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Thursday 12 June 2025
Tucson Residents Charged after Shooting at Undercover Police Officer’s VehicleRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On Wednesday, a four-count federal indictment was unsealed, charging Tucson residents, Hassan Omar Kassim, 19, Alexandra Brooke Wisdom, 19, Daniel Cardenas, 18, and Jaquvon Terell Poe, 20 with crimes related to shooting at a Tucson Police Department (TPD) Officer in April of this year. Cardenas is charged with Use of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, Kassim and Poe are charged with Aiding and Abetting the crime, and all three are charged with Conspiracy to Commit this offense. Wisdom was charged with Accessory After the Fact.
“Any attack on law enforcement is an attack on the rule of law,” said United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “Our office is proud to support Tucson Police officers as they put their lives on the line to keep their communities safe.”
"It's reassuring to know that those responsible for shooting at one of our officers, who was just doing his job, were given the highest priority,” said Tucson Police Department Assistant Chief Diana Duffy. “We are extremely grateful for our continued partnership with the United States Attorney's Office and the FBI here in Tucson.”
"These individuals demonstrated a clear disregard for human life, and we are grateful that no law enforcement personnel or civilians were injured during this dangerous encounter,” said Heith Janke, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office. “The FBI will not waiver in our commitment to ensure those who commit acts of violence against members of law enforcement will be held accountable and punished to the fullest extent of the law. We are proud to support and stand-by our Tucson Police Department partners."
On April 20, 2025, a TPD Officer was working as a member of the Operations Division West (ODW) Community Response Team (CRT) around Stone Avenue and Fort Lowell in Tucson, Arizona. The officer was in plain clothes and driving an unmarked City of Tucson vehicle when he observed a dark colored car traveling southbound at a high rate of speed. The officer was able to get behind the vehicle and broadcast its license plate to other members of ODW CRT. The driver of the car then made a turn and an individual, later identified as Daniel Cardenas, leaned out of the rear driver’s side window and shot at the unmarked TPD vehicle. The driver then made another u-turn and Cardenas fired additional shots at the unmarked officer’s vehicle. The officer was unharmed. A marked patrol officer responded to the area and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to yield and, after a short pursuit, officers lost sight of the car.
Through further investigation, detectives and special agents were able to identify Hassan Omar Kassim as the driver of the car at time of the shooting, and Jaquvon Terell Poe as the rear passenger-side occupant. Officers learned that Alexandra Brooke Wisdom later drove the car to abandon it, removing items from the vehicle in the process, some of which were recovered in her apartment.
A criminal indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Tucson Police Department and the FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson Office, as part of the FBI’s Southern Arizona Violent Crime and Gang Task Force, conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam D. Rossi, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-25-02309-TUC-JCH
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-093_Kassim, et. al.# # #
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.
Truck driver sentenced to life in federal prison for kidnapping leading to deathRead the Press Release
A truck driver who kidnapped a 25-year-old woman and dumped her dead body in the woods in August 2024 was sentenced today to life in federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Nancy E. Larson.
Naasson Hazzard, 28, of Austin, was indicted in October 2024 on federal charges of kidnapping resulting in death, which carried a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. Hazzard’s victim was an army veteran who entered the military immediately after high school. Information shared during the sentencing hearing today revealed that there were full military honors at her funeral.
After an eight-day trial in late January this year, a jury convicted Hazzard. Today, U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay sentenced him to life in federal prison.
“The tremendous, relentless work of multiple law enforcement partners brought the terrible acts of this predator to light, and the jury answered the call for justice by finding him guilty,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson. “Now, the life sentence he will serve reflects the value and sanctity of this victim’s life. We hope that this sentence helps her family in the healing process.”
“This defendant has been justly sentenced to prison for his abhorrent actions, ensuring that society will be safe from his predatory behavior for the remainder of his life,” said Travis Pickard, Special Agent in Charge HSI Dallas. “I applaud the unwavering commitment of the North Texas Trafficking Task Force, and all the law enforcement partners whose persistence led to this outcome. May today’s judgment provide some solace to the victim’s family, reassuring them that HSI will never relent in our pursuit of sexual predators who aim to exploit and harm unsuspecting victims.”
According to evidence presented at trial, surveillance video caught Hazzard’s victim, a young woman, entering his semi-truck in Dallas at 9:27 p.m. on Aug. 15, 2024. Eight days later, her decomposing body was found in a wooded area off Texas Highway 11 in Pittsburg, Texas with a black plastic bag tied around her head.
Cell phone records showed that on the evening of Aug. 15, Mr. Hazzard traveled from the pickup location to a nearby parking lot, where he remained for approximately 17 minutes. Evidence at trial reflected that Hazzard picked up the victim with the expectation of engaging in a sex act. He then drove over three hours to a wooded area off Highway 11 in Pittsburg, Texas, where he texted his boss that he would be out sick the following day and remained for almost an hour before completing a load for work.
The next day, he and his wife returned to the scene before going to dinner in Tyler, Texas.
In the days that followed, Mr. Hazzard switched cell phones and deleted his Google and Life360 location sharing accounts. He also cleaned the truck with bleach and searched “how many years for first second and third degree murders.” Meanwhile, his wife searched for “Pittsburg Texas news.”
On Aug. 23, the same day the victim’s body was recovered, agents found the victim’s cell phone shattered on the side of the road along Mr. Hazzard’s route the night she was killed.
“Your Honor, Naasson didn’t just take a life. He destroyed futures. He created a ripple effect of suffering that reaches further than he could ever understand,” the victim’s brother told the Court during his impact statement at today’s sentencing hearing. “I ask you, please don’t see my sister as just a name in a case file. She was a daughter. A sister. A mother. A light in the lives of everyone who knew her. Her life mattered. And her death must mean something.”
The North Texas Trafficking Task Force conducted the investigation with the assistance of the following agencies: the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, the Dallas Police Department, the Midlothian Police Department, the Texas Rangers, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, the Titus County Sheriff’s Office, the Buda Police Department, the Austin Police Department, the Hayes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Homeland Security Investigation’s Dallas Field Office leads the Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandie Wade and Renee Hunter prosecuted the case with the help of appellate liaison AUSA Jonathan Bradshaw.
Three Foreign Nationals Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the United States After DeportationRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that three men convicted separately of illegally reentering the United States after prior deportations were sentenced this week.
Oscar Martinez Olmedo, 44, a Mexican national, was sentenced by United States District Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge on Tuesday to 18 months in prison for illegal reentry. Upon the completion of his sentence, he again will be removed from the country.
Olmedo had been deported from the United States in December of 2004.
Following his removal, the defendant illegally re-entered the United States and was arrested in February 2020 by the Coatesville (Pa.) Police Department on multiple state charges. He was subsequently convicted in the Chester County Court of Common Pleas of six counts of manufacture, delivery, or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, six counts of conspiracy to possess a controlled substance, and one count of illegal sale or transfer of a firearm. He also pleaded guilty to additional drug and gun charges brought in a separate case.
ICE had received an electronic notification at the time of Olmedo’s arrest in 2020. In December 2024, following the completion of his sentence on the state charges, ICE officers took Olmedo into custody. He was charged by federal indictment with illegal reentry in January of this year and pleaded guilty in February.
Jimy Noe Meza-Hernandez, 37, a Honduran national, was sentenced by United States District Judge John M. Younge on Tuesday to time served, almost four months, for illegal reentry. Having completed his prison sentence, he again will be removed from the country.
Meza-Hernandez had previously been deported in August of 2012, after he was encountered in Texas by the U.S. Border Patrol and arrested for being in the country illegally.
In September of 2024, ICE received an electronic notification that Meza-Hernandez had been arrested by the Plymouth Meeting (Pa.) Police Department. He pleaded guilty in late January to two counts of harassment and was sentenced to probation.
ICE located the defendant and took him into custody in February. In March of this year, he was charged by indictment with illegal reentry and pleaded guilty this week.
Fredy Soriano Palestino, 32, a Mexican national, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Kai N. Scott on Tuesday to time served, almost three months, for illegally reentering the United States. Having completed his prison sentence, he again will be removed from the country.
Soriano Palestino was encountered by the U.S. Border Patrol in Arizona, after illegally crossing the border, and removed back to Mexico in December of 2011. Following his removal, the defendant illegally re-entered the United States and was arrested in March of this year by local authorities in a misdemeanor case that was subsequently dismissed.
ICE received an electronic notification at the time of Soriano Palestino’s arrest, lodged a detainer, and took him into custody. In April, Soriano Palestino was charged by information with illegal reentry and pleaded guilty.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
The cases were investigated by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations and are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Danielle Bateman, Katherine Shulman, and Kevin Jayne.
Texas Woman Sentenced for Fatal Smuggling Attempt After Fleeing New Mexico Border Patrol CheckpointRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Texas woman was sentenced to 10 years in prison following her conviction for transporting undocumented noncitizens resulting in a fatality during a high-speed flight from law enforcement near Las Cruces, New Mexico.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, shortly after midnight on September 20, 2023, U.S. Border Patrol agents were conducting inspections at the westbound Interstate 10 checkpoint when Georgina Ramirez, 44, approached in a SUV. Upon questioning, Ramirez presented her driver’s license but refused to fully lower a rear window, arousing agents’ suspicions. As agents attempted further inspection, Ramirez suddenly accelerated, fleeing the checkpoint at high speed.
Ramirez led agents on a six-mile pursuit, reaching speeds up to 110 miles per hour and turning off her headlights in an attempt to evade detection. She eventually stopped in the median near mile marker 114, where she and five passengers exited the vehicle and fled on foot at her instruction. During the escape, one passenger attempted to cross the interstate and was fatally struck by a passing semi-truck.
Border Patrol agents apprehended Ramirez and five other passengers, four of whom were determined to be undocumented noncitizens without legal status in the United States. The deceased individual was also found to be unlawfully present in the country.
In a post-arrest interview, Ramirez admitted she had agreed to transport the noncitizens from the border area to Deming, New Mexico. A search of Ramirez’s phone revealed messages and recordings coordinating with a scout, who advised her on checkpoint activity, as well as “proof of life” videos of the smuggled individuals.
Ramirez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport an illegal alien and high-speed flight from an immigration checkpoint. Upon her release from prison, Ramirez will be subject to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector made the announcement today.
The U.S. Border Patrol investigated this case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kirk Williams and Randy Castellano prosecuted this case as 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.
Texas Narcotics Trafficker who Burglarized Local Pharmacy Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Michael Tremayne Smith, a 40-year-old resident of Sugarland, Texas, has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for Burglary of a Pharmacy, aiding and abetting, and Possession with Intent to Distribute a quantity of Oxycodone, aiding and abetting. Smith pled guilty on March 11, 2025.
According to the court documents and other information presented in court, Drugco Discount Pharmacy in Littleton, North Carolina, was burglarized on January 28, 2022. Security footage showed two people jump through the drive-thru window into the area behind the pharmacy counter. Both burglars were wearing hooded sweatshirts, gloves, and masks and were carrying large bags. They quickly grabbed numerous bottles of prescription medication, threw them into the bags, and ran out. The stolen drugs were worth $5,786.
Later that morning, a Franklin County Sheriff’s deputy stopped Defendant driving south on I-85. Inside his car were 15 unopened pill bottles labeled Oxycodone, 12 opened pill bottles labeled Oxycodone, and two bottles of liquid labeled promethazine, which matched substances taken during the burglary of Drugco Discount Pharmacy.
Defendant’s passenger, LaCarlton Lee Johnson, Jr., was also charged. He pled guilty and was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge James C. Dever III. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 4:23-CR-00060-D.
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Terrorgram Member Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison for Possessing an Unregistered FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Alexander Lightner (27, Venice) to four years and three months in federal prison for possessing an unregistered firearm. Lightner pleaded guilty on March 11, 2025.
According to court records, Lightner is a member of the Terrorgram Collective—an online organization that promotes the belief that the white race is superior, and that violence and terrorism are necessary to ignite a race war and accelerate the collapse of the government and the rise of a white ethnostate. Inside an exclusive Terrorgram chat, on December 29, 2023, Lightner made several threatening posts conveying his intent to commit violent acts motivated by far-right extremist ideology, including “2024 there shall be saints,” and “Highscore shall be defeated.” The term “saints” refers to a trend within white supremacist online circles where individuals who have committed severe acts of violence motivated by hate are venerated as saints. The phrase “Highscore shall be defeated” refers to a future attack by a white supremacist that will generate a number of casualties surpassing that of previous attacks.
Less than a week later, federal agents executed a search warrant at Lightner’s residence in Venice, Florida where they found a firearm silencer, several firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and a copy of Mein Kampf. Agents also found extremist literature with detailed descriptions of mass shooting events and praising historical white supremacist mass murders.
When Lightner was interviewed by law enforcement, he admitted that the firearm silencer was his and he had made it himself. He also confessed to making the threatening Telegram posts.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, with valuable assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Sarasota Police Department, and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Schmidt.
Tennessee Man Sentenced in Kentucky to 25 Years in Prison for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
A Tennessee man was sentenced yesterday in the Western District of Kentucky for sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; conspiracy to commit sex trafficking; obstructing a sex trafficking investigation; interstate transportation for prostitution; and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Portier Q. Govan, 37, of Memphis, was sentenced to 25 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release after a jury found Govan guilty in December 2024.
Evidence presented during the trial established that Govan and his co-defendant, Brittany R. Howard, 25, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, recruited and enticed the victim to engage in commercial sex by preying on her young age and financial situation, and by making false promises of easy money. To establish his control over the victim, Govan threatened to kill her by pressing a pistol against her head while she was in the front passenger seat of a car, and then lowered and discharged the gun, firing a bullet across her lap and missing her body by inches. Govan also showed her a video of himself torturing a defenseless man tied to a chair. He sexually assaulted her and compelled her to engage in commercial sex acts for his profit by making her fear for her life.
“The defendant used brazen acts of violence to compel the 18-year-old victim to engage in commercial sex, even holding a gun to the victim’s head,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This significant sentence reflects the severity of the defendant’s conduct and sends a clear message that the DOJ will relentlessly prosecute and hold accountable human traffickers who abuse and exploit others for financial gain.”
The FBI Louisville Field Office, Bowling Green Resident Agency investigated the case, with assistance from the Bowling Green Police Department.
“This sentence is the culmination of a tremendous joint effort between the Bowling Green Police Department and the FBI’s Bowling Green Resident Agency,” said U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky Kyle G. Bumgarner. “Thanks to their efforts, Portier Govan will spend a significant portion of his adult life in federal penitentiary for his depraved conduct. While his sentence is lengthy, there is no sentence that sufficiently remedies the trauma he inflicted on his victim—who will continue to have unwavering support from our office”
“Depriving an innocent victim of their civil rights by violently forcing them to engage in commercial sex is unconscionable,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of Portier Govan’s criminal activity. The FBI, in collaboration with our state and local law enforcement partners, will never stop working to identify and hold accountable violent criminals and to help victims receive the support needed as they recover from significant trauma.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Madison Sewell for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Francisco Zornosa of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking
Tenderloin Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Maria Valle-Rodriguez, 47, a Honduran national, was sentenced yesterday to 135 months (11 years and three months) in federal prison for drug trafficking offenses in the Bay Area. Her co-defendants, Emilson Valle-Zuniga, 33, and Jonsan Valle-Rodriguez, 31, both Honduran nationals, were previously sentenced on May 21, 2025, to federal prison terms of 42 months and 24 months, respectively. U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley handed down all three sentences.
A federal grand jury indicted all three defendants in December 2023, and all three pleaded guilty on Aug. 21, 2024. Maria Valle-Rodriguez pleaded guilty to distribution of 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Valle-Zuniga pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jonsan Valle-Rodriguez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to their plea agreements, between August and December 2023, Maria Valle-Rodriguez, Valle-Zuniga, and Jonson Valle-Rodriguez engaged in a drug trafficking conspiracy with each other and unindicted co-conspirators to sell fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other controlled substance in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco and in Oakland. Maria Valle-Rodriguez admitted to engaging in multiple sales of fentanyl and/or methamphetamine. For part of this time, Maria Valle-Rodriguez had multiple vehicles registered to her name that she and her codefendants used to drive from Oakland into the Tenderloin District during the nighttime hours to deal drugs.
The defendants, who are related, lived together with several minor children in an apartment in Oakland that was used for drug trafficking. Maria Valle-Rodriguez admitted knowing that there was fentanyl in the apartment where she resided with several minor children.
On Dec. 12, 2023, law enforcement executed search warrants on the defendants’ residence and vehicles connected to and being driven by them. In total, law enforcement recovered approximately eight pounds of fentanyl and fentanyl analogue, two gross pounds of methamphetamine, as well as over $127,000 in cash at the premises and in the vehicles connected to the drug trafficking conspiracy.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and DEA Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris made the announcement.
Maria Valle-Rodriguez had been out of custody pending sentencing so she could receive medical care. While out on bond, she was arrested on April 29, 2025, by San Francisco Police Department officers at an apartment where officers were executing a search warrant related to a drug trafficking operation. Large quantities of drugs were found at the apartment where Maria Valle-Rodriguez was residing. A minor child was also living at the residence.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Corley also sentenced Maria Valle-Rodriguez to a four-year period of supervised release. Valle-Zuniga and Jonsan Valle-Rodriguez were each sentenced to a three-year term of supervised release.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ivana Djak is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Lance Libatique and Gabriel Flesher. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DEA.
Take Back America Task Force Operation in South OmahaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that a federal civil search warrant was executed on June 10, 2025, at an Omaha, Nebraska, business in relation to a Take Back America Task Force worksite enforcement operation. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and with other federal law enforcement partners entered the Glenn Valley Foods facility in search of workers who were not authorized to work in the United States.
HSI performed an audit of Glenn Valley Foods’ employee I-9 Forms to verify the authenticity and validity of employee identity documents. The audit revealed a large number of suspected fraudulent identification documents or documents that did not authorize certain identified employees to legally work in the United States. The audit also revealed that multiple identities of United States citizens were being fraudulently used by workers at that location, and numerous victim complaints were received at HSI in connection with those stolen identities prior to the enforcement operation.
During the operation, HSI encountered approximately 76 unlawfully present aliens at the facility. These workers were using Social Security numbers that had not been issued to them. HSI referred several criminal allegations to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska. Among the criminal allegations referred are allegations of fraudulent use of Social Security numbers, assaults on federal officers and damage to federal property, illegal reentry of previously deported aliens, and other criminal concerns.
Possible charging determinations have not been made at this time as this is an active and ongoing investigation.
This case is part of the Take Back America Task Force, led by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal 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.
Six Defendants Charged in Multimillion-Dollar Check Theft and Bank Fraud RingRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and the Acting Inspector in Charge of the New York Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Edward Gallashaw, announced today the unsealing of a Superseding Indictment charging six defendants – MICHAEL EDWARDS, a/k/a “Only1Giela”; SHAKEEMO HILL, a/k/a “Keemo,” a/k/a “LBA Menace,” a/k/a “Lex”; WILLIAM HILL, a/k/a “Eway,” a/k/a “Skinny”; ALIXANDRIA LAUTURE, a/k/a “A$”; SHURON MALONE, a/k/a “First Name Last Name”; and CARLOS MERCADO, a/k/a “Kiz,” a/k/a “Kizzle” – with participating in a scheme to steal millions of dollars in checks from the mail. EDWARDS and MERCADO were previously taken into custody on related charges, and SHAKEEMO HILL, WILLIAM HILL, LAUTURE, and MALONE were arrested earlier today. SHAKEEMO HILL, WILLIAM HILL, and LAUTURE are expected to be presented before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn, and MALONE is expected to be presented in the Middle District of Florida. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl.
“As alleged, the six defendants charged today lined their pockets by stealing checks destined for hard working New Yorkers and others,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Together with our partners at the Postal Inspection Service, we will fight to protect the integrity of the U.S. mail system—a public service upon which millions of Americans rely every day to send items of financial, professional, and personal importance.”
“The arrests today should send a very clear message that those who engage in mail theft and bank fraud will be held accountable,” said USPIS Acting Inspector in Charge Edward Gallashaw. “These charges highlight the commitment of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to bring individuals to justice who steal from USPS customers. Thank you to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our investigative partners for working tirelessly on this case, and helping to maintain the public’s trust of the U.S. Postal Service.”
As alleged in the Superseding Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court, as well as statements made in public court proceedings:[1]
From at least in or about January 2022 through at least in or about July 2024, the defendants perpetrated a massive scheme to steal millions of dollars in checks from Postal Service collection boxes in New York and elsewhere. As part of their scheme, the defendants conspired to buy or otherwise obtain keys that would allow them to unlock the Postal collection boxes and steal mail, bank cards, and other bank account information.
After stealing checks from the mail, the defendants and their coconspirators fraudulently altered the information on those checks either by digitally altering the checks and printing them on check stock, or by chemically “washing” the checks to remove the ink. To avoid getting caught, the defendants also conspired to obtain and exchange information for bank accounts held in the names of third parties for the purpose of depositing the fraudulently altered checks.
In total, the fraud ring posted millions of dollars in checks for sale on a third-party messaging application, and also deposited millions of dollars in fraudulently altered checks in bank accounts at national banks along the East Coast.
The members of the conspiracy played different roles. EDWARDS served as the leader of the organization, coordinating the purchase of postal keys with others, such as WILLIAM HILL, and the use of those keys to steal mail from postal boxes with other coconspirators, such as WILLIAM HILL, SHAKEEMO HILL, and MERCADO. The organization’s activities were lucrative: in the early morning hours of July 10, 2023, EDWARDS and MERCADO used a postal key to steal approximately $176,000 in checks from the mail. Other members of the conspiracy, such as EDWARDS, WILLIAM HILL, SHAKEEMO HILL, LAUTURE, and MALONE recruited people they knew to supply their bank account information, including account balances and log-in information. And because the stolen checks were not made out to the names on the third-party bank accounts, the members of the fraud ring—including EDWARDS and SHAKEEMO HILL—altered the checks to match the names on those bank accounts. After the checks were altered, the members of the conspiracy, including EDWARDS, WILLIAM HILL, SHAKEEMO HILL, LAUTURE, and MALONE, deposited or recruited others to deposit them into third-party bank accounts.
* * *
A chart containing the defendants’ names, ages, charges, and maximum penalties is set forth below.
The statutory maximum and minimum sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the USPIS and Homeland Security Investigations. Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut for their assistance.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerry J. Fang and William K. Stone are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
COUNT
CHARGE
DEFENDANTS
MAX. PENALTIES
1
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud
18 U.S.C. § 1349
MICHAEL EDWARDS, a/k/a “Only1Giela,” 30;[2]
SHAKEEMO HILL, a/k/a “Keemo,” a/k/a “LBA Menace,” a/k/a “Lex,” 22;
WILLIAM HILL, a/k/a “Eway,” a/k/a “Skinny,” 29;
ALIXANDRIA LAUTURE, a/k/a “A$,” 27;
SHURON MALONE, a/k/a “First Name Last Name,” 29
30 years in prison2
Conspiracy to commit theft of a postal key
18 U.S.C. § 371
MICHAEL EDWARDS, a/k/a “Only1Giela,” 30;
WILLIAM HILL, a/k/a “Eway,” a/k/a “Skinny,” 29;
CARLOS MERCADO, a/k/a “Kiz,” a/k/a “Kizzle,” 22
Five years in prison3
Conspiracy to commit theft of mail and receipt of stolen mail, and sale and receipt of stolen money
18 U.S.C. § 371
MICHAEL EDWARDS, a/k/a “Only1Giela,” 30;
SHAKEEMO HILL, a/k/a “Keemo,” a/k/a “LBA Menace,” a/k/a “Lex,” 22;
WILLIAM HILL, a/k/a “Eway,” a/k/a “Skinny,” 29;
CARLOS MERCADO, a/k/a “Kiz,” a/k/a “Kizzle,” 22
Five years in prison4
Theft of a postal key
18 U.S.C. §§ 1704 and 2
MICHAEL EDWARDS, a/k/a “Only1Giela,” 30;
CARLOS MERCADO, a/k/a “Kiz,” a/k/a “Kizzle,” 22
10 years in prison5
Theft of mail and receipt of stolen mail
18 U.S.C. §§ 1708 and 2
MICHAEL EDWARDS, a/k/a “Only1Giela,” 30;
CARLOS MERCADO, a/k/a “Kiz,” a/k/a “Kizzle,” 22
Five years in prison6
Aggravated identity theft
18 U.S.C. §§ 1028A(a)(1), 1028A(b), and 2
MICHAEL EDWARDS, a/k/a “Only1Giela,” 30;
SHAKEEMO HILL, a/k/a “Keemo,” a/k/a “LBA Menace,” a/k/a “Lex,” 22;
WILLIAM HILL, a/k/a “Eway,” a/k/a “Skinny,” 29;
ALIXANDRIA LAUTURE, a/k/a “A$,” 27;
SHURON MALONE, a/k/a “First Name Last Name, 29”
Mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison to run consecutive to any other prison term edwards_et_al_indictment_pr.pdf[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Superseding Indictment and the descriptions of the Superseding Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
[2] Counts One, Three, and Six charge EDWARDS with committing those offenses while on pretrial release, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 3147, which subjects him to an additional maximum sentence of 10 years in prison consecutive to any other prison term imposed.
Sioux Falls Man Found Guilty of Possession of Ammunition by a Felon Following Federal Jury TrialRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted Lamont Victor Garrett, age 52, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, of Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on June 11, 2025.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Garrett was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2024.
On August 21, 2024, law enforcement searched a residence in Sioux Falls where Garrett was residing. In his bedroom, a black Sig Sauer magazine with 9mm ammunition and .22 caliber ammunition were found. Garrett is a felon and thus prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department Violent Crimes Unit and Homeland Security Investigations. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Phillip Plummer, age 42, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced today in federal court in Sioux City to 120 months’ imprisonment. Plummer pled guilty February 10, 2025, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, and another count of distributing methamphetamine.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that between 2022 and May 2023, Plummer and others conspired to distribute more than 5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Sioux City area. Plummer admitted to distributing methamphetamine on seven separate occasions to an individual cooperating with law enforcement, four of which occurred within 1,000 feet of schools, namely, Mater Dei Elementary School and Hunt Elementary School in Sioux City. During the search of Plummer’s residence in May 2023, law enforcement officers seized 271.7 grams of pure methamphetamine, 155.6 grams of cocaine, 31.6 grams of suspected MDMA, 55.1 grams of suspected marijuana, 37.9 grams of suspected cocaine, two bags of medicated Jolly Rancher Gummies 600mg THC (109.9 grams) and two vape pens (73.2 grams). Plummer intended to sell the majority of these controlled substances to persons in the Sioux City area.
Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Plummer was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment and must serve ten years of supervised release following the imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Plumer remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and the Woodbury County Attorney’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-4069. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Senior Leaders of Own Every Dollar Gang Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the guilty pleas today of JESUS ZAPATA, a/k/a “Jeezy,” a/k/a “Hendrix,” and BRAYAN LLORET, a/k/a “E.T.,” in connection with their leadership of the violent gang Own Every Dollar (“OED”). ZAPATA and LLORET pled guilty today to several charges, including racketeering conspiracy, before U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken.
“Jesus Zapata and Brayan Lloret were two of the top leaders of the deadly Manhattan-based Own Every Dollar gang,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Today’s convictions highlight the commitment of our Office to taking down the street gangs that terrorize New Yorkers, and to ensuring that all gang members —from foot soldiers to bosses—face justice.”
As alleged in the Indictment and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings:
ZAPATA and LLORET are senior leaders of the violent OED gang, a subset of the Trinitarios gang based in and around the Washington Heights area of Manhattan. ZAPATA is the former “Duarte,” or top leader, of the gang. ZAPATA and LLORET are being held responsible for committing or ordering a number of violent acts on Rikers Island, including three slashings in 2021.
ZAPATA and LLORET are the 21st and 22nd members or associates of OED to be convicted in this case. The defendants in the case have been convicted for their roles in five murders and more than 10 attempted murders, which occurred in Manhattan, the Bronx, and state and federal prisons.
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ZAPATA, 35, of New York, New York, pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of narcotics conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
LLORET, 27, of New York, New York, pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of narcotics conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the New York City Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah L. Kushner, Kevin Mead, Alexandra S. Messiter, and Ashley C. Nicolas are in charge of the prosecution.
San Antonio woman charged with threatening to shoot federal agentRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 42-year-old Texas woman has been taken into custody for threatening an Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) agent in the performance of his duties, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The criminal complaint has now been unsealed as Michelle Lee Varela made her initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge in San Antonio. She is expected to be in Corpus Christi federal court in the near future.
The charges allege that on June 4, Verela influenced, impeded or retaliated against a federal officer by threat and used interstate communications to transmit a threat to injure another. Specifically, Verela allegedly made threats via cell phone to an agent with ICE-HSI.
According to the complaint, authorities were conducting a lawful immigration action and had requested information from Varela regarding her husband’s status in the United States. She allegedly used profanity and said if her husband was taken into custody, she would shoot them. The charges allege law enforcement advised her to consider her remarks as she had just threatened a federal agent, but she continued in an elevated voice and a threatening tone. She eventually hung up the phone, according to the complaint.
If convicted, she faces up to 10 and five years in federal prison for the threat and interstate communications allegations, respectively. Both charges also carry a possible $250,000 fine, upon conviction.
“The Southern District of Texas takes allegations of threatened violence against law enforcement very seriously,” said Ganjei. “Immigration authorities must be able to carry out their lawful duties free from violence or threats, and those that attempt to obstruct or harm such agents will be held accountable.”
ICE-HSI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Goliad County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patti Hubert Booth is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Salvadoran National Charged with Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Salvadoran national residing in Chelsea, Mass. has been indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation.
Rigoberto Hernandez Mancia, 34, was charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Hernandez Mancia was arrested by immigration authorities on May 12, 2025.
According to the charging document, Hernandez Mancia was deported from the United States on July 31, 2024. It is alleged that sometime after his July 2024 removal, Hernandez Mancia illegally reentered the United States without permission.
The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes 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.
Romanian National Illegally in the United States Sentenced for Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Romanian national present in the United States illegally has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison and will subsequently face deportation proceedings for his role in an elaborate, methodical scheme across at least five states to defraud banks and banking customers, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
For more than two years beginning as early as May 2022, Dumitru Bogdan Pancu, a/k/a Stefano Garioli, a/k/a Leon Vutkus, 40, and others, surreptitiously installed skimming devices on ATMs in multiple states, allowing them to intercept hundreds of ATM customers’ debit card information. Pancu and others used that information to create hundreds of counterfeit debit cards which were used to make unauthorized cash withdrawals, attempted withdrawals, and retail purchases.
Pancu admitted that between May 2022 and July 2024, he and others installed skimming devices on ATMs and stole banking information from unsuspecting banking customers in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey.
Pancu pleaded guilty on December 11, 2024, to a charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to a term of incarceration of 27 months to be followed by two years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution totaling $16,562.06.
The defendant faces deportation proceedings upon completion of his term of incarceration.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Taylor Dean and Ly Chin.
The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with valuable assistance from the Warwick, RI, Police Department, Cranston, RI, Police Department, East Greenwich, RI, Police Department, North Kingstown, RI, Police Department, East Providence, RI, Police Department, Boston, MA, Police Department, New York City Police Department, and the Stratford, CT, Police Department.
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Raleigh County Woman Sentenced for Fentanyl CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Melanie E. Hussain, 25, of Crab Orchard, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation, including six months on home detention, for distribution of a quantity of fentanyl.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 2, 2022, Hussain sold approximately 4.2 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant in exchange for $300. Hussain admitted to the transaction and to selling 2.3 grams of methamphetamine to the confidential informant in exchange for $300 on November 3, 2022. Hussain conducted both transactions at her Crab Orchard residence.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department.
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons 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. 5:24-cr-137.
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Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to 69 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Jovan James, 45, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced yesterday to 69 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition on November 25, 2024.
The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, , Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.
James pleaded guilty on March 5, 2025, to one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Leon ordered James to serve three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, on Nov. 25, 2024, at about 4:55 p.m., MPD officers were patrolling the 5000 block of H Street SE, when they noticed James smoking marijuana in a public space. Officers placed James under arrest. During a search incident to arrest, officers recovered a loaded black Glock 23 .40 caliber pistol with an obliterated serial number from James’s waistband. The handgun was loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition.
James was previously convicted of first degree murder while armed in February 1998 in the District of Columbia and sentenced to a 30-year prison term. James was resentenced in August 2019 to a 22-year prison term and placed on supervised probation for five years under the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA).
This case was investigated by the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sabena Auyeung.
24cr541
Paducah Woman Sentenced to over 2 Years in Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay $400,000 in Restitution for Defrauding EmployerRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Paducah woman was sentenced on June 11, 2025, to 2 years and 4 months in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
Nichole M. Lawrence, 35, was sentenced to 2 years and 4 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for six counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. According to court documents, between December 2019 and February 2023, Lawrence was employed as an office manager for a business in Western Kentucky and used her position to embezzle approximately $400,000 from the business. Lawrence used the stolen money to pay personal expenses.
Lawrence was also ordered to pay $400,000 in restitution.
“Ms. Lawrence’s conduct was fueled by pure greed to the detriment of her employer—who provides many solid jobs to Western Kentuckians,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner. “This sentence appropriately reflects the abuse of trust her employer bestowed on her.”
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI Paducah Satellite Office and the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
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Oklahoma Man Sentenced for Attempting to Destroy Satanic Temple in Salem with a Pipe BombRead the Press Release
BOSTON – An Oklahoma man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for throwing a pipe bomb at The Satanic Temple (TST) in Salem, Mass. on April 8, 2024.
Sean Patrick Palmer, 49, of Perkins, Okla., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to five years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In March 2025, Palmer pleaded guilty to one count of using an explosive device to damage and attempt to damage a building used in interstate or foreign commerce. He was charged by criminal complaint and arrested on April 17, 2024, in Perkins, Okla.
TST is a non-theistic religious organization headquartered in Salem, Mass. According to the charging documents, at approximately 4:14 a.m. on April 8, 2024, surveillance cameras captured a man, subsequently identified as Palmer, walking towards TST wearing a black face covering, a tan-colored tactical vest and gloves. As Palmer approached TST, he ignited a pipe bomb – a type of improvised explosive device or “IED” – threw it at TST’s main entrance, and then ran away. The IED did not fully detonate and therefore caused only minor damage to TST’s exterior.
The pipe bomb was constructed from a roughly two-foot section of plastic pipe covered with metal nails attached to the pipe with duct tape. The inside of the pipe was filled with smokeless gunpowder. During the investigation, Palmer’s DNA was found on the outside of the IED.A six-page handwritten note was found in a flower bed adjacent to TST, near the area where Palmer threw the IED. Among other things, the letter stated:
DEAR SATANIST
ELOHIM SEND ME 7 MONTHS AGO TO GIVE YOU
PEACEFUL MESSAGE TO HOPE YOU REPENT. YOU SAY
NO, ELOHIM NOW SEND ME TO SMITE SATAN AND I
HAPPY TO OBEY. AND ELOHIM WANT ME TO CONTACT
YOU TO TELL YOU REPENT. TURN FROM SIN. ELOHIM
NO LIKE THIS PLACE AND PLAN TO DESTROY IT. MAYBE
SALEM TOO? ELOHIM SEND ME TO FIGHT CRYBABY
SATAN, BUT WANT ME TO MAKE HARD EFFORT SO NO
ONE DIES. I OBEY.United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Lucas J. Miller, Chief of the Salem Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Massachusetts State Police; Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Oklahoma City Field Office; Payne County Sherriff’s Office; Oklahoma Highway Patrol; the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma; and Stillwater (Okla.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason A. Casey of the National Security Unit is prosecuting the case.
Ocala Man Indicted for Wire Fraud and Price Gouging Related to the Sale of COVID-19 FacemasksRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Frank Adriel Romero Leandro (34, Ocala) with wire fraud and price gouging. If convicted, Romero faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud offense and up to 1 year in federal prison for the price gouging offense. The indictment also notifies Romero that the United States intends to forfeit $1,234,360.46, which are funds that are alleged to be traceable as proceeds of the offenses.
According to the indictment, between March 16, 2020, and February 10, 2021, Romero was the sole creator and editor of a website, trendeploy.com, through which he sold goods under the business name “Trend Deploy.” Romero made false representations on his website that he sold N95 facemasks. When customers ordered N95 facemasks from Romero over the internet, he would instead purchase cheaper alternatives (not N95 facemasks) to fulfill the orders. He also sold the facemasks at prices more than the prevailing market prices.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Trade Commission. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by visiting the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
North Tonawanda man arrested, facing multiple drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Tre Smitherman, 31, North Tonawanda, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on November 6, 2024, the Niagara County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at Smitherman’s Oliver Street residence and on his vehicle. During the searches, investigators recovered a loaded pistol, quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and $3,789.00 in cash. In 2014, Smitherman was convicted of a felony in New York State Court and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller, New York Field Division.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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North Carolina Narcotics Trafficker Sentenced to 22 YearsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – Shaborn Amar Nesbitt, a 37-year-old resident of Smithfield, North Carolina, has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine. Nesbitt pled guilty on April 26, 2023.
According to the court documents and other information presented in court, the investigation began in October 2019, when law enforcement learned that Nesbitt was distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of North Carolina. On October 14, 2019, Nesbitt traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, to get more methamphetamine to distribute in Eastern North Carolina. Law enforcement stopped his car, and a K9 unit alerted on it. Inside, they found almost two kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, small amounts of marijuana and mushrooms, $10,920 cash, and two cell phones. Nesbitt admitted to driving to Atlanta to pick up the methamphetamine.
Ultimately, Nesbitt was found responsible for approximately 11.98 kilograms of methamphetamine, 4.53 kilograms of marijuana, 10 kilograms of heroin, 56.7 grams of cocaine, and 3.8 grams of mushrooms.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by United States District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Goldsboro Police Department, Selma Police Department, Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, and Johnston County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 5:21-CR-00056-D.
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Niagara Falls man going to prison on cocaine chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jason P. Hoy, 46, Niagara Falls, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, was sentenced to serve 33 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who handled the case, stated that on May 5, 2023, investigators executed a search warrant at Hoy’s residence seizing bags containing a crystal rock-like substance, a bag containing a grey powdery substance, three bags containing a white powdery substance, three bags containing various colored pills, and a bag containing green plant matter. In addition, they recovered a pair of brass knuckles, a collapsible baton, a digital scale, and a police scanner.
The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division.
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New Orleans Woman Guilty of Fentanyl and Heroin DistributionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that, LOREALL GORDEN (“GORDEN”), age 38, of New Orleans, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Sarah M. Vance on May 28, 2025, to two counts of distribution of fentanyl and heroin. Judge Vance scheduled sentencing for September 24, 2025. At sentencing, on both counts, GORDENfaces up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, as well as a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court documents, on two occasions in August of 2023, a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigation revealed GORDEN worked with other individuals to distribute fentanyl and heroin from a residence in New Orleans. As a result of the investigation, 6.93 grams of fentanyl and a mixture of heroin and fentanyl weighing approximately 27.84 grams were recovered by ATF agents .
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.
New Orleans Man Guilty of Being Felon in Possession of Firearms Stemming from New Orleans East ShootingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that DANTRELL MCZEAL (“MCZEAL”), age 34, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on May 27, 2025 to being a felon in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). MCZEAL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release of up to 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
The Honorable District Judge Darrel James Papillion will sentence MCZEAL on September 9, 2025.
According to court documents, in July 2022, MCZEAL and an unknown individual, were involved in a shootout with each other in the parking lot of a gas station located on the corner of Downman Road and Morrison Road in New Orleans. MCZEAL was shot in the leg during the gunfire exchange and the unknown individual fled in his vehicle. MCZEAL also fled, but lost control of his vehicle, and struck a light pole. MCZEAL was observed limping away from his vehicle while in possession of a firearm.
New Orleans Police Department officers later recovered a Glock Model 30GEN4, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol from inside MCZEAL’s vehicle. While on the scene, officers also observed a trail of blood outside of the vehicle leading to a nearby residence. Later, officers received a call from a nearby resident stating that an unknown male, later identified as MCZEAL, had entered her residence. The resident reported that MCZEAL had a firearm, later determined to be a Palmetto State Armory Model PA-15, .223 REM/5.56 x 45 milli-meter semi-automatic rifle. Federal law prohibits convicted felons, such as MCZEAL , from possessing firearms.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime Unit.
New Hampshire Man Arrested for Unlawful Delivery of a FirearmRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Hampshire man was arrested today in connection with an ongoing firearm trafficking investigation.
Isaiah Johnson, 24, of Merrimack, N.H., was charged with firearm trafficking by unlawful delivery. Johnson was arrested today and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at 2:00 PM today.
According to the charging documents, a co-conspirator from Brockton, who was ineligible for a license to carry firearms, paid Johnson to purchase a particular firearm from a gun store in New Hampshire. It is alleged that on Feb. 3, 2024, Johnson went to the gun store, texted photographs of a tan-colored Glock 19X and an extended magazine to the co-conspirator, before purchasing the firearm. The following week, Johnson allegedly texted another photograph of the firearm to the co-conspirator, before ultimately delivering it to the co-conspirator on or about Feb. 11, 2024.
In December 2024, the co-conspirator was arrested at his Brockton residence on state charges in connection with an investigation into a high-end car theft enterprise. During a search of the residence, the tan-colored Glock 19X that Johnson had allegedly purchased was located, as well as two large-capacity magazines. It is further alleged that videos posted online showed the co-conspirator firing what appeared to be the same firearm while it was equipped with a “selector switch,” rendering it a fully-automatic weapon. The video was allegedly filmed nearby a public school in Brockton, where approximately 43 9-millimeter shell casings and 10 .40 caliber shell casings were later located.
The charge of firearm trafficking by unlawful delivery provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to three 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.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Scott Riordan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the Brockton (Mass.), Merrimack (N.H.) and Manchester (N.H.) Police Departments. 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.
Muhlenberg County, Kentucky Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation OffenseRead the Press Release
Owensboro, KY – A Muhlenberg County, Kentucky man was sentenced on June 10, 2025, to 5 years in federal prison for distribution of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, James Matthew Rosenkranz, 41, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for one count of distribution of child pornography.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the FBI Owensboro Resident Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Money Launderer for Mexico Based Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
A Chicago‑area man who acted as a money launderer for a Mexico‑based drug trafficking organization was sentenced June 11, 2025 to nearly five years in federal prison.
Jose Eladio Medina Valenzuela, age 45, from Cicero, Illinois, received the prison term after a January 6, 2025 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
n a plea agreement, Medina Valenzuela admitted that, from May 2020 to October 2020, he worked with others to obtain proceeds from the sale of methamphetamine in Iowa and transfer those proceeds to individuals in Mexico to promote and facilitate the drug trafficking organization and operation. Two drug traffickers obtained and distributed over 100 pounds of methamphetamine in Iowa, and they took a portion of those methamphetamine proceeds—over $335,000—to Medina Valenzuela in Cicero. Medina Valenzuela then worked with others to get the methamphetamine proceeds to sources of supply in Mexico.
Medina Valenzuela was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Medina Valenzuela was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a two‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Medina Valenzuela is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force consisting of the Waterloo Police Department, Cedar Falls Police Department, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Department, Evansdale Police Department, Waverly Police Department, Hudson Police Department, La Porte City Police Department, and the Bremer County Sheriff’s Department; the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the United States Postal Inspection Service; and Homeland Security Investigations. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 24-CR-02041-LTS.
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Mexican national sentenced to federal prison for trafficking illegal immigrantsRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas –A Mexican national living in Plano has been sentenced for immigration violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Ana Maria Villa-Flores, 42, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport aliens into the United States and conspiracy to conceal or harbor aliens. Villa-Flores was sentenced to the maximum term of 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III, on June 12, 2025.
According to information presented in court, in January of 2022, twenty-four illegal aliens were located at one of Villa-Flores’ homes. During the investigation, it was determined that Villa-Flores was responsible for recruiting drivers as well as coordinating the smuggling of the undocumented individuals from Mexico to the United States, bringing them to Plano to stay until they could be transported along other routes throughout the United States. The male individuals were instructed to remove their pants to keep them from escaping. Federal agents determined that Villa-Flores was responsible for smuggling approximately 254 illegal aliens.
In 2023, Villa-Flores was prosecuted in the Western District of Texas in connection with her alien smuggling activities. She was sentenced to four years in federal prison for smuggling approximately 124 illegal aliens.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the Dallas and El Paso Homeland Security Investigations and the Plano Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Batson.
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Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to 10 YearsRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Luther Trovian Jones, 52, from Sebring, Florida, was sentenced yesterday by a South Florida federal district judge to 121 months for distribution of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Jones was the subject of a joint investigation between the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office that uncovered Jones’s methamphetamine distribution scheme. The investigation revealed that Jones, on multiple occasions, either sold, or was found in possession of distribution quantities of methamphetamine.
In total, Jones was responsible for 265.79 grams of methamphetamine that was 80 percent pure or higher, along with 29.8 grams of fentanyl.
Hayden P. O’Byrne, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Deanne L. Reuter of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division; and Paul Blackman, Highlands County Sheriff, made the announcement.
DEA Miami Field Division and Highlands County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Hudock is prosecuting it.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-14003.
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Methamphetamine and Gun Trafficker Is Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Jamal Marqui McDaniel, 46, was sentenced today to 180 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for trafficking methamphetamine and firearms offenses, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
According to court documents and evidence presented during court proceedings, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Asheville Police Department (APD) launched a joint investigation after receiving information that McDaniel was engaged in the illegal sale of narcotics and firearms in the Asheville area. Over the course of the investigation, McDaniel sold methamphetamine, firearms, and ammunition on multiple occasions to individuals who were cooperating with law enforcement. Court records show that, in total, McDaniel is accountable for distributing nearly half a kilogram of methamphetamine, and illegally selling eight firearms.
McDaniel pleaded guilty February 21, 2025, to distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a felon. He remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending placement by the federal Bureau of Prisons.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the ATF, the DEA, the APD, and the Buncombe Country Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville handled the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Mescalero Man Receives 27-Month Prison Sentence for Violent Domestic AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man was sentenced today to 27 months in prison for assaulting his girlfriend in a violent domestic incident.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on October 9, 2023, Frank Shorty Trujillo, 20, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, assaulted the victim, Jane Doe, at a residence on the Mescalero Apache Reservation. The incident occurred in the presence of her one-year-old child. During the assault, Trujillo repeatedly punched Jane Doe and bit her on the left leg above the knee. Jane Doe reported fearing for her life during the attack.
Upon his release from prison, Trujillo will be subject to two years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Saltman is prosecuting the case.
Massachusetts Attorney Sentenced in a Conspiracy to Smuggle Contraband Inside a Federal Detention CenterRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Massachusetts attorney who participated in a conspiracy to smuggle contraband to a detainee housed at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center in Rhode Island has been sentenced to three years’ probation, the first six months to be served in home confinement with GPS monitoring, and 100 hours of community service, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.
Theresa Marie DiJoseph, 51, pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025, to one count each of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and providing a prohibited object to an inmate. She was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose.
In pleading guilty, DiJoseph admitted that in late 2023, she conspired with other individuals to smuggle ten papers soaked with K2, a synthetic marijuana, into the Wyatt Detention Center. DiJoseph also admitted that she later made false statements to the FBI during their investigation into the source of the contraband.
According to information presented to the court, DiJoseph used her status as an attorney to meet multiple times with detainee Shawn D. Hart, 47, with whom she had a personal relationship, in a visiting room used for attorney visits to conduct legal work.
On December 1, 2023, during an attempt to visit with Hart, Wyatt correctional officers seized from DiJoseph 10 sheets of paper that appeared discolored, thicker than normal, and to have been wet and dried. The papers were later sent to an FBI testing lab that confirmed the presence of Schedule I controlled substances.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julianne Klein and Peter I. Roklan.
The matter was investigated by the FBI and the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center Professional Standards Unit.
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Man Arrested for Murder of Woman Whose Body was Found in Trash DumpsterRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Richard Dyson, 58, of the District of Columbia, was arrested yesterday on charges of second-degree murder while armed, for the murder of 62-year-old Donnella Bryan on or about April 15, 2025. The arrest was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Dyson was arraigned today before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Robert J. Hildum, where he entered a plea of not guilty. Judge Hildum found probable cause for second degree murder and ordered Dyson held without bond until his preliminary hearing on June 18, 2025 before Judge Michael Ryan.
On April 19, 2025, at approximately 8:00 a.m., Fifth District officers responded to the 1600 block of Maryland Avenue, Northeast, for the report of an unconscious person. Upon arrival, officers located a female victim inside a dumpster. The victim was identified as Donella Bryan of the District of Columbia. DC Fire and EMS responded to the scene and after finding no signs consistent with life, the victim was pronounced deceased.
This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Cocuzza.
Charges are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Man Accused of Choking, Assaulting Woman on Gateway Arch GroundsRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A man has been accused of strangling and assaulting a woman on the grounds of Gateway Arch National Park.
Darrion Lamont Evans, 20, of Belleville, Illinois, was indicted Wednesday by a grand jury in U.S. District Court in St. Louis with one count of assault by strangulation and two counts of interstate domestic violence, including allegations that he assaulted the victim after causing her victim to travel across state lines. He appeared in court Thursday and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The indictment accuses Evans of strangling the victim, who he had been dating, on April 28, 2025.
A motion seeking to have Evans held in jail until trial says he took the victim from Belleville to the Arch grounds without her knowledge or consent, and then hit and strangled her. National Park Rangers found her in a vehicle parked on a service road after the assault, the motion says.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Each count is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine.
The National Park Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Hoag is prosecuting the case.
Lynn Woman Sentenced to More Than One Year in Prison for Coercing and Enticing Two Victims to Engage in ProstitutionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lynn woman was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for sex trafficking.
Latasha Anderson, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to 20 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In March 2025, Latasha Anderson pleaded guilty to one count of coercion and enticement. Latasha Anderson was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2023, along with her co-defendants Jermall Anderson and Jennifer Fortier.
From 2012 through 2016, Latasha Anderson, along with her co-conspirators and at the direction of Jermall Anderson, used threats and the giving and withholding of heroin and cocaine to force two different victims to prostitute on their behalf. Jermall Anderson’s wide-ranging sex trafficking operation targeted vulnerable victims, specifically those struggling with drug addiction, homelessness and lack of economic resources and coerced them into providing commercial sex for the defendants’ benefit. Latasha Anderson coerced and enticed these victims to engage in prostitution throughout New England, New York and New Jersey.
In March 2025, Jermall Anderson was sentenced to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In March 2025, Fortier was sentenced to 58 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274 or contact [email protected].
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the HSI Office in New Haven, Conn., the Lynn and Tewksbury Police Departments (Mass.) and the Hampden (Conn.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Louisiana Men Receive Lengthy Federal Prison Sentences for Trafficking Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that several men have been sentenced in related Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) cases involving the trafficking of controlled substances. James Cordell Zeno, 37, of Jennings, Blaze Duhon, 27, of Kinder, Jamarcus Jamall Epps, 31, of Many, and James Spikes, 28, of Zwolle, have all been sentenced by United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. Another defendant, Desmond Antoine Jackson, 40, of Zwolle, has pleaded guilty and is currently awaiting sentencing.
Zeno was sentenced to 282 months (23 years, 6 months) in prison, and Duhon was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to information presented in court, in July 2022, the United States Postal Inspector intercepted a suspicious package that was destined for Duhon’s residence. Agents obtained a search warrant for the package and found it contained suspected methamphetamine. The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office then obtained a search warrant for the residence, and Duhon was located inside. Days after the search warrant, the United States Postal Inspector intercepted a second suspicious package destined for Duhon’s residence. Agents obtained a search warrant for this package and found it also contained suspected methamphetamine. A search of Duhon’s phone revealed text messages between him and Zeno. Two text messages sent by Zeno to Duhon contained photos of United States Postal Service receipts containing tracking information for two packages. The tracking information matched both packages of methamphetamine that were intercepted by the United States Postal Inspector.
The suspected methamphetamine from both packages was seized and sent to the crime laboratory for testing and the results were positive for methamphetamine with a total weight of 280 grams. Zeno and Duhon were indicted, and both pleaded guilty.
Jamarcus Jamall Epps and Desmond Antoine Jackson were also charged as the result of an investigation into drug trafficking activities in the Sabine Parish area. In December 2021, the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office Tactical Narcotics Team conducted a controlled purchase of a Taurus PT738 .380 caliber pistol from Epps. An audio/video recording of the transaction was captured by law enforcement. An examination of the firearm by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) determined that the firearm sold by Epps was a working firearm. At the time of the sale of this firearm, Epps was a convicted felon, with a prior conviction of aggravated second degree battery in 2019 and he was prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. Epps pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 77 months (6 years, 5 months) in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Approximately one month later, law enforcement agents conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Jackson and that transaction was also recorded. The suspected controlled substance was sent to the crime laboratory for analysis and determined to be pure methamphetamine weighing at least 50 grams. Jackson was charged and pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine in February 2025 and is awaiting sentencing.
James Spikes was also involved in the trafficking of methamphetamine in the Sabine Parish area. In August 2022, an audio/video recording was made of a controlled purchase from Spikes in connection with this investigation. The suspected controlled substance purchased from Spikes was sent to the crime laboratory for testing and confirmed to be approximately 62 grams of pure methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison.
These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, ATF, and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy. These cases were part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Little Water Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges in Navajo Nation Shooting and HomicideRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Little Water man pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from his involvement in a violent April 2024 shooting and subsequent homicide on the Navajo Nation.
According to court records, on April 24, 2024, Dewayne George, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, accompanied Brittania Navaho to a pawn shop in Gallup where she purchased a .22 caliber revolver and ammunition for Rydell Happy, who is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. Later that day, the group, joined by John Doe, drove through the Gallup area and encountered a vehicle on U.S. Highway 491 within the Navajo Nation.
Happy initially fired a shot into the air, then, after a pursuit, multiple shots were fired at the vehicle by Happy, George, and John Doe. George admitted to reloading and discharging the firearm several times at the fleeing vehicle, which was struck by multiple bullets. Fortunately, the occupants were not injured.
After the shooting, the group drove near Shiprock, New Mexico, where a confrontation led to Happy fatally shooting John Doe. George helped Happy drag John Doe’s body over a cliff in an attempt to conceal the body and avoid arrest and prosecution.
Brittania Navaho pled guilty to federal charges related to the straw purchase of the firearm and faces up to 15 years in prison.
Rydell Happy is charged with first degree murder, two counts of using and carrying a firearm during and relation to a crime of violence and discharging said firearm, assault with a dangerous weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He remains in custody pending trial, which is currently scheduled for July 14, 2025.
George pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact, assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm, and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and discharging said firearm. At sentencing, George faces not less than 10 years and up to life in prison. Upon his release from prison, George will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from Navajo Nation Police Department, the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney R. Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners.
View the Plea Agreement (George).pdfKenner Woman Guilty of Federal Controlled Substances Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SHAWNA MARTIN (“MARTIN”) age 56, a Kenner resident, pled guilty on May 8, 2025, before United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe to an indictment charging her with distribution of a quantity of fentanyl (Count 1), distribution of forty grams or more of fentanyl (Count 2), and possession with intent to distribute forty grams or more of fentanyl (Count 3), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and ), 841(b)(1)(C), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
According to court documents, on August 24, 2025, and September 6, 2025, MARTIN distributed, and possessed with intent to distribute, quantities of fentanyl pills, 220 pills with a net weight of 30.7 grams, and 500 pills with a weight of 67 grams, within the Eastern District of Louisiana. At the time of arrest on September 20, 2025, MARTIN also possessed 861 pills with a net weight of 114.86 grams.
For Count 1, MARTIN faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, at least three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. For Counts 2 and 3, MARTIN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years up to a maximum term of 40 years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, at least four years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 on each count.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
Justice Department Files Lawsuit to Stop New York’s Unlawful “Protect Our Courts Act” from Obstructing Immigration EnforcementRead the Press Release
On Thursday, the United States filed a complaint against the State of New York, challenging state policies that blocked immigration officials from arresting individuals at or near New York courthouses. Specifically, the complaint challenges a law, called the Protect Our Courts Act, that purposefully shields dangerous aliens from being lawfully detained at or on their way to or from a courthouse and imposes criminal liability for violations of the shield. This law and accompanying polices violate the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution because they obstruct the execution of federal immigration authorities.
“Lawless sanctuary city policies are the root cause of the violence that Americans have seen in California, and New York State is similarly employing sanctuary city policies to prevent illegal aliens from apprehension,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This latest lawsuit in a series of sanctuary city litigation underscores the Department of Justice’s commitment to keeping Americans safe and aggressively enforcing the law.”
New York’s law comes after Executive Order 10866, Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border, which directs the Department of Homeland of Security to issue guidelines for the safe and effective enforcement of immigration laws around the country, specifically at or near courthouses. As is true in all types of law enforcement, conducting an arrest at or near a courthouse often reduced the risk of flight and potential safety risks to the public, law enforcement officers, and targets themselves due to the enhanced security screenings in place at courthouses. New York’s law runs counter to common sense and endangers communities by eliminating safe places for law enforcement officers to act.
As explained in the complaint, filed by newly confirmed Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, “Through these enactments, New York obstructs federal law enforcement and facilitates the evasion of federal law by dangerous criminals, notwithstanding federal agents’ statutory mandate to detain and remove illegal aliens.”
This is the latest in several lawsuits the Department of Justice has filed challenging state interference with immigration enforcement. In May, the Department sued several New Jersey cities who had enacted sanctuary policies.
Read the full complaint HERE.
Jury Convicts Omaha Gang Member of Fentanyl and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that a federal jury in Omaha, Nebraska, returned guilty verdicts on June 6, 2025, against Clifford Wright III, 35, of Omaha, for three charges – possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm. The verdicts followed a seven-day trial in front of Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. Judge Rossiter scheduled sentencing for August 29, 2025. Wright faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The evidence at trial established Wright, a documented member of the 29th Street Bloods in Omaha, arrived at a gas station in north Omaha around “bar close” time on October 31, 2022. Shortly after Wright arrived, the parking lot filled with vehicles. Multiple people approached Wright’s vehicle for apparent hand-to-hand transactions. After Wright loitered in the parking lot for approximately 13 minutes making the apparent hand-to-hand transactions, shots erupted toward the crowded parking lot from across the street. Wright exited his vehicle holding a handgun, but his handgun appeared to malfunction or not fire. The shooters fled in a car, and Wright drove after them into a neighborhood.
Omaha police responded to the gas station, finding no gunshot victims but approximately 60 shell casings in the area. Detectives with the firearms and gang intelligence units reviewed surveillance footage from the gas station. They identified Wright based upon prior investigations and their knowledge of Wright as a gang member. Wright has two prior convictions in federal court for illegal firearm possession, including a conviction for which he was on supervised release at the time.
Wright was arrested on November 2, 2022. After being booked into Douglas County Jail, Wright made phone calls about a “box.” The “box” was located and turned out to be a Sentry safe. Search of the safe pursuant to a warrant uncovered approximately 850 fentanyl pills and three loaded handguns, including a 9mm handgun that was visually consistent with the handgun Wright tried to fire at the gas station on October 31, 2022. The 9mm was the only handgun from the safe that had a round in the chamber. Two of the handguns had been reported stolen, including one stolen from the inventory of a federal firearms licensee in Omaha during a burglary.
Review of extracted data from Wright’s cell phone showed that he had been dealing drugs dating back to February 2022, the month after he was most recently released from federal prison. Wright’s drug customers would inquire about “blues” and “30s,” which are terms describing illicit “M30” fentanyl pills. Wright appeared to also be selling cocaine, ecstasy, other pills, and marijuana, based upon his text messages.
This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department. An agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also testified as a firearms expert at trial. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Jury Convicts Dual Citizen of Passport FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found David Fernando Jimenez Gomez (45, Dominican Republic), a/k/a Daniel Gomez DeLeon, a/k/a David Gomez De Leon, guilty of two counts of passport fraud. Jimenez Gomez faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 11, 2025.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Jimenez Gomez, a dual citizen of the United States and the Dominican Republic, left the United States in the late 1990s and began living in the Dominican Republic. He acquired a Dominican identification card in a false name and, knowing that there was a warrant for his arrest, used a different false name to acquire a United States visa to travel to the United States. He then, on multiple occasions, lied about his use of these aliases on applications for United States passports.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karyna Valdes and Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.
Jamaican Citizen SentencedRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Kevin D.M. Hunter, age 54, a citizen of Jamaica and resident of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to felony Reentry of Removed Alien, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Hunter, who has been detained since the date of his arrest on October 3, 2024, was sentenced to time served, followed by 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment.According to documents in the case, Hunter has a previous felony conviction for Aggravated Fleeing or Attempt to Elude a Peace officer, Possession of Cannabis with Intent to Deliver in Cook County, Illinois, and was removed from the United States in 2018.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Gary, Indiana Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily Morgan.
Indictment Charges Waterbury Man with Drug and Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division, today announced that a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned an indictment charging TIMEEK HEATH, 41, of Waterbury, with drug and firearm offenses.
The indictment was returned on June 4, 2025. Heath appeared today in Hartford federal court, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and was ordered detained pending a detention hearing that is scheduled for June 17.
As alleged in the indictment, on two occasions in August and September 2024, Heath distributed fentanyl. Also, on September 5, 2024, Heath sold a Glock, Model 23, .40 caliber pistol to an individual he knew was a convicted felon.
It is further alleged that Heath’s criminal history includes felony convictions for manslaughter and larceny offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.
The indictment charges Heath with two counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; one count of sale of a firearm by a prohibited person, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; and one count of firearms trafficking, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel J. Gentile.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Illinois Woman Sentenced for Marriage Fraud and PerjuryRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Kalee Ann Huff, 28, of Fairbury, Illinois, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation, including one year on home detention, for marriage fraud and perjury.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 3, 2021, Huff was living in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, when she married a foreign national. As part of her guilty plea, Huff admitted that the marriage was part of a plan to keep the foreign national in the United States because his immigration visa was about to expire. Huff further admitted that she was pressured into entering the fake marriage because her family needed money, that she agreed to marry the foreign national in exchange for $10,000, but that she never directly received or spent any money from the scheme.
Huff and the foreign national planned to divorce once he obtained lawful permanent resident status, commonly known as a Green Card. In March 2023, Huff and the foreign national were interviewed by U.S. immigration officials in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Huff and the foreign national unsuccessfully tried to trick the officials into believing their marriage was entered into in good faith and their relationship was genuine. The foreign national’s Green Card application was denied.
On August 8, 2023, immigration officers confronted Huff about the fake marriage scheme. Huff signed a statement admitting that she knowingly entered into the marriage for the purpose of evading U.S. immigration laws. On December 10, 2024, Huff appeared before a federal grand jury in Charleston, pursuant to a subpoena and a cooperation provision in the marriage fraud case against her. Huff admitted that she committed perjury during her grand jury testimony when she answered questions falsely about material facts relating to the government’s investigation.
The foreign national, Aakash Prakash Makwana, pleaded guilty on May 14, 2025, to aggravated identity theft. Makwana, 29, a citizen of India unlawfully residing in Ronceverte, admitted that he included the name and signature of a residential property manager without the individual’s authorization when he falsified a lease agreement as part of the marriage fraud scheme. Makwana is scheduled to be sentenced on September 26, 2025.
Huff’s brother-in-law, Joseph Sanchez, helped to arrange the fake marriage. Sanchez, 33, of Fairbury, Illinois, pleaded guilty on January 29, 2025, to participating in an immigration marriage fraud conspiracy. Sanchez admitted that he pressured Huff to participate in the fake marriage scheme. Sanchez further admitted that he was promised the $10,000 as part of the scheme, but that he only received $3,000. Sanchez was sentenced to five years of federal probation on May 28, 2025.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the cases.
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 Nos. 5:25-cr-20 and 2:25-cr-23.
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Illegal Honduran Nationals Indicted Following Arrest and Seizure of over 52,000 Fentanyl Pills and CashRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – An indictment was unsealed charging three Honduran nationals, living in the United States illegally, with multiple drug crimes.
Jairo Roney Cabrera-Escoto, 40, of North Carolina, Cristian Eriberto Romero-Soto, 24, and Daniel Jose Felix-Aleman, 24, both of Sandy, Utah, were indicted on April 16, 2025. Romero-Soto and Felix-Aleman were charged by complaint on April 10, 2025.
According to court documents, since November 2024, detectives with the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force began investigating a group of individuals for allegedly distributing illicit drugs throughout Salt Lake County. Throughout the investigation, undercover agents purchased fentanyl during several controlled purchases. On April 8, 2025, during the execution of search warrants on vehicles and a residence in Sandy, approximately 32,528 individual field-tested fentanyl pills, drug packing materials, and $42,137 were seized. Felix-Alleman was also located and subsequently arrested. On the same day, during the execution of additional search warrants on vehicles and a residence in Sandy, agents seized approximately 20,059 individual field-tested fentanyl pills, multiple cellphones, drug packaging materials, and $5,163. Romero-Soto was also located and subsequently arrested. Cabrera-Escoto was arrested on June 6, 2025, in the Middle District of North Carolina.
Cabrera-Escoto, Romero-Soto, and Felix-Aleman are charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, and conspiracy to distribute heroin, among other offenses. Romero-Soto is also charged with reentry of a previously removed alien. Cabrera-Escoto will have his initial appearance on the indictment at a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. Romero-Soto and Felix-Aleman had their initial appearance on the indictment on April 18, 2025.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Utah County Major Crimes Task Force and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Special Assistant United States Attorney Peter Reichman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Illegal Alien from Dominican Republic Sentenced for Impersonating U.S. Citizen to Vote in Federal ElectionRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Carlos Abreu, 36, has been sentenced to 65 months in prison followed by three years supervised release, after pleading guilty in two consolidated federal cases (24cr60155 and 25cr60015) to the following charges: (1) falsely claiming United States citizenship to register to vote; (2) using a United States citizen’s name to vote; (3) possessing firearms as an alien without lawful status; (4) making false statements in support of a passport application; and (5) aggravated identity theft. As a condition of his supervised release, he was also ordered to turn himself into immigration authorities for removal proceedings.
According to the two factual proffers, Abreu entered the United States without inspection and, in 2007, assumed the identity of the victim, “C.R.V.” Between 2007 and his August 2024 arrest, Abreu held himself out as “C.R.V.” to Federal, state, and local government agencies. The victim, “C.R.V.,” is a United States citizen living in Puerto Rico who did not know Abreu.
Abreu obtained a Florida driver’s license in 2007. He registered to vote under the name “C.R.V.” in 2016, and renewed his registration in 2020. He admitted to voting in federal elections in 2016 and 2022. Abreu also admitted to obtaining a Florida concealed carry permit in “C.R.V.’s” name and purchasing four firearms. Abreu also conceded that, in 2021, he had attempted to obtain U.S. passports for his two minor daughters as well as himself, using “C.R.V.’s” name and personal identifying information, all without lawful authorization.
United States Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Conklin of the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Miami Field Office made the announcement.
DSS’ Miami Field Office investigated the case. The DSS San Juan Resident Office in Puerto Rico and ATF Miami provided invaluable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brianna Coakley and Daniel Rosenfeld are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nadya Z. Cheatham is handling asset forfeiture.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case numbers 24-cr-60155 and 25-cr-60015.
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Hopkins Man Pleads Guilty to Lying to Federal AuditorsRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. —William Lee Grooms, Sr., 65, of Hopkins, has pleaded guilty to making a false representation to a federal agency.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Grooms was the Statewide Asset Manager for the South Carolina Department of Transportation Office of Public Transit (OPT). The OPT oversees government funding for public transportation in South Carolina, including rural and small urbanized areas, for programs aimed at assisting seniors and individuals with disabilities. The federal funds were distributed by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), part of the United States Department of Transportation.
Every three years, the FTA conducts a review of state offices receiving its money. Part of that review concerns the “Buy America” program, which requires a certain percentage of each vehicle acquired to have been produced domestically. Also, the final assembly must occur in the United States. This certification should take place before purchase.
The collective goal of the OPT was to pass the review with zero deficiencies. The OPT staff realized during the review that they had not conducted the pre-award Buy America audits. To address the shortcoming, the OPT staff developed a scheme to back-date emails and certifications, a task taken on by Grooms. These falsified documents were then given to another staff member to upload to a shared website accessed by the FTA compliance review team.
“Our government functions best when those entrusted with its money operate with honesty and transparency,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “This prosecution reinforces the bedrock principle that public service demands integrity.”
“Together with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, we remain firmly committed to safeguarding the integrity of the procurement process and enforcing compliance with federal program requirements,” said Joseph Harris, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Southern Region. “Those entrusted with the stewardship of taxpayer dollars are expected to meet the highest standards and will be held accountable when they knowingly fall short.”
Grooms faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States Senior District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Grooms on Sept. 17, at 11 a.m.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General, and the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston D. Holliday, Jr., is prosecuting the case.
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Honduran man sentenced on illegal reentry chargesRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Honduran man who entered the U.S. illegally after two prior removals and corresponding convictions was sentenced today to 99 days in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
Carlos Alexis Ponce-Lopez, 33, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to one of illegal reentry.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Ponce-Lopez was originally ordered removed by an Immigration Judge on November 11, 2011, in San Antonio, Texas and was removed on December 23, 2011. Ponce-Lopez illegally entered again on March 31, 2014. Ponce-Lopez’s original order of removal was reinstated and he was removed on August 18, 2014. On each of those occasions, Ponce-Lopez was also convicted in federal court for illegal entry prior to being removed.
On February 21, 2025, the Montana Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on I-90 near Billings, Montana. Ponce-Lopez was a passenger in the vehicle. The driver was cited and all three subjects were released, including Ponce-Lopez.
On March 4, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents found Ponce-Lopez at a house in Shelby, Montana. As they walked towards the home, Ponce-Lopez walked outside. One of the agents called out to Ponce-Lopez, “Carlos Ponce?” Ponce-Lopez responded in Spanish, “Si, es mi (Yes, that’s me).” The agents then conducted an immigration inspection. Ponce-Lopez said he was removed before and reentered illegally. He admitted he had no documents to enter, live, or stay in the United States legally and was not pending any immigration hearings. He was arrested and transported to the Sweetgrass Border Patrol Station for further processing.
There are no records within the Department of Homeland Security that Ponce-Lopez ever applied for readmission into the United States.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol, Montana Highway Patrol, and Toole County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).