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7 October 2025
Portland Man Charged with Felony Assault of a Federal Law Enforcement Officer Near Local ICE OfficeRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man made his first appearance in federal court today after assaulting a federal officer near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.
Alexander Jay Boyce, 38, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.
According to court documents, on the evening of October 5, 2025, Boyce was part of a group of individuals encroaching on the driveway of the ICE building in South Portland. Law enforcement officers gave multiple warnings to the group to stay off federal property and began to clear the driveway. Rather than comply as directed, Boyce spit on the officer’s helmet. Federal officers immediately arrested Boyce.
“Nobody spits on the brave men and women of federal law enforcement and gets away with it. If you spit on a federal law enforcement officer, you will be hit with federal charges,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 31 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.
Boyce made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was released on conditions pending further court proceedings.
Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to eight years in federal prison.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for His Role in Violent Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Kysime Brown, 21, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison, five years’ supervised release, and $42,909 in restitution by United States District Judge Paul S. Diamond for taking part in a violent armed carjacking.
The defendant was charged by indictment in August 2023 with one count of carjacking and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He pleaded guilty to both charges on March 12, 2024.
As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, in the early morning hours of July 11, 2023, Brown and two others carjacked a 26-year-old man who had just parked his car near his Northeast Philadelphia home, with the defendant and others pointing their semiautomatic pistols directly at the victim, at very close range. The carjackers then pistol-whipped the man, took his cell phone, and drove off in his Dodge Charger.
Philadelphia police officers soon located and followed the stolen vehicle. As Brown and his codefendants were trying to flee police in the Charger, they collided with another vehicle and crashed into a pole on Castor Avenue, where the stolen car caught fire and was destroyed. Police quickly apprehended all three carjackers after the crash.
Brown’s co-defendants Emmanuel Sia and Leevah Mills also pleaded guilty to the charges against them. Mills was sentenced in September to over 11 years in prison and Sia is scheduled to be sentenced on October 16.
The case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas M. Zaleski.
Note: the posting of this press release was delayed, due to the federal government shutdown from October 1, 2025, to November 12, 2025.
Okmulgee Resident Sentenced for Robbery, Transporting A Stolen Vehicle, and Felony AssaultRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced Vincent Jerome May, age 37, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for one count of Robbery in Indian Country, 120 months in prison for one count of Interstate Transportation of Stolen Vehicle, and 60 months in prison for one count of Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Spouse, Intimate Partner, and Dating Partner in Indian Country. The terms were ordered to be served concurrently.
The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Okmulgee Police Department, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Police Department, and the Denver (Colorado) Police Department.
On March 20, 2025, May pleaded guilty to the charges. According to investigators, on March 4, 2023, May violently assaulted a woman while she held an infant child, threatened to burn down her home and kill her, and stole her phone and keys to her pickup truck. May drove the truck to Colorado and damaged it.
The crimes occurred in Okmulgee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. May will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States at the sentencing hearing.
Okmulgee County Resident Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Riccole Ladale Dixson, age 38, formerly residing in Dewar, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of Ammunition.
The Indictment charged Dixson with knowingly possessing 30 rounds of ammunition on August 22, 2025, after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Probation Officers.
The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dixson will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob R. Parker represented the United States.
Oklahoma Resident Pleads Guilty to Felony AssaultRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Drake Ryan Allen, age 21, an Oklahoma resident, entered a guilty plea to one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country, punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Indictment alleged that on January 15, 2025, Allen assaulted the victim, resulting in serious bodily injury. The crime occurred in Adair County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Adair County Sheriff’s Office.
The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Allen was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.
Muskogee Resident Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Tyson Gene Williams, age 45, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Indictment charged Williams with knowingly possessing two semi-automatic pistols and 27 rounds of ammunition on April 19, 2025, after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Checotah Police Department.
The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Williams will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.
Local Leader of New York Capital Region Chamber of Commerce Charged with Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
Peter Bardunias, 59, of Clifton Park, New York, was charged today with attempting to entice a minor to engage in prohibited sexual activity. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
The criminal complaint filed today alleges that over the past two weeks, Bardunias, a Senior Vice President of Community Advancement for the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, sent messages to an individual he believed to be a 15 year-year-old girl during which he discussed subjecting the would-be minor to violent and sadistic sexual activity.
As alleged in the complaint, Bardunias told the individual—who was in fact an undercover law enforcement official—that he wanted to, among other things, “strangle[]” and “tortur[e]” the purported child while raping them. On October 6, 2025, Bardunias traveled to Warren County, New York, to meet the would-be minor and brought them candy to make them feel more comfortable. Bardunias was taken into custody shortly thereafter. The complaint also alleges that a federal search warrant executed at Bardunias’ residence revealed a box of sex toys which included restraints and a knife consistent with the materials used for the “torture chamber” Bardunias told the would-be child he was going to prepare to rape and torture them within.
“Parents need to be hyper-aware of conversations their children are having via text or online — predators often lurk behind screens,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This man’s alleged crimes are shocking, and our prosecutors will ensure he faces severe consequences for his evil conduct towards an innocent child.”
“As alleged in the federal criminal complaint filed today, Peter Bardunias attempted to engage in what can only be described as heinous, unspeakable, and violent actions against a minor,” Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said. “I am thankful that the FBI intervened to ensure that he was unable to follow through in any of this horrific activity with a real minor, and our community is safer tonight because Bardunias is behind bars.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated, “As detailed in the criminal complaint, the allegations against Mr. Bardunias are truly horrific. His intentions were beyond disturbing and have resulted in serious federal charges. The FBI commends the brave individual who contacted us with information that immediately launched this investigation and put an end to these disturbingly sinister plans. We will continue to use every resource available to find and hold accountable any predator looking to victimize our most vulnerable, and we encourage anyone with additional information on Mr. Bardunias to contact our office.”
The charge filed against Bardunias carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between five years and life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Bardunias had an initial appearance today in Albany, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista, and was held in custody pending a detention hearing set for Friday, October 10, 2025.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Local Leader of Chamber of Commerce Charged with Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Peter Bardunias, age 59, of Clifton Park, New York, was charged today with attempting to entice a minor to engage in prohibited sexual activity. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.
The criminal complaint filed today alleges that over the past two weeks, Bardunias, a Senior Vice President of Community Advancement for the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, sent messages to an individual he believed to be a 15 year-year-old girl during which he discussed subjecting the would-be minor to violent and sadistic sexual activity.
As alleged in the complaint, Bardunias told the individual—who was in fact an undercover law enforcement official—that he wanted to, among other things, “strangle[]” and “tortur[e]” the purported child while raping them. On October 6, 2025, Bardunias traveled to Warren County, New York, to meet the would-be minor and brought them candy to make them feel more comfortable. Bardunias was taken into custody shortly thereafter. The complaint also alleges that a federal search warrant executed at Bardunias’ residence revealed a box of sex toys which included restraints and a knife consistent with the materials used for the “torture chamber” Bardunias told the would-be child he was going to prepare to rape and torture them within.
“Parents need to be hyper-aware of conversations their children are having via text or online — predators often lurk behind screens,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This man’s alleged crimes are shocking, and our prosecutors will ensure he faces severe consequences for his evil conduct towards an innocent child.”
“As alleged in the federal criminal complaint filed today, Peter Bardunias attempted to engage in what can only be described as heinous, unspeakable, and violent actions against a minor,” Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said. “I am thankful that the FBI intervened to ensure that he was unable to follow through in any of this horrific activity with a real minor, and our community is safer tonight because Bardunias is behind bars.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated, “As detailed in the criminal complaint, the allegations against Mr. Bardunias are truly horrific. His intentions were beyond disturbing and have resulted in serious federal charges. The FBI commends the brave individual who contacted us with information that immediately launched this investigation and put an end to these disturbingly sinister plans. We will continue to use every resource available to find and hold accountable any predator looking to victimize our most vulnerable, and we encourage anyone with additional information on Mr. Bardunias to contact our office.”
The charge filed against Bardunias carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, a mandatory minimum of ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of between five years and life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
Bardunias had an initial appearance today in Albany, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista, and was held in custody pending a detention hearing set for Friday, October 10, 2025.
The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Jury convicts truck driver of smuggling illegal aliensRead the Press Release
Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 47-year-old Seagoville resident has been found guilty of smuggling illegal aliens into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The jury deliberated for approximately an hour before convicting Jose Eduardo Rocha following a less than two-day trial.
On Feb. 10, Rocha drove a tractor trailer to the Border Patrol checkpoint near Falfurrias. He appeared nervous, looked around and avoided eye contact.
The jury heard that authorities shined a flashlight into the cab from outside and saw what appeared to be the back of a person’s head sticking out from a blanket on the top bunk.
Law enforcement attempted to open the side sleeper door, but it was locked. Testimony revealed Rocha claimed the door was broken.
Upon further inspection, an x-ray scan revealed anomalies inside the cab. Authorities discovered four illegal aliens hiding on the top bunk, the main bed behind the driver, inside the closet and under the bed. They were from the countries of El Salvador and Guatemala.
Testimony revealed Rocha told the illegal aliens to be quiet and to hide.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that Rocha not fleeing from or fighting the authorities meant he did not know the aliens were hidden in his tractor cab. They were not convinced and found Rocha guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over the trial and set sentencing for Jan. 6, 2026. At that time, Rocha faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Rocha was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley A. Pruitt and Young M. Burkett prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Hugo Resident Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Machine GunRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that John Thomas Worthy, age 51, of Hugo, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Possession of a Machine Gun, punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Indictment charged that on January 21, 2025, Worthy knowingly possessed a firearm that had been modified to shoot more than one round of ammunition by a single function of the trigger without manual reloading.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Worthy will remain free on a personal recognizance bond pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.
Honduran man pleads guilty to, sentenced for resisting arrestRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jerson Castillo-Umanzor, 19, a citizen and national of Honduras, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal officer. He was then sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the case, stated that on June 24, 2025, Castillo-Umanzor U.S. Border Patrol agents in Amherst, NY. Agents attempted to arrest an illegal alien in a parking lot, who was present with Castillo-Umanzor. The alien and Castillo-Umanzor ran in opposite directions fleeing the agents. After an agent caught Castillo-Umanzor and attempted to handcuff him, Castillo-Umanzor resisted by pulling away and not complying with commands to place his hands behind his back.
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 plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
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Georgia man pleads guilty to his role in fraud conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Montez White, 39, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum of 30 years, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Bonanno and Sasha Mascarenhas, who are handling the case, stated that between January and September 2022, White, along with co-conspirators Lorenzo Jones, Quentavious Price, and Ameer Clark, and others, conspired to defraud financial institutions. Members of the conspiracy would travel from Atlanta, Georgia, to the Western District of New York, and steal genuine checks from businesses. Using those checks, they would create fraudulent checks drawn on the bank accounts of the businesses. Members of the conspiracy then recruited individuals to cash the fraudulent checks, buy clothes for the individuals to make them appear to be construction workers or laborers, and then drive them to area financial institutions and direct them to cash the fraudulent checks. If the checks were successfully cashed, the individuals received a small payment. Specifically:
- in January 2022, Price, Jones, and two others flew from Atlanta to Buffalo and drove an individual to various KeyBank branches to cash or attempt to cash fraudulent checks drawn on the KeyBank accounts of a business based in Elma, NY, and a second business based in Tonawanda, NY.
- in March 2022, Price and two others came to Buffalo from Atlanta and drove three individuals to M&T Bank branches, Bank on Buffalo branches, and Evans Bank branches to cash, or attempt to cash, fraudulent checks drawn on the bank accounts of businesses based in Tonawanda, Clarence, NY, and Sanborn, NY.
- in September 2022, White, Clark, Price, and Jones flew from Atlanta to Rochester, NY, and drove six individuals to M&T Bank branches, KeyBank branches, Northwest Bank branches, Bank on Buffalo branches, and Evans Bank branches, to cash or attempt to cash, fraudulent checks drawn on the bank accounts of two businesses based in Rochester, and one based in Alden, NY.
The total loss amount, including actual loss and intended loss, Is $64,979.67.
Co-conspirators Lorenzo Jones, Quentavious Price, and Ameer Clark were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing.
The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special-Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie P. Feroleto.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 13, 2026, before Judge Vilardo.
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Convicted Bank Robber Charged with Murder for Killing Cherokee County Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes IIRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Kelvin Wayne Simmons, 49, is facing a federal charge of first-degree murder of an officer for killing Cherokee County Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes II, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. A grand jury sitting in Asheville returned the indictment on October 7, 2025, also charging Simmons with attempted carjacking resulting in death; escape; attempted carjacking; carjacking; use of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence; assaulting, resisting and impeding an officer; and possession of a firearm by a felon.
James C. Barnacle, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and R.E “Chip” Hawley, Director of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.
The criminal bill of indictment alleges that, on June 30, 2025, Simmons did unlawfully kill Cherokee County Detention Officer Flattes while the officer engaged in the performance of his official duties and did so during the perpetration and attempted perpetration of an escape. The indictment also alleges that Simmons attempted to carjack a motor vehicle resulting in the death of Detention Officer Flattes. The indictment further alleges that Simmons, who was in federal custody awaiting sentencing for a federal bank robbery and attempted carjacking conviction, escaped from custody, and following his escape, Simmons then attempted to carjack an individual unsuccessfully. Simmons then allegedly carjacked another individual and used a firearm to commit the carjacking.
Simmons is in federal custody. The penalty for first degree murder is life in prison or death; the penalty for attempted carjacking resulting in death is any number of years up to life imprisonment, or death. The indictment includes a Notice of Special Sentencing Factors which could permit the United States to seek the death penalty. The Justice Department has not yet announced whether it will seek the death penalty. The remaining charges in the indictment carry maximum punishments ranging from five years to life imprisonment.
The charges against Simmons are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the FBI and SBI for their investigation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Citizen of Ghana pleads guilty to extortion chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Cross Abu Cole, 21, a citizen of Ghana, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to interstate communications with intent to extort, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that on October 30, 2022, Cole improperly accessed an individual’s (Victim) Snapchat account and obtained nude photographs that the Victim had stored in his Snapchat account. Cole sent a text message to the Victim, utilizing a Google Voice telephone number, demanding payment of $200. If payment was not made, Cole threatened to damage the reputation of the Victim by releasing the nude photographs to family and friends of the Victim. An initial payment of $200 via CashApp was made by the Victim as instructed but then he cancelled the payment. Subsequently, the Victim learned that some of his Snapchat contacts had received the nude photographs.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 12, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Vilardo.
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Choctaw County Resident Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jimmy Dale Kelley, a/k/a Jimmy Dale Kelly, a/k/a Jimmy Dale Robinson, age 38, of Grant, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office.
On May 27, 2025, Kelley pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on August 9, 2024, deputies responding to a reported shooting discovered Kelley in possession of a .357 Magnum revolver and spent rounds of ammunition. At the time of the incident, Kelley had been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob R. Parker represented the United States.
Cherokee Man Indicted for Murder in Indian CountryRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – On October 7, 2025, a grand jury in Asheville returned a criminal indictment charging Derrick Alan Cucumber, 45, of Cherokee, N.C., with first degree murder in Indian country and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence for killing Mario Sanchez Nino, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
James C. Barnacle, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Chief Carla Neadeau of the Cherokee Indian Police Department (CIPD) join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.
According to allegations in filed charging documents, on November 9, 2024, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Cucumber drove to a relative’s residence in Indian Country within the Western District of North Carolina. It is alleged that, upon arriving at the residence, Cucumber, who is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, approached the victim and another man as they sat near a firepit on the property. Cucumber pointed a gun at the victim and said, “I told you I was going to kill you.” Cucumber then allegedly shot Mario Sanchez Nino once in the face, killing him instantly. After shooting the victim, Cucumber left the scene. Court documents allege that Cherokee Indian Police Department officers responded to Cucumber’s residence and arrested him after a standoff that lasted approximately two hours.
Cucumber is currently in federal custody. If convicted, Cucumber faces a statutory sentence of life in prison for the first degree murder offense, and a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison for the firearm offense. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The charges against the Cucumber are merely allegations and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the FBI and CIPD for their work on the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex M. Scott with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville is prosecuting the case.
Brockport woman going to prison for fraud and making false statementsRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Patricia Hutchins, 53, of Brockport, NY, who was convicted of fraud and making a false statement, was sentenced to serve 16 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. Hutchins was also ordered to pay approximately $65,000 in restitution.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that in July 2021, U.S. Postal Inspectors executed a search warrant at Hutchins’ Greece residence and seized documents, cash, and electronic devices that were either used in or derived from various wire fraud schemes, including Unemployment Insurance fraud, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud, and elder fraud. In October 2022, Hutchins was arrested on charges of mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. On May 1, 2024, she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and awaiting sentencing on that charge. As part of her plea agreement, Hutchins was required to pay restitution to two victims: $20,052.00 to reimburse a financial institution for a fraudulent PPP loan disbursement and $25,100.00 to an elderly individual who had been duped into “paying off a debt for a friend” by sending that money to Hutchins. Hutchins was in a position to make those restitution payment because she was about to gain a substantial sum from the sale of her home.
On October 16, 2024, Hutchins appeared in federal court for sentencing. At that time, she stated that she had invested the entire proceeds of her home sale in a retirement account and did not have any money for restitution. As a result, her sentencing was delayed, and she was ordered to withdraw the funds from the retirement account and use them to pay restitution to her victims. On December 4, 2024, Hutchins appeared once again for sentencing. This time, she advised the court that she used all her money to buy gift cards for an individual she claimed was Kenny Chesney. However, Hutchins had used that excuse with law enforcement two previous times when she was actually stealing money from victims and the government.
A review of Hutchins’ financial records confirmed that the proceeds from the sale of her residence—approximately $47,000—were deposited into her bank account one month before her scheduled sentencing on October 16, 2024. In the month leading up to the sentencing, she pulled approximately $15,000.00 out of the account by purchasing 80 $250.00 gift cards at merchants such as Walgreens, Tops, Wegman’s, Lowe’s, and Home Depot. After the original sentencing was adjourned, and she was directed by the Court to gather funds to pay restitution, Hutchins purchased another 40 gift cards totaling approximately $8,500.00. As of November 29, 2024, there was only approximately $1,000 left in her account and her victims had yet to receive any restitution.
While investigating Hutchins’ disbursement of the restitution funds, law enforcement discovered that she had engaged in even more credit card fraud than was originally discovered. For example, she had used a victim’s bank account to make 17 payments on her personal credit card totaling over $14,000. As a result, Hutchins was charged with making false statements related to her sentencing and wire fraud. She pleaded guilty to the charge and was required to pay restitution to the additional wire fraud victim, bringing her total restitution owed to approximately $65,000.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division, and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone, Northeast Region.
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6 October 2025
Texas Resident Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Ronald James Yates, age 60, of Tyler, Texas, entered a guilty plea to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, punishable by 10 years to life in prison and a $10,000,000.00 fine.
The Indictment alleged that on February 24, 2025, Yates knowingly and intentionally possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, intending to distribute it.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Hugo Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Yates will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Staubus represented the United States.
Stillwell Resident Sentenced for Voluntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Kimberly Dawn Ball-Gilbert, a/k/a Kimberly Dawn Gilbert, a/k/a Kimberly Ball, age 43, of Stilwell, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 97 months in prison for one count of Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country, to be followed by three years of Supervised Release.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office, the Grant County, Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office, and the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory.
On March 19, 2025, Ball-Gilbert pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on July 17, 2023, Ball-Gilbert joined Mose Adam Smith in beating the victim during a fight that left the victim with blunt force trauma and fatal injuries. Ball-Gilbert then stole the victim’s truck and fled the state with Smith. They were apprehended ten days later by law enforcement in Illinois. On April 10, 2025, Smith was found guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter in Indian Country by a federal jury at trial. Smith was sentenced to 121 months in prison on September 17, 2025.
The crime occurred in Sequoyah County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Ball-Gilbert will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick M. Flanigan and Lewis M. Reagan represented the United States.
Pharmacist arrested for illegal distribution of oxycodoneRead the Press Release
Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
HOUSTON – A 65-year-old Sugar Land resident has been charged with illegal distributing over 800 oxycodone pills over the course of just a few days, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Kirti Ruxmohan made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray Oct. 6.
The 10-count indictment, returned Oct. 1 and unsealed upon his arrest, alleges Ruxmohan conspired with others to illegally distribute oxycodone from May to June. According to the indictment, the crew leaders paid individuals to pose as patients at Houston-area pill mill clinics to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances.
One leader allegedly worked with Ruxmohan to fill several fraudulent oxycodone prescriptions at his pharmacy. In just a few days in May, they dispensed approximately 810 oxycodone pills, according to the charges.
If convicted, Ruxmohan faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine.
Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Olson 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.
Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm CrimeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Luciano Rodriguez, age 45, a Mexican national, entered a guilty plea to one count of Possession of Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The Indictment charged Rodriguez with knowingly and unlawfully possessing a semi-automatic pistol from which the serial number had been removed, obliterated, or altered.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Adair County Sheriff’s Office.
The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Rodriguez will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Staubus represented the United States.
Man Charged with Providing a Machinegun Conversion Device to a Minor While Serving a Firearm and Drug SentenceRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Broken Arrow man was indicted for unlawfully possessing a firearm while under supervision of the State and allegedly sold a machinegun conversion device to a minor. Derrick Carl Andrew Chatman, 24, is charged with Possession of a Firearm by Person Under Indictment, Transfer or Possession of a Machinegun, and Firearms Trafficking.
The unsealed complaint alleges that in July, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was contacted by the Tulsa Police Department about recovering a firearm with an attached machinegun conversion device commonly known as a “switch.” A parent found the gun and ammunition in their juvenile’s bedroom. With the parents’ permission, the juvenile spoke with law enforcement and disclosed that he purchased the firearm at a gun show at the fairgrounds. While at the gun show, the juvenile met a man he could buy a switch from.
The complaint alleges that Chatman sold the switch to the juvenile. Video surveillance from the gun show also shows Chatman purchasing a firearm. During a search of Chatman’s home, law enforcement allegedly found a gun, several rounds of ammunition, and a box with a shipping label from China that contained firearm switches.
Further, court records show that Chatman was charged in July 2024 with two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm while committing a felony, and other crimes. In December 2024, Chatman pleaded guilty, was sentenced, and remains under the State's supervision.
The ATF and the Tulsa Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Jackson County Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening U.S. SenatorRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – On October 6, 2025, Wyatt Austin Salus, 26, of Cullowee, N.C., appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge W. Carleton Metcalf and pleaded guilty to making interstate threats to kill and injure United States Senator Thom Tillis, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
James C. Barnacle, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Chief Michael G. Sullivan of the United States Capitol Police (USCP), join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.
According to filed plea documents and the plea hearing, on March 17, 2025, Salus called Senator Tillis’s office and left a message threatening to injure and kill Senator Tillis. In his message, Salus communicated a number of threats, including threatening to run over Senator Tillis with his car. Salus also said in his message that Senator Tillis “should not feel safe in North Carolina,” adding, “I will kill you if I see you.”
“Threats of violence against a United States Senator are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “We will continue to work with the FBI and our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable anyone who seeks to intimidate or harm a public official.”
“It is deplorable to make violent threats against anyone. But when threats are directed at elected officials, it can impact their ability to effectively serve their constituents. The FBI will not tolerate this type of intimidation, especially when threats are directed at those elected to lead our country,” said Special Agent in Charge Barnacle.
“This is just another example of how the United States Capitol Police work around the clock to hold people accountable for threatening the Members of Congress,” said USCP Chief Sullivan. “I am proud of our men and women who work with our partners to enforce our zero-tolerance stance against threats. Political violence must stop.”
The maximum penalty for the charge Salus pleaded guilty to is five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date has not been set.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the United States Capitol Police. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville is prosecuting the case.
Indian Trail Man Sentenced to Prison for Committing Fraud Using Stolen Identities of Military Service MembersRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. –Shabazz Emmanuel McCarthan, 38, of Indian Trail, N.C., was sentenced to 51 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for committing fraud using the stolen identities of military service members, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term imposed, McCarthan was ordered to pay $175,544.45 in restitution to the victims.
James C. Barnacle, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in North Carolina joins U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.
According to court documents and the sentencing hearing, McCarthan and his co-conspirators engaged in an extensive identity fraud scheme whereby they obtained the personal identifying information (PII) of military service members and used the stolen PII to manufacture fictitious forms of identification in the victims’ names. Then, McCarthan used these fictitious forms of identification to fraudulently open bank accounts, lease apartment units, purchase furniture, and rent multiple vehicles. Court records also show that McCarthan generated income from the fraudulently leased apartments by subleasing them as short-term rentals, including using Airbnb. He also attempted to ship the rental vehicles overseas to Nigeria, the Togolese Republic in West Africa, and elsewhere. The loss amount associated with McCarthan’s fraud scheme exceeded $250,000 and his scheme damaged the credit of military members, including at least one service member who was deployed overseas.
McCarthan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and aggravated identity theft. He remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and will be transferred to the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
iIn making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the FBI for its investigation which led to the charges.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Savage and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Frick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Illegal alien charged for throwing Texas law enforcement officer into fence during immigration arrestRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 36-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Houston has been charged for assaulting an officer which resulted in deep head wounds, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Javier Cornelio Cruz-Nava is now in custody pending further criminal proceedings.
On Oct. 1, federal and state authorities were conducting immigration enforcement activities in Houston, according to the charges. They allegedly attempted to stop a vehicle Javier Cornelio Cruz-Nava was driving and activated their emergency lights, but he did not yield and began to evade. The charges allege they surrounded Cruz-Nava’s vehicle, at which time he jumped out and fled on foot.
An agent with the Texas Department of Public Safety in uniform began to chase Cruz-Nava, according to the allegations. The charges allege the agent eventually caught up with him and attempted to grab his shirt, but Cruz-Nava slid out of the garment and continued to flee. The agent then allegedly attempted to secure Cruz-Nava by wrapping his arms around him, but Cruz-Nava lunged and threw him into a wrought iron fence.
The charges allege Cruz-Nava fled again, but authorities soon took him into custody.
The agent was injured during the scuffle and sustained two deep head wounds, according to the complaint.
“Those who attack law enforcement officers are attacking the American system of justice,” said Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas has a zero-tolerance policy towards anyone who does so. The message is clear—comply with officer directives and keep your hands to yourself.”
If convicted of assaulting, resisting or impeding a person assisting a federal officer, Cruz-Nava faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and DPS. Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Ganz is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
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 Alain Sanchez-Lopez, a/k/a Enrique Sanchez-Malpicha, a/k/a Jesus Rico-Lopez, a/k/a Jesus Perez-Rico, a/k/a Alain De Jesus Sanchez-Lopez, age 39, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Muskogee County, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than two years, and a fine of not more than $250,000.00.
The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office.
The Indictment alleged that on July 15, 2025, Sanchez-Lopez, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on November 6, 2015, February 14, 2016, March 29, 2016, and April 13, 2016.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Sanchez-Lopez will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dak T. Cohen represented the United States.
Greenville Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing a Bank While on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Greenville Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing a Bank While on Federal Supervised Release
CONCORD – A Greenville man pleaded guilty on October 6, 2025, to robbing a bank while on federal supervised release, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
Eric Lord, 54, pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante scheduled sentencing for January 12, 2026.
Lord robbed the TD Bank in New Ipswich on April 2, 2025. He was on federal supervised release when he committed the robbery. Lord was previously convicted in federal court for robbing the same TD Bank in 2014. He committed the 2014 robbery one day after being paroled for burglary convictions.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The New Ipswich Police Department and FBI led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.
Gervais Man Charged with Felony Assault of Federal Law Enforcement Officer Near Local ICE OfficeRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Gervais man made his first appearance in federal court today after assaulting a federal officer near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.
Jairin Anzaldua-Ervin, 29, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.
According to court documents, on October 4, 2025, Anzaldua-Ervin was part of a group of individuals trespassing on the driveway of the ICE building in South Portland. Law enforcement officers gave multiple warnings to the group to clear the driveway. Rather than move as directed, Anzaldua-Ervin forcefully threw a water bottle at a law enforcement officer, hitting the officer in the chest. Anzaldua-Ervin was then taken into custody for assaulting a federal law enforcement officer.
“Throwing water bottles, or any object for that matter, at federal law enforcement officers is not protesting – it’s a crime – and perpetrators will be arrested and federally prosecuted,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “I thank the brave members of federal law enforcement who have protected federal employees and the ICE building for more than 110 consecutive nights.”
Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 30 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.
Anzaldua-Ervin made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was released on conditions pending further court proceedings.
Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to eight years in federal prison.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Convicted felon illegal alien who assaulted police returns to prison for unlawfully reentering the U.S.Read the Press Release
Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
HOUSTON - A 39-year-old Mexican national with a felony criminal history has been sentenced for illegally reentering the country without authorization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Luis Adrian Torres-Tamayo pleaded guilty June 30.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt has now ordered Torres to serve 105 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is again expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.
Torres was first removed in 2012 after sustaining a conviction for possession of a controlled substance. He illegally returned and in 2022, he assaulted two local law enforcement officers during a domestic violence dispute. He repeatedly attacked them, seizing their taser guns and striking them with a closed fist. He subsequently served three years imprisonment for assault of a public servant.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Celia Moyer and Amanda Alum prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Convicted Bank Robber Charged with Murder for Killing Cherokee County Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes IIRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Kelvin Wayne Simmons, 49, is facing a federal charge of first-degree murder of an officer for killing Cherokee County Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes II, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. A grand jury sitting in Asheville returned the indictment on October xx, 2025, also charging Simmons with attempted carjacking resulting in death; escape; attempted carjacking; carjacking; use of a firearm in connection with a crime of violence; assaulting, resisting and impeding an officer; and possession of a firearm by a felon.
James C. Barnacle, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and R.E “Chip” Hawley, Director of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.
The criminal bill of indictment alleges that, on June 30, 2025, Simmons did unlawfully kill Cherokee County Detention Officer Flattes while the officer engaged in the performance of his official duties and did so during the perpetration and attempted perpetration of an escape. The indictment also alleges that Simmons attempted to carjack a motor vehicle resulting in the death of Detention Officer Flattes. The indictment further alleges that Simmons, who was in federal custody awaiting sentencing for a federal bank robbery and attempted carjacking conviction, escaped from custody, and following his escape, Simmons then attempted to carjack an individual unsuccessfully. Simmons then allegedly carjacked another individual and used a firearm to commit the carjacking.
Simmons remains in custody. He is scheduled to appear in federal court on xxx, 2025. The penalty for first degree murder is life in prison or death; the penalty for attempted carjacking resulting in death is any number of years up to life imprisonment, or death. The indictment includes a Notice of Special Sentencing Factors which could permit the United States to seek the death penalty. The Justice Department has not yet announced whether it will seek the death penalty. The remaining charges in the indictment carry maximum punishments ranging from five years to life imprisonment.
The charges against Simmons are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the FBI and SBI for their investigation.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Charles Neil Floyd appointed interim U.S. Attorney for the Western District of WashingtonRead the Press Release
Tacoma – Charles Neil Floyd was sworn in today as interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington. Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo administered the oath of office. U.S. Attorney Floyd was appointed by Attorney General Pam Bondi on September 16, 2025.
“Like many Northwesterners, I first experienced the beauty and outdoor opportunities in Washington while stationed at JBLM in the late 1990’s as part of the legal staff on the base,” said U.S. Attorney Floyd. “In 2009, I was able to make Western Washington my home while continuing my legal service to my country as part of the Army JAG Corps, as an attorney with the Department of Homeland Security, and later as an Immigration Judge with the Department of Justice.”
U.S. Attorney Floyd will lead an office of approximately 85 attorneys and 70 support staff. Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) enforce the criminal laws of the United States by directing investigations and prosecuting cases developed by a network of federal law enforcement agencies. The office also fills a critical role as legal counsel for the United States government in civil litigation and affirmative civil enforcement.
U.S. Attorney Floyd is deeply familiar with the work of the Justice Department. Following law school and a judicial clerkship, U.S. Attorney Floyd served in various legal roles while on active duty with the U.S. Army. In 2004, Mr. Floyd joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and for over five years handled a wide range of federal criminal matters including violent crime, white-collar crimes, health care fraud, mail and wire fraud, bank embezzlement, child exploitation, immigration violations, and identity theft.
In 2009, U.S. Attorney Floyd and his family returned to Western Washington, and he served as Assistant Chief Counsel for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In that role he handled detention and removal proceeding before the Immigration Court and worked closely with Federal and local law enforcement to provide training on criminal and Constitutional issues.
Even as he served his country with DHS and DOJ, Mr. Floyd continued to serve in the Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, as a reserve officer. In November 2015 he was deployed to Iraq for six months as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. He retired from the JAG Corps in 2023 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
In 2018, Mr. Floyd was appointed to be an Immigration Judge in the Executive Office of Immigration Review, presiding over asylum, removal, and bond hearings.
Most recently, in March 2025, U.S. Attorney Floyd was called back to Washington DC to serve as Special Counsel for Immigration Enforcement in the FBI Office of General Counsel. In that role he advised the General Counsel and FBI leadership on all aspects of immigration enforcement. Mr. Floyd coordinated with the Office of the Deputy Attorney General and all DOJ law enforcement components to provide guidance and training on the implementation of immigration enforcement priorities.
U.S. Attorney Floyd has a Masters of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, a law degree with honors from the University of Arkansas, and a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from Harding University.
Bank Fraud Co-Conspirator Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Carlos Banegas-Contreras, age 46, entered a guilty plea to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
The Second Superseding Indictment alleged that in June 2023, Banegas-Contreras and others knowingly and willfully conspired to commit bank fraud. On June 23, 2023, Banegas-Contreras and other co-conspirators used fake identification cards to cash 178 fraudulent paychecks totaling $299,474 at five branches of the same local bank and three check cashing businesses in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The fraudulent paychecks were designed to look like they had been issued by a building materials supply company in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from: Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven J. Lupa, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana; Homeland Security Investigations; the United States Secret Service; the Indiana State Police, the Benton County, Indiana Sheriff’s Department; the Benton County, Indiana Prosecutor’s Office; the Poteau, Oklahoma Police Department; and the Houston, Texas Police Department.
The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report.
A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Banegas-Contreras will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kara Traster and Jordan W. Howanitz represented the United States.
Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged with Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz”Read the Press Release
CHICAGO — An alleged ranking member of a Chicago street gang has been charged in federal court with soliciting the murder of a senior law enforcement official involved in the immigration enforcement operation known as “Operation Midway Blitz.”
A criminal complaint unsealed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago charges JUAN ESPINOZA MARTINEZ, 37, of Chicago, with one count of murder-for-hire. Martinez was arrested this morning. His initial appearance in federal court has not yet been scheduled.
According to the complaint, Martinez is a ranking member of the Latin Kings, a street gang that has engaged in acts of violence and other illicit activities in Chicago and elsewhere. Martinez stated in a Snapchat message, “2k on information when you get him” and “10k if u take him down,” the complaint states. Included in the message was a photo of the senior law enforcement official, who has recently participated in immigration enforcement operations in Chicago on behalf of the U.S. Border Patrol, an agency within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the complaint states.
The complaint and arrest were announced by Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General, Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Matthew J. Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago.
“Placing a bounty on the head of a federal officer is an attack on the rule of law and on every American who depends on law enforcement to keep them safe,” said Deputy Attorney General Blanche. “This case is exactly what we mean when we say Take Back America - taking back every neighborhood and street corner from violent thugs and criminal gangs and returning them to the law-abiding members of our communities. The Department of Justice will never allow violent gangs or criminal networks to target those who protect our borders and our communities. We will use every authority, every resource, and every partnership at our disposal to bring anyone who threatens or harms our officers to justice - swiftly and decisively.”
“Putting a price on the life of a law enforcement officer is a line that can never be crossed,” said Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. “The defendant’s actions in this case demonstrate a profound contempt for human life and public safety. Under my leadership, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago will hold defendants accountable for their grave criminal actions and ensure that no federal officer has to fear for their life for doing their job."
“The arrest of this ruthless and violent member of the Latin Kings, a criminal organization notorious for its cruelty and disregard for the law, highlights the steadfast commitment of Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners to protect our communities and those who uphold justice,” said HSI SAC Scarpino. “Targeting a senior federal officer is a brazen and direct assault on the rule of law, and HSI will remain persistent in dismantling violent gangs like the Latin Kings that threaten public safety.”
The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
martinez_complaint.pdf
5 October 2025
Federal Complaint Charges Two Individuals with Using Their Vehicles to Assault, Impede, and Interfere with the Work of Federal Agents in ChicagoRead the Press Release
CHICAGO – Two individuals have been charged in federal court with using their vehicles to assault, impede, and interfere with the work of federal agents in Chicago.
According to a criminal complaint filed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago, MARIMAR MARTINEZ and ANTHONY IAN SANTOS RUIZ used their vehicles to strike a vehicle being driven by an agent of U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Saturday morning near the intersection of West 39th Street and South Kedzie Avenue on Chicago’s Southwest Side. Two other CBP agents were also in the government vehicle. After striking the agents’ vehicle, the defendants’ vehicles boxed in the agents’ vehicle, the complaint states. The agent was unable to move his vehicle and exited the car, at which point he fired approximately five shots from his service weapon at Martinez, the complaint states.
Martinez drove off but paramedics discovered her and her vehicle at a repair shop about a mile away. Martinez was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where she received treatment for gunshot wounds, the complaint states.
Ruiz also drove away after the collisions, but law enforcement located him and his vehicle at a gas station about a half block away, the complaint states. Both defendants remain in law enforcement custody, pending initial appearances in federal court in Chicago.
The complaint charges Martinez, 30, and Ruiz, 21, both of Chicago, with forcibly assaulting, impeding, and interfering with a federal law enforcement officer.
The federal charges were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI.
The public is reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
martinez_ruiz_complaint.pdf
4 October 2025
Statement of United States Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement OperationsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO – Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and federal law enforcement leadership in Chicago today issued the following statements regarding ongoing criminal immigration enforcement actions in Chicago:
“As U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, my office will enforce all federal criminal laws and protect our federal employees and property. Assistant U.S. Attorneys will staff the FBI-led command post on a daily basis to monitor real-time developments and take swift action as needed when criminal offenders assault, obstruct, or impede law enforcement personnel or destroy federal property. During this surge, we have filed federal charges against more than 12 individuals and continue to review cases for additional criminal charges. The people of Chicago deserve safe streets and peaceful neighborhoods, and we will deliver justice on their behalf.”
-Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois
Federal law enforcement leaders in Chicago echoed U.S. Attorney Boutros’s statement:
“We speak with one voice when we say that we expect any protest or assembly in Chicago to remain peaceful. There is no place for violence against law enforcement officers, obstruction of justice, or destruction of federal property. Any criminal actions taken against the brave men and women in uniform will be met with swift criminal prosecution. Our agencies will continue to work closely with each other to execute federal law fully and completely.”
-Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI
-Matthew J. Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago
-Russell Hott, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Chicago
-LaFonda Sutton-Burke, Director of the Chicago Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection
-Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
-Shane Catone, Special Agent-in-Charge of the DEA Chicago Field Division
-LaDon A. Reynolds, United States Marshal for the Northern District of Illinois
U.S. Attorney Boutros also remarked:“As I have emphasized repeatedly (see here, here, and here), we are a law and order district. We vigorously prosecute crimes in all program areas. We will not hesitate to hold accountable those who attack and undermine the rule of law, including by resorting to violence and criminal mischief to interfere, obstruct, or impede the important work of the federal government as it is conducted in the Northern District of Illinois. The entire federal law enforcement partnership in Chicago also thanks Chief Judge Virginia M. Kendall, all of the other judges in the Northern District of Illinois, and Clerk of Court Thomas G. Bruton for their leadership and hard work in ensuring that Chicago’s federal courtrooms remain open to handle the increased volume of criminal cases being presented before the Court for adjudication.”
-Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois
3 October 2025
Undocumented Immigrant Sentenced to More than a Year in Prison for Unlawfully Re-Entering United States After DeportationRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — An undocumented immigrant with an extensive criminal history in Illinois has been sentenced to more than a year in federal prison for illegally re-entering the United States after deportation.
LUIS CHAVEZ was deported from the United States to his native Mexico in 2015 after being convicted of firearm and attempted burglary offenses in Kankakee County, Ill. At some point between 2015 and 2024, Chavez re-entered the United States without inspection or admission by U.S. immigration authorities. On Feb. 17, 2024, Chavez was found to be present in Kankakee County and was later taken into federal custody.
Chavez, 34, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal charge of illegal re-entry. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Lindsay C. Jenkins sentenced Chavez to 15 months in federal prison with credit for the time he already served in federal custody pending the final disposition of his case.
The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Russell Hott, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Chicago.
“The defendant in this case committed serious criminal offenses in the United States before his deportation and removal,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “He then ignored a Court order and returned to the United States without authorization. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago will continue to enforce all federal criminal immigration laws to promote respect for the law, keep our communities safe from defendants with criminal histories, and protect the integrity and sovereignty of our borders.”
“This case underscores the critical importance of enforcing our nation’s immigration laws,” said Field Office Director Hott. “Chavez’s unlawful re-entry into the United States after deportation, combined with his extensive criminal history, posed a threat to public safety and the rule of law. ERO Chicago remains committed to identifying, apprehending, and removing individuals who violate our immigration laws and endanger our communities.”
Three Individuals Charged in Federal Court in Chicago with Using Their Vehicles to Impede and Interfere with the Work of Federal AgentsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO – Three individuals have been charged in federal court in Chicago with using their vehicles to impede and interfere with the work of federal agents in the Chicago area.
The charges allege that two of the three defendants rammed their vehicles into vehicles being driven by federal agents, while the third defendant rear-ended a federal law enforcement vehicle, according to criminal complaints filed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago.
The defendants have made their initial appearances in federal court. The charges are as follows:
WIDMAN OSBERTO LOPEZ FUNES, 18, of Bensenville, Ill., is charged with felony assault of a federal officer and depredation of U.S. property. Lopez Funes was driving a vehicle in Bensenville, Ill., on Oct. 1, 2025, when he allegedly forcibly struck a vehicle being driven by officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.
MIGUEL ESCARENO DE LOERA, 20, of Woodridge, Ill., is charged with felony assault of a federal officer. De Loera was driving a vehicle in Woodridge, Ill., on Oct. 2, 2025, when on three occasions he allegedly forcibly struck a vehicle being driven by officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.
JOEL GONZALEZ, 23, of Chicago, is charged with forcibly impeding and interfering with a federal officer, a misdemeanor. Gonzalez was driving a vehicle in Chicago on Oct. 2, 2025, when he allegedly impeded and interfered with a group of vehicles being driven by agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The federal charges were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Matthew J. Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago.
The public is reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
lopez_funes_complaint.pdf de_loera_complaint.pdf gonzalez_complaint.pdfPembroke Man Pleads Guilty for Misusing CARES Act Funds to Purchase a Golf CourseRead the Press Release
Pembroke Man Pleads Guilty for Misusing CARES Act Funds to Purchase a Golf Course
CONCORD – A Pembroke man pleaded guilty on October 3, 2025, for fraudulently obtaining over $1 million of CARES Act funds from the United States government, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
Michael Kirouac, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante scheduled sentencing for January 15, 2026.
Kirouac owned or controlled four companies: HK Manchester, HK Loudon, HK Hudson, and HK Pelham. He applied for and obtained over $1 million worth of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) for the companies. Kirouac certified that he would use the loan proceeds solely as working capital and would not use the funds for personal expenses or to relocate the businesses from one location to another.
Beginning in 2021, Kirouac was looking to purchase a golf course. He was unable to obtain financing from banks and private lenders and instead obtained EIDLs on behalf of HK Manchester and HK Loudon. Kirouac used approximately $600,000 of EIDL funds intended for HK Manchester and HK Loudon to help purchase the Angus Lea Golf Course in Hillsborough, New Hampshire. Kirouac also misused EIDL funds he obtained for HK Pelham.
Separately, Kirouac obtained a $260,500 EIDL for HK Hudson. However, Kirouac had already agreed to sell HK Hudson to a third party when he signed for the loan. Kirouac did not disclose that fact to the SBA.
The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of the Inspector General, IRS Criminal Investigations, and SBA’s Office of the Inspector General led the investigation. The Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.
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During the early part of the coronavirus pandemic, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act included multiple relief provisions to help the millions of Americans and many small businesses adversely affected by the pandemic, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Private lenders could participate in the PPP. The loans, which were supposed to be used for payroll, were fully guaranteed by the government. If borrowers used the PPP loans for payroll and other approved expenses as intended, they could apply for loan forgiveness. The CARES Act also opened up the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. As with PPP loans, EIDL loans were supposed to be used for payroll and other business expenses such as rent and mortgage.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Nicholas Roske Sentenced to over Eight Years in Prison for Attempted Murder of Supreme Court Justice in MarylandRead the Press Release
Nicholas John Roske, 29, of Simi Valley, California, was sentenced today to 97 months in federal prison to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release for attempting to kill a United States Supreme Court Justice. The Department of Justice advocated for a sentence of at least 30 years to life.
“The attempted assassination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh was a disgusting attack against our entire judicial system by a profoundly disturbed individual,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice will be appealing the woefully insufficient sentence imposed by the district court, which does not reflect the horrific facts of this case.”
“Nicholas Roske will now pay the price for attempting to assassinate a Supreme Court Justice in a violent plot to alter the court’s composition and its rulings,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Violence against federal judges or other public officials is unacceptable and will be met by the full force of the law. The FBI will work aggressively with our law enforcement partners to detect and stop these schemes and protect our nation.”
“Politically motivated violence has no place in our society,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O’Hayes for the District of Maryland. “The attempt to assassinate a Supreme Court Justice is an extreme, unconscionable act that must be met with the full weight of the law. We, along with our federal partners, are committed to relentlessly pursuing, prosecuting, and punishing anyone involved in planning and executing these brazen, violent crimes. Violence against others will not be tolerated.”
“Roske flew across the country armed with a gun and zip ties, prepared to kill at least one sitting Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States because of how he imagined the Justice would rule,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “No public servant, let alone a Justice, should have to consider his safety or that of his family’s in discharging his duty. Even in failure, Roske’s plot violated that basic tenet and threatened judicial independence, a critical component of the rule of law.”
As part of a guilty plea, Roske admitted that on June 7, 2022, Roske flew from Los Angeles International Airport to Dulles International Airport with a firearm and ammunition in a checked suitcase. Roske then took a taxi from the airport to Montgomery County, Maryland, with the intent to kill the Supreme Court Justice.
On June 8, 2022, at approximately 1:05 a.m., two Deputy U.S. Marshals, protecting the residence of a Supreme Court Justice, observed Roske arrive in and get out of a taxi in front of the residence. Roske wore dark clothing and had a backpack and suitcase. As Roske would tell a Detective later that morning after being arrested and Mirandized, “I noticed immediately that there were people sitting outside and this was a very like empty neighborhood, so I was like, okay, they’re keeping a lookout. So then I went around the house on the other side[.]”
Shortly after, Roske told a Montgomery County Emergency Communications Center call taker that Roske was having homicidal and suicidal thoughts, had a gun in his suitcase, and flew from California to kill a specific Supreme Court Justice.
MCPD officers responded to the location and took Roske into custody. A search of Roske’s suitcase and backpack revealed a firearm; black tactical chest rig and tactical knife; two magazines, each containing 10 rounds of ammunition; 17 additional rounds of ammunition; pepper spray; zip ties; a hammer; screwdrivers; nail punch; crowbar; pistol light; duct tape; hiking boots with padding on the outside of the soles; and lock-pick tools, along with other items.
Law enforcement transported Roske to a MCPD station. After being Mirandized, Roske stated that Roske was upset about a recently leaked Supreme Court draft decision on abortion as well as the recent school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Roske also admitted that he came from California with the intent to use the firearm and burglary tools and to kill the Supreme Court Justice. When asked “If everything was clear, what was your plan to do?,” Roske responded, “Break in [and] shoot” the Associate Justice.
The FBI Baltimore Field Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, the MCPD, and the Supreme Court Police Department investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the FBI Los Angeles Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Sullivan and Coreen Mao for the District of Maryland prosecuted the case, with valuable assistance from Trial Attorney John Cella of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Man Unlawfully Living in Oregon Charged with Assaulting FBI Agents and Distributing Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A man made his first appearance in federal court today after assaulting two Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents following his arrest on federal drug distribution charges.
Ezequiel Ramos Hernandez, 28, has been charged by criminal complaint with multiple felony crimes including Assaulting Federal Agents and Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances.
According to court documents, on October 1, 2025, the FBI, along with the Woodburn and Salem Police Departments, executed a search warrant at Ramos Hernandez’s Woodburn hotel room. Agents seized distributable quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. FBI agents arrested Ramos Hernandez and began driving him to be lodged on federal drug distribution charges. During the transport, Ramos Hernandez managed to escape from the moving vehicle while handcuffed. Two FBI agents chased Ramos Hernandez who actively resisted and was observed kicking one of the FBI agents in the face multiple times. Ultimately, FBI agents were able to subdue Ramos Hernandez with the assistance of multiple civilian witnesses. Ramos Hernandez later told an FBI agent that he tried to escape from agents because he thought he was being deported.
Defendant Ramos-Hernandez made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was detained pending further court proceedings.
Assaulting a federal officer is punishable by up to eight years in federal prison.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Man Unlawfully Living in Oregon Charged with Aiming a Laser at a Customs and Border Protection HelicopterRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A man made his first appearance in federal court today after pointing a laser at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) helicopter in the Portland metro area.
Hector Miranda-Mendoza, 35, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of Aiming a Laser Pointer at an Aircraft.
According to court documents, on the evening of September 27, 2025, law enforcement identified Miranda-Mendoza as an individual who targeted multiple aircraft with a laser pointer, including a CBP helicopter. Lasers can cause blindness and spotting in vision, making it a challenge for pilots to identify other aircraft and obstacles, which could lead to a catastrophic event. CBP used an on-board mapping system to locate the origin of the laser at a Portland residence. Investigating officers contacted the defendant who admitted he recently purchased the laser and knew it was strong. Defendant reported he thought the helicopter was a drone and he remembered flashing the helicopter four or five times. Law enforcement seized the laser pointer and referred this matter for federal prosecution.
“Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft endangers lives and is a federal crime. This conduct put the lives of CBP personnel and the community directly at risk, and my office will aggressively pursue those who engage in this illegal activity,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
“The laser strike on a CBP helicopter over the skies of Portland put our community at risk and endangered the lives of federal law enforcement officers. This activity is unacceptable, and FBI Portland will aggressively pursue anyone anywhere targeting federal agents, especially those currently holding the line at the Portland ICE facility,” said Douglas A. Olson, FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge.
Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 29 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.
Miranda-Mendoza made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was detained pending further court proceedings.
Aiming a laser pointer is punishable by up to five years in federal prison.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Illegal alien with multiple violent crime convictions sentenced for unlawfully returning to the United StatesRead the Press Release
Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
HOUSTON – A 34-year-old man from El Salvador has been ordered to federal prison for illegally reentering the country after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Carlos Membreno-Lainez pleaded guilty June 30.
U.S. District Judge David Hittner has now ordered Membreno-Lainez to serve 72 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court determined an upward variance was appropriate to deter Membreno-Lainez from committing further crimes.
Membreno-Lainez has convictions for evading arrest and theft as well as a significant sentence for aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon. He was removed in November 2018 with no permission to return to the United States. However, authorities encountered him again Nov. 30, 2024, following an arrest in Harris County on charges of felony assault of a family member impeding breath.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis Batarse is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Honduran National Charged with Assaulting 2 Federal Officers at a Karnes Immigration Processing CenterRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A Honduran national made his initial appearance in a federal court in San Antonio on Thursday, charged with assaulting two detention officers at the Karnes County Immigration Processing Center.
According to court documents, Jorge Alberto Maradiaga-Carias began arguing with a detention officer (DO) and refused to comply with the officer’s instructions, making provocative gestures toward the officer. A criminal complaint affidavit alleges that after the DO called his supervisor for assistance, Maradiaga-Carias made threats to assault the DO and advised other detainees that they did not have to listen to the DOs because they were not ICE officers.
The affidavit further alleges that when the supervisor arrived to assist, Maradiaga-Carias grabbed him and struck the supervisor in the head before putting him in a head lock. The initial officer involved attempted to restrain Maradiaga-Carias, who allegedly managed to break one leg free and kick him on the side of the head twice, with one of the kicks forcing the DO to fall backward and hit his head on a brick wall.
During the struggle, Maradiaga-Carias allegedly attempted to gain access to the supervising DO’s Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) aerosol spray canister on his duty belt but was unsuccessful. Additional DOs arrived and assisted in securing Maradiaga-Carias with handcuffs. The two DOs were medically evaluated, with one receiving treatment for minor injuries and placed on medical leave while the other was treated and diagnosed with a mild concussion.
Maradiaga-Carias is charged with one count of assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal officer(s). If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
ICE is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Wannarka is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A criminal complaint 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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Defendant Pleads Guilty to Felony Intimidation of a Federal Officer and Resisting ArrestRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— Defendant Julie Winters, 47, of Portland, pleaded guilty yesterday to Felony Intimidation of a Federal Officer and Resisting Arrest.
According to court documents, on June 24, 2025, Winters brandished a large knife and swung it back and forth at officers in an attempt to intimidate the officers when they engaged with Winters at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.
On August 20, 2025, Winters reported to the Pretrial Services Office after violating the conditions of her pretrial release. As federal law enforcement attempted to arrest Winters on a federal warrant, she resisted arrest by causing forcible contact with U.S. Deputy Marshals after the U.S. Marshals attempted to place the defendant under arrest.
Winters will be sentenced in December 2025 before a U.S. District Court Judge.
These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Protective Service, ICE, and the United States Marshals Service. These cases are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
14 Members of a Transnational Criminal Organization known as La V Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms Crimes—Two Remain FugitivesRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal grand jury issued a superseding indictment on September 25, 2025, charging 14 members of a transnational criminal organization from the municipality of Camuy with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession, and distribution of controlled substances, firearms violations, and money laundering, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. This investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Defendants [3] Victor Hernandez and [9] Yamil González-Vargas remain at large and are considered fugitives. Members of the public with information concerning their whereabouts may contact HSI’s sector San Juan communication center at (787) 729-6969 or HSI’s Tip Line at (866) 347-2423 and https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form.
“One of our top priorities continues to be the disruption and dismantling of violent drug trafficking organizations, at every level,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “The result of this joint operation, with the collaboration of our state counterparts, shows our commitment to making our communities safer.”
“We will not allow drug smugglers, money launderers, and weapons traffickers, to threaten the safety of our communities. HSI is focused in identifying criminal networks that fuel violence, destabilize neighborhoods, and prey on our children and families. The message is clear, we will continue to strike at every level these organizations, cutting off their profits, seizing their weapons and ensuring that those responsible face justice,” said Rebecca González-Ramos, Special Agent in Charge, HSI San Juan (Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands).
The superseding indictment alleges that from 2021 through September 25, 2025, [1] Emilio Lopez-Vargas led a continuing criminal enterprise, responsible for the importation and distribution of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine for substantial profit. As set forth in the superseding indictment and other court filings, “La V” was a large-scale drug trafficking organization directed by [1] Emilio Lopez-Vargas based out of Camuy, Puerto Rico, that operated in coordination with Dominican Republic sources of supply (the “La V” or the “Lopez-Vargas Drug Trafficking Organization”). La V used boats to import multi-kilogram shipments of cocaine from the Dominican Republic into Puerto Rico. Some of the boats that were utilized by La V had hidden compartments designed to conceal the cocaine. Upon the arrival of the cocaine shipments to Puerto Rico, portions of the cocaine would be distributed and sold throughout Puerto Rico. Other portions of the cocaine shipments would be shipped to the continental United States via a global logistics company and the United States Postal Service. La V utilized employees of the United States Postal Service and a global logistics company to protect the shipments of cocaine sent to the continental United States. Once the cocaine was transported to the continental United States members of the organization would cut the cocaine with adulterants and repackage it for greater profit. Members of the organization would then provide samples of cocaine to end users to test the quality of the cocaine. Finally, La V would distribute the cocaine to end users. In Puerto Rico, members of the drug organization would store fentanyl and cocaine at residences where it was packaged for distribution and finally distributed to end users. Members of the La V also transported firearms from Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic via vessels generating substantial income and profit. The drug proceeds were then laundered back to Puerto Rico.
Defendants [1] Emilio Lopez-Vargas and [2] John Lopez-Peralta were responsible for the coordination and the importation of cocaine into the United States from their contacts in the Dominican Republic. They procured boats with hidden compartments and [1] Emilio Lopez- Vargas also shipped firearms to the Dominican Republic.
Members of La V, including [1] Emilio Lopez-Vargas, [4] Axel Manuel Cardec-Lugo,[5] Richard Romero-Rodriguez, [10] Jeiric Gilberto Ramos-Rodriguez, and [14] Whilhelm Lopez-Afanador shipped packages containing cocaine through the mail to members of the organization located the continental United States. The packages would contain kilogram quantities of cocaine. Members of the organization would store the proceeds of the cocaine sales in various stash houses and make periodic commercial flights returning to Puerto Rico with large sums of United States currency stored in suitcases, or the proceeds would be laundered back into the organization. [4] Axel Manuel Cardec-Lugo was an employee of a global logistics company and would provide information to [1] Emilio Lopez-Vargas about shipments. Members of law enforcement seized approximately 203 kilograms from packages in which [4] Axel Manuel Cardec-Lugo was the courier.
The defendants charged in the drug trafficking conspiracy are: [1] Emilio Lopez-Vargas, also known as “Macanita” and “La M”, [2] John Lopez-Peralta, also known as “Macana”, [3] Victor Omar Hernandez, also known as “El Indio” and “Vic”, [4] Axel Manuel Cardec-Lugo, also known as “Axel Carde-Lugo” and “Maquina”, [5] Richard Romero-Rodriguez, also known as “Riche”, [6] Owen Alexander Roman-Ramos, also known as “La O”, [7] Kevin Orlando Collazo-Fernandez, also known as “Maluma”, [8] Noel Mercado-Rosa, also known as “Sangre”, [9] Yamil Yaniel Gonzalez-Vargas, also known as “Yamo”, [10] Jeiric Gilberto Ramos-Rodriguez, [11] Carlos Ramon Santiago-Velazquez, also known as “Gordo”
[12] Hector Armando Roa-Ramos, [13] Jovanni Perez-Garcia, also known as “Jova” and “Jomo”, [14] Whilhelm Lopez-Afanador, also known as “Wille Bombe”, Nine defendants are charged in Count twelve with conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) and Chief of the Asset Recovery, Money Laundering, and Transnational Organized Crime Section Myriam Y. Fernández-González, Deputy Chief of the Asset Recovery, Money Laundering, and Transnational Organized Crime Section Maria L. Montañez-Concepción and AUSA Ryan R. McCabe are prosecuting the case.
If convicted of the drug charges, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. The defendants charged with possession of machineguns in furtherance of drug trafficking face a sentence of thirty years to life in prison, consecutive to the sentence imposed on the drug charges.
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.
All defendants charged in the drug conspiracy are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $11,000,000. The property to be forfeited includes, but is not limited to, the properties listed in the Continuing Criminal Enterprise Forfeiture Allegation of the superseding indictment.
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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.50 caliber straw purchaser sentenced in relation to illegal firearm shipment destined for MexicoRead the Press Release
Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
HOUSTON - A 50-year-old Houston man has been ordered to prison for making a false statement in the purchase of firearms and purchasing firearms knowing they were to be exported to Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The jury deliberated for less than 20 minutes following a three-day trial before finding John Castellano guilty April 30.
U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. has now ordered Castellano to serve 70 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that Castellano was not just simply purchasing firearms, he was getting them through others with money people in Mexico had provided. Judge Werlein commented that these were .50 caliber rifles destined for Mexico and that Castellano was looking to purchase more.
On or about Dec. 16, 2019, Castellano lied to a federal firearms licensed dealer. He falsely claimed he was purchasing two Barrett .50 caliber rifles for himself, each valued at approximately $8,000. In reality, they were intended for others and ultimately destined for Mexico.
The jury heard evidence that Castellano purchased the rifles with approximately $17,000 in cash from Jacinto Zuniga.
Evidence revealed Castellano had picked up the firearms from a federal firearms licensed dealer with a friend, who was a previously convicted felon.
The jury also heard he was attempting to obtain additional Barrett .50 caliber rifles.
Experts provided testimony regarding the regulations and various licensing requirements necessary for exporting firearms to Mexico. The jury also had the opportunity to view the rifles Castellano had straw purchased.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that the accusations were false, he was wrongfully accused and that incriminating text messages were lies. They did not believe those claims and found Castellano guilty as charged.
Previously released on bond, Castellano was taken into custody following the sentencing where he will remain pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Zuniga, 44, Houston, previously pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme and was sentenced to 34 months.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and Department of State. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Stotts prosecuted the case.
2 October 2025
Somersworth Man Arrested on State Assault Offense Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution ChargeRead the Press Release
Somersworth Man Arrested on State Assault Offense Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution Charge
CONCORD –Antoine Valentin, 43, of Somersworth, pleaded guilty October 2, 2025, in federal court for possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
According to the plea agreement, on November 1, 2022, law enforcement authorities arrested Valentin at his Somersworth residence on a state assault charge, which led to the seizure of more than 100 grams of fentanyl and drug proceeds totaling $1,300 in United States Currency.
The charging statute provides for a sentence of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years in federal prison, at least four (4) years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $5,000,000. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante scheduled sentencing for January 15, 2026.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Somersworth Police Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Portland Woman Charged with Assaulting Federal Law Enforcement Officer Near Local ICE OfficeRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland woman made her first appearance in federal court yesterday after assaulting a federal officer near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.
Katherine Meagan Vogel, 39, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.
According to court documents, on the evening of September 30, 2025, federal officers detained Vogel after she applied red paint to the driveway of the ICE facility. Federal officers escorted Vogel to the ICE facility to interview her for conduct related to depredation of government property. While federal officers processed her, Vogel struck one of the federal officers in the jaw with a closed fist. Officers then arrested her for the additional charge of assaulting a federal officer.
“Violence and property damage at the ICE building or any other federal building will not be tolerated. If you assault a federal law enforcement officer or damage federal property, you will be arrested and federally prosecuted,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office has charged 28 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.
Vogel made her first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. She was released on conditions pending further court proceedings.
Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to eight years in federal prison.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Mexican national receives 66 months following conviction for illegally reentering country for 4th timeRead the Press Release
Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.
HOUSTON – A 44-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Houston has been ordered to federal prison for entering the country without authorization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Wilfredo Sanchez pleaded guilty May 22.
U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge has now ordered him to serve 66 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is again expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court considered his previous convictions and the dangerousness of his crimes, lack of respect for the law and need for deterrence.
Sanchez has felony convictions for illegal reentry as well as burglary of habitation and evading arrest with a motor vehicle. He was first removed in 2007 and illegally returned four times, most recently in February 2022. Authorities discovered him in Harris County following an arrest for evading detention.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration Customs Enforcement – Enforcement Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brooke Fuselier and Carrie Law prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Lincolnton Woman Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl Linked to Teenager's Fatal OverdoseRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. –Madison Dare Winslow, 26, of Lincolnton, N.C., was sentenced on October 2, 2025, to 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for selling fentanyl that caused a teenage victim to fatally overdose, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, and Chief Tyler Whisenant of the Maiden Police Department join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making the announcement.
“This defendant knowingly sold fentanyl-laced pills to an unsuspecting teenager, with devastating consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “As fentanyl continues to claim the lives of too many young people in our communities, drug dealers who callously push this deadly drug into our neighborhoods and endanger children will face the full weight of federal prosecution.”
“Fentanyl is a poison that continues to devastate families and communities across our nation. This case is a tragic reminder of the deadly consequences of fentanyl trafficking, especially when it targets our youth. HSI remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantling drug networks and holding those who profit from this lethal trade accountable. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to fight tirelessly to protect our communities and save lives,” said Special Agent in Charge Morant.
“With today’s sentencing, our hope is this outcome brings a measure of justice and accountability while underscoring the dangers these drugs present,” said Chief Whisenant. “The Maiden Police Department along with the family, friends, and our community remember and mourn the young life lost. The Maiden Police Department remains steadfastly committed to our mission of working to prevent drug overdoses, protect our community, and arrest those who choose to traffic in illegal drugs.”
According to court records and the sentencing hearing, Winslow was trafficking fentanyl in and around Catawba County. On February 14, 2022, Winslow sold fentanyl-laced pills to a 17-year-old that were pressed to appear as prescription pills containing oxycodone hydrochloride. On February 16, 2022, the minor ingested one or more of the pills sold to him by Winslow, causing the victim to fatally overdose. Based on the minor’s autopsy and toxicology report, the cause of the victim’s death was fentanyl toxicity.
Court records show that law enforcement interviewed Winslow regarding her connection with the victim’s fatal overdose. Winslow admitted to selling the pills to the victim and to knowing that the pills likely contained fentanyl. Worse, Winslow continued to traffic fentanyl after that, even though she knew the drugs she was selling were linked to a fatal overdose. On April 4, 2022, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on of Winslow’s vehicle. During the traffic stop, law enforcement determined that Winslow possessed 60 pills pressed to appear as oxycodone hydrochloride, later determined to contain fentanyl.
On February 13, 2025, Winslow pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl. She will remain in federal custody until she is transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked HSI, the Maiden Police Department, and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick J. Miller of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and remains the deadliest drug threat in the United States. Laboratory testing indicates 7 out of 10 pills seized by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. According to the DEA, in 2024, the agency seized more than 60 million fentanyl-laced fake pills and nearly 8,000 pounds of fentanyl powder. That’s equivalent to more than 380 million lethal doses of fentanyl. So far this year, the 2025 fentanyl seizures represent over 262 million deadly doses.
For information and resources related to substance use disorder, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit the online treatment locator.