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Friday 24 July 2026
Akron Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – A Summit County man was sentenced to federal prison for receiving, distributing, and possessing materials that depicted the sexual abuse of children.
Brandon Dolly, 23, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced to 151 months (12.58 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko, after pleading guilty in March to Receipt and Distribution of Visual Depictions of Real Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct and Possession of Child Pornography, also known as Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM). Dolly was also ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release after imprisonment and is required to register as a sex offender. In addition, he was ordered to pay $46,500 in restitution to victims and $15,200 in special assessments.
Court documents show that in January 2025, FBI agents began an investigation into various social media accounts that were suspected of trading CSAM. Brandon Dolly was then identified. A search warrant was executed at his residence in Akron and resulted in the seizure of several electronic devices. Upon further forensic examination, investigators determined that Dolly’s devices contained approximately 29,788 child sexual abuse images and that he had been actively receiving and distributing CSAM from about October 2023 through March 2025.
The case was investigated by the FBI Akron Resident Agency and the Akron Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph P. Dangelo for the Northern District Ohio led the prosecution.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country and 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 justice.gov/PSC.
To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org, or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
188 New Immigration Cases Added in Western District of Texas This WeekRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas filed 188 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from July 17 through July 23, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons.
Charges were brought against human smugglers and illegal aliens with past convictions for numerous DWIs, violent crimes and sexual abuse, thefts, and multiple prior removals.
Among the new cases, Alejandro Flores-Martinez, an illegal alien from Mexico, was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents near Eagle Pass after he had previously been deported in September 2025. Flores-Martinez was convicted in 2024 of first-degree sexual abuse in Butler County, Missouri, for which he was sentenced to seven years of confinement. He now faces a federal charge for illegal re-entry.
Jose Luis Gutierrez-Laguna, also an illegal alien from Mexico, was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol near Comstock. He was last deported for the sixth time in May 2025. Gutierrez-Laguna was convicted of his second illegal re-entry charge in 2024. He has also been convicted of operating while intoxicated and forgery.
In El Paso, illegal alien from Mexico Juan Manuel Tinoco-Oros was arrested near Sierra Blanca, approximately 10 miles east of the Fort Hancock Port of Entry. Tinoco-Oros had been previously convicted of domestic violence and was deported for the third time in November 2025.
Raul Medina Gonzalez, an illegal alien from Mexico, was charged in Austin this week. He has been deported from the U.S. eight times and convicted five times for improper entry, the most recent being in 2018. He now faces an illegal re-entry charge.
Enrique Alberto Oxlaj-Lopez has been previously removed from the U.S. six times. He is an illegal alien from Guatemala with a prior conviction for illegal re-entry along with convictions for arson, theft and a DWI.
Also in Austin, Luis Jaimes-De Paz, an illegal alien from Mexico, faces an illegal re-entry charge. His previous illegal re-entry conviction was in 2010. Jaimes-De Paz has also been convicted of three DWI charges and one failure to ID. He’s been removed from the U.S. three times.
Illegal alien from Honduras Gabriel Euceda-Bonilla was arrested in San Antonio by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations on Tuesday. Euceda-Bonilla has previously been convicted of three DUI charges as well as intoxication assault causing brain injury. He is now charged with illegal re-entry.
Illegal alien from Mexico Sergio Arturo Delgadillo-Ledesma is also charged with illegal re-entry. San Antonio Police arrested Delgadillo-Ledesma for possession of a controlled substance in March. He was turned over to ICE custody on July 16, the day after his conviction and sentencing. The July conviction was Delgadillo-Ledesma’s second for possession of a controlled substance. He’s also been previously convicted of a DUI and twice for evading arrest.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.
These cases are 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.
Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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11 Charged in Homeland Security Task Force Investigation Relating to Aliens Found Dead in a Boxcar Earlier This YearRead the Press Release
As part of a Homeland Security Task Force case, a federal grand jury in Del Rio, Texas, returned an indictment this week charging 11 defendants for their alleged involvement in an attempted alien smuggling operation that resulted in multiple illegal aliens being found dead inside a shipping container in May.
The 11 defendants charged are:
- Karina Garcia, 37, of Del Rio, Texas;
- Edson Alejandro Perez, 18, of Del Rio;
- Seferino Huerta-Casillas, 35, of Mexico;
- Jonas Ulloa-Aguilera, 25, of Honduras;
- Mayra Alejandra Huerta, 32, of Del Rio;
- Maria Norma Neri de Moran, 56, of Mexico;
- Damian Huerta Analucas, 55, of Mexico;
- Rosario Cristal Lopez-Saldana, 26, of Mexico;
- Eric Hernandez, 40, of Eagle Pass, Texas;
- Franklin Williams Ayala Aguilera, 30, of Honduras; and
- Pascual Raymundo Loarca, 34, of Guatemala
According to the indictment, from at least April 2023 through May 12, 2026, the defendants and others operated a human smuggling organization that illegally used cargo trains to smuggle aliens further into the United States after illegally crossing them from Mexico.Each smuggled alien, or their families and friends, paid smugglers in Honduras, Mexico, the United States, and elsewhere between $1,500 and $10,000.
Container opened with deceased smuggled aliens inside. Case number 26-CR-02066 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.The indictment alleges that, toward the end of April 2026, the organization began facilitating the smuggling of at least seven aliens from Acuña, Mexico into Del Rio. On or about May 9, after the smugglers illegally crossed the seven aliens from Mexico into the Del Rio area, the organization transported the aliens to an area near the Union Pacific train tracks in Del Rio. From approximately 1:18 p.m. to 1:25 p.m., while a Union Pacific train was stationary, smugglers, using red bolt cutters, allegedly cut the lock off a Conex shipping container’s door, loaded the aliens into the container, and then shut the door.
Red bolt cutters used to open the Conex shipping container’s door. From the indictment in case number 26-CR-02066 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. Photo depicting broken seal from the Conex shipping container’s door. From the indictment in case number 26-CR-02066 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.The shipping container was stacked on top of another and had no ventilation or cooling system. Based on the investigation, the recorded outside temperatures for that day ranged from 88 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit. In total, seven aliens were loaded into the container, including one 14-year-old child. It was secured from the outside and could not be opened from the inside. The train then departed Del Rio and traveled east along U.S. highway 90 to San Antonio.
Map depicting US-90 and the Union Pacific Railroad system between Del Rio to San Antonio. From the indictment in case number 26-CR-02066 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.Once the train arrived in San Antonio, smugglers opened the door to the Conex container and discovered the aliens in peril. The smugglers then fled the scene, allegedly leaving one of the deceased aliens near the railroad tracks. Smugglers left the remaining aliens in the shipping container. The next day, the train departed south along its route to Laredo.
On May 10, a worker at the Union Pacific Rail Yard in Laredo saw a leg sticking out from a Conex shipping container. Upon inspection, six aliens were discovered deceased in the shipping container. Laredo law enforcement contacted San Antonio agents for assistance. Later, San Antonio law enforcement discovered the seventh alien deceased and abandoned by the railroad tracks in San Antonio. Ultimately, seven aliens died from being in the Conex shipping container—four were Mexican nationals and three were Honduran nationals. One of the aliens was a 14-year-old child. The investigation revealed that at least one alien messaged a loved one, pleading for help.
Mayra Alejandra Huerta was arrested May 12 in Del Rio and initially charged with one count of harboring illegal aliens. She has remained in federal custody and now faces two charges in today’s indictment. Last week, eight other defendants were arrested over a multi-day HSTF operation across central and south Texas. Two defendants, Karina Garcia and Seferino Huerta-Casillas, remain at large.
All 11 defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in death and one count of aiding and abetting transport of illegal aliens resulting in death. If convicted, the defendants would each face maximum penalties of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas, and Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon of Homeland Security Investigations made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Spears, Todd Keagle, and Ashley Ellis-Dotson for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF comprises agents and officers from FBI; ICE HSI; DEA; ATF; U.S. Border Patrol; USMS; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Department of Transportation; IRS Criminal Investigation; Texas Department of Public Safety; as well as local police departments and sheriff’s offices, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Photos of Karina Garcia, a U.S. Citizen, and Seferino Huerta Casillas, a Mexican national, who remain at large. US v. Karina Garcia et al WDTX - Indictment.pdf11 Charged in Homeland Security Task Force Investigation Relating to Aliens Found Dead in a Boxcar Earlier This YearRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – As part of a Homeland Security Task Force case, a federal grand jury in Del Rio returned an indictment this week charging 11 defendants for their alleged involvement in an attempted alien smuggling operation that resulted in multiple illegal aliens being found dead inside a shipping container in May, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Justin R. Simmons.
According to the indictment, from at least April 2023 through May 12, 2026, the defendants and others operated a human smuggling organization that illegally used cargo trains to smuggle aliens further into the United States after illegally crossing them from Mexico. Each smuggled alien, or their families and friends, paid smugglers in Honduras, Mexico, the United States, and elsewhere between $1,500 and $10,000.
Map depicting US-90 and the Union Pacific Railroad system between Del Rio to San Antonio Photo depicting broken seal from the Conex shipping container’s doorThe indictment alleges that, toward the end of April 2026, the organization began facilitating the smuggling of at least seven aliens from Acuña, Mexico into Del Rio. On or about May 9, after the smugglers illegally crossed the seven aliens from Mexico into the Del Rio area, the organization transported the aliens to an area near the Union Pacific train tracks in Del Rio. From approximately 1:18 p.m. to 1:25 p.m., while a Union Pacific train was stationary, smugglers, using red bolt cutters, allegedly cut the lock off a Conex shipping container’s door, loaded the aliens into the container, and then shut the door.
The shipping container was stacked on top of another and had no ventilation or cooling system. Based on the investigation, the recorded outside temperatures for that day ranged from 88 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit. In total, seven aliens were loaded into the container, including one 14-year-old child. It was secured from the outside and could not be opened from the inside. The train then departed Del Rio and traveled east along U.S. highway 90 to San Antonio.
Red bolt cutters used to open the Conex shipping container’s doorOnce the train arrived in San Antonio, smugglers opened the door to the Conex container and discovered the aliens in peril. The smugglers then fled the scene, allegedly leaving one of the deceased aliens near the railroad tracks. Smugglers left the remaining aliens in the shipping container. The next day, the train departed south along its route to Laredo.
On May 10, a worker at the Union Pacific Rail Yard in Laredo saw a leg sticking out from a Conex shipping container. Upon inspection, six aliens were discovered deceased in the shipping container. Laredo law enforcement contacted San Antonio agents for assistance. Later, San Antonio law enforcement discovered the seventh alien deceased and abandoned by the railroad tracks in San Antonio. Ultimately, seven aliens died from being in the Conex shipping container—four were Mexican nationals and three were Honduran nationals. One of the aliens was a 14-year-old child. The investigation revealed that at least one alien messaged a loved one, pleading for help.
Shipping container opened with deceased smuggled aliens inside.The 11 defendants charged are:
- Karina Garcia, 37, of Del Rio
- Edson Alejandro Perez, 18, of Del Rio
- Seferino Huerta-Casillas, 35, of Mexico
- Jonas Ulloa-Aguilera, 25, of Honduras
- Mayra Alejandra Huerta, 32, of Del Rio
- Maria Norma Neri de Moran, 56, of Mexico
- Damian Huerta Analucas, 55, of Mexico
- Rosario Cristal Lopez-Saldana, 26, of Mexico
- Eric Hernandez, 40, of Eagle Pass
- Franklin Williams Ayala Aguilera, 30, of Honduras
- Pascual Raymundo Loarca, 34, of Guatemala
Mayra Alejandra Huerta was arrested May 12 in Del Rio and initially charged with one count of harboring illegal aliens. She has remained in federal custody and now faces two charges in today’s indictment. Last week, eight other defendants were arrested over a multi-day HSTF operation across central and south Texas. Two defendants, Karina Garcia and Seferino Huerta-Casillas, remain at large.
Karina Garcia, a U.S. Citizen, and Seferino Huerta Casillas, a Mexican national, remain at largeAll 11 are charged with one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in death and one count of aiding and abetting transport of illegal aliens resulting in death. If convicted, the defendants will each face up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Spears, Todd Keagle, and Ashley Ellis-Dotson are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF comprises agents and officers from FBI; ICE HSI; DEA; ATF; U.S. Border Patrol; USMS; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Department of Transportation; IRS Criminal Investigation; Texas Department of Public Safety; as well as local police departments and sheriff’s offices, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Thursday 23 July 2026
Witness Pleads Guilty to Lying Under Oath at Federal Murder TrialRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that ASHANTI WASHINGTON, a/k/a “Shani Boni,” pled guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky to committing perjury at the March 2025 federal criminal trial of United States v. Kevin Perez, in which Perez, who goes by the name “Kay Flock,” was on trial for racketeering, murder, and firearm offenses. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels.
“As she has now admitted, Ashanti Washington swore an oath to tell the truth while testifying in federal court, but then lied to smear a murder victim and help a gang leader try to escape accountability for his violent crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Truth under oath is central to our system of justice, and this Office is committed to protecting it.”
According to the Indictment, statements made in public filings, and public court filings:
On March 10, 2025, trial began in the matter of United States v. Kevin Perez, 23 Cr. 99 (LJL). At the trial, Perez faced charges of racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and possession, use, brandish, and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to the attempted murder in aid of racketeering. On March 20, 2025, the jury returned guilty verdicts as to racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder, and the firearm discharge count, and returned a not guilty verdict with respect to the murder count. Perez was sentenced principally to 30 years in prison by the U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman.
On March 17 and 18, 2025, Washington testified at Perez’s trial as a witness during the defense case and lied under oath about central facts relevant to the murder charges that Perez was facing. At trial, Perez claimed that he shot and killed the victim out of self-defense.
Washington, who was with Perez at the time of the killing, falsely testified that the murder victim had threatened to shoot and kill Perez. WASHINGTON’s false testimony had an immediate and direct impact on evidentiary rulings in the trial.
As WASHINGTON has now admitted, the victim in fact never threatened to shoot or kill Perez.
* * *
WASHINGTON, 24, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty to one count of perjury at a federal criminal trial, which carries a maximum term of five years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Police Department.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Herman, Patrick R. Moroney, and Ni Qian are in charge of the prosecution.
Winnebago County Woman Who Embezzled Funds from a Booster Club Sentenced to Six Months in Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay Full RestitutionRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A former Treasurer of a booster club in Rockford, Ill. has been sentenced to six months in federal prison for embezzling more than $44,000 from a booster club.
SHONDRA MCLARTY, 55, embezzled and stole money from the Tumbling and Acro Boosters Club (“TAB”) from 2023 to 2024 while she served as Treasurer. During this 10-month period, McLarty fraudulently used TAB’s business debit card and fraudulently caused TAB to issue business checks, which she used for personal expenses such as Netflix, dog grooming, a Menards purchase, a stretch limousine, and a partial payment for a vacation to Cancún, Mexico. McLarty also concealed her misappropriation of funds by changing the mailing address of TAB’s business bank accounts to her personal residence.
McLarty, of Rockton, Ill., pleaded guilty to wire fraud earlier this year. On Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Iain D. Johnston sentenced McLarty to six months in federal prison and ordered her to pay full restitution.
The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Rockford Police Department assisted in the investigation.
“Defendant’s actions were deliberate and repeated, not the product of negligence or confusion,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Kim argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “[The sentence] will signal to others who might be tempted to engage in similar schemes that such conduct carries significant consequences.”
Wholesale PCP Supplier Sentenced to 120 Months for Violent D.C. Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Darryl Dacota Riley, Jr., 40, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 120 months in prison in connection with his role as a wholesale PCP supplier in a large-scale narcotics trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“Riley wasn’t just selling drugs in the summer of 2024, he was pumping lethal substances into a neighborhood already reeling from violence and daily fear,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “His operation sat at the center of a zone where families were living through murders, armed assaults, robberies, and break‑ins within steps of his stash house. This sentence delivers accountability for the violence his trafficking fueled, the fentanyl and PCP he chose to sell, and the firearms he kept ready to defend his profit. To every parent and resident of D.C.: we have your back. Drug traffickers will be caught, charged, and face federal prison time.”
Riley, also known as "Slice," pleaded guilty on Feb. 12, 2026, before Judge Timothy J. Kelly to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of phencyclidine (PCP), 500 grams or more of cocaine, and 40 grams or more of fentanyl; and to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In addition to the 120-month prison term, Judge Kelly ordered Riley to serve five years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 121-month prison term, followed by five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, in the summer of 2024, FBI agents initiated a long-term investigation of a drug trafficking conspiracy centered around the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE. Law enforcement had identified an alleged fentanyl and PCP trafficker in the 2900 block of Knox Place. Over the course of their investigation into the trafficker’s narcotics suppliers, investigating agents determined that Riley was conspiring with members of the drug trafficking operation in the redistribution of cocaine, PCP, fentanyl, among other narcotics.
During the conspiracy, five homicides, seventeen assaults with dangerous weapons, five robberies and eight burglaries occurred within 1,000 feet of the conspiracy's primary stash location on Knox Place SE, court papers state.
According to court papers, from July 2024 through his arrest in August 2025, Riley served as a wholesale supplier of PCP to a co-defendant who redistributed narcotics from the 2900 block of Knox Place SE. Riley repeatedly supplied bulk quantities of liquid PCP for redistribution, at times traveling to Knox Place to personally deliver the drugs, which he referred to in intercepted calls as the “Deer Park.”
On August 26, 2025, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Riley’s residence in the 1900 block of Naylor Road, SE. Over the course of the search, law enforcement recovered more than 930 grams of cocaine and nearly 120 grams of fentanyl, amongst other narcotics, more than $20,000 in cash, and three loaded firearms, including a privately made rifle.
Riley has a previous 2012 conviction for attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Washington Field Office, with valuable assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration – Washington Field Office, and the Metropolitan Police Department.
The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey and John Crabb of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section.
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Waco Jeweler and Co-Conspirator Arrested, Indicted for Allegedly Buying Known Stolen JewelryRead the Press Release
WACO, Texas – The owner of a crafted precious metals dealer in Waco and an alleged co-conspirator were arrested this week on criminal charges related to their alleged dealings of stolen jewelry, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas.
According to court documents, Clemond Earl Busby aka Bull, 65, of Waco, allegedly arranged for multiple jewelry store robbers to meet with Michael Wayne Habern Jr., 53, the owner of Waco Jewelers, in the parking lot of Habern’s store for the purpose of selling stolen jewelry to Busby and Habern. At times, the robbers would allegedly negotiate transactions with both Busby and Habern. At other times, the indictment alleges, Busby would act as an intermediary between Habern and the robbers.
On one or more of the occasions, Busby and Habern allegedly received stolen jewelry from the robbers with price tags still attached and sometimes in display cases that were also taken from the jewelry stores during the robberies.
The indictment alleges that Busby and Habern would pay the robbers less than the true value of the jewelry and exclusively in cash.
Habern and Busby are both charged with one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, nine counts of accessory after the fact, and one count of misprision of a felony. If convicted, they both face up to 113 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI, Texas Anti-Gang Taskforce, Waco Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Department of Homeland Security, Austin Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Blanton is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Vance Boelter Sentenced to Two Consecutive Life Terms Plus 40 Years Consecutive for the Stalking and Murder of Minnesota State LegislatorsRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced today that Vance Luther Boelter, 58, has been sentenced to two consecutive terms of life plus a consecutive 40-year term for the stalking and murders of Melissa and Mark Hortman and the stalking and attempted murders of Senator John Hoffman, Yvette Hoffman, and Hope Hoffman on June 14, 2025. Boelter was sentenced before U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim.
Boelter previously pleaded guilty to six federal offenses, including stalking resulting in death, murder through use of a firearm, and discharging a firearm during crimes of violence.
According to court documents, Boelter acted alone, extensively researched his intended targets, and used disguises, firearms, and law‑enforcement‑style equipment to gain access to the victims’ residences. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offenses, the lasting physical and emotional impacts on the victims and their families, and Boelter’s admitted intent to target multiple elected officials.
“Our hearts remain with the families and loved ones of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman, and with Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman, Yvette Hoffman, their daughter, and all those whose lives were forever changed by these horrific attacks,” said Acting Attorney General Blanche. “Today’s sentence ensures that this violent criminal will spend the rest of his life in federal prison for his calculated and heinous acts of violence against Minnesota public servants and their families. Political violence is an attack not only on its immediate victims, but also on our communities, our democratic institutions, and the rule of law. The Justice Department will continue to use every available resource to investigate, prosecute, and hold accountable those who target public officials and engage in acts of violence.”
“Vance Boelter’s crimes rank among the most horrific this office has ever prosecuted. Today, the United States ensured that Boelter will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of release. Those who commit political violence at any level should take heed that the Department of Justice will seek and obtain the longest prison terms available for their crimes,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “My deepest condolences go out to the Hortman and Hoffman families as they continue to grieve and heal from this tragedy.”
“Today’s sentencing is an important step toward healing for the families and community forever changed by this political violence,” said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. “Minnesotans deserve to live in a state where their voices are respected and their safety is never threatened by those who try to silence democratic participation through fear. Vance Boelter believed his political opinions outweighed the voice and vote of every other Minnesotan. He was and is profoundly wrong. Minnesota’s law enforcement at every level rallied last June with one shared purpose: to protect our neighbors and defend the democratic values that hold our communities together. The FBI remains committed to using every resource at our disposal to uphold our democracy, defend the Constitution, and eradicate political violence.”
“Behind every count in this case is a person whose life Vance Boelter took or tried to take,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Spence Burnett of the ATF St. Paul Field Division. “Melissa and Mark Hortman were parents whose children lost them both in a matter of seconds. John and Yvette Hoffman survived devastating gunshot wounds, while their daughter was forced to call for help. Boelter also targeted other legislators. Accountability has its limits in the face of this much loss. No sentence can restore the lives he took, heal those he wounded or undo what these families endured. Today’s sentence does ensure he will spend the rest of his life answering for those decisions.”
“This sentencing brings accountability for crimes that shook our community and forever changed the lives of those affected. By portraying himself as a police officer while targeting elected officials, the offender caused profound harm and damaged public trust. We are grateful that the prosecution sought the maximum penalties to be imposed and extend our sincere thanks to everyone whose hard work and commitment made this resolution possible,” said Champlin Police Department Chief Glen Schneider.
“No sentence can bring back the Hortmans, repair the terrible harm done to the Hoffmans, or undo the fear felt by people across Minnesota on June 14 and 15 last year,” said Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans. “But today’s sentence is a statement to all Minnesotans that order can be restored, that we will hold people accountable for their crimes, and that political violence is never acceptable.”
“Vance Boelter is a cold-blooded killer who should never again walk free. His horrific actions forever changed the lives of the Hortman and Hoffman families, spread fear across communities throughout Minnesota, and shocked our nation. We are grateful for this outcome and hope it brings some measure of justice and relief to the families and everyone impacted by this tragedy,” said Minneapolis Police Department Chief Bill Peterson.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, ATF, Brooklyn Park Police Department, Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Champlin Police Department, and New Hope Police Department, together with several other state and local partners. The National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section also assisted in the investigation. This investigation has proceeded with the United States Attorney’s Office in strong partnership with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Bradley M. Endicott and Matthew D. Forbes prosecuted the case.
Note: Previous press releases on the investigation (June 16, 2025), indictment (July 15, 2025), and guilty plea (June 11, 2026) are linked here.
Two Men Charged in Alleged $1.7 Million Counterfeit Postage SchemeRead the Press Release
Two men have been charged in federal court for their alleged roles in a scheme to acquire and sell counterfeit United States postage stamps.
On April 21, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging John Patrick Best, 55, of Hoschton, Georgia, and Kevin Douglas Padgett, 48, of Phenix City, Alabama, with conspiracy to commit money laundering related to the purchase and distribution of large quantities of counterfeit postage stamps. The indictment further charges Best with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, possession with intent to sell counterfeit postage stamps, concealment money laundering, and spending money laundering.
United States Attorney Thomas Govan, Inspector in Charge Shameka Jackson of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Houston Division, and Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office made the announcement.
“This case reflects the strong partnership between our office and federal law‑enforcement agencies committed to protecting the U.S. mail and the financial system,” said United States Attorney Thomas Govan. “We appreciate the dedicated work of the Postal Inspection Service, IRS Criminal Investigations, and Homeland Security Investigations in bringing these allegations to light.”
“The US Postal Service is committed to protecting consumers and the US Mail from fraudulent activity and has no tolerance for people who create, distribute or use counterfeit postage,” said Shameka Jackson, Inspector in Charge of the Houston Division. “These practices undermine the inherent trust of the USPS brand, and postal inspectors will continue work with our law enforcement partners and federal prosecutors to disrupt these criminal schemes and bring those responsible to justice.”
“The defendants are accused of moving approximately $1.7 million in proceeds through multiple bank accounts in an effort to disguise the source and ownership of their illicit profits from the counterfeit postage stamps scheme,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office. “Although individuals may attempt to disguise illicit profits through intricate financial maneuvers, IRS Criminal Investigation special agents excel at unraveling complex money flows and revealing the hidden trail they leave behind.”
According to the indictment and other court records, beginning in or around January 2024, Best and Padgett conspired to purchase counterfeit U.S. postage stamps from suppliers in China and resell the stamps within the United States. As part of the alleged scheme, the defendants formed a shipping supply company in Georgia and opened bank accounts in the company’s name.
The indictment alleges that Best and Padgett knowingly purchased counterfeit postage stamps from sources in China and elsewhere. The conspirators purchased a product listed by the vendor as “Patriotic Series American Independence Day Doodle Stickers” and resold them as genuine U.S. flag forever stamps. After receiving the counterfeit stamps, Best allegedly used his position with a media company to advertise and sell them through an online vendor marketplace under the newly created business name. Padgett then allegedly packaged and mailed the counterfeit stamps from multiple locations, including post offices in Smiths Station and Phenix City, Alabama.
According to the indictment, the scheme generated at least $1.7 million in proceeds. The government alleges that the proceeds were derived from the sale of approximately 6,483,700 counterfeit stamps, with an additional 544,596 stamps seized before distribution. It is further alleged that Best and Padgett attempted to conceal the illicit funds through a series of financial transactions involving multiple bank accounts.
On June 30, 2026, Padgett pleaded guilty to the money laundering conspiracy charge. His sentencing hearing is scheduled in October. Best made his initial appearance in federal court on July 22, 2026.
The charges against both men carry a potential maximum sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison, along with substantial monetary penalties and restitution. There is no parole in the federal system.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case with assistance from IRS Criminal Investigations and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Joel Feil is prosecuting the matter.
An indictment is merely an allegation. Best is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Two Massachusetts Men Plead Guilty to Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Two men pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to conspiring to distribute fentanyl following a series of controlled purchases in Brookline and Boston.
Kerry Charlotin, a/k/a “KG,” 36, of Rockland and Shaquylle Burden, 31, of Roslindale, pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled Charlotin’s sentencing for Oct. 26, 2026. Burden is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 19, 2026. The defendants were arrested in December 2025 and remain detained in federal custody pending sentencing.
According to the charging documents, in June 2025, an investigation began into drug trafficking activities conducted by Charlotin and Burden. The investigation revealed that the defendants were actively selling fentanyl in the greater Boston area. On two separate dates in October and December 2025, Charlotin and Burden sold or arranged the sale of fentanyl to undercover law enforcement during controlled purchases. One firearm was found in Burden’s Roslindale residence at the time of his arrest.
At the time of the conduct, Charlotin was on federal supervised release for a 2020 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, for which he was sentenced to five years in prison.
The charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. 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; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Boston; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Columbia Field Office in South Carolina. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Two Chinese Nationals Plead Guilty to Trafficking Turtles to Hong KongRead the Press Release
Kin Keung Ho, of Staten Island, New York, pleaded guilty today for his role in trafficking turtles to Asia. Lihua Owen Ma, also of Staten Island, pleaded guilty to a similar charge on July 1.
According to documents filed in court, Ho and Ma were separately charged with exporting multiple species of U.S. native turtles, including eastern box turtles, western box turtles, three-toed box turtles, spotted turtles, and diamondback terrapins. The defendants each pleaded guilty to a Lacey Act felony and admitted they created false labels for the packages without having any of the required permits or declarations. Ho admitted he shipped numerous packages between June 1, 2024, and Nov. 13, 2025. During the plea hearing, the government proffered that Ho shipped approximately 99 packages containing 578 turtles. Ho falsely labeled the contents as containing crystals or stones. Ma acknowledged illegally exporting between May 25, 2021, and May 5, 2023.
Stock photo of spotted turtle. Credit: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.These turtles species are prized in the international pet trade, particularly in China. All of the turtles are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which 185 governments, including the United States and China, are parties. CITES regulates trade in wildlife, fish, and plant species that are or may become threatened with extinction.
Stock photo of western box turtle. Credit: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.The Lacey Act is the nation’s oldest wildlife trafficking law. It prohibits, among other things, creating false labels for wildlife shipped in international or interstate commerce. The maximum penalty is five years in prison and $250,000 fine, or twice the economic gain or loss. The court will schedule sentencing hearings at a later date.
Stock photo of diamondback terrapin. Credit: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and Assistant Director Doug Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement made the announcement.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement in Valley Stream, New York, investigated these cases with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Senior Trial Attorney Ryan Connors and Trial Attorney Rachel Roberts of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section are prosecuting the cases.
Tugboat Captain Pleads Guilty to Seaman’s Manslaughter in Fatal Biscayne Bay CollisionRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A tugboat captain has pleaded guilty to federal charges after operating a barge with obstructed visibility and without a proper lookout, causing a fatal Biscayne Bay collision that claimed the lives of three children participating in a sailing camp.
“Three children lost their lives in a tragedy that never should have happened,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “Yusiel Lopez Insua operated a tugboat pushing a massive barge with an obstructed view, failed to assign a lookout, and engaged in cellphone activity while underway. He admitted that his criminal failure to follow basic maritime safety rules caused this deadly collision. Our hearts remain with the children’s families and everyone whose lives were forever changed that day.”
“The tragic loss of life in this case is a solemn reminder of why the U.S. Coast Guard stands the watch every day. From inspections and investigations to search and rescue, education and outreach, and partnerships across all levels of government, our mission is clear: to ensure every vessel operating in our waters is safe, legal, and prepared. We remain committed to the highest standards of maritime safety so we can prevent future tragedies and protect the people and communities who rely on our waterways” said Capt. Frank J. Florio, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Sector Miami.
“This case demonstrates the critical importance of strong partnerships among federal, state, and local agencies,” said Special Agent in Charge Joshua Packer of the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), Southeast Region. “By working together, we were able to bring accountability and justice in this tragic case. Our collective efforts reflect our shared commitment to protecting lives on our nation’s waterways.”
According to court records, Yusiel Lopez Insua, 46, of Miami, was piloting a 25-foot tugboat pushing a construction barge measuring 108 feet long, 28 feet wide, and 149 gross tons across Biscayne Bay on July 28, 2025. The barge, loaded with construction debris, had its forward view obstructed by a deckhouse and crane, and no crewmember had been assigned to serve as a lookout.
At the same time, a sailboat carrying one counselor and five children from a nearby sailing camp lost wind and stalled in the tugboat’s path. Because Insua’s forward visibility was obstructed and no lookout had been assigned, he failed to see the stalled sailboat before the barge ran over it, submerging the sailboat beneath the barge’s hull.
A forensic review of Insua’s cellphone revealed internet activity while the tugboat was underway, including at or near the time of the collision.
The counselor and two children escaped after being dragged beneath the barge. Three children became trapped beneath the wreckage and drowned.
Insua pleaded guilty to seaman’s manslaughter. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
CGIS, Southeast Region; USCG, Sector Miami; and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are investigating the case. U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones commends the valiant rescue efforts of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, the Miami Police Department, and the Miami Beach Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Gilfarb and Daniel Rosenfeld, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanner Stiehl, are prosecuting the case.
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 26-cr-20122.
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Troy Man Indicted for Creation of Destructive DeviceRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – William Huber, 39, of Troy, was charged earlier this month in a now unsealed two-count indictment, alleging that he manufactured a destructive device using an explosive and attempted to destroy a vehicle with it.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.
As alleged in the indictment, Huber used smokeless powder to manufacture a destructive device and failed to register it as required under federal law. The indictment further alleges that in March of 2021, Huber attempted to use an explosive to damage and destroy a leased Ford F-150. The first charge filed against Huber carries a mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison, to run consecutive to any other term of imprisonment imposed. The second charge carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years. The charges carry a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to a three-year term of supervised release may be imposed after any term of imprisonment.
“As alleged in the indictment, this defendant conspired to construct a dangerous homemade explosive device intended to destroy property,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone. “The coordinated efforts of the New York State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office demonstrate our continued commitment to pursuing justice and protecting our communities.”
“The allegations against Mr. Huber are extremely concerning and, if convicted, he faces a significant amount of time in federal prison,” said Craig Tremaroli Special Agent in Charge Albany FBI. “This investigation highlights the strength of our partnerships, specifically with the New York State Police. By working together to leverage our collective resources, we can ensure anyone who is allegedly manufacturing dangerous destructive devices is held accountable for their reckless behavior.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “I commend the steadfast work of our State Police members and law enforcement partners in protecting the communities we serve. This indictment exemplifies the strength of partnerships in safeguarding the quality of life for all New Yorkers. The State Police will continue to work with the United States Attorney’s Office and Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation to apprehend those who use illegal or any explosive device in a threatening manner.”
Huber was arraigned July 15th 2026 in Albany, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista, and detained pending a detention hearing before Judge Evangelista and trial before United States District Court Judge Anthony J. Brindisi at dates to be determined.
A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI and New York State police are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian is prosecuting the case.
Topeka woman sentenced for methamphetamine and fentanyl traffickingRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas woman was sentenced to 115 months in prison for drug trafficking which will be followed by five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Madeline R. Wagner, 40, of Topeka pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On multiple occasions between July 2024 to November 2024, Wagner and her co-conspirators were in possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl that they acquired with the intention to sell.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough prosecuted the case.
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Three Men Charged in $1.5 Million Deed Fraud and Money Laundering SchemesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Three individuals, including one from Massachusetts, have been charged for their alleged involvement in multi-state schemes to defraud property owners by impersonating them and selling their land, and launder the proceeds of the deed fraud scheme. One defendant allegedly defrauded property owners of approximately $1.5 million, while all three defendants are accused of laundering the proceeds of the fraud between June 2023 and June 2024. The following individuals have been charged by criminal complaint:
- Moshe Levi, 57, of Carrollton, Texas, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy;
- Kyon James, 44, of Middleboro, Mass. was charged with money laundering conspiracy; and
- Bradley Beauge, 41, of Somerset, N.J., was charged with money laundering conspiracy.
The defendants were arrested on July 16, 2026. James was released on conditions following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston later that day. Following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston today, Beauge was released on conditions. Levi was detained following an initial appearance in Kansas City, Mo., and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
According to the charging document, Levi and co-coconspirators executed a deed fraud scheme by identifying vacant and unencumbered real properties in Massachusetts, Georgia, Indiana and Tennessee that were owned by individuals who lived out of state. Levi and co-conspirators allegedly established email and internet telephony accounts and obtained fake identifications, including driver’s licenses and passports, all in the names of the properties owners. Using the fake identifications and accounts, Levi and his co-conspirators allegedly impersonated the record owners of the properties in order to trick real estate professionals into listing and negotiating the sale of the properties and deeding the properties to unsuspecting buyers in exchange for payment.
It is further alleged that Levi, Beauge and James conducted financial transactions involving the proceeds of the fraudulent sale of properties, including by check and wire transfer, through individual and corporate bank accounts that they and others controlled, with the intent to conceal and disguise the nature, the location, the source, the ownership and the control of the proceeds. According to court documents, since approximately June 2023, Levi, Beague, James and others allegedly shared and attempted to share in illegal proceeds of approximately $1.5 million.
The charge of wire fraud conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the scheme, whichever is greater. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the financial transactions that were the object of the conspiracy. 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 Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth B. Kosto, Chief of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The Department of Justice Sues Colorado for Providing In-State Tuition to Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice sued Colorado for placing illegal aliens over American citizens in clear defiance of Congress’s commands, challenging its state laws that provide in-state tuition and financial aid to illegal aliens. The Department’s complaint alleges that Colorado’s in-state tuition laws unconstitutionally discriminate against U.S. citizens who are not afforded the same reduced tuition rates or scholarships, create incentives for illegal immigration, and reward illegal aliens for breaking our Nation’s laws with benefits that U.S. citizens are not eligible for, all in direct conflict with federal law.
“For three decades Congress has made clear that states cannot provide education benefits to illegal aliens unless those same benefits are available to all American citizens,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward, Jr. “By granting illegal aliens in-state tuition, Colorado is violating federal law and subsidizing education for illegal aliens at the taxpayers’ expense. This Department will not cease until President Trump’s promise is fulfilled: illegal aliens will not receive benefits denied to our Nation’s own citizens.”
“This is a simple matter of federal law: colleges cannot provide benefits to illegal aliens that they do not provide to U.S. citizens,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This Department of Justice will not tolerate American students being treated like second-class citizens in their own country.”
In the complaint, the United States seeks to enjoin enforcement of Colorado statutes that require colleges and universities to provide in-state tuition rates for all aliens who maintain in-state residency, regardless of whether those aliens are lawfully present in the United States. Additionally, the complaint seeks to enjoin Colorado from enforcing those laws to afford financial assistance and scholarships to illegal aliens.
Today marks the Department’s 14th lawsuit challenging in-state tuition for illegal aliens. The Department’s efforts have already delivered wins for the American people, as four similar lawsuits in Texas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Nebraska have resulted favorable orders permanently enjoining and declaring unconstitutional analogous laws that gave reduced tuition to illegal aliens, including an order from the Fifth Circuit. Lawsuits against other states that similarly put illegal aliens ahead of U.S. citizens are pending across the country in Illinois, Minnesota, Virginia, California, New Jersey, Kansas, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Maryland.
Tallahassee Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Cedrick Campbell, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced by United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle to three years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession of child pornography. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Those who view, possess, and share child sexual abuse material deserve severe punishment because they re-victimize the innocent, exploited child each and every time one of those horrific images and videos is seen. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute these sick offenders to ensure we are doing everything possible to keep our kids safe.”
Court documents reflect that the Tallahassee Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received information that the defendant was possessing and viewing child pornography. Further investigation led to the execution of a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and a search of his cell phone, which revealed that he had also used an overseas server to access and store child pornography.
“Every image of child sexual abuse represents the exploitation of a real child,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “These investigations are an opportunity to protect children, identify victims and hold offenders accountable. The FBI, alongside our partners, will continue to investigate these crimes and ensure offenders face the consequences of their actions.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Tallahassee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph Ravelo and Meredith Steer 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit theU.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Stoughton Man Sentenced to More Than 7 Years for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Joshua Hole, 29, Stoughton, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 87 months in federal prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, for distributing child pornography. Hole pleaded guilty to this charge on April 20, 2026.
In 2019, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a tip that Hole was using an instant messaging application to trade child pornography. Hole was interviewed by law enforcement, and while several images of child pornography were found on his phone, he was not ultimately charged.
In March 2025, Toledo, Ohio, police arrested an individual after he traveled to the area to sexually abuse what he believed to be, a 7-year-old girl and a 6-month-old infant. An examination of the individual’s phone showed he had been chatting with and sharing child pornography with Hole via Telegram Messenger. Specifically, law enforcement found exchanges from March 24, 2025, where Hole and the individual exchanged images and videos of toddlers and infants being sexually abused, as well as chats where Hole encouraged the individual to travel to sexually abuse an infant. Hole was charged with distribution of child pornography, based on this conduct, on November 19, 2025.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Peterson noted that Hole had not redirected his life after his 2019 contact with law enforcement, which demonstrated Hole’s powerful compulsion for child pornography. Judge Peterson further explained that the nature of the images, and the violent and sadistic chats between the defendant and other pedophiles, were aggravating factors at sentencing. Finally, Judge Peterson stressed that Hole’s conduct was a vivid illustration of how consumers of child pornography put real children at risk.
“Protecting the most vulnerable in our communities is more than just a legal responsibility, it is a moral imperative,” said U.S. Attorney Elgersma. “Anyone who preys on or endangers our children will be held accountable for their crimes.”
The charge against Hole was the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Stoughton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger prosecuted this case.
This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.
Stainless-steel components supplier pays over $1.1 million to resolve False Claims Act allegationsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Stafford-based Matrix Metals LLC has agreed to pay $1,175,529.20 to resolve allegations of fraudulently obtaining a Paycheck Protection Program loan for which it was ineligible.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act established the PPP to provide forgivable loans to eligible small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To qualify for a Second Draw PPP loan, businesses generally were required to have fewer than 300 employees of affiliated entities.
The settlement resolves allegations that Matrix Metals exceeded that employee threshold when it obtained a Second Draw PPP loan in January 2021 and later sought loan forgiveness. At the time, Matrix Metals was a wholly owned subsidiary of Matrix Metals Holdings Inc., which was owned by interests based in India. According to the allegations, Matrix Metals and its affiliated entities employed more than 300 people, making the company ineligible for the loan.
The settlement stems from a qui tam or whistleblower complaint filed under the False Claims Act which permits a private party to file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation in coordination with the Small Business Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Shaitelman is handling the matter along with Attorney Amber Perez, Office of General Counsel for the SBA.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Springfield CPA Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Submitting False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court for one count of wire fraud and one count of filing false tax.
Ray Leonard Marple, 63, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas Harpool, for one count of wire fraud and one count of submitting false taxes. Marple was sentenced to 18 months incarceration with the Bureau of Prisons for each count to run concurrently, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $415,481.50 to the victim of his embezzlement and $86,210.84 to the Internal Revenue Service, for a total amount of $501,692.34 in restitution and a final order of forfeiture in the amount of $415,481.50. This successful prosecution is one of many federal fraud cases pursued under the leadership of President Donald Trump and through the establishment of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.Marple used his position as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to serve as the executor of a trust for a family. As the executor of the trust, Marple then made numerous financial transactions that resulted in him embezzling $415,481.50. In addition, Marple also repeatedly filed false tax returns in 2018, 2019, and 2020, in which he grossly understated the amount of money that he earned during those years. As a result of his false tax returns, Marple owes the United States $86,210.84 in unpaid income taxes.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
National Fraud Enforcement Division
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Sixteen Pittsburgh Residents Indicted on Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy ChargesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Sixteen residents of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on cocaine trafficking charges, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The one-count Indictment was unsealed following the arrests of the defendants today.
According to the Indictment, from in and around November 2025 to in and around July 2026, the defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute various quantities of cocaine base, in the form commonly known as crack, as well as mixtures or substances containing cocaine, with the amount of drugs attributable to the lead defendant in the case, DeConta Harrison, including 280 grams or more of crack cocaine. A list of the defendants and the amount of drugs attributable to each through the conspiracy is included below.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both for Harrison, and not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, or both for the other defendants. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendants:
NameAge
Drugs Attributed
DeConta Harrison48
280 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaineJozef Bozeman47
28 grams or more of cocaine baseCharles Brannon54
28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaineRashaan Campbell45
28 grams or more of cocaine baseBobby Chatman65
28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaineHarold Jones Sr.65
28 grams or more of cocaine baseWilliam Jones45
28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaineAlonzo Kidd50
28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaineGreg Nash65
28 grams or more of cocaine baseJeff O’Keefe35
28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaineKeith Payne50
28 grams or more of cocaine baseBrandon Rodgers41
28 grams or more of cocaine baseJohn Malcolm Smith44
28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaineTyisha Somerville32
28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaineKyrie Weston39
28 grams or more of cocaine baseDeshawn Williams44
28 grams or more of cocaine base and a quantity of cocaineSeventh Honduran National Sentenced to Prison for His Role in a Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HAMMOND –On July 23, 2026, Milson Canelas Maradiaga, 29 years old, of Honduras, is the latest Honduran national to be sentenced to prison for his role in an expansive bank fraud conspiracy resulting in significant losses to small businesses and community banks in more than a dozen states, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Canelas Maradiaga was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He was also ordered to pay $533,043 in restitution to the victims of his crimes. The sentence was imposed by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon at a hearing held on July 23, 2026.
“Milson Canelas Maradiaga will spend 27 months in prison because he and his co-conspirators used fake identification cards to cash 169 fraudulent paychecks totaling $233,569 at three branches of the same bank in the Northern District of Indiana on January 11, 2023. The fraudulent paychecks were designed to look like they had been issued by a company that operates dairy farms in the Northern District of Indiana. Almost six months later, on June 23, 2023, Canelas Maradiaga and his co-conspirators used fake identification cards to cash 178 fraudulent paychecks totaling $299,474 at five branches of the same bank and three check cashing businesses in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The fraudulent paychecks were designed to look like they had been issued by a building materials supply company in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. As he has no legal no legal status within the United States, he will be subject to a separate and immediate removal process upon release from prison. Thanks to the combined efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Indiana State Police, with valuable assistance provided by the Benton County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Department, the Benton County (Indiana) Prosecutor’s Office, the Poteau (Oklahoma) Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Travis County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office, the Houston (Texas) Police Department, the Nebraska State Police, and the Stanton County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office, the case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven J. Lupa from the Northern District of Indiana and Assistant United States Attorneys Kara Traster and Jordan Howanitz from the Eastern District of Oklahoma,” said U.S. Attorney Mildred.
“Criminal organizations that use stolen or fraudulent identities to target community banks and local businesses undermine the integrity of our financial system and harm hardworking victims,” said Homeland Security Investigations Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. “This sentencing demonstrates HSI’s commitment to aggressively investigating financial fraud crimes and ensuring consequences for the perpetrators. We are grateful for the outstanding partnership among the agencies and prosecutors whose coordinated efforts helped dismantle this scheme.”
Six co-conspirators were previously sentenced to prison for their roles in this scheme: Luis Banegas Rodriguez (27 months), Ricardo Castro Murillo (37 months), Carlos Aquino Sosa (41 months), Edwin Palacios Sosa (27 months), Delvin Velasquez Romero (time served of approximately 17 months), and Rosalio Pena Sandres (33 months).
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Indiana State Police, with valuable assistance provided by the Benton County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Department, the Benton County (Indiana) Prosecutor’s Office, the Poteau (Oklahoma) Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Travis County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office, the Houston (Texas) Police Department, the Nebraska State Police, and the Stanton County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Steven J. Lupa from the Northern District of Indiana and Assistant United States Attorneys Kara Traster and Jordan Howanitz from the Eastern District of Oklahoma.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Indianapolis comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, IRS, Indiana State Police, and other partners, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana.
Settlement Agreement Reached with East Hampton Housing Authority to Resolve Civil Rights Lawsuit Alleging Failure to Reasonably Accommodate a Minor Tenant Requiring Use of an Assistance AnimalRead the Press Release
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced today a Settlement Agreement with the East Hampton Housing Authority resolving the United States’ lawsuit against East Hampton Housing Authority under the Fair Housing Act. The lawsuit alleged that East Hampton Housing Authority discriminated against a minor tenant by refusing to permit him to live with his emotional support dog to accommodate his disability. As alleged, over the course of nineteen months during 2021 and 2022, East Hampton Housing Authority took the erroneous position that emotional support animals did not qualify for reasonable accommodation under the law. The settlement will ensure equal access to housing for all East Hampton Housing Authority tenants who demonstrate their need for a reasonable accommodation for assistance animals under the Fair Housing Act.
“Today’s settlement ensures that tenants with disabilities who require assistance animals will be reasonably accommodated so that they have the same opportunity to use and enjoy their homes as other tenants,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office will continue to enforce the Fair Housing Act and its protections against discrimination for people with disabilities.”
Under the terms of the settlement, East Hampton Housing Authority has agreed to adopt a reasonable accommodation policy regarding requests for assistance animals, comply with certain notice, training, and recordkeeping requirements to ensure that its officers and employees are knowledgeable about and comply with the terms of the Fair Housing Act, and allow the United States to monitor compliance with the Settlement Agreement. East Hampton Housing Authority has also agreed to pay the victim’s family $82,500 in damages, upon a release of claims.
The Fair Housing Act makes it unlawful to discriminate in the terms and conditions of the sale or rental of, or to otherwise make unavailable or deny, a dwelling based on the prospective buyer or renter’s disability. The Fair Housing Act also mandates that reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, and services be provided when necessary to afford equal housing opportunities to persons with disabilities.
This matter has been handled by Chief of the Office’s Civil Division Civil Rights Section Megan Freismuth.
usa_v._ehha_fully_executed_agreement_7.16.26.pdfSchuylkill County Man Sentenced to 21 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mark Thompson, age 51, of Ashland, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 21 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release by Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani for one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Thompson previously admitted that beginning in January of 2025, and continuing to on or about April 25, 2025, in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, Thompson conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine.
The FBI, the Shenandoah Police Department, and the Schuylkill County District Attorney’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
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Saratoga Springs Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Second Possession of Child Pornography ConvictionRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Scott Meyer, 42, of Saratoga Springs, New York, was sentenced July 7th, 2026, to 120 months in prison for possession of child pornography.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Field Office Anthony Patrone made the announcement.
As part of his plea, Meyer admitted that, in 2016, he was convicted of possessing child pornography in the Southern District of New York. He further admitted that, between September 2024 and January 2025, he uploaded images of child pornography to the internet and later possessed images and videos depicting child pornography on his cell phone and desktop computer.
“This defendant clearly failed to correct his reprehensible behavior after his initial conviction, and because of his repeated conduct, he will now serve 10 years in federal prison, followed by strict supervision requirements. I want to thank our partners at Homeland Security Investigations for their work on this case and for their relentless efforts to protect the children of our communities,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone.
HSI – Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone said, “This defendant’s repeated possession and uploading of child sexual abuse material represent a grave offense against vulnerable children and a serious threat to the safety and wellbeing of our communities. This sentence underscores that those who traffic in these images will be held to account and removes a repeat offender from society. HSI Albany is steadfast in our efforts to identify and investigate crimes that exploit children, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue offenders wherever they are found.”In addition to the ten-year imprisonment, United States District Court Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered that Meyer be subject to 15 years of supervision once released.
HSI investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone 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.
Robison Found Guilty of Wire Fraud, Money Laundering in Federal Jury TrialRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – A federal jury convicted an Austin man Wednesday of wire fraud and money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, John Stuart Robison, 63, convinced an investor to pay $1 million into a business bank account controlled solely by Robison. Robinson represented the money would go to benefit the University of Austin. The money was to be kept in an escrow account unless and until Robison raised an additional $1 million.
As part of the scheme, Robison lied to the investor about land that Robison controlled or had under option. Robison also presented false option contracts for property and claimed that all monies spent on the project were from Robison's personal accounts.
One day after the money was wired into the business account, Robison fraudulently transferred $250,000 into another of his bank accounts. This money was used to benefit Robison rather than the University of Austin. Within a few months of the receipt of the wired funds, Robison had essentially spent the entire $1 million.
Robison was indicted on Nov. 18, 2025, and arrested Nov. 21. Now convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the one count of wire fraud and up to 10 years in prison for the money laundering charges.
The FBI and Austin Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dan Guess and Britni Verdeja prosecuted the case.
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Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Federal Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lunenburg man was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Michael Myers, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In March 2026, Myers pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography. Myers was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in December 2024 and has remained in federal custody since that time.
In 2015, Myers was convicted of possession of CSAM, for which he was sentenced to two years’ probation by state authorities. He is a Level One Sex Offender.
In August 2023, Myers was identified as the owner of a Kik Messenger account transmitting CSAM files. One of the files depicted a male victim, approximately as young at eight years old, being raped by an adult male. Separately, in April 2024, Myers was identified as the owner of a Reddit account transmitting CSAM files depicting the abuse of a minor male victim. Search warrants obtained for both the Kik and Reddit accounts revealed several chats further demonstrating Myers’ criminal sexual interest in young boys.
During a search of his Lunenburg residence in December 2024, an anonymous private messenger application was found on Myers’ cell phone and showed that several videos and pictures depicting CSAM were sent and received.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Lunenburg Police Interim Police Chief Jeffrey M. Thibodeau made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial Bennett of the Worcester Branch Office 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Registered Sex Offender Accused of Possessing Obscene ImagesRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment Tuesday charging a Hillsboro, Oregon man with possessing images depicting the sexual abuse of children.
Daniel Bostwick, 69, has been charged with a single count of possession of obscene visual representations of child sex abuse.
According to court documents, Bostwick was on state parole following a previous conviction for Sexual Abuse in the First Degree under Oregon law. Bostwick was subject to device monitoring as a condition of his parole. In April, two sexualized images of children were detected on Bostwick’s cellphone. A subsequent search of Bostwick’s phone and a thumb drive resulted in the recovery of dozens of images depicting the sexual abuse of children, which appeared to have been generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Bostwick made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a 3-day jury trial scheduled to begin on September 22, 2026.
If convicted, Bostwick faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and a maximum sentence of twenty years in federal prison, a term of supervised release of at least five years up to life, and a fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The FBI and Washington County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mira Chernick is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case was brought in collaboration with 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Ponte Vedra Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Traffic Firearms and Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Braden Huston Hobbs (28, Ponte Vedra) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger to nine years in federal prison for conspiracy to traffic firearms, making a materially false statement to a licensed firearms dealer, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including 500 grams or more of cocaine. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents and proceedings, agents began investigating Hobbs after learning that several firearms Hobbs had purchased were recovered during separate law enforcement investigations. These firearms were recovered from the homes of drug dealers and a convicted felon. Additionally, undercover agents purchased 11 firearms from two co-conspirators, Alton Wayne Cope III and Jayden Lance Cope, who were also prosecuted. Hobbs was the original purchaser of multiple firearms purchased from the Copes. Cellphone records also confirmed that Jayden Cope regularly purchased firearms from Hobbs.
Through further investigation, agents found that between March 2022 and June 2024, Hobbs had purchased at least 121 firearms from three different federally licensed firearms dealers in Jacksonville, with 67 of those firearms being purchased between January and June 2024. Hobbs then sold those firearms to others. On multiple occasions, Hobbs advertised firearms for sale to potential customers before acquiring the firearms from the federally licensed firearms dealer.
Customers typically paid Hobbs in cash for the firearms. Hobbs also traded drugs for the firearms. Hobbs was aware that some of his customers intended to resell the firearms, were drug users, or were drug distributors. Hobbs also asked his co-conspirators to assist him in finding buyers for the firearms and the co-conspirators advertised Hobbs’s firearms for sale. Hobbs told others that he “deal[s]” in firearms, bragging he was “Mr. Cocaine addict firearms trafficker.” Records indicated that Hobbs had made more than $200,000 in illegal proceeds in less than 36 months. Although he engaged in the business of dealing firearms, Hobbs is not a federally licensed firearms dealer, as required by federal law. When Hobbs purchased the firearms from licensed firearms dealers, he indicated on the required ATF Form 4473 that he was the actual buyer or transferee of the firearms. In addition, Hobbs indicated that he was not a user of or addicted to controlled substances. Both statements were false. Hobbs intended to sell the firearms and therefore was not the actual buyer or transferee of them. Hobbs was also a habitual user of controlled substances and was distributing controlled substances, including over 500 grams of cocaine and Adderall. Hobbs routinely advertised controlled substances for sale and coordinated narcotics transactions and often sold the controlled substances to the same individuals to whom he was selling firearms. On June 26, 2024, Hobbs was arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for driving under the influence and trafficking in cocaine. During a search of Hobbs’s car, officers recovered more than 200 grams of cocaine and 17 grams of Adderall, as well as various items used to package and distribute controlled substances.
In related court proceedings, co-conspirator Alton Wayne Cope III was sentenced to four years and three months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and conspiring to deal in firearms without a license. Jayden Lance Cope was sentenced to six years for conspiring to deal in firearms without a license and unlawful receipt of a firearm after being indicted.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, the North Florida HIDTA Tri-County Narcotics Task Force with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
Pittsburgh Resident Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Child Sex Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 360 months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of sex trafficking of a child and the production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on James Clark, 39, of the Carrick neighborhood of Pittsburgh on July 20, 2026.
According to information presented to the Court, Clark provided housing to a female runaway minor, and produced images of the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In addition, Clark trafficked the girl to another individual in exchange for, among other things, allowing the child to maintain shelter at his residence.
Judge Wiegand sentenced Clark to 360 months in prison on one count of sex trafficking of a minor and 360 months in prison on six counts of sexual exploitation of children, with the sentences running concurrently. Clark will also have to comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Assistant United States Attorney Robert C. Schupansky prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Clark.
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 (CEOS), 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.justice.gov/psc.
If you are the victim of human trafficking or may have information about a potential trafficking situation, please call the FBI, local law enforcement, or the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888. NHTRC is a national, toll-free hotline, with specialists available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year related to potential trafficking victims, suspicious behaviors, and/or locations where trafficking is suspected to occur. To submit a tip to the NHTRC online, please visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/report-trafficking.
###Pensacola Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Damien R. Johnson, 47, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Keeping dangerous, armed felons off our streets is the most effective way to improve public safety for our communities. Thanks to the excellent work of the Pensacola Police Department and our federal law enforcement partners, my office was able to deliver this successful prosecution to ensure this defendant is kept off the streets and behind bars where he belongs.”
Court documents reflect that in February 2026, Johnson fled from a Pensacola residence during Pensacola Police Department’s execution of a residential search warrant. Johnson attempted to evade capture but was quickly apprehended by officers. Johnson discarded a firearm during law enforcement’s pursuit. In 2001, Johnson had previously been convicted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana.
Johnson faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment and up to a three-year term of supervised release. Thus, if Johnson were to violate any conditions of his release, he could potentially face an additional period of incarceration related to violating his supervision.
The case involved an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pensacola Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Thomas S.P. Geeker are prosecuting the case.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell II.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Oklahoma Businessman Waives $120M Bankruptcy Discharge After USTP Investigation Reveals Undisclosed AssetsRead the Press Release
An Oklahoma businessman waived his bankruptcy discharge of more than $120 million after an investigation by the Department of Justice’s U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) found that he concealed income and financial accounts in his bankruptcy case.
On July 1, the Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Oklahoma approved Michael Ray Friday’s voluntary waiver. As a result, Friday remains liable for his debts, and creditors are free to pursue payment from him after the case is closed.
“Dishonest debtors undermine the integrity of the bankruptcy system,” said U.S. Trustee Ilene Lashinsky of Region 20, which includes the Western District of Oklahoma. “The debtor in this case misrepresented his financial position and sought to exploit our nation’s bankruptcy laws for selfish gain. The USTP will continue to hold accountable those who attempt to abuse the system.”
Friday filed a chapter 7 liquidation case in August 2024, about nine months after a company that had bought his power line construction business obtained a more than $58 million judgment against him. An investigation by the USTP’s Oklahoma City office found evidence of multiple omissions and misrepresentations in Friday’s bankruptcy documents and testimony. Among other things, Friday failed to disclose several financial accounts and about $400,000 in income.
Despite Friday’s claims that he was unemployed, his bank accounts showed multiple large cash deposits and withdrawals that he could not explain. He also failed to disclose several expenses, including monthly payments toward his son’s home loan. The USTP also alleged that before he filed for bankruptcy, Friday orchestrated a quick divorce to transfer real estate to his ex-wife and shield it from his creditors.
Friday agreed to voluntarily waive his bankruptcy discharge shortly before a trial was scheduled to begin on the USTP’s complaint to deny him a discharge.
The USTP’s mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public. The USTP consists of 21 regions with 82 field offices nationwide and an Executive Office in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the USTP at www.justice.gov/ust.
Ohio Babysitter Sentenced to 70 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing Toddlers to Produce Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – A 26-year-old woman was sentenced to prison after admitting to sexually abusing two children in her care while she was employed as their babysitter and producing videos of the abuse to share with other sexually deviant individuals on social media.
Molly Elisabeth Duncan, of Beachwood, Ohio, was sentenced to 840 months (70 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker after pleading guilty in April to:
- Sexual Exploitation of Children (two counts)
- Distribution of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct
- Possession of Child Pornography, or Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM)
She was also ordered to serve 25 years of supervised release after imprisonment.
She was additionally ordered to pay the following:
- $20,000 toward the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, which was established in 2015 to impose additional assessment to offenders who commit certain crimes, including sexual exploitation and other abuse of children.
- $8,000 toward the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Assistance Act which was established in 2018 to provide monetary assistance for victims of child sexual abuse.
Judge Barker imposed the sentence on July 22.
According to court documents and evidence, the defendant worked as a nanny in Northeast Ohio for the minor victims’ families from about November 2023 to July 2024. However, court records also indicate that Duncan worked as a nanny in the Northern District of Ohio for approximately 10 years. Duncan sexually abused one victim in Portage County and another in Geauga County—both under the age of two—and recorded the visual depictions on her cellphone. She then shared the videos with others who also had a sexual interest in children through a social media platform. During a forensic analysis of Duncan’s electronic devices, investigators found several CSAM files of each minor victim.
This case was investigated by the Cleveland Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations and the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Anyone with additional information about this matter is asked to please call the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at 216-698-3151.
This prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Margaret A. Kane and Michelle M. Baeppler for the Northern District of Ohio.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country and 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. To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org, or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Northern District of Texas Elevates Airspace Security During FIFA World Cup 2026 – Sets Foundation for Future EventsRead the Press Release
DALLAS—United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, in collaboration with the FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Secret Service; Federal Aviation Administration; Texas Department of Public Safety; and other federal, state, and local partners, highlights the strengthened airspace security strategy and operational plan implemented during the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North Texas.
An active Joint Operations Center, advanced counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (drones), rigorous enforcement, and a proactive public education campaign contributed to the success of this operation.
From the outset, the FAA established Temporary Flight Restrictions over key locations in the Metroplex. One included a 3 nautical mile radius up to 3,000 feet around AT&T Stadium (“Dallas Stadium”) beginning three hours before each match and ending three hours after each match concluded. A second included a 1 nautical mile up to 1,000 feet TFR was enforced during daily Fan Festival activities at Fair Park through the entirety of the World Cup (June 11-July 19).
During the operation, law enforcement deployed counter UAS teams equipped to detect and intercept unauthorized drones. Law enforcement seized 65 drones at Dallas Stadium and 29 more at Fair Park, the location of Fan Fest in Dallas. As a result of these seizures, we undertook various enforcement actions, including seizing the drones, issuing fines, documenting the drone incursion, and, in some instances, charging the drone operators with federal crimes.
As a result of the 94 drone seizures during the TFRs, various drone investigations remain ongoing.
Some of the key enforcement actions include the following:
- Luis Mauricio Flores Ordonez, a Honduran national, was charged with violation of national defense airspace for flying a drone near “Dallas Stadium” during the June 14 match; his guilty plea and sentencing hearing are set for Aug. 19.
- Cristobal Torres Alvarez, a Mexican national, was charged for operating a drone without an airman’s certificate in restricted airspace near “Dallas Stadium” during the June 27 match. Alvarez faces up to three years in federal prison.
- Servando Piedra Munoz, a Mexican national, was charged for operating a drone without an airman’s certificate in restricted airspace near “Dallas Stadium” during the July 14 semi-final match. Munoz faces up to three years in federal prison.
These efforts were supported by the Northern District’s 24/7 Joint Operations Center, facilitating real-time sharing of intelligence and coordination of field responses. The Texas DPS, aided by a $3.2 million FEMA grant, deployed mobile and fixed drone detection and mitigation systems—using radio-frequency monitoring, Remote ID tracking, and non-kinetic countermeasures—with personnel trained by the FBI.
A broad Public Service Campaign accompanied these measures, urging drone operators to:
- Register and label their drones
- Obtain a Part 107 certification or TRUST certificate
- Check TFRs via FAA-approved B4UFLY tools
- Report suspicious drone activity to 911, local law enforcement or the FBI
U.S. Attorney Raybould on the operation’s significance:
“What we learned is that robust planning, advanced technology, and interagency unity can effectively neutralize airborne threats. Drones are here to stay—and so must our vigilance. As we look to future major events, we will sharpen these systems and partnerships to uphold safety in our skies. We also showed the world that more major sporting events - like the Women’s World Cup - belong in North Texas!”FBI Dallas SAC R. Joseph Rothrock added:
“Over the past 5 weeks, the FBI helped to secure one of the largest sporting events in our country’s history. In Dallas, those efforts included protecting the matches at Dallas Stadium and Fan Fest at Fair Park from unauthorized drone activity. These efforts culminated in the seizure of over 90 drones,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We want to thank our state, local, and federal partners for their assistance in drone operations. The success and safety of the tournament would not have been possible without these partnerships.”Lessons Learned
- Advanced Detection + Skilled Personnel: The integration of real-time UAS technology and trained operators enabled rapid detection and neutralization of airborne threats.
- Constant Command and Control: The 24/7 Joint Operations Center ensured coordination and swift action across all responding agencies.
- Enhanced Public Awareness: Clear messaging and outreach reduced inadvertent violations and encouraged active community reporting.
- Legal Deterrence: Prompt prosecutions signaled the seriousness of violations and reinforced the consequences of non-compliance.
- Future Preparedness: Drones will remain a persistent presence at public gatherings—our successes here establish a blueprint for proactive, scalable responses at future events.
The Northern District of Texas reaffirms its commitment to securing large-scale gatherings and protecting the public. Through coordinated strategy, resource investment, and community engagement, we aim to maintain airspace integrity and public trust.
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Norfolk man pleads guilty to attempted witness tampering while under investigation for murder threatsRead the Press Release
NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man pled guilty today to attempted witness tampering.
According to court documents, on May 3, 2025, Christopher Martin Herr, 33, called his then-ex-girlfriend, identified as Jane Doe, dozens of times and left multiple voicemails in which he threatened to kill Jane Doe, murder her boyfriend, and assault her father. On Sept. 29, 2025, Herr drove to Jane Doe’s apartment in Virginia Beach and threw her trash can at her car. Between Sept. 27 and Oct. 28, 2025, Herr sent messages to Jane Doe in which he threatened to murder her boyfriend, her family, and an FBI agent.
On Oct. 26, 2025, Herr again drove to Jane Doe’s apartment and attempted to open her locked door. Jane Doe reported Herr’s behavior to Virginia Beach Police.
On Dec. 19, 2025, Herr contacted a relative who was an officer with the Norfolk Police Department and requested that the relative arrange for Jane Doe’s arrest for a DUI. Herr told the relative exactly where Jane Doe lived, described the make and model of her vehicle, and described her license plate. The relative declined Herr’s request. On Jan. 9, Herr contacted another relative who works in law enforcement and again requested that Jane Doe be arrested.
Herr is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 19 and faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Lawrence R. Leonard accepted the plea.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nikolas Nelson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Gantt are prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-17.
New York Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for His Role in Car Theft ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Amadou Diol, 43, of New York, New York, was sentenced today to 60 months' imprisonment, three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge for his role in a scheme to steal and sell more than 20 rental cars.
The defendant was charged by superseding indictment in September of last year and pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy and two counts of transportation of stolen vehicles.
As detailed in court filings and statements, from about December 2020 to December 2021, Diol and others conspired to rent vehicles from car rental companies throughout the central and eastern United States by fraudulent means, transport the vehicles in interstate commerce, and sell the stolen vehicles to various purchasers, who then exported the vehicles overseas.
Diol and others would rent the cars by obtaining and using genuine driver’s licenses belonging to third parties, who were not aware their licenses were being used for the scheme, or by causing fake driver’s licenses to be created and used.
The defendant and co-conspirators frequently transported, and caused to be transported, the stolen vehicles across state lines to facilitate their sale. They received payment for the stolen vehicles by various means, including cash, electronic payments via money transfer apps, and in the form of a luxury vehicle.
This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meghan Claiborne Bisio and Kara Traster.
New Orleans Man Sentenced in Drug Conspiracy and Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – DESHAWN JONES (“JONES”), age 44, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on July 21, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with the intent to distribute, controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced JONES to 200 months imprisonment, followed by 8 years of supervised release, and payment of a $300 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, beginning at a time unknown, but prior to December 27, 2021, and continuing to on or about November 25, 2024, JONES conspired with others to distribute fentanyl, crack, and cocaine in the Eastern District of Louisiana. On November 25, 2024, JONES possessed with the intent to distribute 40grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl, 28 grams or more of a mixture containing crack, cocaine, and 2 guns, including a Smith and Wesson, Model 67, .38 special caliber revolver, and a DPMS Panther Arms, Model A-15, .223 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
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New Bedford Couple Sentenced for Defrauding at Least 50 Clients of over $750,000 in Connection with Their Insurance BusinessRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A married couple from New Bedford was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for a scheme to defraud individuals seeking insurance coverage through the couple’s business, BL Insurance Brokerage, LLC.
Brendan Lawler, 59, and Lisa Lawler, 46, were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun to eight months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The defendants were also ordered to pay restitution in an amount to be determined at a later date. In March 2026, the Lawlers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The Lawlers were charged by criminal complaint in August 2025.
From March 2023 through March 2024, the Lawlers solicited and collected insurance payments from BL Insurance’s clients, which should have been paid to the clients’ insurance providers. Instead of paying the insurance companies, the Lawlers pocketed their clients’ payments and used the money for their own purposes. To conceal this theft of client funds and to keep their BL Insurance afloat to perpetuate the scheme, the Lawlers used incoming client funds to pay outstanding balances due to other clients’ insurers. The Lawlers also created and distributed certain insurance documents to clients that falsely suggested that the clients were insured. In total, through this scheme, the Lawlers defrauded at least 50 individuals or insurance providers and stole more than $962,000 from individual customers, insurance providers, premium finance companies and hard money lenders.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance and Insurance Fraud Bureau. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Cleary of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
Nevada Tax Preparers Indicted for Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Preparing False Tax Returns for ClientsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging three Las Vegas tax return preparers with conspiracy to defraud the United States and willfully preparing false tax returns for clients.
According to the indictment, Jadee Glover owned and operated CashBack Tax Service, a Las Vegas tax preparation business, where Julia Brainerd and Shamoya Perkins worked as tax return preparers. The three allegedly conspired to prepare and file fraudulent income tax returns for clients that in some instances reported completely fictitious businesses and in other instances reported fictitious receipts and expenses for businesses the clients actually owned. Glover, Brainerd, and Perkins allegedly agreed to include false tax credits on client returns based on false assertions that the clients had missed substantial amounts of work at their purported businesses because they had contracted COVID-19 or were providing care to others that had contracted COVID-19. Based on these false claims, the tax returns allegedly generated large tax refunds that clients were not entitled to receive, a portion of which was directed to CashBack Tax Service as tax preparation fees.
According to the indictment, Glover, Brainerd and Perkins each willfully prepared and filed a number of false tax returns for clients in this manner. In addition to their work for CashBack Tax Service, Brainerd allegedly prepared false returns for clients of Royalty Tax Services, a Las Vegas tax preparation business she separately owned and operated, and Perkins allegedly prepared false returns for clients of Jewels Tax Services, a Las Vegas tax preparation business she separately owned and operated.
If convicted, Glover, Brainerd, and Perkins face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for conspiracy and three years in prison for each count of willfully aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns for clients. They also face a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Regina Jeon and Megan E. Wessel of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division ('Fraud Division'). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Nevada Tax Preparers Indicted for Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Preparing False Tax Returns for ClientsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging three Las Vegas tax return preparers with conspiracy to defraud the United States and willfully preparing false tax returns for clients.
According to the indictment, Jadee Glover owned and operated CashBack Tax Service, a Las Vegas tax preparation business, where Julia Brainerd and Shamoya Perkins worked as tax return preparers. The three allegedly conspired to prepare and file fraudulent income tax returns for clients that in some instances reported completely fictitious businesses and in other instances reported fictitious receipts and expenses for businesses the clients actually owned. Glover, Brainerd, and Perkins allegedly agreed to include false tax credits on client returns based on false assertions that the clients had missed substantial amounts of work at their purported businesses because they had contracted COVID-19 or were providing care to others that had contracted COVID-19. Based on these false claims, the tax returns allegedly generated large tax refunds that clients were not entitled to receive, a portion of which was directed to CashBack Tax Service as tax preparation fees.
According to the indictment, Glover, Brainerd and Perkins each willfully prepared and filed a number of false tax returns for clients in this manner. In addition to their work for CashBack Tax Service, Brainerd allegedly prepared false returns for clients of Royalty Tax Services, a Las Vegas tax preparation business she separately owned and operated, and Perkins allegedly prepared false returns for clients of Jewels Tax Services, a Las Vegas tax preparation business she separately owned and operated.
If convicted, Glover, Brainerd, and Perkins face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for conspiracy and three years in prison for each count of willfully aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns for clients. They also face a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Regina Jeon and Megan E. Wessel of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division ('Fraud Division'). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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Nashua Man Indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
Nashua Man Indicted for Possession With Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine
CONCORD – Juan Nolasco Batlle, age 42, of Nashua, New Hampshire, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession with intent to distribute 280 grams or more of crack cocaine, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. He will appear in federal court in Concord on a later date.
If convicted, Batlle faces a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years and a maximum prison term of life, a maximum fine of $10,000,000, or both. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation with valuable assistance provided by the Hillsborough County Street Crimes Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon is prosecuting the case.
Multinational Software Company Agrees to Pay over Three Million Dollars to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Involving Paycheck Protection Program LoanRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – IGEL Technology Corporation, a multinational software company with a North American headquarters in San Francisco, has agreed to pay a total of $3,168,901.75 to settle allegations that it knowingly violated the False Claims Act when it received and retained a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan in violation of PPP rules.
Congress created the PPP in March 2020, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to provide emergency financial support to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized billions of dollars in forgivable loans to small businesses struggling to pay employees and other business expenses. Applicants for a “first-draw” PPP loan were required to certify that they met certain size standards based on, for example, the number of employees that they employed, including in most cases employees of any U.S. and foreign affiliates.
The United States alleged that IGEL’s North American affiliate, claiming to have only 105 employees, applied for and obtained a first-draw PPP loan in June 2020, even though the company was not eligible because it exceeded the size standards when including affiliated entities, including its multinational parent company. According to the United States, despite knowing that it was not eligible for the first-draw loan, IGEL also sought and obtained forgiveness of the loan.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and SBA General Counsel Wendell Davis made the announcement.
The settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Verity Investigations, LLC. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States of America ex rel. Verity Investigations, LLC v. IGEL Technology Corporation, No. 3:25-cv-03290-SK (N.D. Cal.). Verity Investigations, LLC will receive $316,890.17 in connection with the settlement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Savith Iyengar handled this matter, with assistance from Jacqueline Hollar. The resolution resulted from a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California and SBA’s Office of General Counsel.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Multinational Investment Firm Subsidiary Pays $3.5M+ to Settle PPP False Claims Act CaseRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – SoftBank Robotics America, Inc. (SoftBank Robotics America), a San Francisco-headquartered robotics business within SoftBank Group Corp., a Japanese multinational investment holding company, has agreed to pay a total of $3,637,499.09 to settle allegations that it knowingly violated the False Claims Act when it received and retained a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan in violation of PPP rules.
Congress created the PPP in March 2020, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to provide emergency financial support to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized billions of dollars in forgivable loans to small businesses struggling to pay employees and other business expenses. Applicants for a “first-draw” PPP loan were required to certify that they met certain size standards based on, for example, the number of employees that they employed, including in most cases employees of any U.S. and foreign affiliates.
The United States alleged that SoftBank Robotics America, claiming to have only 16 employees, applied for and obtained a first-draw PPP loan in March 2021, even though the company was not eligible because it exceeded the size standards when including affiliated entities, including its multinational parent company. According to the United States, despite knowing that it was not eligible for the first-draw loan, SoftBank Robotics America also sought and obtained forgiveness of the loan.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and SBA General Counsel Wendell Davis made the announcement.
The settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Verity Investigations, LLC. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States of America ex rel. Verity Investigations, LLC v. SoftBank Robotics America, Inc., No. 3:25-cv-1442-SK (N.D. Cal.). Verity Investigations, LLC will receive $363,749.91 in connection with the settlement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Savith Iyengar handled this matter. The resolution resulted from a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California and SBA’s Office of General Counsel.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Multi-Agency Team Recognized for Outstanding Overdose Investigative Effort of the YearRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that the multi-agency team involved in the investigation and prosecution of United States v. Curtis Cummings, et al., has been selected by the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) as the Outstanding Overdose Investigative Effort of the Year. The lead prosecutor, Assistant United States Attorney Meghan Dilges, and lead investigator, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Patrick Rose, were presented the award by Dan Neill, Executive Director, Midwest HIDTA, Office of National Drug Control Policy, during a ceremony at the Public Safety Building in Rapid City on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
“This was an incredible investigative effort that delivered justice for the victims of this horrible crime and improved public safety by preventing further deaths that would have resulted from the illegal activities of these defendants,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “I could not be more proud of this law enforcement team and I am so grateful their outstanding efforts have been recognized and honored with this award.”
“Midwest HIDTA, in partnership with the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), is proud to support our federal, state, local, Tribal, and prosecutorial partners in identifying, disrupting, and dismantling criminal organizations that exploit vulnerable communities. While no investigation can undo the tragic loss of life in this case,
we recognize the dedication and professionalism of the investigators, analysts, prosecutors, and support personnel whose tireless efforts helped bring those responsible to justice,” said Executive Director, Midwest HIDTA, Office of Drug Control Policy Dan Neill.
In late April 2022, a young man was found deceased in the driver’s seat of his vehicle at a gas station in Rapid City, South Dakota. On the center console of his vehicle were two aluminum foil pieces with remnants of a partially melted blue-green pill. An autopsy indicated the victim died from fentanyl toxicity. The investigation was led by the South Dakota Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), which includes the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard.
Utilizing a variety of investigative techniques – including digital forensics, surveillance video, social media records, GPS information, and witness interviews – UNET identified four individuals – Curtis Cummings, Katey McGruder, Christina Sanchez, and Wyatt Nygaard – who were involved in the distribution of fentanyl to the victim.
The investigation revealed that Cummings and his wife, McGruder, obtained large amounts of fentanyl from a source of supply in Colorado on a weekly basis. They would then bring the fentanyl back to their home in Rapid City, where it was further distributed by Sanchez and other co-conspirators. On April 26, 2022, Cummings and McGruder provided fentanyl to Sanchez, who provided the fentanyl to Nygaard. Nygaard then provided the fentanyl to the victim, who overdosed and died within minutes of ingesting the fentanyl.
In 2023, Cummings, McGruder, Sanchez, and Nygaard were indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death.
Sanchez, McGruder, and Nygaard each pleaded guilty to Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death. On January 24, 2024, Nygaard was sentenced to 23 years and four months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. On August 9, 2024, Sanchez and McGruder were each sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
Cummings was convicted following a jury trial of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death. On January 24, 2025, he was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
Comprised of 73 designated counties in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Illinois, the Midwest HIDTA is designed to disrupt the market for illegal drugs throughout the “heartland” of America by identifying, targeting, and dismantling the most violent and prolific drug trafficking organizations operating in the Midwest. Its goal is to enhance and facilitate the coordination of regional drug-control efforts among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies—through information and intelligence sharing, cooperative investigations, and joint operations—to reduce drug trafficking and its deadly consequences across the region. The Midwest HIDTA currently supports 61 different initiatives across seven states, including 44 drug task forces, six domestic highway interdiction programs, and five intelligence initiatives.
Montgomery County Man Charged with Impersonating an FBI AgentRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Seok Joon Lee, 54, of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, was charged by indictment with impersonating a federal officer, and acting as such.
The indictment alleges that, on or about April 22, 2026, the defendant falsely assumed and pretended to be an agent and employee of the FBI, in that the defendant entered a Philadelphia supermarket wearing a bulletproof vest, a law enforcement-type duty belt, a holstered firearm loaded with 13 rounds of live ammunition, and two spare magazines, identified himself as an FBI agent to a security guard, and attempted to conduct a security check of the supermarket. Lee subsequently stated to responding officers from the Philadelphia Police Department that he was “undercover FBI” and that his credentials and FBI number could be located elsewhere.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of a monetary fine and three years in prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael R. Miller and Nelson S.T. Thayer Jr.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
McLaughlin Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentencing took place on July 20, 2026.
Ricky Wayne Hettich, Jr., age 26, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Hettich was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2025. He pleaded guilty on April 16, 2026.
Around Christmas 2024, Hettich picked up a 15-year-old girl by the waist against her will. He laid her down on his bed in his father’s basement in McLaughlin, South Dakota, within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. Hettich took off the minor’s clothes, then his own, and had sexual intercourse with her. Whenever the girl tried to escape, Hettich forced her back down. The intercourse resulted in pregnancy. Investigators learned Hettich also had sexual intercourse with the girl on a prior occasion.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal Court as opposed to State Court.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Hettich was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his federal sentence.
Man to Federal Prison for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
A man who illegally reentered the United States from Guatemala was sentenced July 23, 2026, to eight months in federal prison.
Rigoberto Corado-Hernandes, age 63, from Guatemala but illegally residing in Rock Valley, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 20, 2026, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry.
At the hearings, Corado-Hernandes admitted he illegally reentered the United States without permission after having been previously removed from the United States on two occasions. He had previously been convicted in Sioux County, Iowa, in 2024 of domestic abuse assault, first offense, with a dangerous weapon after he attempted to stab his nephew with a knife. He was then located by immigration officials in the Sioux County jail on January 13, 2026, where he was being held on a probation violation stemming from the 2024 sentence. While in custody, officials determined he was a citizen of Guatemala, had no legal status to be in the United States, and had previously been deported from the United States to Guatemala.
Corado-Hernandes was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. He was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Corado-Hernandes 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 Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
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.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 26-CR-04011.
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Local woman sent to prison for unlawfully smuggling expensive poultry from Southeast AsiaRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 47-year-old Aransas Pass resident has been ordered to prison for smuggling over 60 rare Dong Tao chickens into the country.
Jennifer Mayo pleaded guilty July 30, 2025.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Mayo to serve 24 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony regarding the serious risk of disease that the poultry presented, the numerous dead birds found on Mayo’s property, and how Mayo repeatedly lied to law enforcement. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that Mayo’s conduct was extremely serious and put a lot of animals at risk.
The investigation began in 2023 after authorities discovered Facebook messages in which Mayo discussed traveling to Southeast Asia to obtain Dong Tao chicken eggs.
Dong Tao chickens aka Dragon chickens are a rare, expensive breed native to Vietnam that are recognized for their unusually large legs. Federal law prohibits the importation of poultry from regions affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza or Newcastle disease unless specific import requirements are met. Vietnam and Cambodia are among the regions subject to those restrictions.
Mayo smuggled approximately 60 fertilized Dong Tao chicken eggs into the United States by concealing them on her body and in her luggage. She intended to hatch the birds and sell them for breeding, eggs, and meat. Upon questioning, Mayo falsely claimed the chickens had died.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Mayo’s residence where they discovered five surviving chickens suffering from disease, along with other dead and dying birds. The five birds were the only surviving Dong Tao chickens from the original shipment.
Due to the risk of spreading disease to other flocks, veterinarians determined the birds could not be removed from the property and were humanely euthanized.
As part of her plea, Mayo admitted knowing the eggs could not legally be imported into the United States.
She was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Department of Agriculture, Texas Animal Health Commission, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler Foster and Liesel Roscher prosecuted the case.
Lexington Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Manuel Enrique Corona-Ramirez, 52, of Lexington, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 23, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Corona-Ramirez to a total of 125 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Corona-Ramirez’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
In 2023, Corona-Ramirez was arrested with Joette Romero in Hall County after an individual called in a terroristic threat at their residence. Corona-Ramirez and Romero arrived at the residence with a gun and demanded money from the individual over a drug debt. This arrest prompted further investigation which later revealed that Corona-Ramirez was working with others to distribute methamphetamine around the central Nebraska area. Over the course of his drug dealing, Corona-Ramirez was responsible for more than 3 kilograms of methamphetamine. He also possessed a firearm and threatened others in furtherance of that drug dealing.
Joette Romero was indicted separately for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. She was sentenced on September 22, 2025, to 87 months’ imprisonment with 4 years of supervised release to follow.
This case was investigated by the CODE Task Force which is made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22-county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska and includes federal partners with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, North Platte Police Department, Lexington Police Department, and Army National Guard Counter Drug Unit.