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27 June 2025
Illegal Firearms Possession Lands Lawton Man in Federal Prison for Seven Years Following Domestic Violence ConvictionRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – RAYMOND IVAN MUNOZ, 22, of Lawton, has been sentenced to serve 84 months in federal prison for illegal possession of firearms after conviction of a previous misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
On September 4, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a two-count Indictment against Munoz, charging him with being a drug user in possession of a firearm and, on a separate occasion, possession of firearms by a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. According to public record, on February 14, 2023, officers with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Police Department encountered Munoz unconscious under the influence of drugs in the front passenger seat of a vehicle with an AK-47 loaded with an extended magazine resting between his legs. Later, on May 10, 2024, Lawton Police Department investigators observed one of Munoz’s social media posts in which he displayed a firearm while driving in a vehicle. Later that evening, officers observed Munoz, whom they knew to have a suspended license and active warrants, driving that vehicle in Lawton. When they attempted a traffic stop, Munoz initiated a pursuit in which his speeds exceeded 100 miles per hour, at times on the wrong side of the road and with his headlights off. He eventually reached his residence where he hid inside for approximately two hours before being arrested. Upon execution of a search warrant at the residence, detectives located two firearms hidden in a bathroom.
Public record further reflects that Munoz was convicted of domestic assault and battery in Comanche County District Court case number CM-2020-810.
On February 7, 2025, Munoz pleaded guilty to Count 2 of the Indictment and admitted that he possessed firearms despite having previously been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
At the sentencing hearing on June 25, 2025, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Munoz to serve 84 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court specifically noted the threat that Munoz poses to society and the necessity of a substantial sentence to protect the public.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Police Department, and the Lawton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle M. Connolly prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. This case is also part of “Operation 922,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of PSN, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Possessing a Firearm While Engaged in Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Oscar Cruz-Baldo, 40, of Mexico, pled guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm and ammunition by an alien unlawfully in the United States. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The aggressive prosecution and removal of violent illegal aliens is central to the promise of President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America. My office is committed to working with our dedicated law enforcement partners to fulfill that promise, and as a result, we are making our communities safer.”
Court documents reflect that Cruz-Baldo, a Mexican national, unlawfully entered the United States without inspection or authorization by an immigration officer. On February 12, 2025, he was involved in a domestic violence incident in Williston, Florida. According to the victim, Cruz-Baldo threatened to shoot her and her dog with a loaded shotgun. Levy County Deputies arrested Cruz-Baldo without further incident and located the loaded shotgun on the property.
Cruz-Baldo faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and deportation from the United States.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Levy County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 30, 2025, at 1:00 pm, at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville, Florida before Chief United States District Judge Allen Winsor.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Honduran National Indicted for Possession of Firearm by an Illegal AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ActingUnited States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that MAINOR FUENTES-PINEDA (“FUENTES-PINEDA”), age 22, a native of Honduras, was indicted on June 26, 2025, for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5).
According to court documents, FUENTES-PINEDA, was found in Orleans Parish on or about April 29, 2025, in possession of a semi-automatic pistol, a Glock Model 42, 380 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
If convicted, FUENTES-PINEDA faces a maximum penalty of fifteen years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Special Assistant United States Attorney Frederick W. Veters Jr., of the General Crimes Unit, oversees the prosecution.
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Honduran National Charged with Assaulting Federal Security Officer and Attempting to Seize Firearm at 26 Federal PlazaRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and the Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs for the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, announced today the arrest and filing of a Complaint charging JOEL ANTONIO ALONZO with assaulting a federal protective security officer and attempting to seize the officer’s service firearm. The incident occurred on June 6, 2025, at 26 Federal Plaza in New York, New York, where Immigration Court proceedings are conducted. The defendant was presented this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Barbara Moses.
“The safety of federal facilities and the dedicated personnel who serve there is non-negotiable,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Joel Antonio Alonzo’s alleged attempt to forcibly seize a firearm from a federal security officer in a crowded public area endangered not only law enforcement personnel but also civilians, including children, nearby. We will prosecute to the full extent of the law anyone who threatens the safety of our communities and the federal officers sworn to protect them.”
“Joel Antonio Alonzo, an illegal alien, assaulted one of our DHS law enforcement officers and lunged for his loaded gun” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “This incident underscores a disturbing trend—assaults against ICE personnel have increased. Secretary Noem has been perfectly clear: Anyone who threatens the lives of federal officers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint:[1]
On or about June 6, 2025, ALONZO arrived in the proximity of Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza where civilians, including children, were present. ALONZO immediately exhibited disruptive behavior, forcing his way ahead of others and aggressively tossing papers at service window personnel.
While federal protective security officers were attempting to assist ALONZO, ALONZO suddenly lunged at one officer and grabbed his loaded service firearm with significant force, attempting to pull the firearm from its holster, as seen in the photo below.
Due to the quick actions and training of the federal protective security officers, ALONZO was unsuccessful and immediately restrained.
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ALONZO, 19, of Honduras, is charged with one count of assaulting an officer of the U.S. using a deadly or dangerous weapon, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Zabel is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
u.s._v._alonzo_complaint.pdf[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Honduran National Arrested for Unlawful Reentry into the United States After Two Previous DeportationsRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Honduran national was arrested for his unlawful reentry into the United States after previously being deported twice, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.
Ever Calderon Ramirez, 27, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in Manchester, was charged in federal court with one count of unlawful reentry into the United States. He appeared in federal court today.
According to the charging documents, Calderon Ramirez was deported from the United States to Honduras on April 7, 2017, and again on September 28, 2018. On September 22, 2024, law enforcement encountered him in New Hampshire driving a moped with two young children on it without helmets.
The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than two years in prison, up to one year of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hunter is prosecuting the case.
This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Fort Thompson Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine in Central South DakotaRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on June 23, 2025.
Weston Big Eagle, age 47, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, as well as a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Big Eagle was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2024. He pleaded guilty on March 19, 2025.
The conviction stemmed from a drug conspiracy beginning in January 2023 and continuing until December 2023. Big Eagle was involved in a conspiracy with several other individuals to distribute methamphetamine in and around the central South Dakota area, including within the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Sioux Indian Reservations. As part of the conspiracy, Big Eagle was involved in distributing over 500 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Big Eagle was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Former Rapid City Gymnastics Coach Indicted for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Rapid City, South Dakota, man for multiple charges involving Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography.
A federal grand jury indicted Hayden Sengua, 25, on June 26, 2025. He was arraigned before Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann today and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The penalty upon conviction for each count of receiving child pornography is a mandatory minimum term of five years up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of five years up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count of conviction. Restitution may also be ordered. Sengua faces up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine for possessing child pornography.
Between May 2018, and no later than January 2025, Sengua is alleged to have received and possessed more than 14,000 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse in two Google accounts and multiple electronic devices. Sengua’s collection depicted children as young as infants and toddlers being sexually abused, tortured, and engaging in sex acts with animals. Sengua is alleged to have possessed computer-generated child pornography in addition to erotic visual depictions of minors.
Sengua worked at Just Jymnastics in Rapid City until May 2024, when his employment was terminated. He previously worked as a gymnastics coach in Oregon.
Sengua is alleged to have possessed images and videos of children in the Rapid City area whom he may have coached. To date, the investigation indicates these photos do not rise to the level of child pornographic images and are not the subject of criminal charges. If members of the community have any information about Sengua that may be relevant to the criminal investigation, however, they are urged to contact the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation at (605) 394-2298.
The charges are merely accusations and Sengua is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The investigation is being conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation - Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox is prosecuting the case.
Following a detention hearing on June 27, 2025, Sengua was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial date has been scheduled for September 2, 2025.
Foreign National Indicted in Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Ken-ichi Larroza Hatakama (36, Philippines), with wire fraud. If convicted, Hatakama faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Hatakama that the United States intends to forfeit $562,569.37, which are alleged to be the proceeds of the offense.
According to the indictment, Hatakama, a citizen and national of the Philippines, worked remotely assisting Victim Company (“VC”) with their computer coding. While working on VC’s computer coding, Hatakama embedded malicious code into VC’s computer coding, causing payments intended for VC’s partners to be rerouted to dozens of fraudulent PayPal accounts he controlled. Through this scheme, Hatakama stole over $500,000 from VC.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman.
Federal grand jury indicts Buffalo man for possession of a machinegunRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Luis Mercado a/k/a Yvng Fabii, 24, of Buffalo, NY, with possession of a machinegun and possession of a firearm with a removed, altered and obliterated serial number. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti, Louis M. Testani, and Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, on February 9, 2024, Buffalo State University police officers responded to an altercation during a men’s basketball game. While officers were trying to identify the parties involved, Mercado began to run away. When confronted by law enforcement, he stopped running, raised his arms, and stated, “I got the thing on me.” When questioned as to what he had, Mercado stated, “I got the joint on me.” During a pat down on Mercado, officers found a loaded pistol with a suspected machine gun conversion device and extended magazine. Law enforcement later learned that the firearm had a defaced serial number.
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Florida Man Convicted a Second Time for Failing to Register as a Sexual OffenderRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Octavius Durdley, 46, of Archer, Florida, was found guilty by a federal jury of failing to register as a sexual offender under the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act. The verdict was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Adherence to sex offender registration requirements is critical to keeping our communities informed and safe. My office will continue to aggressively pursue these types of cases to ensure strict compliance with registration requirements by sexual offenders.”
Trial testimony demonstrated in December 2024, Durdley, who was designated as a sex offender following a 2010 conviction for receipt and possession of child pornography, purposefully did not complete the required registration upon his release from prison. Durdley was previously convicted for failing to register as a sexual offender in 2022.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 30, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
Durdley will be required to continue to register as a sex offender following his prison sentence and is subject to a sentence up to ten years’ imprisonment.
This conviction was the result of an investigation by the United States Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
El Paso Jury Finds Illegal Alien Guilty of National Defense Area ViolationRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – A federal jury in El Paso convicted a Cuban national today for one count of violating a defense property security regulation.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Narali Arevalo-Casay, 23, illegally entered the United States from Mexico by crossing the Rio Grande River on May 7, less than a mile west of the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry.
Following the jury’s guilty verdict, U.S. Magistrate Judge Miguel Torres sentenced Arevalo-Casay to time-served. The misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle Myers and Scott Wisniewski 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 (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Eleventh Circuit Affirms Conviction of Repeat Child Pornography OffenderRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – On June 23, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit upheld the child pornography conviction of Andrew John Ewing, 40, of Tallahassee Florida. In January 2024, a jury convicted Ewing of possessing child pornography. This was Ewing’s second child-pornography-related conviction. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Robert L. Hinkle sentenced Ewing to 120 months in prison, and Ewing appealed.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The Eleventh Circuit’s ruling this week not only affirmed the conviction of a serious child pornography offender, it also upheld the legality of important investigatory tools needed to identify and catch these predators. My office will continue to work with our excellent local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to deploy those investigatory tools and aggressively pursue these sick offenders who prey upon and seek to victimize our children.”
In the fall of 2022, the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force conducted a proactive investigation to identify users, including Ewing, who were sharing child pornography material online through peer-to-peer networks. In January of 2023, a search warrant was obtained and executed for Ewing’s residence and electronic devices. A forensic examination of Ewing’s devices revealed child pornography involving children as young as six years old.
Ewing challenged his 2024 conviction on appeal, arguing that law enforcement violated his Fourth Amendment rights by using special BitTorrent software to download child pornography from his computer in 2022 without a warrant. Ewing also challenged the government’s presentation of the child pornography evidence during trial. The Eleventh Circuit held oral argument on May 7, 2025, and ultimately rejected both arguments in a published opinion. The Court concluded that law enforcement’s warrantless downloads of child pornography files Ewing made publicly available on the BitTorrent network were not a “search” within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment because the downloads violated neither Ewing’s privacy nor property rights. The Court also found no error in the government’s “relatively limited” presentation of the child pornography evidence at trial. As a published opinion, the Court’s ruling is binding on all future cases brought in the Eleventh Circuit, which includes all federal district courts in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
The conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Jordane New represented the government in briefing and at oral argument before the Eleventh Circuit. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen prosecuted the case before the district court.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Drug Dealer Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin, Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Jonathan Ponce was sentenced yesterday to a total of 72 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, international money laundering, and money laundering conspiracy. Senior U.S. District Judge Edward M. Chen handed down the sentence.
Ponce, 34, a U.S. citizen who previously resided in Mexico and in the South Bay, was initially charged by complaint on Aug. 21, 2019, and by indictment on Aug. 29, 2019, on the drug charges. He was separately indicted by a federal grand jury on June 24, 2021, on the money laundering charges.
On Nov. 14, 2024, Ponce pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine, five counts of international money laundering, and one count of money laundering conspiracy. According to court documents and proceedings, Ponce sold or arranged for others to sell on his behalf approximately 14 pounds of methamphetamine and 1.6 pound of heroin over the course of 13 drug deals. He also laundered over $30,000 in funds obtained from illegal activity by sending the proceeds to Mexico via money services businesses using false information.
Ponce has remained in custody since his arrest and was remanded into custody following sentencing. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Chen ordered Ponce to serve five years of supervised release to begin after his prison term is completed.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris made the announcement.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Yeh prosecuted the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DEA.
District of Arizona Charges 164 Individuals for Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this WeekRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from June 21, 2025, through June 27, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 164 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 84 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 71 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed cases against 9 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Recent matters of interest include:
United States v. Jesus Alfred Salazar-Ruiz: On June 22, 2025, Border Patrol Agents attempted to conduct a stop on Jesus Alfred Salazar-Ruiz while he was driving. Salazar-Ruiz failed to yield and turned on to a dirt road, breaking through a chain gate in barbed wire fencing. Salazar-Ruiz drove at approximately 50 mph on the dirt road for several miles before coming to an abrupt stop. When agents approached the vehicle, it was empty. Agents searched the area and were able to locate Salazar-Ruiz, who still had the vehicle key in his possession. Agents were able to locate and apprehend three passengers from Salazar-Ruiz's vehicle who were determined to be in the United States illegally. Salazar-Ruiz was charged by criminal complaint with Transportation of an Illegal Alien for Profit. [Case Number: 25-MJ-02859]
United States v. Miguel Angel Mezo-Antele: On June 24, 2025, Border Patrol Agents stopped a vehicle on Interstate 40 in Yuma, Arizona. Miguel Angel Mezo-Antele, the driver of the vehicle and a citizen of Mexico, was transporting four passengers who were also citizens of Mexico. Mezo-Antele and the four passengers did not possess any documents allowing them to enter, pass through, or remain in the United States legally. Mezo-Antele was transporting the four passengers from New Mexico, through Arizona, to their ultimate destinations in California and Oregon. Mezo-Antele was charged by criminal complaint with Transportation of an Illegal Alien. [Case Number: 25‐MJ‐1696]
United States v. Dalesio Hernandez-Bautista: On June 27, 2025, Dalesio Hernandez-Bautista, was charged by criminal complaint with Re-entry of a Removed Alien. Hernandez-Bautista had been previously removed from the United States in 2018 after being convicted of manslaughter, a felony, in the Superior Court of Arizona, Pinal County. Hernandez-Bautista was sentenced to five years in prison for the manslaughter. [Case Number: 25-MJ-53146]
A criminal complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-105_June 27 Immigration Enforcement
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Court Orders over $1.5 Million in Restitution for Survivors of Convicted Sex TraffickerRead the Press Release
BOSTON – This week, a federal judge in Boston ordered restitution in the amount of $1,510,300 to be paid to the survivors victimized by Jermall Anderson who sex trafficked seven women over the span of four years.
On March 12, 2025, Anderson, 45, of Tewksbury, Mass. was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sex trafficking women throughout New England, New York and New Jersey. In November 2024, Anderson pleaded guilty to seven counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; one count of coercion and enticement; and one count of interstate transportation for the purpose of prostitution. He was indicted in August 2023 along with two co-conspirators.
The Court awarded the following restitution amounts directly payable to each of the seven separate survivors, based upon their testimony and other information regarding Anderson’s sex trafficking operation:
- Survivor 1: $508,000
- Survivor 2: $40,000
- Survivor 3: $91,300
- Survivor 4: $252,000
- Survivor 5: $264,000
- Survivor 6: $10,000
- Survivor 7: $345,000
From 2012 through 2016, Anderson, along with his co-conspirators, used physical violence, threats and the giving and withholding of heroin and cocaine to force seven different women to prostitute on their behalf. Anderson and his co-conspirators targeted vulnerable victims, specifically those struggling from drug addiction, homelessness and lack of economic resources. Anderson recruited women struggling with drug addiction directly from detox and drug rehabilitation facilities and forced and coerced them into providing commercial sex for his financial benefit.
Under federal criminal code, 18 USC § 1593, victims of sex trafficking offenses are entitled to restitution for losses associated with the criminal offense. The United States Attorney’s Office is charged with the enforcement of court-imposed restitution orders or judgments. Collection will continue for 20 years after a defendant has completed any period of incarceration or until restitution is paid in full.
If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact [email protected].
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the HSI Office in New Haven, Conn., the Lynn and Tewksbury Police Departments (Mass.) and the Hampden (Conn.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
Construction and Engineering Firms Agree to Pay $1.37 Million to Resolve Allegations of Shoddy Runway Construct at Airport Used by Massachusetts Air National GuardRead the Press Release
BOSTON – Eurovia Atlantic Coast, LLC d/b/a Northeast Paving, a Maine-based paving and construction company; the Lane Construction Corporation, a Connecticut construction company; and Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., a New York engineering firm, have agreed to pay $1.37 million collectively to resolve allegations that they submitted, or caused the submission of, false claims for payment concerning the rehabilitation of Runway 2-20 at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport in Westfield, Mass. As part of the settlement agreement, Northeast Paving, Lane Construction and Stantec each admitted to and accepted responsibility for facts underlying the covered conduct.
The Westfield-Barnes Airport is the operational center of the Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing, which includes the 131st Fighter Squadron – an operational combat wing that provides combat ready fighter pilots to perform alert missions over the northeastern United States.
In 2012, the City of Westfield began the process of rehabilitating Runway 2-20, using a mix of federal, state and local funds, including funds from the Department of Transportation and the Department of Defense. To receive the federal funds, the City had to periodically submit claims to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Department of Defense, including during and after construction.
In 2013, the City and Stantec entered into an agreement for Stantec to provide certain design services, project management, bidding support and related engineering services for the Project, which included developing specifications and drawings. The City subsequently selected and entered into an agreement with Lane Construction to complete the rehabilitation. After completion of the rehabilitation, Northeast Paving purchased some Lane Construction’s assets.
In 2019, the runway began cracking in the area where the concrete center of the runway and the surrounding asphalt interfaced. The project specifications and plans for the rehabilitation project had provided for a track at the interface between the concrete inlay and surrounding asphalt. Although Lane and Stantec certified that the rehabilitation project met the requirements of the plans and specifications, the track was never constructed. Due to the cracking in the area where the track should have been constructed, the City of Westfield and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation undertook a repair project to address the cracking. During the repair project, 104th Fighter Wing was forced to relocate.
“Federal contractors must fulfill their obligations and perform the work they promise to provide, especially where their work impacts the safety of our military,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “We will continue to hold contractors to their commitments to ensure that federal agencies and taxpayers get what they paid for.”
“The defendants cut corners and misrepresented their work wasting taxpayer dollars," said Brian C. Gallagher, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region. “This settlement reflects our commitment and ongoing collaboration with law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to hold contractors accountable for failing to meet contract performance and quality standards.”
“Ensuring the safety of the warfighter is a critical part of the DCIS mission,” said Christopher M. Silvestro, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Northeast Field Office, the law enforcement arm of the Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General. “This settlement demonstrates our collaboration with the Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners to ensure DoD contractors adhere to the requirements outlined in each contract.”
U.S. Attorney Foley, DOT-OIG SAC Gallagher and DCIS Acting SAC Silvestro made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Morgan of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled this matter.
Colorado Springs Funeral Home Operator Sentenced in Gruesome Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Jon M. Hallford, 45, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was sentenced today to 240 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $1,070,413.74 in restitution for a conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Hallford, who owned Return to Nature Funeral Home in Colorado Springs and Penrose with his wife, mishandled at least 190 bodies over four years and defrauded the Small Business Administration (SBA) through fraudulent COVID-19 loan applications.
According to the plea agreement, from as early as September 2019 through October 2023, Hallford failed to cremate or bury at least 190 bodies, despite having collected more than $130,000 from grieving families for funeral services that were never provided.
Instead of ensuring proper disposition of the remains, Hallford allowed bodies to accumulate in various states of decay and decomposition inside the funeral home’s facility. He took steps to hide the nature of his activities by blocking windows and doors, restricting access to the building, and offering false explanations for the foul odor coming from the site.
The plea agreement further states that Hallford routinely filed death certificates with the State of Colorado that falsely listed the method of disposition as cremation or burial. In many cases, Hallford misrepresented the identities of decedents to third-party crematories, resulting in inaccurate cremation records, or the remains were never cremated or buried at all.
In some of the most egregious cases, Hallford provided family members with urns filled with dry concrete mix instead of the cremated remains of their loved ones, and on at least two occasions, arranged for and delivered the wrong body for burial, concealing the error from the next of kin.
The plea agreement further states that from March 2020 to March 2022, Hallford and his wife, Carie Hallford, conspired to defraud the SBA by submitting loan applications containing false information to obtain COVID-19 relief funds. As a result of this fraud, Jon and Carie Hallford received three separate disbursements from the SBA, totaling $882,300. The funds were obtained through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which was established to provide emergency support to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Jon Hallford’s criminal fraud was a vehicle to exploit grieving families so he could give himself a lavish life with luxury cars and expensive vacations,” said United States Attorney Peter McNeilly. “His actions were not just fraudulent, but deeply inhumane. We offer our condolences to the families who continue to suffer because of Mr. Hallford’s crimes and we hope this case brings them some measure of peace.”
“Families in the depths of grief trusted this defendant with the remains of their loved ones. In return, he had no regard whatsoever for the dignity and respect they deserved,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “He schemed and defrauded them and the government in despicable fashion to further his own desires and ambitions. We cannot undo the vast harm he sowed, but we can bring this measure of justice today.”
“The sheer scale and callousness of the crimes committed by Jon Hallford are truly disturbing," said Colorado Bureau of Investigation Interim Director Rebecca Spiess. "We are proud of our collaboration with our federal and local agencies in uncovering the horrific conditions at the funeral home and bringing justice to the nearly 190 families who were so cruelly deceived. This case serves as a stark reminder of our commitment to protecting Coloradans from such predatory behavior."
“Exploiting SBA programs during a time of crisis is disgraceful, and we are committed to ensuring justice is served,” said SBA Office of Inspector General’s Acting Special Agent in Charge, Jonathan Huang. “Today’s sentencing is a testament to the OIG’s unwavering dedication to protecting our small business support programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners for their diligence, and I extend my heartfelt sympathies to all those impacted by this reprehensible act.”
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted in March 2020 and was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans dealing with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act created the PPP, a program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that provided loans to small businesses to retain workers, maintain payroll, and certain other expenses consistent with PPP rules. Additionally, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several federal programs expanded eligibility for unemployment benefits.
United States District Judge Nina Y. Wang sentenced Hallford.
The FBI Denver Field Office and the United States Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Several other state and local law enforcement agencies including the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the Colorado Springs Police Department, the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fremont County Coroner’s Office have made significant contributions to this case. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Tim Neff and Craig Fansler.
Case Number: 1:24-cr-00113-NYW
Co-Owner of Virtual Currency Companies Sentenced to 97 Months in Prison for Operating Crypto Ponzi SchemesRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Dwayne Golden was sentenced by United States District Judge William F. Kuntz, II to 97 months in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. The charges relate to a conspiracy to offer fraudulent investments in digital assets. Golden and his co-conspirators raised more than $40 million from investors based on false promises of guaranteed returns from trading in digital assets. In fact, the defendants’ businesses operated as Ponzi schemes and used the money to repay existing investors or to benefit themselves. After the schemes collapsed, Golden and co-defendants William White and Gregory Aggesen conspired to obstruct multiple federal investigations. As a part of his sentence, Golden was also ordered to forfeit approximately $2.46 million in ill-gotten gains. Restitution will be determined by the Court at a later date. Golden pleaded guilty in September 2024.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence.
“Dwayne Golden and his co-conspirators took advantage of investor interest in exciting new technologies to perpetrate a fraud scheme that is as old as time, and to make millions of dollars for themselves in the process,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Golden and his co-defendants offered no legitimate services and none of the companies engaged in any actual trading in cryptocurrency as they claimed. My Office is committed to protecting the investing public and the integrity of the digital assets markets from fraudsters like the defendant, and we will be relentless in pursing justice for investors.”
Mr. Nocella thanked the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for its invaluable assistance in the investigation.
“Alongside his co-conspirators, Dwayne Golden orchestrated an elaborate scheme rooted in deceit and false promises to swindle investors of more than $40 million. Johnson’s lack of candor misled both his clients and federal investigators, demonstrating an utter disregard for integrity to his company or adherence to the law,” stated FBI Assistant Director Raia. “May today’s sentencing reflect the FBI’s steadfast commitment to dismantling any sham company that steals from the pockets of unsuspecting victims.”
Between April 2017 and August 2017, Golden, co-defendants Gregory Aggesen, and Marquis Demacking Egerton, also known as “Mardy Eger,” together with others, operated a series of digital asset companies called EmpowerCoin, ECoinPlus, and Jet-Coin. EmpowerCoin, ECoinPlus, and Jet-Coin promised investors and potential investors guaranteed fixed returns on digital asset investments. They further fraudulently promised investors and potential investors that these returns were made possible through overseas digital asset trading operations. In reality, the assets were used to repay other investors or stolen by Golden, Aggesen, and Egerton, and the companies collapsed shortly after receiving the investors’ assets without the companies having engaged in trading activity. In total, during its period of operation, EmpowerCoin, ECoinPlus, and Jet-Coin received more than $40 million from investors.
From July 2017 to the March 2022, Golden, Aggesen and White conspired to obstruct a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation and a federal criminal grand jury investigation into the fraudulent schemes. Golden, Aggesen, and White destroyed evidence, and White, on Aggesen’s behalf, provided false and misleading information to the FTC and in response to a federal grand jury subpoena.
If you were an EmpowerCoin.com, ECoinPlus.com and/or Jet-Coin.com investor, you may be entitled to restitution. To submit a claim for restitution, please visit http://fbi.gov/jetcoinscams.
The four defendants in the case have pleaded guilty. White was sentenced to 30 months in prison. Aggesen and Egerton are awaiting sentencing.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Alixandra E. Smith, Catherine M. Mirabile and Nick M. Axelrod are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Assistant United States Attorney Claire Kedeshian of the Office’s Asset Recovery Section, who is handling forfeiture matters.
The Defendants:
DWAYNE GOLDEN
Age: 57
Harrisburg, PennsylvaniaGREGORY AGGESEN
Age: 58
Standfordville, New YorkMARQUIS DEMACKING EGERTON (also known as “Mardy Eger”)
Age: 58
Washington, North CarolinaWILLIAM WHITE
Age: 54
Harrisburg, PennsylvaniaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-88 (S-1) (WFK)
Clayton Man with Gun Sentenced to over Five Years in Prison for COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Darnell William King, age 42, was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release following his plea in May to conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the indictment and information presented in court, King entered into separate conspiracies to commit Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) fraud and to use stolen identities to obtain personal lines of credit from various private lenders in and around Wake County. King was also ordered to pay restitution to the Small Business Administration and the private lenders who were defrauded.
"This sentence sends a clear message: those who seek to exploit pandemic relief programs and steal individuals’ identities for personal gain will be held accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “Mr. King’s deliberate and repeated fraud undermined a program designed to help struggling businesses in Eastern North Carolina. Thanks to the diligence of our federal and state partners, justice has been served.”
“Criminals cause immeasurable hardship to innocent victims and businesses by lying and stealing their identities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard Gaskins, Charlotte Field Office, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. “The defendant knowingly stole personally identifiable information and recruited others to aid in obtaining fraudulent loans using the stolen info. Our special agents will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney's Office, to find, investigate and prosecute those who choose to willfully defraud the American people.”
“Stealing critical resources aimed at protecting communities and citizens is inexcusable,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “Not only did this individual exploit assistance programs aimed at helping those in need, but he did so while illegally possessing a firearm. Prohibited individuals in possession of firearms are dangerous and should be considered serious threats to public safety.”
King and others recruited “mules” to obtain fraudulent personal loans. King created fake driver’s licenses and other identity documents using a true photo of the mule and stolen personally identifying information belonging to unknowing victims. The mules then used the fake identity documents and other forged business records to obtain personal loans based on applications for credit that King or others had previously submitted online. The mule would then deliver the loan proceeds to King or his co-conspirators and would receive kickbacks anywhere between $100 and $2,000.
“This extensive investigation, known as Operation Overload, uncovered a sophisticated criminal enterprise that fraudulently utilized thousands of North Carolina licenses, resulting in financial crimes that impacted individuals across multiple states,” said Captain Vaughn of the North Carolina DMV License & Theft Bureau. “Bureau commends its inspectors, intelligence analysts, and all partner agencies for their hard work and collaboration. Their efforts underscore the importance of interagency cooperation in combating complex fraud schemes and safeguarding the identities of North Carolina residents.”
“This investigation began following several complaints from Wake County residents regarding identity theft and fraud. Over the course of nearly a year, a thorough investigation led to multiple arrests, supported by the NCDMV License and Theft, Clayton Police Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the IRS Criminal Investigations. The investigators involved demonstrated exceptional diligence in pursuing the suspects and uncovering a vast network of crimes. Their efforts resulted in identifying hundreds of victims, not only in Wake County, but across North Carolina, and uncovering hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraud. I would like to commend the investigators for their tireless work and unwavering commitment to serving the residents of our county and state,” Sheriff Willie Rowe said.
In a second conspiracy, King and other conspirators applied for a PPP loan in King’s name with falsified bank and tax records claiming that King had been working as an Uber driver before the pandemic, resulting in the disbursement of over $15,000 in funds guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. Finally, during the execution of a search warrant in Clayton seeking evidence related to the identity theft conspiracy, law enforcement discovered King in possession of a firearm with a high-capacity drum magazine, even though King is a previously convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms. King’s co-defendants, Loretta Clarice James and Lakesha Bowles, were previously sentenced to 8 years imprisonment and 30 months imprisonment respectively, for their roles in the conspiracies.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II pronounced the sentence. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation led the investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations; the Wake County Sheriff’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles License & Theft Bureau. The Clayton Police Department and other local agencies have also aided over the course of the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David G. Beraka and Ashley H. Foxx prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5-24-CR-00156.
Chicago-Area Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Tax OffensesRead the Press Release
An Illinois man who operated a tax return preparation business pleaded guilty yesterday to preparing and filing false individual income tax returns for clients and for himself.
The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Byron Taylor, of Homewood, owned and operated We Are Taxes, a tax preparation business in Dolton, Illinois. Taylor claimed his business had over 25 years of experience preparing tax returns and boasted that “Everyone Gets a Check!” For many years, Taylor prepared and filed with the IRS false individual income tax returns for clients. On those returns, Taylor included false deductions including medical and dental expenses, gifts to charity, state and local real estate taxes, and unreimbursed employee expenses. Taylor also included false business losses. The false information resulted in Taylor’s clients claiming refunds that they were otherwise not entitled to receive. For tax years 2015 through 2020, Taylor prepared and filed at least 54 false tax returns for clients.
In addition, Taylor filed or attempted to file false individual income tax returns for himself for tax years 2017 through 2021. On these returns, Taylor substantially underreported income received by We Are Taxes or failed to report the business entirely.
Finally, Taylor filed multiple false Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications for several businesses he claimed he owned and operated. The loan applications falsely claimed, for example, that these entities had earned certain amounts of gross income and that such income had been reported to the IRS. In fact, the businesses had not received that income, and Taylor had not filed tax returns reporting these businesses to the IRS. Four of the applications were approved. After he received the PPP loans, Taylor used portions of the funds on personal expenditures, including gambling expenses.
In total, Taylor caused a tax loss to the IRS of $914,745.
Taylor is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 4. He faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for the false return he prepared and filed on behalf of a client, and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for the false return he filed for himself. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant Chief Matthew J. Kluge and Trial Attorney Boris Bourget of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.
Chicago Man Convicted of Conspiring to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
A Chicago man was convicted today of conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) by using social media to encourage attacks on ISIS’s enemies and recruit new ISIS members.
According to court documents, Ashraf Al Safoo, 41, was a leader of Khattab Media Foundation, a sophisticated online organization that swore allegiance to ISIS and created and disseminated threats and ISIS propaganda on social media and other online platforms. Al Safoo and other members of Khattab created and posted pro-ISIS videos, articles, essays, and infographics at the direction of, and in coordination with, ISIS. Much of Khattab’s propaganda promoted violent jihad on behalf of the terrorist group.
In one posting, Al Safoo encouraged Khattab members to post pro-ISIS information “to cause confusion and spread terror within the hearts of those who disbelieved.” In another posting, Al Safoo wrote, “Work hard, brothers, edit the issue into short clips, take the pictures out of it and publish the efforts of your brothers in the pages of the apostates. Participate in the war, and spread terror, the [Islamic] State does not want you to watch it only, rather, it incites you, and if you are unable to, use it to incite others.”
Many of Khattab’s postings included images of violence, celebrations of terrorist attacks and mass shootings in the United States, and encouragement for “lone wolf” attacks in western countries.
Al Safoo was arrested in Chicago in 2018. After a bench trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey found Al Safoo guilty of one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, one count of conspiracy to transmit threats in interstate commerce, one count of conspiracy to intentionally access a protected computer without authorization, four counts of intentionally accessing a protected computer without authorization, and four counts of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
The convictions carry a maximum penalty of 130 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 9. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois, and Assistant Director Donald M. Holstead of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division made the announcement.
The FBI Chicago Field Office is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Wells, Barry Jonas, and Thomas P. Peabody for the Northern District of Illinois, and Trial Attorney Andrew J. Dixon of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
Chicago Man Convicted of Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Foreign Terrorist OrganizationRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Chicago man was convicted in federal court today of conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) by using social media to encourage attacks on ISIS’s enemies and recruit new ISIS members.
ASHRAF AL SAFOO was a leader of Khattab Media Foundation, a sophisticated online organization that swore allegiance to ISIS and created and disseminated threats and ISIS propaganda on social media and other online platforms. Al Safoo and other members of Khattab created and posted pro-ISIS videos, articles, essays, and infographics at the direction of, and in coordination with, ISIS. Much of Khattab’s propaganda promoted violent jihad on behalf of ISIS, which has been designated by the United States government as a foreign terrorist organization. In one posting, Al Safoo encouraged Khattab members to post pro-ISIS information “to cause confusion and spread terror within the hearts of those who disbelieved.” In another posting, Al Safoo wrote, “Work hard, brothers, edit the issue into short clips, take the pictures out of it and publish the efforts of your brothers in the pages of the apostates. Participate in the war, and spread terror, the [Islamic] State does not want you to watch it only, rather, it incites you, and if you are unable to, use it to incite others.”
Many of Khattab’s postings included images of violence, celebrations of terrorist attacks and mass shootings in the United States, and encouragement for “lone wolf” attacks in western countries.
Al Safoo, 41, was arrested in Chicago in 2018. After a bench trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago in 2025, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey today announced his verdicts, finding Al Safoo guilty of one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, one count of conspiracy to transmit threats in interstate commerce, one count of conspiracy to intentionally access a protected computer without authorization, four counts of intentionally accessing a protected computer without authorization, and four counts of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
The convictions carry a maximum sentence of 130 years in federal prison. Judge Blakey set sentencing for Oct. 9, 2025.
The convictions were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security at the Department of Justice, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Wells, Barry Jonas, and Thomas P. Peabody of the Northern District of Illinois, and Trial Attorney Andrew J. Dixon of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
“Today’s conviction demonstrates that the safety and security of the American public is always a top priority for me and my entire Office,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “The prosecution of Ashraf Al Safoo is a testament to the vigilance and dedication of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners who stand watch to disrupt and prevent dangerous threats before they materialize. We will vigorously pursue and bring to justice those who provide material support–in whatever form–to terrorist organizations.”
“The conviction of Al Safoo affirms the FBI’s strong commitment to protecting and defending the United States from anyone who seeks to harm our citizens,” said FBI Chicago SAC DePodesta. “Those who willingly associate with terrorist organizations or support violent extremism will be investigated, disrupted, and held accountable. It is thanks to the FBI Chicago Joint Terrorism Task Force and its partner agencies that our community is safe from those who pose a fundamental threat to our nation.”
Career Offender Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – An Albany resident with a lengthy criminal history, including robbery by force, distribution of controlled substances and making terroristic threats, was sentenced as a federal career offender to serve ten years in prison for trafficking drugs in Southwest Georgia.
Roderick Terrell Ferrell, 37, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison to be followed by six years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on June 25 after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine on Oct. 30, 2024. Due to his criminal history, Ferrell was sentenced as a career offender. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Defendants with long criminal records who consistently ignore the law will find their cases in federal court,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Law enforcement in every community and at every level are collaborating with us to hold repeat offenders accountable for their crimes, with the goal of making our communities safer.”
“Our communities remain under attack by career criminals with no regard for the destruction they cause,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “This investigation demonstrates the DEA’s commitment to protecting our community.”
“The FBI is proud to work with our local law enforcement partners in helping to convict these repeat offenders at the federal level, where they face stiffer penalties and no opportunity for parole,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown.
“Eliminating drug trafficking in our communities requires a united front,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “The successful convictions of these repeat offenders are a demonstration of the effectiveness of our collaboration across federal, state and local agencies to hold individuals accountable and ensure safer neighborhoods.”
“Career offenders who continue to commit serious crimes in our community, especially those with a history of violence, will face federal prison sentences without parole,” said Lee County Sheriff Reggie Rachals. “I am thankful for our partnerships with federal and state agencies as we work together to hold dangerous individuals accountable.”
According to court documents and statements made public in court, federal, state and local law enforcement received information from various confidential sources that Ferrell was distributing cocaine and was supplied by a metro-Atlanta unnamed co-conspirator. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at another dealer’s residence, seized cocaine, and discovered that Ferrell had sold at least 18 ounces of powder cocaine. Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office then conducted a controlled buy from Ferrell on Nov. 8, 2021, where Ferrell sold two ounces of powder cocaine for $2,150. In addition, Ferrell reported that he had been pulled over by local law enforcement on Oct. 13, 2022, and was in possession at the time of $30,000 from a recent drug transaction. On Nov. 30, 2023, a patrol officer pulled Ferrell over and found ten pounds of marijuana in ten plastic vacuum-sealed bags in the rear cargo area. Ferrell said he was transporting the drugs to Camilla, Georgia.
The DEA conducted a concealment money laundering investigation and discovered he had laundered approximately $383,057 in drug proceeds between his bank account, CashApp, a local business and a co-conspirator’s accounts from 2021 to 2023, despite having no employment or declaring any income on his taxes. The investigation revealed that Ferrell and his girlfriend used drug proceeds to purchase a 2021 Mercedes Benz GLE; luxury goods from Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Saks, Gucci and Balenciaga; took luxury vacations; rented a home near Atlanta; and invested in a local business that was never operational.
At sentencing, Ferrell was held accountable for distributing approximately 6.5 kilograms of cocaine and 47 kilograms of marijuana. Ferrell also has several prior felony convictions including robbery by force, terroristic threats and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in Dougherty County, Georgia, Superior Court.
The Ferrell case was investigated by the DEA, the FBI, the GBI and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Redavid prosecuted the case for the Government.
Brazilian National Sentenced for Unlawful Reentry and Selling Green Cards and Counterfeit Social Security CardsRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully residing in Woburn, Mass. was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation as well as selling fraudulent Social Security cards and Legal Permanent Resident cards, often referred to as “Green Cards.”
Liene Tavares DeBarros, Jr., 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to five months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In May 2025, Tavares DeBarros pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful transfer of a document or authentication feature and one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Tavares DeBarros was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in March 2025.Tavares DeBarros was previously deported from the United States in July 2010. Sometime after his removal, Tavares DeBarros unlawfully reentered the United States.
In mid-2024, law enforcement was notified that Tavares DeBarros was selling counterfeit identity documents. As part of the investigation, law enforcement contacted the defendant in an undercover capacity requesting his services. Subsequently, in October 2024, Tavares DeBarros sold a counterfeit Social Security Number Card and a Green Card to an undercover officer in exchange for $250. Later, in December 2024, Tavares DeBarros sold two more counterfeit Social Security cards and two Green Cards to another undercover officer in exchange for $500. In addition, before his arrest, DeBarros agreed to sell an additional three sets of identification documents. During a search of his home, three Social Security cards, as well as a false set of documents for DeBarros himself, were located.United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Labor Racketeering and Fraud, Northeast Region; and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Reynolds III of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity and benefit fraud schemes.
Box Elder Man, Previously Sentenced in State Court, Given an Additional 7 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Box Elder, South Dakota, man convicted of Distribution of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on June 23, 2025.
Branden Tyler Bernard, 34, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $12,500 in restitution, as well as a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Bernard will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
“This is yet another case in which a bad actor utilized Snapchat to target and sexually exploit a vulnerable young victim here in South Dakota,” said Alison J. Ramsdell. “When the initial state investigation uncovered hundreds of images and videos depicting additional child sex abuse material, local, state, and federal law enforcement partners collaborated to bring additional federal charges against this defendant. Branden Bernard will now be serving a combined 17-year sentence for his despicable acts.”
Bernard was indicted for Distribution of Child Pornography, Receipt of Child Pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography by a federal grand jury in November 2023. He pleaded guilty on March 21, 2025.
The federal case originated during the investigation of Bernard’s sexual victimization of a 13-year-old child in Meade County, South Dakota. Bernard had been soliciting the child for sex using Snapchat. When the child’s mother reported the child missing in 2023, law enforcement located the child on Bernard’s bed, in his home. Bernard was arrested for sexual offenses against that child. During the investigation, a forensic examiner with the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce examined multiple electronic devices belonging to Bernard. On Bernard’s devices, investigators located hundreds of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse and more than 2,000 messages Bernard sent to other persons discussing the trade and distribution of child sexual abuse depictions. The victims of Bernard’s criminal conduct ranged in age from infants to preteen minors. At least 25 victims were affirmatively identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Bernard pleaded guilty to Fourth Degree Rape of the 13-year-old child in Meade County Circuit Court. He was sentenced on November 17, 2023, to 14 years in state prison, with four years suspended. Bernard’s federal sentence was ordered to run consecutively to his sentence in state court.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case.
Bernard was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Big Island Resident Arrested and Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Firearms, and ExplosivesRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced today that Shannan Hostetler, 54, of Pahoa, Hawaii, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possessing with intent to distribute and manufacture methamphetamine, possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, unlawful possessions of firearms, and unlawful possession of explosives. An initial appearance in federal court is scheduled for June 30, 2025.
Earlier this year, the Hawaii Police Department received a community tip indicating that a known narcotics trafficker was frequently visiting Hostetler’s property under a suspected arrangement to stash firearms, money, and narcotics. On June 24, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant on Hostetler’s Pahoa properties. The search resulted in the seizure of, among other things, a Glock 43 handgun, shotguns, a bolt-action rifle, cocaine, and both oil and crystalized methamphetamine, as well as materials suggesting a methamphetamine-conversion lab was being operated on the premises. During the search, bomb-squad personnel from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Maui Police Department, and the Kauai Police Department assisted case investigators by clearing and seizing suspected explosive devices from the premises.
If convicted of the charged offenses, Hostetler faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and fines of up to $10 million. The charges in the criminal complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
Less than 24 hours after the law enforcement concluded its search of Hostetler’s properties, an interested third party—having learned of the search— contacted investigators and turned over twenty more firearms, including at least five AR-15 style assault rifles, a 45 ACP carbine, a 12-gauge shotgun, and a 6.5 Grendel tactical rifle outfitted with a scope and bipod. Some of the firearms were loaded with extended magazines.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Hawaii Police Department, with assistance from the Maui and Kauai Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan D. Slack.
Bahamian National Indicted for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Kenthen Lavardo Swain (39, The Bahamas) with illegal reentry by an aggravated felon. If convicted on all counts, Swain faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, on or about May 16, 2025, Swain was found to be voluntarily in the United States after having previously been removed from the United States on three occasions. Swain had not received consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission. Prior to being found, Swain had previously been convicted of multiple felonies, including possession of controlled substances with intent to sell or deliver.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO). It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Bagdad Man Sentenced for Aiming a Laser Pointer at Air Force Fighter JetsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Glenwood Arthur Bringle, 56, of Bagdad, Arizona, was sentenced on June 25, 2025, by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to nine days in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for aiming a laser pointer at United States Air Force planes. Bringle previously pleaded guilty to the felony crime of Aiming a Laser Pointer at an Aircraft or the Flight Path of an Aircraft.
On October 5, 2021, Bringle aimed a laser pointer at two United States Air Force F-16 fighter jets while the pilots were conducting training exercises in the desert area near Bringle’s home. The laser strikes caused the F-16 cockpits to be illuminated, interfering with the pilots’ ability to see and affecting their ability to fly the F-16s and complete their training exercise.
Bringle entered a plea of guilty on February 26, 2025. As part of the plea agreement and sentence, Bringle abandoned ownership and possession of several firearms and lasers seized during the execution of a search warrant at his home on November 8, 2021.
The FBI’s Phoenix Field Office, the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-23-08120-PHX-SMB
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-104_Bringle# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.Award-Winning Journalist Arrested and Charged with Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Thomas Pham LeGro, 48, made his first appearance today in U.S. District Court for allegedly possessing child pornography. LeGro, a journalist at the Washington Post and resident of the District of Columbia, was arrested yesterday and taken into custody following a search of his home.
The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Pirro thanks FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department for their ongoing efforts in this investigation.
On June 26, 2025, FBI agents executed a search warrant at LeGro’s residence and seized several electronic devices. A review of LeGro’s work laptop revealed a folder that contained 11 videos depicting child sexual abuse material.
During the execution of the search warrant agents observed what appeared to be fractured pieces of a hard drive in the hallway outside the room where LeGro’s work laptop was found.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which is composed of FBI agents, along with other federal agents and detectives from northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. The task force is charged with investigating and bringing federal charges against individuals engaged in the exploitation of children and those engaged in human trafficking.
This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caroline Burrell and Janani Iyengar for the District of Columbia.
This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Charges in a complaint are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
25mj112
Amherst man pleads guilty to selling cocaine and fentanyl that resulted in serious bodily injury to two individualsRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Lloyd Smith, 25, of Amherst, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to distribution of cocaine and fentanyl, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan, who is handling the case, stated on May 27 and 28, 2023, Smith communicated by Snapchat and text message with an individual identified as K.W about purchasing narcotics. On May 28, 2023, Smith met K.W., and another individual identified as J.D., to sell them narcotics. After using the narcotics, J.D. lost consciousness. Smith carried J.D. out of his vehicle to J.D.’s vehicle, where he left J.D. K.W. also lost consciousness at the time. After receiving a 911 call from a good Samaritan, Amherst Police responded to the scene of the overdose, finding K.W. and J.D. unconscious and unresponsive in a vehicle. Both individuals survived. Amherst Police found two baggies in K.W.’s pocket, which both tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl. The baggies were purchased from Smith.
The plea is the result of an investigation by the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Chamberlin and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 3, 2025, before Judge Vilardo.
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38 Gang Members and Associates Charged in Federal Complaint as a Result of “Operation Shock Collar”Read the Press Release
On June 26, 2025, upwards of 550 federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel executed 54 search warrants in the Fresno County city of Huron, and surrounding communities. Throughout the investigation, law enforcement seized firearms, ammunition, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. Eighty‑nine criminal street gang members and associates were arrested and charged with crimes in federal and state court.
The complaint, unsealed today, charges 38 members and associates of the Huron Dog Life, Coalinga Dog Life, and San Joaquin Ruthless Perro cliques of the Bulldog street gang with various drug and firearms trafficking offenses.
Announcing the results of Operation Shock Collar today are Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, FBI Special Agent in Charge Siddhartha Patel, Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni, Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp, and California Highway Patrol Captain (MAGEC Commander) Jon Staricka.
“Today’s announcement reflects our Office’s commitment to using every available resource in close coordination with our law enforcement partners to address the root causes of crime and hold gang members and their associates accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Beckwith. “Criminal street gangs inflict real harm on our communities by trafficking deadly drugs and firearms that destroy lives and neighborhoods. I commend the outstanding work of our agents and law enforcement partners in disrupting these criminal networks and safeguarding our communities.”
“The charges reflect the brazen violence and drug trafficking that have threatened the safety and stability of the greater Fresno area, particularly in rural communities like Huron and Coalinga,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “Yesterday’s operation was the culmination of months of collaborative work to disrupt gang-driven violence and the flow of drugs and firearms into Central Valley neighborhoods. This case highlights the power of strong partnerships at every level of law enforcement, all united in the mission to dismantle violent gangs and protect the communities we serve.”
Fresno County Sheriff Zanoni said, “The collective work done by all law enforcement agencies in this operation will undoubtedly improve the safety and overall quality of life for residents in Fresno County, particularly those living in our smaller rural communities.”
“This operation is a powerful example of what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies at every level work together with a shared mission: to protect our communities from violent criminal street gangs,” said Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp. “We are determined to send a clear and unwavering message to even the most rural parts of our county—no matter where you are, gang violence and drug trafficking will not be tolerated. I commend the extraordinary efforts of all the agencies involved in this operation.”
According to the criminal complaint, in February 2024, investigators began an investigation into the Bulldog criminal street gang operating in Fresno County with a specific focus on the ongoing criminal activities of Bulldog cliques in Huron, Coalinga, and San Joaquin. The complaint alleges an extensive criminal conspiracy in which Bulldog members and associates — some of whom were inmates in California prisons and the Fresno County Jail — orchestrated various crimes, including drug and firearms trafficking. On several occasions, members of the drug trafficking conspiracy attempted to smuggle drugs hidden inside their bodies into jails or through holes they punctured in the walls. They used contraband phones to coordinate these smuggling attempts with other gang members and associates.
Narcotics packaged for smuggling within bodily cavities
Narcotics packaged for smuggling through holes in jail walls
Photo depicting hole in jail walls
Photo depicting hole in jail wall
This case is the product of an investigation led by the FBI, the Fresno County Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC), the California Department of Justice Special Operations Unit, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Police Departments of Fresno, Kingsburg, Coalinga, Kerman, Firebaugh, Lemoore, Parlier, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Kings County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert L. Veneman-Hughes, Luke Baty, and Antonio Pataca are prosecuting the case.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi‑agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to combat 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 OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This operation is part of Summer Heat, the FBI’s nationwide initiative targeting violent crime during the summer months. As part of this effort, the FBI has launched a multi-pronged offensive to crush violent crime. By surging resources alongside state and local partners, executing federal warrants on violent criminals and fugitives, and dismantling violent gangs nationwide, we are aggressively restoring safety in our communities across the country.
The defendants charged in the criminal complaint unsealed today are:
Ignacio Sanchez, aka “Giddy,” 44, of Salinas Valley State Prison, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Ray Pinon, aka “Lil Ray,” 46, of Huron, is charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Benny Gonzales, aka “Huero,” 51, of Huron, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Ramona Felisciano, 45, of Huron, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Jennifer Escobedo, 42, of Huron, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Armando Alfaro, aka “Whisper,” 49, of Fresno, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Luis Amaro Aguilar, 31, of Fresno, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Carly Balboa, 24, of Hanford, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Timothy Chenot, aka “Lil Whisper,” 34, of Fresno, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Barbara Diaz, 55, of Fresno, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Susanna Garcia, 38, of Huron, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Axel Guevara, aka “Action,” 18, of Coalinga, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Carlos Guillen, aka “C-Dog,” 23, of Huron, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to traffic in firearms.
Gilberto Hernandez, 27, of Fresno, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Anthony Jeff, aka “Envy,” 46, of Fresno, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Victoria Lima, 44, of Clovis, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Angel Solorio Lopez, aka “Ronzo,” 18, of Coalinga, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Ricardo Lopez, aka “R-Dog,” 27, of Fresno, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Damien Murphy, 30, of Fresno, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Bridgett Murphy, of Fresno, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Ricardo Nunez, 22, of Fresno, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Laura Plascencia, aka “LP,” 46, of Huron, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Gracie Pulido, 38, of Lemoore, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Daniel Loubet Romero, aka “Topo,” 44, of Huron, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Debbie Sanchez, 60, of Hanford, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Naul Sandoval, 23, of Fresno, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Angel Soto Rios, 42, of Fresno, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Rodrigo Ruvalcaba, aka “Regal,” 40, of Fresno, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Victor Tamayo, 47, of Fresno, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Louis Bonilla, 41, of Coalinga, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Crystal Martinez, 38, of Coalinga, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Hemir Alonso Fevela Velazquez, 32, of Huron, is charged with distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Herman Vierra Jr., 41, of Fresno, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Servando Ayala, 30, of Coalinga, is charged with conspiracy to deal firearms without a license.
Jose Licea, aka “T-Bird,” 35, of Huron, is charged with conspiracy to deal firearms without a license.
Alexander Vasquez, aka “A-Dog,” 21, of Huron, is charged with conspiracy to deal firearms without a license and conspiracy to traffic in firearms.
Brian Fornes, 22, of Huron, is charged with conspiracy to deal firearms without a license and conspiracy to traffic in firearms.
Jesus Quesada, aka “Rojo,” 50, of Hanford, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
If convicted, the defendants face a range of sentences from 10 years to life in prison. Any sentence, however, 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.
26 June 2025
Woman Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material Using InfantRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio woman was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio today to 30 years in prison for production of child pornography.
According to court documents, Ashley Nicole Smith, 41, sexually assaulted a minor child on multiple occasions, from the time he was just days old in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) until he was 18 months old, beginning in November 2019 and continuing through March 2021. Smith produced videos of the sexual assaults on the child victim and distributed the files via text messages to her boyfriend.
Smith was arrested on March 4, 2021, and charged in a 10-count indictment on March 17, 2021. She pleaded guilty on Aug. 28, 2024. In addition to the 30-year imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia ordered Smith to serve 30 years of supervised release and ordered that Smith never have contact with the victim. Smith was also ordered to pay $50,000 to the AVAA fund for victims of child exploitation trafficking offenses and to forfeit the devices used to produce the child exploitation material.
U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The FBI and San Antonio Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Witness Charged for Lying Under Oath at TrialRead the Press Release
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton; the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Michael Alfonso; and the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging ASHANTI WASHINGTON, a/k/a “Shani Boni,” with perjury at a federal criminal trial and obstruction of justice. These charges relate to WASHINGTON’s repeated false testimony at the March 2025 trial of United States v. Kevin Perez, in which Perez was on trial for racketeering and violent crimes. WASHINGTON was arrested on the evening of June 24, 2025, and presented yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara C. Moses. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels.
“As alleged, Ashanti Washington swore an oath to tell the truth in federal court and repeatedly lied and attempted to obstruct a New York federal criminal trial,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Truth under oath is central to our system of justice. Those who break this duty will face consequences.”
“As alleged, Washington’s false testimony under oath obstructed justice and undermined the integrity of our legal system,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso. “Her deception led to her arrest, and she now faces federal charges.”
“As alleged, Ashanti Washington knowingly lied under oath to protect a violent gang member during a federal trial,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “This wasn’t just simple dishonesty—this was a calculated attack on the integrity of our judicial system. I thank the NYPD investigators, HSI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their work to hold accountable anyone who tries to obstruct justice.”
As alleged in the Indictment and public court filings:[1]
On March 10, 2025, trial in the matter of United States v. Kevin Perez, 23 Cr. 99 (LJL), commenced in which Perez was tried on charges of racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and possession, use, brandish, and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to the attempted murder in aid of racketeering. On March 20, 2025, the jury returned guilty verdicts as to racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder, and the firearm discharge count, and returned a not guilty verdict with respect to the murder. Perez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, with sentencing currently scheduled for July 16, 2025.
On March 17 and 18, 2025, Washington testified at Perez’s trial as a witness during the defense case and repeatedly lied while under oath. Washington’s false testimony concerned:
- Her denying knowing about or touching the gun Perez used in the charged murder,
- Her denying knowledge of a particular gang hand sign and a gang member’s membership in that gang,
- And her claim that the victim in the charged murder had verbally threatened her and Perez before Perez shot and killed the victim.
As alleged in the Indictment, these statements were false. Indeed, while WASHINGTON testified that she did not know about or touch the gun that Perez used in the charged murder, subsequent investigation revealed that WASHINGTON’s DNA was found on multiple parts of that gun.
* * *
WASHINGTON, 23, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with three counts of perjury at a federal criminal trial, each of which carries a maximum term of five years in prison, and one count of obstruction of justice, which carries a maximum term of 10 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the work of the Special Agents from the HSI Violent Gangs Task Force of the NYPD. He added that the investigation is ongoing.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent & Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Herman, Patrick Moroney, and Ni Qian are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
u.s._v._washington_indictment.pdf[1] As the introductory phase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
West Haven Man Charged with Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that CARLOS INESTI, 29, of West Haven, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with child exploitation offenses.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in April 2025, the FBI arrested an individual in Utah for possession of child pornography. Analysis of a cell phone seized during the investigation revealed videos involving an adult male, subsequently determined to be Inesti, engaging in sexually explicit conduct with a toddler-aged girl. The investigation revealed that Inesti had recorded the videos and shared them through the Telegram application.
Inesti appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and was released on a $100,000 bond into home detention with location monitoring. He is prohibited from accessing the internet and having any contact with minors.
The complaint charges Inesti with sexual exploitation of children, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 year, and with distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s New Haven and Salt Lake City Field Offices, with the assistance of the West Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com.
Wakpala Woman Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Killing Her Mother within the Standing Rock ReservationRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Wakpala, South Dakota, woman convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on June 23, 2025.
Malania Rose Fast Horse, age 25, was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Fast Horse was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2025. She pleaded guilty on March 6, 2025.
Fast Horse quarreled with her mother in their Wakpala, South Dakota, home, within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation, on Christmas Eve 2024. Fast Horse lost her temper and stabbed her mother several times in the chest, arm, and hand. Fast Horse ambled to her grandmother’s home next door and told her grandmother and brother she had stabbed her mother. She then grabbed some cigarettes and left. Fast Horse’s brother ran next door, finding his mother lying in a pool of blood on the floor, alive but incoherent. Although EMS was promptly dispatched, Fast Horse’s mother later succumbed to her injuries.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Fast Horse was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Wanted Fugitive Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of AmmunitionRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Jesse Jay Perez, 29, of Naples, Florida, pled guilty in federal court to possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the dedication of Gainesville Police Officers, this wanted fugitive is back where he belongs, behind bars. My office is committed to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who unlawfully possess weapons or ammunition and pose a risk to the safety and security of our fellow citizens.”
Court documents reflect that on January 1, 2025, Officers of the Gainesville Police Department encountered Perez during a traffic stop and determined there was a felony fugitive warrant for his arrest from the State of California. At the time of the stop, Perez was carrying a backpack that contained a machete, a pellet rifle, a flare gun, 13 magazines, 380 rounds of various ammunition, and all the component parts necessary to build a “ghost gun” assault rifle. Perez is prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition as a result of a prior felony conviction.
Perez faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Gainesville Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 30, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville, Florida before Chief United States District Judge Allen Winsor.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Utah Man Indicted after Allegedly Shooting a Stolen Semi-Automatic Pistol at Two Victims in Salt Lake CityRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury returned and indictment charging a restricted person with multiple firearm crimes after he allegedly possessed a stolen semi-automatic pistol and shot at two victims in Salt Lake City.
Hiram Bokadrik, 29, of Salt Lake County, Utah, was charged by complaint on June 11, 2025.
According to court documents, on June 7, 2025 at approximately 4:18 p.m., officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department responded to a call of “shots fired” at a residence in Salt Lake City. Upon arrival, officers met with two individuals who reported a male suspect, later identified as Bokadrik, had fired a single round at them when confronted about trespassing on their property. During this time, officers recovered an expended 9mm casing from the scene. Additional officers quickly located Bokadrik, who fled from the officers on foot, but was subsequently located in a construction area hiding underneath a tarp. On construction materials, officers also recovered a loaded Glock 43X and a hat described to be worn by Bokadrik at the time of the crime.
Additionally, the investigation revealed the firearm, which was manufactured outside the state of Utah, was stolen during a vehicle burglary at a nearby residence at approximately 12:00 a.m. on the same day. Bokadrik is prohibited from possessing, purchasing, transferring, or owning firearms or ammunition under both state and federal law.
Bokadrik is charged with being a restricted person in possession of a stolen firearm and ammunition, and possession of a stolen firearm. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for June 26, 2025, at 2:15 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by an FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department, Robbery and Violent Crimes Unit. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Assistant United States Attorney Victoria K. McFarland of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Attorney Announces Criminal Charges Against the Philadelphia School District Alleging Violations of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response ActRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania filed criminal charges today against the School District of Philadelphia alleging violations of legal requirements to timely inspect, remediate, and report damaged asbestos in multiple city schools.
The United States and the School District of Philadelphia have entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) in this case, which has been filed with the court today and remains subject to judicial review and approval.
This is the first time in the nation that a school district has been criminally charged with this type of environmental violation, and the first time that criminal violations under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) have been brought against a public entity. It is also the first use of a DPA in a case against a public school district in an AHERA case.
These charges are the result of a five-year investigation conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID).
Legal Obligations Regarding Asbestos
Federal law requires school districts to safeguard their schools from airborne toxins, like asbestos, and timely inspect, remediate, and report any damaged asbestos. More specifically, the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) requires that, every three years, school districts conduct formal inspections of all buildings containing asbestos and remediate any damaged asbestos.
In addition, every six months, all such buildings must undergo surveillance inspections, to ensure that areas containing asbestos remain safe. School districts are also responsible for promptly responding to and addressing internal reports and complaints of damaged asbestos and filing timely reports of these activities.
Asbestos
Asbestos was used in many building materials until the 1970s. Because it is an effective fire retardant and resisted overheating, it was a popular building material for many years.
When left intact and undisturbed, asbestos is safe. However, any damage or disturbance of asbestos can break and emit particles into the air that pose tremendous health hazards. Small shards of asbestos can become lodged in lung tissue, and can cause asbestosis, a chronic lung disease, and mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer.
The School District of Philadelphia has approximately 339 buildings, most of them quite old, almost 300 of which are known to contain asbestos.
The Charges and Facts
The information filed today sets forth eight criminal charges, arising from offenses allegedly committed between June 2018 and April 2023.
Counts One through Seven charge the school district with failing to conduct timely three-year inspections in seven specific schools: William Meredith Elementary; Building 21 Alternative High School; Southwark Elementary; S. Weir Mitchell Elementary; Charles W. Henry Elementary; Universal Vare Charter School; and Frankford High School.
Count Eight charges the school district’s failure to conduct timely six-month inspections at Building 21 Alternative High School.
By entering into the DPA, the school district has agreed to waive indictment by a grand jury.
The Deferred Prosecution Agreement
The pending DPA contains an agreed statement of facts, which sets forth in greater detail the findings of the investigation, including 61 specific facts detailing the asbestos problems in the schools, and the school district’s failures to address those problems.
The statement of facts demonstrates a longstanding and widespread problem of asbestos contamination in Philadelphia schools that endangered students and teachers, and, in some cases, foreclosed any education at all by requiring the closure of the school. The DPA lists 31 school buildings that had asbestos problems from April 2015 to November 2023. Some schools had multiple areas of damaged asbestos, which posed continuing and repeated problems and sometimes went unattended or were improperly addressed. In the worst instances, schools had to be shuttered. The investigation also uncovered some instances in which damaged asbestos was improperly addressed, including the use of duct tape to cover it up.
As filed, the terms of the DPA provide that the school district’s actions will be monitored by the federal court to ensure compliance with the law.
If the school district maintains compliance, the United States Attorney’s Office and DOJ can drop the criminal charges after a period of time. If the school district fails to do so, it faces criminal sanctions. The term of the DPA and its mandated monitoring is approximately five years.
“This deferred prosecution agreement, if approved, affords the government the highest available level of prosecutorial and judicial oversight over the School District of Philadelphia and its efforts to comply with its legal obligations to provide safe schools,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Most importantly, the DPA provides the best possible platform for students, teachers, staff, and others who may spend time in our schools to breathe clean air free of asbestos.”
“EPA is committed to pursuing the prosecution of knowing violations of our nation’s environmental laws, especially where such lawbreaking could result in harm to students and teachers on school grounds,” said Special Agent in Charge Allison Landsman of EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division. “This resolution requires additional accountability on the School District of Philadelphia to ensure protections are in place to prevent future asbestos exposure.”
This case was investigated by the EPA-CID, Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Troyer, and Department of Justice trial attorney Ronald Sarachan. AUSA Troyer is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Hosts 2nd Annual Summer Law CampRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS – Earlier this week, 36 high school students from across the state participated in an immersive Summer Law Camp hosted by the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of South Dakota. Over the course of three days, students learned about the federal justice system from the perspective of criminal and civil attorneys who practice in federal court, paralegals, victim witness advocates, forensic examiners, members of the federal judiciary, and federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
“The USAO’s Summer Law Camp introduces high school students to various career paths associated with the criminal justice system and the practice of law,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “It is our hope that by offering a window into the work we do each and every day to uphold the rule of law and keep our communities safe, we can inspire the next generation of leaders to consider careers as attorneys, law enforcement officers, and vital legal support professionals.”
Students traveled from across South Dakota to participate in the USAO’s Summer Law Camp. Cities and towns represented at the Camp included Sturgis, Pine Ridge, Wounded Knee, White River, Kennebec, Chamberlain, Pierre, Ft. Pierre, Timber Lake, Ipswich, Wetonka, Aberdeen, Sisseton, Castlewood, Watertown, Clear Lake, Brandt, Madison, Dell Rapids, Montrose, Armour, Tyndall, Vermillion, Dakota Dunes, Beresford, Tea, Brandon, and Sioux Falls.
In addition to meeting with members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, students heard from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, the Sioux Falls Police Department, and the Federal Public Defender’s Office. On the final day of Camp, students conducted a mock trial before U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
This was the second Summer Law Camp organized by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota. Information about future programming will be distributed to South Dakota school districts in Spring 2026. For more information, please reach out to [email protected].
Two Convicted for their Roles in Multi-Million Dollar Transnational Telephone ScamRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Pradip Parikh, 67, of Valley Stream, New York, and Alpesh Patel, 40, of Louisa, Virginia, have been convicted for their roles in a scam that defrauded unsuspecting Americans out of millions of dollars after a five-day jury trial.
“This case involved a scheme to defraud multiple victims – many of whom were elderly – and to callously rob them of their hard-earned savings,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “The defendants and their conspirators within and outside the United States enriched themselves through government-imposter scams designed to exploit the public’s inherent trust in federal institutions. The jury has spoken, and Parikh and Patel will now be held accountable for their crimes.”
“These defendants deliberately preyed on some of our most vulnerable citizens—particularly the elderly—by impersonating Social Security officials and exploiting their trust,” said Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit performing the duties of the Social Security Administration (SSA), Inspector General. “This telephone imposter scheme defrauded millions of Americans and caused real harm to individuals who believed they were protecting their benefits. Today’s convictions send a clear message: we will relentlessly pursue those who weaponize fear and deceit to commit fraud, and we thank our law enforcement partners for helping bring these perpetrators to justice.”
“These defendants targeted mostly older adults to cheat them out of their savings,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “This sentencing should make it known to individuals that protecting our most vulnerable community members is critically important, and we will hold accountable those who engage in these sorts of egregious fraud schemes.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: In 2022, Pradip Parikh, Alpesh Patel, and eight others were indicted for running, promoting, and profiting from an India-based call center scam targeting Americans. The fraudsters typically identified themselves as Social Security Administration employees, telling the victims that their Social Security Numbers had been compromised in connection with criminal activity and promising to help “protect” their assets. Upon luring the victims to agree to this offer, the fraudsters directed the victims to send money to bank accounts controlled by Parikh, Patel, and other conspirators.
During the defendants’ trial, a 70-year-old victim from New Jersey testified that one of the conspirators told her that she would be arrested and lose all her assets if she did not transfer funds to accounts that the caller designated. In response, the victim transferred more than $600,000 of her lifesavings to multiple banks accounts, including $150,000 to an account called “JDM Management” that Parikh controlled.
A recently widowed mother of eight testified that she transferred over $300,000 to JDM Management’s account as part of the scheme. Parikh then laundered the funds, retaining thousands for himself and transferring the balance to a conspirator.
Other victims testified that they wired money to an account called “Seven Points Agency” that Patel controlled. Evidence admitted during trial revealed that the Seven Points Agency account was opened just before scam victims began wiring money into it. More than $100,000 was deposited into the account in the span of two days, and Patel immediately diverted those funds to a conspirator after keeping approximately $10,000 for himself.
Pradip Parikh and Alpesh Patel were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and two substantive counts of money laundering. The jury convicted Patel of all the counts. Parikh was convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering and two substantive counts of money laundering.
The conspiracy to commit wire fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment, and the money laundering counts each carry a maximum penalty of ten years of incarceration. In determining the actual sentence, the court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders.
Sentencing hearings for the defendants will be scheduled at a future date before United States District Judge William M. Ray II.
This case is being investigated by the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Angela Adams and Special Assistant United States Attorney Diane C. Schulman are prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is part of the Department of Justice Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force. The Strike Force focuses on investigating and prosecuting defendants associated with foreign-based fraud schemes that disproportionately affect American seniors. These include romance scams, phone scams, mass-mailing fraud schemes, and tech-support fraud schemes. For further information on these scams, see https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/senior-scam-alert.
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.
Twelve Defendants Sentenced for Drug and Firearm Offenses Related to Springfield, Vermont Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office announced that twelves defendants have been sentenced in connection with drug and firearm charges related to a conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and fentanyl between March and November 2022 in Springfield, Vermont. The last sentencing occurred June 16, 2025. All twelve defendants previously pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and fentanyl, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, the drug conspiracy involved distribution of controlled substances on Valley Street in Springfield, Vermont and elsewhere. The conspirators armed themselves with firearms in furtherance of the conspiracy. At certain times, firearms were discharged in Springfield in connection with the drug trafficking activity. Several of the conspirators were arrested on November 30, 2022 following the execution of federal search warrants on several addresses on Valley Street.
Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss imposed the following sentences, each followed by a three-year term of federal supervised release:
Anibal Castro, Sr. – 108 months
Jonathan Castro – 98 months
Alex Barnes – 47 months
James Hines – 38 months
Jessica Auclair – 8 months
Jennifer Armstrong – Time ServedUnited States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford imposed the following sentences, each followed by a three-year term of federal supervised release:
Anibal Castro, Jr. – 72 months
Martine Protas – Time ServedUnited States District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. imposed the following sentence, followed by a three-year term of federal supervised release:
Kerri Yaqoob – 75 months
United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier imposed the following sentence, followed by a three-year term of federal supervised release:
Todd Amell – Time Served
United States District Judge William K. Sessions, III imposed the following sentences:
Michael Cotter – Time Served to be followed by 2 years of supervised release
Derek Arie – Time Served to be followed by 1 year of supervised releaseActing U.S. Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory and collaborative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Vermont State Police, the Vermont Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Massachusetts State Police, the Springfield Police Department, and the Windsor County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Stendig. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew Gilman and Joe Perella offered valuable assistance.
Anibal Castro, Sr. is represented by Natasha Sen, Esq.; Jonathan Castro is represented by Robert Behrens, Esq.; Anibal Castro, Jr. is represented by Karen Shingler, Esq.; Derek Arie is represented by Kevin Henry, Esq.; Martine Protas is represented by Michael Shklar, Esq.; Michael Cotter is represented by Mark Oettinger, Esq.; Jessica Auclair is represented by Peter Langrock, Esq.; Kerri Yaqoob is represented by Richard Bothfeld, Esq.; Alex Barnes is represented by John-Claude Charbonneau, Esq.; James Hines is represented by Stephanie Greenlees, Esq.; Todd Amell is represented by Chandler Matson, Esq.; Jennifer Armstrong is represented by Jason Sawyer, Esq.
Topeka man indicted for alleged assault on Tribal landRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with committing an assault on Tribal land.
According to court documents, Wesley Reel Bennett, 23, of Topeka was indicted on one count of assaults within maritime and territorial jurisdiction.
In June 2025, Bennett is accused of assaulting and seriously injuring a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation within the confines of its Tribal territory.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Tribal Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hunting is prosecuting the case.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Hector Alvarado, 55, of Topeka was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hunting is prosecuting the case.
Kenneth Norman Baker, 41, of Baxter Springs was indicted on one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Three Defendants Charged with Assaulting Federal Law Enforcement Officers, Other Offenses During Protests Near Local ICE OfficeRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Three defendants made their first appearances in federal court today after committing various offenses—including assaulting federal officers and creating a hazard on federal property—during ongoing protest gatherings near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland.
Julie Winters, 46, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony of attempted assault of a federal officer.
Aziel Chambers, 20, of Merlin, Oregon, has been charged by information with the misdemeanor offenses of assault on a federal officer, creating a hazard on federal property, and failing to obey a lawful order.
Rachel Jean Pope, 28, of Portland, has been charged by information with the misdemeanor offense of assault on a federal officer.
According to court documents and information shared in court, on June 24, 2025, several individuals gathered near an ICE office in South Portland where, for weeks, individuals have repeatedly targeted the building and federal law enforcement officers with threatening statements, discharging pepper spray, and throwing rocks, trash, and bricks. At approximately 11:00pm, two individuals attempted to set a U.S. flag on fire in the driveway of the building.
To clear the driveway, federal officers dispensed less than lethal means, including gas canisters, to disperse the crowd. Pope picked up one of the metal canisters and threw it towards the officers, hitting one of the officers.
At approximately 11:15pm, federal officers observed an individual, later identified as Winters, attempting to light an incendiary device next to the guard shack of the building. As FPS officers engaged with Winters, she pulled a large knife from her backpack and began waiving the blade toward the officers. Winters threw the knife at an officer, but it did not strike the officer. Winters began to flee but an officer deployed a taser, bringing Winters to the ground. As officers attempted to secure Winters, she pulled a second large knife from her waistband. An officer disarmed Winters and arrested her.
The same evening, Chambers pointed a laser pointer at a federal officer, striking the officer in the eye. Chambers was also charged with failing to comply with an officer’s orders to leave the premises on June 17, 2025, and for throwing an object at federal property on June 20, 2025.
All three defendants made their first appearances in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Winters was detained pending future court proceedings. Pope and Chambers were released on conditions pending future court proceedings.
Attempting to assault a federal officer and inflict bodily injury is punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment. Misdemeanor assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to one year in federal prison. Failure to obey a lawful order and creating a hazard on federal property are Class C misdemeanors and carry a maximum penalty of 30 days in prison.
These cases were investigated by the FBI, FPS and ICE. They are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
A criminal complaint and an information are only accusations of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Three Canadian Citizens Charged with Smuggling 36 Firearms into CanadaRead the Press Release
DETROIT – Akeem Richards-Crawford, 31, Dwayne Harrison, 34, and Jannai Stewart, 35, citizens of Canada, were charged today in an indictment with conspiracy to smuggle and the smuggling of firearms and firearm magazines from the United States to Canada, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations Detroit, Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Chief Patrol Agent John R. Morris, U.S. Border Patrol, Special Agent in Charge James Deir, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Aaron Tambrini, Special Agent in Charge of Office of Export Enforcement’s Chicago Field Office, U.S. Department of Commerce.
According to the indictment, Richards-Crawford and Harrison traveled from Canada to the United States in October 2023. Richards-Crawford and/or Harrison then rented a vehicle and a hotel room in the Detroit-Metropolitan area, traveled to Houston, Texas and Cincinnati, Ohio to obtain firearms, and then returned to the Eastern District of Michigan to execute their smuggling scheme. Then, early in the morning on October 26, 2023, Richards-Crawford and Harrison drove to the Algonac, Michigan area with a backpack containing 36 firearms. Harrison then boarded a jet ski on the St. Clair river and traveled to Canada with the firearms. When Harrison arrived in Canada, he approached an unmarked police vehicle believing it was there to pick him up. After realizing his mistake, Harrison dropped the backpack and fled on foot. Canadian law enforcement officers located the backpack and recovered 36 firearms, each individually wrapped in tube socks. Officers also encountered Stewart—Harrison’s actual pickup driver—nearby after Harrison texted him: “Come get me” and “Cops came.”
Based on the charges in the indictment, each defendant faces up to 10 years in prison for each smuggling count, and up to 5 years in prison on the conspiracy count, if convicted.
The public is reminded that an Indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Canada’s Ontario Provincial Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas Salzenstein and Erin Ramamurthy, along with Chantelle Dial, Trial Attorney, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, United States Department of Justice.
Texas Woman Arrested After 20 Pounds of Cocaine Seized at New Mexico CheckpointRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Texas woman is facing federal charges after U.S. Border Patrol agents seized more than 20 pounds of cocaine from her vehicle during a checkpoint inspection south of Alamogordo, New Mexico.
According to court documents, on the afternoon of June 16, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered Aurelia Madrid-Marquez, 51, at the Highway 54 checkpoint located South of Alamogordo, New Mexico, driving a minivan with Illinois license plates. During routine questioning, agents conducted a canine inspection of the vehicle, which resulted in a positive alert for narcotics. A subsequent search revealed seven vacuum-sealed bundles containing a white powdery substance concealed in the driver-side floorboard area. Field tests confirmed the substance to be cocaine.
Madrid-Marquez is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and will remain in third party custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Madrid-Marquez faces up to 10 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, Omar Arellano, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, and Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar of the U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector made the announcement today.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Aragon Martinez is prosecuting the case.
View the Criminal Complaint (Marquez).pdfA criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Texas Business Owner Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief FraudRead the Press Release
A Texas woman was sentenced today to three years and five months in prison for her participation in a scheme to file fraudulent applications for loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that the Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
According to court documents, between around May 2020, and March 2021, Shantelle Hawkins, 43, of DeSoto, conspired to submit 17 fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of companies she or her relatives owned or controlled. The applications contained false statements about payroll and tax information, which the SBA used to calculate the amount of PPP funds to which the applicant-companies would be entitled. Hawkins used some of the money she obtained from the loans for personal expenses, including to pay off her 2015 Maserati Ghibli luxury car and to purchase property in the greater Dallas area.
Hawkins pleaded guilty on Oct. 8, 2024, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. At sentencing, Hawkins was ordered to pay more than $1.8 million in restitution and to forfeit the residence purchased with proceeds from the fraud.
Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson for the Northern District of Texas; and Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the FBI’s Dallas Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Dermot Lynch and Kashan Pathan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elyse Lyons for the Northern District of Texas is handling asset forfeiture.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Tenderloin Drug Dealer Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking, Supervised Release ViolationRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – Henry Alvarado was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco while on federal supervised release. Alvarado was also sentenced to 12 months and one day for violating the terms of his supervised release, to run concurrently with his 60-month sentence. Senior U.S. District Judge William H. Orrick handed down the sentence.
Alvarado, 34, a national of Honduras, was charged by criminal complaint on April 17, 2023, and indicted by a federal grand jury on May 2, 2023. On March 10, 2025, Alvarado pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 40 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. According to the plea agreement, on multiple occasions in March 2023, Alvarado sold fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco, selling in total 173 grams of methamphetamine and 110 grams of fentanyl. At the time of his offense, Alvarado was on federal supervised release from a prior federal drug trafficking conviction.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and DEA Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris made the announcement.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Orrick also sentenced the defendant to a four-year period of supervised release and a $200 fine. The defendant has been in federal custody since April 19, 2023.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily R. Dahlke and Michael G. Lagrama prosecuted the case with the assistance of Marina Ponomarchuk and Helen Yee. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DEA and the San Francisco Police Department.
Ten Members and Associates of Violent Car-Theft Ring Indicted on Racketeering, Carjacking, Robbery, and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
A superseding indictment was unsealed today charging Montez Moore, 20, Duane Benson, 20, Aniya Sheperd, 20, Brandon Irons, 19, Allen Brown, 23, Markaveon Jackson, 19, Raynell Moore, 22, Lavatrice McCully-Collins, 24, Peontay Roddy, 21, and Noah Hornburg, 23 — all of St. Louis, Missouri — with crimes including racketeering conspiracy, carjacking, robbery, and firearm charges related to their participation in “the Strikers,” a violent, interstate stolen car ring.
According to court documents, between September 2023 and March 2024, the Strikers engaged in car dealership burglaries, illegal interstate vehicle sales and thefts, shootings, carjacking, robbery, and other criminal acts throughout Missouri and Illinois.
“As alleged, the Strikers enterprise stole approximately 50 vehicles and inflicted nearly $3 million in losses while carrying out a violent crime spree across Missouri and Illinois,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their reckless actions endangered communities and dealt a serious blow to local businesses. This kind of brazen, lawless conduct will not be tolerated, and the Justice Department is committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to protect the public and hold those responsible fully accountable.”
“Thanks to the Justice Department’s Violent Crime Initiative, we were able to expand an existing indictment to hold more members of the Strikers responsible for a litany of violent crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Drake for the Eastern District of Missouri. “As we said when we announced St. Louis’ inclusion in the VCI last year, we are targeting and dismantling the criminal organizations that are disproportionately driving violent crime in St. Louis.”
“This was a violent, organized crime operation that spanned across state lines, left a trail of stolen vehicles and cost millions of dollars in losses,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “This case demonstrates the power of the RICO statute to dismantle interstate criminal enterprises and reflects the FBI’s unwavering commitment to pursuing those who use violence and intimidation to profit from crime.”
In a single burglary, defendants and others burglarized a dealership in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and stole seven high-end vehicles worth approximately $855,000.
To hide their identities during the burglaries, the defendants would wear gloves, dark clothing, and masks. In one incident, defendants Hornburg, Moore, and Irons led police on a high-speed chase, driving on a public street reaching speeds over 110 mph. In another incident, after police seized one of the stolen cars, defendants Shepard, Benson, and others broke into the police impound lot and stole the car back.
After stealing the vehicles, the defendants allegedly concealed their stolen nature or location by attaching stolen out-of-state dealer plates and covering or removing vehicle identification numbers. The stolen vehicles would then be used in other crimes or sold through social media advertising. The Strikers would often advertise a sales price at such a discount that prospective buyers should have suspected the vehicles were stolen. In one Instagram posting, defendants offered for sale a 2019 Infiniti q70 for $3000, a 2016 Mercedes Benz GLE 400 for $1500, and a 2014 BMW 528i for $2500.
In one alleged carjacking and robbery, defendants Benson and Moore pulled up to a BP gas station in a stolen blue 2017 BMW 330i that had been taken from a dealership in Springfield, Illinois. They briefly waited for a lottery machine technician to walk out of the store and as captured on store surveillance, ambushed him at gunpoint, robbed him, and highjacked his white Silverado pickup.
Image Credit: Case 4:24-cr-00233, U.S. v. Benson A screenshot showing a January 2024 robbery and carjacking in Cool Valley, MissouriIf convicted, each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison for the racketeering conspiracy. Defendants Moore and Benson face up to an additional 30 years in prison if convicted of carjacking, robbery and use of a firearm in connection thereof. Defendant Aniya Shephard faces up to an additional 10 years in prison if convicted of possessing a machinegun.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Louis County Police Department are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Jared A. Hernandez of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nino Przulj for the Eastern District of Missouri are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative in St. Louis conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Missouri and local, state, and federal law enforcement. The joint effort addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute gang members and their associates in St. Louis.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Ten Accused of RICO Conspiracy Involving Car Thefts, Shootings and Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – The Eastern District of Missouri, in partnership with the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, has indicted ten people for their role in a racketeering conspiracy to steal dozens of cars from dealers throughout eastern Missouri and southern Illinois.
The group dubbed themselves “the Strikers” and targeted high-end cars, such as Dodge SRT Scat models, Dodge Hellcats and Trackhawks, BMWs, Audis and Mercedes-Benzes, a superseding indictment says. Between roughly the summer of 2023 and the spring of 2024, the Strikers targeted dealerships as far afield as Cape Girardeau, Missouri and Springfield, Illinois.
In all, the Strikers burglarized about 20 dealerships and stole approximately 50 cars worth about $3 million, detention motions say. The Strikers also stole license plates and key fobs and caused other losses, including extensive property damage. Using social media, the Strikers often sold the cars for $500 to $10,000, a fraction of their actual value.
The Strikers also used the stolen cars to commit other crimes, the superseding indictment says. The indictment alleges that at least two Strikers shot at a hotel employee who pursued the group after a series of early morning car break-ins at a downtown St. Louis hotel in November of 2023. The indictment further alleges that two Strikers, Montez Moore and Duane Benson, robbed and carjacked a lottery game technician at gunpoint outside a Cool Valley, Missouri gas station in January of 2024. As alleged, the Strikers used one of the stolen cars to break into vehicles in St. Louis, Florissant, Webster Groves and Des Peres in early January of 2024.
“Thanks to the Justice Department’s Violent Crime Initiative, we were able to expand an existing indictment to hold more members of the Strikers responsible for a litany of violent crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Drake. “As we said when we announced St. Louis’ inclusion in the VCI last year, we are targeting and dismantling the criminal organizations that are disproportionately driving violent crime in St. Louis.”
“As alleged, the Strikers stole approximately 50 vehicles and caused nearly $3 million in loss while engaging in violent and dangerous mayhem across Missouri and Illinois,” said Matthew Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This lawless behavior will not be tolerated. The Department of Justice is committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure the public’s safety.”
“This case demonstrates the power of the RICO statute to dismantle interstate criminal enterprises and reflects the FBI’s unwavering commitment to pursuing those who use violence and intimidation to profit from crime,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Jose A. Perez.
"The repercussions of vehicle theft extend well beyond property loss. In the St. Louis area, stolen vehicles are routinely employed by criminals to commit violent offenses and avoid identification," explained Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. "Investigating these theft rings allows the FBI's Violent Crimes Task Force to effectively prevent further violent crimes."
Montez Moore, now 20, of Florissant, Duane Benson, 20, of St. Louis, and Aniya Sheperd, 20, of St. Louis County, were originally indicted in 2024. Seven others were added last week in a superseding indictment: Brandon Irons, 19, Allen Brown, 23, Markaveon Jackson, 19, Raynell Moore, 22, Lavatrice McCully-Collins, 24, Peontay Roddy, 21, and Noah Hornburg, 23. They now face crimes including racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, carjacking, robbery and various firearm charges.
Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI and police departments throughout the area investigated the case, including the St. Louis County Police Department and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nino Przulj and Trial Attorney Jared A. Hernandez of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative in St. Louis, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Missouri and local, state, and federal law enforcement. The joint effort addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute gang members and their associates in St. Louis.
Sun Prairie Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Javaris Nunn, 33, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was sentenced June 24, 2025, by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 30 months in prison for possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. Nunn pleaded guilty to this charge on March 26, 2025.
On December 28, 2023, Nunn was a rear passenger in a vehicle that was stopped because it did not have a license plate. Next to Nunn, officers found a backpack containing an unloaded Glock 42 .380 caliber handgun and a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P .45 caliber handgun with the serial number scratched off. While Nunn denied knowledge of the handguns, the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory found evidence of Nunn’s DNA on both guns.
Nunn has prior felony convictions for theft from a person, felon in possession of a firearm, and robbery. As a convicted felon, Nunn cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson said that he was considering not only Nunn’s traumatic past and positive characteristics, but also his significant criminal history and the severity of the offense. Judge Peterson noted that Nunn carrying firearms was a recipe for disaster. Judge Peterson imposed the sentence to run concurrently with a state revocation sentence and ordered that Nunn serve three years of supervised release.
The charge against Nunn was the result of an investigation conducted by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consisting of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies representing the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.