose disclosure or notification obligations when a person acts in the United States as an agent of a foreign principal or foreign government. These obligations aid in stopping foreign governments or their representatives from using undisclosed agents, intermediaries, false affiliations, covert funding, or other deceptive activities to illegally influence public debate, suborn sedition, or interfere with official proceedings.
Both citizens and noncitizens are reminded that anyone who violates FARA or § 951 may face federal civil or criminal liability. If a person acts as an agent of any foreign power to carry out any public activity, including (but not limited to) public demonstrations designed to further the propaganda or other goals of the foreign power, he or she must register with or notify the appropriate federal authorities. Failure to do so may result in significant civil or criminal sanctions, up to and including a maximum of five years in prison.
More information about FARA is available from the Department’s FARA Unit. Individuals with questions about potential obligations under FARA or 18 U.S.C. § 951 should consult legal counsel or seek an Advisory Opinion from the Department’s FARA Unit under 28 C.F.R. § 5.2. Members of the public who believe they have information about undisclosed foreign government direction or control may contact the FBI or their local U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Lehigh County Woman Pleads Guilty to Illegal VotingRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Evelyn Miller, 37, of Emmaus, Pennsylvania, a Philippine citizen lawfully residing in the U.S., pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott M. Reid to illegally voting in the 2024 general election. Under both federal and state law, only U.S. citizens may vote in Pennsylvania.
Miller is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16 and faces a maximum possible sentence of one year in prison, one year of supervised release, a $100,000 fine, and a $25 special assessment.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI.
Justice Department Sues San Jose for Unconstitutional $1600 Firearm Permit FeeRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department filed suit against the City of San Jose, California, and the San Jose Police Department for charging private individuals unreasonable fees to exercise their Second Amendment right to lawfully carry a firearm. At nearly $1,600 per license, the City’s application fee to carry a firearm is the highest in the nation. Indeed, San Jose’s fee towers over those imposed by the country’s biggest cities. New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, and Chicago all charge a small fraction of San Jose’s fee. The Supreme Court has held that “exorbitant fees” such as San Jose’s violate the Second Amendment because they deny ordinary citizens their right to carry firearms for self-defense.
"All law-abiding Americans have a constitutional right to bear arms for self‑defense. This right is not a luxury reserved for a privileged few, but a fundamental element of our republic,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “You don’t need a law degree to recognize that charging a fee several times higher than the cost of the firearm itself is illogical, and an unconstitutional attempt to impede Americans’ Second Amendment rights."
The Civil Rights Division’s Second Amendment Section enforces the Second Amendment, the Police Pattern or Practice Act (34 U.S.C. § 12601), and Executive Order 14206. If you are a current or prospective gun owner and believe that a state or local government has infringed your right to keep or bear arms, please submit a complaint through https://www.justice.gov/crt/second-amendment-section.
Jury Convicts Mexican Citizen for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – An illegal alien was found guilty by a federal jury for illegally reentering the United States after having been previously removed from the United States.
Amador Salinas-Rodriguez, 47, was found guilty of one count of illegal reentry of a removed alien.
On April 7, 2026, the federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Salinas-Rodriguez with illegal reentry after removal. On April 24, 2026, officers with the Columbia Police Department arrested Salinas-Rodriguez on a federal arrest warrant issued with the indictment.
The evidence at trial established that on Aug. 1, 1999, Salinas-Rodriguez entered the United States at a border crossing at Nogales, Ariz., using another person’s border crossing card. Federal agents discovered Salinas-Rodriguez’s deception and removed him back to Mexico. After that removal, Salinas-Rodriguez was found in Columbia, Mo., in February 2025 and again in February 2026, without having obtained the consent of the Attorney General or Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission into the United States.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Jefferson City, Mo., returned a guilty verdict to U.S. District Judge Greg Kays, ending a trial beginning Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026.
Under federal statutes, Salinas-Rodriguez is facing up to two years in federal prison. 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 U.S. Probation Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Komoroski and Ashley Turner. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
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.
Jamestown man arrested on meth charge following Homeland Security Task Force investigationRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Koran Leeper, 54, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life.
According to the complaint, on April 30, 2026, Jamestown Police officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle Leeper was riding in. During the stop, the officers observed an unusual amount of a crystal-like substance on Leeper’s chest and legs. When questioned about it by one of the officers, Leeper stated it was cigarette ash. However, the officer did not believe that the substance was fully cigarette ash, but instead an illegal drug. Officers attempted to search the vehicle, but the driver declined. Officers did observe what they believed to be loose crack cocaine on the driver’s seat and the passenger’s seat in plain view. Officers also observed the corner of a ripped off baggie containing a white powdery residue. Believing that the driver and Leeper were in possession of controlled substances, officers conducted a search of the vehicle and located a clear container with the residue of a white powdery substance, as well as a glass smoking device. The driver and Leeper were taken into custody. Officers then located a plastic bag containing a large amount of a crystal-like substance in Leeper’s left pocket and a plastic bag containing a white powder-like substance in his right pocket.
Leeper made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained.
This investigation was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, ATF, IRS Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the DEA, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Jackson County Postal Employee Sentenced for Delay or Destruction of MailRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Stacy Michelle Braxton, 39, of Marianna, Florida, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker to 59 days of incarceration and two years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to one count of delay or destruction of mail. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our citizens rely upon the mail to be delivered quickly, securely, and efficiently, and this postal carrier’s reprehensible violation of the public trust placed in her to fulfill that duty deserves serious punishment. I applaud the excellent work of the USPS Inspector General to identify, investigate, and hold accountable this criminal behavior by a postal carrier. My office will aggressively prosecute crimes impacting our U.S. mail system to ensure our citizens can continue to trust the reliability of our postal service.”
Court documents reflect that the defendant was a rural mail carrier for the Greenwood Post Office in Jackson County, Florida. In February 2026, law enforcement recovered 498 pieces of mail from the defendant’s mail route that were discarded in a burn barrel in Marianna, Florida. The defendant admitted to investigators that she attempted to discard and burn the mail from her route rather than delivering the mail to the designated recipients.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Emma Schwan prosecuted the case.
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 available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Illegal alien from Guatemala sentenced to over six years in prison for immigration and child sexual abuse crimesRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Falls Church was sentenced today to six years and five months in prison for receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and illegally reentering the United States following a prior removal.
According to court documents, Roni Mendez Escobar, 33, has been removed from the United States three times since a final a final order of removal dated Aug. 24, 2015. On Oct. 23, 2025, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) learned that Mendez Escobar had been detained at the Fairfax Detention Center.
A forensic review of Mendez Escobar’s electronic devices revealed his collection of 46 images and 65 videos containing CSAM. Mendez Escobar used WhatsApp to encourage others to consume CSAM and chat and video-call young girls. Mendez Escobar also used WhatsApp to distribute CSAM, including depictions of the sexual abuse and exploitation of prepubescent children. Mendez Escobar intentionally and repeatedly viewed, downloaded, and possessed images and videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct from at least October 2024 to August 2025.
Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Robert Guadian, Field Office Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Clement prosecuted the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Washington, D.C., comprises agents and officers from Enforcement and Removal Operations; FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; Naval Criminal Investigative Service; Transportation Security Administration Federal Air Marshals Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Washington Baltimore HIDTA, with the prosecution being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 26-cr-95.
Illegal alien charged with providing material support to Gulf Cartel—a foreign terrorist organizationRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 21-year-old Mexican national has been indicted for allegedly providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Jose Flores-Flores of Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, remains in custody following his arrest. A federal grand jury returned the superseding indictment, and he is expected to appear for arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker in the near future.
“Thanks to President Trump designating certain cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, federal law enforcement now has a whole new arsenal of legal tools to dismantle their activities,” said U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz. “Flores-Flores in just one defendant today. But under the leadership of President Trump and Attorney General Blanche, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas is on the very forefront of Making America Safe Again through the destruction and dismantling of these terrorist cartels.
According to the charges, authorities encountered Flores-Flores near Mission July 10. A records check allegedly revealed authorities had previously removed him from the United States earlier this year.
The indictment further alleges Flores-Flores was an active member of the Gulf Cartel for more than a year. He allegedly provided services including personnel, regional protection and enforcement, law enforcement countersurveillance, and disposal of human remains.
Flores-Flores allegedly worked nights maintaining an assigned sector in Reynosa. He also conducted countersurveillance against the Mexican military and law enforcement.
According to the indictment, Flores-Flores received names or photographs of individuals targeted for kidnapping. He allegedly kidnapped those individuals and delivered them to higher-ranking cartel members.
The indictment also alleges Flores-Flores dismembered at least two victims on the outskirts of Reynosa after they ran afoul of the Gulf Cartel.
The United States designated the Gulf Cartel, also known as Cartel del Golfo, as a foreign terrorist organization Feb. 20, 2025. According to the Department of State, the northeast Mexico-based cartel is involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, human smuggling, and other illicit activities. They also use violence, including assassinations of civilians and government officials, to intimidate the public and control territory.
If convicted, Flores-Flores faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Border Patrol and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin Walker and Avery Benitez are prosecuting the case.
A recording of the press conference announcing the indictment is available on YouTube at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/VNE8hvY3cns?feature=share.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Illegal Alien from Guatemala Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Seeking to Obtain Custody of an Unaccompanied Alien ChildRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND - Gladys Marina Caal Chen, 21, of Guatemala, pleaded guilty to submitting a sponsorship application with false statements to the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to gain custody of an unaccompanied alien child (UAC).
According to court documents, Caal Chen falsely stated in a UAC sponsorship application under the penalty of perjury that she was the UAC’s sister. The HHS-funded care provider discontinued its consideration of Caal Chen’s application based in part on concerns that Caal Chen misrepresented her identity and relationship with the UAC in application materials. Caal Chen was arrested on May 22, after law enforcement encountered her during a court-authorized search of a residence belonging to another illegal alien from Guatemala who was charged with crimes relating to UACs. Caal Chen was previously sponsored as a UAC by one of that alien’s co-conspirators who fraudulently used an alias. Caal Chen is also alleged to have lied to ORR in or around January 2024 in an application to sponsor a UAC using an alias. At the time of her arrest, Caal Chen lied to law enforcement by providing another alias, but she later admitted her real name was Caal Chen.
“This defendant defrauded and undermined a government program designed to protect children,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The investigative efforts that led to this guilty plea demonstrate that the United States and Joint Task Force Alpha will prosecute those who seek to take advantage of children, ignore the laws designed to protect them, and take measures to thwart our government’s efforts to ensure their safety.”
“Those who intentionally manipulate federal systems and programs to gain illegal custody of children are despicable,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “We will aggressively prosecute anyone who lies to federal authorities, and we will not tolerate actions that enable them to smuggle or traffic others — especially children.”
“This guilty plea underscores Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) commitment to protecting unaccompanied children from individuals who attempt to exploit the sponsorship process through fraud and deception,” said Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey of HSI Detroit. “False statements in these applications can and have placed vulnerable children at serious risk. HSI will continue working with our federal, state and local partners to identify fraudulent schemes, protect potential victims and ensure those who undermine the integrity of the process are held accountable.”
“Caal Chen abused the very program that is designed to help vulnerable children by lying and taking advantage of the system,” said Assistant Director Heith Janke of the FBI. “The FBI will use every resource at our disposal to safeguard the government programs designed to help these children and to pursue justice against anyone who seeks to exploit them.”
“Fraudulently manipulating the sponsorship process for unaccompanied children not only violates federal law, it endangers vulnerable young children who rely on these protections,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Miranda L. Bennett of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS‑OIG and our law enforcement partners will continue to safeguard programs designed to protect children and will hold accountable anyone who seeks to exploit them.”
Caal Chen pleaded guilty to making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Sentencing is set for Nov. 23. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The HSI, FBI, and HHS-OIG Cleveland field offices jointly led the investigation with assistance from HSI’s Attaché team in Guatemala. Additionally, HSI’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking and HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and ORR, have provided valuable assistance. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and prosecutors from Guatemala’s Office of Public Ministry provided significant assistance in this matter.
Deputy Chief Christian Levesque and Trial Attorney Spencer M. Perry of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney/Senior Litigation Counsel Carol Skutnik and Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward D. Brydle for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case, with assistance from HRSP Analyst/Latin America Specialist Joanna Crandall.
The investigation and indictment leading to the guilty plea announced today was supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s HRSP Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated prosecutors from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement/HSI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection/Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 483 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 436 U.S. convictions; and more than 371 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood.
Illegal Alien with Seven Prior Deportations and Multiple Felony Convictions Sentenced to 13 Months in Prison for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – An illegal alien from Mexico was sentenced today by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 13 months and one day in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for illegally reentering the United States after having been removed from the country on seven prior occasions. The government recommended a sentence of 13 months and one day in prison. Judge Navarro also sentenced him to 10 months in prison for violating the terms of his supervised release based on his 2025 conviction for illegally reentering the United States after having been deported. The government recommended 10 months in that case.
“The defendant in this case showed a complete disregard for United States law by repeatedly returning to our communities after being deported seven times,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. "This sentence sends a clear message that individuals who have been convicted of multiple felonies and continue to violate our borders will face criminal prosecution and prison time. We will continue to work closely with our federal law enforcement partners to protect public safety and uphold the rule of law.”
According to court documents and statements made during court proceedings, on March 29, 2026, Uriel Lira-Cabrera was found in the United States by immigration officials less than a year after his last deportation.
Lira-Cabrera was previously deported to Mexico on or about February 7, 2007; September 11, 2013; November 15, 2016; March 27, 2017; August 27, 2018; November 27, 2021; and July 19, 2025.
Lira-Cabrera has prior felony convictions for Assault with Deadly Weapon by Means Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury and for illegally returning to the United States after a removal. This is his fourth conviction for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
Lira-Cabrera pleaded guilty to one count of Deported Alien Found in the United States. After serving his prison sentence, he will be deported to Mexico for an 8th time.
First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Field Office Director Jason Knight made the announcement.
The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.
Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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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 Luis Alberto Garcia, age 64, a Mexican national unlawfully present in McIntosh 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 McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office.
On September 2, 2026, Garcia pleaded guilty to a Felony Indictment of the charge. According to investigators, on August 17, 2026, 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 May 30, 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.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chuck Sullivan represented the United States.
Illegal Alien Previously Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Identity Theft Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national who unlawfully resided in Dorchester, Mass. was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after having been deported on three separate occasions. The defendant has previously been convicted of drug trafficking, aggravated identity theft and wire fraud dating as far back as 1997.
Wilson Radhames Peguero Brea, a/k/a Jose Perez Antonio, 57, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun to time served (eight months in prison), to be followed by two years of supervised release. The government recommended a sentence of 21 months in prison. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In July 2026, Peguero Brea pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien with a prior felony conviction. The defendant was previously charged by criminal complaint in February 2026 and indicted in April 2026. He is currently in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
Peguero Brea illegally entered the United States at least four times, and used numerous aliases, including aliases belonging to U.S. citizen victims. In 1997, under an alias associated with a U.S. citizen victim, Peguero Brea was convicted of drug trafficking. He was removed from the United States in 2005 and thereafter illegally reentered the country. In 2016, Peguero Brea was arrested and charged by the state with possession of a fraudulently obtained driver’s license. That criminal case remains in default status. He was removed from the U.S. a second time in 2016.
After Peguero Brea illegally entered the U.S. a third time, he was charged in Dorchester District Court with trafficking cocaine and fentanyl in a criminal case that remains in warrant status. According to court documents, Peguero Brea’s Massachusetts criminal history is associated with his alias Jose Perez Antonio.
In 2021, Peguero Brea was arrested and charged with his true name in federal court for aggravated identity theft and wire fraud. He was convicted of both charges on Jan. 11, 2023, and sentenced to more than two years in federal prison. In 2023, Peguero Brea was removed from the United States a third time. Peguero Brea then illegally reentered the United States a fourth time and was encountered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials on Feb. 5, 2026, while using a false identity document.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and David T. Wesling, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julissa Walsh of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Unlawful ReentryRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Francisco Martinez-Infante, a/k/a Raymundo Infante-Ochoa, age 43, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Spiro, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than twenty years, and a fine of not more than $250,000.00.
The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
The Indictment alleged that on June 23, 2026, Martinez-Infante, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on March 1, 2024.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Martinez-Infante will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Staubus represented the United States.
ISIS-K terrorist sentenced to 20 years in prison for role in Abbey Gate and other terror attacksRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Afghan national Mohammad Sharifullah, a member of the terrorist organization the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for his participation in a nine-year conspiracy to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
“Mohammad Sharifullah has dedicated his life to violence and murder for the sake of hatred,’” said Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We cannot restore the lives he has taken, but we can bring a measure of justice to the families who lost so much on that day.”
“Sharifullah spent nearly a decade at the heart of a horrific campaign of terror, providing critical support for attacks against civilians around the world and, ultimately, contributed to the deaths of 13 U.S. servicemembers and dozens of others at Abbey Gate,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Today’s sentence holds him accountable for the blood on his hands. The United States will pursue, capture, and bring to justice anyone, anywhere in the world, who takes part in the killing of our servicemembers or citizens.”
“With today’s sentencing Mohammad Sharifullah will be held accountable, on U.S. soil, for his role in the horrific ISIS-K terrorist attack which killed 13 American service members and numerous Afghan civilians,” said Assistant Director Jarod Brown of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “The bombing occurred in Afghanistan – thousands of miles from the United States – but that did not stop the FBI and our interagency partners from bringing Sharifullah here to face American justice. No matter where you are, and no matter how long it takes, we remain steadfast in our duty to bring to justice those who have harmed our citizens. I’m grateful to the men and women of the FBI, and our domestic and international partners, for their tireless efforts in this case.”
“Sharifullah, an ISIS K operative, pledged allegiance to a doctrine of hate and contributed to more than a dozen terrorist attacks — including the Abbey Gate bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members and dozens of Afghan civilians,” said Darren Cox, assistant director in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Over the years, he was a critical link in ISIS K operations, relaying communications, conducting surveillance, and transporting suicide bombers. His sentence demonstrates the lengths the FBI will go to apprehend terrorists who harm Americans and deliver justice for the innocent.”
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on Aug. 26, 2021, American and other Coalition military forces were conducting a non-combatant evacuation operation at the Abbey Gate of the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Thousands of civilians were at Abbey Gate for evacuation.
ISIS-K leadership tasked Sharifullah with surveilling a road to the Hamid Karzai International Airport to ensure it was clear of Taliban checkpoints. At about 2:00 pm, Sharifullah travelled his assigned route and communicated to ISIS-K leadership that the route was clear. At approximately 5:36 p.m., ISIS-K operative Abdul Rahman al-Logari, whom Sharifullah knew previously from their time together in an Afghan prison, detonated a body-worn suicide bomb at Abbey Gate, killing 13 U.S. military service members and approximately 160 civilians.
Additionally, on June 20, 2016, a suicide bomber acting for ISIS-K detonated a bomb targeting Nepali security guards protecting the Canadian embassy in Kabul. Prior to the attack, Sharifullah conducted surveillance to prepare the suicide bomber and later transported the suicide bomber toward the attack site.
On March 22, 2024, a group of ISIS-K gunmen attacked Crocus City Hall near Moscow. On behalf of ISIS-K, Sharifullah shared instructions on how to use AK-style rifles and other weapons with attackers and was in communication with them during the attack. The ISIS-K attackers used AK-style rifles to kill over 100 civilians in the attack.
In all, Sharifullah participated in over a dozen additional ISIS-K attacks from 2016 through his eventual apprehension in 2025. Throughout these attacks, Sharifullah was involved in various aspects of ISIS-K operations, including providing surveillance for attacks, transporting suicide bombers, transporting and cleaning armaments, communicating messages among ISIS-K personnel, and video recording explosions for ISIS-K propaganda purposes.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Gibbs, Avi Panth, and Reed Sawyers for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Ryan D. White for the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division are prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-143.
ISIS-K Terrorist Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Role in Abbey Gate and Other Terror AttacksRead the Press Release
Afghan national Mohammad Sharifullah, a member of the terrorist organization the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for his participation in a nearly 10 year conspiracy to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
“Sharifullah spent nearly a decade at the heart of a horrific campaign of terror, providing critical support for attacks against civilians around the world and, ultimately, contributed to the deaths of 13 U.S. servicemembers and dozens of others at Abbey Gate,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Today’s sentence holds him accountable for the blood on his hands. The United States will pursue, capture, and bring to justice anyone, anywhere in the world, who takes part in the killing of our servicemembers or citizens.”
“Mohammad Sharifullah has dedicated his life to violence and murder for the sake of hatred,’” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Theophani K. Stamos for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We cannot restore the lives he has taken, but we can bring a measure of justice to the families who lost so much on that day.”
“With today’s sentencing Mohammad Sharifullah will be held accountable, on U.S. soil, for his role in the horrific ISIS-K terrorist attack which killed 13 American service members and numerous Afghan civilians,” said Assistant Director Jarod Brown of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “The bombing occurred in Afghanistan — thousands of miles from the United States — but that did not stop the FBI and our interagency partners from bringing Sharifullah here to face American justice. No matter where you are, and no matter how long it takes, we remain steadfast in our duty to bring to justice those who have harmed our citizens. I’m grateful to the men and women of the FBI, and our domestic and international partners, for their tireless efforts in this case.”
“Sharifullah, an ISIS‑K operative, pledged allegiance to a doctrine of hate and contributed to more than a dozen terrorist attacks — including the Abbey Gate bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members and dozens of Afghan civilians,” said Assistant Director in Charge Darren Cox of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Over the years, he was a critical link in ISIS‑K operations, relaying communications, conducting surveillance, and transporting suicide bombers. His sentence demonstrates the lengths the FBI will go to apprehend terrorists who harm Americans and deliver justice for the innocent.”
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on Aug. 26, 2021, American and other Coalition military forces were conducting a non-combatant evacuation operation at the Abbey Gate of the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Thousands of civilians were at Abbey Gate for evacuation.
ISIS-K leadership tasked Sharifullah with surveilling a road to the Hamid Karzai International Airport to ensure it was clear of Taliban checkpoints. At about 2:00 pm, Sharifullah travelled his assigned route and communicated to ISIS-K leadership that the route was clear. At approximately 5:36 p.m., ISIS-K operative Abdul Rahman al-Logari, whom Sharifullah knew previously from their time together in an Afghan prison, detonated a body-worn suicide bomb at Abbey Gate, killing 13 U.S. military service members and approximately 160 civilians.
Additionally, on June 20, 2016, a suicide bomber acting for ISIS-K detonated a bomb targeting Nepali security guards protecting the Canadian embassy in Kabul. Prior to the attack, Sharifullah conducted surveillance to prepare the suicide bomber and later transported the suicide bomber to the attack site.
On March 22, 2024, a group of ISIS-K gunmen attacked Crocus City Hall near Moscow. On behalf of ISIS-K, Sharifullah shared instructions on how to use AK-style rifles and other weapons with the attackers, and was in communication with them during the attack. The ISIS-K attackers used AK-style rifles to kill over 100 civilians in the attack.
In all, Sharifullah participated in over a dozen ISIS-K attacks from 2016 through his eventual apprehension in 2025. Throughout these attacks, Sharifullah was involved in various aspects of ISIS-K operations, including providing surveillance for attacks, transporting suicide bombers, transporting and cleaning armaments, communicating messages among ISIS-K personnel, and video recording explosions for ISIS-K propaganda purposes.
The FBI Washington Field Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Gibbs, Avi Panth, and Reed Sawyers for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Ryan D. White for the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division are prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-143.
Houstonian charged in violent attack in Medical Center parking garageRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 46-year-old local resident has been indicted on charges of kidnapping and attempted carjacking following a violent stabbing attack.
Perry Bernard Green made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray on Sept. 15.
According to the indictment, Green kidnapped and attempted to carjack a woman at knifepoint May 11 in a parking garage near the Houston Medical Center.
During the attack, Green allegedly bound the victim’s hands with zip ties and repeatedly stabbed and cut her in the face, chest, arms, hands, and ankle.
Green has been and will remain in custody pending trial.
If convicted, he faces up to life in federal prison and a possible maximum fine of $250,000.
FBI – Houston and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. Sand is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Haitian National to Spend 17 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robberies of Delivery Driver and Store ClerkRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Laurens Jean-Francois, 23, of Haiti, has been sentenced to 17 years and 10 months, followed by three years of supervised release. In June 2026, a federal jury found Jean-Francois guilty of two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. Jean-Francois will be subject to removal from the United States upon release from federal prison.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, Jean-Francois committed two armed robberies in Indianapolis over a three‑day period in July 2025.
On July 19, a Domino’s Pizza delivery driver arrived at the Scarborough Lake Apartments to deliver an order. As the victim knocked on the apartment door, Jean‑Francois approached from a stairwell holding a USDS multi-caliber AR‑15 style pistol. He demanded the driver’s wallet, cell phone, and food order before telling him to run. The victim later provided police with a description of the suspect, and the robbery was captured by external surveillance cameras.
Three days later, on July 22, Jean‑Francois entered the Xpress Pantry on North High School Road wearing a ski mask, clear latex gloves, and dark clothing. After initially asking a clerk to retrieve a phone charger kept in a locked display, Jean-Francois brandished the same AR-15 style pistol used in the previous robbery, demanding cash from the register.
IMPD officers arrested Jean‑Francois on July 29, 2025, during a traffic stop of a Ford Fusion in which he was a passenger. Officers observed the AR-15 style pistol in plain view, leaning against the rear driver’s side door. Jean‑Francois was also wearing the same ski mask worn in the Xpress Pantry robbery.
Further investigation revealed he was unlawfully and illegally present in the United States, and had been at the time that he committed the armed robberies.
“Jean‑Francois has no regard for the law, as shown by these violent crimes and his status as an illegal alien. In armed robberies committed just seventy‑two hours apart, he terrorized innocent victims who were simply doing their jobs,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This is exactly the type of case the Department of Justice is focused on to rid our streets of the most dangerous, brazen criminals.”
“Pointing an AR‑15 at someone to steal from them isn’t just a crime - it’s an act of violence that puts innocent lives at risk. This criminal made that choice twice in three days,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “If you threaten our communities with violence, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will find you, we will stop you, and we will ensure you’re held accountable.”
The FBI Indianapolis Field Office and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Matt Barloh and Michelle P. Brady for their work on this case.
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Government contractor pleads guilty to embezzling travel reimbursement fundsRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Stafford man pled guilty yesterday to theft of government property relating to his embezzlement of travel funds intended to reimburse Department of War personnel. This case is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
According to court documents, Kevin D. Mickie, 47, was employed by a government contracting firm that provided technical support services to the Department of War, which uses the Defense Travel System (DTS) to manage, approve, and reimburse official government travel for authorized employees and personnel. From November 2019 through February 2023, Mickie managed DTS profiles with authority to view user accounts, reset credentials, and modify profile details, including changing bank account and disbursement information.
Mickie used his access to the DTS accounts to steal and divert $107,316.82 in Department of War travel funds by replacing account holders’ bank and routing numbers with his own, causing reimbursement payments to be disbursed via electronic funds transfers directly into Mickie’s personal bank accounts. After modifying the traveler’s DTS profile, Mickie completed the diversion by either modifying authorized travel vouchers to redirect a portion of legitimate travel reimbursement to himself or by creating fictitious travel authorizations and vouchers for travel that never occurred. Mickie also changed the primary e-mail address associated with the DTS accounts to his own e-mail address.
Although Mickie left his position with the contracting firm in February 2023, his scheme continued through January 2024 because several of the compromised DTS account holders were unaware portions of their travel were being diverted to Mickie’s bank account.
Mickie is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 14, 2027, and faces up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Platte B. Moring III, Inspector General for the Department of War; and Joseph V. Cuffari, Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles accepted the plea. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Washington, D.C., assisted in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McManigal is prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:26-cr-156.
Gastonia Distributor of Fentanyl-Laced Pills Sentenced to over 12 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Bryan Tromon Green, 35, of Gastonia, N.C., was sentenced to 151 months in prison today followed by four years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl-laced pills and selling firearms in Gaston County, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Green’s co-conspirator, Jarvis Sentell Lynn, 38, also of Gastonia, was previously sentenced to 110 months in prison and three years of supervised release for trafficking fentanyl and cocaine.
“When repeat felons like this spread deadly drugs and illegal guns on our streets, we will take those cases federal to put an end to it,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson
“The combination of drug dealing and illegal firearm possession is a recipe for violence and tragedy,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “Taking back firearms from prohibited individuals and stopping the flow of drugs into our communities is a priority for ATF and all of our law enforcement partners.”
According to court documents, law enforcement determined that Green and Lynn, both multiple-time convicted felons, were selling drugs and firearms in Gaston County. Between March 2024 and April 2024, Green sold fentanyl pills multiple times to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. During the investigation, the confidential informant also purchased two firearms from Green: a Walther, Model PK380, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol and an American Tactical Imports, Model Omni Hybrid, 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle.
Court documents show that, from March to May 2024, law enforcement also set up multiple controlled drug purchases with Lynn at his residence in Gastonia for pills pressed with fentanyl. During one of the controlled purchases, law enforcement also bought a Ruger, Model P89DC 9 mm semi-automatic pistol from Lynn. On May 16, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Lynn’s residence, seizing firearms, ammunition, and drugs. Specifically, law enforcement located and seized a Taurus, Model G3C, 9mm semi-automatic pistol; Point Blank body armor; a Smith & Wesson, Model SD9VE, 9mm semi-automatic pistol; an SKS style rifle; an extended rifle magazine containing 32 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition; a Hi-Point, Model C9, 9mm semiautomatic pistol; additional magazines and 9mm rounds of ammunition; plastic baggies used for drug distribution; digital scales; marijuana; and cocaine.
Green and Lynn both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and distribution of fentanyl. They are in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility.
This investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Gaston County Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick J. Miller of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Gainesville Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – Jomekia Archer, 46, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to one count of possession of a firearm 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: “I applaud the investigative work by the Gainesville Police Department, with support from our federal law enforcement partners, which facilitated our successful prosecution of this violent offender. Keeping our communities safe from the predations of violent felons, like this defendant, is a top priority for my office.”
Court documents reflect that on March 14, 2026, the defendant arrived at her home to find her neighbors hosting a birthday party. The defendant appeared to be intoxicated and became upset that people were parked in front of her residence. The defendant began using profanity, demanded that the neighbors move their cars, and stated “I got some for y’all.” The defendant went inside her residence and returned carrying a rifle which she then pointed at multiple adults and children. The subsequent investigation determined the rifle had been previously reported stolen out of Polk County, Texas. The defendant had been previously convicted of possession of cocaine and sale of cannabis, and was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The case involved an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Gainesville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tyler Fleming prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Fourteen-Time Convicted Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Stolen FirearmRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Terrance Banks, a fourteen-time convicted felon with a violent history, has been sentenced to nearly nine years in prison for illegally possessing a stolen firearm.
“Banks is a gun-wielding predator whose violence was unabated by nearly a quarter century of arrests and convictions at the state level,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Finally, imposition of a significant federal sentence that must be served without the possibility of parole will keep Banks from terrorizing our community.”
“Terrance Banks has not learned from his previous mistakes,” said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “At the FBI, we work alongside our partners every day to make our communities safer by tracking down and holding violent repeat offenders like Banks accountable for their actions.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On October 11, 2024, Banks was arrested after Atlanta police officers found a stolen pistol in his vehicle during a traffic stop. Banks has a lengthy and violent criminal record, including fourteen felony convictions. Banks has been convicted of aggravated assault twice, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon; robbery or armed robbery three times; illegal possession of a firearm six times; and forcible obstruction of a law enforcement officer. Banks’s convictions resulted from numerous acts of violence, including stabbing a victim in the head with a homemade shank, striking a state prison medical officer in the face while another individual grabbed the officer around the neck, and shooting a handgun at another victim.
On September 16, 2026, U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg sentenced Terrance Banks, 43, of Atlanta, Georgia, to eight years and nine months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Banks pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on June 9, 2026.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Daniel Grill and former Assistant United States Attorney Jamil Favors prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods and Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Former U.S. Army Soldier Pleads Guilty to Gathering and Transmitting National Defense InformationRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Hillsboro, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to gather and transmit national defense information.
Ruoyu Duan, Age 41, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging conspiracy to gather and transmit national defense information, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.
According to court documents, between November 2021 and March 2025, within the District of Oregon and elsewhere, Duan conspired with others to surreptitiously gather sensitive military information related to the United States Army’s operational capabilities, including computer equipment, training materials, intelligence reports, and technical manuals. Duan paid his co-conspirators, active-duty U.S. Army soldiers, and others, to gather information and equipment. Specifically, they obtained information related to U.S. military weapon systems, such as U.S. Army combat vehicles, including the Bradley, Stryker, and HIMARS platforms, and transferred that information to people in China.
Duan served as an U.S. Army soldier from 2013 – 2017 and was trained in the handling of sensitive and classified military information.
On March 5, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Duan and Li Tian, an Active-Duty U.S. Army Officer, with conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property.
The FBI arrested Duan in Oregon on March 6, 2025.
Defendant Duan faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on December 10, 2026, before U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut.
The case was investigated by the FBI Portland and Seattle Field Offices and U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, with assistance from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Seattle Field Office, CBP Office of Professional Responsibility, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The case is being prosecuted by Geoffrey A. Barrow and Katherine A. Rykken, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon, and Christopher Magnani and Yifei Zheng, Trial Attorneys for the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Former Texas state trooper heads to federal prison in online child exploitation investigationRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 40-year-old Laredo man has been sentenced for attempting to entice someone he believed to be a 12-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity.
Christian Estrada pleaded guilty April 8.
U.S. District Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now ordered Estrada to serve 120 months in federal prison. In handing down the sentence, the court noted how disturbing it was that someone in such a respected position would commit the offense. Estrada was further ordered to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Estrada will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
From April through December 2025, law enforcement conducted an undercover operation involving Estrada, who used the name “dopehound” while communicating on Reddit, Snapchat, and Telegram.
During the online conversations, Estrada expressed a sexual interest in a fictitious 12-year-old girl and discussed arranging a meeting with her to engage in sexual activity. He also repeatedly requested nude or sexually explicit images of the child.
In November 2025, Estrada asked to communicate directly with the girl and provided his Snapchat account information. He later initiated a conversation with an undercover account he believed belonged to the 12-year-old girl. During the exchange, he requested sexually explicit images and continued discussing sexual activity.
Authorities later obtained records from Reddit Inc. that helped identify Estrada as “dopehound.” At the time, Estrada was a sworn law enforcement officer employed by the Texas Department of Public Safety as a state trooper.
Law enforcement subsequently executed a federal search warrant at Estrada’s residence while law enforcement interviewed him at another location. During the interview, Estrada confirmed the “dopehound” Telegram account belonged to him.
“Protecting minors from the depraved schemes of online sexual predators is a top priority for the Southern District of Texas,” said U.S. Attorney Aaron F. Reitz. “If somebody takes to the internet to prey on children, they are going to find their world turned upside down by this office. I will pursue these online predators to the ends of the internet in order to protect our kids and keep perverts away from them.”
Estrada has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Makens is Prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Former Tennessee Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Johnathan Nathaniel Allen, 27, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for producing child sexual abuse material.*
The investigation revealed that Allen caused eight children from across the country to produce child sexual abuse material by posing as a child on social media and enticing the children to engage in illegal sex acts on video. He did so while serving as a sheriff’s deputy in Tennessee, where he worked since 2021.
The investigation began when a father in South Carolina found concerning text messages on his 13-year-old daughter’s cell phone and called the police. The York County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI determined that Allen was posing as a 14-year-old boy named “Josh” on internet-based accounts, which he used to exploit minors.
Allen used the social media platforms Instagram and Reddit, the messaging platform TextMe, and the gaming platform Roblox to target, recruit, and exploit children by causing them to produce and share child sexual abuse material. He posed as a child, pressured minors to produce sexually explicit material, and threatened to share the intimate images of one child if she refused to communicate with him.
Allen manipulated his minor victims by telling them he loved them, that they were beautiful, that he was proud of them, and that he would never do anything to harm them. One minor rejected his request for sexual content eight times, but Allen persisted and caused the minor to speak with him on the phone using a virtual number on the TextMe platform. During that call, he pressured the child into producing child sexual abuse material.
Allen asked one minor to engage in sex acts with a dog, and Allen attempted to recruit the minor’s cousins, friends, and family to engage in sex acts with the minor. The minor described Allen “begging” for sexual content, and one minor was in tears during the production because she did not want to produce the content. Allen told the minor he was proud of her and that he had taught her something new. He then directed the minor to delete content so that no one else would see them. One father recovered deleted content and provided it to law enforcement.
Agents searched Allen’s home and recovered his phone, which had Reddit, TextMe, the fake “Josh” identity, and child sexual abuse material. Agents also found communications on Allens’ phone with the South Carolina minor, including calls to the minor after York County had seized the minor’s phone. Agents found clothes in Allen’s bedroom that “Josh” was wearing in explicit images sent to a minor, and one of the pictures shared by “Josh” on Reddit was a picture of Allen when he was younger.
Allen’s confirmed victims resided in South Carolina, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri, and New York, and they were as young as sixth grade.
“This defendant was sworn to serve and protect, instead he deceived and exploited,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “This sentence serves as a reminder that no matter who you are or where you live, if you exploit children in South Carolina, you will be held accountable.”
“The defendant went to vile lengths to pretend to be someone he was not, all to victimize a child and deprive them of their innocence,” said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Anish Shukla. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to protect children, and we will continue to hold accountable those who seek to harm them.”
“This is just another example of the dedication and tireless pursuit of those who want to harm our children,” said York County Sheriff Tony Breeden. “Director Hamilton and Lt. Alex Clark, with their staff, are among the best in the country when it comes to hunting these predators down and prosecuting them.”
United States District Judge Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Allen to 25 years’ imprisonment, to be followed by a 15-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Allen was ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to the victim, plus an additional $4,000 to a victim services fund, and Allen will be required to register a sex offender.
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, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the York County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Hamilton County, TN Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott B. Daniels prosecuted the case.###
* The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child.Former St. Louis County Man Admits Aiding Jamaican Lottery ScamRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man who fled the St. Louis area in 2018 after learning that he was being investigated for participating in a Jamaican lottery scam pleaded guilty Wednesday.
Christopher Gibbon, 55, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in January to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. He admitted receiving packages containing cash, checks and money orders from victims, as well as at least one wire transfer. He also admitted that co-conspirators in Jamaica called victims falsely claiming that the victims had won the lottery but needed to send taxes and fees to Gibbon before they could collect their prizes. Gibbon admitted receiving about $96,302 from eight victims between Dec. 19, 2016, and July 9, 2018, his plea says. Gibbon kept 20% of the money before electronically transferring the rest to co-conspirators. Gibbon received fake letters from conspirators via WhatsApp that purported to be from U.S. government officials asserting that the lottery was legitimate. He mailed those letters from the U.S. because victims would have become suspicious if the letters came from Jamaica.
On July 5, 2018, a New Jersey victim handed an envelope to a Postal Service employee addressed to Gibbon and said she was mailing to money to become a millionaire. She returned with more packages on July 6 and July 9, triggering the investigation, his plea says.
On July 20, 2018, less than two days after he was interviewed by U.S. Postal Inspectors, Gibbon told his wife that he was going to work and disappeared, according to court filings. He was arrested in 2025 in Connecticut.
Gibbon is scheduled to be sentenced on December 21. The charge carries a potential penalty of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both prison and a fine.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service Jamaica Foreign Field Office and the Connecticut Organized Financial Fraud Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is prosecuting the case.
Former Sacramento Resident Charged with Sexually Exploiting a ChildRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a single-count indictment on Sept. 3, 2026, against Richard Louis Styrsky, 54, formerly of Sacramento and currently of Fountain Valley, charging him with sexual exploitation of a child, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, between 2023 and 2025, Styrsky produced multiple video files of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Styrsky and the minor child resided in Sacramento at the time of his alleged conduct.
The Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force conducted this investigation with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Ray and Sam Stefanki are prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Styrsky faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison, as well as a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Former MoDOT Supervisor Accused of FraudRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A former Missouri Department of Transportation supervisor at the Normandy, Missouri maintenance facility has been indicted and accused of misusing state-issued credit cards to make $50,000 in personal purchases, including watches, clothing, cologne, shoes, and accessories for his personal vehicles.
Artemus Jamal “AJ” Jackson, 37, of Florissant, is also accused of stealing two newly purchased mowers and a newly purchased trailer from the MoDOT maintenance facility, valued at nearly $30,000.
Jackson was indicted Wednesday in U.S. District Court in St. Louis with four counts of mail fraud. The indictment says Jackson misused MoDOT issued credit cards from December 2022 through July 2026.
Jackson made about 248 personal purchases using the cards, including electronic equipment, cologne, watches, clothing, shoes and equipment and accessories for his personal Yamaha Raptor ATV, Suzuki motorcycle and GMC Sierra 1500 truck, the indictment says.
To conceal those purchases, Jackson made false entries and edits on vendor invoices to make it appear as if the transactions were for legitimate MoDOT expenses, the indictment says. Jackson approved by signature the transactions and then submitted the false invoices to his supervisor to trick the supervisor into believing that the purchases were legitimate, the indictment says.
Further, in May of 2026, Jackson bought two mowers, one that cost $9,954 and another for $13,959, that were then delivered to MoDOT, the indictment says. He stole the mowers on May 17, 2026, and staged a burglary to make it appear as if someone else had taken them, the indictment says. MoDOT began an investigation, and the indictment says that Jackson became concerned that his theft of the mowers would be discovered, so he moved them from the wooded area where he had hidden them to the shoulder of Interstate 70 at Hanley Road, and left a handwritten note on one of the mowers that read, “NORMANDY! MOWERS! MODOT!!!” He also called in an anonymous tip about the mowers’ location, using a fake voice, and claimed in another call that he’d been told by a local elected official about the location of the mowers, the indictment says.
During MoDOT’s investigation of the missing mowers, Jackson was asked on May 28 about the location of a 14-foot Big Tex trailer and accessories that he’d purchased in 2025 with $5,411 in MoDOT funds, the indictment says. Jackson initially falsely claimed the trailer was stored at a MoDOT facility in Bellefontaine Neighbors and, concerned that his theft of the trailer would be discovered, drove it the next day from the area where he’d concealed it to a location blocking a lane on Missouri Highway 367 (Lewis and Clark Boulevard) in Bellefontaine Neighbors, the indictment says. The Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Department recovered the trailer and video surveillance in the area showed Jackson towing the trailer with his personal truck to the location where he dumped it, and then later driving without the trailer, the indictment says.
Jackson started work at MoDOT on Dec. 9, 2013. He was promoted to maintenance supervisor on Oct. 1, 2022, and terminated on July 24, 2026.
Each count of mail fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both prison and a fine.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The United States Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, and the Missouri Department of Transportation Audits and Investigations Division investigated the case, with the cooperation of the Missouri State Auditor’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is prosecuting the case.
Former Ketchikan church elder pleads guilty to possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A former Ketchikan church elder pleaded guilty earlier this week to possessing child pornography of a child under the age of 12.
According to court documents, in May 2024, relatives of Dwight John, 74, contacted the Ketchikan Police Department after they found a USB drive that contained what they thought was child sexual abuse material (CSAM). At the time of discovery, John was serving a sentence in Alaska state prison for sexually abusing a minor.
A law enforcement officer reviewed the photos on the USB drive and found numerous sexually explicit images of a 10-year old girl known to John through an institution located in Mexico. Law enforcement officers later searched John’s cell phones and laptop computer, where they discovered dozens of sexually explicit photos of the minor victim and over 1,000 images of CSAM depicting prepubescent minors, including infants and toddlers.
John admitted to producing sexually explicit photographs of the minor victim during his trips to Mexico in 2018 and 2019.
John was charged through Operation Relentless Justice in late 2025, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, 2026, and faces between 10 to 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“Dwight Chris John repeatedly exploited a vulnerable child in Mexico and engaged in the exploitation of children online in Alaska,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division. “Yesterday’s guilty plea is an important step toward justice for these children. We will hold U.S. citizens accountable wherever they exploit children.”
“Mr. John’s behavior was reprehensible, and his crimes were committed against some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman. “My office remains steadfastly committed to protecting children and will aggressively pursue those engaging in such repulsive conduct.”
“Demonstrated by his reprehensible pattern of conduct involving online child exploitation, Mr. John posed a significant threat to children in Alaska and abroad,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schlegel of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Protecting children is one of the FBI’s highest priorities. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue and hold accountable anyone who exploits our most vulnerable.”
The FBI Anchorage Field Office, Juneau Resident Agency investigated the case, with assistance from the Ketchikan Police Department, as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt and Trial Attorney Rachel L. Rothberg of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are 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 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
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Former Grundy Center Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation and Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
A man who sexually exploited a child pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Brandon Scott Baker, age 39, formerly from Grundy Center, Iowa, was convicted of sexual exploitation of a child, transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity, and possession of child pornography.
At the plea hearing, Baker admitted that between 2011 and 2016, he used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of the conduct. He also admitted that in December 2017, he transported a minor across a state line with the intent to engage in sexual exploitation of a child. Baker admitted that between 2011 and 2016, he possessed depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including of a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
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, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Baker remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Baker faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a $750,000 fine, $82,200 in special assessments, and a lifetime term of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Telluride, Colorado, Police Department, and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 26-CR-12. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Former East Bay Financial Advisor Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Ponzi Scheme That Defrauded at Least 93 VictimsRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Edwin Emmett Lickiss, Jr., who pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with a decades-long Ponzi scheme, was sentenced today to nine years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar imposed the sentence.
Lickiss, 78, of Danville, California, admitted that he defrauded at least 93 victims of over $9.5 million from 1998 through September 2024. As part of the scheme, Lickiss said that he would invest victims’ money in exclusive, tax-free bonds that offered rates of return up to 30%. Lickiss also claimed that members of his own family had invested in the bonds, that he charged no investment fees because he had already profited so substantially, and that investors could redeem their money at any time.
In fact, the bonds did not exist. Lickiss funneled money from later victims to pay earlier investors, consistent with a Ponzi scheme. He also siphoned victim funds to pay personal expenses, including cash withdrawals, home renovations, travel, and payments on vehicles, mortgages, and personal credit cards.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) had issued an order barring Lickiss from engaging in any broker-related business from August 18, 2014, through December 17, 2014. Despite the order, Lickiss continued to fraudulently solicit and obtain investments from victims during that period.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, FBI Special Agent in Charge Scott Schelble, and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) San Francisco Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge David Lowe made the announcement. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has also filed a civil enforcement action against Lickiss in the Northern District of California.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Wolinsky of the Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Section, with the assistance of Lynette Dixon. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-CI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the Atlanta Regional Office of the SEC for its assistance in the investigation.
Former Altoona Postal Workers Union Employee Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement and Falsification of Union ReportRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Altoona, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of embezzlement and falsification of an annual financial report, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
On September 15, 2026, Nicole DeStefano, 52, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines to one count of embezzlement of labor union assets and one count of falsifying an annual financial report filed by a labor union.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from 2015 through 2022, DeStefano served as the secretary-treasurer for the American Postal Workers Union Local 776 in Altoona. As the secretary-treasurer, she was responsible for maintaining all financial records, preparing annual reports, and issuing payments on behalf of Local 776. In September 2022, a member of Local 776 determined that the union’s 2021 annual financial report reflected abnormal disbursements from prior years. DeStefano had signed the financial report as both the treasurer and president, but had not provided notice either that she would be signing the report as the president or permitting union members to examine the financial records. The Blair Township Police Department opened an investigation, and law enforcement obtained a search warrant for DeStefano’s bank records.
Those bank records document that DeStefano wrote checks to herself from the union accounts—including, between December 2019 and August 2022, approximately 42 unauthorized checks totaling $30,411.68—as well as to “cash.” An audit of the union bank accounts also identified 43 unauthorized debit transactions, totaling almost $20,000. DeStefano omitted disbursing money to herself in annual financial reports that she filed with the Secretary of Labor for three consecutive years. In September 2022, DeStefano transferred $8,500 from her account into the union bank account and resigned her position with the union.
Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for January 19, 2027. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of the greater of $10 million or twice the gross pecuniary gain to DeStefano, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. By virtue of her felony conviction of embezzlement, DeStefano will be precluded from holding union office for a 13-year period.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Blair Township Police Department and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor- Management Standards conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of DeStefano.
Five Defendants, including a Federal Corrections Officer and a Former Federal Corrections Officer, Charged for Conspiring to Smuggle Contraband into Fort Dix Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – Cameron Paige, 43, Ian Dennis, 32, Eden Germain, 27, Joe Lee McQuay, 48, and Keith Navarro Palmer, 41, were charged for their roles in connection with a scheme to smuggle contraband into Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix (“Fort Dix”), U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced today.
Paige, who is a Fort Dix corrections officer and Dennis, who is a former Fort Dix corrections officer, conspired with federal inmates McQuay and Navarro Palmer and two of the inmates’ colleagues outside Fort Dix, to smuggle contraband into the prison. All five defendants are charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy to provide contraband in prison. In addition to being charged for their roles in the smuggling conspiracy, Dennis and Paige were also charged with agreeing to receive and receiving bribes.
Dennis, a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Paige, a resident of Cinnaminson, New Jersey, and Germain, a resident of Delran, New Jersey, had their initial appearances on Sept. 16, 2026 before U.S. Magistrate Tonianne J. Bongiovanni and were all released on bail. McQuay and Navarro Palmer are serving federal terms of imprisonment and their initial appearances will be scheduled for a later date.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From May 2025 through May 2026, the defendants conspired with each other and others to smuggle contraband, including knives, marijuana, tobacco, cellular phones, vapes, cell phone chargers, tool kits, and a tattoo kit into Fort Dix, for sale to inmates detained at Fort Dix. One of the knives that the conspirators smuggled into the prison was later used by defendant McQuay to stab another inmate during a dispute involving money. In one instance, in August 2025, the co-conspirators discussed smuggling 20 cellular telephones, 8 cellular telephone charging blocks, 8 ounces of THC wax, and 10 vapes into the prison.
To facilitate the smuggling scheme, the conspirators relied in large part on Dennis, who at times was assigned to search employees who reported for work at Fort Dix and run those employees’ belongings through a metal detector. Inmates and inmates’ associates paid both Dennis and Paige bribes and kickbacks in exchange for their official assistance in bypassing the facility’s screening procedures. During the course of the conspiracy, over $100,000 was transferred among the co-conspirators through the use of electronic payment applications including Zelle, Apple Pay, CashApp, and Venmo.
The bribery charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment. The conspiracy to smuggle contraband charge carries a maximum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy and the Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Timothy Edminston, with the investigations with the investigation leading to the charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division.
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:
John Holliday, counsel for Cameron Paige.
John B. Brennan, counsel for Ian Dennis.
Christopher St. John, counsel for Eden Germain.
paigeetal.complaint.pdfFelon charged as part of Cincinnati violent crime reduction initiative pleads guilty to federal firearms crimeRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Polo Alexander, 37, of Cincinnati, pleaded guilty in federal court here today to illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
Alexander was one of nine defendants indicted by a grand jury in March for violations of federal firearms laws.
According to court documents, Cincinnati police officers encountered Alexander while patrolling the Price Hill neighborhood in October 2025. The defendant attempted to flee on bicycle and fought the officers, requiring the use of a taser twice. Officers discovered a loaded firearm on Alexander.
Alexander was previously convicted of felony offenses, including armed robbery.
Possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon is a federal crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie announced the guilty plea entered before Senior U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett. Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Springer is representing the United States in this case.
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Federal prison sentences handed down for firearm-related chargesRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: Two Georgia men have been sentenced to prison following firearms related plea agreements in separate cases.
The sentences were imposed in U.S. District Court and announced by Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. They include:
- Rahmeir Dixon, 31, of Savannah, was sentenced to 40 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. In April 2025, Dixon was found in possession of a Glock Model 43X, 9 mm pistol during a traffic stop by Savannah Police Department.
- Malachi Tucker, 24, of Wrens, Georgia, was sentenced to 42 months in prison and a $1,500 fine followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Illegal Possession of a Machinegun. In February 2025, Tucker was found in possession of a Glock, Model 22, .40 caliber pistol which had been modified with a machinegun conversion device (MCD), during a traffic stop by Georgia State Patrol. A MCD allows a firearm to fire multiple rounds with one pull of the trigger, converting a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic machinegun.
There is no parole in the federal system. Under federal law, it is prohibited for previously convicted felons to possess firearms or ammunition.
"Taking violent weapons off our streets requires a true team effort," said U.S. Attorney Heap. “"We commend our law enforcement partners for their dedication and will keep working together to prosecute those who violate the law.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Savannah Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation of these cases. These cases were prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Makeia R. Jonese, Henry W. Syms Jr., and Joshua Kyle Davis.
Federal jury convicts Suffolk man on drug trafficking and firearm chargesRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Suffolk man yesterday on charges of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, psilocyn, and marijuana.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on Aug. 17, 2025, a Virginia State Police (VSP) trooper observed Lewis Roy Hardy, 40, speeding and weaving in traffic on Route 164 in Portsmouth and suspected Hardy was driving while intoxicated. The trooper activated his emergency equipment to conduct a traffic stop, but Hardy continued driving for nearly two minutes before eventually coming to a stop halfway between the left lane and the shoulder of the highway. Hardy failed a number of field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest.
During an inventory of Hardy’s vehicle, law enforcement located distribution quantities of cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy), and psilocyn (psychedelic mushrooms), as well as a loaded handgun with an extended magazine, an additional magazine, and a digital scale. As a previously convicted felon, Hardy cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Hardy faces a mandatory minimum of 35 years and up to life in prison when sentenced on Dec. 15. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Shane Todd, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division, made the announcement after the verdict was accepted by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth W. Hanes. VSP and the Portsmouth Police Department assisted in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric M. Hurt and Alyson C. Yates are prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:26-cr-23.
Federal Prisoner Sentenced to Statutory Maximum for Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Brandon Ejae Elliot (35, Tampa) has been sentenced by Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II to eight years in federal prison—the statutory maximum—for one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of possession of contraband (a weapon) by a federal prisoner. A federal jury found Elliot guilty on May 7, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the evidence presented during the four-day trial, on December 3, 2022, Elliot was a federal inmate in the United States Penitentiary-II in the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County. During a routine headcount of the prisoners, Elliot and his cellmate, C.W.J., were locked in their cell at 9:30 AM. When correctional officers opened the cell at 11:00 AM, they found C.W.J. unresponsive with multiple puncture wounds to his body. A sharpened metal shank lay nearby on the cell floor. C.W.J. was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. A medical examiner determined that C.W.J. had been stabbed 12 times by an object matching the appearance and dimensions of the shank found on the cell floor.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Hannah Nowalk Watson and William S. Hamilton.
Federal Jury Convicts Inmate of Possessing Weapon at FCI McDowellRead the Press Release
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – After a one-day trial yesterday, a federal jury found Randy Hightower, also known as “Renere Hightower,” 41, guilty of possession of a weapon by an inmate at a federal prison.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 22, 2023, Hightower was an inmate at FCI McDowell when a staff member conducted a search of Hightower and found a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” in his right front pants pocket. The shank was a piece of metal with a sharpened point on one end, and a cloth handle made from an institutional blanket on the other.
Hightower faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Prisons conducted the investigation.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the jury trial. Assistant United States Attorneys Amy L. McLaughlin and Brian D. Parsons are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-144.
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Former Louisiana Department of Education Employee and Co-Defendant Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Romney Manuel, age 52, of Prairieville, Louisiana, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison and Demietriek Scott, age 50, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was sentenced to 29 months in federal prison following their convictions for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson further sentenced Manuel to serve two years of supervised release, and Scott to serve three years of supervised release following their terms of imprisonment. Each is ordered to pay $74,250 in restitution.
According to admissions made during their pleas, Manuel and Scott conspired with each other to devise a scheme to obtain federal grant money from the Louisiana Department of Education. During the conspiracy, Manuel and Scott made a non-existent childcare provider appear operational and manipulated spreadsheets and data systems utilized by the Louisiana Department of Education in order to steal $74,250 in federal funds.
U.S. Attorney Kurt L. Wall praised the work of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy S. Johnson led the prosecution.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Eddington Man Sentenced for Making Online ThreatsRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: An Eddington man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for making online threats.
U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced Thadius Wind, 52, to time served (approximately 17 months) in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Following a two-day jury trial in July 2026, Wind was found guilty of three counts of transmitting interstate threatening communications and one count of threatening Vice President Kamala Harris. He was found not guilty of one additional count of transmitting an interstate threat.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Wind made posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, threatening to kill Jewish people, Vice President Harris, Maine law enforcement officers, and Elon Musk. The FBI identified Wind as the author of the posts and executed a search warrant at his Eddington residence in March 2025, where they found numerous swords. The evidence at trial revealed that Wind held strong animosity towards the individuals and groups he threatened.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine is working closely with the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, and our other law enforcement partners to protect citizens from online threats,” said Andrew Benson, United States Attorney for the District of Maine. “This case should serve as notice that if you threaten people or groups online, hiding behind your keyboard will not protect you from the consequences of your actions.”
“Threatening to kill Jewish people, law enforcement, and others, aren’t protected acts of courage or conviction – they’re federal crimes that can cause real fear and harm,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Today’s sentence is a stark reminder that if your idea of making a point is threatening to murder people, you shouldn’t be surprised when the FBI rolls up at your door.”
“Today’s sentencing reflects the seriousness with which the Secret Service takes threats towards a protectee. Our commitment to identifying, investigating and charging those who make threats of violence towards the President, Vice-President, or any other person under Secret Service protection, is relentless,” said Mark Comorosky, Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service Boston Field Office. “I am proud of the commitment and dedication our agents demonstrate in protective intelligence cases and grateful for the strong partnerships that we have with FBI Boston and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine.”
The FBI and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the case with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office.
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Dominican National Charged with Reentry of Removed AliensRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jorge Luis Minier Casado, age 30, a Dominican National, was indicted by a federal grand jury for reentry of removed aliens.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Minier Casado was encountered in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, on or about March 9, 2026. At the time he was encountered by law enforcement, he was an alien, previously removed from the United States on or about June 7, 2017, who did not have lawfully authority or permission to be back in the country.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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District of Connecticut Joins DOJ Fraud Division, SBA, and SBA OIG in Surge Takedown Exceeding $245 Million in COVID-era Loan Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan today announced that two Connecticut residents have pleaded guilty to fraud offenses as part of a nationwide enforcement action led by the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Small Business Administration, and the SBA Office of Inspector General targeting fraud in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut was a key participant in this surge effort.
From June 12 to September 1, federal prosecutors across the country facilitated fraud enforcement actions spanning over 160 criminal defendants, including approximately 80 newly charged defendants, reaching approximately $245 million dollars in intended loss to American taxpayers.
“Our office is methodically working with our investigative partners to uncover and prosecute those who took advantage of important COVID relief programs for their financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney Sullivan. “The charges we are announcing today demonstrate our unwavering commitment to holding individuals accountable for exploiting funds meant to support legitimate small businesses and workers during a national crisis.”
“Pandemic loan relief was meant to keep American small businesses alive during government lockdowns – not line the pockets of fraudsters,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The defendants charged during our summer surge allegedly fabricated businesses, submitted false payroll and revenue claims, stole identities, and concealed foreign ties on their applications – but they will now be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“This summer surge shows what is possible when dedicated public servants across the country work together with a single purpose,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Our mission is clear: protect taxpayer funds, safeguard the integrity of federal relief programs, and deliver justice to those who exploited them. We will remain steadfast every day –standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners – to identify fraud, pursue those responsible, and restore confidence in the programs meant to help American small businesses thrive.”
“Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever action against perpetrators of SBA fraud, with 870,000 suspended borrowers tied to $39 billion in suspected fraudulent PPP and COVID EIDL activity. In partnership with Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we’re putting fraudsters on notice: the federal government will no longer turn a blind eye to those who stole from taxpayers and exploited programs designed to sustain small businesses during the pandemic,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “With demand letters going out to suspected fraudsters, we’re also sending a clear message that they must repay their debts or face Treasury collections and possible federal law enforcement. Under this Administration, the free ride is over. We are restoring accountability, recovering taxpayer dollars, and protecting SBA programs for the legitimate small businesses they were created to serve.”
“Operation No Doze brings a focused and coordinated approach to pursuing fraud in SBA’s pandemic relief programs,” said SBA Inspector General William Kirk. “By concentrating our investigative resources and working closely with SBA and our law enforcement partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify fraud, recover taxpayer funds, and hold accountable those who exploited programs created to help small businesses in a time of extraordinary need. This initiative makes clear that the passage of time does not diminish our commitment to accountability.”
In the District of Connecticut, two defendants each waived their right to be indicted and pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to one count of wire fraud and one count of making a monetary transaction in property derived from unlawful activity related to PPP fraud involving more than $2.6 million in losses:
U.S. v. Robert Cocca
According to court documents, Robert Cocca, 37, of Shelton, claimed an ownership interest or representative relationship with The Candleman LLC, Complete Property Management LLC, and Durakote Finishing Systems LLC, and other business entities. Between March 2020 and April 2021, Cocca defrauded the PPP loan program and victim lenders by submitting loan applications that overstated the yearly gross income of his businesses, overstated the number of individuals employed by his businesses, provided purportedly false IRS tax filings supporting the business’ gross income and number of employees; and provided other fabricated documentation to support the loan applications. Similarly, on the loan forgiveness applications he submitted, Cocca made additional misrepresentations that he had complied with all the requirements of the PPP rules. Through this scheme, Cocca fraudulently received $1,813,374.77 in PPP funds. Cocca pleaded guilty on July 1, 2026. Released on a $50,000 bond, he is currently scheduled to be sentenced on November 12.U.S. v. Kurt R. Zimmerman
According to court documents, Kurt R. Zimmerman, 45, of Stratford, claimed an ownership interest or representative relationship with KRZ Remodeling LLC and Valiant Candle Company LLC. Between June 2020 and March 2023, Zimmerman defrauded the PPP loan program and victim lenders by submitting loan applications that overstated the yearly gross income of his businesses, overstated the number of individuals employed by his businesses, provided purportedly false IRS tax filings supporting the business’ gross income and number of employees; and provided other fabricated documentation to support the loan applications. Similarly, on the loan forgiveness applications he submitted, Zimmerman made additional misrepresentations that he had complied with all the requirements of the PPP rules. Through this scheme, Zimmerman fraudulently received $867,907 in PPP funds. Zimmerman pleaded guilty on August 6, 2026. Released on a $50,000 bond, he is currently scheduled to be sentenced on January 5, 2027.These cases are being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
District Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Fentanyl and CarjackingRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Dajuane Goode, 25, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in connection with his possession of fentanyl in the 900 block of Franklin Street in Northeast D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“Trafficking fentanyl, a lethal poison, is inherently dangerous, but combining bulk narcotics with armed carjacking shows a reckless contempt for public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “We will not allow violent drug traffickers to treat D.C. as their personal escape route or poison our community with their deadly narcotics. Today’s plea ensures Dajuane Goode will be held accountable for the chaos he created.”
Goode pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to unlawful possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. Goode also pleaded guilty to carjacking in a separate case (26-cr-17). The Honorable Dabney L. Friedrich, who accepted the plea, scheduled sentencing for February 26, 2027.
According to plea documents, on February 13, 2024, Goode contacted the victim to meet him in Southeast D.C. When the victim arrived in a vehicle, Goode got into the passenger seat, unzipped his jacket and pointed a gun at the victim. Two other individuals came over to the car and pointed guns at the victim. Goode and the other individuals forced the victim into the trunk of the car and then Goode got into the driver’s seat and drove off. The victim was ultimately able to open the emergency release from the trunk and dive out of the trunk while Goode was still driving the car.
Further, on May 28, 2024, Goode was driving a 2023 Gray BMW X3 bearing Virginia tag, in Maryland, when he was spotted by an officer with the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD). This vehicle was identified as the suspect vehicle from an armed robbery that happened on May 11, 2024. The officer activated his emergency lights and sirens and tried to stop the defendant, but the defendant fled. PGPD had a helicopter activated and positioned overhead and were authorized to pursue the vehicle as it entered the District of Columbia. The vehicle came to a stop in the 900 block of Franklin Street NE. The defendant got out of the driver’s door and fled on foot towards the area of 12th and Jackson Streets NE. While the defendant ran, footage from the helicopter camera showed him clutching a dark object under his right arm.
During his flight, Goode entered the south alley behind the 900 block of Evarts Street NE and began jumping over residential fences. The defendant eventually entered the rear yard of 913 Evarts Street NE and threw two items over the fence into the yard next door—911 Evarts Street NE. He threw one item, regrouped, and then threw a second item. The defendant continued his flight and hid in the rear of 2624 10th Street NE. The officer found the defendant there, and tried to detain him, but the defendant continued running. Goode eventually tried to jump over a fence in the alley behind 10th Street NE, but the officer caught up to him and tried to detain him. The defendant threw the officer to the ground and ran back towards Evarts Street. The defendant was ultimately apprehended after jumping over a small fence into a gulch outside of an apartment building at 2607 Reed Street NE (across the alley from the yards he ran into on Evarts Street NE during the earlier part of his flight).
The pills and the bag recovered from the yards in Evarts Street, NE.
The case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office with valuable assistance from the DEA and the Prince George’s County Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Caelainn Carney.
25-cr-00329
Department of Justice Again Wins Substantial Relief Against GoogleRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division won substantial relief in its monopolization case against Google in advertising technology markets. In United States et al. v. Google LLC, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia ordered significant behavioral relief, including requiring close integration between Google’s products and products offered by rivals, including the open-source solutions offered by Prebid. The court ordered further relief that will help to pry open these markets to competition.
“The Court’s ruling in the Google ad tech case marks a significant victory for this Department’s efforts to protect and restore competition,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. “We will continue to review the opinion to consider the Department’s options. Under President Trump’s and Attorney General Blanche’s leadership, we will never cease fighting for fair competition.”
As a direct result of the work of the Department’s trial team, Google’s executives repeatedly offered new pledges of injunctive relief while on the stand during the remedies trial. This extended after the trial, when Google offered a further-revised proposed final judgment with additional concessions. For example, Google committed that AdWords, its advertiser tool, would not engage in discriminatory bidding to the detriment of both advertisers and publishers. Because of the Department’s efforts during the remedies phase, Google also agreed to broaden the categories of advertising inventory covered by the final judgment, disclose how its black-box advertising auctions work, and provide new technical support and data to its competitors and customers. These actions highlight the strong case the Department put on at trial.
The court’s decision recognizes that it must seek to terminate Google’s monopolies, unfetter the markets from Google’s anticompetitive conduct, ensure that there remain no practices likely to result in monopolization, and deny Google the fruit of its unlawful actions: its monopoly power, scale, and profits. In so holding, the court rejected Google’s argument that the termination of monopolies is not a proper objective for monopolization cases.
The court confirmed the Department’s position that it is not enough to order Google to cease its prior anticompetitive behavior. The court imposed interoperability and data-sharing requirements, anti-discrimination remedies, and prohibitions on Google’s self-preferencing bidding behavior. This ruling underscores the need for antitrust remedies to be forward-looking and comprehensive, and it reiterates that remedies can include conditions on products beyond the monopolized product markets. In addition to prohibiting Google’s past anticompetitive conduct, the court ordered the following relief:
- Required Integrations with Prebid and Competing Publisher Ad Servers. The court recognized the importance of injecting new competition and breaking Google’s unlawful tie between AdX and DFP. Google must create and support integrations between AdX and Prebid, and DFP and Prebid. Prebid is an open-source industry standard for real-time bidding. In addition, AdX will be required to submit real-time bids to other publisher ad servers. These integrations will give publishers more control over the sale of their inventory and offer access to important, unique demand without publishers being forced to use both DFP and AdX.
- Data Sharing. The court also imposed meaningful data-sharing requirements on Google. Google will be required to allow publishers to access and export their own data from DFP and AdX, which will make it easier for publishers to switch ad tech providers.
- AdWords Must Bid in Non-Discriminatory Fashion. The court recognized the importance of AdWords to Google’s unlawful scheme. The court rejected Google’s arguments that remedies could not touch AdWords, Google’s “golden goose,” and ordered that AdWords cannot bid preferentially into AdX or other Google ad tech tools because of Google’s ownership of those tools. AdWords also cannot bid directly into DFP.
- Monitor. A monitor will be put in place to facilitate enforcement of Google’s compliance with the Final Judgment. Google will be subject to the oversight of this monitor and a technical committee for six years, the length of the Final Judgment.
The Department continues to review the court’s opinion and will determine appropriate next steps to ensure that competition is restored to these markets that Google has unlawfully dominated for far too long.
Defense Verdict in Use of Force, Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against the United StatesRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – R. Matthew Price, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today a complete defense verdict in Richardson v. United States, a wrongful death lawsuit brought against the United States of America under the Federal Tort Claims Act. The lawsuit arose after a federal agent employed deadly force to stop an imminent threat posed by an armed, aggressive individual.
On Sept. 10, 2026, judgment was entered in favor of the United States following a three-day bench trial before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark. The trial concluded on April 30, 2026.
The incident occurred on Nov. 2, 2020, while two Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents were conducting surveillance at a Springfield apartment complex. After observing behavior indicative of drug transactions, the agents followed a rented U-Haul pickup truck from the apartment complex to a residential home. The driver of the U-Haul met two other individuals at the home, including the decedent, Mr. Caleb Slay.
When one of the agents contacted Mr. Slay, Mr. Slay shouted an expletive at him while walking away. Mr. Slay then returned to engage in a brief conversation with the agent, at which point it was learned that Mr. Slay was armed with a handgun. Mr. Slay began fighting the agents upon their attempt to detain him for their safety. During the altercation, with one agent lying on his back underneath Mr. Slay, Slay reached his right hand toward his right rear waistband. One agent described the reach as a “quick gesture” to the waistband, where Slay’s hand paused. This indicated to the agent that Slay was attempting to “establish a grip on the gun.” The agent who discharged his firearm provided a warning prior to the shooting.
The court ruled that the plaintiff failed to prove the DEA agent used more force than was reasonably necessary. The court emphasized that use-of-force decisions must be evaluated from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene making split-second judgments in tense, uncertain situations, rather than with the benefit of hindsight.
Federal law enforcement agents place their lives on the line to enforce the laws of this nation. As such, the Department of Justice is committed to defending justified uses of force. The court’s ruling reinforces that commitment.
This case is being defended by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wyatt R. Nelson and Christa B. Moss, Deputy Civil Chief, of the Western District of Missouri. The case was investigated by the Springfield Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Dansville woman sentenced for bilking elderly victim out of tens of thousands of dollarsRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Nahtahna Castner, 46, of Dansville, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison pleaded guilty by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa.
Between July 2020, and February 2023, Castner and another individual (co-conspirator) conspired to defraud an elderly victim. In July 2020, Castner had the trust of an elderly and vulnerable neighbor, who was over 90 years old. Using Castner’s position of trust, the co-conspirator gained access to the victim banking information. Castner and the co-conspirator then began withdrawing large sums of cash from ATMs, initiating wire transfers to Castner’s personal bank account, and making purchases using the victim’s debit card. Castner and the co-conspirator executed approximately $252,672.97 worth of unauthorized transactions. Over the course of the fraud, the victim bank account savings went from approximately $283,954.95 to $99.59. In addition, Castner and the co-conspirator also used the victim’s personal identifying information to apply for three credit cards in the victim’s name. They then used the credit cards to make purchases resulting in fraud against three financial institutions in the amount of $2,039.04, $819.33, and $809.74.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II and the New York State Department of Financial Services, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Kaitlin Asrow.
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Convictions through Guilty Pleas and Sentencings in Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) Prosecutions (September 8 through September 11, 2026)Read the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, Héctor Ramírez-Carbó, Acting United States Attorney, in conjunction with our partner agencies in the Homeland Security Task Force (“HSTF”) announce the following prosecutorial results for the week of September 8 through September 11, 2026. The HSTF is a permanent, interagency law enforcement task force created by executive order to combat transnational criminal organizations—including cartels, trafficking networks, and foreign terrorist organizations.
Convictions through Guilty Pleas:
- On September 9, 2026, Alison Mateo-Custodio pleaded guilty to violating 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a) in Criminal Case 26-255 (SCC). According to the indictment, the defendant was charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien. Defendant was arrested on June 11, 2026. The sentencing hearing will be held December 9, 2026. SAUSA Cody A. McKinney is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
Sentencings:
- On September 9, 2026, Wilfredo Hernández-Vizcarrondo was sentenced by United States District Court Judge María Antongiorgi Jordán to five years of imprisonment and 8 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. According to court documents, defendant was indicted on December 5, 2024, in Criminal Case 24-453 (MAJ) and pleaded guilty on May 12, 2026. Laura Díaz-González and Joseph Russell in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On September 10, 2026, Luis Xavier Morales-Alonso was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Silvia Carreño Coll to 12 years of imprisonment and 8 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to court documents, defendant was indicted on June 11, 2025, in Criminal Case 25-272 (SCC) and pleaded guilty on June 11, 2026. Laura Díaz-González and Andrés Orr in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On September 10, 2026, Michael J. García-Marquez was sentenced by United States District Court Judge María Antongiorgi Jordán to 15 years of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. According to court documents, defendant was indicted on December 5, 2024, in Criminal Case 24-453 (MAJ) and pleaded guilty on May 14, 2026. Laura Díaz-González and Joseph Russell in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On September 10, 2026, Paul W. Herrera-Rivera was sentenced by United States District Court Judge María Antongiorgi Jordán to 12 years of imprisonment and 8 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. According to court documents, defendant was indicted on December 5, 2024, in Criminal Case 24-453 (MAJ) and pleaded guilty on May 27, 2026. Laura Díaz-González and Joseph Russell in charge of the prosecution of the case.
These prosecutions are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
HSTF San Juan comprises agents and officers from the following federal partners: FBI, ICE-HSI, CBP (OFO, AMO and Border Patrol), the U.S. Marshals Service for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, DEA, ATF, IRS, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of State, and the U.S. Secret Service, the Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands HIDTA, TSA, FAA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The HSTF also has the following state and local law enforcement partners as participating agencies: the Puerto Rico Police Department; the San Juan, Carolina, Guaynabo, Barceloneta, and Ponce Municipal Police Departments, the Puerto Rico National Guard – Counter Drug Program; the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Service (Hacienda); the Puerto Rico Port Authority; and the Virgin Islands Police Department.
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Citizen of Mexico Sentenced to 5 Months for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jaime Carvajal-Juarez, 45, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 5 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported. Carvajal-Juarez pleaded guilty to this charge on July 8, 2026.
On January 31, 2026, Carvajal-Juarez was arrested and charged in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, with possession of methamphetamine and providing a false name to police after he was stopped driving on a revoked driver’s license. In addition to this arrest, he has three other criminal cases pending in Trempealeau County for charges that include possession of methamphetamine, resisting an officer, and multiple counts of operating while intoxicated. Carvajal-Juarez has previously been deported from the United States three times and has two prior criminal convictions for illegal entry.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson acknowledged that Carvajal-Juarez faced another imminent deportation and encouraged him to not again unlawfully return to the United States without permission and risk a greater penalty.
The charge against Carvajal-Juarez was the result of an investigation conducted by the Department of Homeland Security and the Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala prosecuted this case.
The state charges against Carvajal-Juarez referenced in this press release remain pending and he is presumed innocent of those charges unless and until proven guilty.
Cincinnati Man Sentenced in Fentanyl Distribution leading to Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Cincinnati man, Nathaniel Ferguson, 47, was sentenced on Wednesday to 264 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.
An investigation revealed that on May 21, 2025, Ferguson sold approximately 50 pressed pills containing fentanyl and xylazine to co-defendant, Ryan Cooley. Cooley then sold the pills to co-defendant Nicholas Sturgill, who brought them to his Kenton County residence and distributed them to the victim, who died the next day. Toxicology results and autopsy findings confirmed that the victim’s death resulted from an overdose involving fentanyl and xylazine.
During the investigation, agents recovered additional blue pills and drug paraphernalia from the residence, all of which tested positive for fentanyl and xylazine. Sturgill admitted to purchasing such pressed pills from Cooley for approximately one year, including those involved in the fatal incident, and provided text messages corroborating the transactions. Surveillance footage from the May 21 sale further confirmed Cooley’s involvement and showed him arriving at the scene of the drug transaction in a vehicle driven by Ferguson.
Cooley and Sturgill have pleaded guilty to their involvement in the fentanyl distribution resulting in death and are scheduled to be sentenced on October 8.
Jason Parman, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Scott Hardcorn, Director of the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force, and Chief Matthew Hall, Villa Hills Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA, the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force, and the Villa Hills Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
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Chanute man indicted for methamphetamine traffickingRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with offenses related to drug trafficking.
According to court documents, Kyle Ingels, 39, of Chanute was indicted on one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Luis Licea-Angel, 45, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of illegal reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case.
Candido Martinez-Garcia, 44, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of illegal reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case.
Jose Cesar Palacios-Velasquez, 35, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of illegal reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case.
Juan Perez-Gamas, 36, an illegal alien from Guatemala, was indicted on one count of illegal reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case.
Marco Sanchez-Basilio, 25, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of illegal reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Centre County Woman Indicted for Production of Child Pornography by Person Having Custody or Control of a Minor and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Shannon M. Ishler, age 45, of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury for the production of child pornography by any parent, legal guardian, and person having custody or control of a minor and possession of child pornography.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Ishler, sometime between January 1, 2024 and April 5, 2024, engaged in the production of several images of child exploitation involving multiple toddlers in her care, which she distributed over the internet. It is also alleged that Ishler possessed visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The FBI Philadelphia’s Capital Area Resident Agency and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting 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.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 30 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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