Latest Records
Newest first across public DOJ and U.S. Attorney press releases.
3 September 2026
Federal Court Again Protects National Energy Security and Rejects Dangerous State Efforts to Obstruct Sable Offshore Corporation’s Operation of the Santa Ynez PipelineRead the Press Release
In a significant victory for President Trump’s efforts to unleash American energy, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California earlier this week affirmed the federal government’s authority to protect national energy security under the Defense Production Act. The ruling ensures that domestically produced oil can reliably reach California refineries and safeguards the continued operation of critical pipeline infrastructure on the California coast.
In a comprehensive decision, the court rejected the State of California’s radical attempt to shut down the Santa Ynez Pipeline and dismissed efforts by California and environmental groups to impose state‑level barriers designed to obstruct federally mandated operations during a declared national energy emergency. The court’s decision ensures that sound federal energy policy — not California’s disruptive anti-energy measures — governs operation of this critical infrastructure.
“States cannot stop the Executive Branch from acting pursuant to Congress’s authorization, especially when it comes to ensuring American energy dominance,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. “The Department is pleased with the court’s decision to affirm this commonsense principle, upholding the Department of Energy’s lawful and constitutional order under the Defense Production Act. This Department of Justice will never allow California or ideological groups to undermine our Nation’s national security and economic prosperity interests in ensuring availability of this critical resource for Americans.”
“This ruling upholds decisive federal action to protect national security by restarting the flow of 50 million gallons of oil per day when the stability of America’s energy supply is threatened,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “The Department of Justice, together with our parters at the Energy, Interior, and Transportation Departments will not allow California or environmental groups to undercut American energy.”
This ruling comes at a time when state and local energy policies on the West Coast continue to destabilize regional supply and threaten broader national energy resilience. The Santa Ynez Pipeline transports more than one million barrels of domestically produced crude oil per month from offshore wells into California — providing a reliable domestic supply to offset foreign imports and reinforcing the America’s energy independence. Its continued operation is also essential to maintaining stable fuel supplies for more than 32 U.S. military installations across the West Coast, supporting operational readiness and ensuring these facilities can meet critical national defense requirements.
The court confirmed that a Defense Production Act order — issued by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright under delegated authority from the President — lawfully preempts state actions aimed at blocking or delaying Sable Offshore Corporation (Sable)’s operations of the Santa Ynez Pipeline. The court held that the only agency with authority to oversee the safety of the pipeline is the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), and California’s efforts to shut down the pipeline amounted to an attempt to override federal authority and undercut essential national energy priorities.
Key components of the court’s rulings include:
- Denial of California’s motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to suspend Energy Secretary Wright’s Defense Production Act order requiring operation of the pipeline. The court held that California failed to demonstrate any likelihood of success on the merits of its challenge because the Order is lawful and constitutional.
- Recognition of the Defense Production Act order’s preemptive force, declaring that federal law bars California’s Department of Parks and Recreation from pursuing legal actions — such as trespass claims — that would impede pipeline operations mandated by federal authority.
- Clarification that state courts may not enforce injunctions that conflict with federal directives, as the court addressed efforts by environmental groups to sustain a state‑court injunction.
- Modification of the existing federal consent decree to consolidate oversight of pipeline safety and compliance under PHMSA, replacing California’s Office of the State Fire Marshal to prevent further state‑level interference with federally directed operations.
The decision makes clear that attempts by California and environmental groups to impose new obstacles to critical energy infrastructure — despite clear federal findings of urgent national security needs — cannot override federal law.
The Department of Justice remains committed to enforcing federal law, defending national energy security, and ensuring that vital infrastructure remains free of unlawful state‑imposed barriers. This case was litigated by ENRD.
Fayette County Man Previously Convicted of Violating Clean Water Act Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Michael Graves, 70, of Charlton Heights, was sentenced today to six months in prison and ordered to pay $266,053 in restitution for filing a false tax return. Graves admitted to causing tax losses totaling $266,053 by underreporting his income.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 15, 2021, Graves filed a Form 1040, U.S. Individual Tax Return for tax year 2016 that falsely listed his income as $816. Graves’ actual tax income for 2016 was approximately $427,256, and his false tax return resulted in a tax loss to the Internal Revenue Service of approximately $125,285.
As part of his guilty plea, Graves admitted to filing the false tax return for 2016. Graves further admitted that he falsely listed his annual income as $816 on tax returns for years 2017 to 2020, that the total amount of income he failed to report on his returns from 2016 to 2020 was approximately $1,035,419, and that the total tax liability that he wrongly withheld from the U.S. Treasury Department from 2016 through 2020 was approximately $266,053.
During the time period, Graves owned and operated West Virginia Environmental Services, Inc. (WVES). Graves and WVES were paid over $9.8 million from 2006 to 2020 to accept industrial waste at a Fayette County landfill and treat the resulting contaminated liquid or leachate. On February 22, 2023, Graves pleaded guilty as an individual and on behalf of WVES to violating the Clean Water Act, admitting they failed to maintain the landfill’s leachate collection for several years beginning in at least 2016. This failure by Graves and WVES caused the discharge of toxic pollutants including arsenic, hexavalent chromium, and selenium into Jarrett Branch, a tributary that flows into the Kanawha River near Alloy. On December 21, 2023, Graves was sentenced to one year of incarceration, to be served on home confinement as part of a five-year term of federal probation, and fined $10,000. WVES was fined $500,000 and placed on corporate probation for three years.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI). The Criminal Investigative Division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection investigated the Clean Water Act violations, which brought the false tax returns to light.
The Department of Justice has created the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support 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.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Erik S. Goes prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-31.
###
Father and Son Convicted for Their Roles in the Murder of a USPS Mail CarrierRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – Today, a federal jury convicted a father and son for their roles in the pre-meditated murder of an on-duty United States Postal Service (USPS) letter carrier in March of 2024.
After a nearly two-week-long trial in front of U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent, Kaprise Sledge, 24, of Warren, and Thomas Sledge, 44 of Youngstown, were found guilty of:
- Murder of an Officer and Employee of the United States
- Using, Carrying, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence
According to evidence presented to the jury, on March 2, 2024, the two men aided and abetted one another in the premeditated killing of Jont’e Davis, age 33. At the time of his murder, Davis was carrying out his official duties as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, in Warren, Ohio, when he was struck by gunfire coming from a gray Dodge Ram truck that drove up next to his parked mail truck. An eyewitness called 911 and identified the vehicle involved in the shooting. Investigators were able to confirm that the truck was registered to Kaprise Sledge. Through video surveillance footage and telephone records, investigators were able to establish that Kaprise Sledge and his father, Thomas, stalked Davis along his delivery route for approximately an hour and a half before shooting and killing him. Additionally, during the execution of a search warrant at Kaprise Sledge’s residence, agents located evidence of drug trafficking.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 10, 2026. Both Sledge’s face a term of up to life imprisonment on the murder charge, and a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, up to life imprisonment on the firearms charges. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The United States Postal Inspection Service Cleveland Office and the Warren Police Department investigated the case. The Trumbull County Action Group Drug Task Force, FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, and Trumbull County Emergency Management also assisted in this investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Carol Skutnik, Peter Daly, Brett Hammond, and Samuel Lioi for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.
To report mail theft or other crimes committed through, or towards, the United States Postal Service, call the USPIS at 1-877-876-2455 or visit https://www.uspis.gov/report.
Dover Airman Arrested for Transporting 15-Year-Old from Pennsylvania to Delaware for Illicit Sexual ConductRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – A Dover airman made his initial appearance in federal court on September 3, 2026, on charges of coercion and enticement, transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and travel with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
According to court documents, Dylan Williams, 27, exchanged text messages with a 15-year-old victim and engaged in sexually charged conversations. Through conversations, Williams learned the victim’s age and acknowledged her youth. Nevertheless, Williams arranged to drive several hours to pick up the minor from her home in Falls Township, Pennsylvania, and take her back to Dover, Delaware, where he had sex with her.
Williams is charged in a criminal complaint with coercion and enticement, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b); transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a); and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(b). If convicted, Williams faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace made the announcement. The FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force investigated the case with assistance from Falls Township Police Department, Dover Police Department, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Claudia L. Pare is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and 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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 26-mj-448.
The charges contained in the criminal complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Dominican Republic Citizen Extradited to the United States from the Dominican Republic to Face Drug Trafficking Charges Following a Homeland Security Task Force InitiativeRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Dominican authorities extradited Fidel Antonio Knight-Cerda to the United States to face drug trafficking and money laundering charges filed in the District of Puerto Rico, announced Héctor Ramírez-Carbó, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The defendant was arrested in the Dominican Republic on July 8, 2026, and extradited to Puerto Rico on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
“This extradition is another important step towards the total elimination of international drug cartels and demonstrates the commitment of the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners, and the cooperation of the Dominican authorities, to work together to bring international drug traffickers to justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ramírez-Carbó. “We will continue to maximize our multi-agency efforts to disrupt and dismantle international drug cartels that poison our streets and communities with dangerous drugs by smuggling these into Puerto Rico and the continental United States.”
“Today’s action underscores the FBI’s unwavering commitment to pursuing transnational criminal actors wherever they operate. Working alongside our partners, we will continue to dismantle networks that threaten the safety and stability of our communities,” said Carlos R. Goris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “This extradition demonstrates that no distance, no alliance, and no criminal infrastructure will shield individuals from accountability. We will remain relentless until every member of these organizations faces justice.”
On September 7, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Knight-Cerda with international conspiracy to distribute cocaine, international distribution of cocaine, and conspiracy to commit money laundering derived from specified unlawful activity – drug trafficking. Knight-Cerda facilitated drug trafficking and money laundering activity between La Romana, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, through cryptocurrency.
According to the superseding indictment, since at least February of 2022, Knight-Cerda conspired to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine intending, knowing, and having reasonable cause to believe that it would be imported into the United States. The indictment also charges that Knight- Cerda conspired to commit money laundering derived from drug trafficking since no later than March 17, 2021.
Specifically, the indictment states that on or about March 17, 2021, Knight-Cerda and another co-conspirator directed the delivery of approximately $400,000 in U.S. currency – the product of drug trafficking -- to an individual in San Juan, Puerto Rico, who converted the drug proceeds to cryptocurrency. On or about March 24, 2021, Knight-Cerda and another co-conspirator directed the delivery of approximately $2,000,000 in U.S. currency / drug proceeds to an individual in San Juan, Puerto Rico, who converted the drug proceeds to cryptocurrency.
On September 2, 2026, Knight-Cerda was extradited from the Dominican Republic to San Juan, Puerto Rico following an initiative by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) Region 22, located in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, FBI Legal Attaché in Santo Domingo and law enforcement partners in the Dominican Republic provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition to the United States of Cerda. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Marshals Service collaborated during the investigation and arrest of Knight-Cerda.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio L. Pérez-Alonso under the supervision of Chief María L. Montañez-Concepción from the Transnational Organized Crime Section.
If convicted, Knight-Cerda faces a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison for the drug trafficking charges and a sentence of up to 20 years of imprisonment for the money laundering charge.
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 San Juan comprises agents and officers from the following federal partners: FBI, ICE-HSI, CBP (OFO, AMO and Border Patrol), the U.S. Marshals Service for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, DEA, ATF, IRS, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of State, and the U.S. Secret Service, the Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands HIDTA, TSA, FAA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The HSTF also has the following state and local law enforcement partners as participating agencies: the Puerto Rico Police Department; the San Juan, Carolina, Guaynabo, Barceloneta, and Ponce Municipal Police Departments, the Puerto Rico National Guard – Counter Drug Program; the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Service (Hacienda); the Puerto Rico Port Authority; and the Virgin Islands Police Department.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Creswell Man Charged with Assaulting a Federal Officer and Damaging Federal PropertyRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging a Creswell, Oregon, man after allegedly assaulting a federal officer and damaging the federal building in Eugene, Oregon, last January.
Trenton Alexander Van Zoeren, 19, has been charged with assault of a federal officer involving physical contact, aggravated assault on a federal employee causing bodily injury, and willfully injuring or committing any depredation against property of the United States.
According to court documents, on January 14 and 21, 2026, Van Zoeren damaged a window at the Eugene federal building. On January 28, 2026, Van Zoeren assaulted a Federal Protective Service officer.
Van Zoeren made his initial appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on December 7, 2026.
If convicted, Van Zoeren faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The FBI and Federal Protective Service are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Judith Harper is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Convicted Drug Dealer Arrested for Selling Fentanyl While on Federal Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Randolph, Mass. man has been arrested for distribution of fentanyl while on supervised release for a prior federal drug conviction.
Christian Collins, 24, was charged by criminal complaint with distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The defendant remains in federal custody following a detention hearing that took place this afternoon.
According to the charging documents, Collins allegedly sold fentanyl to a cooperating witness six times between July and August 2026. Collins is currently on supervised release for a prior federal drug trafficking conviction involving fentanyl, for which Collins was sentenced to in 2021 to five years in prison and four years of supervised release.
The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl provides 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, Boston Division; and Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Randolph, Holbrook, East Bridgewater, Taunton, Fall River, Acushnet, Rochester, Brockton, Boston, Stoughton, Quincy, Ashland and Abington Police Departments; Plymouth County and Suffolk County Sheriff’s Departments; and Massachusetts Department of Correction. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Cutshall of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
City Man Sentenced to Nine and a Half Years in Prison for Armed Carjacking in Southwest PhiladelphiaRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Nasir Warlow, 21, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 114 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Joel H. Slomsky for committing a gunpoint carjacking in 2024.
The defendant was charged by indictment in March 2025 and pleaded guilty this February to one count of carjacking and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
As detailed in court filings and statements, on September 3, 2024, at approximately 5:08 a.m., Warlow and two accomplices, all wearing masks and dressed in black, approached a man parking his silver 2017 Nissan Sentra on the 6700 block of Woodland Avenue.
Warlow came up to the driver’s side, pointed a firearm at the victim, and ordered him out of the car, as the two accomplices approached from the passenger side. The three carjackers then entered the vehicle and fled northbound on 68th Street.
Police officers saw the men traveling in the stolen Nissan near Cobbs Creek Parkway and Baltimore Avenue and initiated a pursuit. The chase ended when Warlow crashed into the front porch of a residence on the 300 block of Horton Street, causing significant damage to both the home and the vehicle.
This case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sandra Urban.
Cincinnati Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Dondre Hudson, 28, of Cincinnati, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 22, 2025, Hudson picked up a package containing methamphetamine in Dunbar, West Virginia, and delivered it to a location in St. Albans. As part of his guilty plea, Hudson admitted that he knew the package contained a controlled substance, that he communicated by cell phone with another individual who directed him where to deliver it, and that the individual was a co-conspirator in a methamphetamine trafficking scheme.
Hudson further admitted that he became aware of and knowingly and intentionally participated in the methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy prior to August 2025. Hudson assisted the conspiracy by delivering tens of thousands of dollars to a methamphetamine supplier on multiple occasions. Hudson used his cell phone to facilitate drug trafficking offenses during the conspiracy, coordinating with the co-conspirator and the supplier to facilitate the money deliveries.
Hudson is scheduled to be sentenced on December 17, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of four years in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. MDENT is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department, and the South Charleston Police Department.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-77.
###
Chichester Man Indicted for Operating a $25 Million HawalaRead the Press Release
CONCORD – Ramzi Al-Shawafi, 47, a Chichester resident, was indicted for Operating an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business that moved over $25 million, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Al-Shawafi will appear in federal court on September 16, 2026.
According to the indictment, for several years Al-Shawafi operated a “hawala” and worked with individuals in Yemen to coordinate the transfer of money between the United States and Yemen. A hawala is a type of informal money transfer system that uses a network of agents to transfer money across international borders without using the banking system, typically to circumvent banking laws and regulations.
Al-Shawafi operated dozens of bank accounts across many financial institutions over the last few years. The bank accounts were in the names of businesses he directly or indirectly controlled, including but not limited to Razl Trading, RA Broker, and several convenience stores. Al-Shawafi used these accounts to move over $25 million to Yemen.
The charge of Operating an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business provides a sentence of up to 5 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigations are leading the investigation. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Department of Commerce’s Office of Export Enforcement provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
California Man Indicted and Detained for Multi-Million Dollar Covid-19 Loan and Commercial Loan Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On Monday, Rodney Rosenstein, 58, of Huntington Beach, California, was ordered detained pending trial for his involvement in multiple fraud schemes. Earlier this month, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned an indictment against Rosenstein for Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit False Statements to Influence a Financial Institution.
The indictment alleges that Rosenstein and other co-conspirators obtained approximately $2.9 million from 15 fraudulent loans under the Paycheck Protection Program’s Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act, known as the CARES Act. Rosenstein and his co-conspirators obtained such loans using fake employment tax and W-2 forms. The co-conspirators also submitted fraudulent payroll documentation and other false statements to receive loan forgiveness. According to the indictment, Rosenstein and his co-conspirators obtained another $35 million in loans by using fake “rent roll” documents and other false statements in a commercial loan fraud scheme.
A conviction for Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. A conviction for Conspiracy to Commit False Statement to Influence a Financial Institution carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson office, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CASE NUMBER: 26-CR-04213-TUC-RM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-151_Rosenstein# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Burlington Man Sentenced to over 6 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Burlington, Iowa man was sentenced on September 1, 2026, to 78 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, between August 2025, and November 2025, Stone Thomas Graham, 26, possessed at least three firearms. Graham is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition as a result of a conviction stemming from an incident in November 2019, during which he discharged at firearm at other people, including police officers. Graham was granted parole for the state offense in May 2024 and discharged from that parole in August 2025, days before he possessed firearms. One of the firearms Graham possessed in 2025 was the same pump-action shotgun he possessed in November 2019.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Graham will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Southwest Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force investigated 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Buffalo man going to prison for defrauding SSA out of tens of thousands of dollarsRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that John Vincent Ridgeway, 76, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of failure to disclose an event impacting eligibility for supplemental security income benefits, was sentenced to serve 15 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
In January 1974, Ridgeway began receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), based upon his representation that he is disabled and does not own countable resources exceeding $2,000 in value. In January 2004, Ridgeway purchased property on Langmeyer Avenue in Buffalo, jointly with his wife. The value of the property at the time exceeded $2,000, which made him ineligible to continue collecting SSI payments. Ridgeway owned the property until March 2017.
Subsequently, in October 2004, Ridgeway purchased property on LaSalle Avenue in Buffalo, using the identity of J.J.R. The value of the property at time of purchase exceeded $2,000, which again made him ineligible to continue collecting SSI payments. Ridgeway owned the property until September 2011. In February 2005, Ridgeway purchased two properties on Northumberland Avenue in Buffalo, the value of which exceeded $2,000. He owned the properties until October 2020, once again making him ineligible to continue collecting SSI payments. In May 2010, Ridgeway purchased a property on Marigold Street in Buffalo, using the identity of his deceased mother. Once again, the value of the property exceeded $2,000. He owned the property until October 2023.
Ridgeway failed to disclose ownership of any of these the properties to the SSA, with the intent to continue fraudulently collecting SSI payments. In June 2021, Ridgeway completed an SSI redetermination with the SSA. On the redetermination form, he stated that he did not own any property and signed it under the following statement: “I understand that anyone who knowingly lies or misrepresents the truth or arranges for someone to knowingly lie or misrepresent the truth is committing a crime which can be punished under Federal law, State law, or both. Everything on this document is the truth as best I know it.” The SSA determined that Ridgeway’s concealment of his resources resulted in an SSI overpayment of $179,276 between February 2004, and October 2023.
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.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright. The sentencing is of the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Amy Connelly, Boston New York Field Division, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Shawn Rice, and the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Brian Wood.
# # # #
Box Elder man sentenced to 10 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl on Rocky BoyRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Box Elder man who trafficked significant amounts of fentanyl into Montana was sentenced Tuesday to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Leonard Allen Parisian, 63, pleaded guilty in May 2026 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Parisian was part of a group trafficking fentanyl on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation between 2023 and 2025.
Law enforcement first learned of Parisian’s involvement with the group in spring 2024. An informant told officers that starting in 2020 he supplied fentanyl pills to Parisian’s son, “Little Al.” When Little Al was sent to prison in 2023, the informant began supplying pills to Parisian, known as “Big Al,” who purchased between 3,000 and 6,000 fentanyl pills at a time. Big Al regularly sent couriers out of state to pick up the fentanyl from the informant. In all, the informant estimated that Big Al purchased between 15,000 and 20,000 fentanyl pills for redistribution in Montana.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey K. Starnes prosecuted the case. The FBI and Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.
Billings woman sentenced to more than 10 years for trafficking methRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings woman who trafficked meth as part of a larger drug ring was sentenced today to 10 years and six months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Jamie Lynn Strosky, 46, pleaded guilty in February 2026 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Strosky was trafficking meth in Billings as part of the Ray Best drug trafficking ring. Fellow traffickers had identified Strosky in interviews, leading law enforcement to place surveillance on Strosky’s residence in January 2025. For a week they saw other traffickers come and go from the house. During the same time, an additional source identified Strosky as the person supplying their methamphetamine.
Using a warrant, law enforcement searched Strosky’s home on Jan. 22, 2025, and found methamphetamine, plastic baggies, and a scale.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, represented by AUSA Thomas Godfrey, prosecuted the case. The DEA, EMHIDTA, Billings Police Department, and Montana DCI conducted the investigation.
Big Timber man sentenced to 12 years for trafficking methRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A Big Timber man who was trafficking meth in western Montana was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Jason Karl Smart, 53, pleaded guilty in May 2026 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Smart was trafficking large amounts of meth in Montana. Following a tip, law enforcement conducted a search of Smart’s Big Timber home in November 2025. He told agents he had a couple ounces of meth there; investigators found four pounds. He then admitted he had been trafficking over 25 pounds of meth in western Montana.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation.
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.
Baraboo Man Sentenced to 9 Years for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Deandre Dwayne Templeton, 42, Baraboo, Wisconsin, has been sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 9 years in federal prison for possessing 40 grams or more of fentanyl intended for distribution. The prison term will be followed by 7 years of supervised release. Templeton pleaded guilty to this charge on June 9, 2026.
In the spring and summer of 2025, the Sauk County Drug Task Force identified Templeton as a leader of a group selling heroin and fentanyl in Sauk County. From April through June 2025, investigators purchased quantities of heroin and/or fentanyl from Templeton and his associates on many occasions. On July 30, 2025, Templeton drove to Chicago, Illinois, to pick up additional heroin/fentanyl for distribution. When Templeton returned to his apartment in Baraboo, law enforcement officers placed him under arrest and searched his vehicle. Inside, officers found 174 grams of heroin/fentanyl in a backpack.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson noted that Templeton was involved in significant drug trafficking and played a leadership role in the group. In determining an appropriate sentence, Judge Peterson highlighted that Templeton had a fairly aggravated criminal history, which included convictions for drug trafficking, weapons, and some violence.
The charge against Templeton was the result of an investigation conducted by the Sauk County Drug Task Force; the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office; the Baraboo, Lake Delton, and Reedsburg Police Departments; the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation; and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Sauk County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer R. Remington and Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
Federal prosecutions by the U.S. Department of Justice involving drugs and guns are part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department 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 (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Armed Drug Trafficker with Machinegun Sentenced to 60 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Michael Devante Curry (31, Tampa) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle to 60 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a machinegun in furtherance of drug trafficking, and two counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. A federal jury found Curry guilty on May 29, 2026. The court also ordered Curry to forfeit the firearms and assorted rounds of ammunition used in the commission of the offense. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the evidence presented at trial, from at least January through June 2025, Curry conspired with others to possess methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana. On June 1, 2025, officers from the Tampa Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence and found Curry hiding in a kitchen cabinet with fentanyl in his pocket and more than $3,000 in cash. Ultimately, officers located nine firearms, including one equipped with a machinegun conversion device that rendered it a fully automatic weapon. They also seized methamphetamine, crack cocaine, oxycodone pills, an assortment of ammunition, a bullet proof vest, and firearm accessories, including drum magazines.
Agents seized multiple cellphones attributed to Curry and later obtained warrants to search these devices and Curry’s iCloud account. Contained within these records were extensive messages in which Curry discussed distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana within the Tampa area from January through June 2025. In addition, Curry was documented in photographs and videos possessing multiple firearms, some of which were equipped with machinegun conversion devices.
Prior to the offense, Curry had an extensive criminal history, including felony convictions for possession of cocaine, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and fleeing and eluding law enforcement officers.
This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christian Adkins, James C. Preston, and Jeff Chang.
This case is part of 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.
Arizona man sentenced to a decade in prison after he attempted to coerce a teenage girl into sexRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – An Arizona man who made numerous sexual advances to a teenage girl was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Manuel Flores, 72, pleaded guilty in February 2026 to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Flores tried to coerce a 15-year-old Montana girl into a sexual relationship while she was living in his house in Arizona and after she returned home. The girl was the daughter of a family friend; Flores had known her for several years. In June 2024, he arranged for the girl to travel from Montana to his home in Arizona to spend the summer.
While in his home, Flores texted the girl regarding his sexual interest in her. The girl rejected Flores’ advances and returned to Montana at the end of the summer. However, Flores continued to text the girl, with many of these messages repeating and furthering the sexual advances he had sent over the summer. At times, he encouraged the girl to return to Arizona so that they could be together romantically.
The girl told her mother about Flores’s behavior and the mom contacted law enforcement. Agents took over the girl’s account and posed as the girl in further communication with Flores, who continued to message. In a string of texts, Flores requested in graphic detail nude photos of the girl and told her he would fly to Montana and not return to Arizona until he had her with him. Flores flew to Montana on Aug. 18, 2025, and was arrested by law enforcement when he landed.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
Aneth Woman Indicted for Physically Abusing Her Twin BabiesRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment charging the mother of twin three-month-old babies with child abuse charges after they were flown to Primary Children’s Hospital (PCH) from Blanding for severe injuries including a broken arm, multiple fractures and a severe brain hemorrhage, all allegedly caused by their mother who was their full-time caretaker.
Fayette Whitehorse, 27, of Aneth, Utah, was initially charged by complaint on August 26, 2026.
According to court documents, on August 24, 2026, the victims, who are twin siblings born May 18, 2026, were life-flighted from Blue Mountain Hospital located in Blanding, Utah, to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City. The parents of the victims went to the hospital because one of the babies had a limp arm that caused her to cry out in pain. An x-ray was conducted on the baby’s arm, and she was diagnosed with a broken humerus. In the same x-ray, medical providers also noticed a fractured rib. Later testing showed that the baby girl also had a fractured knee. Based on her injuries, her twin brother was also screened and tested for injuries and a CT scan revealed a significant brain hemorrhage along with a fracture in his radius bone and fractures in different stages of healing on three of his ribs.
Whitehorse is charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse while within Indian Country. A jury trial is scheduled for November 10, 2026, at the Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Monticello Resident Agency.
Assistant United States Attorneys Tanner Zumwalt and Sam Pead are 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.
Alien smuggler lands decades in prison for conspiracy spanning 15 months that left three deadRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 27-year-old McAllen resident has been ordered to prison for his role in a long-term alien smuggling scheme that involved several high-speed pursuits.
Jose Manuel Silva-Lopez pleaded guilty Dec. 18, 2025.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered him to serve 360 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. The court also imposed a $10,000 special assessment. At the hearing, the court heard that Silva-Lopez created a risk of death or serious bodily injury by recruiting teenage drivers and instructing them to engage in high-speed pursuits from law enforcement. The court also heard that Silva-Lopez showed no remorse after the fatality event that claimed the life of three, including the minor driver, because he continued to recruit juvenile drivers and instructed them to flee from law enforcement. In handing down the sentence, Judge Tipton noted the risk of vehicular pursuits in alien smuggling events and the role Silva-Lopez played in the three deaths.
The investigation revealed Silva-Lopez had been operating an alien smuggling ring in the Rio Grande Valley as far back as June 2023. He had utilized various social media platforms to recruit drivers, including juveniles as young as 14 years of age.
Silva-Lopez would track the location of the drivers, direct them to pick up points to retrieve aliens who had just crossed the Rio Grande River, and take them to various stash houses across the Rio Grande Valley. During the smuggling events, Silva-Lopez instructed drivers to flee from law enforcement. On two occasions, the load vehicles fled from authorities in high-speed pursuits and ultimately caught on fire. A third pursuit resulted in speeds of over 120 miles per hour.
On Jan. 17, 2024, Silva-Lopez coordinated another smuggling event with a juvenile driver. Authorities observed the driver pick up two aliens from the river and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver fled. Several minutes later, they discovered a crash nearby. The vehicle had lost control around a sharp turn and struck a parked trailer. The driver and two passengers ultimately succumbed to their injuries. During the event, the driver had been on the phone with Silva-Lopez.
Law enforcement determined Silva-Lopez had coordinated at least 21 separate alien smuggling events from June 2023 through September 2024.
To date, a total of 20 drivers have been prosecuted and sentenced.
Silva-Lopez has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker prosecuted the case.
2 Box Elder men sentenced to prison for attempted home invasion robbery that ended with a deathRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A pair of Box Elder men who tried to rob a house and ended up killing a man were sentenced to prison Wednesday, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Levi Terrance Olson, 30, who pleaded guilty in May 2026 to attempted robbery and involuntary manslaughter, was sentenced to nine years and three months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Brandon Lee Weaselboy, 36, who pleaded guilty in May 2026 to attempted robbery and involuntary manslaughter, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that early in the morning on July 29, 2024, Olson and Weaselboy, along with Gordon Denny and the eventual victim, planned to steal drugs from a home on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. When the group reached the house, they found an occupant they did not expect was home. Denny later told investigators it “messed up” the robbery.
At the house, Denny knocked on the door and was taken inside by the unexpected resident. After a brief moment, the other three men kicked in the front door, entered the house and a shootout ensued. In the chaos that followed, Olson and Weaselboy fled from the front of the house, while Denny fled through the back of the house. The victim was shot and was later found dead in the yard. Denny, Olson, and Weaselboy were eventually arrested and interviewed by law enforcement; they admitted to planning the botched robbery that ultimately led to the victim’s death.
Denny was sentenced in June 2026 to two years and seven months in prison for his involvement in the conspiracy.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and the Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.
2 September 2026
Zachary Babitz Sentenced to Life in Prison for Armed Robbery and Carjacking Crime Spree That Ended in Fatal ShootingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Zachary Babitz was sentenced to life plus 26 years in federal prison for a series of armed robberies and carjackings across New Mexico in 2024, including the fatal shooting of an 83-year-old Santa Fe man during a carjacking.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, between July 30 and August 10, 2024, Babitz, 40, committed a series of armed robberies, carjackings and a fatal shooting across Bernalillo, Santa Fe and Doña Ana counties.
Babitz’s crime spree began on July 30, 2024, when he entered an AutoZone in Albuquerque armed with a handgun, demanded money from an employee and stole approximately $345. The following day, he robbed a Wells Fargo bank in Albuquerque by presenting a demand note and indicating he was armed, obtaining approximately $3,300.
On August 3, Babitz robbed a Jersey Mike’s restaurant at gunpoint, taking cash from the register and forcing an employee to open a safe where additional money was stolen.
On August 6, 2024, Babitz committed a carjacking in Santa Fe County during which he confronted 83-year-old John Doe with a firearm. When Doe offered resistance, Babitz shot him, rifled through his pockets for the vehicle keys and left him in a parking lot. Doe later died from his injuries.
Even after the killing, Babitz continued his violent crime spree. On August 9, he carried out another carjacking in Bernalillo County, knocking the victim unconscious. On August 10 in Las Cruces, Babitz and an accomplice robbed an Arby’s restaurant at gunpoint, stealing cash, and later that same day participated in another armed carjacking in which they forced a victim from a vehicle at gunpoint. While fleeing from law enforcement, Babitz crashed the stolen vehicle and was found hiding in a nearby dumpster.
At the time of the offenses, Babitz was on state probation for six robberies committed in Albuquerque and had a lengthy history of violent felony convictions. His adult criminal record dates to 2004 and includes armed carjackings in Nevada and California, including an incident in which he fired a gun while attempting to steal a woman’s purse. After moving to New Mexico, he was convicted in 2018 for a series of six robberies committed over several weeks.
Babitz was charged by federal indictment with 13 counts arising from the 2024 crime spree. On October 22, 2025, the United States filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty. On April 17, 2026, Babitz and the United States entered into a binding plea agreement calling for a sentence of life imprisonment.
Babitz pleaded guilty to all 13 counts of the indictment, including two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, one count of bank robbery, one count of carjacking resulting in death, one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and causing death through the use and possession of a firearm, one count of carjacking, two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and aiding and abetting, two counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and aiding and abetting, one count of carjacking and aiding and abetting, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge A.J. Gibes of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, Santa Fe Police Department, Albuquerque Police Department and Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Elena Stiteler and Natasha Moghadam are prosecuting the case.
York Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy and FirearmsRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Marco Laboy-Torres, age 47, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on September 1, 2026, to 144 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Laboy-Torres was sentenced for his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy where over five kilograms of cocaine were delivered by mail from Puerto Rico and trafficked in York. Laboy-Torres also possessed a short-barreled firearm in connection with the drug trafficking conspiracy.
Laboy-Torres previously pled guilty for his role in the conspiracy. Robert Nelson, age 62, York, and Luis Valentin-Hernandez, age 50, York, are charged for their roles in the conspiracy. Both defendants are pending trial in November 2026.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the York City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
# # #
Wellsville man who had sex with a minor pleads guilty to distributing videosRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Jason Goodsell, 41, of Wellsville, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine.
Between June 2020 and December 2021, Goodsell, then approximately 35 years old, was engaged in a sexual relationship with a minor girl, who was 16 years and 17 years old. During that time, Goodsell used a cellular device to record videos while they were engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In June 2022, Goodsell distributed multiple videos of that conduct through Facebook Messenger.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Franz M. Wright and Colleen M. McCarthy are handling the prosecution of the case. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, the Wellsville Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy O’Grady, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto. Additional Assistance was provided by the Pittsburgh Office of the FBI.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 11, 2027, before Judge Vilardo.
# # # #
United States Obtains $2.6M Settlement with Heuser Health as Part of Broader “Skin Scam” Fraud-Fighting InitiativeRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – Heuser Health, a Louisville-based provider of at-home wound care services, has agreed to pay $2,646,186.72 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by overbilling Medicare and TRICARE for costly skin substitute products. This settlement is part of a broader investigative initiative known as “Operation Skin Scam,” aimed at uncovering fraud schemes involving expensive skin substitute materials and holding accountable those who attempt to exploit them.
Skin substitutes are advanced bioengineered or tissue-derived materials used to replace, imitate, or regenerate damaged skin. Heuser Health used these products to treat Medicare and TRICARE beneficiaries suffering from chronic and acute wounds. Federal rules required Heuser Health to bill these products based on their actual invoice price.
The United States alleges that Heuser Health submitted, or caused to be submitted, claims using invoice amounts higher than the company’s true purchase prices, leading to inflated reimbursements paid by Medicare and TRICARE.
“Healthcare providers must bill federal healthcare programs accurately and transparently,” said United States Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner for the Western District of Kentucky. “When providers seek reimbursement beyond what they are entitled to receive, it undermines the integrity of Medicare and TRICARE and misuses taxpayer funds. This settlement—part of our wide ‘Skin Scam’ effort—reflects our commitment to enforcing federal billing rules and protecting these essential programs from abuse.”
The matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Matt Weyand and Jessica R. C. Malloy with investigative assistance from Auditor Phil Bezehertny of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The claims alleged by the United States are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
###
USP McCreary Inmate Sentenced for Attempted MurderRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. –Mufid Elfgeeh, 42, was sentenced on Tuesday to 230 months by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier for attempted murder.
While serving a 270-month sentence for attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, United States Penitentiary McCreary staff observed Elfgeeh stabbing his cellmate. Elfgeeh, upset that BOP had not complied with his request for a private cell, used an improvised weapon to stab his cellmate dozens of times as he ignored numerous verbal commands to stop the attack. Elfgeeh continued the stabbing through three uses of OC spray, OC vapor grenades, multiple foam/rubber baton rounds, pepper balls, and hornet nest munitions. Elfgeeh was only stopped when staff outfitted with protective gear breached the cell, restrained him, and removed the weapon.
A jury convicted found Elfgeeh guilty of the attempted murder charge on April 29, 2026, following a two-day trial.
Jason Parman, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Pearce Nesbitt prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
– END –
U.S. Attorney’s Office Returns Culturally Significant Artifacts to Osage Nation Following Civil Forfeiture JudgmentRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri announced that a collection of culturally significant Native American artifacts has been returned to the Osage Nation after the conclusion of a civil forfeiture action involving items unlawfully removed from federal lands near Harry S. Truman Lake.
The artifacts include a bag of Scallorn arrowheads that originate from a prehistoric archaeological site historically associated with the Osage Nation. Federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, spent several years investigating unauthorized excavation at the site and recovering the materials so they could be properly safeguarded.
Following the entry of judgment by U.S. District Judge Brian Wimes, the Osage Nation and the United States executed a settlement ensuring the return of the arrowheads to the tribe. No other claims were filed for the property.
“Culturally significant items are more than objects, they are a connection to history, traditions, and identity,” said R. Matthew Price, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. “We are honored to help return these items to their rightful home and uphold the federal government’s commitment to protecting the heritage and sovereignty of the Osage Nation.”
The remaining archaeological materials will be handled using appropriate cultural resource protocols to ensure respectful treatment and disposition in accordance with federal law.
The civil forfeiture action was litigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kirkpatrick in coordination with a related criminal prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Barnes and Cari Walsh. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jointly made the recovery and restoration of these artifacts possible.
Tulsa Man Indicted for Sexual Assault and the FBI is Seeking to Identify Potential VictimsRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa man was indicted on several counts related to sexually assaulting women and is now detained, pending trial.
Deleon Milford Cooks, 24, of Tulsa and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country; two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; one count of Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; two counts of Assault of an Intimate/Dating Partner by Strangling in Indian Country; and one count of Sexual Abuse without Consent in Indian Country.
Court documents show that Cooks is indicted for knowingly forcing two victims to engage in sexual activity and placing them in fear of death, serious bodily injury, and kidnapping. He is accused of assaulting both victims with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Cooks also strangled both victims and engaged in a sexual act with one victim without her consent.
The FBI is seeking to identify potential victims of Deleon Milford Cooks. The FBI believes he primarily targeted women from 2023 through 2026. If you were victimized by Deleon Milford Cooks or have information relevant to this investigation, please fill out the Seeking Information Questionnaire.
The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey Todd is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Trinidadian Foreign National Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking in New YorkRead the Press Release
Trinidadian foreign national and lawful permanent resident, Chad Barclay, 33, pleaded guilty today to sex trafficking and admitted to kidnapping six additional victims.
During the plea hearing, Barclay admitted that on Sept. 13, 2022, he enticed the victim to his residence to engage in commercial sex, where he robbed and sexually assaulted her. As part of plea agreement, Barclay stipulated to kidnapping six additional women between 2022 and 2023. For targeting five victims, Barclay was charged in a 20-count superseding indictment with interstate prostitution, Hobbs Act robbery, kidnapping, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, and witness tampering and obstruction of an official proceeding in August 2023. Barclay was charged with a sex trafficking count for one of the original five victims and interstate prostitution, Hobbs Act robbery, kidnaping, and other related charges for two additional victims in a second superseding indictment in May 2026.
“Chad Barclay has now admitted that he kidnapped, violently raped, and robbed multiple female victims,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This prosecution demonstrates that we will always seek justice for survivors of trafficking and abuse to prevent more of these heinous crimes. This type of exploitation and violence has no place in our civilized society.”
“This defendant is a dangerous predator who used force and intimidation to sexually assault a victim and has admitted to additional conduct including kidnapping six other women,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. “Today’s guilty plea holds him accountable for the devastating harm he inflicted on his victims and sends a clear message that our Office will vigorously prosecute those who use violence, enticement, and coercion to facilitate sex trafficking. We remain committed to protecting victims of this scourge, pursuing justice on their behalf, and ensuring that perpetrators like Barclay are held responsible for their crimes.”
“Chad Barclay’s brutal and predatory actions inflicted profound harm on his victims and demonstrated a clear disregard for their safety and humanity,” said Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle of the FBI’s New York Field Office. “The FBI and NYPD's joint investigation ensured his conduct was exposed and he was brought before the justice system to answer for his crimes. We will continue working closely with our partners to protect victims and ensure offenders are held fully accountable for their actions.”
Barclay faces a minimum penalty of 15 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 New York Field Office and the New York Police Department are investigating the case as part of the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Trial Attorney Olimpia E. Michel of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andy Palacio and Lorena Michelen for the Eastern District of New York and are prosecuting the case.
Sudbury Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for $7.8 Million Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Sudbury man, formerly of Hudson (Mass.), was sentenced on Aug. 27, 2026 in federal court in Worcester for carrying out a scheme to steal money from his two former employers, both medical practices.
Adam Gentile, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Margaret R. Guzman to four years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. Gentile was also ordered to pay restitution to the two victims in the amounts of $3.8 million and $3.3 million, respectively, and was ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $7.8 million. In March 2026, Gentile pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud after being charged in December 2025.
In or around 2014, Gentile was hired as an administrative assistant for a medical practice near Boston. He was promoted to the role of office manager shortly thereafter. In his capacity as office manager, Gentile processed payroll and oversaw other recordkeeping and administrative responsibilities for the practice. Beginning in or around 2015 and continuing through November 2020, Gentile embezzled more than $4.5 million from his employer by issuing himself extra paychecks, sometimes labeling the payments as “bonuses.” Gentile also paid off personal credit cards with the practice’s bank account.
In 2021, Gentile was hired as an officer manager for a second medical practice, for which he similarly had sole responsibility for processing payroll. From in or around April 2021 through May 2024, Gentile executed a similar scheme in which he caused extra payroll payments to be issued to himself – sometimes recording these payments as “bonuses.” Gentile used the employer’s bank account to pay off his personal credit cards; purchase and upgrade his home in Hudson; and put toward a side business he ran while employed by the medical practice. Gentile embezzled more than $3.3 million from his second employer.
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 Leominster Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin J. Brown prosecuted the case.
St. Croix Man Sentenced to 60 months on Causing Attempted Possession to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
St. Thomas, USVI –U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Mario Felix, 36, of St. Croix, was sentenced on September 1, 2026 by District Judge Mark A. Kearney to 60 months of imprisonment for causing attempted possession with intent to distribute, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. He will receive credit for the period of time he was detained.
According to court documents, on December 31, 2022, a package was randomly selected for inspection during inbound examination of USPS mail. The box was opened and a book containing several plastic bags containing a total of 800 blue pills was found. The pills tested positive for fentanyl. A Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory analysis confirmed that the pills contained 88.67 grams of fentanyl. The package was seized and sent to USPS Forensic Laboratory Services for fingerprint analysis. The defendant’s fingerprints were found on the plastic bag containing the book with the fentanyl.
The investigation revealed text messages between the defendant and an individual, where the defendant asked for their mailing address and last name on December 12, 2022. When asked what he was sending, the defendant sent a picture of the book containing the fentanyl pills, stating that there was something inside the book. He told the individual that he was going to give the individual $800 once the individual received the package. On December 17, 2022, he told the individual that he did not have anyone to mail the box for him. On December 27, 2022, the defendant texted the individual that the package had been mailed, but he could only pay the individual $700 because he had to pay another person to deal with the package. Later that day, the defendant informed the individual that the package had been mailed and sent a picture of the postal receipt, which included the tracking number. On December 30th, the defendant told the individual that they could check the post office that day for the package. When the individual went to the post office, they did not receive the package after waiting for a period of time. The individual told the defendant that the post office told them they had to look for the package. The individual then decided to leave the post office without the package. On December 31st, the individual told the defendant that they were still waiting for a call and that the post office closed at 12:00 that day. They told the defendant that when they called the post office, they were told that the package had not yet been found. On January 2, 2023, the individual told the defendant they tried calling the Post Office, but the call was unanswered.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.Springfield Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill, - A Springfield, Illinois, man, Kevin Gibbs, age 41, was sentenced on August 20, 2026, to an aggregate 25-year sentence for drug trafficking and related firearm possession. The sentence was comprised of concurrent sentences of 240 months’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm as a felon and for possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, along with a consecutive 60-month sentence for possessing a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents and statements in court, in May 2023, Gibbs, a convicted felon, possessed a firearm while participating in a drug sale. Gibbs was apprehended in the middle of the transaction and taken into custody. Springfield Police suspected Gibbs had used that firearm in a shooting at a local IHOP restaurant. Casings from the firearm were sent to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ National Integrated Ballistic Information Network and linked to the shooting by the Illinois State Police Forensic Science Laboratory.
At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough found that Gibbs was an armed career criminal and a career offender based on prior convictions. Judge Myerscough also found that the May 2023 shooting was relevant conduct, which made the defendant eligible for a sentencing enhancement. Judge Myerscough noted that the defendant had committed these crimes while on supervised release from the Illinois Department of Corrections.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Gibbs in September 2023. Gibbs was transferred from state custody to the custody of the United States Marshals Service in January 2024, where he has remained since his initial appearance. He pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric I. Long in April 2026.
“Armed felons and drug dealers pose a great risk to the community, and my office will continue to work with local officials to ensure violent offenders are held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Gilmore. “This case is an excellent example of how the federal government can support law enforcement, like the Springfield Police Department, by providing resources that help solve crimes.”
“ATF’s strong partnership with the Springfield Police Department was critical in holding this violent offender accountable. The investigative work of Springfield Police Department and ATF agents led to another shooting being cleared through the use of NIBIN. ATF remains committed to working with the Springfield Police Department and our partners in the region to investigate violent crime and hold those responsible accountable,” said ATF Chicago Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon
“Individuals with a history of violent and serious offenses who continue to possess firearms pose a significant threat to our community,” said Springfield Police Chief Joseph Behl. “This sentence sends a clear message that those who choose to use firearms while engaging in criminal activity will be held accountable. I commend the detectives and officers who worked diligently on this investigation, as well as our partners at ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. These partnerships are critical to our continued efforts to combat gun violence and remove dangerous repeat offenders from our streets.”
The statutory penalties for possession of a firearm as a felon, where the defendant is found to be an armed career criminal. are not less than 15 years and up to life imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. The penalties for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute are not more than 20 years’ imprisonment and not more than three years of supervised release. And the penalties for possession of a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime are at least five years and up to life imprisonment, consecutive to all other counts; not more than five years of supervised release; and up to a $250,000 fine.
The Springfield Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Seberger represented the government in the prosecution. The case against Gibbs is part of a committed effort to combat gun violence in Sangamon County, Illinois, by law enforcement including the Springfield Police Department, Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office, ATF, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
South L.A. Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery Spree in SoCal, Admits to Shooting Victim During Attempted Carjacking in O.C.Read the Press Release
SANTA ANA, California – A South Los Angeles man pleaded guilty today to committing an armed robbery spree in Southern California parking lots, including one incident in which he forced a firearm into a victim’s mouth, breaking the victim’s teeth, and another incident in which he shot a victim outside an Orange County shopping mall during an attempted carjacking.
Oshae Pollard, 23, of the Manchester Square neighborhood of Los Angeles, pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act) and one count of possessing, using, carrying, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in furtherance of, and during and in relation to, a crime of violence.
Pollard has been in federal custody since December 2024.
According to his plea agreement, on August 25, 2024, Pollard robbed a victim at gunpoint in the parking lot of the Hustler Casino in Gardena, stealing $1,000 in the process. Pollard pushed the victim to the ground and began pulling on the victim’s purse. He then forced his firearm into the victim’s mouth, breaking her teeth. He threatened to kill the victim if she yelled.
On August 26, 2024, Pollard robbed another victim at gunpoint, stealing the victim’s wallet and cellphone, while the victim was seated in his taxi in a Winchell’s Donut House parking lot in Carson. Pollard pointed a firearm at this victim and struck the victim in the face.
Later that same day, Pollard robbed another victim in the parking lot of Fashion Island in Newport Beach, stealing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch, a monogrammed brown Berluti wallet, and Rolls-Royce car keys – in total, worth approximately $44,000.
At the same time, Pollard and a co-conspirator attempted to rob another victim and fired a bullet into that victim’s car – barely missing that victim as he tried to escape.
On September 22, 2024, Pollard attempted to steal a Lamborghini Urus from a victim in the parking lot of South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Pollard pointed a firearm at the victim, demanded the vehicle and other property, threatened to fatally shoot the victim, and then shot the victim in the hand and thigh in an attempted carjacking.
On October 16, 2024, Pollard was arrested and released after a traffic stop with the loaded pistol he used to commit the robberies and attempted carjacking, as well as a black ski mask.
United States District Judge Fred W. Slaughter scheduled a January 21, 2027, sentencing hearing, at which time Pollard will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Orange County Violent Crime Task Force investigated this case. This task force is comprised of federal and local law enforcement agencies, which include ATF, the Brea Police Department, the Placentia Police Department, the Fullerton Police Department, the Santa Ana Police Department, and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office with the assistance of the Newport Beach Police Department and the Costa Mesa Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jena A. MacCabe and Kevin J. Butler of the Major Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.
Smith County man arrested, charged with child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Tyler man has been charged with federal child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Dennis Smith, 66, was named in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on August 19, 2026, charging him with coercion and enticement, attempted production of child pornography with intent to transport to the United States, transportation of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Smith was arrested in Tyler on September 2, 2026, and will make an initial appearance in federal court on September 3, 2026.
According to the indictment, on various dates in 2019 and 2022, Smith is alleged to have committed numerous offenses involving minor victims.
If convicted, Smith faces life in federal prison.
This case is 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Texas Department of Public Safety - Criminal Investigations Division, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, and the Smith County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Richards and Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld are prosecuting the case.
A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Repeat Child Sex Offender Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
William Collins, 44, from Stacyville, Iowa, pled guilty August 31, 2026, in federal court in Cedar Rapids to receipt of child pornography. In 2008, Collins was convicted of possession of child pornography, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa and had previously served time in federal prison.
At the plea hearing, Collins admitted that between January 2015, and September 2025, he received and attempted to receive visual depictions of child pornography. Evidence also showed that Collins possessed and attempted to possess visual depictions of child pornography, including a depiction involving a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. During a search warrant of Collins’ phone, law enforcement found 17 videos and 75 images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) plus hundreds of images of child erotica. The images and videos involved material that portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct, as well as prepubescent children and toddlers.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Collins remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Collins faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by Mason City Police Department and the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-2062. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Prior felon arrested on gun and drug chargesRead the Press Release
ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Javaris Corbit, 36, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000.
According to the criminal complaint, since March 2025, the Rochester Police Department has been investigating Corbit’s illegal drug trafficking activities, which include distributing large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in Rochester. Corbit utilized multiple locations to prepare, package, and sell narcotics, store the proceeds of his narcotics sales, and store illegal firearms, including residences on Elk Street and Manhattan Square Drive. The investigation also identified multiple individuals who worked for Corbit’s drug-trafficking organization.
On June 24, 2026, search warrants were executed at multiple residences in Rochester, including the Elk Street and Manhattan Square Drive residences, during which investigators seized approximately $42,418 in cash, four loaded firearms, ammunition, jewelry, drug paraphernalia and approximately 1.75 kilograms of fentanyl and 2.15 kilograms of cocaine. Corbit was previously convicted of four felony charges in 2012, 2017, and 2023, and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
Corbit made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was detained pending trial.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon N. Gonzalez. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina, and the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
# # # #
Previously Convicted Murderer Sentenced to 15-Year Maximum for New Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Yesterday, a district court judge sentenced an East St. Louis man to 15 years of federal imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm. This was the maximum sentence allowable by law.
Anthony D. Bradley, Jr., 37, was found guilty by a federal jury in May for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Bradley has several prior criminal convictions, including a state conviction for second degree murder and multiple state and federal charges involving illegal firearm possession. Bradley stipulated prior to trial that he was a convicted felon and that he knew he was a convicted felon at the time of the offense conduct.
“This convicted murderer got out of state prison and carried a loaded gun, modified to function as a machine gun, through a public housing complex,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “We did not plead this case out. We tried it, the jury spoke, and he got the maximum sentence in federal prison. As he should.”
The evidence presented at trial revealed that in October 2024 Bradley was observed possessing a firearm by law enforcement officers during a proactive crime suppression detail that included the John De Shields housing complex in East St. Louis. The firearm was loaded with fourteen rounds of ammunition and had a machinegun conversion device installed. In October 2024, Bradley was under federal supervised release for a prior firearms offense.
Following trial, Bradley entered a stipulation and consent to forfeit the firearm to the United States.
“Because of the persistence of the Illinois State Police and our partners getting guns and dangerous criminals off the street, this convicted felon will spend years in a federal prison,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Convicted felons who repeatedly break the law threaten public safety and the Illinois State Police will continue to dedicate resources to protect our communities.”
Following imprisonment, Bradley will serve three years of supervised release.
The Illinois State Police led this investigation with assistance from its Public Safety Enforcement Group and Firearms Investigation Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Arshi and Ali Burns prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, which is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 52 Months in Prison for His Role in Gunpoint Robbery of South Jersey Cell Phone StoreRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Tymair Harris, 23, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 52 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Kai N. Scott for his role in planning and committing the armed robbery of a South Jersey cell phone store.
The defendant was charged by indictment in April 2025 and pleaded guilty this March to conspiracy to commit a robbery interfering with interstate commerce (Hobbs Act robbery).
As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, on November 28, 2022, he and his co-conspirators committed the armed robbery of a Verizon Wireless store on Route 73 in Voorhees, New Jersey. Harris used a firearm to force employees into the store’s back room where the safe was kept and held them there at gunpoint. Shortly thereafter, he and his co-conspirators fled the store with more than $61,000 worth of electronics.
Later that evening, following an approximately nine-mile police chase from Voorhees to Philadelphia, the defendant was apprehended by officers with the Philadelphia Police Department.
This case was investigated by FBI Philadelphia’s Violent Crimes Task Force and South Jersey Resident Agency and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meghan A. Farley and Lauren Stram.
Perry County Man Sentenced for Trafficking Powder and Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
LONDON, Ky. –Franklin Delano Campbell, 67, was sentenced on Wednesday to 236 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Chad Meredith, on a charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine (powder) and cocaine base (crack).
The investigation revealed that, beginning sometime around January 2022, and continuing through November 2025, Campbell was regularly obtaining one-half to one-kilogram quantities of powder cocaine from and out-of-state source of supply. Campbell would then turn a large portion of this cocaine into crack, which he would sell to various upper-, mid-, and low-level drug traffickers, as well as end drug users in the Perry County, Kentucky area. Campbell and his co-conspirators sold the majority of these drugs from his home in the Bonnyman, Kentucky. Campbell paid others in drugs and/or money to drive to Ohio and meet with his source to pick up these drugs and bring them back to Kentucky.
As part of his plea, Campbell forfeited several pieces of real property, two vehicles, multiple firearms, and approximately $119,684.00 in U.S. currency that were seized as part of the investigation.
Under federal law, Campbell must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years.
Jason Parman, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Kentucky State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys W. Samuel Dotson and Haley Trogden McCauley prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
– END –
Pearl River Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement of Tribal Rental Program FundsRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – On September 2, 2026, a Pearl River man pleaded guilty to embezzlement from an Indian tribal organization.
According to court documents, Benjamin E. Stephens, 43, embezzled approximately $200,000 from the Choctaw Rental Housing Program while working as an employee of the Tribal program. Stephens was indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2025.
U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi, and Robert Eikhoff, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Office, made the announcement.
Stephens is scheduled to be sentenced in January of 2027 and faces a maximum penalty of not more than five years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Choctaw Police Department and the FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin J. Payne, Brian K. Burns and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kalleigh McCoy prosecuted the case.
North Texas Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MIDLAND, Texas– A Texas man was sentenced in a federal court in Midland today to 420 months in prison for eight counts related to his production and distribution of child sexual abuse material, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas.
According to court documents, Raymond Daniel Solis, 28, sexually exploited multiple minor females via Snapchat. The FBI began an investigation based on a complaint relating to one of the victims. Solis sent the complainant victim a detailed note outlining a “sugar baby” arrangement wherein Solis would pay her $800 per week for a one-hour “session.” During the session, the victim would take and send multiple nude images of herself to Solis through Snapchat. The minor victim sent numerous media files to Solis while he directed her through various camera angles and poses.
As part of their investigation, the FBI traced Solis’s Snapchat username to his Google email address and IP address in Midland. Agents discovered Solis also shared CSAM depicting a 16-year-old victim through Snapchat in January 2024. Agents located and interviewed Solis in April 2025. At that time, Solis admitted that he had been producing CSAM of female minors since 2018. Solis would entice the victims by offering up to $1,000 per one-hour session and would threaten to contact their families if they did not send him additional images.
A review of Solis’s iPhone revealed CSAM depicting seven minor females, ranging from 12 to 17 years old. Solis also saved the social media profile pages of six of the victims, along with screen recordings of his chat conversations with three of them.
A nine-count indictment charged Solis with production of visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct—one count for each of the seven victims—one distribution of child pornography count and one possession of child pornography count. He pleaded guilty on June 2 to all seven production counts and the distribution charge.
In addition to the 35-year prison sentence, U.S. District Judge David Counts ordered Solis to pay a total of $14,205.96 in restitution to the victims.
“This child predator used the convenience of a cell phone to abuse these young girls,” said U.S. Attorney Simmons. “Predators like this defendant are lurking in every corner of our society, including, and maybe especially, on the internet. Parents must pay attention to what their kids are doing on their phones, should closely monitor who they are talking to, and should strictly limit access to those messaging apps that are often the favored tool of sexual predators. If your child ever becomes a victim of child exploitation, immediately report it to the FBI. Doing so is key to making sure perpetrators spend decades locked away from those they would otherwise hurt.”
“The FBI remains unwavering in its commitment to protect America’s youth from predators like Solis,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Coult W. Markovsky. “Let this be a message to all those who think they can exploit and manipulate young girls utilizing their social media accounts to send explicit images, the FBI will find you and ensure you spend the rest of your days behind bars."
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Haywood prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
###
New York man sentenced to five years in prison for money laundering conspiracyRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A New York man was sentenced today to five years in prison for conspiring to commit money laundering.
According to court documents, Abu Khamza, 35, pled guilty in May 2026 to conspiring to launder into cryptocurrency over $572,000 in what he believed to be drug money in the belief that such cryptocurrency would be transmitted to mujahideen in Syria. Khamza believed that the funds were generated by the illicit sale of prescription drugs for which the pharmacy owner could sell legitimately for $8 but sell without a prescription for $500. Evidence introduced into Court showed that, besides laundering cash into crypto, Khamza also engaged in extortion, cargo theft, auto theft, pandemic relief fraud, and check fraud.
Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Michael A. Burgwald, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Counterterrorism Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, FBI New York and Philadelphia Field Offices, and New York County District Attorney's Office assisted in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon D. Kromberg and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacques Rio Singer-Emery, a Trial Attorney for the Justice Department’s National Security Division, prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-287.
Nevada Man Sentenced to Prison for False Tax Return SchemesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS — A Nevada tax preparer was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for operating two false tax return schemes.
“Michael Moore lied to his clients and lied to the IRS all while lining his own pockets,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “To conceal his involvement in his criminal conduct, Mr. Moore impermissibly used a former employee’s identity to file fraudulent returns. Return preparers like Mr. Moore who abuse their clients’ trust and undermine the integrity of the internal revenue laws will continue to be brought to justice by the Fraud Division’s Tax Section, our U.S. Attorneys, and our law enforcement partners like IRS-CI.”
“Today’s sentence sends a clear message that those who manufacture fake wage records for personal enrichment will face severe federal prison time,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada.
“Moore’s schemes were designed to cheat the tax system while shifting the resulting burden onto law abiding taxpayers,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge David Lowe of the IRS Criminal Investigation San Francisco Field Office. “Today’s sentence underscores that IRS-CI will aggressively pursue those who exploit the tax system for personal gain, and it should serve as a reminder that financial crimes carry serious consequences.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2015 through 2025, Michael J. Moore, of Las Vegas, was a former CPA who operated a tax preparation, bookkeeping and accounting business that advertised itself as specializing in clients from the adult entertainment industry. Moore promoted a fraudulent tax avoidance scheme called the “Special Tax Shelter Strategy.” As part of the scheme, Moore promised clients that in exchange for a fee he could prepare a tax return that eliminated the taxes they owed to the IRS and, in most cases, create a large tax refund. The fees Moore required as part of this “Special Tax Shelter Strategy” were paid by the clients using the refund money received from the IRS. In many instances, clients were required to pay tens of thousands of dollars in fees.
To carry out the “Special Tax Shelter Strategy,” Moore made up false and fraudulent entries on the clients’ tax returns. In many cases, he did this by including on the returns false business expenses frequently amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses. In some instances, Moore prepared and filed the tax returns using a former employee’s name and personal identifying information without their permission or knowledge.
After he had been charged for his role in the “Special Tax Shelter Strategy,” Moore engaged in a separate scheme involving preparation of false returns for clients. As part of this second scheme, Moore again reported totally false items on client tax returns. In the second scheme, Moore typically reported false losses from one or more corporate entities, most of which were defunct, dormant or carried on no business. These reported losses were false because the clients had not incurred these expenses.
In total, Moore caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $3.5 million.
Moore pleaded guilty to one count each of tax evasion, helping a client file a false tax return, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
IRS Criminal Investigation San Francisco Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Patrick Burns of the National Fraud Enforcement Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Lopez for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the 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 Man Sentenced to Prison for False Tax Return SchemesRead the Press Release
A Nevada tax preparer was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for operating two false tax return schemes.
“Michael Moore lied to his clients and lied to the IRS all while lining his own pockets,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “To conceal his involvement in his criminal conduct, Mr. Moore impermissibly used a former employee’s identity to file fraudulent returns. Return preparers like Mr. Moore who abuse their clients’ trust and undermine the integrity of the internal revenue laws will continue to be brought to justice by the Fraud Division’s Tax Section, our U.S. Attorneys, and our law enforcement partners like IRS-CI.”
“Today’s sentence sends a clear message that those who manufacture fake wage records for personal enrichment will face severe federal prison time,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada.
“Moore’s schemes were designed to cheat the tax system while shifting the resulting burden onto law abiding taxpayers,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge David Lowe of the IRS Criminal Investigation San Francisco Field Office. “Today’s sentence underscores that IRS-CI will aggressively pursue those who exploit the tax system for personal gain, and it should serve as a reminder that financial crimes carry serious consequences.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2015 through 2025, Michael J. Moore, of Las Vegas, was a former CPA who operated a tax preparation, bookkeeping and accounting business that advertised itself as specializing in clients from the adult entertainment industry. Moore promoted a fraudulent tax avoidance scheme called the “Special Tax Shelter Strategy.” As part of the scheme, Moore promised clients that in exchange for a fee he could prepare a tax return that eliminated the taxes they owed to the IRS and, in most cases, create a large tax refund. The fees Moore required as part of this “Special Tax Shelter Strategy” were paid by the clients using the refund money received from the IRS. In many instances, clients were required to pay tens of thousands of dollars in fees.
To carry out the “Special Tax Shelter Strategy,” Moore made up false and fraudulent entries on the clients’ tax returns. In many cases, he did this by including on the returns false business expenses frequently amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses. In some instances, Moore prepared and filed the tax returns using a former employee’s name and personal identifying information without their permission or knowledge.
After he had been charged for his role in the “Special Tax Shelter Strategy,” Moore engaged in a separate scheme involving preparation of false returns for clients. As part of this second scheme, Moore again reported totally false items on client tax returns. In the second scheme, Moore typically reported false losses from one or more corporate entities, most of which were defunct, dormant or carried on no business. These reported losses were false because the clients had not incurred these expenses.
In total, Moore caused a tax loss to the IRS of more than $3.5 million.
Moore pleaded guilty to one count each of tax evasion, helping a client file a false tax return, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
IRS Criminal Investigation San Francisco Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Patrick Burns of the National Fraud Enforcement Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Lopez for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the 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.
Naturalized U.S. Citizen Indicted for Lying to Obtain U.S. Citizenship After Committing FeloniesRead the Press Release
RENO – A Reno man who was a naturalized U.S. citizen made his initial appearance in court today for allegedly lying about his prior criminal acts to obtain U.S. citizenship.
“The integrity of our nation's lawful immigration system relies entirely on honesty and transparency,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “When individuals lie about a violent or fraudulent criminal history to secure the privileges of American citizenship, they violate federal law and disrespect the millions of immigrants who follow the legal process correctly. We will aggressively investigate and prosecute those who use deceit to obtain these sacred rights."
"Lying on a citizenship application is a serious crime. Under the Trump administration, if you cheat to get U.S. citizenship, expect the consequences,” said USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow. "U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is working closely with the Department of Justice to identify, denaturalize, and hold accountable those who unlawfully obtain U.S. citizenship."
According to court documents and statements made in court, Kevin Jesus King committed sexual assault in July 2017 and March 2018. In both instances, King forcibly penetrated his victims and used threats of physical harm to force his victims to perform sexual acts.
As alleged, on January 23, 2018, Kevin Jesus King submitted an Application for Naturalization to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that failed to disclose the July 2017 sexual assault and falsely denied having ever committed a criminal offense for which he was not arrested. On June 4, 2018, when King was interviewed under oath by a USCIS officer, he failed to disclose the July 2017 sexual assault, as well as the March 2018 sexual assault that had occurred just a few months earlier, and he again falsely denied having ever committed a criminal offense for which he was not arrested. Eleven days later, he obtained U.S. citizenship by naturalization.
On July 25, 2024, King admitted to the July 2017 and March 2018 sexual assaults when he pleaded guilty to violating N.R.S. 200.366.2B in Nevada state court.
King, also known as “Kevin Jesus Lopez Vargas,” “Kevin Lopez-Vargas,” Kevin Lopez,” and “Kevin Vagas,” was charged with one count of naturalization fraud. The maximum statutory penalty is 10 years in prison. A jury trial has been scheduled for November 3, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Miranda M. Du.
USCIS investigated the case. The District of Nevada is 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.
###
Missouri Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Buying 27 Guns Recovered at Crime Scenes in Three StatesRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man who was the original purchaser of 27 guns that were later recovered at crime scenes in three states was sentenced Wednesday to five years in prison.
Lamondre Haynes, 33, bought 27 firearms that were recovered by law enforcement in Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri while in the possession of individuals being arrested for drug violations, violent assaults and gun possession crimes. Haynes identified himself as the “actual transferee/buyer” of each gun on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Form 4473 - Firearms Transaction Record. Among those purchases were two Glock pistols Haynes bought on April 2, 2025, while accompanied by a convicted felon from Illinois. At least some of the cash for the purchase came from the felon. On May 1, 2025, Haynes bought two Glock pistols and two AK-style pistols from two different stores. One of the Glock pistols was recovered in Columbia, Illinois after being used in a carjacking during which the victim was shot.
Twenty-nine of the guns have not been recovered.
“Twenty-seven firearms purchased by one individual ended up in the hands of law enforcement across three states,” said Special Agent in Charge Bernard “Butch” Hansen, of the ATF Kansas City Field Division. “That kind of proliferation demonstrates how quickly illegally diverted firearms can spread into communities and contribute to violent crime. ATF is committed to identifying those who fuel the illegal firearms market and working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to hold them accountable.”
Haynes, of Ferguson, Missouri, pleaded guilty in June in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Szczucinski prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), 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.
Micronesian Citizen Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Hagåtña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that Kopich Chutaro a.k.a. Osama Chutaro, age 23, a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), was sentenced on August 27, 2026, in the District Court for Guam to serve six months and 21 days followed by transfer to immigration authorities for immediate deportation. Chutaro pled guilty to Attempted Reentry of Removed Alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a) and (b)(1). The Court also ordered three years supervised release, and $100 special assessment fee.
On February 9, 2026, Kopich Chutaro a.k.a. Osama Chutaro, arrived at the Guam International Airport from Chuuk State, FSM. During the immigration inspection, he presented an FSM passport bearing the name “Kempy Akachang” and sought admission into the United States under the Compact of Free Association. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers determined that Chutaro had a prior deportation for an aggravated felony and referred him to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for further review.
HSI agents later confirmed that Chutaro had been deported from the United States on July 22, 2024, following a felony conviction on Guam. According to court records, he was convicted in December 2022 on two counts of theft by receiving and sentenced to five years of imprisonment, with all but 15 months suspended. An immigration judge later ordered Chutaro removed from the United States based on his aggravated felony conviction.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations - Guam and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rosetta L. San Nicolas in the District of Guam.
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 Guam comprises agents and officers from ICE-HSI, FBI, ATF, CBP, CGIS, DCIS, DEA, IRS-CI, NCIS, USMS, USSS, USPIS, USCIS and local law enforcement with prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
Mexican Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Raul Torres-Olivarez, 47, from Mexico, who was illegally residing in the United States pled guilty on August 19, 2026, in federal court in Sioux City.
Evidence at the plea hearing, showed that on February 4, 2026, law enforcement had information that Torres-Olivarez was unlawfully in the United States and was residing in Sioux City, Iowa. Immigration officials observed an individual matching the description of Torres-Olivarez leaving a residence and entering a vehicle. Officers attempted to traffic stop the vehicle driven by Torres-Olivarez, but he failed to immediately stop. The officers were operating in unmarked vehicles, and Torres-Olivarez’s vehicle struck one of the unmarked law enforcement vehicles. After Torres-Olivarez’s vehicle stopped, he attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended.
Torres-Olivarez was previously removed from the United States to Mexico on or about December 1, 2023.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Torres-Olivarez remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Torres-Olivarez faces a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 26-4006. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Mexican Man Charged with Smuggling Banned PesticidesRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Juan Velderrain Perez, a citizen of Mexico and resident of San Diego, appeared in federal court today to face charges that he smuggled unapproved pesticides into the United States.
Velderrain Perez was apprehended at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry last month with 24 liters of dangerous Mexican-labeled pesticides concealed in his car. According to a complaint, which charges Velderrain Perez with the felony offense of smuggling merchandise, he failed to declare the chemicals at the border and then asked the Customs and Border Protection officer not to refer him to secondary because he knew he would get in trouble. Later, he admitted this was not the first time he had smuggled pesticides, and that he expected to be paid a smuggling fee when he delivered the product, the complaint said.
The pesticides, labeled “Taktic,” contain the active ingredient amitraz at an emulsifiable concentration of 12.5 percent. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in the United States, amitraz in this form is a cancelled and unregistered pesticide and has been banned since at least 2019. The handling of amitraz poses reproductive, developmental, and neurological risks, as well as potential long-term cancer risks from exposure to the chemical, which led to regulations and restrictions on its commercial use.
Velderrain Perez is due in court on September 15, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. for a preliminary hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie E. Torres.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency are members of the Department of Justice’s Trade Fraud Task Force, a cross-agency law enforcement effort that also involves the National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Criminal and Civil Divisions, the Energy and Natural Resources Division, the Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide. The Task Force was created to leverage all of the Department’s tools and authorities to prevent trade fraud that deprives the government of vital revenue, threatens critical domestic industries, undermines consumer confidence, and weakens national security. The Task Force is designed to pursue enforcement actions against parties who seek to evade tariffs and other duties, as well as smugglers who seek to import prohibited goods into the American economy. The Justice Department encourages whistleblowers to alert the government to credible allegations of fraud, including utilizing the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act or through the Criminal Division’s Corporate Whistleblower Program at [email protected] using the form available here.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily W. Allen from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
DEFENDANT Case No. 26-mj-5136-DDL
Juan C. Valderrain Perez, Age: 43 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Smuggling Merchandise – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 545
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Homeland Security Investigations