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1 September 2026
Franklin County Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Exploitation MaterialRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A Franklin County man, who possessed thousands of images of child sex abuse material (“CSAM”) after previous court-martial convictions for similar behavior, pled guilty today in federal court and faces up to 20 years in prison.
Kevin Michael Robinson, 28, of Wirtz, Virginia, pled guilty today to one count of knowingly possessing CSAM, including images of prepubescent minors and minors under 12 years old.
According to court documents, in June 2018, Robinson pled guilty at a military court-martial to various child sexual exploitation offenses. Upon Robinson’s release from prison in June 2025, he began his supervised release term. As required, Robinson had monitoring software installed on his cellphone.
On July 1, 2025, Robinson’s probation officer received notice from the monitoring software that Robinson had downloaded CSAM. Several probation officers met Robinson at his home in Wirtz, Virginia, and seized his phone. Robinson admitted to viewing inappropriate material and expressed remorse.
A specially trained probation officer reviewed Robinson’s cellphone data and identified 20,200 images and 101 videos of sexually explicit content, including a large amount of CSAM. The CSAM included both real images, as well as computer and AI-generated CSAM images.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew O. Inman is prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorney offices around the country.
Operation Relentless Justice supports Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/psc.
Founder and CEO of Bay Area Real Estate Investment Fund Charged in Multi-Year Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Mark Hanf, the founder and CEO of Pacific Private Money, and Nam Phan, the fund group’s COO, have been charged in an information filed by the United States Attorney for the Northern District of California with wire fraud conspiracy. Hanf has also been charged with money laundering. Hanf and Phan made their initial appearances in federal court in San Francisco today and waived indictment.
According to the information filed on August 31, 2026, Hanf, 66, of Tiburon, California, and Phan, 58, of Novato, California, allegedly engaged in a multi-year conspiracy to defraud Pacific Private Money investors by making false statements about the enterprise’s financial condition to induce investment into the enterprise’s funds. During this time, Hanf served as the enterprise’s Chief Executive Officer and majority owner, and Phan as the enterprise’s Chief Operating Officer. The information describes how Hanf and Phan knew as early as 2021 that a number of Pacific Private Money’s largest projects were losing money and value, putting Pacific Private Money’s overall financial condition at risk, but Hanf and Phan continued to solicit investors without disclosing the problems. The information further alleges that as the financial condition of Pacific Private Money worsened, starting in December 2021 Hanf and Phan moved money between Pacific Private Money investment funds to keep them afloat and used new investor funds to pay distributions and redemptions to previous investors.
Pacific Private Money funds, according to the allegations, raised approximately $103 million from over 175 investors between approximately December 2021 and December 2025. In June 2026, the Pacific Private Money entities filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the Northern District of California.
“These charges brought soon after the collapse of Pacific Private Money reflect this Office’s unwavering commitment to protecting investors in the Bay Area from fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian. “As alleged, these defendants falsely assured investors that Pacific Private Money was successful and profitable, knowing that continued losses had turned it into a Ponzi scheme. The Office will continue to pursue fraud in private markets and aggressively prosecute them to protect the public.”
“These allegations underscore the FBI’s commitment to expose sophisticated financial schemes that put investors at risk,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Scott Schelble. “We will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure the public is protected and those who engage in deceptive schemes are held accountable.”
“The allegations against Pacific Private Money founders describe a scheme that misrepresented, diverted, and used incoming investment funds to mask growing financial losses,” said IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS CI) San Francisco Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge David Lowe. “IRS CI is focused on unraveling complex financial crimes, tracing every dollar, and ensuring that individuals accused of manipulating investor money for personal gain are held accountable.”
The information also alleges that part of the scheme involved Hanf transferring funds from the Pacific Private Money enterprise to another entity that he controlled to pay for his own personal expenses, such as credit card bills and home mortgage payments.
An information merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison as to the wire fraud conspiracy count, and Hanf faces a maximum of 10 years in prison as to the money laundering count. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Phan is next scheduled to appear in district court on September 23, 2026, for a change of plea hearing, and Hanf is next scheduled to appear in district court on September 30, 2026, for a change of plea hearing, both before U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley.
The SEC today also filed a civil enforcement action against Hanf and Phan in the Northern District of California.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christiaan Highsmith and Patrick O’Brien are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Mimi Lam and Maryam Beros. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-CI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the San Francisco Regional Office of the SEC and the Marin County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.
Former loan officer sentenced for embezzlement through fake loansRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A former Kansas credit union employee was sentenced to 19 months in prison and ordered to pay $207,920 in restitution after embezzling approximately $171,000 by creating fake loans to members.
According to court documents, Ricky Naovoravong, 39, of Garden City pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement by a credit union employee.
Naovoravong was a loan officer at a credit union in Garden City. In August 2024, a manager noticed a suspicious transfer from a member’s savings account into Naovoravong’s checking account. The manager noted that Naovoravong created documents for a $5,000 loan in the victim’s name then used the victim’s account to make loan payments that would be deposited into his account.
A broader investigation ensued and determined Naovoravong had created other loans and transferred funds into his personal account. When confronted, Naovoravong admitted the loans were fictitious, and the victims knew nothing of them. He said would continue to create new fictitious loans to make payments on previous fictitious loans so that members wouldn’t be notified of the loans.
The investigation showed the defendant embezzled $171,164 between November 2020 and August 2024.
“Banks and credit unions collect people’s personal information because it’s a requirement of doing business,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Kriegshauser. “When employees with access to sensitive information use it to commit fraud, embezzlement, or other types of financial crimes, they will eventually get caught. When they are exposed, they’ll have to face the justice system.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case.
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Former Postmaster Sentenced to 3 Years’ Probation for Money Order FraudRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Delos Thurston, age 28, of Clinton, New York, was sentenced on August 27, 2026, to 3 years’ probation for money order fraud. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Matthew M. Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”), made the announcement.
Between April 2025 and January 2026, while he was employed as the Postmaster of the Morrisville, New York, Post Office, Thurston fraudulently issued 179 money orders for his own benefit without paying for them, and in so doing stole $118,088.19 from the United States.
Senior U.S. District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also sentenced Thurston to pay restitution to the U.S. Postal Service in the amount of $118,088.19.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone said, “This defendant was entrusted with serving his community and the American public as Postmaster. He violated that trust by using his position to steal more than $100,000 from the United States Government and, by extension, the American taxpayer. Thanks to the swift action of the USPS Office of Inspector General, his misconduct was uncovered, and he will now be required to repay the stolen funds, and serve a term of strict supervision while on probation.”
“Today’s sentencing reinforces that employees who abuse their positions of public trust for personal gain will be held accountable. The USPS Office of Inspector General remains committed to protecting the integrity of the Postal Service. We thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York for its continued partnership,” said Matthew M. Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office, USPS Office of Inspector General.
The USPS-OIG investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McCrobie prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Federal Judge Sentences Man to 19 Years in Prison for Violently Robbing Two Banks in Downtown ChicagoRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal judge has sentenced a man to 19 years in prison for violently robbing two banks in downtown Chicago.
JAWAD H. HAKEEM, 51, of Waukegan, Ill., committed two armed bank robberies within a week in 2023. The first robbery occurred on March 3, 2023, at a Chase Bank branch in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The second robbery occurred on March 9, 2023, at a Fifth Third Bank branch in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood. In both robberies, Hakeem brandished a handgun at bank tellers and customers. In the second robbery, Hakeem fired nine shots at a security guard, who returned fire, but no one was wounded.
Hakeem was arrested on March 13, 2023, in Waukegan, Ill. He has remained in law enforcement custody since then.
Hakeem pleaded guilty earlier this year to federal bank robbery and firearm charges. On Aug. 26, 2026, U.S. District Judge John F. Kness sentenced Hakeem to 19 years in federal prison.
The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Chicago Police Department and the Waukegan Police Department.
“Defendant created extraordinarily dangerous situations that put bank patrons and bystanders at grave risk,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Sushma Raju argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “It is pure chance that defendant did not seriously injure or kill anyone.”
Ellington Woman Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HEATHER MURDOCK, 58, of Ellington, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to fraud and tax offenses stemming from an embezzlement scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Murdock was employed as the bookkeeper and office manager at a Hartford law firm, identified in court documents as “Firm A.” Between approximately 2010 and 2022, using Firm A’s bookkeeping software, Murdock generated hundreds of false checks made payable to herself and on which she forged the signature of Firm A’s owner. To conceal her embezzlement, Murdock doctored the bookkeeping system entries to make it appear that the checks had been issued to legitimate vendors. Murdock deposited the forged checks into her own bank account. Murdock stole approximately $578,279 through this scheme.
Murdock also stole cash rental payment made by tenants of properties owned by Firm A’s owner. To conceal her theft, Murdock generated false checks from Firm A’s bank account payable to the account in which Firm A’s owner received rental income, making it appear that the expected deposits of rental income had been made, and doctored references in the firm’s bookkeeping system. Murdock stole approximately $175,559 through this scheme.
Murdock failed to pay federal income taxes on the embezzled funds, substantially underreported her income in 2011 and 2012, and did not file any tax returns for the 2013 through 2022 tax years. As a result, Murdock’s underreported tax obligations total $225,991.
Murdock pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and one count of tax evasion, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. She has also agreed to pay $753,838.70 in restitution to the victim, and $225,991 in back taxes, plus penalties and interest, to the IRS.
Judge Russell scheduled sentencing for December 1. Murdock is released on a $40,000 bond pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena L. Coronado.
Dubuque Man Sentenced to Federal Prison After Cops Find Gun and Drugs in His BagRead the Press Release
A convicted felon from Dubuque who possessed a gun was sentenced today to seven years in federal prison.
Davon Michael Cornwell, age 22, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after an April 21, 2026, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Cornwell was the passenger in a car that Dubuque police officers stopped in February 2025. Officers searched the car after smelling the odor of marijuana. Cornwell was hanging on to a bookbag at the time, which officers also searched. Oficers found approximately 87 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, fake $100 bills, and a loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol in the bag. The gun had a loaded 14-round magazine attached. Fingerprints from the gun matched Cornwell’s. At the time, Cornwall had multiple arrest warrants pending. He has a significant criminal history which includes convictions for burglary, willful injury causing bodily injury, interference with official acts while armed with a firearm, and assault with intent to commit sexual abuse.
Cornwell was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Judge Leonard Strand. Cornwell was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment fee. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-CR-1023.
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Delco Attorney Pleads Guilty to Submitting over $400,000 in Sham Checks to Evade Taxes and Purchase an Electric TruckRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Daniel A. Pallen, 46, of Springfield, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Judge Gail A. Weilheimer to one count of tax evasion and one count of mail fraud, arising from his submission of over $400,000 in fictitious checks to evade payment of his federal taxes and to purchase a new electric utility truck.
As detailed in an information filed in July of this year, the defendant, an attorney, signed and submitted 14 fake “certified” checks to the Internal Revenue Service in November 2024 and January 2025, totaling $294,454.52. Pallen also submitted payment vouchers designating that his fictitious checks be applied to his tax liabilities for Tax Years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2022.
Pallen’s checks were fraudulent because they all used a bank routing number associated with the Federal Reserve Bank and a false bank account number that was Pallen’s Social Security number. In February 2025, the defendant called the IRS to ask whether his checks had been received and to inquire as to why the corresponding payments had not been applied to his tax liabilities.
In addition, Pallen signed and used a fake “cashier’s check” in the amount of $129,710.51 to purchase a new electric utility truck in October 2024 from Company A, with pickup in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The check that he signed and provided to Company A to pay for the electric truck was fraudulent and forged; the account and routing numbers listed on the check belonged not to Pallen, but to Company A’s own bank account.
After Pallen’s sham check bounced and Company A secured the electric utility truck, Pallen, who is a licensed attorney and the owner of a law firm in Media, Pa., filed a civil lawsuit in November 2024 against Company A in Chester County that sought the “immediate return” of the vehicle, along with costs and attorneys’ fees.
The lawsuit, which was signed and verified by Pallen, falsely represented that Company A unlawfully possessed and had no ownership, right, or title to the electric utility truck, when, in fact, the defendant knew the vehicle had been purchased with a bounced check that was forged and fictitious. His verified lawsuit also attached a made-up Form 1099-A tax filing that falsely claimed that Company A had borrowed $129,710.51 from a trust managed by Pallen. In December 2024, Pallen served a notice of default and praecipe for default judgment against Company A, which again sought possession of the electric utility truck and a money judgment against Company A.
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10 and faces a maximum possible term of 25 years’ imprisonment.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samuel S. Dalke.
Delaware Company to Pay More Than $3.34 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Related to Paycheck Protection Program LoanRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – Novum Pharmaceutical Research Services of Delaware, Inc. (“Novum”), a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has agreed to pay $3,345,000 to resolve allegations that it improperly obtained a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) for which it was not eligible.
PPP was an emergency loan program established by Congress in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and administered by the SBA. The program was created to support small businesses and to help them continue to pay employees and meet other business expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. A second round of loans was authorized in early 2021. To be eligible for these Second Draw PPP loans, a business was required to certify that it had no more than 300 employees, including employees of all domestic and foreign affiliates.
Novum applied for and received a $2,000,000 Second Draw PPP loan. In its loan application, Novum certified that, together with its affiliates, it had fewer than 300 employees, as required for eligibility. Novum later applied for—and ultimately received—full forgiveness of the Second Draw loan. However, at the time of its application, Novum and its domestic and foreign affiliates, including its ultimate parent, India-based Lambda Therapeutic Research, Ltd., collectively employed more than 300 individuals. As a result, Novum was not eligible for a Second Draw PPP loan under the SBA’s employee‑based size standard.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace announced the settlement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Laksin handled the case.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party—known as a relator—can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. In this case, the relator will receive a share of the settlement.
Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. A copy of the settlement agreement and agreed-upon statement of facts are attached to this press release. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 24-cv-1381-GBW.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Davenport Man Sentenced to over 6 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Davenport man was sentenced on September 1, 2026, to 78 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and possession of a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking.
According to public court documents, Darnell Jermaine Garrett, 40, armed the home he sold cocaine base and marijuana out of with two loaded firearms. In August 2025, Garrett pistol whipped a person at his home who he believed was stealing from him.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Garrett will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Scott County Sheriff's Office investigated the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles:
- rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders;
- strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and
- accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies.
These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Danish Autism Researcher Extradited After 14 Years on the Run Pleads Guilty to Stealing CDC Grant MoneyRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Poul Thorsen, a Danish researcher who was one of the U.S. Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s top ten most wanted fugitives since 2011, pleaded guilty today to operating a wire fraud scheme that stole CDC grant money awarded for autism research overseas.
“Poul Thorsen ran a multi-year fraud scheme to cheat the CDC, diverting valuable federal grant money to service his greed and inflated lifestyle,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “His fraud was especially reprehensible because he stole public funds that had been earmarked for research related to infant disabilities and birth defects. After evading justice for more than 14 years, Thorsen will finally be held accountable in a federal prison cell and ordered to pay full restitution to the CDC.”
“Today’s guilty plea represents an important step toward holding accountable those who steal taxpayer dollars intended to advance critical public health research,” said Kelly Blackmon, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG remains committed to protecting HHS program funds, and we will continue to pursue anyone who attempts to exploit these resources for personal gain.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: From 2000 to 2009, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, awarded over $11 million in grants to two Danish governmental agencies to study the relationship between autism and exposure to vaccines, between cerebral palsy and infection during pregnancy, and between childhood development and fetal alcohol exposure. In 2002, Thorsen, who had worked as a visiting scientist at the CDC when it solicited the grant applications, became the principal investigator responsible for administering the money awarded by the CDC.
While principal investigator, Thorsen systematically stole the CDC grant money by submitting fraudulent documents to the Danish government, to Aarhus University, and to Odense University Hospital, where scientists performed research under the grant. From February 2004 through June 2008, Thorsen submitted over a dozen fraudulent invoices, containing the forged signature of a CDC laboratory section chief, for reimbursement of expenses Thorsen claimed were incurred in connection with the CDC grant.
Based on the fraudulent invoices, Aarhus University transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars to credit union accounts the university believed belonged to the CDC. In truth, the credit union accounts were personal accounts held by Thorsen. After the money was transferred, Thorsen withdrew the fraudulent proceeds for his own use, obtaining dozens of cashier’s checks and buying a home in Atlanta, a Harley Davidson motorcycle, and Audi and Honda vehicles. Thorsen also withdrew cash, paid off credit cards, and transferred fraudulent proceeds to other accounts. In total, he diverted and received more than $1 million of CDC grant money from Aarhus University and Odense University Hospital.
On September 1, 2026, Thorsen, 65, of Denmark, pleaded guilty to wire fraud. His sentencing is scheduled for December 1, 2026, at 11:00 am before U.S. District Judge J. P. Boulee.
On April 13, 2011, a federal magistrate judge issued an arrest warrant for Thorsen, but he evaded apprehension for over 14 years by remaining in Denmark. On June 4, 2025, Thorsen was arrested while traveling in Germany, and German authorities jailed Thorsen until he was extradited to the United States on May 7, 2026. Thorsen has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service without bail since then.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen H. McClain is prosecuting the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at [email protected] or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
D.C. Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Hershel Andrew Green, III, 43, of the District of Columbia, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with distributing videos and images of adult males engaged in sexually explicit activity with young male children, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“Let me be clear: if you seek out, receive, or distribute child sexual abuse material, we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will hold you accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Every image represents a real child who was victimized, and every person who trades in that material perpetuates that abuse. If you prey on children, you should expect federal law enforcement to come knocking.”
Green, aka “FitddyG,” pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan to one count of distribution of child pornography, which carries a statutory penalty of five to twenty years in prison. Judge AliKhan scheduled sentencing for Nov. 30, 2026.
According to court documents, the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force identified Green during an investigation into another individual’s distribution of child sexual abuse material. In July 2025, an FBI undercover agent, exchanged messages with Green and received several videos of child sexual abuse material from him.
Law enforcement identified Green through digital records, open-source research, and surveillance at his residence in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Bohlen.
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 U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Coos Bay Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Children in the United States and AbroadRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.— A Coos Bay, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for using a minor to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and attempting to use a separate minor to produce CSAM.
Thomas Owen Barnett, 40, was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison and 15 years’ supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.
“This defendant used the internet to exploit children within the United States and abroad. He hid his identity while forcing children to be exposed. We have now exposed Burnett for the criminal he is. Children deserve to be safe online and in their own homes. I hope the children he harmed find healing after these traumatic events,” said Scott E. Bradford.
“Today’s sentence underscores the FBI’s focus on stopping those who exploit children,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “Barnett’s actions caused real harm, and I’m grateful to the North Bend Police Department and the Coos County Sheriff’s Office for their outstanding assistance. Their teamwork with our agents and the U.S. Attorney’s Office was essential to bringing this case to justice.”
According to court documents, between September and December 2023, Barnett encouraged a minor victim to create and send him CSAM. In September 2024, Barnett distributed CSAM of that minor victim on Kik, an online chat platform, and sought money in exchange. That same month, Barnett posed as the minor victim online and asked a man in another country to make and send him CSAM depicting the man’s very young child.
On February 20, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a four-count indictment charging Barnett with sexual exploitation of a child, attempted sexual exploitation of a child, as well as possession and distribution of child pornography.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the North Bend Police Department and the Coos County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a MachinegunRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - Edward Anderson (45, Bradenton) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge John L. Badalamenti to eight years and four months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a machinegun. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents and proceedings, Anderson is a convicted felon with multiple felony narcotics convictions and a prior firearm conviction. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
On July 30, 2025, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Anderson’s residence. Inside, they found four firearms, one of which had been converted into a machinegun by way of a machinegun conversion device. Law enforcement later swabbed this firearm for DNA, and the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory determined that Anderson’s DNA was present on the firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who has multiple felony convictions pleaded guilty today to unlawful possession of a firearm.
"Removing illegal firearms from our streets and keeping them out of the hands of convicted felons is a top priority for this office,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “We will continue to work alongside our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to reduce gun violence and hold repeat offenders accountable."
“ATF is committed to our pledge of ensuring the safety of the public, which includes continuing our efforts to ensure that firearms remain out of the hands of prohibited people,” said Special Agent in Charge John Wester, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). “We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure that this conduct is not tolerated within the Las Vegas community and that the prosecution of repeat offenders, who are prohibited from having a firearm, remains a priority.”
According to court documents, on September 3, 2024, Shamar Tyrell Garcia unlawfully possessed a stolen, Glock 27, .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun. The firearm has been reported stolen in March 2022. Garcia has prior felony convictions, including having a concealed firearm in a vehicle, evading an officer with reckless driving, and assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, all in San Diego County, California; and possession of a controlled substance while armed, bringing drugs into a jail or prison, carrying a loaded firearm with a prior felony conviction, and convicted felon in possession of a firearm, all in Riverside County, California. He is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
Garcia pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The statutory maximum penalty is 15 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing has been scheduled for December 1, 2026, before United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II. Any sentence would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.
First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah, Special Agent in Charge John Wester, and Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office made the announcement.
This case was investigated by ATF, FBI, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the San Diego Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Brenna Bush and James Gaeta are prosecuting the case.
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Convicted Felon from New Bedford Pleads Guilty to Possessing Firearm and Ammunition in Elementary School Parking LotRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A New Bedford man pleaded guilty on Aug. 26, 2026 in federal court in Boston to possessing a firearm and ammunition on the grounds of the Charles G. Taylor Elementary School in Foxborough, Mass.
Jameel Clark-White, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and one count of possessing a firearm in a school zone. U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Dec. 11, 2026. Clark-White was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2025.
At the plea hearing, Clark-White admitted that he traveled from New Bedford to Foxborough on the morning of June 12, 2025, to attend a school function. Prior to the function, Clark-White was involved in a collision with another vehicle in the school’s parking lot. Before police arrived to investigate the crash, Clark-White tossed a .45 caliber Glock pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device, as well as two additional loaded magazines, underneath two parked cars in the school’s parking lot. Clark-White fled the scene minutes later and was not apprehended until July 22, 2025. Clark-White was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions.
The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possessing a firearm in a school zone provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $100,000. 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 Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Foxborough Police Department and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Cutshall of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
Convicted Felon from Fall River Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Fall River was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and distributing cocaine.
Carlos Perez, 40, 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 April 2026, Perez pleaded guilty to four counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and one count of distributing a controlled substance. In November 2025, Perez was arrested and charged.
On May 5, 2025, Perez sold cocaine as well as a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition to a cooperating witness. In addition, Perez sold a Sig Sauer, P230 SL, .380 caliber pistol and ammunition on June 2, 2025; a Ruger, Max 9, 9mm pistol and ammunition on June 30, 2025; and a Smith & Wesson, M&P 9 Shield, 9mm pistol and ammunition on Aug. 27, 2025.
Perez is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to multiple prior convictions. According to the charging documents, Perez has 61 adult charges on his record and over 15 criminal convictions, including a 2015 state conviction for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class A Substance, for which he served two years in the house of corrections, as well as two separate convictions for Assault and Battery Dangerous Weapon in 2008, for which he received a two-year suspended sentence and six months in the house of corrections.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Fall River and New Bedford Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Reynolds III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Contract Mail Carrier Sentenced for Delay and Destruction of MailRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL - Timothy Chandler, 23, a United States Postal Service contract mail carrier, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock to a time served sentence, after spending over 30 days in jail, for delay and destruction of mail.
According to court documents, in November of 2025, Robertsdale Alabama Police Department responded to Chandler’s apartment after receiving a call reporting the discovery of a large volume of undelivered mail. Officers found undelivered mail scattered throughout the apartment, including several envelopes containing celebration cards that had been opened. The mail recovered from the apartment was enough to fill eight postal delivery bins. An additional 66 empty bins were recovered from the apartment.
None of the mail recovered from Chandler’s apartment was addressed to him, and Chandler was not authorized to store or open mail that was not addressed to him. Community members along Chandler’s route described the impact the interruption of their mail service had on their daily lives.
"A large part of the mission of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is to ensure public trust in the mail. When individuals challenge that mission, postal inspectors will aggressively investigate and remain steadfast in our resolve to seek justice," said Shameka Jackson, Inspector-in-Charge of the Houston Division from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. "As a contract driver, Timothy Chandler betrayed the trust of the American public, but he is not representative of the honesty and integrity of hard-working postal employees and contractors serving our nation today. We would like to thank the Robertsdale Police Department for their assistance in this investigation."
“Postal carriers are entrusted with an important responsibility to ensure that members of the public receive their mail in a timely and secure manner,” said U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello. “Anyone violating public trust will be held accountable for their actions.”
The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Robertsdale Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Gaillard Ladd prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Connecticut man going to prison for bank fraud conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Vance Ashley, 57, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, was sentenced to serve 27 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
In January 2025, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Ashley was recruited by members of the conspiracy to pose as other persons and make unauthorized withdrawals from the other persons’ bank accounts. Ashley agreed to do this in exchange for money. Between January 28 and February 3, 2025, Ashley drove with co-conspirators Edwin Robles, Edward Richardson and Michael Herrera, to bank branches in Wilmington, Delaware, Liberty, NY, and Lock Haven, PA, where Ashely used the identifications of other individuals to make, or attempt to make, unauthorized withdrawals from the victims’ bank accounts.
On February 5, 2025, the defendants drove to a Northwest Bank branch in Lockport, within the Western District of New York. Ashley made an unauthorized withdrawal of from the account of an individual residing in Erie, PA. Ashley also purchased a bank check using funds from the account. That same day, the defendants drove to another Northwest Bank branch in Williamsville, within the Western District of New York, and again Ashley made an unauthorized withdrawal from an account and purchased a bank check using funds from the account of a victim from North East PA.
The total loss amount, including actual loss and intended loss, is $61,800.00.
Robles, Richardson and Herrera were all previously convicted.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry Chavis and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone.
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Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Arson for Burning St. John’s Chapel in Caldwell ParishRead the Press Release
MONROE – On August 31, 2026, Anthony Dillon, Jr., 19, of Columbia, Louisiana, pled guilty in federal court to committing arson in connection with the malicious burning of St. John Chapel in the early morning of March 27, 2026, right as Holy Week was set to begin. Dillon faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in federal prison.
“Today’s guilty plea represents another step toward our Office seeking justice for the wanton and brazen burning of St. John Chapel, the sole Catholic church in Caldwell Parish,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “This case reflects our Office’s commitment to working alongside our federal and state law enforcement partners to protect and serve our rural communities, and we look forward to seeing this matter to its conclusion."
According to court documents, Dillon and an accomplice entered St. John Chapel intending to steal electronic equipment, including multiple television sets. After stealing several televisions from inside the church, the two ignited a fire in the administrative area of the building, using a fire accelerant within a wooden filing cabinet. A fire-accelerant canine unit alerted at the point of origin, and forensic testing confirmed the presence of an accelerant there. The fire caused extensive damage to the church’s sanctuary.
ATF, FBIIn the wake of the arson, parishioners have continued worship by holding weekly Masses at a local clinic. The community also established a restoration fund to help rebuild their church.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Louisiana State Fire Marshal, the Caldwell Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller with assistance from Special Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Charlotte Farshian and Paralegal Specialist Joanne Henry-Mills.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 3:26-CR-00159-01.
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United States Attorney’s Office: www.justice.gov/usao-wdla
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(337) 262-6704Clearwater Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Transportation of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Brian Francis McArdle (34, Clearwater) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington to 10 years in federal prison for transportation and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
McArdle pleaded guilty on March 9, 2026.
According to court documents, from January 1, 2023, through April 2, 2024, McArdle used Telegram to distribute and sell CSAM, the production of which involved the use of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Following the execution of a search warrant, the FBI located hundreds of images and videos of CSAM on McArdle’s cell phone, including images which depicted a minor who had not attained 12 years of age engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Arlington County Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.
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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Clearfield County Resident Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Westover, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 84 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of distribution of fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury or death, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on James Gill, 41, who pleaded guilty to the charge in March 2026.
According to information presented to the Court, in and around February 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Gill and co-defendant Mandi Litzinger distributed a quantity of fentanyl that resulted in serious bodily injury and death. In July 2026, a federal jury convicted Litzinger on charges of distribution of fentanyl, which the jury also determined resulted in the serious bodily injury and death of another individual, and conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Litzinger is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2026.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gill.
Cincinnati man pleads guilty to vandalizing Vice President Vance’s Cincinnati homeRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati man pleaded guilty in federal court here today to vandalizing Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati home.
Specifically, William D. DeFoor, 26, pleaded guilty to engaging in acts of physical violence against government officials or property and causing willful injury or depredation to property of the United States.
“Acts of violence directed against our political leaders, their families, or property, have no place in our society and will not be tolerated. Our elected leaders, at all levels of government, must be permitted to carry out their duties free from threats, vandalism, and other forms of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Perpetrators like DeFoor, who put that freedom at risk, particularly through violent, destructive actions, will, like here, be vigorously prosecuted.”
DeFoor was charged by criminal complaint and indicted by a federal grand jury in January and has remained in custody since his arrest.
According to court documents, around midnight on Jan. 5, United States Secret Service (USSS) agents observed DeFoor running along the front fence of the protected residence. DeFoor breached the property line at the driveway and attempted to break the driver’s side window of an unmarked federal law enforcement vehicle blocking the driveway entrance. DeFoor used a hammer and struck a vehicle window three times.
DeFoor refused law enforcement commands to stop and drop the weapon. DeFoor ignored all commands and began to use the hammer to break large, historic glass windows across the front of the protected residence. DeFoor’s hammer strikes also caused damage to the enhanced security assets on each window owned by the United States government and valued at approximately $28,000.
The defendant then attempted to flee on foot and was detained by USSS agents and Cincinnati police officers.
Engaging in acts of physical violence against government officials or property and causing willful injury or depredation to property of the United States are each federal crimes punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Rees, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Cincinnati Police Acting Chief Adam Hennie announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole. Executive Assistant United States Attorney Christy L. Muncy is representing the United States in this case.
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Cape Cod Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Federal Child Sexual Exploitation Crimes in WyomingRead the Press Release
CHEYENNE, Wyo. Kenneth Charles Trenholm, 36, of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, was sentenced today to 30 years in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for two counts of sexual exploitation of a child. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne.
The sentence follows a multiagency investigation into peer-to-peer file sharing and the online extortion of minors. According to court documents, investigators initially traced illicit digital downloads to a lodging facility in Douglas, Wyoming. A subsequent report involving the digital exploitation of a 13-year-old victim enabled law enforcement to identify and arrest Trenholm.
According to court documents, Trenholm used digital communication platforms to solicit illicit materials from several minors and groom them to produce sexually explicit content. He then utilized threats of distribution to coerce a victim to send further explicit content.
“The damage done by these crimes is devastating, and a court sentence cannot undo it. However, today’s judgment makes it certain that child abusers will face full accountability,” said U.S. Attorney Darin Smith. "We owe a great deal to the victim's family for their courage, and to the officers who worked tirelessly on this case."
The case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie R. Morrison prosecuted the case.
Butler Man Sentenced to Four Years of Prison for Threatening to Assault and Murder President Trump, Other U.S. Officials, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement AgentsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to four years of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for his conviction on charges related to his threats to assault and murder United States President Donald J. Trump, other United States officials, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.
United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Shawn Monper, 33. Monper pleaded guilty in April to two counts of threatening to assault and murder United States officials and federal law enforcement officers with the intent to impede, intimidate, interfere with, and retaliate against the officials and agents on account of, and while engaged in, the performance of official duties. As part of his plea agreement, Monper also accepted responsibility for the other counts for which he was charged.
“The United States Attorney’s Office and law enforcement within this district take threats against public servants and law enforcement very seriously,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “The speed with which Monper was identified, charged, arrested, and detained before he had the opportunity to act on his violent threats demonstrates our joint commitment to protecting those who serve our country. The sentence imposed not only ensures that Monper will be in prison and under judicial supervision for years to come, but also sends a strong message to deter others from making such threats.”
“Serious offenses will be met with serious consequences. Today’s sentencing proves anyone threatening elected officials and law enforcement will not be able to hide behind a profile name,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. “When speech crosses a line into threats, FBI Pittsburgh and our partners will use every available resource to track down those responsible and hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to information presented to the Court, on April 8, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Threat Operations Section received an emergency disclosure regarding threats posted to YouTube by user “Mr Satan.” A subsequent federal investigation confirmed that the internet activity associated with “Mr Satan” corresponded with Monper’s residence in the Western District of Pennsylvania and revealed that Monper sought and obtained a firearms permit shortly following President Trump’s inauguration. In February 2025, Monper commented using his “Mr Satan” account: “I have bought several guns and been stocking up on ammo since Trump got in office.” Further, in March 2025, Monper commented using his account: “Eventually im going to do a mass shooting.” One week later, Monper commented: “I have been buying 1 gun a month since the election, body armor, and ammo.”
Investigators determined that Monper posted several threatening statements regarding President Trump, other United States officials, and ICE agents during the period between January 15, 2025, and April 5, 2025, including, in February: “Nah, we just need to start killing people, Trump, Elon, all the heads of agencies Trump appointed, and anyone who stands in the way;” in early March: “im going to assassinate him myself” during a YouTube video titled “Live: Trump’s address to Congress;” in mid-March: “ICE are terrorist people, we need to start killing them;” and then, in early April: “If I see an armed ice agent, I will consider it a domestic terrorist, and an active shooter and open fire on them.”
In imposing sentence, Judge Hardy described Monper’s actions as “extremely serious criminal conduct” and stated that the sentence demonstrates that “such conduct will not be tolerated and will be answered with serious consequences.”
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Butler Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Monper.
Barre Woman Sentenced for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Barre woman was sentenced on Aug. 28, 2026 in federal court in Worcester for stealing over $100,000 in Social Security benefits.
Jennifer Valley, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to one day of prison deemed served and three years of supervised release with 10 months of home confinement. Valley was also ordered to pay $100,218 in restitution. In May 2026, Valley pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money after being charged in April 2026.
From October 2022 through August 2025, Valley stole approximately $100,218 in Social Security retirement benefits that were intended for a beneficiary who had died and with whom she had previously lived. Prior to the beneficiary’s death, Valley had been appointed as the beneficiary’s representative payee to manage their Social Security benefits and provide regular accountings to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Valley failed to report the beneficiary’s death to SSA. Instead, in June 2023, she submitted a representative payee report to SSA stating that all the benefits received during the previous 12 months had been spent for the benefit of the deceased, including $23,157 in funds improperly paid after death during that period. Additionally, in December 2023, Valley updated the deceased’s mailing address with SSA to her new address to conceal the beneficiary’s death.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within federal benefit programs.
Baltimore Man Sentenced in HSTF Drug-Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal judge sentenced a Baltimore man, today, for his role in a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) operating in a Baltimore open-air drug market.
U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson sentenced Damon Toogood, 47, to 57 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Law enforcement learned about Toogood’s connection to the DTO while conducting a federal Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) drug investigation.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).
According to Toogood’s guilty plea, in December 2024, law enforcement began investigating suspected narcotics trafficking and narcotics sales on a West Baltimore block. Investigators identified this block as an open-air drug market, with vehicles stopping to make narcotics purchases from dealers on the street and subsequently driving off.
Then in April 2025, investigators started making controlled purchases of fentanyl from the narcotics dealers on the block. One individual was later identified as Toogood. During the investigation, law enforcement observed Toogood repeatedly interacting with other street-level dealers on the block and making numerous suspected narcotics sales. Between March 19, and May 21, investigators made approximately 10 undercover purchases from the open-air drug market on the block. Law enforcement received approximately 790 gel caps, containing more than 124 grams of fentanyl.
As an example, on April 15, an undercover police officer went to the block to make a controlled purchase of narcotics. After arriving, the undercover officer exited his vehicle and approached Toogood. The undercover officer requested 50 gel caps, so Toogood went to another individual on the street to collect a baggie containing gel caps of narcotics.
Toogood then handed the undercover officer a baggie containing 50 gel caps in exchange for cash. Subsequent forensic analysis showed the gel caps contained more than 15 grams of fentanyl. Then on April 22, the undercover officer returned to the block to make another controlled purchase.
After arriving, the undercover officer approached Toogood about purchasing 50 gel caps. Toogood walked down the block to another individual to obtain a baggie containing the gel caps. Toogood, thereafter, handed the undercover officer a baggie containing the gel caps for cash. The gel caps later tested positive for 14.3 grams of fentanyl. Law enforcement conducted an additional three controlled purchases on April 29, May 7, and May 21. During these controlled buys, the undercover officer purchased 100 gel caps each time in exchange for cash. The 300 gel caps tested positive for a total of 84.3 grams of fentanyl.
This prosecution is part of the HSTF initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Baltimore is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the United States Marshals Service (USMS); the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA (W/B HIDTA); the Maryland State Police (MSP); the Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and BPD for their work in the investigation, along with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, for its valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Rigney who is prosecuting this federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md.
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Babb man pleads guilty to child sex abuseRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Babb man who sexually abused a child admitted to the charge Monday, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Bradley Dale Evans, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of abusive sexual contact. Evans faces up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Jan. 14, 2027. Evans remained in custody pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that between January 2020 and June 2024 Evans sexually abused a child under the age of 12 in a home near Babb.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Hendricks is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
American citizen who worked as an agent for the PRC sentenced to two years in prisonRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Thomas Weir Pauken II, 51, an American citizen who lived and worked in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), was sentenced today to two years in prison for acting as an agent of a foreign government within the United State.
“Thomas Pauken knowingly assisted a foreign adversary in actively subverting the government of the United States for his own financial gain,” said Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This was not an isolated act; Pauken continued his course of conduct to aid China for seven years. It is unconscionable that an American citizen would not only undermine the interests of the United States, but also facilitate others in doing so.”
“Pauken exploited his U.S. citizenship and corresponding ability to travel to the U.S. without restriction in order to support Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) operations, recruiting, and gathering of sensitive information from potential assets,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Pauken betrayed his country for money. The National Security Division is committed to holding accountable anyone who aids or abets Chinese espionage efforts.”
“Thomas Pauken admitted to working at the direction of China’s Ministry of State Security to attempt to infiltrate U.S. political circles while also providing new recruitment targets for his Chinese handlers,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “This case illustrates the lengths to which the Chinese Communist Party will go to undermine our democratic institutions, and it also demonstrates the FBI’s resolve to defend the homeland from threats to our national security. The sentencing provides a clear warning: anyone operating as an agent of a foreign government against the U.S. will be found by the FBI and held accountable.”
According to court documents, from at least 2019 until February 2026, Pauken worked at the direction and control of people he knew worked for the PRC, including a person he met in 2017 identified as “Cathy.” Cathy provided Pauken with taskings, including meeting with potential intelligence assets, providing them with devices such as a laptop and cellphone to communicate with Cathy, providing taskings for the assets on what information was required, and providing Cathy with reports from the assets.
Pauken received at least $100,000 for his work with Cathy. Cathy also paid for Pauken to travel several times between 2019 through 2025 from China to meet with individuals in the United States who could provide Pauken, and ultimately Cathy and the MSS, with information.
Pauken worked for two other people in China whom he met in 2017 and knew as “Richard” and “William.” They told Pauken that reports he wrote for them went to Japan, but Pauken believed they worked for the PRC government.
Pauken also sold reports to a group of Chinese individuals from Wuhan who sought information about technology and the U.S. Department of Justice. The Wuhan clients wanted Pauken to find an expert to help them engage in cyber espionage.
The FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office investigated the case with the assistance of the FBI Washington Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gavin R. Tisdale the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Eli Ross of the Counterintelligence & Export Control Section of the National Security Division are prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:26-cr-103.
American Citizen who Worked as an Agent for the PRC Sentenced to Two Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Thomas Weir Pauken II, 51, an American citizen who lived and worked in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), was sentenced today to two years in prison and 36 months of supervised release with no overseas travel for acting as an agent of a foreign government within the United States.
“Pauken exploited his U.S. citizenship and corresponding ability to travel to the U.S. without restriction in order to support Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) operations, recruiting, and gathering of sensitive information from potential assets,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Pauken betrayed his country for money. The National Security Division is committed to holding accountable anyone who aids or abets Chinese espionage efforts.”
“Thomas Pauken knowingly assisted a foreign adversary in actively subverting the government of the United States for his own financial gain,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Theophani K. Stamos for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This was not an isolated act; Pauken continued his course of conduct to aid China for seven years. It is unconscionable that an American citizen would not only undermine the interests of the United States, but also facilitate others in doing so.”
“Thomas Pauken admitted to working at the direction of China’s Ministry of State Security to attempt to infiltrate U.S. political circles while also providing new recruitment targets for his Chinese handlers,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “This case illustrates the lengths to which the Chinese Communist Party will go to undermine our democratic institutions, and it also demonstrates the FBI’s resolve to defend the homeland from threats to our national security. The sentencing provides a clear warning: anyone operating as an agent of a foreign government against the U.S. will be found by the FBI and held accountable.”
According to court documents, from at least 2019 until February 2026, Pauken worked at the direction and control of people he knew worked for the PRC, including a person he met in 2017 identified as “Cathy.” Cathy provided Pauken with taskings, including meeting with potential intelligence assets, providing them with devices such as a laptop and cellphone to communicate with Cathy, providing taskings for the assets on what information was required, and providing Cathy with reports from the assets.
Pauken received at least $100,000 for his work with Cathy. Cathy also paid for Pauken to travel several times between 2019 through 2025 from China to meet with individuals in the United States who could provide Pauken, and ultimately Cathy and the MSS, with information.
Pauken worked for two other people in China whom he met in 2017 and knew as “Richard” and “William.” They told Pauken that reports he wrote for them went to Japan, but Pauken believed they worked for the PRC government.
Pauken also sold reports to a group of Chinese individuals from Wuhan who sought information about technology and the U.S. Department of Justice. The Wuhan clients wanted Pauken to find an expert to help them engage in cyber espionage.
The FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office investigated the case with the assistance of the FBI Washington Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gavin R. Tisdale the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Eli Ross of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence & Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
After Two Trials and Gun Convictions in Less Than Two Weeks, Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 12½ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Arthur Thompson, 40, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 150 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Karen Spencer Marston for illegally possessing guns and ammunition as a felon.
At back-to-back trials earlier this year, two federal juries convicted the defendant of separate firearms offenses.
On March 31, 2026, Thompson was convicted of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.
As detailed in court filings and proven at trial, on December 20, 2022, two Philadelphia police officers saw the defendant commit a traffic violation and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Thompson stopped his car, got out, tossed a loaded firearm, and ran away from the officers. After a brief foot chase, the defendant was detained and later charged locally with firearms violations.
Thompson was federally indicted in January 2025 and then charged by superseding indictment in December. He had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and was not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition.
On April 10, 2026, Thompson was convicted once again of possession of a firearm by a felon.
As detailed in court filings and proven at trial, on October 18, 2023, investigators with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General’s Gun Violence Task Force (“GVTF”) carried out an operation to locate Thompson, who was the subject of an active arrest warrant. Investigators conducting surveillance on the 3000 block of North Percy Street in Philadelphia saw two people, who they believed were the defendant and his girlfriend, in a parked car, which drove away from that location a few hours later.
GVTF members maintained constant visual surveillance of the vehicle, which subsequently pulled over to drop off the female passenger. After the male drove off, investigators relayed its location and path of travel to Philadelphia Police Department (“PPD”) Highway Patrol officers, who initiated a vehicle stop. After the male driver was removed from the vehicle and positively identified as Arthur Thompson, the PPD officers arrested him on the active warrant.
GVTF investigators obtained and executed a search warrant on the vehicle, recovering a loaded 9mm handgun.
These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Gun Violence Task Force, and the Philadelphia Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert E. Eckert and Samantha A. Arena and Special Assistant United States Attorney Tracie J. Gaydos.
31 August 2026
Venezuelan Man Sentenced to Prison for Attacking CBP OfficerRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Carlos Cadena Duran, 26, a citizen of Venezuela, was sentenced by United States District Judge Robert J. Jonker to 9 months in prison for assaulting, resisting, and impeding federal officers in the performance of their official duties.
On November 26, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers transported Cadena Duran from Detroit to the Calhoun County Jail. Although restrained, Cadena Duran managed to unbuckle his seatbelt and began banging his head, legs, and torso on the barrier between the front and back seats of the vehicle. As the officers attempted to secure Cadena Duran to prevent him from hurting himself, he threatened the officers. Cadena Duran kicked and attempted to headbutt one of the officers, then grabbed and pulled the officer’s belt buckle.
Cadena Duran first entered the United States by crossing the Texas border illegally in 2023. He was taken into DHS custody on November 21, 2025, when he was encountered by CBP officers while reentering the United States on the Ambassador Bridge. Upon completion of his sentence, he will be brought before an immigration court for removal proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey said, “This case provides another example of the danger our immigration officers must face every single day. My office will support their work by bringing assault charges whenever this danger escalates into violence against them.”
“CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility remains committed to supporting and protecting the law enforcement professionals who carry out CBP’s mission every day, often under challenging and unpredictable circumstances,” said Special Agent in Charge Robinson Colombini, CBP Office of Professional Responsibility. “Assaults on federal officers will not be tolerated, and OPR will continue to work closely with our federal partners to ensure these incidents are thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed. We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan and our partners for their continued commitment to pursuing accountability in cases involving violence against our law enforcement personnel.”
CBP Office of Professional Responsibility - Detroit investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Daniels prosecuted it.
Uintah County Man Sentenced to over 12 Years’ Imprisonment After Supplying Fentanyl that Resulted in DeathRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Uintah County man was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison after distributing fentanyl that caused the death of another individual.
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Howard C. Nielson Jr., comes after Jerod Arthur Young, 50, of Fort Duchesne, Utah, pleaded guilty on March 26, 2026, to distribution of fentanyl. In addition to his term of imprisonment, he was ordered to serve three years of supervised release
According to court documents and statements made at Young’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on November 15, 2023, in Fort Duchesne, Young intentionally sold fentanyl to a victim for profit, which resulted in her death. During the investigation, law enforcement determined from the victim’s phone that she communicated with Young and engaged in a financial transaction with him around the time of her death. The pill near her body when she was found deceased tested positive for fentanyl, and a medical examiner determined that the cause of the victim’s death was fentanyl toxicity. As stated in court documents, Young voluntarily called law enforcement while in treatment and stated he believed he was the person that sold the victim the pills that killed her.
Young has a criminal history of drug trafficking convictions (1997, 2015, 2023), the latter of which was pending, and he was on pretrial release when he sold deadly fentanyl to the victim.
“No measure of justice can erase the loss of a life,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah. “However, we hope Young’s lengthy prison sentence sends a strong message to those who push dangerous drugs into our communities, and that it offers the victim’s family a starting point for healing after such a tragic loss.”
“Behind every fentanyl death is a loved one whose life is forever changed,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. “We will not lose sight of the human cost of this epidemic and will work with our partners to bring those who traffic this poison into our communities to justice.”
The case was investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office’s Vernal Resident Agency.
Assistant United States Attorney Sam Pead of The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $13,102,601 in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2025Read the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser announced that the District of Kansas (USAO-KS) collected $13,102,601 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2025. Of this amount, $12,029,108 was collected in criminal actions and $1,073,493 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the USAO-KS worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $30,886 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $17,240 was collected in criminal actions and $13,646 was collected in civil actions.
U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser said, “From recovering restitution for victims to using forfeiture procedures to eliminate the capacity of criminals to function, the forfeiture and financial litigation functions of our office are central to our mission. We will use all of the powerful tools available to us to seek justice for victims and recover funds owed to the United States.”
Here are some of the significant recoveries made during FY 2025 with links to detailed case descriptions:
• Shan Hanes – recovered $8,370,553.47. A majority of the $8 million was recovered through a forfeiture of funds traced to a blockchain virtual currency address. The remaining funds are attributed to turnover of real estate sales proceeds and garnishment of accounts.
• Nagy Shehata – recovered $428,901.45. Prior to Shehata’s criminal conviction, the Asset Forfeiture Division initiated a forfeiture action against various properties, including real property owned by him and his wife in Overland Park that he purchased with crime proceeds. The property sold in May 2025, with the United States receiving $428,901.45. These funds were turned over to the District Court Clerk for payment on the restitution owed to the victim.
• Kirk and Lynn Ritter – recovered $227,567.49. The Ritters were sentenced in January 2025 to charges of wire fraud and theft of government funds. They were ordered to pay $216,067.49 in restitution, $11,000 in fines, and $400 in assessments. They voluntarily paid the restitution amount in full prior to sentencing and paid the remaining fines and assessments shortly thereafter.The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Kansas, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $34,857,365 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2025. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
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U.S. Attorneys and Department of Justice Join Departments of Transportation and Homeland Security and White House Fraud Task Force to Launch Historic Interagency Effort to Crack Down on Fraud in Trucking IndustryRead the Press Release
Eight U.S. Attorneys and the Department of Justice (DOJ) today joined Secretary Sean P. Duffy of the Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Secretary Markwayne Mullin of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — as well as Administrator Derek Barrs of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Vice Chairman Andrew Ferguson of the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud — to announce a historic interagency effort to crack down on fraud in the trucking industry. Federal officials were also joined by Marcus Coleman and his daughter Dalilah, who was critically injured in a 2024 crash with an illegal alien behind the wheel.
“The safety of American roadways affects everyone across the country,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Foreigners and illegal aliens have exploited America’s trucking industry, often putting unqualified, improperly trained, non-English speaking drivers on our highways. Some may be hauling drugs or weapons for international crimes networks. The drivers and companies that allow for this dangerous activity will no longer get a pass. The Department of Justice is proud to join federal, state, and local partners in Joint Task Force Crossroads for America to dismantle the fraud schemes harming American truckers, drivers and community safety. Together, we will prosecute culprits, and protect America’s roads.”
“USDOT has spent the last year-and-a-half strengthening the rules of the road and removing dangerous foreign drivers from our trucking industry,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “To fully root out the scourge of fraud, hold criminals accountable, and restore safety, we need the support of federal law enforcement. I am so grateful for President Trump raising the alarm on this issue, and to Vice President Vance for leading the charge to crack down on fraud nationwide. From states failing to follow the law to shady training schools and illicit companies, together we will tackle every link in the chain.”
“Thanks to the recklessness of sanctuary politicians, there is a growing and alarming trend of illegal aliens being granted commercial driver’s licenses. Many of them don’t speak English or understand the rules of the road, and yet they’re driving among us, endangering our loved ones,” said U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “As a result, far too many Americans have lost their lives because an illegal alien was behind the wheel. Under the strong leadership of President Trump, DHS and ICE are delivering on our mission to protect Americans by taking these dangerous threats OFF our roadways and getting them OUT of our country. Additionally, our partnership with the Department of Transportation will help root out CDL fraud so that illegal aliens are no longer able to obtain CDLs and put American lives at risk. The Trump Administration will ALWAYS put the American people first.”
“Here’s a basic concept: Americans have a right to feel safe on the roads their taxes pay for. Unfortunately, the previous administration disagreed and turned a blind eye to criminal enterprises that allowed drivers who couldn’t pass a basic English test to obtain a commercial driver’s license,” said White House Fraud Task Force Executive Director Scott Brady. “That ends today thanks to the leadership of Vice President Vance, who is focused on protecting American lives on our nation’s roadways.”
“Criminals who exploit our nation’s transportation systems through fraud and deception are not only breaking the law–they are putting the safety and security of the American public at risk,” said Homeland Security Investigations Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon. “HSI will bring the full weight of our investigative authorities, financial expertise and global law enforcement capabilities to this historic, whole-of-government effort. Alongside our federal partners we will aggressively pursue the individuals and criminal networks that use fraudulent documents, illicit financial schemes and other unlawful means to circumvent our laws and profit at the expense of public safety.”
The U.S. Attorneys joining Secretaries Duffy and Mullin and others to make today’s announcement were:
- U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon for the Eastern District of Michigan;
- U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred for the Northern District of Indiana;
- U.S. Attorney Tim Verhey for the Western District of Michigan;
- U.S. Attorney David Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio;
- U.S. Attorney Dominick Gerace for the Southern District of Ohio;
- U.S. Attorney Tom Wheeler for the Southern District of Indiana;
- U.S. Attorney Steven Weinhoeft for the Southern District of Illinois; and
- U.S. Attorney Greg Gilmore for the Central District of Illinois.
Building on Vice President Vance’s agenda to root out fraud across the country, the coalition announced the Joint Task Force Crossroads of America — a multi-state partnership to secure our highways and strengthen border security. Partnering across federal, state, and local agencies, the Task Force will target criminal networks and fraud to reduce highway fatalities and protect Americans.
Actions Include:
DOJ
- Formation of Joint Task Force Crossroads of America to safeguard the nation’s highway system and strengthen the security of our borders.
USDOT
- Emergency removal of 110 commercial driver’s license (CDL) schools associated with more than 5,000 drivers who failed English language proficiency tests
- Launching a nationwide audit of third-party CDL skills testers and states’ oversight of the testers
- Results from 40-state investigation of additional training schools
DHS
- Synchronized single-day sweep targeting more than 200 training schools across 23 states
- Joint coordination with USDOT
- HSI and ICE updates on ongoing investigations targeting CDL-related businesses and schools
This unprecedented interagency campaign represents the Trump Administration's most aggressive effort in history to root out fraud, waste, and abuse in trucking. By aligning USDOT’s regulatory authorities with federal law enforcement operations, the administration is taking aggressive action to safeguard American roads against unqualified and unvetted illegal truckers.
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE OPERATIONS
Today, the Department of Justice is announcing the formation of the Joint Task Force Crossroads of America. This multi-state Task Force is being formed to safeguard the nation’s highway system and strengthen the security of our borders. The Task Force teams up the United States Attorney’s Offices in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio with our state and local enforcement, prosecutors, and federal partners including the Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, FBI, DEA, HSI, ICE, and ATF.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS
In the past year-and-a-half, USDOT has knocked over 28,000 drivers off our roads for failing to speak English, forced states to cancel over 30,000 licenses illegally issued to foreign drivers, and purged over 8,000 unqualified training schools from our FMCSA registry. In July, the Department announced a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to further crack down on fraudulent and illegal practices in CDL schools.
Today, FMCSA announced three enforcement actions to stop fraudulent commercial driver training and testing practices that have allowed drivers not proficient in English to operate commercial vehicles.
Action I: The Emergency Removal of Training Providers
FMCSA reviewed roadside inspection records for commercial drivers cited for not meeting English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements. The agency then compared those drivers with records in the Training Provider Registry (TPR) to identify training providers that repeatedly certified drivers who did not meet federal qualification standards.
FMCSA will now execute the emergency removal of more than 110 Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) providers from the TPR. These providers must immediately cease all operations as a training provider, including administering curricula, utilizing facilities for instruction, and conducting behind-the-wheel training.
Action II: Performing Targeted Investigations and Proposing Removals
In July, FMCSA sent 175 investigators in 40 states to conduct nearly 400 investigations of ELDT providers. The investigations uncovered several serious cases of non-compliance:
- Inadequate Space: The range did not have adequate space to complete necessary maneuvers.
- Unlicensed Instructors: The instructor did not have the correct license to conduct the training.
- Missing Documentation: The facility did not maintain records of any assessments.
- Fraudulent Classrooms: The training provider claimed their classroom was inside of a school bus in the back of a trailer when asked about where their classroom instruction took place.
These targeted efforts resulted in more than 160 notices of proposed removals from FMCSA’s TPR. Drivers certified by these 160+ ELDT providers are linked to 239 commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities.
Action III: Conducting a Nationwide Audit of Third-Party Skills Testers
CDL skills tests must be given in English, yet more than 28,000 drivers have been placed out of service for ELP violations since June 2025, showing clear compliance failures among third-party testers and a failure by states to conduct effective oversight of the third-party testers.
FMCSA can hold states accountable for authorizing testers who fail federal requirements. If a state’s CDL program is non-compliant, the following process applies:
- Annual Program Review: FMCSA conducts a yearly review of each state's CDL program.
- Preliminary Finding: If deficiencies are found, FMCSA issues a formal notification of noncompliance to the state's Governor and State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA).
- State's Response Window: The state has 30 days to create a mutually agreed-upon Corrective Action Plan (CAP) detailing how it will fix the issues.
- Final Determination & Consequences: If the state fails to correct the problems, FMCSA issues a final determination of substantial noncompliance. This triggers a mandatory withholding of federal highway funds, starting at up to 4% in the first year and increasing to 8% for each subsequent year of noncompliance.
- Decertification: For serious issues, FMCSA may begin the decertification process. A decertified state cannot issue, renew, transfer, or upgrade any CDLs.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY OPERATIONS
HSI, in conjunction with U.S. Attorney Office and U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is leading a national criminal investigation initiative targeting public safety vulnerabilities and criminal activity in the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and commercial trucking sector. The initiative focuses on CDL fraud, unauthorized employment, identity-document fraud, financial crime, money laundering, labor exploitation, and potential links to human smuggling, drug trafficking, and cartel activity.
HSI activity includes:
- On August 31, 2026, HSI will conduct a synchronized surge at more than 200 driving schools across 23 Special Agent in Charge offices, targeting CDL-related businesses, schools, carriers, and employers. This surge will consist in the service of Notice of Inspections across 23 states.
- HSI, in coordination with USDOT FMCSA and USDOT OIG, disseminated over 1,000 CDL-related business leads stemming from known or suspect business engaged in unsafe practices on the roadways and transportation-sector exploitation.
- Field offices have issued more than 80 Notices of Inspection, opened multiple investigations, and identified indicators of fraudulent CDL issuance, unauthorized employment, identity fraud, shell companies, and broader transportation-sector exploitation.
Ongoing HSI Investigations include:
- Unauthorized Employment: HSI is investigating a trucking company suspected of using B1/B2 visa holders for domestic cargo transport. To date, three drivers have been arrested and several firearms seized.
- DMV Employee CDL Fraud: HSI is investigating state motor vehicle employees suspected of accepting payments to help illegal aliens bypass driver’s license and CDL requirements. Investigators have arrested numerous subjects for official misconduct and misappropriation of state identification documents.
- Fatality-Linked I-9 Enforcement: HSI investigated a freight company linked to the fatality of a state law enforcement officer.
- CDL Medical Certification Fraud: HSI and USDOT-OIG are investigating medical practitioners suspected of improperly certifying medical exams required for illegal aliens to obtain CDLs.
- Labor Exploitation: HSI is investigating companies exploiting visa holders, engaging in visa fraud, labor exploitation, financial crimes, and drug trafficking associated with CDL businesses.
Planned and ongoing Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) field activity includes:
- Miami Field Office: Coordinating a joint operation during the week of August 24 with Florida DOT, FMCSA, and the Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement.
- Chicago Field Office: Coordinating a joint operation with Indiana State Police from August 25-27 focused on weigh stations and including ERO/DOT officers.
- National Surge Operation: ERO anticipates conducting a nationwide surge operation on August 31, focusing on Maine, Michigan, and Wisconsin by coordinating a joint enforcement and inspection response with USDOT, leveraging both ERO officers and FMCSA-certified inspectors to conduct commercial vehicle enforcement activity and inspection checkpoints at separate locations.
ERO is also conducting national and field-level enforcement efforts related to CDL holders and commercial transportation activity, including:
- Operation ICE Wall: A multi-stage enforcement operation targeting trucking companies and drivers with final orders, prior removals, or reinstatements of prior removal orders.
- Operation Guardrail: An initiative focused on illegal aliens holding commercial driver’s licenses.
- Operation Freightliner: An ERO Public Safety and Partnership Division-led operation across ERO areas of responsibility with active 287(g) partners. This operation uses an intergovernmental approach, coordinating with federal and 287(g) partners to locate, interdict, and identify aliens operating commercial vehicles in violation of the law.
The Task Force seeks to enhance roadway safety; reduce fatalities, serious injuries, and criminal activity; deter illegal trucking practices; promote consistent, data‑driven enforcement strategies across jurisdictions; and hold accountable those who would harm the United States and its citizens.
Six Indicted After Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Six individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.
Brandon A. McAfee, 40, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Arthelle McClain, 70; Joe F. Fuller, Jr., 44; Shelia M. M. Gordon, 64; Anthony S. S. Conaway, 48; and Marshall D. Jackson, 49, of Kansas City, Mo., were charged in a 16-count indictment that was returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. on Aug. 25, 2026. That indictment was unsealed and made public last week with arrests and initial court appearances for five of the defendants.
The federal indictment alleges the defendants conspired with one another to distribute fentanyl and cocaine between November 2025 and August 2026.
Jackson is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Investigators recovered approximately 3,533 grams of cocaine, 1,555 grams of fentanyl, 1,049 grams of carfentanil and fentanyl, 237 grams of unknown pills, 555 grams of MDMB-4EN-Pinica, 55 grams of diphenidine, 364 grams of marijuana, 198 grams of tetrahydrocannabinol, and phencyclidine during last week’s arrest operation. Additionally, investigators recovered nine total firearms, one of which had an obliterated serial number, another was stolen, and one was equipped with a machinegun conversion device, also known as a “switch.”
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Jennings. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force, the Saint Joseph Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Homeland Security Task Force
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Kansas City comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.
Sauk County Woman Sentenced to Prison for Straw Purchasing FirearmRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jade McClaren, 42, Rock Springs, Wisconsin, was sentenced last week by U.S. District Judge William Conley to one year and one day in federal prison for lying on a form during the purchase of a firearm. McClaren pleaded guilty to this charge on April 20, 2026.
“Straw purchasing” is when a gun buyer lies to a firearms dealer to purchase a gun for someone else. Most often straw purchases occur either because the straw buyer can pass the required background check and the actual buyer cannot, or because the actual buyer wants to avoid having their name associated with the gun transaction. Straw purchasing is a serious threat to public safety because it undermines background check laws and contributes to the illegal gun market.
On June 2, 2026, McClaren purchased a handgun from a gun store purporting to be the actual purchaser of the handgun. She later admitted that she was really purchasing the handgun for Brandon Bent, an individual she knew could not legally purchase a firearm. Bent has been charged in Sauk County with first degree intentional homicide. The case against him remains pending and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
At McClaren’s sentencing, Judge Conley agreed with the government’s argument that this was the worst-case and most tragic outcome of a straw purchase. Judge Conley found that McClaren knew Bent was a danger and she still made the decision to buy a gun for him. Judge Conley concluded that the sentence must reflect the consequences of the straw purchase and sentenced McClaren to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
“Straw purchasing of firearms puts guns into the hands of people who are prohibited from owning them, increasing the risk of violent crime. It also undermines community safety by making it harder for law enforcement to track and prevent illegal firearm trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Elgersma. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with ATF and local law enforcement to reduce gun violence by holding accountable not only those who use firearms during crimes, but also those who illegally supply guns to offenders.”
The charge against McClaren was the result of an investigation conducted by the Lake Delton Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, which is comprised of agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case.
Federal prosecutions by the U.S. Department of Justice involving drugs and guns are part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe.
Ohio State University Agrees to $2.1M Settlement to Resolve Allegations that it Failed to Disclose Employees’ Ties to the People’s Republic of China in Applications for Federal Research FundingRead the Press Release
Ohio State University (OSU), a public university in Columbus, Ohio, has agreed to pay a total of $2,100,000 to resolve civil allegations that it failed to disclose OSU employees’ affiliations with and support from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in connection with federal research funding.
“American universities that benefit from the federal government’s support for scientific research and advancement must fully disclose all foreign funding in their grant applications,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department's Civil Division. “We will continue to hold accountable any university that fails to comply with disclosure requirements designed to protect research security and federally-funded scientific achievements.”
“Together with the Department of Justice and NASA, we have secured a major financial recovery on behalf of the American public,” said Robert Steinau, Senior Official at the NASA Office of Inspector General. “The settlement and accompanying compliance agreement send a clear message: We will not tolerate institutions that conceal foreign ties and compromise national security. Our cutting-edge research must not fall into the hands of our adversaries.”
“The National Science Foundation invests billions of taxpayer dollars each year in research that advances American innovation and national security, providing a substantial portion to support America’s colleges and universities,” said Acting Inspector General Megan E. Wallace of the National Science Foundation. “Federal agencies rely on grant recipients, including colleges and universities, to fully disclose their funding sources and personnel commitments, including foreign support. When recipients fail to make those disclosures, they undermine the integrity of the federal grant process and can put taxpayer dollars and U.S. research interests at risk. The NSF Office of Inspector General is committed to protecting the nation’s investment in science and technology by detecting and preventing fraud and holding recipients accountable for meeting their obligations. We thank the Justice Department’s Civil Division and our investigative partners for their work in protecting federally funded research.”
This settlement relates to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and National Science Foundation (NSF) grants that provided funding to OSU from November 2012 to August 2023. In the funding application process, NASA and NSF required OSU to disclose, among other things, foreign government support received by any principal investigator (PI) or co-PI on the grant application. Further, since 2011, federal law prohibits the use of grant funds for collaborations with the PRC, PRC Universities, or any PRC-owned companies. The settlement resolves allegations that OSU failed to disclose the collaboration and affiliation with, or funding received from, the PRC by certain OSU employees working on NASA and NSF grants. Specifically, the settlement resolves allegations that since 2014, annual Faculty Activity Reports submitted to OSU identified affiliations with PRC universities and state-run research organizations, but OSU did not disclose this information to NASA or NSF. In addition, OSU learned in 2019 that a PI on NASA grants was a participant in a Thousand Talents Program, a program established by the PRC to recruit individuals with knowledge or access to foreign technology intellectual property, but OSU did not notify NASA or NSF until four years later in 2023. The United States identified additional OSU employees who worked on those grants and were affiliated with, or collaborated with, or received funding from, the PRC.
This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, NASA OIG, NSF OIG, and the FBI.
The matter was handled by Fraud Section Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Reimer. Investigative support was provided by NASA OIG, NSF OIG, and the FBI.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
New York Judge Blocks State of New York’s Unconstitutional Climate Superfund ActRead the Press Release
Note, the press release has been updated to include a quote from the Associate Attorney General.
Today, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York ruled that the State of New York may not impose strict liability on energy companies for their alleged contributions to global greenhouse gas emissions. In 2024, New York enacted the “Climate Change Superfund Act,” which purported to impose billions of dollars on domestic and foreign energy companies that extract fossil fuels or refine crude oil. A coalition of states and trade organizations sued, alleging that the Act is preempted by the federal Clean Air Act and by the federal foreign affairs power, and that the Act violates the Constitution. After the case was consolidated with a suit filed by a different coalition of trade organizations, the Justice Department filed a statement of interest and presented oral argument in support of the plaintiffs. The court agreed that the New York Climate Change Superfund Act is preempted by the Clean Air Act and by the federal foreign affairs power, and the court held that the Climate Act is invalid.
“The court held that federal law preempts New York’s attempt to regulate global environmental concerns, marking a significant step in advancing President Trump’s energy agenda and lowering energy prices for Americans,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “We will continue to fight to uphold the rule of law, unleash American energy, and protect our national security.”
“The Department of Justice is delivering on President Trump’s order to protect American energy from state overreach,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “New York’s law would have expropriated $75 billion from energy companies around the world during an energy emergency and in direct defiance of American foreign policy and federal law. We will continue to fight for affordable, reliable energy for all Americans.”
President Trump directed the Attorney General to take action to stop the enforcement of state laws that unreasonably burden domestic energy development so that energy will once again be reliable and affordable for all Americans. The Justice Department’s support in this case advances President Trump’s directive in Executive Order 14260, Protecting American Energy from State Overreach.
The government has also filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York challenging the same expropriative Climate Change Superfund Act. And the government has filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont challenging Vermont’s Climate Superfund Act, which seeks to recover an unspecified amount from the same energy companies targeted by the New York Act. In those suits, the government alleges that the New York Climate Change Superfund Act and the Vermont Climate Superfund Act are preempted by the federal Clean Air Act and by the federal foreign affairs power, and that they violate the U.S. Constitution. The Justice Department seeks a declaration that these state laws are unconstitutional and an injunction against their enforcement.
Missouri man who had methamphetamine in rental car sentenced to prisonRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Missouri man was sentenced to 240 months in prison for transporting methamphetamine across state lines.
According to court documents, Jason James Jones, 39, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
In May 2023, a Geary County Sheriff’s deputy stopped Jones while he was driving a rental car through Kansas. During a search, law enforcement found what was later confirmed by a laboratory to be 2.2 kilograms of methamphetamine. Jones admitted he was taking the methamphetamine to Missouri with the intention of distributing it.
“Drug trafficking creates a significant threat to public safety. A recent study by the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area indicates that methamphetamine has upended fentanyl as the number one contributor to violent crime and property crime in the region,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “The 2026 HIDTA Threat Assessment also showed most of the methamphetamine coming in is produced in Mexico and brought by people driving privately owned vehicles.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Geary County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Debenham prosecuted the case.
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Maryland Union Leader Convicted of Defrauding Union to Enrich HerselfRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Greenbelt, Maryland, convicted the former president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) local 2419 union, Kimberly Goodwin, 54, of Bowie, Maryland, of participating in a wire fraud conspiracy and eight counts of money laundering.
“Kimberly Goodwin was a union leader entrusted to safeguard finances and represent the interests of dues-paying members, but instead led a scheme to steal from them and convert the money for personal use. This was a substantial betrayal of the trust of hard-working Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division is proud to partner with the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General to uncover this fraud and prosecute those involved, including Goodwin, who led the conspiracy and held a union leadership position.”
“Kimberly Goodwin abused her position of trust as a union president to steal nearly $1 million from the very members she was elected to represent, funneling their money to a sham consulting company for services that were never rendered,” said Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. “This conviction, along with the earlier conviction of her co-conspirator, sends a clear message that those who exploit their fiduciary responsibility to union members for personal enrichment will be held accountable.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Goodwin served as the president of the AFGE local 2419 union from January 2017 to August 2019. At the time of her service, the union represented approximately 500 federal employees of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As part of the fraud scheme, under Goodwin’s authority, the union transferred approximately $1 million received from NIH from multiple employee grievance lawsuits into the local 2419 bank account. She then used her power as signatory of the union bank account – which she retained as part of her scheme to defraud the union even after her tenure as president had expired in 2019 – to transfer the money to a sham consulting company that she owned. Through a series of bank and wire transfers and cash withdrawals, she transferred approximately $1 million to her own account between 2019 and 2022 for services that were never provided by her consulting firm, or whose invoiced value far exceeded the true value of the service rendered.
As shown at trial, Goodwin also secretly instituted new rules to the local 2419 bylaws that allowed her sham consulting firm to receive illegitimate payment for claimed work on union issues such as training, contract negotiations and collective bargaining. Indeed, evidence presented at trial established that there had not even been a meeting of local 2419 since 2020, and that local 2419 ran out of money and went into receivership in 2022. Evidence also showed that, while she controlled the union’s bank account, Goodwin spent union money for personal shopping including a $7,400 massage chair and other personal expenditures.
Goodwin is the second defendant convicted in this case. Goodwin’s co-conspirator, the Secretary-Treasurer of AFGE Local 2419, Kelleigh Williams, was convicted in 2025 of wire fraud conspiracy for her part in the fraud scheme.
The Department of Labor Office of Inspector General National Capital Region Office of Investigations and the Department of Labor Office of Labor-Management Standards investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Ben Tonkin and Vincent J. Falvo of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case.
Manchester Man Sentenced to a Decade in Federal Prison for Fentanyl and Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Manchester resident was sentenced today in federal court for distributing over 3.7 kilograms of fentanyl and possessing with intent to distribute 1.2 kilograms of cocaine, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
Xavier Santana, 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul J. Barbadoro to 120 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release. On May 20, 2026, Santana pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing at least 400 grams of fentanyl, three counts of distributing at least 50 grams of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine.
“Working with our law enforcement partners, we took a large-volume fentanyl dealer off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “Fentanyl has devastated communities across the country, and this sentence reflects the severity of the defendant’s crimes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to hold drug traffickers accountable.”
“Removing a large-scale fentanyl trafficker like Xavier Santana from our streets—and sending him to prison for the next decade—is a decisive victory for the people of New Hampshire,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “If you think you can profit from poisoning our communities, think again. The FBI and our partners will track you down, shut you down, and put you behind bars. We will not tolerate the criminals driving the opioid crisis. Our mission is to protect our families, and we will not back down.”
According to public records and statements made in court, in late 2024, law enforcement learned that the defendant was selling drugs. The FBI conducted a series of controlled buys of drugs from Santana, first with a confidential source. The source purchased about 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl from Santana. The FBI then had an undercover officer participate in additional controlled buys of fentanyl from Santana totaling over 2.5 kilograms. Sometimes law enforcement was able to purchase a half-kilogram of fentanyl at a time. In July 2025, law enforcement searched the defendant’s residence and found over 1.2 kilograms of cocaine in Santana’s bedroom.
The FBI’s Major Offender Task Force led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Cesar A. Vega prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.
Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Attempting to Pay Teenage Girls for SexRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Jose De Jesus Anguiano of San Diego was sentenced in federal court today to 168 months in prison plus 10 years of supervised release for coercing or attempting to coerce at least four children, ages 13 to 17, to engage in sexual activity in exchange for money, marijuana, or alcohol.
Anguiano pleaded guilty on February 24, 2026, to one count of Coercion and Enticement of a Minor. According to his plea agreement, Anguiano also admitted similar conduct with three other minors, including that from at least April 28, 2022, through August 29, 2024, he repeatedly solicited minors for sex and on at least one occasion raped a 14-year-old girl after agreeing to meet with her to provide her with marijuana.
As a part of his scheme, Anguiano would insert himself into the youth population through social media, offering to be underage girls’ hookup for “weed,” “booze” and money.
Anguiano’s conduct came to the attention of the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force when, on August 29, 2024, he himself brazenly called the police. Anguiano had arranged to meet with a minor for sex in an alley. When Anguiano arrived, the minor’s trafficker held Anguiano up at gun point in an attempted carjacking. Anguiano then dialed 911 for help from the San Diego Police Department. When officers arrived on scene, they quickly put together the facts and called in the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force.
“There’s an irony in a child predator calling the cops on another criminal,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon, “But more important is the justice this sentence serves. It’s a clear reminder to predators that the law is not your shield or your weapon. The law belongs to the victims.”
“This sentence proves that combating the trafficking and exploitation of children remains an utmost priority for my team and me at the California Department of Justice,” said Attorney Rob General Bonta. “Crimes against children will never be tolerated in California, and I remain dedicated to holding perpetrators of child exploitation accountable. I am grateful for the hard work of my team in the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force that made securing this prison sentence possible.”
In the government’s sentencing memo, prosecutors noted that Anguiano “had become so brazen in his criminal acts that he had no hesitation of harassing children into having sex with him, over several years, attempting to recruit friends or siblings, photographing one victim behind a police car, and calling the police on another victim whose trafficker car-jacked him when he arrived in an alley to pay for sex with the minor.”
The mother of one of the victims submitted a statement to the court explaining that, “Sexual assault does not simply end when the assault is over. The effects can continue long after the physical event has ended. It can affect a survivor’s ability to trust, their sense of safety, their relationships, their emotional well-being, and the way they see themselves and the world around them.”
At the end of her statement, the mother wrote that Anguiano “did not get to take away my daughter’s future. You hurt her. You violated her trust. You changed her. You changed me. You changed our family. You forced us to make decisions we never should have had to make…. But you did not take away her ability to heal…. [She] is still here. She is loved. She is supported. She is healing.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndzie M. Carter and Derek Ko.
If you believe you or someone you know has been a victim of human trafficking, investigators ask that you contact the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.
DEFENDANT Case Number 25cr01293-BJC
Jose De Jesus Anguiano
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Coercion and Enticement of a Minor, 18 U.S.C., Section 2422
Maximum penalty: Life imprisonment with a 10-year mandatory minimum; $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force
San Diego Police Department
Chula Vista Police Department
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Homeland Security Investigations
The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force is a cooperative effort involving the California Department of Justice, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, National City Police Department, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, San Diego City Attorney’s Office, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego County Probation Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego Police Department, Southwest Border High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Special Victims Unit. Formed in April 2025, the SVU is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving sex trafficking and child exploitation, civil rights, and labor trafficking. The SVU oversees the Southern District of California liaisons to the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force and Project Safe Childhood
Life Sentence for Wilmington Kidnapper and Murderer Affirmed on AppealRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – On August 27, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit summarily affirmed the conviction and life sentence of Kimon Burton-Roberson, 32, of Wilmington, for a brutal, gang-related kidnapping and murder.
Burton-Roberson, a member of the Shotgun Crips street gang, pleaded guilty in December 2024 to conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly sentenced him to life in prison in December 2025. The Third Circuit’s decision ensures that Burton-Roberson will spend the remainder of his life in federal custody.
According to court documents and trial evidence, Burton-Roberson and several gangmates invaded the home of a 35-year-old Wilmington resident in July 2021. The gang beat and bound the victim, and drove him across state lines to Yeadon, Pennsylvania, where Burton-Roberson executed him with an assault rifle before attempting to destroy forensic evidence.
“Kimon Burton-Roberson stole a man’s life in a brutal act of gang violence,” said U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace. “We are gratified by the decision of the Third Circuit, which, we hope, will bring closure to the victim’s family and broader community. This now-final life sentence is a message to Delaware’s street gangs: gang violence can strip you of your freedom for life, and where justice requires that outcome, we will fight for it until the final bell.”
“Protecting our communities, crushing violent crime, and holding dangerous offenders accountable are some of the FBI’s highest priorities. This decision reaffirms gang violence will be severely punished,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul.
“I am proud of the work of our police officers and our partner agencies, who worked collaboratively to deliver justice on behalf of the victim in this case,” said Wilmington Police Major Andrea Janvier, who oversees investigative operations for the agency. “We also appreciate the efforts of our partners at the United States Attorney's Office, who worked tirelessly to ensure the defendant received the harshest penalty possible.”
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force, alongside the Wilmington Police Department, the Yeadon Borough Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Delaware Probation and Parole.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace defended the conviction and sentence on appeal. The case was prosecuted in the District Court by U.S. Attorney Wallace and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle L. Morgan and Kevin P. Pierce.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-CR-17-CFC.
Justice Department Secures Denaturalization of Convicted Rapist from IndiaRead the Press Release
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York entered judgment revoking the naturalization of convicted rapist Gurmeet Singh.
“American citizenship is not a shield for criminals,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Gurmeet Singh, a convicted rapist from India, is no longer a U.S. citizen. He concealed a rape and kidnapping during the naturalization process, and a federal court has now revoked his citizenship. This Department took this case across the finish line, and we will continue to move expeditiously on denaturalization referrals. Fraudulently obtained citizenship will not protect criminals from justice.”
“Singh unlawfully obtained the privileges of U.S. citizenship by concealing horrible criminal acts,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department will continue to protect the integrity of the citizenship process and hold accountable those who defraud our immigration system.”
“The Court’s judgment, which requires the defendant to surrender his wrongfully obtained citizenship, sends a strong message to those who obtain citizenship through deceit, and demonstrates the Administration’s resolve to pursue denaturalization proceedings in all cases permitted by law and supported by the evidence,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr for the Eastern District of New York.
A native of India, Singh entered the United States in February 1992 as a visitor for a temporary period not to exceed six months. He then remained in the United States without authorization for years until a family-based immigrant visa petition allowed him to become a permanent resident in June 2000.
In May 2011 — mere weeks before he filed his application to naturalize as a U.S. citizen — Singh, a taxicab driver at the time, drove a female passenger who fell asleep during her ride home to a location with no witnesses. When his passenger awoke, she found Singh on top of her with a knife against her throat. He threatened her, bound and gagged her, blindfolded her, removed her clothes, and raped her. Afterwards, the victim escaped from the cab and ran to someone in the streets at dawn for help.
Singh concealed these acts throughout his naturalization proceedings, leading to his becoming a U.S. citizen on Oct. 19, 2011. After naturalizing, Singh was convicted in New York of Rape in the First Degree and Kidnapping in the Second Degree as a Sexually Motivated Felony and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The Aug. 26 order revoking Singh’s naturalization follows a complaint the Justice Department filed on Feb. 2.
This case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christopher Lyerla of the Civil Division’s Office of Immigration Litigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Layaliza Soloveichik for the Eastern District of New York.
Jeannette Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening to Murder Federal Law Enforcement OfficersRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to making threats to murder U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents, and a special agent and two task force officers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.
Dale Ankney, 72, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand to three counts of retaliating against federal law enforcement officers by threat.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that a review of Ankney’s publicly available social media account revealed posts in which Ankney advocated acts of violence against federal law enforcement, specifically, ICE and IRS agents. On June 17, 2026, an FBI special agent and two FBI task force officers attempted an interview of Ankney at his residence. After displaying FBI credentials, identifying themselves as associated with the FBI, and indicating that they wanted to speak to Ankney regarding his threatening statements online, Ankney became agitated and instructed the FBI to leave, including telling the agents “I will cap your ass.” as they returned to their vehicle. The following day, the FBI arrested Ankney at his residence on a federal criminal complaint. Ankney waived his rights and clarified that “cap” meant that he was threatening to shoot the FBI. In conjunction with the arrest, the FBI executed a federal search warrant upon Ankney’s residence, from which they seized 21 firearms, two firearm silencers, firearm magazines, and ammunition.
Judge Wiegand scheduled Ankney’s sentencing for January 7, 2027. The law provides for a maximum total sentence on each count of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both.
Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ankney.
Incarcerated Ambridge Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Machinegun and is Sentenced to Five Years of PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Ambridge, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on August 27, 2026, to one count of possession of a machinegun and was sentenced to 60 months of incarceration on his conviction, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Nasean Hunt, 21.
According to information presented to the Court, on July 9, 2023, Hunt was found in possession of a loaded Glock 17 pistol equipped with a “switch” or auto-sear that rendered the semi-automatic handgun capable of fully automatic fire. Hunt had gunshot residue on his hands at the time of his apprehension. Hunt is already serving a sentence of 15 to 40 years of imprisonment for a conviction in Beaver County for conspiracy to commit murder of the third degree in connection with his possession of the machinegun on this date. Hunt’s federal sentence will run concurrently with the sentence he currently is serving.
Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Doolittle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ambridge Borough Police Department, and the Beaver County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hunt.
Illegal Alien Indicted in Marriage-Related Immigration FraudRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. - On August 25, a federal grand jury indicted Miguel Angel Olivera‑Borda, 38, a Peruvian national illegally present in the United States, after reviewing evidence presented by federal prosecutors. The indictment alleges that Olivera‑Borda knowingly made false statements in his application to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, a process that requires applicants to provide accurate information about their personal history and marital status. Prosecutors further allege that Olivera‑Borda falsely claimed in 2026 that he continued to reside with his United States citizen wife, even though the couple allegedly separated in 2020 and never re‑established a bona fide marital relationship.
If convicted, Olivera-Borda faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:26-CR-169-FL-BM.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Cecil Monroe Bowman, 72, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 2, 2026, law enforcement officers had an arrest warrant for Bowman and encountered him with a vehicle in a Huntington gas station parking lot. A K9 unit alerted to the vehicle, and officers seized a quantity of a methamphetamine mixture from the vehicle during a subsequent search.
Bowman is scheduled to be sentenced on December 14, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.
At the time of this offense, Bowman was serving a term of supervised release following his conviction for possession with the intent to distribute heroin in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on June 28, 2021.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-69.
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Felon Who Pulled Gun During Altercation Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Edward Hankerson, age 40, from Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced today to five years in federal prison, after an April 17, 2026, guilty plea to Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Domestic Violence Misdemeanant.
Evidence in the case revealed Hankerson’s criminal possession of a firearm was discovered on September 24, 2025, when law enforcement responded to a report of two individuals fighting outside of a mini mart. When law enforcement arrived, the parties had left the area. During the investigation, officers obtained surveillance footage of the incident which showed that Hankerson pulled a gun from his waistband and pointed it at the other individual. However, the magazine had fallen out of the gun when Hankerson drew it from his waistband, so when he attempted to fire the gun, it did not discharge. Hankerson then pistol-whipped the victim before leaving the scene on foot. A short time later, law enforcement observed Hankerson leaving his residence where he was taken into custody. Hankerson admitted to the altercation and pulling the firearm on the individual.
Hankerson’s criminal history includes convictions for possession of a controlled substance, operating while intoxicated as well as two convictions for domestic battery causing bodily harm.
Hankerson was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 60 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Hankerson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and the United States Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-4070.
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