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Thursday 16 July 2026
Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Samuel Jermaine Caples, also known as “EJ,” 25, of Pontiac, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 9, 2026, Caples sold approximately 216.7 grams of 100 percent pure methamphetamine to a confidential informant at a Huntington residence in exchange for $1,600. As part of his guilty plea, Caples admitted that he conducted the transaction after the confidential informant arranged it with another individual.
Caples further admitted that he sold a mixture containing approximately 30.18 grams of methamphetamine in exchange for $450 on December 2, 2025, and sold approximately 7.11 grams of fentanyl in exchange for $800 on January 14, 2026. Each transaction took place in Huntington.
Caples is scheduled to be sentenced on November 2, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cabell County Sheriff's Office.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams and third-year law student intern Chloe A. Bailey are prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-43.
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Mexican National Sentenced for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jorge Luis Mejia-Mejia, 40, of Mexico, was sentenced to 57 months in prison for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
According to investigators, on March 29, 2025, an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper conducting a routine traffic stop on Interstate 40 near Sallisaw arrested Mejia-Mejia after discovering over 878 grams of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, concealed in an airbag panel of the vehicle.
The Honorable John F. Heil, III, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Mejia-Mejia will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States.
Methamphetamine Trafficker and Tax Fraudster Sentenced to Federal Prison in Homeland Security Task Force CaseRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Leeman Brown has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Virgina M. Hernandez Covington to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and aiding and assisting false and fraudulent tax returns. Brown pleaded guilty on October 27, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe mad the announcement.
According to court documents, Brown conspired with others to smuggle methamphetamine, hidden in packages in the mail, from California to the Tampa area. At the same time, Brown submitted more than 80 false tax returns to the IRS that included fraudulent amounts of gambling losses, winnings, and federal income tax withholdings. The submissions requested large refunds from the IRS to which taxpayers are not entitled. Brown earned over $260,000 in proceeds from the scheme.
“The expertise and diligence by our HSTF law enforcement partners in this case is a clear example of our commitment to stem the flow of illegal drugs and protect our nation’s financial system against fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe.
“Tax fraud isn’t a game—and anyone who tries to cheat the system will quickly learn that IRS Criminal Investigation plays to win,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “IRS Special Agents are unwavering in their mission: protect America’s taxpayers, defend the integrity of our tax system, and hold offenders accountable. If you think you can beat the IRS, think again.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Stoia.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
Member of South L.A.-Based Crips Street Gang Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Role in $2.8 Million Bank Fraud Advertised on InstagramRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A member of the South Los Angeles-based Crips street gang was sentenced today to 108 months in federal prison for his role in a $2.8 million scheme in which he stole checks in the mail, altered them, then used Instagram to recruit bank account holders to give him access to their accounts so he could deposit the checks and quickly withdraw the funds before banks could detect the fraud.
Chase Matthew Griffin, 26, a.k.a. “Trey,” of Atlanta, who also resided in Ontario and South Los Angeles, was sentenced by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton, who also ordered him to pay $307,386 in restitution.
Griffin pleaded guilty on March 5 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He has been in federal custody since September 2025.
According to court documents, from 2022 to September 2025, Griffin participated in a criminal conspiracy in which he and others obtained checks stolen from the mail, then altered them or created counterfeit versions so they appeared to be payable to their accomplices.
Griffin recruited these accomplices online, often through Instagram, where he posted photographs of himself holding stacks of currency that were more than one foot high. He advertised for holders of various bank accounts to give him access to their accounts.
After he recruited an accomplice, Griffin and his co-conspirators deposited these fraudulent checks, which were typically for tens of thousands of dollars, into the accomplice’s bank account, then raced to withdraw the funds before the bank could detect the fraud.
For example, in December 2023, a North Hollywood business reported to law enforcement that it had mailed three checks totaling approximately $84,490 from a United States Postal Service collection box in Tarzana. However, the checks were stolen then deposited into JPMorgan Chase accounts not belonging to the intended recipients. The business representative provided images of the checks that had been deposited and confirmed the listed payee on each check had been changed from the intended recipient.
A law enforcement review of a Chase bank account where one of those checks was deposited revealed a previous deposit of approximately $22,487 made at an ATM in Upland. This check, along with another check for approximately $29,081, was stolen and used to create counterfeit checks with the same date, check number, and amount as the original, but with different payees.
The money was quickly withdrawn from the account and used for ATM withdrawals, Zelle and CashApp payments, a plane ticket, and card purchases at a San Bernardino County casino. Law enforcement later traced the scheme to Griffin.
The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this matter with assistance from Upland Police Department
Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Brown of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.
Manson Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
A man who conspired to distribute methamphetamine pled guilty on July 15, 2026, in federal court in Sioux City.
Tanner Thomas Rokes, age 36, from Manson, Iowa, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Rokes admitted that from 2021 to July, 2025, in Webster County, Iowa, he was involved in distributing over five pounds of methamphetamine. In May 2025 law enforcement officers received information that Rokes was a pound-level distributor of methamphetamine. Law enforcement officers then made multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Rokes.
On July 15, 2025, officers stopped Rokes while he was driving without a valid driver’s license. Prior to stopping his car, officers observed Rokes throw 80 grams of methamphetamine out the car’s window. Rokes ultimately stopped the car and officers found additional methamphetamine inside the car. Officers also found the discarded methamphetamine.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Rokes remains free on bond previously set. Rokes faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Fort Dodge Police Department, the Webster County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa State Patrol.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 25-CR-03059. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Man Sentenced for Suborning Perjury in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
FLINT —Omar R. Pouncy, 39, of Flint, was sentenced on July 14, 2026, to five years in federal prison for suborning perjury, U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Detroit Field Office.
U.S. District Court Judge F. Kay Behm imposed sentence on Pouncy following his guilty plea to suborning perjury. Pouncy pleaded guilty after a trial and while the jury was deliberating. Judge Behm ordered Pouncy’s sentence to be served consecutively to his state sentences for armed robbery and carjacking. Pouncy’s earliest release date for his state sentences is February 2055, and Pouncy’s state sentences could run until December 2074. Pouncy will serve his federal sentence after his state sentences. Judge Behm also ordered Pouncy to pay a $50,000 fine.
According to court documents and the testimony and evidence elicited at trial, Pouncy was convicted of committing multiple carjackings and armed robberies in Genesee County in 2005. The trial court sentenced Pouncy to a lengthy term of incarceration. After exhausting all of his appeals in state court, Pouncy filed a federal habeas corpus petition in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in 2013. During the federal habeas proceedings, Pouncy alleged, among other things, that he was innocent of the carjackings for which he had been convicted, and that another man, Jaakawa McGruder, had committed the carjackings instead of Pouncy.
On May 22, 2018, the U.S. District Court conducted an evidentiary hearing on Pouncy’s actual innocence claims. During the hearing, Jaakawa McGruder testified falsely that he, not Pouncy, committed the carjackings. During the hearing, McGruder also testified falsely that he had not been offered and was not receiving any money for his testimony or his presence at the hearing, when in fact, Pouncy paid McGruder $10,000 to testify. Pouncy’s scheme was uncovered when employees of the Michigan Department of Corrections found, and later searched, two cell phones that Pouncy was using from inside prison. Text messages on the phones revealed that Pouncy coached McGruder on how to testify, providing him with details of the carjackings and robberies that only the perpetrator would know. The text messages also revealed Pouncy’s directives to others to ensure payment to McGruder in order to secure his testimony in the habeas proceeding.
McGruder and another person who assisted Pouncy in his scheme were previously convicted for their roles.
“Trying to buy your freedom with lies and fabricated testimony is a foolish attempt to pervert the integrity of our justice system. These deceptive efforts nearly put a violent offender back on our streets, and this sentence ensures he will face the consequences,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “I am grateful for the exceptional work of our FBI Flint Resident Agency and the critical partnership of the Michigan Attorney General’s Office and Michigan Department of Corrections in helping expose this conspiracy. I also want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan for its work in prosecuting this case and recognize the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance throughout the trial. Let this sentence serve as a warning to those who attempt to undermine our justice system: the FBI and our partners will pursue the truth, protect the integrity of our courts, and hold you accountable.”
This investigation was conducted by special agents of the FBI’s Flint Resident Agency.
Man Charged with Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center ArsonRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced that Vincent Lang, 60, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was arrested today and charged by criminal complaint with one count of maliciously damaging or destroying by means of fire any building or property used in interstate commerce, or attempting to do so, in connection with an arson fire last week at a city mosque.
The criminal complaint alleges that, in the early hours of July 5, 2026, the defendant approached the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center, located on the 1400 block of Tyson Avenue, ignited an improvised incendiary device, and threw the device into the entryway of the mosque, causing a fire inside the structure.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of five years’ imprisonment.
The case is being prosecuted by the Eastern District of Pennsylvania with the assistance of the Civil Rights Division. The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Arson and Explosives Task Force, with assistance from the FBI, Philadelphia Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office Special Investigations Unit, Philadelphia Police Department, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda R. Reinitz and J. Jeanette Kang.
The charges and allegations contained in the criminal complaint are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Liberty, Missouri Man Sentenced for Attempted Production, Receipt, and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Liberty, Mo. man was sentenced in federal court today for attempted production of child pornography, and receipt and possession of child pornography.
Trevor Scott Teegarden, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Beth Phillips to 188 months in federal prison without parole. The Court also ordered Teegarden to serve a 15-year term of supervised release following his incarceration.
Teegarden will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.
Teegarden pleaded guilty on Jan. 29, 2026, to attempting to produce, receiving, and possessing child pornography. According to court documents, Teegarden engaged in explicit sexual communications with a person Teegarden believed to be a 14-year-old child but was an undercover law enforcement officer. On June 28, 2024, Teegarden requested a nude image of the alleged minor and expressed an interest in meeting with the purported 14-year-old child to engage in sexual conduct. A federal search warrant was executed at Teegarden’s residence in Liberty, Mo., and additional images of child pornography were discovered in his possession.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Lawrence Man Sentenced to Prison for Bank EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced yesterday for embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from a Citizens Bank branch in Tewksbury, Mass.
Jefry Castro, 34, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Judge Patti B. Saris to one year and one day in prison, five years of supervised release and $375,233 in restitution. In April 2026, Castro pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement by a bank employee.
Castro worked as the manager of the Citizens Bank branch in Tewksbury. Between May 2024 and August 2025, he embezzled $374,233 from the bank. Castro embezzled the money primarily by taking cash from two ATMs at the bank. He covered his theft by moving money from cash deposits and cash shipments to the bank to replace the cash in the ATMs. Castro also changed numbers on the bank’s balance sheets to falsify the total amount of cash at the bank.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy E. Moran of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt and Possession of over 23,000 Images and Videos of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident pleaded guilty today to receiving and possessing thousands of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) after a forensic analysis of his digital devices.
"By securing this guilty plea, we have fast-tracked justice for victims and ensured that this predator will be removed from our community,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “We will continue to deploy every technological resource available to intercept this type of material and hold perpetrators fully accountable."
“Every image or video depicting child sexual abuse represents evidence of a real child, including infants and toddlers, who has endured harm,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “The exploitation of our nation's most vulnerable children is unconscionable. The FBI remains steadfast in our mission to identify and apprehend these offenders. In partnership with other law enforcement agencies, we are committed to holding those responsible for these violent online crimes fully accountable.”
According to court documents and statements made at court proceedings, from August 27, 2021, to April 4, 2024, Jesse Ross Cowie purchased the entire catalogue of CSAM from a convicted producer of CSAM. The catalogue was predominantly CSAM depicting infants and toddlers. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence. A forensic analysis of his digital devices found over 23,125 images and 1,861 videos of CSAM depicting infants and toddlers, and children under the age of 12.
Cowie pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
The statutory minimum sentence is five years in prison and statutory maximum penalty is 20 years in prison for receipt of child pornography; and the statutory maximum penalty is 20 years in prison for possession of child pornography. Sentencing is scheduled for October 14, 2026, before United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon. A judge will impose a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Afroza Yeasmin is prosecuting the case.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
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Lake City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Meth and Firearm ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Clayton Brown, age 34, from Lake City, Iowa, was sentenced in federal court in Sioux City, on July 16, 2026, to 210 months’ imprisonment. Brown pled guilty on March 18, 2026, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Brown has seven prior felony convictions that prohibited him from possessing guns, including three for drugs and two high-speed eludings.
Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Brown was involved in a conspiracy that distributed at least four pounds of methamphetamine in about eight-months in 2025. Twice in October 2025, Brown distributed over 80 grams of pure methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. During a search of Brown’s home, officers seized a Glock handgun, methamphetamine, marijuana, over $2,000 in cash, and other items related to drug distribution.
United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Brown to 210 months’ imprisonment along with a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Brown remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa DCI Laboratory, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-3057. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
LS Cable and System USA Inc. Agrees to Pay $4 Million to Resolve Allegedly False PPP Loan and Forgiveness ClaimsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – LS Cable & System USA, Inc., agreed to pay $4 million to the United States to resolve allegedly false claims for payments under Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and PPP loan forgiveness.
“This civil fraud settlement demonstrates our commitment to protect taxpayer money and to guard the integrity of our federal programs,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Our office will zealously pursue those who wrongfully take funds in violation of program requirements.”
The settlement arises from allegations that LS Cable knowingly misrepresented the number of its employees and affiliated personnel and unlawfully sought and obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan funds and loan forgiveness totaling
over $2,004,414 for which it was not legally eligible.
The False Claims Act allows the Government to seek recovery of three times the amount of falsely obtained money, plus substantial penalties for each false claim submitted, and attorneys’ fees to the whistleblower who initiated this action. It should be noted that the civil claims resolved by settlement here are allegations only, and that there has been no judicial determination or admission of liability. LS Cable denies the fraud allegations.
This matter was addressed through close partnership and coordinated efforts between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
A copy of this press release can be located on our website. Related court documents and information can be located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or PACER by searching for Case No. 4:25-CV-130-BO.
July term of the Federal Grand Jury returns indictments for firearms and immigration chargesRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: Multiple defendants have been indicted by the July term of the federal Grand Jury in the Southern District of Georgia for firearms offenses and immigration violations.
Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced the indictments. Those facing federal charges include:
- Robert Lee Jones, 22, of Richmond County, indicted for Illegal Possession of a Machinegun and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Steven Allan Darby, 39, of Richmond County, indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Tavis Tallent, 26, of Richmond County, indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Raheem Kirkland, 30, of Savannah, indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
- Luis Alvarado-Pavedes, 18, of Honduras, indicted for Illegal Possession of a Machinegun and Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien.
Statutory penalties for illegal possession of a machinegun can result in up to 10 years in prison. Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon or illegal alien may result in up to 15 years in prison and each may also be accompanied by significant financial penalties and up to three years of supervised release.
In addition, six men are charged with Re-entry After Removal or Deportation, a charge applied to an illegal alien present in the United States after at least one prior removal:
- Juan Capulin-Martinez, 52, a citizen of Mexico illegally in the U.S., arrested in Camden County.
- Juan DeSantiago-Castillo, 40, a citizen of Mexico illegally in the U.S., arrested in Atkinson County.
- Juan Carlos Martinez-Perez, 41, a citizen of Mexico illegally in the U.S., arrested in Bulloch County.
- Francisco Javier Mendez-Villa, 32, a citizen of Mexico illegally in the U.S., arrested in Camden County.
- Hector Ezquivel Mireles, 35, a citizen of Mexico illegally in the U.S., arrested in Camden County.
- Juan Miguel Osorio Rojas, 40, a citizen of Mexico illegally in the U.S., arrested in Glynn County.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The cases listed above have been investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement agencies. These cases are being prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karl I. Knoche, Kelsey L. Scanlon, Makeia R. Jonese, Lauren C. Olsen, Henry W. Syms Jr., and Matthew A. Breedon.
Jefferson Parish Man Guilty of Being Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On June 25, 2026, JAEQUAN BAILEY (“BAILEY”), age 31, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
BAILEY faces up to 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, at least three years of supervised release, and payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. Sentencing in this case is set for October 15, 2026.
According to court documents, on September 26, 2024, BAILEY drove a black Acura to the intersection of Tullis Drive and Woodland Drive in New Orleans, accompanied by another individual in the passenger seat. Upon arrival, BAILEY fired multiple shots from a Glock Model 19X, 9-millimeter caliber pistol, while the other individual fired a semiautomatic rifle, at two individuals in the area. After the shooting, BAILEY and his accomplice fled the scene in the Acura.
Shortly after the shooting, New Orleans Police Department officers (NOPD) received a 911 call reporting a shooting at the intersection of Tullis Drive and Woodland Drive. Upon arrival, officers learned that a victim was located on Tullis Drive not far from the shooting. When officers arrived at that location, they found a male victim laying on the ground with a gunshot wound to his upper right thigh. A search of the scene revealed five 9-millimeter cartridge casings and seventeen 7.62- millimeter casings.
In November of 2024, an arrest warrant for an unrelated matter was issued for BAILEY. On November 26, 2024, NOPD officers confirmed that BAILEY lived in Elmwood, Louisiana (Jefferson Parish) with his girlfriend. Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s deputies assisted NOPD in executing the arrest warrant and a search warrant. Upon arriving at BAILEY’s residence, deputies discovered the black Acura that BAILEY drove during the shooting on September 26, 2024.
Deputies also searched BAILEY’s apartment. During the search, deputies recovered BAILEY’s cellphone that he attempted to hide in the toilet tank inside the bathroom. Deputies also recovered the Glock Model 19X, 9-millimeter caliber pistol that BAILEY possessed in the September 26, 2024, shooting, hidden in a dresser drawer. During the investigation, officers confirmed that the 9-millimeter cartridge casings found at the scene of the September 26, 2024, shooting ballistically matched the same Glock Model 19X, 9-millimeter caliber pistol, found in BAILEY’s apartment.
The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, New Orleans Police Department, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crime Unit.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Jay Man Arrested and Detained for Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Albert Leon, age 57, of Jay, New York, was detained June 30, 2026. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement.
The defendant was arrested on June 23, 2026, for transportation of child pornography. Ten Cyber Tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led to his arrest.
In making his detention decision on June 30, 2026, U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista stated that Leon is a danger to the community.
“The reprehensible conduct of this defendant – as alleged, highlights the ongoing dangers that can emerge online and reinforce the importance of online safety,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “Even more egregious is this defendant was once in a position of trust and swore an oath to uphold our laws and protect our community, which as alleged, he now has violated that trust. I thank the New York State Police and Homeland Security Investigations for their investigative efforts, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for their unwavering commitment to protecting our children and partnership in referring this tip to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge HSI Buffalo Anthony Patrone said, “The charges alleged in this case — including the transportation of child pornography and the exploitation of children — are horrific. By acting on multiple investigative leads and working closely with our partners at the Northern District of New York, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the New York State Police, HSI Rouses Point has removed a dangerous predator from the community and helped prevent further victimization. Today’s detention ensures the public is safer, and it reinforces HSI’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and pursuing those who would exploit them.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Any adult that takes advantage of a child’s vulnerability for their own personal gain is deplorable. Sexual acts against children have severe physical and psychological effects that gravely impact the victim’s well-being. The State Police will remain united with our law enforcement partners to intercept individuals looking to harm a child in any way.”The defendant faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, supervised release for life, a fine of $250,000, a special assessment of $100, $5,000 per count pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, restitution to victims, and sex offender registration. The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case with assistance from the New York State Police Special Operations Response Team (SORT). Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham is prosecuting the case.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Iowa City Man Sentenced to over 19 Years in Federal Prison for Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Iowa City man was sentenced on July 15, 2026, to 235 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, and use of a communication facility in furtherance of drug trafficking.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Richard Allen Tuan Casey, 37, sold controlled substances between at least early 2024 through May 2025. Two days before his arrest, Casey traveled to a Walmart parking lot in Ames to pick up 30 pounds of methamphetamine in exchange for more than $70,000. Following multiple controlled buys of methamphetamine by a confidential informant, law enforcement arrested Casey. During a search of Casey’s property, law enforcement located 22 of the 30 pounds Casey had picked up two days prior, along with a loaded pistol, drug packaging, drug paraphernalia, and cocaine.
In February 2026, a jury found Casey not guilty of two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, following his January 2026 guilty plea to the four drug trafficking charges.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Casey will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Johnson County Drug Task Force investigated the case.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to Prison for Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
An illegal alien who reentered the United States from Guatemala was sentenced July 14, 2026, to six months in federal prison.
Rogelio Morales-Ramos, age 36, from Guatemala, who had been living in Sioux Center, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 21, 2026, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry.
At the plea hearing, Morales-Ramos admitted he illegally reentered the United States without permission after having been previously removed from the United States on June 13, 2019. On April 1, 2026, law enforcement officers in Sioux County attempted to stop a car that Morales-Ramos was driving for speeding. He initially failed to stop. After he eventually stopped, Morales-Ramos ran from officers. Law enforcement officers found an open alcohol bottle, additional alcohol, and a fictitious international driver’s license in the car. On April 4, 2026, law enforcement officers found Morales-Ramos at his home in Sioux Center. He again tried to flee from officers before being caught. Officers found more fake documents in the house. Once Morales-Ramos was in custody, officials determined he was a citizen of Guatemala and had previously been deported from the United States three times.
Morales-Ramos was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Morales-Ramos was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 26-CR-04014. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Idaho Man Indicted for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed yesterday in the District of Idaho charging an Idaho man with evading payment of taxes owed to the IRS.
According to the indictment, from approximately December 2022 through at least February 2026, Joshua Laine Bennett, of Caldwell, Idaho, evaded the payment of personal income taxes for several years and the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (“TFRP”) that the IRS assessed against him for multiple calendar quarters for failing to pay taxes related to a company he owned. According to the indictment, Bennett evaded payment of those outstanding tax liabilities by, among other things, providing false information on IRS collections forms, using cashier’s checks to keep his bank balance low, purchasing nearly $700,000 in gold bars, using a nominee bank account to receive payments for industrial equipment and real property and making withdrawals from that nominee bank account for personal expenses, all in an effort to thwart IRS collections efforts.
In total, Bennett allegedly caused a tax loss to the United States of approximately $888,313, including penalties and interest.
Bennett was charged with one count of tax evasion related to his personal income taxes and one count of tax evasion related to the TFRPs assessed against him. If convicted, he faces a maximum of five years in prison for each count of tax evasion. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties.
Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney David F. Scollan of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittney Campbell for the District of Idaho are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Huntington Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Dylan James Pettyjohn, 21, of Huntington, was sentenced today to one year and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for selling a firearm to a convicted felon.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 23, 2025, Pettyjohn sold a Calwest model J-22 .22-calier pistol to a confidential informant for $150. As part of his guilty plea, Pettyjohn admitted that he conducted the transaction after arranging it beforehand, that the confidential informant told him he was a convicted felon during the transaction, and that the transaction occurred at the Huntington residence of Erin Leigh Keeney.
Pettyjohn further admitted that he sold a Glock model 34 9mm pistol for $600 on May 13, 2025, and a Just Right Carbines model JR Carbine 9mm rifle for $650 on May 22, 2025, to the same confidential informant in Huntington.
Pettyjohn and Keeney are among seven individuals indicted following a federal investigation of drug trafficking in the Huntington area. All seven defendants pleaded guilty. Keeney, 42, of Huntington, is scheduled to be sentenced on September 28, 2026, after pleading guilty to distribution of carfentanil.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Huntington Police Department, and the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor 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.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-158.
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Huntington Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime and Supervised Release ViolationRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Daniel Legette, also known as “Bam,” 50, of Huntington, was sentenced today to eight years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of quantities of fentanyl and cocaine base, also known as “crack,” and violating supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 21, 2025, Legette sold approximately 0.65 grams of fentanyl and 0.42 grams of crack to a confidential informant in Huntington. As part of his guilty plea, Legette admitted that he conducted the transaction and arranged it beforehand.
At the time of this offense, Legette was serving a term of supervised release following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute a quantity of crack in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on March 22, 2021. Today’s sentence includes two years in prison for committing a crime while on supervised release.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-186.
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Homestead Resident Charged with Distributing Videos Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of Minors Following International Child Sexual Abuse Material InvestigationRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Charles John Beanner, 52, a resident of Homestead, Pennsylvania, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Beanner was arrested on the complaint yesterday by agents with Homeland Security Investigations.
According to the affidavit filed in support of the complaint, an investigation by Swedish officials and Homeland Security Investigations identified Beanner among a group of individuals both in the United States and overseas who were sharing videos depicting the sexual exploitation of minors. The complaint charges Beanner with, on April 12, 2024, and March 26, 2026, knowingly distributing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including some videos that depicted the sexual assault of minors as young as six months old. The investigation by the Swedish government resulted in the arrests of Swedish suspects involved in the sexual exploitation.
The United States has filed a request for detention of the defendant pending trial, asserting that he is a danger to the community and should be held without bail. A hearing on the government’s motion has been scheduled for July 21, 2026.
Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the criminal complaint against Beanner.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Homeland Security Task Force Yields 27 Year Prison Sentence for Hardee County Methamphetamine TraffickerRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Herbert Battle, Jr. (54, Hardee County) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Virgina M. Hernandez Covington to 27 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine. Battle pleaded guilty on August 19, 2025.United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Battle oversaw a drug trafficking conspiracy in which he and others smuggled methamphetamine, hidden in packages in the mail, from California to the Tampa area. At its height, the conspirators received up to 20 pounds of high-purity methamphetamine per week. Battle, whose criminal history dates to 1989, has a 2018 federal drug conviction for conspiracy to distribute heroin.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Stoia.
HSTF Investigation Leads to Indictment for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment Tuesday charging Jonathann Uriel Ayala Garcia, 23, with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after his involvement in a transnational criminal organization (TCO).
According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating a Beaverton-based TCO involved in trafficking methamphetamine, firearms, and cocaine. In June 2026, investigators arrested Ayala Garcia after he arrived to sell narcotics. Investigators searched his vehicle and found approximately 16.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and 168.3 grams of heroin.
Ayala Garcia was arraigned in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge. He pleaded not guilty and ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on September 15, 2026.
If convicted, Ayala Garcia faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, 5 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $10 million.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The DEA and ATF are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Hermann is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Gardner Woman Sentenced for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Gardner woman was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester for fraudulently receiving Social Security disability benefits for 10 years.
Michelle M. DiSalvo, 53, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to one day of prison deemed served, three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $100,080 in restitution. In March 2026, DiSalvo pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of stolen government money or property; one count of Social Security fraud; and one count of false statements. DiSalvo was charged in February 2026.
In 2001, DiSalvo began receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Eligibility for SSI is based, in part, on the applicant having limited income and resources. In assessing a married individual’s eligibility for SSI, the income and resources of the applicant’s spouse is considered if they live together. If an applicant is awarded SSI, they have a continuing obligation to notify SSA of any changes in their marital status, living arrangements and household income and resources.
In June 2014, DiSalvo truthfully reported to SSA that she was married, but falsely stated that she and her husband had separated in September 2013, when, in fact, they were living together. In five additional redetermination interviews with SSA between December 2014 and August 2023, DiSalvo continued to conceal that she lived with her husband with the intent to fraudulently obtain SSI benefits. DiSalvo also submitted a fraudulent lease agreement to SSA in October 2023 in which DiSalvo omitted her husband because she knew that if she reported living with him, DiSalvo’s husband’s income and resources would have made her ineligible for SSI.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Franklinton Woman Sentenced for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – On July 16, 2026, U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier sentenced BARBARA AUGUSTIN (“AUGUSTIN”),age 59, of Franklinton, Louisiana, to three (3) years probation, ordered her to pay restitution of $43,477 and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney David I Courcelle.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
AUGUSTIN had previously pleaded guilty to theft of government funds in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641. According to the bill of information, beginning in or about November 2018, and continuing until in or about May 2023, AUGUSTIN knowingly converted to her use, Social Security Administration (“SSA”) money belonging to the United States, to which AUGUSTIN knew she was not entitled. AUGUSTIN fraudulently obtained $43,477 in SSA benefits by failing to report her son’s incarceration to Social Security, which allowed her to continue receiving benefits on his behalf as his representative payee.
The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General. The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiwana Wright, Financial Crimes Unit.
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Fort Dodge Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
A woman who conspired to distribute methamphetamine was sentenced today to more than 12 years in federal prison.
Sally Marie Green, age 52, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 11, 2026, guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine.
At the plea hearing, Green admitted that from January 2024 through April 2025, she was involved in the distribution of approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine. In April 2025, a cooperating individual told law enforcement officers that Green was a pound-level distributor of methamphetamine in the Fort Dodge area. On April 1, 2025, law enforcement officers purchased approximately a quarter pound of methamphetamine from Green. That same day, officers searched her house and found an unloaded .45 ACP pistol, ammunition, $3,000 cash, drug distribution items, and approximately 585 grams of methamphetamine.
Green was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Green was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Green is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and investigated by the Webster County Sheriff’s Office.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 25-CR-03050. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Former Postal Worker and Two Philadelphia Men Admit to Conspiring to Commit Bank Fraud; Mount Laurel Man and Woman Sentenced to Prison for Their Roles in Same ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced that: (i) a former U.S. Postal Service employee admitted to stealing checks from the U.S. mail and selling them to others; (ii) a Philadelphia man admitted to advertising and reselling the stolen checks; (iii) another Philadelphia man admitted to working with others to fraudulently negotiate one of the stolen checks; and (iv) a Mount Laurel man and woman were each sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment for their roles in negotiating checks stolen as part of the same conspiracy.
Juawan Reed, 30, of Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania, a former postal worker, pleaded guilty on July 15, 2026 before District Judge Edward S. Kiel to an Information charging him with conspiring to commit bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, theft of public money, theft of U.S. mail, money laundering, and filing a false income tax return. Christopher Hayman, 30, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on July 14, 2026 before Judge Kiel to an Information charging him with conspiring to commit bank fraud. Tyree Holmes, 34, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on June 22, 2026 before Judge Kiel to an Information charging him with conspiring to commit bank fraud. Kharon Parson-Wright, 28, of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, was sentenced by Judge Kiel on June 22, 2026, to 57 months’ imprisonment, after previously pleading guilty to an Information charging him with conspiring to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Yasmene Johnson, 29, of Mount Laurel, New Jersey, was sentenced by Judge Kiel on May 12, 2026, to 57 months’ imprisonment, after previously pleading guilty to an Information charging her with conspiring to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
Reed stole checks from the U.S. mail while he worked at the U.S. Postal Service Camden Carrier Annex. Reed sold or otherwise provided some of the stolen checks to Holmes and Dante Ford, who advertised some of the stolen checks on a social media platform and resold them to others. Reed provided other stolen checks directly to Holmes and others for them to negotiate fraudulently.
For example, in December 2022, Reed stole a $686,541.88 United States Treasury check payable to a business in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Reed provided this stolen check to Holmes. Co-conspirator Hayman falsely purported to be the CEO of the Pennsauken business in order to open a business bank account in the name of the business. The conspirators then deposited the stolen check, and Hayman withdrew a substantial portion of the funds before the bank detected the fraud and closed the account.
In addition to stealing checks from the mail, Reed admitted that he created and used a stolen identity to open financial accounts, which Reed then used to launder some of the fraud proceeds. Reed also admitted that he failed to report on his tax returns hundreds of thousands of dollars that he earned from his crimes. Reed admitted that the bank fraud conspiracy caused an actual loss of more than $2.4 million and an intended loss of more than $20 million.
Apart from the checks that Reed stole through his work as a postal worker, Ford, Parson-Wright and others also stole checks from blue U.S. mail collection boxes. Ford and other members of that conspiracy then created counterfeit versions of the stolen checks or altered the stolen checks by increasing the value of the checks and changing the name of the payee either to a member of the conspiracy or somebody else recruited by the conspiracy. Parson-Wright and Johnson admitted that they negotiated and caused to be negotiated the counterfeit or altered checks and then attempted to the withdraw the funds before the bank learned that the checks were illegitimate. This aspect of the conspiracy involved the negotiation of checks at banks across southern New Jersey and elsewhere, with checks written for tens of thousands of dollars.
As a separate part of their conspiracy, Parson-Wright connected Johnson with a bank employee who created fraudulent debit cards in the name of victims who held accounts at the bank. Parson-Wright and Johnson used one of the fraudulently-issued debit cards to make purchases and ATM withdrawals in New Jersey. Parson-Wright and Johnson admitted that their roles in the bank fraud conspiracy resulted in actual losses exceeding $400,000 and intended losses exceeding $1,500,000.
Ford and three other defendants previously were sentenced in 2025 after pleading guilty to participating in a bank fraud conspiracy involving some of the stolen checks described above. Ford was sentenced to 27 months’ imprisonment, co-conspirator Donovan Bunch was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment, co-conspirator Tracy Felder-Carter was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, and co-conspirator Quamell Keyes-Griffin was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.
For Reed, Holmes, and Hayman, the count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000, or twice the gross loss to the victim or gain to the defendant, whichever is greatest. For Reed, the count of aggravated identity theft carries a statutory mandatory penalty of two years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment, the count of theft of public money carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, the count of theft of U.S. mail carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, the count of money laundering carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and the count of filing a false income tax return carries a maximum penalty of 3 years in prison.
Sentencing for Reed is scheduled for November 17, 2026, sentencing for Hayman is scheduled for November 16, 2026, and sentencing for Holmes is scheduled for October 27, 2026.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited postal inspectors and agents of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Philadelphia Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), Northeast Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Carpenter, with the investigations leading to these pleas and sentences. He also thanked the Mount Laurel Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Hudnall, for its valuable assistance in the investigation.
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden and Sara Aliabadi of the Special Prosecutions Division.
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Defense counsel:
Reed: Todd Fiore, Esq., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Holmes: Troy Archie, Esq., Cinnaminson, New Jersey.
Parson-Wright: Justin Capek, Esq., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Johnson: Stanley King, Esq., Voorhees, New Jersey.
Hayman: Edward Borden, Jr., Esq., Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
reed.informaton.pdf hayman.information.pdf holmes.information.pdf johnson.information.pdf parsonwright.information.pdfFormer Marine Charged with Threatening to Kill the PresidentRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – William L. Upham (35, Jacksonville) has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with threatening the President of the United States. If convicted, Upham faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. Upham appeared in federal court in Jacksonville earlier today and has been ordered detained.
According to the complaint, the United States Secret Service (“USSS”) received reports concerning potential threats against the President made by Upham, who is a former Marine and state prosecutor. USSS agents then observed two videos that Upham had posted on his social media accounts. In the first video, Upham was observed wearing his military uniform. Upham stated, in part, that “this is a call to arms” and called for the overthrow of the Trump administration. Upham then provided instructions on how to “overthrow” the President, including that he recommended using a semi-automatic rifle, such as an AR-15, and that “the enemy” should be killed with “two shots to the chest” and “one shot to the head,” which would result in a very high chance of death. Agents observed a second video in which Upham, again wearing his military uniform, made similar statements, including, in part, that President Trump is the enemy and “must be killed.”
Subsequent to these videos, the USSS received a communication that Upham had sent to a third-party which stated that he made the videos to “declare war” against President Trump and that he would “kill President Trump at the time that God chooses.” The USSS also became aware that Upham had access to firearms and had made concerning statements to law enforcement as recently as July 2026.
A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney.
Criminal ComplaintFormer Census Bureau Program Manager Sentenced to Prison for Bribery and Procurement Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A former supervisory official with the U.S. Census Bureau was sentenced today to two years in prison followed by a year of supervised release for conspiring with a subcontractor to receive $790,000 in kickbacks. She was also ordered to forfeit the proceeds of the scheme.
On April 2, Camille T. Jones, 47, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging her with conspiracy to commit bribery and honest services fraud in connection with a procurement fraud scheme.
According to court documents, as part of her guilty plea, Camille Jones admitted that she steered a large employee assistant program contract to a prime contractor and a subcontracting company, YMJ Consulting, which is owned by Camille Jones’s relative, Yolanda M. Jones. The contract was worth millions of dollars. In exchange for steering the contract and modifications, Jones received kickbacks from YMJ Consulting and Yolanda Jones.
Additionally, Camille Jones attempted to obstruct the investigation by drafting a service agreement between YMJ Consulting and a mental health company that she owned to make the kickbacks appear like legitimate consulting payments between the two companies. Both Camille Jones and Yolanda Jones signed the agreement in 2024 but backdated it to 2020. Yolanda Jones then provided the document to law enforcement during the investigation.
Camille Jones further admitted that she used her official position to share the Census Bureau’s confidential procurement information with another government contractor. While receiving preferential treatment, the contractor hired another one of Camille Jones’s relatives for a minimal-work job. Camille Jones largely performed the work but the relative received $83,000.
On Aug. 14, 2025, Yolanda Jones pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and honest services fraud. She is awaiting sentencing. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland; and Eric Maddox, Assistant Inspector General for Investigations of U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Inspector General, made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of the Inspector General.
Acting Chief Edward P. Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case.
Former Census Bureau Program Manager Sentenced for Bribery and Procurement Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A former supervisory official with the U.S. Census Bureau received a federal-prison term, today, for conspiring with a subcontractor to receive $790,000 in kickbacks.
U.S. District Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby sentenced Camille Jones, 47, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, to two years in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit bribery and honest-services fraud in connection with a procurement fraud scheme. Judge Griggsby also ordered her to forfeit the proceeds of the scheme.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva, Department of Justice Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Eric Arcand, U.S. Department of Commerce Office of the Inspector General (DOC-OIG).
According to court documents, as part of her guilty plea, Camille Jones admitted that she steered a large employee assistant program contract to a prime contractor and a subcontracting company, YMJ Consulting, which is owned by Camille Jones’s relative, Yolanda M. Jones. The contract was worth millions of dollars. In exchange for steering the contract and modifications, Jones received kickbacks from YMJ Consulting and Yolanda Jones.
Additionally, Camille Jones attempted to obstruct the investigation by drafting a service agreement between YMJ Consulting and a mental health company that she owned to make the kickbacks appear like legitimate consulting payments between the two companies. Both Camille Jones and Yolanda Jones signed the agreement in 2024 but backdated it to 2020. Yolanda Jones then provided the document to law enforcement during the investigation.
Camille Jones further admitted that she used her official position to share the Census Bureau’s confidential procurement information with another government contractor. While receiving preferential treatment, the contractor hired another one of Camille Jones’s relatives for a minimal-work job. Camille Jones largely performed the work but the relative received $83,000.
On Aug. 14, 2025, Yolanda Jones pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and honest services fraud. She is awaiting sentencing. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DOC-OIG for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy and Acting Chief Edward P. Sullivan, DOJ Criminal Division Public Integrity Section, who are prosecuting the case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
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Florida Man Charged with Trafficking Thousands of Kilograms of Cocaine from Puerto Rico to John F. Kennedy Airport and Long IslandRead the Press Release
An indictment was unsealed yesterday in federal court in Central Islip charging Omar Morales-Negron, also known as “O,” with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Morales Negron was arrested on July 14, 2026 in Florida and will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Pete Gizas, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York); Frank A Tarentino III, Associate Chief of Operations, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Northeast Region (DEA); and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and indictment.
“As alleged, the defendant coordinated the shipments of massive amounts of cocaine into our Long Island community,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “For years Morales-Negron profited from his international trafficking and taking advantage of end users who are addicted to his drugs. These charges will hold him accountable for the harm he has wrought.”
“As alleged, Omar Morales-Negron directed a criminal pipeline that moved thousands of kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico into Long Island, hiding drugs inside furniture and sham electronics shipments to flood our neighborhoods with poison. By dismantling this operation and seizing hundreds of kilograms of cocaine, HSI New York and our partners have cut off a major source of narcotics that fuels addiction, violence, and instability in our communities. HSI, as a leader of the Homeland Security Task Force New York, together with HSI Tampa and our law enforcement partners will continue to combine intelligence, investigative authorities, and resources to confront transnational criminal organizations and safeguard the American people,” stated HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Gizas.
“By concealing cocaine inside furniture and shipments disguised as electronic parts, Omar Morales-Negron deliberately attempted to evade law enforcement while fueling addiction and violence throughout Long Island and our region” stated DEA Northeast Associate Chief of Operations Tarentino. “As alleged, Morales-Negron operated a sophisticated drug trafficking organization responsible for moving thousands of kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico into New York. The seizure of more than 465 kilograms of cocaine, coupled with investigative findings indicating the distribution of more than $100 million worth of cocaine on Long Island, underscores the immense scale of this operation. Thanks to the hard work of the DEA, our prosecutors, and our law enforcement partners, Morales-Negron is now in New York to answer for the harm he inflicted on the very communities he sought to poison.”
“Omar Morales-Negron allegedly trafficked large quantities of cocaine right into our backyard. Drug trafficking tears at our communities, fueling violence, addiction, and instability. The FBI, with its partners, continues to disrupt these operations to protect our neighborhoods,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
From 2019 through the present, the defendant coordinated large scale shipments and distribution of narcotics from Puerto Rico to Long Island utilizing, among other methods, freight shipping routes. The defendant’s drug trafficking organization (DTO) shipped narcotics, which were secreted inside furniture, by ocean freight from Puerto Rico to the continental United States. Once the narcotics arrived in the United States, DTO members loaded the furniture containing narcotics onto trucks and transported them to warehouses in New York, including locations in the Eastern District of New York for distribution.
The defendant also orchestrated the surreptitious shipment of narcotics through the United Parcel Service. All the suspected narcotics-filled shipments weighed approximately the same amount and were labeled as electronics parts sent from a fictious corporation in Puerto Rico (“Company-1”) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK Airport). Once the purported electronics parts arrived at the JFK Airport, other members of the DTO picked up the shipments for further distribution within the United States.
To date, law enforcement has intercepted some of the narcotics trafficked by the defendant’s DTO including:
- The January 29, 2026, seizure of 312 kilograms of cocaine (valued at $20 million) from two of Morales-Negron’s subordinates. The cocaine was shipped from Company-1 in Puerto Rico, arrived at JFK Airport and was picked up on the same day by a member of the DTO. The DTO member who picked up the shipment arrived driving a U-Haul truck. Later that day, Nassau County Police Detectives observed two individuals in a Plainview, New York hotel parking lot conduct a hand-to-hand narcotics exchange. Police approached the two individuals and observed numerous open suitcases which appeared to contain kilograms of cocaine (some of which is pictured below):
- The July 3, 2026, seizure of 153 kilograms of cocaine (valued at $10 million) from a shipment container seized in Queens, New York (some of which is pictured below):
During the investigation, ledgers detailing Morales-Negron’s large scale and highly profitable narcotics business were recovered allowing law enforcement to determine that his narcotics operation was responsible for the distribution of more than $100 million of cocaine on Long Island.
The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charges, Morales-Negron faces up to life in prison.
The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Misorek and Special Assistant United States Attorney James P. Scahill are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of the Eastern District of New York’s Criminal Investigation Unit and Paralegal Specialist Dejah Turla.
This prosecution is also part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
The Defendant:
OMAR MORALES-NEGRON
Age: 36
Orange City, FloridaE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-207 (SJB)
Felon Sentenced to Prison for Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A felon was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to two years and six months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for stealing another person’s loaded firearm then exchanging gunfire with that person. The government recommended a sentence of 71 months’ imprisonment.
According to court documents, on August 21, 2025, Shahada Sutton stole another person’s Glock 19 handgun that was loaded with a 30-round magazine. The other person retrieved a second firearm and followed Sutton to an adjacent parking lot, where the two exchanged gunfire in the parking lot. Sutton then drove away and hit a curb. He fled on foot, dumping his backpack that contained the loaded Glock 19 handgun and a loaded Kel Tec Sub2000 rifle in a restroom at a public park.
Sutton was on parole at the time of the offense. He had been previously convicted of felonies including carrying a concealed firearm or other deadly weapon and discharging a firearm at or into an occupied structure, vehicle, or watercraft, both offenses occurred in Clark County, Nevada.
Sutton pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Strange prosecuted the case.
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Federal Sex Trafficking Indictment Filed Against Pensacola ManRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Javier Cyree Tyrell Brown, 28, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on one count of commercial sex trafficking, one count of financially benefiting from commercial sex trafficking, one count of using a facility for purposes of racketeering, one count of coercion and enticement for interstate prostitution, one count of interstate transportation for prostitution, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.
Brown appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho for his initial appearance at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. Trial is scheduled for August 17, 2026, in Pensacola before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. Brown remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending trial.
If convicted, Brown faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years’ up to life imprisonment.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Federal Court Terminates Consent Decree Regarding the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility After Successful ReformsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – Yesterday, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey terminated the consent decree covering the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility (Edna Mahan), marking the end of federal court oversight under the 2021 decree. The Justice Department and the State of New Jersey jointly moved to terminate the consent decree based on Edna Mahan’s successful implementation of reforms related to sexual abuse of prisoners by staff in the women’s prison, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
“We join our Justice Department colleagues in the Civil Rights Division in applauding the collaborative efforts with Edna Mahan that have resulted in this termination. Edna Mahan’s reforms have been consistent and transformational in addressing sexual abuse.”
- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer
“We are proud to recognize Edna Mahan’s sustained progress and commitment to constitutional conditions that protect women from sexual abuse,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We credit the dedicated staff of Edna Mahan who continue to work every day toward preventing sexual abuse of women in its custody.”
In 2020, the Justice Department completed an investigation into Edna Mahan under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act. In 2021, the Department and the State of New Jersey entered into a consent decree to address the investigation’s findings that New Jersey failed to keep women prisoners at Edna Mahan safe from sexual abuse by staff, in violation of the Eighth Amendment. After consistent progress over the last five years, Edna Mahan has fully complied with the agreement.
Resolution of the Edna Mahan case is another example of the Justice Department’s success in partnering with law enforcement to implement reforms that serve Americans.
The United States is represented by Eileen Ulate, Trial Attorney, Civil Rights Division, Special Litigation Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thandiwe Boylan.
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ednamahan.termination.pdfFather whose toddler fatally shot himself charged federally for illegally possessing firearm as previously convicted felonRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A previously convicted felon whose toddler died by gunshot wound from an unsecured gun now faces a federal charge for illegally possessing a firearm.
Deshawn Levelle Butler, 35, of Columbus, was arrested by federal agents earlier today and appeared in federal court in Columbus at 1:30pm.
“As a previously convicted felon, Butler was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition at the time of this incident,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Nothing can bring back the toddler who tragically died at the hands of Butler’s weapon, but we will use every federal tool at our disposal to ensure justice is accomplished in this matter.”
According to charging documents, on July 11, Columbus police officers responded to a report of a shooting on Quinby Drive in Columbus. When officers arrived, they located a 21-month-old child suffering from an apparent gunshot wound and were told the child had accidentally shot himself. The victim was transported to Mount Carmel East Hospital and later pronounced deceased.
An affidavit details that Butler was allegedly with the child during the shooting and had fled the scene prior to law enforcement officials’ arrival.
Butler turned himself in the next morning to Columbus police headquarters, where he allegedly told officers his son had discovered Butler’s 9mm handgun in an open safe in a bedroom.
Butler was previously convicted of aggravated burglary and, as a result, is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Butler also had outstanding warrants for misdemeanor domestic violence charges.
Possessing a firearm as a convicted felon is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth A. Geraghty is representing the United States in this case.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Española Man Sentenced for String of Armed Robberies that Led to MurderRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Española man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for a 2022 crime spree that left one person dead.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on August 9, 2022, Ricky Eddie Martinez, Jr., 35, entered the Dandy Burger restaurant in Española, brandished a revolver, and robbed an employee of approximately $160. The following day, Martinez robbed a Shell gas station in Española after displaying a firearm and demanding money from the cashier, taking $352.
On August 11, 2022, Martinez robbed a Walgreens in Española. After the cashier was unable to open the register, Martinez became increasingly aggressive, firing a round into a liquor display and wall near the employee before forcibly removing a cash register drawer and fleeing. The employee suffered burns from the close-range gunshot.
On August 16, 2022, Martinez entered a Blake's Lotaburger in Española and demanded money from employees. He then jumped over the counter, shot and killed John Doe 2, and assaulted John Doe 3, the victim's brother and coworker, striking him with the firearm and firing at him. John Doe 3 survived but suffered serious injuries. Martinez fled the scene but was arrested the following day.
Evidence linked Martinez to additional robberies committed during the week-long crime spree, including incidents at a Chevron gas station in Santa Fe, 420 Emporia Smoke Shop in Española, Chalupp's Pizza in Taos, Family Dollar, and Dollar General. During several of those robberies, Martinez discharged his firearm.
At the time of the offenses, Martinez was on federal supervised release following a conviction for assault resulting in serious bodily injury and had absconded from supervision weeks before beginning the robbery spree.
Martinez pleaded guilty to three counts of interference with commerce by robbery, one count of attempted interference with commerce by robbery, using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. As part of global plea negotiations with the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, a result of extensive state and federal coordination throughout the investigation, Martinez also agreed to plead guilty in state court to offenses related to the murder of John Doe 2 and other crimes against John Doe 3.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Española Police Department, Taos Police Department and New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Trembley and Brittany DuChaussee prosecuted the case.
Surveillance video from Dandy Burger
Surveillance video from Dollar General
Surveillance video from Shell Gas Station
Surveillance video from Walgreens
El Salvador National Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison for 1997 Double MurderRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Oscar Diaz Romero, aka Oscar Alonzo Salguero, 47, of El Salvador, was sentenced today for shooting and killing Jose Roberto Molina, 21, and Jose Noel Coreas, 22, in August 1997, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Diaz Romero was found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder on March 25, 2026. Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman ordered Diaz Romero to serve 24 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised probation.
“Nearly thirty years after fleeing justice, Oscar Diaz Romero’s day of reckoning has come,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Let this be clear: if you commit murder in our community and attempt to escape accountability, my office will never rest until you are brought to justice. Today’s sentencing affirms that violent acts against our residents will be met with consequences.”
According to the government’s evidence, in the early morning hours of August 9, 1997, Diaz Romero and several friends were out on the 2nd floor of the then-Las Rocas restaurant in the 2400 block of 18th Street, NW. Just before 2 a.m., a group of young men entered the restaurant and began fighting. Then Diaz Romero pulled out a revolver and fired several times. One round hit and killed Jose Molina, a 22-year-old father of two. Another round hit and killed Jose Coreas, who was out celebrating his 22nd birthday.
Diaz Romero fled the scene to El Salvador, where he was arrested in 2024. He was extradited to the United States in January 2025, where he has been in custody since.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department.
They also thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Dennis Clark and Richard Carlton, who prosecuted the case.
2025 CF1 000555
Department of Justice Awards $1.1 Million to Modernize Rhode Island Criminal History Record SystemsRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – The U.S. Department of Justice has awarded $1,121,422 to the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety through the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ Fiscal Year 2025 Consolidated National Criminal History Improvement Program.
Rhode Island’s criminal justice agencies will use the funding to modernize technology, strengthen criminal history reporting, and improve the quality of criminal history records relied upon by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and for firearm background checks.
“Maintaining accurate criminal history records requires ongoing coordination among our state and local criminal justice partners,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “This funding will support those collaborative efforts and help ensure information used throughout Rhode Island’s criminal justice system remains reliable, complete, and current.”
"A modern and secure criminal records system is essential to protecting public safety and ensuring justice is administered efficiently," said Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety. "This funding will allow us to update our technology, strengthen the integrity of our criminal history records, and ensure compliance with the FBI's Next Generation Identification standards. These investments will help us make better-informed decisions while improving service to the public.”
Planned initiatives include replacing outdated Livescan fingerprinting equipment, reducing criminal history record backlogs, enhancing the security and reliability of the Rhode Island Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, strengthening reporting to state and federal criminal justice databases, and supporting compliance with FBI Next Generation Identification standards.
Defendants Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm and Drug Trafficking Offenses in Tallulah, Monroe, and ShreveportRead the Press Release
SHREVEPORT– United States Chief District Court Judge Terry A. Doughty recently sentenced defendants who resided in Tallulah, Monroe, and Shreveport to federal prison for firearm and drug trafficking offenses. All defendants previously pled guilty to their respective charges.
“The Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative lies at the heart of our Office’s mission to keep our Louisiana communities safe from senseless violence and illicit drugs, and these three cases reflect our Office’s commitment to that work across North Louisiana,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Our Office tirelessly works alongside our federal and state partners to prosecute cases like this across the Western District’s 42 parishes, ensuring that our communities’ biggest disruptors are held accountable for firearm and drug trafficking crime.”
On July 7, 2026, Henry Holloway, 34, of Tallulah, was sentenced to over five years in federal prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Possession of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime. Louisiana State Police (LSP) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for having an illegal tint in which Holloway was a passenger. The trooper detected the odor of marijuana and then searched the vehicle. Holloway admitted to possessing a recovered backpack that contained approximately 172 grams of marijuana, 15 grams of cocaine, 2 bottles of Promethazine, sandwich bags, a digital scale, and a firearm loaded with an extended magazine.
On July 7, 2026, Terrance Long, 52, of Monroe, was sentenced to over eight years in federal prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances and Possession of a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Offense, with three years supervised release after his sentence is served as to count one and five years supervised release on count four. When officers executed a search warrant at Long’s residence, investigators located a black pouch containing multiple individually wrapped bags of crack cocaine weighing approximately 15 grams and a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun. Long admitted that the narcotics in the residence belonged to him and that he had participated in the distribution of crack (base) cocaine. Long also admitted he had kept the firearm in his home despite knowing that, due to multiple prior felony convictions, he was prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm.
On July 8, 2026, Chamorea Bell, 30, of Shreveport, was sentenced to over nine years in federal prison for Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon and three years of supervised release following his sentence. Bell was pulled over in Shreveport for a traffic violation. The officer smelled marijuana and proceeded to search Bell’s vehicle. This led to the discovery of a small amount of marijuana and a firearm, which, due to a prior felony conviction, Bell was prohibited from possessing.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the Louisiana State Police (LSP), the Shreveport Police Department (SPD), the Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office (MPSO), and the Monroe Police Department (MPD) investigated these cases.
The Henry Holloway case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheyenne Wilson with the assistance of Legal Assistant Amanda Morgan. The Terrance Long and Chamorea Bell cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Crichton with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Emily Favrot.
These cases were prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, community leaders, and other stakeholders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. PSN is coordinated by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the 94 federal judicial districts throughout the 50 states and U.S. territories.
You may find a copy of these press releases (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer under their respective Case Numbers:
Henry Holloway — 3:25 cr 00268
Terrance Long — 3:25-cr-00295
Chamorea Bell —5:25-cr-00344
###Public Affairs
United States Attorney’s Office
Western District of Louisiana
[email protected]
www.justice.gov/usao-wdla
Twitter @USAO_WDLA
Dallas man sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substanceRead the Press Release
DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, announced that Demario White, a 40-year-old Dallas man who distributed fentanyl pills to minors, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison on July 6.
“Let this lengthy sentence serve as a warning that anyone who distributes deadly drugs to children in the Northern District of Texas will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. "Just two milligrams of fentanyl—equivalent to 10-15 grains of table salt—is considered a lethal dose. My office is laser focused on eradicating this deadly drug from our communities throughout North Texas."
“Fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered,” said Ivan Carrera, Acting Special Agent in Charge of DEA Dallas. “Selling drugs alone is a serious transgression, but to sell deadly fentanyl to a juvenile is one of the most shocking and callous ways to hurt a community. The sentence handed down to Mr. White is a clear message that the production and trafficking of fentanyl will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods. DEA Dallas and our partners will continue to work together and keep this poison off our streets.”
According to court documents, White distributed counterfeit M30 pills containing fentanyl to a juvenile male. The juvenile male and his friend took the pills and the 14-year-old friend overdosed but survived after medical intervention. The juvenile male told the police that “Mario” provided him and his juvenile friend with seven pills for $35.
On April 17, 2024, officers obtained an arrest warrant for White and subsequently executed a search warrant at his residence located on Brookgreen Drive in Dallas. Officers located thousands of counterfeit M30 pills containing fentanyl during the search of White’s apartment. After his arrest, White told officers that he would obtain 3,000 to 4,000 fentanyl pills at a time and sell each pill for $5.
A grand jury indicted White in May 2024 and he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance in March. U.S. District Judge Godbey sentenced White to 240 months in federal prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Richardson Police Department, Hickory Creek Police Department, Dallas Police Department, and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phelesa M. Guy prosecuted the case.
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Convictions through Guilty Pleas in Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) Prosecutions (July 7 through July 11, 2026)Read the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, Héctor Ramírez-Carbó, Acting United States Attorney, in conjunction with our partner agencies in the Homeland Security Task Force (“HSTF”) announce the following prosecutorial results for the week of July 7 through July 11, 2026. The HSTF is a permanent, interagency law enforcement task force created by executive order to combat transnational criminal organizations—including cartels, trafficking networks, and foreign terrorist organizations.
Convictions through Guilty Pleas:
- On July 7, 2026, Jacier Collazo-Cruz pleaded guilty to drug and firearm charges in case 23-353 (GMM). According to the indictment, the defendant was charged with participating in a violent drug trafficking organization that operated out of various public housing projects in and near Manatí, PR including the Enrique Zorilla Public Housing Project. Defendant was arrested on September 22, 2023. The court set defendant’s sentencing date for October 5, 2026. AUSAs Andres Orr and Joseph Russell are in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On July 10, 2026, Joe Mercado pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to import approximately 340 kilograms of cocaine into the United States in Criminal Case 25-144 (CVR). According to the indictment, the defendant was charged with conspiracy to import cocaine; importation of cocaine; conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; and possession with intent to distribute cocaine- all in excess of 5 kilos of cocaine. Defendant was arrested on March 31, 2025. The court set defendant’s sentencing date for October 9, 2026. AUSA Luis A. Valentín is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
Sentencings:
- On July 9, 2026, Vicente González pleaded guilty and was sentenced by United States District Court Judge María Antongiorgi-Jordán to time served for stowing away on a vessel and improper entry by an alien. According to court documents, defendant was indicted on June 3, 2026, in Criminal Case 26-233. SAUSA Cody A. McKinney oversaw the prosecution of the case.
- On July 9, 2026, Julio Linarez-Cabrera was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Aida Delgado-Colón to 30 months of imprisonment and a supervised release term of five years for conspiracy to import approximately 150 kilograms of cocaine. According to court documents, defendant was charged by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico on November 6, 2024, in Criminal case 24-416 (ADC), and pleaded guilty to the charge(s) on April 8, 2026. AUSA Luis A. Valentín is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On July 9, 2026, Camilo Mieses-Guerrero was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Silvia Carreño-Coll to a term of 36 months of imprisonment for aiding and assisting entry of an aggravated felon to the United States. According to court documents, defendant was indicted on September 18, 2025, in Criminal Case 25-387 (SCC), and pleaded guilty on April 15, 2026. SAUSA Steven Liong-Rodríguez is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On July 9, 2026, Rafelín Zorrilla-Delgado was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Silvia Carreño-Coll to a term of 15 months of imprisonment for aiding and assisting entry of an aggravated felon to the United States. According to court documents, defendant was indicted on September 18, 2025, in Criminal Case 25-387 (SCC), and pleaded guilty on April 9, 2026. SAUSA Steven Liong-Rodríguez is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On July 9, 2026, Antonio Matrillé-Tejada was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Silvia Carreño-Coll to a term of 18 months of imprisonment for aiding and assisting entry of an aggravated felon to the United States. According to court documents, defendant was indicted on September 18, 2025, in Criminal Case 25-387 (SCC), and pleaded guilty on April 9, 2026. SAUSA Steven Liong-Rodríguez is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On July 10, 2026, Daniel Morla-Reyes, a.k.a “Bebe/Bebe Murales/El Domi,” was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gina Méndez-Miró to 173 months and 21 days for his participation in a violent drug trafficking organization that operated out of various public housing projects in and near Manatí, PR including the Enrique Zorilla Public Housing Project. According to court documents, defendant was indicted on September 20, 2023, in Criminal Case 23-353(GMM), and pleaded guilty on March 31, 2026. AUSAs Andres Orr and Joseph Russell are in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On July 10, 2026, Michael Mercedes-Vázquez pleaded guilty and was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Silvia L. Carreño-Coll to time served for stowing away on a vessel and improper entry by an alien. According to court documents, defendant was indicted on June 3, 2026, in Criminal Case 26-232. SAUSA Cody A. McKinney oversaw the prosecution of the case.
These prosecutions are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
HSTF San Juan comprises agents and officers from the following federal partners: FBI, ICE-HSI, CBP (OFO, AMO and Border Patrol), the U.S. Marshals Service for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, DEA, ATF, IRS, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of State, and the U.S. Secret Service, the Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands HIDTA, TSA, FAA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The HSTF also has the following state and local law enforcement partners as participating agencies: the Puerto Rico Police Department; the San Juan, Carolina, Guaynabo, Barceloneta, and Ponce Municipal Police Departments, the Puerto Rico National Guard – Counter Drug Program; the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Service (Hacienda); the Puerto Rico Port Authority; and the Virgin Islands Police Department.
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Convicted Felon on State Pre-Trial Release Indicted in Federal Court for Trafficking Fentanyl in ChicagoRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A federal grand jury has indicted a man for allegedly trafficking fentanyl in Chicago while on state pre-trial release for a felony drug charge in Cook County, Ill.
RISHONE RASPBERRY sold approximately 52 grams of fentanyl to an undercover federal law enforcement agent on May 27, 2026, according to an indictment and a criminal complaint previously filed in the case. The transaction occurred in the Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago, the charges allege.
At the time of the undercover federal drug deal, Raspberry was on pre-trial bond for a pending felony drug charge in Cook County, Ill. related to a drug transaction that allegedly occurred three weeks prior to this federal undercover drug deal. In addition, Raspberry was serving a three-year term of probation for a 2025 felony drug conviction in Cook County.
Raspberry, 32, of Chicago, was taken into federal custody on July 7, 2026. The federal indictment charges him with drug distribution. On Monday, Raspberry pleaded not guilty to the charge during his arraignment in federal court in Chicago. U.S. Magistrate Judge Heather K. McShain granted the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s motion that Raspberry be detained pending his trial. A status hearing was set for Aug. 13, 2026, at 9:15 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Lindsay C. Jenkins.
The indictment and detention order were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosive. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Chmura.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
raspberry_indictment.pdf raspberry_complaint.pdfConvicted Felon Who Participated in Exchange of Gunfire Outside Chicago Gas Station Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A convicted felon who participated in an exchange of gunfire outside a Chicago gas station has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison.
On the afternoon of May 27, 2022, MALIK WILLIAMS was standing outside of a gas station on the South Side of Chicago when he fired two shots toward a minivan that was driving nearby. Individuals in the minivan returned fire, and a bystander who was filling up gas in his work van was shot in the leg. The area was busy with traffic at the time of the shooting, and several individuals were present at the gas station, including a woman who was mere feet from Williams when he fired at the minivan.
Williams, 29, of Chicago, pleaded guilty in July 2025 to a federal charge of illegal possession of ammunition. Williams had previously been convicted of a felony offense. On July 8, 2026, U.S. District Judge Steven C. Seeger sentenced Williams to nine years in federal prison.
The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Chicago Police Department assisted in the investigation.
“Defendant fired twice at the occupied minivan,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Schied argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Had his aim been true, he would have killed one or more people on purpose. Everyone at that intersection that day is fortunate to be alive, including defendant.”
City Man Charged with Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center ArsonRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Vincent Lang, 60, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was arrested today and charged by criminal complaint with one count of maliciously damaging or destroying by means of fire any building or property used in interstate commerce, or attempting to do so, in connection with an arson fire last week at a city mosque.
The criminal complaint alleges that, in the early hours of July 5, 2026, the defendant approached the Northeast Philadelphia Islamic Center, located on the 1400 block of Tyson Avenue, ignited an improvised incendiary device, and threw the device into the entryway of the mosque, causing a fire inside the structure.
If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum of five years’ imprisonment.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Arson and Explosives Task Force, with assistance from the FBI, Philadelphia Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office Special Investigations Unit, Philadelphia Police Department, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda R. Reinitz and J. Jeanette Kang, with the assistance of the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
The charges and allegations contained in the criminal complaint are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
US_DIS_PAED_2_26mj1378_COMPLAINT_LANG.pdfCincinnati man sentenced to life in prison for ordering murder of family member, running drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A local man who ordered the murder of his own uncle during the summer of 2021 was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to life plus a mandatory consecutive 10 years in prison.
Jamal Binford, 34, of Dallas and Cincinnati, was convicted following a jury trial in February 2025.
“The evidence at trial proved that Binford ordered the cold-blooded execution of his own uncle and he did so simply to protect his drug trafficking organization,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “The defendant may not have pulled the trigger, but he ordered the execution and is equally responsible for the murder. A sentence of life in prison reflects the seriousness of Binford’s offenses and is just punishment.”
According to court documents and trial testimony, Binford purported to manage two co-defendants as boxers, presenting himself as a successful boxing promoter aiding young men he wanted to help off the streets. Binford sold young boxers on the dream of becoming pro fighters. Instead, used them as his soldiers in his drug trafficking enterprise.
Between May and November 2021, Binford sold kilograms of fentanyl and cocaine and hundreds of pounds of marijuana. To protect his drug trafficking operation, he ordered co-defendants Antwan Coach, Jr., 23, of Cincinnati, and Markel Hardy, 24, of Cincinnati, to murder his own uncle, Deonte Nuckols.
As the government outlined at trial, Binford paid the two other men $2,000 total to kill Mr. Nuckols, who had had been texting Binford that day about Binford paying a drug debt.
Binford also assisted the co-defendants after the July 2021 robbery and murder of Kamar Williams in North College Hill. Mr. Williams was robbed of marijuana and a firearm and shot to death. Binford helped Hardy flee the scene.
Binford was found guilty at trial of participating in the narcotics conspiracy, being an accessory after the fact, murder in connection with the drug trafficking conspiracy, use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and use of a firearm to commit murder.
Binford was arrested in February 2023 at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie; North College Hill Interim Police Chief Craig Chaney; and St. Bernard Police Chief Michael Simos announced the sentence imposed today Senior by U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division also aided during the investigation.
Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley N. Brucato and Frederic C. Shadley represented the United States in this case.
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Chula Vista Woman on Supervised Release for Fraud Admits New Forgery and Fraud CrimeRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – While on supervised release for two prior federal fraud convictions, Ashleigh Lynn Chavez pleaded guilty today in federal court to yet another fraud, admitting she used forged letters purportedly from her former attorney and former employer to obtain employment with a San Diego-area company.
According to court documents, Chavez, 42, submitted six letters by email as part of a job application in November 2024, after she had been terminated from a human resources position at a local nonprofit organization when her criminal convictions were discovered during a background check.
Among the documents Chavez submitted was a forged letter falsely attributed to the attorney who had represented her in a prior federal criminal case. The fabricated letter, supposedly sent by the attorney to Chavez, falsely claimed that Chavez had been exonerated and the prosecution had agreed to dismiss all charges against her. The letter advised Chavez not to share any court records on her cases because they were supposedly sealed.
Chavez also submitted a forged recommendation letter purportedly signed by the chief executive officer of the nonprofit organization that had fired her weeks earlier. The letter praised Chavez's volunteer work for the nonprofit and recommended her for employment.
When contacted by law enforcement, both Chavez's former attorney and former employer confirmed that they had not written the letters and that the signatures on the documents were forged.
As part of her plea agreement, Chavez admitted that the fraudulent letters caused the company to hire her and that she remained employed there from December 2024 through March 2025.
In March 2021, Chavez was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison for conspiring to embezzle more than $160,000 from a former employer. In July 2022, Chavez received an additional 24-month sentence after pleading guilty to obstruction of justice for forging medical letters that falsely claimed she had been diagnosed with cancer and causing those forged letters to be submitted to a federal judge. Chavez was released from federal custody onto supervised release in both cases in November 2023.
Chavez is scheduled to be sentenced on October 8, 2026, at 9 a.m. by U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Battaglia.
DEFENDANT Case No. 26-cr-02598-AJB
Ashleigh Lynn Chavez Age 42 Chula Vista, CA
aka “Ashleigh Lynn Coulson”
aka “Ashleigh Chavez Coulson”
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Obstruction of Justice – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1343
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in custody and a $250,000 fine.
INVESTIGATING AGENCY
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Charleston Man and Woman Plead Guilty to Roles in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, Kelvin Rydele Myles, also known as “D,” 49, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and Kristina Renea Clark, 37, of Charleston, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl. Myles and Clark admitted to their roles in a conspiracy that distributed fentanyl and cocaine base, also known as “crack,” within the Southern District of West Virginia.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 14, 2024, Myles sold approximately 2.9 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant while under a train trestle on Charleston’s West Side. As part of his guilty plea, Myles admitted that he conducted the transaction. Myles further admitted that he conducted multiple additional drug transactions. Myles sold approximately 3.28 grams of fentanyl on March 19, 2024, approximately 3.43 grams of fentanyl on March 22, 2024, and approximately 3.7 grams of fentanyl and 1.2 grams of cocaine on December 8, 2025. Each transaction occurred on Charleston’s West Side. Myles also sold approximately 5.1 grams of fentanyl on December 11, 2025, in South Charleston. All four transactions were with a confidential informant.
On May 3, 2024, Clark sold approximately 3.49 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant in the driveway of a residence on Charleston’s West Side. As part of her guilty plea, Clark admitted that she conducted the transaction after a co-conspirator arranged it beforehand. Clark also admitted to additional drug transactions. Clark sold approximately 3.45 grams of fentanyl on April 16, 2024, and approximately 3.48 grams of fentanyl on July 10, 2024. Both transactions occurred on Charleston’s West Side. Each was with a confidential informant and was arranged beforehand by a co-conspirator. On September 17, 2024, Clark worked with two co-conspirators to sell approximately 3.51 grams of fentanyl and 2.81 grams of crack to a confidential informant at a residence on Charleston’s West Side. Clark brought the crack and some of the fentanyl from her residence to complete the transaction after one of her co-conspirators did not have enough of the drugs the confidential informant wanted to purchase.
On October 7, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Clark’s residence on Charleston’s West Side and seized 3.62 kilograms of fentanyl, 562 grams of cocaine, and six firearms from Clark’s bedroom. As part of her guilty plea, Clark admitted that she possessed the seized drugs and intended to distribute them and possessed the seized firearms in connection with her drug distribution intentions.
On December 16, 2025, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop in Hurricane of a vehicle driven by Myles in which Clark was a passenger. Officers searched the vehicle during the traffic stop and seized two vacuum-sealed bags in the vehicle’s trunk that weighed approximately 760 grams and contained fentanyl. As part of their guilty pleas, Myles and Clark each admitted that they knew the fentanyl was in the trunk and that they intended to distribute it within the Southern District of West Virginia.
Myles and Clark are scheduled to be sentenced on October 29, 2026. Each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.
Myles and Clark each admitted to participating in the drug conspiracy between February and October 2024. They are among five defendants indicted by a federal grand jury following an investigation of drug trafficking in the Charleston area. The indictment remains pending against the other defendants. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Charleston Police Department-Special Enforcement Unit, and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department, and the South Charleston Police Department.
United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin and former Assistant United States Attorney Alexander A. Redmon have prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-18.
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Buffalo business owner charged with bank fraud for defrauding customers out of more than a million dollarsRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jason Knobloch, 56, of Lancaster, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
According to the criminal complaint, since February 2021, Knobloch and others have been carrying out a scheme involving the fraudulent sales of forklifts and other similar equipment, claiming to sell these items through various companies that they controlled. The companies included KJJK Equipment Sales d/b/a Kelly Lift Equipment and Clover Lift Equipment d/b/a Lifts 4 Less. Victims conducted online searches for equipment and would either contact, or be contacted by, employees of Knobloch’s companies. Cost negotiations were conducted and once an agreement was reached, victims were provided with payment instructions. However, after ordering and paying for the equipment, it was either never delivered or, in rare instances, equipment of lesser value was sent instead of what was actually ordered.
When victims contacted Knobloch’s businesses regarding their orders, they were initially given various excuses about why the equipment had not been delivered. Eventually, the companies stopped responding to victim emails and phone calls altogether. In the rare instance equipment was delivered, serial numbers for the delivered equipment did not match the serial numbers for the ordered equipment and the hours on the delivered equipment were much higher than what was advertised. Partial and full refunds occurred occasionally, but typically only after the company was confronted and advised that legal action was forthcoming.
In total, Knobloch and his co-conspirators have defrauded approximately 32 victims, resulting in more than a million dollars in fraud loss. The investigation also identified additional fraud attempts in which Knobloch sought to deposit checks utilizing customers’ bank account information without the customers’ knowledge and consent and long after the victims first attempted to purchase equipment. For example, in December 2021, the owner of Plumb Level and Square sent a $59,900.00 check to Lifts 4 Less, which was cashed on December 21, 2021, but the equipment was never delivered. In August 2022, approximately eight months later, the owner stated that an attempt was made to cash a check, made out to Knobloch, utilizing the owner’s bank account information. Another attempt to deposit $59,900.00 utilizing the banking information of Plumb Level and Square was made in September 2022. Several more similar attempts were made to deposit checks totaling $27,000.00, $22,600.00, and $28,400.00, utilizing customers’ bank account information without their knowledge. Impacted financial institutions included Bank of America, Citizens Bank, and Good Neighbors Federal Credit Union.
Knobloch was ordered released on home confinement following a detention hearing this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose. The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr.
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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Boone County Man Sentenced to More Than 24 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
ROCKFORD — A Boone County, Ill. man has been sentenced to more than 24 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine.
On Oct. 25, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at BRADLEY WALTERS’s place of business, Black Sheep Vintage, in Roscoe, Ill. Inside the premises, officers located more than a kilogram of fentanyl pills, more than 100 grams of pure methamphetamine, more than four kilograms of methamphetamine pills, and other suspected controlled substances. Officers also located a loaded pellet gun modeled to resemble a Glock firearm.
A search warrant was obtained after law enforcement made several controlled purchases of drugs from Walters, including at his business the day before the execution of the warrant.
Walters, 51, Caledonia, Ill., pleaded guilty in 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. On July 10, 2026, U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston sentenced Walters to 24 years and four months in federal prison.
The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Todd C. Smith, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office participated in the investigation with the DEA. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Ladd.
Billings man sentenced to over 9 years in prison for trafficking methRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man who was dealing meth from his Alderson Avenue home was sentenced to prison yesterday, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Joshua Mark Rideshorse, 41, who pleaded guilty in February 2026, was sentenced to nine years and five months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was also sentenced to nine years and five months, followed by three years of supervised release, on one count of a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Both sentences will run concurrently.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watter presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Rideshorse was dealing methamphetamine he bought in Washington. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force had learned in September 2024 that Rideshorse was possibly trafficking illicit drugs. On Oct. 16, 2024, the U.S. Marshal Service Montana Violent Offender's Task Force arrested Rideshorse at his Billings home on an outstanding warrant and while there spotted drugs, cash, and a pistol in the open. Rideshorse was convicted of a felony in 2022 and is currently prohibited from possessing a firearm. Law enforcement returned with a warrant and searched the house, where they found 4 ounces of methamphetamine, a stolen Smith & Wesson handgun, and $9,783 in cash.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Montana comprises agents and officers from a number of federal agencies as well as drug task forces throughout the state, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the U.S. Marshal Service Montana Violent Offender's Task Force conducted the investigation as part of the HSTF.
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