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29 September 2025
Servicemembers Receive Relief for Unlawful Repossession of Their CarsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights for the United States Department of Justice, Harmeet K. Dhillon, announced today that NEW CITY FUNDING CORP. (“NEW CITY”) has agreed to pay at least $120,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (“SCRA”) by repossessing vehicles owned by SCRA-protected servicemembers without first obtaining the required court orders. Under the agreement, NEW CITY has agreed to pay $60,000 to compensate four servicemembers whose cars it unlawfully repossessed and will also pay a civil penalty of $60,000 to the United States. NEW CITY has further agreed to provide information regarding additional repossessions and will compensate any additional servicemembers whose cars were repossessed in violation of the SCRA.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice launched an investigation into NEW CITY’s repossession practices following the filing of a private lawsuit in the Southern District of New York. In the lawsuit, the plaintiff alleged that NEW CITY violated the SCRA by repossessing the plaintiff’s vehicle after the plaintiff had entered military service. The subsequent investigation identified four additional violations to date and revealed that NEW CITY regularly failed to adhere to its written policies and procedures regarding SCRA’s protections against non-judicial auto repossessions.
NEW CITY, headquartered in Stony Point, New York, provides auto financing to New Yorkers, many of whom are unable to obtain financing from traditional lending institutions.
“New Yorkers support the women and men of our armed forces, and New Yorkers want our Office to stand up for the rights of our service members, particularly when they are deployed,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protects our troops from having their cars and other assets seized while serving, and our Office stands ready to enforce those protections.”
“By repossessing these vehicles, New City Funding disregarded the law and the duties it owed to members of our Armed Forces,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We will hold accountable any business that does not respect the legal rights of U.S. servicemembers.”
The agreement requires NEW CITY to provide $15,000 in compensation, plus any lost equity in the vehicle with interest, to each of the four affected servicemembers who have been identified to date and will provide similar compensation to any additional servicemembers subsequently identified whose rights under the SCRA were violated by NEW CITY. NEW CITY will also take steps to repair the credit of the affected servicemembers. NEW CITY will contact servicemembers to be compensated through this settlement in the upcoming months and will distribute payments at no cost to servicemembers. As noted above, NEW CITY will also pay a $60,000 civil penalty to the United States.
Enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country. For more information about SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under SCRA have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations may be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil.
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This case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Civil Division and the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dana Walsh Kumar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Trial Attorney Audrey M. Yap of the Civil Rights Division are in charge of the case.
Salvadoran National Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salvadoran national residing in Lynn pleaded guilty on Sep. 26, 2025 in federal court in Boston to unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Emelio Neftaly Pineda, 46, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Oct. 30, 2025. In July 2025, Pineda was indicted by a federal grand jury.
According to the charging documents Pineda was deported on or about July 20, 2016, after having been convicted of a felony.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien, having previously been convicted of a felony provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Riley of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.
Russell Laffitte Sentenced to 5 Years for Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, Bank Fraud, and Misapplying Bank FundsRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Former banker Russell Lucius Laffitte, 54, of Estill, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud; wire fraud; bank fraud; and three counts of misapplication of bank funds.
“As of today, Russell Laffitte and Alex Murdaugh have both been sentenced to federal prison, and their victims have been made financially whole,” said Bryan Stirling, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina. “The victims put their trust in Laffitte and Murdaugh after suffering serious injuries and losing loved ones, and they were exploited for financial gain. We appreciate the dedicated work of our partners at the FBI, SLED, and South Carolina Attorney General’s Office in ensuring justice for them.”
Laffitte was an officer and executive at Palmetto State Bank in Hampton, South Carolina. His co-conspirator, Alex Murdaugh, was a personal injury attorney at a law firm in Hampton.
Laffitte admitted that he agreed to serve as conservator and personal representative for several of Murdaugh’s clients, knowing that he would personally profit from doing so. Beginning in 2011, Laffitte began extending himself and Murdaugh loans from conservator accounts Laffitte was charged with managing. Laffitte did not disclose the loans to the conservatees, despite owing them a fiduciary duty.
Around that time, Murdaugh devised a scheme to obtain money belonging to his clients. In furtherance of the scheme, Murdaugh directed law firm employees to make clients’ checks payable to Palmetto State Bank. The checks were drawn on the law firm’s client trust account, identified the clients on the memo lines, and corresponded to amounts set forth in the clients’ disbursement sheets.
As to two of Murdaugh’s clients, Laffitte—their conservator—saw their disbursement sheets and knew that the bank was supposed to receive their settlement funds. Murdaugh presented the clients’ checks to Laffitte and directed that they be used for Murdaugh’s personal benefit, including to pay off loans Laffitte had extended from conservator accounts. Laffitte negotiated nine separate transactions for Murdaugh’s benefit, knowing that the funds belonged to the clients.
Laffitte also aided and abetted the structuring of transactions from a second check belonging to one of the clients, disbursing the funds at Murdaugh’s direction and for Murdaugh’s personal benefit.
As to a third client of Murdaugh’s, Laffitte negotiated 12 separate transactions, disbursing $1,325,000 in client settlement funds for Murdaugh’s benefit. Despite knowing they were client funds, Laffitte allowed Murdaugh to use the funds to repay Murdaugh’s personal loans, repay loans Laffitte extended from a conservator account, purchase vehicles and equipment, and receive cash back. Laffitte also deposited some of the funds into Murdaugh’s personal account.
Laffitte received $75,000 in conservator fees and $35,000 in personal representative fees from these three clients. He intentionally failed to report this income on his tax returns, knowing that he could hide the income because the fee checks were drafted to Palmetto State Bank rather than to him personally. Laffitte also structured transactions to avoid reporting requirements and intentionally failed to file suspicious activity reports.
In 2015, Laffitte misapplied bank funds by extending over $284,000 from a line of credit that was supposed to be for farming to repay Murdaugh’s remaining loans from the conservatorship.
Laffitte also misapplied bank funds on two other occasions. In July 2021, he extended Murdaugh a $750,000 loan for the stated purpose of beach house renovations. But Laffitte authorized a $350,000 wire transfer to an attorney and then transferred $400,000 of “loan proceeds” to Murdaugh’s account to cover over $367,000 in overdraft, knowing that these funds had nothing to do with beach house renovations.
In October 2021, the law firm uncovered that Murdaugh had stolen from clients. Laffitte knew he had negotiated stolen checks at Murdaugh’s direction despite knowing the funds did not belong to Murdaugh. Laffitte then paid the law firm $680,000 in bank funds without the knowledge or consent of the full bank Board of Directors or Executive Committee in an attempt to settle the matter with the law firm.
Laffitte paid $3,555,884.80 in criminal restitution before sentencing and will also forfeit $85,845.73 to the government. He also agreed that his guilty plea prohibits him from controlling or participating in the conduct of any federally insured bank or credit union, and he cannot serve as a director or officer of any such bank or credit union without permission.
United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel imposed the 60-month sentence, to be followed by a three-year term of supervision. The court also ordered Laffitte to pay a $20,000 fine and a $600 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Limehouse, Kathleen Stoughton, and Winston Holliday are prosecuting the case.
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Rambling Man Sentenced for Threatening ChristiansRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Isaac Sissel, 26, a man who intentionally bounces from place to place committing crimes and skipping town afterwards to avoid the consequences, was sentenced today to thirty months for threatening to kill conservative Christians with an AR-15 assault rifle, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Reuben C. Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to court documents, in September 2024, Sissel created Reddit accounts with names like “ShootUpTrumpRally” and “PlanningToKillTrump.” And then, on November 2, Sissel sent an anonymous tip to the FBI claiming that he would “carry out an attack against conservative christan filth in the event trump wins the election,” and said that he had a “stolen ar15.” Sissel sent his threat two days before President Trump’s campaign rally in Michigan, three days before the 2024 Presidential election, and four months after President Trump was shot at a campaign rally with an AR-style weapon. As a convicted felon, Sissel is prohibited from possessing firearms, however there was no evidence that Sissel actually possessed a weapon, including an AR-15.
In April 2025, Sissel pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting threats in interstate commerce. The government also charged Sissel with a Hate Crimes Motivation enhancement, meaning that he selected his victims because of their actual or perceived religion. The Court agreed and applied the enhancement to Sissel’s sentence.
“We live in evil times,” U.S. Attorney Gorgon said. “Even in America, Christians are routinely targeted for death by violent extremists like this man. The First Amendment is a safeguard of religious liberty and free speech—and so it does not protect true threats that undermine religious liberty.”
"The sentencing of Issac Sissel reflects the FBI’s zero tolerance for individuals who threaten Americans, including leadership at the highest levels of government,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “I would like to thank the dedicated members of the FBI Detroit Joint Terrorism Task Force, alongside the FBI Ann Arbor Resident Agency, who worked tirelessly throughout this investigation. This effort would not be possible without the crucial assistance of the United States Secret Service, University of Michigan Police Department, and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office in apprehending Mr. Sissel and supporting this investigation. I send my sincerest appreciation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan for their successful prosecution. The FBI will remain committed to protecting our communities across America and investigate those who seek to instill fear and violence.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hank Moon and Micah Wallace.
Prince George’s County Man Charged with Assaulting Federal Law Enforcement Officer on National Security Agency CampusRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced it filed a criminal complaint against Amir Phillip Wilson, 23, of Greenbelt, Maryland, charging him with assaulting Federal law enforcement officers.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the criminal complaint with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno, Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office, and Chief Craig Lustig, National Security Agency (NSA) Police.
On September 24, 2025, an NSA police officer, stationed at a checkpoint, observed a vehicle operated by Wilson approach the NSA campus in Fort Meade, Maryland. The officer saw Wilson drive the vehicle through the checkpoint without presenting the appropriate credentials required to enter the protected property. Eventually, law enforcement attempted to stop Wilson, but he accelerated to upwards of 40 to 50 miles an hour in an attempt to evade the officers.
During the pursuit, Wilson’s vehicle struck two marked NSA police vehicles responding to the scene injuring one of the officers. Upon impacting the second police vehicle at a high rate of speed, Wilson’s vehicle careened into a concrete retaining wall, where it came to a stop. Law enforcement then took Wilson into custody.
Wilson is scheduled to appear for a detention hearing on Wednesday, October 1, at 10 a.m.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and NSA Police for their work in this investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys G. A. Massucco-LaTaif and LaRai Everett who are prosecuting this case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Portland Man Charged with Assaulting 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.
Tomas Plancarte-Benson, 37, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer.
According to court documents, on the evening of September 27, 2025, federal officers attempted to clear the driveway at the ICE facility. Plancarte-Benson was among a group of agitators blocking the driveway. Federal officials gave repeated verbal commands to “move” or “clear the driveway.” Rather than move when directed, Plancarte-Benson shoved a federal officer and retreated into the crowd. Federal officers subsequently found Plancarte-Benson near the ICE facility and arrested him for assaulting a federal officer.
“Violence at the ICE building or any other federal building will not be tolerated. If you assault a federal law enforcement officer, you will be arrested and prosecuted,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon has charged 27 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property.
Plancarte-Benson 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.
Phoenix Man Charged After Seizure of 36 Pounds of Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and 3 FirearmsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Last week, John Avendano, 21, of Phoenix, Arizona, was charged by federal criminal complaint in Phoenix, Arizona with Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
According to the complaint, on September 22, a Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Silverado and identified John Avendano as the driver. Inside the Silverado, investigators seized a firearm and approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine, which was hidden in a black trash bag in the truck.
Investigators subsequently searched Avendano’s residence and found over 5 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 250 grams of cocaine, and two additional firearms.
Possession with the Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Methamphetamine carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years to life in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000.
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 DEA’s East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force HIDTA conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Zander, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CASE NUMBER: 25-MJ-9417-PHX-ESW
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-157_Avendano# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Philadelphia Woman Sentenced for Conspiring to Smuggle Suboxone into Curran-Fromhold Correctional FacilityRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Talia Hicks, 33, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to three years’ probation, with one month of home confinement, and forfeiture of approximately $2,900 by United States District Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge, for conspiring to distribute controlled substances.
Hicks was charged with that offense by information and pleaded guilty in March of this year.
As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, from at least December 2019 through November of 2020, Hicks conspired with multiple individuals to smuggle Suboxone into the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility (“CFCF”). At the time of the charged conspiracy, she was working for the Transportation Security Administration at Philadelphia International Airport.
A review of video tablet calls, a recorded form of communication available to inmates at CFCF, showed that a co-conspirator, on various occasions, discussed inmates sending CashApp and Apple payments to both the co-conspirator and Hicks. A review of CashApp and Green Dot records showed that Hicks and the co-conspirator sent and received CashApp payments on behalf of the co-conspirator, from and to various individuals. There were multiple transactions for which Hicks either facilitated the payment for Suboxone or provided the drugs to a co-conspirator to smuggle the substance into CFCF.
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Grenell.
Peruvian National Sentenced to More than 6 Years in Prison in Transnational Scheme to Defraud Spanish-Speaking United States ConsumersRead the Press Release
A Peruvian national was sentenced today to 80 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $3,000,000 in restitution for his participation in transnational fraud schemes that victimized vulnerable consumers in the United States.
According to court documents, David Cornejo Fernandez, 36, of Lima, Peru, facilitated fraudulent schemes that stole millions of dollars from thousands of Spanish-speaking victims across the United States. Cornejo provided Internet-based telephone lines, caller-ID spoofing services, and recording capabilities to a network of fraudulent call centers in Peru. Relying on Cornejo’s services, those call centers defrauded and extorted thousands of Spanish-speaking victims by falsely threatening them with court proceedings, fines, and other consequences if they did not pay for English-language products. Cornejo was extradited from Peru in November 2024 to face charges related to the scheme and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in July.
In pleading guilty, Cornejo admitted that he provided fraudulent call centers in Peru with the technology to impersonate federal agents, police officers, attorneys, court personnel, and other government officials to extort payments from victims. Cornejo provided telephone lines to his call center co-conspirators, which they used to place unsolicited, fraudulent and extortionate telephone calls to vulnerable U.S. victims. Cornejo also provided caller-ID spoofing software that allowed his co-conspirators to convincingly impersonate government officials and threaten victims with severe legal and financial consequences if they did not pay. Cornejo placed pre-recorded messages on his co-conspirators’ telephone lines that fraudulently convinced victims they had reached actual U.S. courts, police departments, and federal agencies. When victims reported that specific telephone numbers were fraudulent, Cornejo provided new telephone lines and numbers to his co-conspirators so they could continue the fraudulent scheme.
Cornejo and his co-conspirators ultimately caused more than $3 million in losses to more than 8,800 victims across the United States.
With today’s sentencing in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, 13 defendants have now been convicted and sentenced in connection with transnational fraud schemes that defrauded and threatened Spanish-speaking U.S. consumers, claiming they would suffer legal consequences if they did not pay for English-language learning products they never requested. Collectively, these defendants were responsible for defrauding more than 30,000 U.S. consumers.
The 13 defendants include eight Peruvian call center owner-operators; four distribution center owner-operators who processed payments and distributed products in the United States; and now Cornejo, who facilitated the fraud schemes from Peru. Cornejo and many of these defendants shared strategies on how to impersonate the U.S. government and defraud Spanish-speaking residents of the United States.
Cornejo is the ninth defendant to be extradited from Peru and sentenced in federal court for fraud related to Peruvian call centers involved in English language learning scams. In 2021 and 2022, U.S. District Judge Robert N. Scola Jr., sentenced Henrry Milla, Carlos Espinoza, Jerson Renteria, Fernan Huerta, Omar Cuzcano, Evelyng Milla, and Josmell Espinoza to sentences ranging from 88 months to 110 months in prison. In 2024, U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams sentenced Jose Alejandro Zuñiga Cano to 98 months in prison.
USPIS and the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch investigated the case.
Senior Trial Attorney and Transnational Criminal Litigation Coordinator Phil Toomajian and Trial Attorney Carolyn Rice of the Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Annika Miranda for the Southern District of Florida is handling asset forfeiture. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Peruvian National Prosecutor General’s Office, and the Peruvian National Police provided critical assistance.
The Justice Department continues to investigate and bring charges in other similar matters involving threats against Spanish-speaking residents of the United States.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its fraud enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
Onondaga County Woman Sentenced for Firearms and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Alexis Miranda, age 30, of Syracuse, was sentenced on Thursday to 60 months in prison for possessing defaced firearms and for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.
As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Miranda admitted that from August to October 8, 2019, she agreed with Christopher Montano to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. On September 12, 2019, Miranda travelled from the Rome, New York, area to meet Montano, where they distributed more than 80 grams of methamphetamine to another person. A few months later, in August 2020, Miranda was stopped for a traffic violation on Interstate 90, in Rensselaer County, New York, and law enforcement found heroin and fentanyl in her purse as well as a roller suitcase in her trunk containing four semiautomatic pistols with defaced serial numbers.
Last year, Montano was sentenced to 76 months in prison for unlawfully selling unregistered firearms and drug trafficking crimes.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Alexis Miranda was engaged in trafficking deadly substances and weapons, each of which contribute to drug addiction and gun violence in the community. We will relentlessly pursue and prosecute individuals like her to get rid of deadly firearms and drugs from our streets.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller stated: “Those who traffic in illegal firearms and deadly drugs will be held accountable. These defaced and stolen weapons pose a serious threat to our communities, and we remain committed to working with our federal and local partners to disrupt this kind of dangerous criminal activity.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James stated, “Strong partnerships are crucial for intercepting the illegal drugs and weapons that sustain a cycle of violence and threaten the quality of life in our communities. The collaborative multi-agency efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office, ATF, and New York State Police has resulted in the sentencing of Mr. Miranda and has eradicated an unprincipled gun and drug trafficking operation. We will continue to make it a priority to find those who commit these acts and dismantle the dangerous chain of activities they perpetuate.”
Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a 5-year term of post-release supervision.
ATF and the NYSP investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping prosecuted this case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn.
Oneida County Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Receive and Distribute Child Pornography and for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – John Kelly, age 83, of Rome, New York, was sentenced on Wednesday to 60 months in federal prison for conspiring to receive and distribute child pornography and for possessing child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
As part of his prior guilty plea, Kelly acknowledged that in August 2022 he began conspiring with his co-defendant, Richard Hockersmith, about exchanging child sexual abuse material. Kelly further acknowledged that he and Hockersmith decided to exchange the material by mailing an SD card containing child sexual abuse images and videos back and forth, which each of them did. Kelly also acknowledged that during a search of his residence on February 23, 2024, he possessed numerous images and videos of child pornography on a laptop computer.
United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also sentenced Kelly to serve a 10-year term of supervised release to begin after Kelly is released from prison, and to pay a total of $15,000 in restitution. Kelly will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.
Hockersmith was previously sentenced on July 8, 2025, to six years in federal prison and a 10-year term of post-release supervision.
Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “It is beyond disturbing that an 83-year-old man would seek out depictions of the sexual abuse of our most vulnerable population. Thanks to the diligent work of HSI, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, and New York State Police, this defendant will now be spending his twilight years in federal prison—where he belongs.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan said, “Today's sentence underscores how coordinated, targeted investigative efforts disrupt the distribution of child sexual abuse material and ensure offenders are held accountable. Protecting children from sexual exploitation is one of HSI's highest priorities, and we will relentlessly investigate and disrupt those who trade in child sexual abuse material. HSI Syracuse's strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York—and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners—has proven essential to holding these child predators accountable and strengthening public safety across New York.”
The case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle prosecuted 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.
Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve Nine Years in Federal Prison for Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy and Illegal Possession of a Machinegun, Methamphetamine, and CocaineRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – KEITH TERRELL THOMPSON, 27, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 108 months in federal prison for a firearms trafficking conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine and cocaine and methamphetamine with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a machinegun, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to public record, on January 17, 2024, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) executed a search warrant at Thompson’s residence. Inside, OCPD officers recovered multiple firearms, an assortment of controlled substances including cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, $9,965.00 in cash, and a machinegun conversion device (MCD). When installed, MCDs convert semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic machineguns, and possession of the devices violates federal law. Thompson was later located and arrested by OCPD officers on January 29, 2024, at a different apartment. OCPD executed a search warrant on the second residence and recovered two stolen firearms, controlled substances, and more than $10,000 in cash.
On March 11, 2025, Thompson was charged by Superseding Information with a firearms trafficking conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a machinegun, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Thompson pleaded guilty on March 20, 2025, and admitted he knowingly conspired to traffic firearms, that he knowingly and intentionally possessed cocaine and methamphetamine which he intended to distribute, that he possessed a firearm in furtherance of that drug distribution, and that he knowingly possessed an MCD.
At the sentencing hearing on September 25, 2025, Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Thompson to serve 108 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge DeGiusti noted the seriousness of these offenses.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew E. Davis prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Oklahoma City Duo Lands in Federal Prison for More Than Nine Years Collectively after Pipe Bomb and Ammunition are Found During Traffic StopsRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – CALEB GRAVES, 33, of Del City, and ROBERT ALLEN KEEFE, 25, of Oklahoma City, have been sentenced to serve 109 months collectively in federal prison for illegal possession of ammunition and possession of an unregistered destructive device, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On November 6, 2024, Graves was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition. On April 1, 2025, he was also charged with possession of an unregistered destructive device and felon in possession of a firearm, namely, an improvised explosive bomb. On April 1, 2025, Keefe was charged with possession of an unregistered destructive device related to the same improvised explosive bomb. Firearms and pipe bombs are considered destructive devices under federal law.
According to public records, on August 18, 2024, officers with the Village Police Department stopped a vehicle driven by Graves and observed a loaded firearm magazine. The following day, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant at Graves’ residence, where they several rounds of ammunition in his vehicle. While on pretrial release awaiting trial, Graves was arrested again, this time on October 14, 2024, after Oklahoma City Police Department officers stopped Graves in his vehicle and located a hidden pipe bomb. Keefe, who was the lone other passenger, was arrested, as well.
On June 6, 2025, Graves, who had previously been convicted of a felony, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition and a felon in possession of a firearm, namely an improvised explosive bomb. Federal law prohibits previously convicted felons from possessing ammunition and firearms, including bombs. On June 9, 2025, Keefe pled guilty to being in possession of an unregistered destructive device.
Public records further reflect that Graves has previous felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court for:
- Second degree burglary, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy to commit a felony in case number CF-2010-4613;
- possession of a methamphetamine in case number CF-2016-3849; and
- child neglect and possession of contraband in a penal institution in case number CF-2016-4096.
At sentencing hearings this month, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Graves to serve 72 months in federal prison, and sentenced Keefe to serve 37 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for both. In announcing the sentences, Judge Russell noted the seriousness of the offense and the need to provide just punishment.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Village Police Department, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew E. Davis prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Nigerian National Extradited from Poland to Face Elder Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Tochuwku Albert Nnebocha, 43, of Nigeria was extradited from the Republic of Poland and faces federal charges of engaging in a transnational criminal organization that operated an inheritance fraud scheme that cheated many American seniors out of their savings. Nnebocha made his initial appearance in federal court today in Miami.
Nnebocha was arrested in April 2025 by authorities in Poland, based on an indictment filed in the Southern District of Florida, and has remained incarcerated since then.
According to court documents, Nnebocha is charged with operating a transnational inheritance fraud scheme. Over the course of more than five years, he, along with others, allegedly sent personalized letters to elderly consumers in the United States, falsely claiming that the sender was a representative of a bank in Spain and that the recipient was entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance left for the recipient by a family member who purportedly had died years before in Spain. Victims were told that, before they could receive their purported inheritance, they were required to send money for delivery fees, taxes, and payments to avoid questioning from government authorities. Victims sent money to the defendants through a complex web of U.S.-based former victims, whom the defendants convinced to receive money and forward to the defendants or persons associated with them. According to the indictment, victims who sent money never received their purported inheritance funds.
The defendant is charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as mail fraud and wire fraud. Nnebocha made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Enjolique Lett of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. If convicted, Nnebocha faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Two additional defendants have pleaded guilty and been sentenced in this case. The Honorable Roy K. Altman previously sentenced both Okezie Bonaventure Ogbata, who was extradited from Portugal, and Ehis Lawrence Akhimie, who was extradited from the United Kingdom, to 97 months of incarceration for their roles in the scheme.
USPIS and HSI are investigating the case.
This case is one example of efforts by the Justice Department to protect American seniors from domestic and foreign based scams. These efforts include cases against those who engage in, and knowingly facilitate, romance fraud, lottery fraud, tech support fraud, and grandparent scams. Romance fraud is a confidence scheme where a perpetrator feigns romantic interest with a victim only to later extract money or property under false pretenses. Lottery fraud schemes trick victims into believing they have won a non-existent lottery or sweepstakes prize in order to extract fake fees, taxes, or other fabricated charges from the victim. Tech support fraud scams involve perpetrators tricking victims into believing that their computer or phone has a problem, often through fake pop-up messages, and to later seek funds from the victims in order to “fix” the “problem.” Grandparent scams, another type of confidence scheme, involve scammers impersonating a grandchild or close family member who experiences a fictitious emergency and needs money from the victim as soon as possible.
Senior Trial Attorney and Transnational Criminal Litigation Coordinator Phil Toomajian and Trial Attorney Josh Rothman of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, the Federal Bureau of Investigations Legal Attache in Poland, INTERPOL, and Polish Authorities, all provided critical assistance.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.
More information about the Department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New York Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Trafficking Fentanyl and Cocaine from New York to Midcoast MaineRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Union man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for distributing fentanyl and cocaine.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Kenneth Adams, 40, to 10 years in federal prison followed by eight years of supervised release for trafficking kilogram quantities of fentanyl and cocaine from New York to Maine. Adams pleaded guilty on December 20, 2024.
According to court records, from at least December 2023 through June 2024, Adams trafficked fentanyl and cocaine from sources of supply in the Bronx to mid-level drug dealers in Knox County for further distribution. As determined by the court, Adams possessed at least one firearm in connection with this drug trafficking activity.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case.
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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New York Auto Finance Company to Compensate Servicemembers for Illegal RepossessionsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced that New City Funding, a New York-based auto finance company, will pay over $120,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by illegally repossessing vehicles owned by military servicemembers.
The Department alleges that New City Funding, a regional auto finance company based in Stony Point, New York, repossessed at least five vehicles owned by servicemembers without obtaining the court orders required by federal law. The Department further alleges that New City took no steps to determine whether the owners of these vehicles were in military service prior to repossessing their cars, and, in some cases, went forward with repossessions even after they were told that the owner was on active duty.
“By repossessing these vehicles, New City Funding disregarded the law and the duties it owed to members of our Armed Forces,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We will hold accountable any business that does not respect the legal rights of U.S. servicemembers.”
“New Yorkers support the women and men of our armed forces, and New Yorkers want our Office to stand up for the rights of our service members, particularly when they are deployed,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York. “The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protects our troops from having their cars and other assets seized while serving, and our Office stands ready to enforce those protections.”
Under the terms of the settlement, New City will pay at least $60,000 in compensation to affected servicemembers, forgive any unpaid balance on their accounts and take steps to repair damage to their credit. New City will also be required to pay a $60,000 civil penalty and make changes to its policies and training to avoid future violations.
The SCRA is a federal law that provides legal and financial protections for servicemembers and their families. The law prevents an auto finance or leasing company from repossessing a servicemember’s vehicle without first obtaining a court order, as long as the servicemember made at least one payment on the vehicle before entering military service.
This case was handled by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $483 million in monetary relief for over 148,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the Department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil.
Note: The Settlement Agreement can be read here
Nespelem Man Sentenced to 216 Months in Federal Prison for Sex Crimes Involving Children on the Confederated Tribes of the Colville ReservationRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Lance Scott Michel, age 31, of Nespelem, Washington, to 216 months in federal prison after Michel pleaded guilty to Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country and Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. Judge Dimke also ordered that, following his sentence, Michel be placed on a lifetime term of supervised release.
According to court documents, in early 2023, Michel began communicating with various minor females on the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation over social media. Michel, a then twenty-nine-year-old, provided the minor females with items such as vaping products and cartridges. After engaging in this grooming behavior, Michel sexually abused two 15 year old victims. District Court Judge Dimke noted the aggravated nature of Defendant’s crimes and applied a sentencing enhancement due to Michel’s forcible conduct against both minor victims.
“Mr. Michel targeted minors from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation with the explicit intent to sexually abuse them. Protecting children and holding accountable those who seek to exploit and harm them are top priorities of my office,” said United States Attorney S. Peter Serrano. “We will continue to seek out and prosecute these heinous crimes thanks to our dedicated team and our FBI and tribal partners.”
"Through social media, Mr. Michel gained the trust of minors on the Colville Reservation, trust he later took advantage of in the most unthinkable way,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “There is no question that his heinous actions were entirely deserving of today's sentence. Protecting the lives and wellbeing of our nation's children from those who seek to prey on them is, and remains, a top priority for the FBI and our partners."
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colville Tribal Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Michael J. Ellis, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
2:24-cr-00028-MKD
Multi-State Child Exploitation Investigation Results in the Arrest of Men in Washington and Iowa on State and Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
On September 24, 2025, the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (SER-ICAC) Task Force, comprised of detectives from the Richland and Kennewick Police Departments, Deputies from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations, executed search and arrest warrants in Richland, Washington, and Mason City, Iowa, arising from child exploitation investigations in the Tri-Cities area.
Joseph Ralland Whipple, 34, was arrested in Mason City, Iowa, on federal charges of producing, distributing, receiving, and possessing sexually explicit images of minor children in Tri-Cities, Washington. A search warrant was executed at Whipple’s residence in Iowa and multiple electronic devices were seized. The SER-ICAC was assisted by the Mason City Police Department and the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Whipple made an initial court appearance in federal court in Iowa and was detained pending further proceedings in federal court in the Eastern District of Washington. Whipple has also been charged in Benton County Superior Court with two counts of Rape of a Child in the First Degree with the Aggravating Circumstance of Pattern of Sexual Abuse and two counts of Child Molestation in the First Degree for his alleged conduct with multiple minor children. His bail has been set at one million dollars.
Charles Lon Seltz, 57, was arrested in Richland, Washington, on state charges of Rape of a Child in the First Degree. The SER-ICAC and Richland Police Department executed a search warrant at Seltz’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. Seltz was subsequently charged in Benton County Superior Court with four counts of Rape of Child in the First Degree with the Aggravating Circumstance of a Pattern of Sexual Abuse. His bail has also been set at one million dollars.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Washington and the Northern District of Iowa and the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office.
Mobile Man Sentenced to 18 months for Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Mobile man was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
According to court documents, on August 18, 2024, Mobile Police Department responded to a local hotel in reference to a shooting. Reginald Thompson, 50, fired rounds into the wall in the bathroom area, claiming someone was breaking in. Surveillance footage showed that no one was near the room Thompson was occupying prior to law enforcement’s arrival. Thompson admitted to possessing the firearm. Thompson has several prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Thompson was ordered to a 3-year supervised release term upon release from incarceration and must pay a $100 special assessment.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
Mobile Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tandice H. Blackwood prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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).
Michigan Felon who Possessed Firearm in Iowa Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A man who illegally possessed a firearm as a felon was sentenced on September 26, 2025, to more than four years in federal prison.
Marquise Darius Dickerson, age 33, from Monroe, Michigan, received the prison term after an April 17, 2025 guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
In August 2024, law enforcement officers in Oelwein, Iowa, responded to a report of an assault. The victim reported that Dickerson had spat and choked the victim. At the time of the assault, Dickerson was intoxicated. During a search of the residence, law enforcement officers located Dickerson’s firearm. Dickerson is prohibited from possessing a firearm because he is a felon.
Dickerson was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Dickerson was sentenced to 52 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Dickerson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Nagin and investigated by the Oelwein Police Department and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement.
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.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-02048.
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Miami Jury Convicts Argentine National for Producing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Sept. 10, a federal jury in Miami convicted Argentine national Osvaldo Daniel Fernandez, 61, of two counts of production and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Fernandez sexually abused two minor victims and recorded the abuse.
In May 2022, law enforcement opened an investigation into the sexual abuse of two minor victims. Investigators determined that Minor 1 was abused between the ages of 9 and 17, and Minor 2 between the ages of six and 15. During the investigation, Minor 1 disclosed that Fernandez had recorded the abuse.
A search warrant executed at Fernandez’s residence led to the seizure of multiple cellphones and a laptop. The laptop contained over 500 sexually explicit images/videos of Minor 1 between 9 and 17 years of age and several images/videos of Minor 2 at 9 years old. Investigators also discovered more than 900 images of other pre-pubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Fernandez is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 11, and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on each of the production counts and 20 years on the possession count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“Crimes against children are the most vile and unforgivable," said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. "Fernandez robbed these victims of their innocence and dignity, and then sought to immortalize their pain. That cruelty will now be met with justice. The Southern District of Florida will relentlessly pursue predators who exploit children and will ensure they face the full weight of the law. No sanctuary, no excuse, and no escape—those who prey on children will be hunted down and held to account.”
Fernandez is subject to deportation after he is sentenced.
U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI Miami, Field Office announced the charges.
FBI Miami investigated the case, with substantial assistance from the Miami Beach Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elena Smukler and Audrey Pence Tomanelli are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 24-cr-20406.
Mexican National Arrested with Firearms and over 91 Pounds of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Last week, Jose Ismael Castro Leon, 47, a Mexican national living in the United States illegally, was charged by federal criminal complaint in Phoenix, Arizona with Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl.
According to the complaint, investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force learned that a drug transaction was scheduled to take place in a parking lot in Phoenix on September 22. Investigators established surveillance at the location and watched as the driver of a GMC Acadia, later identified as Castro Leon, showed another person the contents of a black duffle bag that he had stored in his trunk.
Investigators then approached and arrested Castro Leon, seizing approximately 56 pounds of methamphetamine from the duffle bag along with a firearm that they found in the center console of the Acadia.
In a later search of Castro Leon’s apartment, investigators seized over 34 more pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 1.14 kilograms of fentanyl powder, and a second firearm.
Possession with the Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Methamphetamine carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years to life in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000.
Possession with the Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years to life in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000.
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 DEA’s Phoenix East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force HIDTA conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Zander, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CASE NUMBER: 25-MJ-9413-PHX-ESW
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-158_Castro Leon# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Manitowoc County Woman Pleads Guilty to Multimillion-Dollar Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling announced that on September 29, 2025, Cherie Campion (age: 64) of Mishicot, Wisconsin, pled guilty to two counts of money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, 1956(a)(1)(B)(i).
Publicly filed documents reflect that Campion, through her temporary staffing agency based in Manitowoc, generated and submitted thousands of fraudulent invoices, causing respective losses of $5,000,000 and $5,389,371.51 for the two companies she deceived. Campion took substantial efforts to conceal her fraud, including registering a “proxy” company with the State of Wisconsin; creating a fictitious persona associated with her fraudulent invoices; and submitting false bank statements. As part of her plea, Campion acknowledged that her scheme was sophisticated enough to warrant an enhancement under the United States Sentencing Guidelines. Campion will be sentenced on January 27, 2026, before United States District Judge Lynn Adelman.
This matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Knight.
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For further information contact:
Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero
(414) 297-1700
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Man Sentenced to over 25 Years in Federal Prison for Transporting A Minor from Mexico for Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Christian Hernandez (27, New Port Richey) to 24 years and 6 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity. Upon release from custody, Hernandez will be required to register as a sex offender. Hernandez pleaded guilty on July 1, 2025.
According to court documents, in 2019, Hernandez began sexually abusing the minor victim when she was approximately 12 years old while the two were in Mexico. In 2022, when the minor victim was 15 years old, Hernandez facilitated the minor victim’s illegal entry into the United States so she could live with him in New Port Richey. While in Florida, Hernandez physically and sexually abused the victim and forced her to work to repay her debt to him for her illegal entry into the United States.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Clearwater Police Department and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abigail K. King.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Man Sentenced to 210 Months for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Mobile man was sentenced today to 210 months in prison for Production of Child Pornography and Attempted Enticement of a Child.
According to court documents, throughout 2024, Jason Jones, 46, would pose as an attractive teenage boy on various online applications such as Snap Chat and manipulate young girls to produce and send pornographic images to him. Jones communicated with two minor victims, ages 11 and 13. Jones also distributed items of child pornography and obscene material through internet-based applications to underage girls to entice them to engage in sexually explicit conduct. After a search warrant, child pornography was found on three of Jones’ devices.
Jones will be placed on a 15-year term of supervised release after incarceration and is prohibited from possessing internet capable devices. He is also ordered to have no contact with minors. Jones will be required to register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tandice H. Blackwood prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/publications-resources
Man Charged with Providing a “Switch” to a Minor While Serving Firearm and Drug SentenceRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A complaint was unsealed alleging that a Broken Arrow man unlawfully possessed a firearm while under supervision of the State and allegedly sold a firearm “switch” 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.
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 is still under the supervision of the State.
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.
Louisville Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville, Kentucky man was sentenced on September 22, 2025, to 9 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and over 40 grams of fentanyl.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.
On September 22, 2025, Christopher Payne, 30, was sentenced to 9 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Payne pled guilty on June 12, 2025, to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, between April 3, 2024, and July 9, 2024.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The FBI and KSP investigated the case, with assistance from the Louisville Metro Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Frank Dahl III prosecuted the case with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic.
This conviction is a 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).
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Lincoln County Man Sentenced for Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. – A Kings Mountain, Ky., man, Zackary Keith Jones, 35, was sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom to 194 months in prison, for transporting a minor over state lines with the intent that the minor engage in sexual activity.
According to his plea agreement, Jones transported a minor victim over state lines, from North Carolina to Lincoln County, Ky., with the intent to engage in sexual activity. Jones used Snapchat to communicate with the victim and lied to the victim about his age to induce the victim to engage in prohibited sexual conduct. Jones also admitted that he engaged in sexual acts and sexual contact with the minor victim during and after the interstate transportation of the victim. The victim, who was reported missing from North Carolina on December 8, 2023, was found by law enforcement on December 25, 2023 in a hidden compartment in the floor of a bedroom at Jones’ residence.
Under federal law, Jones must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years.
Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Russell Coleman, Kentucky Attorney General; and Sheriff Shawn Hines, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by FBI, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. David Dalton, Commonwealth Attorney for the 28th Judicial Circuit, also provided significant assistance to the investigation and prosecution of the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Lewisburg Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for International Parental KidnappingRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE – Kate Carson, 38, of Lewisburg, Tennessee was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison today for international parental kidnapping, announced Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee.
“Protecting vulnerable children from harm is the highest priority of our office,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “Kate Carson kidnapped her young son in full defiance of family court orders because she thought she knew better. She is now being held accountable for her crime and will face the consequences of her decisions.”
“Every child deserves a safe and stable upbringing,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “This sentence should send a clear message that the FBI and our law enforcement partners will make it a priority to investigate those who commit similar acts.”
According to court documents, Carson is the mother of N.C. who, in the summer of 2023, was nine years old. Carson and N.C.’s father were involved in custody litigation in Sumner County involving Carson’s request for a parental relocation to Portugal. In July 2023, a family law judge allowed Carson to travel to Portugal with N.C. However, she did not return as ordered and wrote a letter to the judge saying she was disobeying his order and had no plans to return to the United States.
Once N.C.’s father began pressing his rights in The Hauge international tribunal, Carson fled Portugal with N.C. to Indonesia, a country who does not share an extradition treaty with the United States. According to court documents, Carson then tried to pay the child’s father to abandon his pursuit of custody and end his cooperation with law enforcement.
In October 2024, Carson was a fugitive from justice and had been federally indicted by a Nashville grand jury for international parental kidnapping. Indonesian immigration authorities sought to expel her from their country and asked her to leave voluntarily. When she did not comply, she was eventually detained by Indonesian immigration authorities. According to court documents, she briefly escaped from an Indonesian detention facility and continued her flight, fleeing from one Indonesian island to another with N.C. and other members of her family. Finally, she was apprehended by Indonesian immigration officials and expelled from the country. Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation accompanied her from the airport in Indonesia to the United States where, upon arrival on American soil, she was arrested.
In April 2025, Carson pleaded guilty to one count of international parental kidnapping with sentencing to be set by U.S. Chief District Judge William L. Campbell, Jr. Today, Judge Campbell ordered Carson to serve a sentence of 18 months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release. Judge Campbell prohibited contact with N.C. absent Carson showing that visitation has been granted by a family court with jurisdiction over her and N.C.
N.C. has since been reunited with his father and is being provided counseling services.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office. Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire prosecuted the case.
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Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of Privately Made AR-15 Pattern PistolRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident who has multiple prior felony convictions pleaded guilty today to unlawful possession of an unserialized, privately made AR-15-pattern pistol. A privately made firearm without a serial number is sometimes called a “ghost gun.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, on or about October 20, 2023, Noel Lynn Waters unlawfully possessed a loaded, privately made 5.56x45mm semi-automatic pistol incorporating an AR-15-pattern lower receiver. He further admitted that he pointed the firearm at another person and threatened he was going to “shoot everybody.”
Waters has multiple prior felony convictions in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. He was previously convicted of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in Clark County, Nevada. Additionally, he was previously convicted of possession of controlled substance for sale; unlawful possession or use of tear gas; felon in possession of a firearm; possession of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm; and transportation, furnishing or sale of controlled substance, all in Los Angeles County. He is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
Waters pleaded guilty to one-count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for January 14, 2026, before United States District Judge James C. Mahan. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Topper, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
The ATF and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig is prosecuting the case.
Anyone with information about unlawful firearms activity should call ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email [email protected] or submit an anonymous tip at www.reportit.com/.
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Lake County Man Sentenced to 37 Months for Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas Patrick Barber has sentenced Jose G. Medina (50, Leesburg) to 37 months in federal prison for knowingly making a materially false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm and causing a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in its official records. Medina pleaded guilty on March 5, 2025.
According to court records, between January 1 and December 31, 2023, Medina illegally straw-purchased multiple firearms from FFLs in the Middle District of Florida for other individuals. Some of these firearms were later intercepted by the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as other individuals attempted to transport them across the United States’ border into Mexico.
On May 27, 2023, an individual was encountered by CBP as he tried to make entry into Mexico at the Eagle Pass (Texas) Port of Entry. He was attempting to bring 10 handguns, 9 rifles, 7 shotguns, 20 ammunition magazines, and large amounts of assorted ammunition into Mexico. The individual stated that he was traveling from Orlando, Florida, to San Diego de la Union, Guanajuato, Mexico—an area where Mexican cartels are fighting for control of the territory. Medina had purchased one of these recovered firearms nine days earlier.
Firearms and ammunition seized at the U.S. border on May 27, 2023.
On November 17, 2023, CBP officers stopped another individual at the Eagle Pass (Texas) Port of Entry who also was attempting to bring five firearms into Mexico. Medina had purchased two of these firearms less than two weeks earlier.
A record check by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) showed that between January 1 and December 31, 2023, Medina had purchased 82 firearms for a total of $42,085.61—an amount that exceeded his reported annual income. The investigation also revealed that another firearm purchased by an associate of Medina had recently been recovered and electronically traced by Mexican law enforcement using ATF’s e-Trace system.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Eustis Police Department, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission, and Japan Fair Trade Commission Meet in Washington to Continue Their Long History of EngagementRead the Press Release
Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, Chairman Andrew Ferguson of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Chairman Eiji Chatani of the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) met today in Washington, D.C., to continue the United States and Japan’s long history of engagement on competition issues affecting both countries. The meeting continues and underscores the strong relations between the United States and Japan reflected in the historic U.S.-Japan Framework Agreement now being implemented by the Trump Administration.
“The Japan Fair Trade Commission is one of our closest and most important international partners,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “We are grateful to the JFTC for our long history of sharing best practices, discussing common challenges, and engagement on competition issues of interest to both of our countries. I would like to thank JFTC Chairman Chatani for traveling to Washington for today’s discussion. We look forward to continuing our close relationship with the JFTC in the future.”
“I want to thank Chairman Chatani and the Japan Fair Trade Commission for joining us in a productive and insightful discussion,” said FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson. “The friendship between the United States and Japan is among the most important for both countries, and these strong ties also apply to the longstanding relationship between the U.S. and Japanese competition agencies. I fully expect our collaboration will continue to produce substantial benefits for competition, consumers, and workers in both countries.”
“I am truly honored to participate in today’s bilateral meeting between the United States and Japan, a dialogue with a long and distinguished history,” said JFTC Chairman Eiji Chatani. “As competition authorities confront common challenges, it is vital that our leadership engage in direct and candid discussions. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to AAG Slater and Chairman Ferguson for their gracious hospitality. This productive meeting establishes a solid foundation for deepening cooperation between our nations, promoting mutual progress and sustained collaboration across multiple levels.”
The 1999 competition cooperation agreement between the Justice Department, FTC, and JFTC builds on the long-standing and close relationship between the Department and the JFTC, dating from the enactment of Japan’s Antimonopoly Law in 1947. The Department and the Federal Trade Commission have held regular antitrust consultations with the JFTC since the 1970s, the longest-running of the United States’ bilateral consultations with foreign antitrust authorities.
Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater and FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson meet with Chairman Eiji Chatani of the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC)Justice Department and USDA Coordinate to Protect Competition in Agricultural InputsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing a partnership to protect competition in key agricultural markets such as feed, fertilizer, fuel, seed, equipment, and other essential goods. This partnership strengthens longstanding coordination between the agencies with a particular focus on ensuring coordination with respect to ensuring farmers and ranchers have competitive access to agricultural inputs.
“Antitrust enforcement ensures free market competition for agricultural inputs, lowering costs for farmers and prices for consumers,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “America’s farmers deserve nothing less than the best the Antitrust Division and USDA can do to promote competitive markets that free them to feed America.”
The MOU signed on Sept. 26 by both agencies underscores their shared commitment to ensuring effective antitrust enforcement that promotes free market competition, lowering inputs costs and benefiting farmers, ranchers, and consumers. It creates channels for regular consultation and communication between the agencies to ensure effective coordination, where appropriate, to benefit efforts to promote competition. And it commits both agencies to designate personnel to facilitate communications between and among attorneys, economists, and technical experts.
Justice Department Sues Minnesota over Sanctuary PoliciesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Minnesota, the City of Minneapolis, the City of St. Paul, Hennepin County, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna S. Witt over the State’s, Cities’, and County’s sanctuary city policies that interfere with the federal government’s enforcement of its immigration laws.
Not only are the sanctuary city policies illegal under federal law, but, as alleged in the complaint, Minnesota’s, Minneapolis’, St. Paul’s, and Hennepin County’s refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities results in the release of dangerous criminals from police custody who would otherwise be subject to removal, including illegal aliens convicted of aggravated assault, burglary, and drug and human trafficking, onto the streets.
“Minnesota officials are jeopardizing the safety of their own citizens by allowing illegal aliens to circumvent the legal process,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will continue to bring litigation against any jurisdiction that uses sanctuary policies to defy federal law and undermine law enforcement.”
“Shielding illegal aliens from federal law enforcement is a blatant violation of the law that carries dangerous consequences,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Civil Division will continue to vigorously uphold the rule of law by holding sanctuary jurisdictions fully accountable.”
On her first day in office, Attorney General Bondi instructed the Department’s Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies, and practices that facilitate violations of federal immigration laws or impede lawful federal immigration operations. On August 5, 2025, Attorney General Bondi published a list of sanctuary jurisdictions, which included Minnesota, and vowed to bring litigation to end these policies nationwide. Today’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of lawsuits brought by the Civil Division targeting illegal sanctuary city policies across the country, including in Boston, New York City, Rochester, New York, New Jersey, Colorado, and Los Angeles. Recently, the Department announced a new Memorandum of Understanding to fully collaborate with Nevada on immigration enforcement, and the Mayor of Louisville revoked the city’s sanctuary policy after the Justice Department threatened legal action.
Justice Department Files Lawsuit Under the FACE Act Against Violent Protestors at Synagogue in West Orange, New JerseyRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department filed a civil complaint under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act against entities and individuals who targeted a synagogue in West Orange, New Jersey, during a November 2024 protest that escalated into violence.
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, alleges that the defendants engaged in threats of force, intimidation, and violent conduct directed at congregants of the Congregation Ohr Torah synagogue. According to the complaint, the defendants’ actions were intended to interfere with the synagogue community’s right to freely exercise their religion, including gathering for a religious ceremony to honor the life of a deceased rabbi.
“No American should be harassed, targeted, or discriminated against for peacefully practicing their religion,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Today's lawsuit underscores this Department of Justice's commitment to defending Jewish Americans — and all Americans of faith — from those who would threaten their right to worship.”
“This Justice Department will vigorously enforce the right of every American to worship in peace and without fear,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Those who target houses of worship and violate our federal laws protecting people of faith are on notice that they will face the consequences.”
The FACE Act, enacted in 1994, protects, among other things, the right to freely exercise religious beliefs at houses of worship. The Act makes it unlawful to use force, threats of force, or physical obstruction to intentionally injure, intimidate, or interfere with any person lawfully exercising their rights to seek or provide services or to worship. The Justice Department’s complaint seeks injunctive relief to prevent the defendants from engaging in future violations of the FACE Act at synagogues or obstructing worshipers from synagogues throughout New Jersey — the fullest reach of the District Court. If granted, that injunction will ensure that congregants of the West Orange synagogue may attend religious services without harassment, intimidation, or violence.
This case is being handled by the Civil Rights Division. The allegations in the complaint are civil allegations. The defendants are presumed not liable unless and until proven otherwise in court.
Members of the public may report civil rights violations to the Civil Rights Division at www.civilrights.justice.gov.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Investors and Obtaining Fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program LoansRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Jared Dean Eakes (34, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bank fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Eakes portrayed himself as a legitimate advisor and contacted investment advisors who were looking to sell their advisory businesses. After negotiating to take over management of the advisors’ client assets, between approximately January 2019 and February 2020, Eakes converted approximately $2,737,462 of victim-investor funds to his own benefit by withdrawing the funds in cash, using investor funds to pay personal expenses, transferring investor funds to a Las Vegas-based casino company, and by engaging in unauthorized options trading in a personal brokerage account.
Further, between March 2020 and November 2021, Eakes fraudulently secured approximately $4,752,270 in emergency funds through four Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP)” loans. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was a federal law enacted March 2020. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in potentially forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The PPP allowed qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. Businesses were required to use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allowed the interest and principal to be forgiven if the business spent the proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and used at least a certain percentage of the loan towards qualifying business expenses.
According to the plea agreement, Eakes caused the submission of four PPP loan applications—including applications for two of the entities involved in the scheme to defraud investors—which contained false and fraudulent supporting documentation and statements regarding the entities’ employees and payroll. Once he obtained the emergency loans, Eakes did not use the funds for qualifying expenses. Instead, he used the funds to engage in options trading or withdrew them in cash.
Eakes has agreed to forfeit $2,737,462.20, the proceeds of the scheme to defraud investors, and $4,752,270, the proceeds of the PPP loan fraud scheme. He also agreed to make full restitution to the victims of his offense conduct.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.
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 www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Ivorian National Extradited to the United States to Face Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – An Ivorian national has been extradited to the United States for his role in a conspiracy to smuggle goods out of the United States, involving dozens of firearms allegedly headed for Africa.
Bile Jean Philippe Assemian, 49, a citizen of Côte d’Ivoire, made his first appearance in U.S. District Court Sept. 26. He was arrested in Kenya June 26, by Kenyan authorities at the request of the United States and surrendered to the United States pursuant to an extradition request.
His alleged co-conspirator Koffi Andrea Versaint Taregue, 45, an Ivorian national with permanent resident status, remains at large.
According to the superseding indictment, from November 2018 to October 2020, the men obtained at least 58 firearms in Northern Ohio and elsewhere by coordinating with others to buy on their behalf or by purchasing themselves. The firearms were allegedly packaged and concealed in household goods. The defendants utilized an export company to deliver the items out of the country but did not disclose that the pre-packaged shipments in fact contained firearms and related parts, such as suppressors. The defendants did not have the required written approvals or licenses from the U.S. Department of Commerce or U.S. Department of State to export the items.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio and Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen of the FBI Cleveland Division.
Assemian is charged with conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States and faces a maximum of up to five years in prison.
Taregue is charged with conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States, six counts of smuggling goods from the United States, six counts of control of arms exports and imports, and one count each of unlicensed dealing in firearms, making a false statement to the FBI, and making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. He faces a combined maximum of up to 205 years in prison.
If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to the case, including each defendant’s prior criminal record, their role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.
The investigation leading to the indictment was conducted by the Cleveland Joint Terrorism Task Force, including agents from the FBI Cleveland Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations also provided assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Segev Phillips for the Northern District of Ohio is leading the prosecution with substantial assistance provided by Trial Attorney Yifei Zheng of the U.S. Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing Assemian’s arrest and extradition from Kenya. His extradition was possible due to an extensive coordinated effort between the United States and the Republic of Kenya. Kenyan agencies that provided valuable assistance include the Kenya Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and its Directorate of Criminal Investigations; Kenya Directorate of Immigration Services; Kenya Aviation Authority; and the Kenya Police Service as well as the FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in Nairobi.
An indictment is merely an allegation. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Illegal Immigrant Sentenced to 8 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Honduran national was sentenced today to 8 months in prison for illegally reentering the United States after previously having been deported.
According to court documents, Oscar Guillen Orellana, 60, was arrested by Foley Police Department on March 13, 2025, for domestic violence offenses. At that time, his identity was confirmed and Homeland Security was able to determine that Guillen Orellana had previously been convicted of Armed Robbery in Georgia and Illegal Reentry in both the Northern and Southern Districts of Alabama. He was most recently sentenced on September 21, 2020, to 41 months in prison in the Southern District of Alabama for the crime of Illegal Reentry. He was then deported on November 11, 2022. He was found back in the United States on March 13, 2025, when he was arrested for domestic violence. Guillen Orellana has been removed from the United States three times and been convicted of Illegal Reentry three times.
At sentencing, Chief Judge Beaverstock imposed the 8-month sentence of incarceration and a 3-year term of supervised release to follow his imprisonment. Upon his release from prison, Guillen Orellana is to be referred to immigration officials for deportation proceedings. Guillen Orellana was ordered to pay $100 in special assessments.
Guillen Orellana also admitted that he had violated the terms of his supervised release for the 2020 conviction and was sentenced to 8 months’ incarceration for that violation, to be served concurrently to the term of incarceration in the pending matter.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, and Foley Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kacey Chappelear prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
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.
Honduran Man Sentenced for Violations of Federal Controlled Substances Act, Federal Gun Control Act, and Reentry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MIGUEL ANGEL SOLORZANO-DOMINGUEZ (“SOLORZANO-DOMINGUEZ”) age 38, a resident of Honduras, was sentenced on September 25, 2025, after previously pleading guilty to four counts in an indictment charging him with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and reentry of a removed alien. SOLORZANO-DOMINGUEZ was sentenced to a total of 101 months imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and a $400 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, on or about January 29, 2025, SOLORZANO-DOMINGUEZ possessed a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine; possessed a firearm, a Taurus Model G2C, nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; knowingly, unlawfully possessed a firearm, having been previously convicted of a felony in the State of Mississippi, and illegally re-entering the United States after having previously been officially deported and removed from the United States, on or about July 9, 2010.
This 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 case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, United States Border Patrol, Kenner Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force. It was being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
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Hattiesburg Man Sentenced in Federal Court for SNAP Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
Hattiesburg, MS – A Hattiesburg man was sentenced Thursday in federal court to five years’ probation for stealing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits intended for low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Velton Taylor Williams, Jr., 31, of Hattiesburg unlawfully acquired and used SNAP benefits in November 2023. Williams admitted to selling the benefits to others and using them for himself. SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federally funded, national benefit program to help qualifying low- and middle-income families buy food, thus reducing hunger. Williams also admitted to using TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) cash benefits intended for low-income families with children under the age of 18.
Williams was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $38,963.14.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and acting Special Agent-in-Charge is Matthew Deuchler of United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General made the announcement.
The United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.
Government Secures Forfeiture of Illegally Smuggled Ancient Egyptian ArtifactsRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – The United States government secured a default judgment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, completing the forfeiture of 14 ancient Egyptian artifacts illegally smuggled into the United States.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the judgment with Acting Special Agent in Charge Evan Campanella, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Baltimore, and Executive Director Stephen Maloney, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) National Targeting Center.
The smuggled artifacts include amulets, stone figurines, a vase, and an “Old Kingdom Limestone Funerary Statue.” The Funerary Statue alone is appraised at approximately $6 million U.S. Dollars. It likely originated from an archaeological site in Saqqara or Giza, which are royal cemeteries near the ancient city of Memphis, located in present-day Egypt. CBP officers discovered and seized these ancient artifacts at several international airports in the U.S., where they were in transit from overseas shippers destined for private collectors.
As alleged in the government’s complaint, between August 2020, and April 2021, CBP identified the artifacts while inspecting numerous parcels from overseas shippers transiting through airports in Anchorage, Alaska, Cincinnati, Ohio, and New York City.
The ultimate destination for at least one of these shipments was a private collector in Edgewater, Maryland.
Shipping paperwork for each parcel that housed artifacts contained deceptive and inaccurate descriptions of their contents, including “home décor,” “stone garden statue,” or “decoration,” and did not state the true origin or value of the ancient artifacts. Historians and antique appraisers, working with CBP, later confirmed the true nature of each ancient Egyptian artifact. In similar cases, the Justice Department has worked through appropriate channels to return smuggled ancient artifacts to their rightful owners – the people of the country of origin.
“This litigation highlights one of the benefits of civil asset forfeiture and is an important milestone toward eliminating smuggled cultural property from the U.S. art market,” Hayes said. “This office is committed to combating the black-market sale of cultural property and the smuggling of ancient artifacts, and will use all available tools, including asset forfeiture, to disrupt illicit trade in antiquities.”
“These ancient artifacts are more than just relics of the past; they are irreplaceable pieces of global cultural heritage that tell the story of human civilization,” Campanella said. “The deceptive practices used to smuggle these treasures into the United States not only violate our import laws but also undermine efforts to preserve and protect the integrity of cultural history. HSI remains steadfast in its commitment to working alongside our partners to ensure that those who seek to profit from the exploitation of cultural heritage are held accountable. By recovering these artifacts, we’ve helped preserve priceless pieces of history and reaffirmed our commitment to protecting the world’s shared heritage for generations to come.”
“This case exemplifies the fine work of the women and men of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and our National Targeting Center in identifying and dismantling illicit networks that exploit global trade routes,” Maloney said. “The recovery of this ancient Egyptian statue, valued at $6 million, underscores CBP’s commitment to protecting cultural heritage and, working collaboratively with our partners, to identify those who seek to profit from theft and smuggling.”
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI’s Cultural Property, Art and Antiquities Unit for investigating this case. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven T. Brantley, who litigated the case, along with law clerk Amy Rappole and paralegal Nicole Orlovitz, who provided invaluable support.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.
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Four Illegal Aliens Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Four illegal aliens have been sentenced on drug trafficking and firearms charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.
U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco sentenced the following defendants:
Ismael Castillo De La Cruz, also known as “Pepe,” 31, a native and citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 130 months in prison. In May, Cruz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, to being an alien in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and use of a communication facility to commit a drug trafficking crime.
Isidro Santiago Rodriguez-Diaz, 51, a native and citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 130 months in prison. In May, Diaz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and use of a communication facility to commit a drug trafficking crime.
Yovany Isidro Rodriguez-Ochoa, 33, a native and citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 57 months in prison. In May, Ochoa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and use of a communication facility to commit a drug trafficking crime.
In August, Rutilo Medina Hernandez, a native and citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 156 months in prison. Hernandez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, to being an alien in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and use of a communication facility to commit a drug trafficking crime.
According to the plea agreement, in October 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into a drug trafficking organization distributing cocaine in North Birmingham in which Diaz and Ochoa were the sources of supply. During the investigation, law enforcement identified De La Cruz, Hernandez, and other co-conspirators as drug traffickers. Ochoa and Diaz were primarily distributing cocaine in the Northern District of Alabama and De La Cruz and Hernandez distributed cocaine and methamphetamine.
The FBI investigated the case along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany T. Byrd and W. Lee Gilmer prosecuted the case.
Former Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Pleads Guilty to Conspiring with Corrupt Cryptocurrency Figure to Extort and Falsely Arrest RivalsRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A former deputy and helicopter pilot with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) pleaded guilty today to federal conspiracy charges for helping a now-jailed, self-styled cryptocurrency businessman extort a rival and arrange the sham illegal drug possession arrest of another adversary in Paramount in 2021.
Michael David Coberg, 44, of Eastvale, pleaded guilty to a two-count information charging him with conspiracy to commit extortion and conspiracy against rights.
According to his plea agreement, Coberg – then employed as an LASD deputy and helicopter pilot – worked on the side with Adam Iza, 25, formerly of Beverly Hills and Newport Coast. Iza, a self-proclaimed “Godfather,” was engaged in fraudulent marketing and cryptocurrency schemes and has been in federal custody since September 2024. He has pleaded guilty to federal charges and awaits a December 15 sentencing date.
Coberg’s contract with Iza allowed him to work as a business partner and advisor, as opposed to simply working security shifts. Coberg and Iza at one point planned to start a business selling anabolic steroids. Iza paid Coberg at least $20,000 per month for his services.
Participation in Extortion
In October 2021, Coberg accompanied other security guards to pick up a victim whose business partner was having a financial dispute with Iza. After transporting the victim – identified in court documents as “L.A.” – to Iza’s residence, Iza placed a firearm on the desk and displayed an assault rifle, which was placed on the ground near the desk.
Coberg informed the victim that he was an active-duty law enforcement officer and interrogated the victim about the financial dispute Iza had with L.A.’s business partner. While Coberg stood watch over the victim, Iza demanded – and recorded a video of – the victim transferring $127,000 to a bank account Iza controlled. Iza then directed his security guards to take away the victim’s passport and told them to drive the victim back to the victim’s hotel.
The next day, Coberg continued to interrogate the victim about the financial dispute and the location of the victim’s business partner. Later that day, Coberg took Iza and the victim to a shooting range in Iza’s residence and left the two individuals alone. Iza then held the victim at gunpoint and demanded the victim’s business partner transfer money to him, which the victim’s business partner did later that day.
False Traffic Stop and Arrest
In September 2021, Coberg conspired with Iza and others to lure another victim – identified in court documents as “R.C.” – from Miami to Los Angeles to set up the victim and cause him to be arrested with illegal narcotics. During the previous month, Coberg learned of a dispute between Iza and the victim and that Iza and two corrupt LASD deputies working for Iza forced the victim at gunpoint to transfer $25,000 from the victim’s bank account to an account Iza controlled.
Coberg and other co-conspirators set up a plan in which the victim’s ex-girlfriend called the victim and pretended to be interested in pursuing a romantic relationship to convince the victim to fly to Los Angeles to meet with her to use drugs together. At Coberg’s advice and counseling, the co-conspirator purchased the airplane ticket for the victim, picked him up at Los Angeles International Airport in a white Tesla, drove the victim to obtain drugs, and later traveled to a location in Paramount where an LASD deputy would make the traffic stop and arrest.
Christopher Michael Cadman, 33, of Fullerton, a corrupt LASD deputy who had participated in the intimidation of the victim in August 2021 resulting in the $25,000 payment to Iza, also helped set up the false arrest. Cadman pleaded guilty on August 7 to federal criminal charges and awaits sentencing in January 2026.
With Cadman’s assistance, Coberg lied to a fellow LASD deputy that a confidential informant was driving a white Tesla with an individual who had an outstanding arrest warrant and possessed illegal drugs. That deputy later conducted the traffic stop, searched the Tesla, found cocaine in the car and psilocybin mushrooms inside the victim’s backpack, and arrested the victim.
During the arrest, Coberg slowly drove past the scene in a black Cadillac Escalade SUV – with the window rolled down – as Iza watched from the back passenger seat. Iza took videos and photographs of the victim’s arrest.
After the arrest, Coberg texted Cadman to thank him for facilitating the traffic stop and stated, “the kid enjoyed it,” referencing Iza. Iza later taunted the victim by sending him a photograph of the victim’s arrest in progress and the victim’s booking photo, and texting him, “[f]or a drug dealer, you [expletive] with the wrong people.”
United States District Judge Percy Anderson scheduled a February 17, 2026, sentencing hearing, at which time Coberg will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison on the extortion-related count and up to 10 years in federal prison on the conspiracy against rights count.
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating this matter. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has provided assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Maxwell K. Coll of the National Security Division is prosecuting this case.
Florida Man Sentenced to 17.5 Years in Prison as Leader of Cocaine Conspiracy That Shipped Cocaine from Puerto Rico to SyracuseRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Juan Correa Sr. age 49, of Lady Lake, Florida was sentenced on Wednesday to 210 months in prison for money laundering and conspiring to possess with intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.
As part of his prior guilty plea, the defendant admitted that from July 2021 through July 2024, he conspired with others to distribute cocaine in Onondaga County. As part of the conspiracy, the defendant directed Alex Calcano-Carrasquillo to mail packages with kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Syracuse. He then arranged for the packages to be picked up and delivered to Juan Correa, Jr. and Ashley Correa, who re-distributed the cocaine to others in the Syracuse area. Correa Sr. also arranged for them to mail cash from the cocaine sales back to Calcano-Carrasquillo for the purpose of purchasing more cocaine.
All four of these co-conspirators were charged in an indictment last year and have since pled guilty to various offenses. Alex Calcano-Carrasquillo was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment; Juan Correa, Jr. was sentenced to 7 years’ imprisonment; and Ashley Correa was sentenced to over 7 years’ imprisonment.
Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered the defendant to serve a 5-year term of supervised release following his release from prison.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Bringing the head of this dangerous organization to justice is a testament to the close collaboration of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies up and down the East Coast. This defendant had 5 prior state felony drug convictions and didn’t learn his lesson. 17 years in federal prison should do the trick. We remain committed to ensuring repeat offenders like this defendant, who make money from flooding our community with deadly drugs, get taken off our streets.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III stated: “The sentencing of Juan Correa Sr., is the result of the hard work and determination the DEA and our law enforcement partners have when targeting those individuals looking to transport illicit narcotics through the northeast corridor. The DEA remains focused on disrupting these supply chains and preventing these dangerous narcotics from reaching our streets.”
Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation New York, stated: “Juan Correa Sr. is just another predator who chose to bring highly addictive drugs into our neighborhoods, continuing to prey on the vulnerable. IRS-CI New York is proud to continue its work with the DEA and our law enforcement partners in ridding our communities of those who have no regard for the welfare of its people. This sentencing does exactly that.”
Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, stated: “Through our joint enforcement efforts, we’ve dismantled a criminal organization that posed a serious public safety threat to New York communities. As this sentence demonstrates, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is working closely with its law enforcement partners to prevent dangerous and addictive drugs from reaching our streets and ensuring that perpetrators of such attempts are brought to justice.”
Joseph L. Cecile, Chief of the Syracuse Police Department, stated: “Law Enforcement is never stronger than when we partner together. Together, we represent an omnipresent threat to criminal enterprises such as this one. On behalf of the Syracuse Police Department, I would like to both thank and congratulate the U.S. Attorney’s Office and all of our law enforcement partners who successfully dismantled this drug trafficking organization. Well done!"
This case was investigated by the DEA, U.S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Syracuse Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Brown prosecuted the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Five Men Charged in Scheme to Steal and Resell Millions of Dollars in Crude Oil from New Mexico PipelinesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Federal authorities have charged five men for their roles in a large-scale conspiracy to steal and sell crude oil from pipelines in New Mexico and West Texas.
According to court documents, in June 2025 Special Agents with the Bureau of Land Management opened an investigation after receiving information that Maxwell Jensen, Thomas Rees, Christopher Ortega, German Ortiz-Santillano and Christian Jesus Contreras Varela were engaged in a scheme to steal crude oil from Plains All American Pipeline facilities in New Mexico, store it at a yard in Carlsbad, and transport it into West Texas for resale. Surveillance operations, tracking devices, and recorded conversations documented more than 20 theft runs over approximately four weeks, siphoning hundreds of barrels per day. Each load was valued at tens of thousands of dollars, and the stolen crude was delivered to facilities operated in West Texas.
As alleged, Rees managed the Carlsbad yard through his company, Hound Dog Energy, where he received and sold stolen oil while producing fraudulent load tickets to disguise the thefts. Ortega directed truck drivers, prepared false documentation, and recruited additional participants to expand the conspiracy. Ortiz-Santillano, an employee of Plains All American Pipeline, abused his position to provide the conspirators access to pigging stations where the thefts occurred. Contreras Varela drove to the pipeline to connect a vacuum truck and steal the oil before returning to Rees’s yard. Jensen coordinated the scheme as the leader and organizer.
The defendants are charged with interstate transportation of stolen property and aiding and abetting. In addition to the oil theft charges, Contreras Varela, a Mexican national, faces a firearms-related offense for being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Jensen and Contreras Varela will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Jensen, Rees, Ortega and Ortiz-Santillano face 10 years in prison. If convicted of the current charges, Contreras Varela faces 15 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Josiah Andrews of the Bureau of Land Management made the announcement today.
Special Agents with the Bureau of Land Management investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson Hehr is prosecuting this case.
View the Criminal Complaint (Jensen).pdf View the Criminal Complaint (Rees)_0.pdf View the Criminal Complaint (Ortega).pdf View the Criminal Complaint (Ortiz-Santillano).pdf View the Criminal Complaint (Contreras Varela).pdfA criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Five Individuals Charged in Federal Court in Chicago with Assaulting or Resisting Federal Agents Engaged in Immigration Enforcement OperationsRead the Press Release
CHICAGO – Five individuals have been charged in federal court in Chicago with assaulting or forcibly resisting federal agents who were engaged in immigration enforcement operations in Broadview, Ill. over the weekend.
The defendants were among a crowd of people who descended in front of the entrance to a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility on Saturday evening, according to criminal complaints filed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The charges allege that the defendants made criminal physical contact against federal agents who were working outside of the facility to ensure the safe passage of agents, detainees, and vehicles into and out of the building. Two of the defendants possessed loaded firearms while assaulting federal agents, according to the federal complaint.
“Under my leadership, the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office will take swift action when law enforcement personnel are criminally assaulted or individuals cross the line from peaceful protests to criminal mischief, assaults on federal officers, obstruction of justice, or the destruction of federal property,” said Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. “We are working hand-and-glove with our federal law enforcement partners across the various federal agencies to maintain peace, respect individual rights, and prosecute those who violate federal criminal laws, including through activity that endangers officer and public safety. 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 defendants made their initial appearances today in federal court in Chicago. The charges are as follows:
RAY COLLINS, 31, of Chicago, is charged with felony assault of a federal officer. Collins allegedly possessed a loaded handgun when he charged toward agents and struggled with them, causing an injury to one of the agents.
JOCELYNE ROBLEDO, 30, of Chicago, is charged with felony assault of a federal officer. Robledo allegedly possessed a loaded handgun when she pushed agents who were attempting to extend a safety perimeter around the facility.
PAUL IVERY, 26, of Oak Park, Ill., is charged with felony assault of a federal officer. Ivery allegedly grabbed an agent's helmet and pulled the agent's head down. Ivery allegedly told agents, "I'll [expletive] kill you right now."
DANA BRIGGS, 70, of Rockford, Ill., is charged with felony assault of a federal officer. Briggs allegedly made physical contact with an agent’s arm while the agent attempted to extend the safety perimeter around the facility.
HUBERT MAZUR, 21, of Medinah, Ill., is charged with forcibly resisting, opposing, impeding, and interfering with a federal officer, a misdemeanor. Mazur allegedly grabbed an agent’s arm before he and the agent ended up on the ground. Mazur allegedly continued to resist arrest while struggling with the agent.
U.S. Attorney Boutros announced the charges along with Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Lucas Rothaar, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Matthew J. Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago.
“Federal law enforcement officers risk their lives daily to enforce the laws of this nation and safeguard our communities,” said HSI SAC Scarpino. “Any acts of violence, obstruction, or resistance against these brave professionals will be met with forceful and unyielding action. This blatant lawlessness and baseless attacks on the integrity of ICE agents and officers are intolerable and must cease immediately.”
“The FBI is committed to bringing swift and decisive action against anyone who seeks to bring harm to federal law enforcement,” said FBI Acting SAC Rothaar. “Officers who are sworn to protect and serve our communities must be able to do their jobs free from intimidation. The FBI will continue to work with our prosecutorial and law enforcement partners to investigate those who compromise the safety of our public servants.”
“While assisting our federal partners in securing the ICE Broadview facility on Saturday, ATF and Border Patrol agents were assaulted by violent and armed protestors, resulting in injury to an ATF agent,” said ATF SAC Amon. “ATF takes all assaults on law enforcement seriously and will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure those responsible are held fully accountable for their actions.”
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.
ivery_complaint.pdf briggs_complaint.pdf mazur_complaint.pdf collins_and_robledo_complaint.pdfFederal Jury Finds Tennessee Man Guilty of Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, and Making A False Claim to the IRSRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Clarence Christofer Ward, a/k/a Khaled Yaqud Mansur-El, guilty of 1 count of wire fraud, 10 counts of money laundering, and 1 count of making a false claim to the IRS. Ward faces a maximum penalty of 125 years in federal prison. His sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the evidence presented at trial, in November 2020, Ward electronically filed a tax return on behalf of a Trust in his name. He falsely claimed on the return that the Trust had paid over $7 million in taxes in 2019. Ward then asked for a $4.1 million refund from the IRS. The tax return was filed from the Middle District of Florida, and it was possessed in Utah, affecting interstate commerce.
Despite Ward’s claim that the Trust had paid over $7 million in federal taxes in 2019, IRS records showed the Trust had never paid any federal taxes. Before the IRS realized that Ward’s claim was untrue, the agency issued the $4.1 million refund. Ward immediately spent the funds on four residential properties, a luxury automobile, vacations, and investment brokerage accounts. As a part of the trial, the jury determined that the residential properties purchased by Ward could be forfeited to the United States.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
Fort Walton Beach Man Charged with Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Travaess McLemore, 41, of Fort Walton Beach, was indicted by a federal grand jury, charging him with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
McLemore appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho on September 23, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for November 10, 2025, before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
If convicted, McLemore faces up to life imprisonment.
The case was joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Tharp is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
El Paso Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Abusing Multiple Minors in MexicoRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man was sentenced in federal court to 240 months in prison for transporting a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor across the international border.
According to court documents, on January 10, Enrique Ruvalcaba-Mendez, 71, was referred to secondary inspection at the Bridge of the Americas Port of Entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers discovered that his phone contained several videos and photos of Ruvalcaba engaged in sexual activity with minor females.
The investigation revealed Ruvalcaba would travel to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, where he would pay to have sex with minors. He would videotape himself with the minors and save them on his phone. Ruvalcaba was found to have abused at least three minors in Mexico.
Ruvalcaba pleaded guilty on July 3 and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David Briones on Sept. 24.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
ICE Homeland Security Investigations and CBP investigated the case with assistance from the HSI Assistant Attaché Office in Ciudad Juarez.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane Romero prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Ecuadorian man arrested, charged with illegal reentryRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Luis Antonio Loja Quizhpi, 40, a citizen and national of Ecuador, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal reentry, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, On February 28, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations discovered that Loja Quizhpi was unlawfully present in the United States. An investigation determined that he owned a roofing company based in Olean, NY. On September 26, 2025, HIS conducted a traffic stop of Loja Quizhpi’s vehicle. He did not possess the proper documentation to remain in the United States and was taken into custody. Further investigation determined that Loja Quizhpi was physically removed from the United States in November 2007.
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.
Loja Quizhpi made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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