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Wednesday 30 April 2025
Mason City Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Cleon Mitchell, Jr., 46, from Mason City, Iowa, pled guilty April 30, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City to possession of child pornography.
At the plea hearing, Mitchell admitted that from August 2022, through April 2024, he used the Kik and Snapchat applications to receive and possess visual depictions of child pornography which involved a prepubescent minor or minor under the age of 12. Snapchat reported Mitchell’s account to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children who in turn reported the information to law enforcement. Law enforcement connected the account back to Mitchell and obtained a search warrant for his home and electronics. During the execution of the search warrant, Mitchell admitted he had received and possessed child pornography, and it would be located on his phone. Forensic analysis of his electronics showed that Mitchell possessed 30 videos and 50 images of child pornography including materials that portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct as well as prepubescent children and toddlers.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative 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.”
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Mitchell, Jr. remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Mitchell, Jr. faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Mason City Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 24-3038. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Man Sentenced for Trafficking over 94,000 Fentanyl Pills Following Conviction in Fatal Albuquerque ShootingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Nathen Richard Garley, recently convicted of a deadly gang-related shooting that claimed the life of an 11-year-old boy, has now been sentenced to 20 years in prison for trafficking over 94,000 fentanyl pills in a case that underscores the deadly impact of drug and violent crime in New Mexico.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on September 13, 2023, Garley, 22, was stopped by law enforcement as a passenger in a vehicle near mile marker 85 in Cibola County, New Mexico, during a return trip from Phoenix, Arizona. A search of the vehicle, prompted by the odor of marijuana and Garley’s admission to recent use, led officers to discover a glass jar of marijuana on Garley and a duffel bag in the trunk containing approximately 10.97 kilograms of fentanyl pills-estimated to be over 94,000 pills in total.
Gray duffel bag and fentanyl
Fentanyl on scale
Garley admitted to possessing the duffel bag and acknowledged his addiction to prescription pills. Further investigation revealed evidence on Garley’s cell phone indicating his involvement in drug distribution. Testing confirmed the pills contained fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for a significant rise in overdose deaths nationwide.
This federal drug arrest came just one week after Garley was involved in a tragic shooting in Albuquerque. On September 6, 2023, Garley, along with accomplices, opened fire on a vehicle they mistakenly believed was driven by a rival gang member. The attack killed 11-year-old Froylan Villegas and left his cousin paralyzed as the family was leaving an Isotopes baseball game. Authorities later linked Garley to the shooting, and he was convicted of first-degree murder and multiple other felonies related to the incident.
Following the shooting, Garley fled to Arizona, abandoning the vehicle used in the crime and evading authorities by staying at various Airbnbs and hotels. During this period, he searched for news articles about the murder, demonstrating awareness of the tragedy, yet continued his criminal activities by arranging to transport the massive fentanyl load back to New Mexico.
Garley selfie taken in Arizona
Garley selfie taken in Arizona
Garley is scheduled for sentencing in New Mexico District Court on May 21, 2025, for the murder and related charges.
Upon his release from prison, Garley will be subject to five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Jason T. Stevens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, made the announcement today.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and New Mexico State Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Trembley.
Man Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being DeportedRead the Press Release
A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than two months in federal prison.
Jose Solis-Alvarado, age 34, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Traer, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 10, 2025 guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported.
At the guilty plea, Solis-Alvarado admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Solis-Alvarado was previously deported in 2010. On February 4, 2025, immigration officials learned Solis‑Alvarado had illegally returned to the United States and found him at the Benton County Jail following his arrest on state charges for operating while under the influence.
Solis-Alvarado was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Solis-Alvarado was sentenced to 85 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Solis-Alvarado is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated by Enforcement and Removal Operations of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-CR-9.
Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Man Charged with Smuggling Protected Parakeets Inside the Boots he was WearingRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Naim Lajud Libien was arrested and charged with smuggling 12 protected Orange Fronted Parakeets into the U.S. stuffed inside the boots he was wearing and inside a seat compartment in his car. At least two of the birds died, and a third appeared to have a broken neck.
Lajud Libien, a citizen of Mexico, attempted to cross the border in his vehicle after presenting a Border Crossing Card at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry on April 29 at 3:10 p.m. He was diverted to secondary inspection. Once he stepped outside of his 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Customs and Border Protection officer noticed bulges around his ankles. For safety reasons, the officer conducted a pat down and discovered what appeared to be birds wrapped in nylon stockings concealed inside the boots.
A CBP Agricultural Specialist responded to the security office and removed six birds from the defendant’s boots – three in the right, three in the left, all tied at the feet and wrapped in panty hose. The birds were later identified by a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service inspector as Orange Fronted Parakeets (Eupsittula canicularis). The birds were placed in a bird cage with food and water until they could be cared for by Veterinary Services. Some of the birds appeared to have injuries on their feet where they were tied.
“Smuggling at the border takes many forms, but the tragic impact on animals forced into such perilous conditions is deeply troubling,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “We are committed to holding accountable those who endanger wildlife and public health through these reckless and inhumane smuggling practices.”
Lajud Libien was taken into custody on April 29, 2025. On April 30, 2025, CBP personnel could hear birds crying from his impounded vehicle. CBP officers and a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Inspector began a dismantling the car in search of the birds. Six more orange parakeets were found inside the seat cushion of the passenger seat of the vehicle. The birds were wrapped in panty hose and bound. Two of the birds were dead when they were discovered. One of the birds appears to have a broken neck. Three of the birds were still alive; however, in poor health.
Orange Fronted Parakeets (Eupsittula canicularis) are native to Western Mexico and Costa Rica. The Orange Fronted Parakeet is protected and has been listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) since 2005. Libien’s concealment of the parakeets would have resulted in their entering the United States without any quarantine period or process.
To import many types of wildlife, the wildlife must be subject to quarantine before it can be introduced into the United States. Many animals have diseases that can be transferred to humans (zoonotic diseases) or other animals that can have disastrous health effects to human or animal populations. For example, birds can carry and spread Avian influenza (bird flu), psittacosis, and histoplasmos. Bird flu is highly contagious and can cause flu like symptoms, respiratory illness, pneumonia and death in humans and other birds including the United States poultry farms. There are many other diseases that can be transmitted from different animals and have disastrous effects, that is why it is necessary to quarantine animals entering the United States to limit and safeguard against this potential disease transmission.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Allen and and Elizabet Brown.
DEFENDANT Case Number 25-mj-02213
Naim Lajud Libien Age: 54 Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Importation Contrary to Law – 18 U.S.C. § 545
Maximum penalty: Twenty years in custody, $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Office of Law Enforcement
Homeland Security Investigations
* The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Louisville Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – Yesterday, a Louisville felon pled guilty to illegally possessing a firearm.
U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Dajuan Simonton, 31, pled guilty to illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the plea agreement, on January 12, 2022, Simonton unlawfully possessed a Glock, model 41 Gen4, .45 caliber handgun, and ammunition.
Simonton is prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On January 14, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Simonton was convicted of 3 counts of receiving a stolen firearm.
On January 14, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Simonton was convicted of complicity to possession of a controlled substance in the first degree - methamphetamine, complicity to receiving stolen firearm, and tampering with physical evidence.
Simonton is scheduled for sentencing on August 5, 2025, before a United States District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky. Simonton is detained in federal custody pending sentencing. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The judge will determine the sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the ATF Louisville Field Division and LMPD.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia P. Gomez is prosecuting this case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Louisiana Man Sentenced to 97 Months in Prison for Traveling to New Jersey to Engage in Sexual Activity with MinorRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Louisiana man was sentenced today to 97 months in prison for traveling to New Jersey for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.
Spencer W. Caudle, 36, of Prairieville, Louisiana, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In or around April 2023, Caudle began interacting on online social media applications with the then-14-year-old victim. Caudle’s communications with the victim were sexual in nature despite the victim informing Caudle of the victim’s minor status. Caudle even expressed nervousness about being on the show “To Catch a Predator,” but continued informing the victim of his desire to have sex with the victim. On May 26, 2023, Caudle drove from Louisiana to meet and have sex with the victim in Toms River, New Jersey the following day. On May 27, 2023, Caudle, in fact, committed sexual acts on the victim. Later that night, Caudle left New Jersey to drive back to Louisiana.
Local law enforcement became aware of Caudle’s prohibited sexual activity with the victim and began an investigation. In June 2023, an undercover law enforcement officer assumed the victim’s online and cellular presence and communicated with Caudle. During these conversations, Caudle confirmed his prior sexual acts with the victim and expressed a desire for further sexual activity. While communicating with the undercover officer, Caudle made plans to return to New Jersey to commit additional sexual acts on the victim. On June 16, 2023, Caudle flew from Louisiana to New Jersey, and law enforcement arrested him upon his arrival at the Newark Liberty International Airport.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel; the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer; and the Toms River Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Peter Sundack, with the investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard G. Shephard of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.
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Leaders of 764 Arrested and Charged for Operating Global Child Exploitation EnterpriseRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Leonidas Varagiannis, also known as “War,” 21, a citizen of the United States residing in Thessaloniki, Greece, and Prasan Nepal, also known as “Trippy,” 20, of North Carolina, were arrested and charged for operating an international child exploitation enterprise known as “764,” a nihilistic violent extremist (NVE) network. Varagiannis was arrested yesterday in Greece; Nepal was arrested on April 22, 2025, in North Carolina and had a court appearance. Court hearings in Washington, D.C. are pending for both defendants.
The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office, and FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia of the New York Field Office.
According to the affidavit in the District of Columbia, 764 is a network of nihilistic violent extremists who engage in criminal conduct in the United States and abroad, seeking to destroy civilized society through the corruption and exploitation of vulnerable populations, which often include minors. The 764 network’s accelerationist goals include social unrest and the downfall of the current world order, including the United States Government.
As alleged, the defendants engaged in a coordinated criminal enterprise and led a core subgroup within 764 known as 764 Inferno, operated through encrypted messaging applications. As alleged, they directed, participated in, and otherwise caused the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and the defendants facilitated the grooming, manipulation, and extortion of minors. Veragiannis and Nepal allegedly ordered their victims to commit acts of self-harm and engaged in psychological torment and extreme violence against minors. The affidavit alleges that the group targeted vulnerable children online, coercing them into producing degrading and explicit content under threat and manipulation. This content includes “cut signs” and “blood signs” through which young girls would cut symbols into their bodies.
The defendants and their co-conspirators around the world used the CSAM and other gore and violent material to create digital “Lorebooks,” which NVEs used as digital currency within the 764 network — traded, archived in encrypted “vaults,” and used as a means to recruit new members or maintain status within the network. The affidavit also details how the defendants instructed others members in grooming tactics and set content production expectations for new recruits. In multiple instances, defendants threatened and caused their victims to engage in self-mutilation, online and in-person sexual acts, harm to animals, sexual exploitation of siblings and others, acts of violence, threats of violence, suicide, and murder.
Also according to the complaint affidavit, the defendants exploited at least eight minor victims across multiple jurisdictions, with some content traced back to children as young as 13 years old. The network’s activities spanned from late 2020 through early 2025, with core leadership roles attributed to both defendants throughout the period.
“The allegations in this case are not only disturbing, they are also every parent’s nightmare” said U.S. Attorney Martin. “The number of victims allegedly exploited by these defendants, and the depths of depravity are staggering. Justice demands that our response be swift in order to ensure public safety, hold the wrongdoers accountable, and bring the victims some sense of closure so they can heal.”
“These defendants are accused of orchestrating one of the most heinous online child exploitation enterprises we have ever encountered – a network built on terror, abuse, and the deliberate targeting of children,” said Attorney General Bondi. “We will find those who exploit and abuse children, prosecute them, and dismantle every part of their operation.”
“The charges against these subjects represent our resolve to dismantle violent networks that seek to destroy civilized society,” said Assistant Director in Charge Jensen of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Our work is not done until justice is restored for all impacted victims.”
“Prasan Nepal, a leader of 764, allegedly instructed other members of the network to use explicit material to induce and extort victims into producing child exploitative content,” said Assistant Director in Charge Raia of the FBI New York Field Office. “Manipulating the most vulnerable members of society—our children—to produce sexually harmful material to further their depraved goals is unconscionable. The FBI is determined to do whatever necessary to stop the heinous actions of 764 members and hold them accountable in the justice system.”
“These arrests expose one of the most disturbing online child exploitation networks we’ve ever encountered,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “A group that glorified violence, weaponized abuse, and targeted children to advance a deeply depraved ideology. Through the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the NYPD is proud to have partnered with federal and international authorities to dismantle this horrific operation and protect the most vulnerable among us.”
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of life in prison.
This case is being investigated by FBI’s Washington Field Office and New York Field Office with assistance from the FBI Charlotte Field Office, the FBI Athens (Greece) Legal Attaché Office and the Hellenic National Police (HNP) .
It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra Hughes, Karen Ditzler Shinskie, and Jack Korba for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Paralegal Specialists Marissa Mondelli, Kristina Hamil, and Jorge Casillas provided assistance. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina provided invaluable assistance.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Charges in a criminal complaint are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Prison for Threatening Federal Judge and Anthrax HoaxRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today by Senior District Judge John A. Mendez to 18 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for mailing a threatening letter to a federal judge and conveying false information and hoax.
“Threats of violence against a federal judge is a threat to our judicial system,” said United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners at the FBI and United States Marshals Service will not tolerate these types of criminal actions against a public servant. We will prosecute perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Unlawful threats of violence against public officials directly challenge the integrity of our democracy,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI. “Individuals must not live in fear of violence due to their identity, beliefs, or political affiliation. The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborating with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice in these matters.”
According to court documents, on June 27, 2022, Hadari Stallworth mailed a letter to the United States District Court Clerk in Las Vegas, which was addressed to a United States District Court Judge for the District of Nevada. In the letter, Stallworth wrote that he would “have my people kill whatever you hold dearly first: pets, kids, grandkids, husband…” and that individuals under his control would “kidnap” and “to[r]ture” the District Judge.
Stallworth mailed a subsequent letter, which was received on September 30, 2022, by the United States District Court Clerk. In that letter, Stallworth wrote “This is Anthrax. Now Die Traitors!” and placed a white powder intended to cause the recipients to believe that it contained anthrax. The threatening letter Stallworth wrote caused substantial disruption to the proceedings of the Office of the Clerk of the Court, including causing the office to be closed and individuals to be quarantined.
Stallworth pleaded guilty to one count of mailing threatening communications and one count of false information and hoaxes.
United States Attorney Chattah, FBI Special Agent in Charge Evans, and Marshal Gary Schofield for the United States Marshals Service (USMS) made the announcement.
This case was a joint investigation by the FBI and USMS. Assistant United States Attorneys Edward Veronda and Melinda Brewer prosecuted the case.
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Lapwai Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for MurderRead the Press Release
COEUR D'ALENE – William Oliver Eyle, 21, of Lapwai, was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for second degree murder, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today.
According to court records, on May 12, 2023, Eyle murdered Elias Albert Spencer on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. There was no fight or disagreement between the two individuals. Eyle’s car broke down in front of Elias’ home and when Elias went to see what was going on, Eyle shot him five times. Elias’ family found his body on the sidewalk in front of the home. According to the statements from the sentencing, Eyle fled the area, destroyed evidence and remained a fugitive for months. He was finally located by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Marshals Service toward the end of November 2023. Eyle was 19 years at the time he murdered Elias.
Eyle pleaded guilty to second degree murder on January 29, 2025. United States District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Eyle to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Eyle’s mother, Jacinta Wheeler, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison on November 14, 2024, due to her failure to report the murder and her advice to Eyle to flee.
“The murder of Elias Albert Spencer was a senseless act of violence.” Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott said. “My heart goes out to Elias’ family, whose strength and resolve during this tragedy has been inspiring. While this sentence cannot bring Elias back, hopefully it provides them some measure of closure, while also preventing future acts of violence by this defendant for a lengthy time.”
“William Eyle’s actions profoundly impacted not only the victim’s family but the community’s sense of safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI. “While nothing will bring their loved one back, we hope the sentence provides some sense of justice to Elias Spencer’s family and friends. The FBI is committed to working with our partners to solve MMIP cases and ensure safety on reservations.”
Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Nez Perce Tribal Police, which led to the charges. Assistants U.S. Attorneys Traci Whelan and Adam Johnson prosecuted the case.
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Lake Charles Man Sentenced on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
LAKE CHARLES, La. – Kenneth Blake LeBlanc, 33, of Lake Charles, was sentenced yesterday on child pornography charges, announced Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr. sentenced LeBlanc to 180 months (15 years) in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release.
LeBlanc was arrested in April 2024 after law enforcement officers with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (“CPSO”) received a complaint about an individual, later determined to be LeBlanc, who had recorded a prepubescent minor female undressing in the bathroom. Detectives with CPSO and agents with Homeland Security Investigations began an investigation into the allegations and learned that in April 2024, LeBlanc hid a cell phone and used it as a recording device to capture a minor undressing in the bathroom of a known residence. The phone was positioned to capture someone getting in and out of the shower. The video LeBlanc created included images of the private areas of the minor, who was under the age of 11 years old at the time. Using the internet, LeBlanc transported this video from his Android phone to an iPhone, knowing that the video contained child pornography.
LeBlanc pleaded guilty to a Bill of Information charging him with one count of attempted transportation of child pornography.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren L. Gardner.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a U.S. Department of Justice nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood combines federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Child Sexual Abuse Material - To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678.
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LaPorte Man Found Guilty by JuryRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Yesterday, Ron Deming, 38 years old, of LaPorte, Indiana, was found guilty today of receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography after a two-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 14, 2025. Any specific sentence to be imposed will be determined by the District Court Judge after consideration of federal statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Indiana State Police and the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Hannah T Jones and Katelan McKenzie Doyle.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Kissimmee Real Estate Broker Sentenced for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Maria Del Carmen Montes (48, Kissimmee) to 33 months in federal prison for bank fraud. Montes pleaded guilty on January 4, 2024.
According to court documents, Montes, co-conspirator Carlos Ferrer, and others created and executed a mortgage fraud scheme targeting financial institutions. Montes assisted clients with purchasing homes and, after signing the real estate contract, referred her buyers to a loan officer at a mortgage company. In order to qualify her clients for mortgage loans for which they were unqualified, Montes transferred the personal identifying and financial information of her clients to Ferrer and directed Ferrer to create fictitious paystubs and W-2s showing false earnings and length of employment for her clients, knowing that her clients never worked for the companies on the fictitious employment documents. After Ferrer created the documents, Montes submitted the fictitious paystubs and W-2s to the financial institutions who relied on them when making underwriting decisions.
On August 13, 2024, Ferrer was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment and ordered to serve three years of supervised release for his role in the case.
This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.
Kingsville business owner pleads guilty to tax fraudRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A local resident has admitted to failing to pay employment taxes, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Timothy Gaines Pollard owned and operated Tim Pollard Construction, a residential remodeling and fence installation business in Bishop and Kingsville.
He admitted that from 2019 through 2021, he was responsible for collecting and withholding employment taxes from his employees’ paychecks. These included federal income, Social Security and Medicare taxes.
Pollard admitted he withheld those monies from his employees but failed to pay them to the United States, as the law requires. Instead, Pollard used the funds to cover personal expenses.
In total, Pollard’s scheme resulted in a total tax loss of over $400,000.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will impose sentencing July 30. At that time, Pollard faces up to five years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
IRS-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler Foster and John Marck are prosecuting the case.
Kanawha County Woman Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Krista Marie Menchaca, 32, of Cross Lanes, pleaded guilty today to receipt of stolen money. Menchaca received $19,395 in proceeds from a criminally derived Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loan, guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 12, 2021, an individual submitted a PPP loan application on Menchaca’s behalf to a program lender in Arizona. As part of her guilty plea, Menchaca admitted that the application and an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1040, Schedule C Profit or Loss from Business, filed with it falsely represented that Menchaca was a self-employed health practitioner who received $93,100 in gross income during 2000. Menchaca further admitted that the IRS Form 1040 was fake and created solely to obtain a fraudulent PPP loan.
The lender approved the fraudulent loan application and $19,395 was deposited in Menchaca’s personal bank account on or about July 2, 2021. While in West Virginia, Menchaca spent more than $5,000 of the PPP loan proceeds on her personal expenses.
The CARES Act made forgivable PPP loans available to qualifying sole proprietors, independent contractors and self-employed individuals adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, to replace their normal income and for certain other expenses. Applicants were required to certify that they were in operation on February 15, 2020, and provide documentation showing their prior gross income from either 2019 or 2020.
Menchaca is scheduled to be sentenced on August 12, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Menchaca also owes $21,963.96 in restitution.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage is prosecuting the case.
Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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. 2:25-cr-68.
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Kanawha County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun Crime and Violating Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Eddie Wayne Chapman Jr., 39, of St. Albans, was sentenced today to five years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and violating supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 18, 2024, Chapman possessed a backpack that was seized by law enforcement. Chapman admitted that the seized backpack contained a loaded Smith & Wesson SD9 VE 9mm pistol and two ammunition magazines. Chapman further admitted that the backpack contained approximately 65 grams of controlled substances containing fentanyl.
Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Chapman knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on October 23, 2017, and for conspiracy to operate a clandestine drug laboratory in Kanawha County Circuit Court on September 30, 2010.
At the time of this offense, Chapman was serving a term of supervised release as a result of his October 23, 2017, convictions. Today’s sentence includes one year and three months in prison for committing a crime while on supervised release.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.
United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
A 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. 2:24-cr-193.
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Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in New Hampshire Religious Land Use Case Brought by Small ChurchRead the Press Release
The Justice Department filed a statement of interest yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire explaining that the claims brought by a Christian church and its pastor under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) are ready to be heard and determined in federal court.
The statement of interest was filed in Grace New England v. Town of Weare, a private lawsuit alleging that the town violated RLUIPA by threating fines against a small home-based church and its pastor.
“RLUIPA protects the freedom of religious groups to worship without undue government interference,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “When localities threaten fines against religious groups to force them to undertake unnecessary land use review, RLUIPA offers them an avenue for relief through the courts. The Civil Rights Division stands ready to protect the fundamental religious freedom rights of all Americans.”
The plaintiffs operate a home-based church on a 5-acre property in the town of Weare, New Hampshire. The complaint alleges that the town permitted secular assemblies and events on the property, but once plaintiffs began to hold religious services, the town demanded a formal site plan review – despite a New Hampshire state law prohibiting this requirement for religious land use. The plaintiffs sued the town, alleging that its demands and threatened fines constitute a substantial burden on their religious exercise and demonstrate unequal treatment by the town as compared to similar secular uses.
The town filed a motion for summary judgment, arguing in part that the plaintiffs’ claims are not ready to be heard by the court. The department’s statement of interest refutes these contentions, explaining that the plaintiffs’ claims are ripe for judicial review even though plaintiffs have not gone through the full site review process and that RLUIPA does not require a plaintiff to exhaust administrative appeals before filing a lawsuit.
RLUIPA is a federal law that guards individuals and religious institutions from unduly burdensome, unequal, or discriminatory land use regulations. More information about RLUIPA and the department’s work can be found on the Place to Worship Initiative’s webpage.
Individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination in land use or zoning decisions may contact the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section at (833) 591-0291 or may submit a complaint through the RLUIPA complaint portal. More information about RLUIPA, including questions and answers about the law and other documents, may be found at www.justice.gov/crt/about/hce/rluipaexplain.php.
Justice Department Declines Prosecution of Company That Self-Disclosed Export Control Offenses Committed by EmployeeRead the Press Release
Note: View the declination letter here.
The Justice Department today announced that it has declined the prosecution of Universities Space Research Association (USRA) after it self-disclosed to the Department’s National Security Division (NSD) criminal violations of U.S. export control laws committed by its former employee, Jonathan Soong. Soong pleaded guilty to willfully violating the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by exporting U.S. Army-developed aviation software to a university in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) that had been placed on the Commerce Department’s Entity List and was sentenced to 20 months in prison.
“If we stay vigilant, all of us — including our citizens, small businesses, and large corporations — can play a critical role in protecting our country,” said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “A criminal who compromised our national security was brought to justice because his employer caught him and immediately turned him in. We decline to prosecute his employer and are ready to work together with such responsible corporate actors who are committed to joining us in this fight to protect our country from foreign adversaries.”
“USRA discovered that one of its employees was funneling sensitive aeronautics software to a Beijing university in violation of export control laws and at risk to our national security,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins for the Northern District of California. “What the company did next made all the difference in the Government’s decision not to prosecute it: the company took swift and proactive measures to disclose the employee’s wrongdoing, provide all known facts, and cooperate – and continue to cooperate – with the government’s investigation.”
According to court documents, in April 2016, USRA contracted with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to, among other things, license and distribute for a fee aeronautics-related and U.S. Army-owned flight control software. Soong was employed by USRA as a program administrator under the contract and was responsible for performing due diligence on prospective purchasers to ensure that the sale or transfer of software licenses complied with applicable law, including by checking the Entity List. Soong willfully exported software subject to the EAR to Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, also known as Beihang University (Beihang), a university in the PRC, knowing that an export control license was required for the export to Beihang because it was on the Entity List. Beihang was on the Commerce Department’s Entity List due to its involvement in the development of military rocket systems and unmanned air vehicle systems. Soong further used an intermediary to complete the transfer and export of the software to Beihang to avoid detection, and embezzled tens of thousands of dollars in software license sales by directing purchasers to make payment to an account he personally owned and controlled.
This scheme continued until NASA inquired about the sales of software licenses to PRC-based purchasers and USRA began to investigate. Soong initially lied to USRA and fabricated evidence that he had conducted due diligence on the purchasers and provided it to USRA’s counsel to provide to NASA, but after USRA’s counsel investigated further and confronted Soong with evidence that contradicted his statements, he admitted to knowing that Beihang was on the Entity List when he exported the software to Beihang and that a license had been required for the export.
Within days of learning that Soong had willfully violated U.S. export control laws, and before USRA had completed its own investigation to understand the scope of the misconduct, USRA self-disclosed the crime to NSD and fully cooperated with the ensuing criminal investigation, which eventually established that Soong had acted alone at USRA. USRA’s cooperation included proactively identifying, collecting, and disclosing relevant evidence to investigators, including foreign language evidence and evidence located overseas, and providing detailed and timely responses to the government’s requests for information and evidence. USRA remediated the root cause of the misconduct by disciplining a supervisory employee who failed appropriately to supervise Soong, and by significantly improving its internal controls and compliance program. USRA also compensated the government both for the funds Soong embezzled, and for the time Soong had spent embezzling funds instead of performing his duties under USRA’s contract with NASA.
The Justice Department declined USRA’s prosecution after considering the factors set forth in the Department’s Principles of Federal Prosecution of Business Organizations and the National Security Division Enforcement Policy for Business Organizations (NSD Enforcement Policy). The NSD Enforcement Policy creates a presumption that companies that (1) voluntarily self-disclose to NSD potentially criminal violations arising out of or relating to the enforcement of export control or sanctions laws, (2) fully cooperate, and (3) timely and appropriately remediate will generally receive a non-prosecution agreement, unless aggravating factors are present. In appropriate cases, the NSD Enforcement Policy authorizes prosecutors to go further, and exercise discretion to decline a company’s prosecution. This is the second time that NSD has exercised its discretion to decline the prosecution of a company under the NSD Enforcement Policy.
The case was investigated by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security; the Department of Defense’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and the FBI. The NASA Office of Inspector General; U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Army Counterintelligence; and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations provided valuable assistance.
Trial Attorney Rachel Craft of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Valliere for the Northern District of California prosecuted the case.
Justice Department Declines Prosecution of Company That Self-Disclosed Export Control Offenses Committed by EmployeeRead the Press Release
SAN FRANCISCO – The Justice Department today announced that it has declined the prosecution of Universities Space Research Association (USRA) after it self-disclosed to the Department’s National Security Division (NSD) criminal violations of U.S. export control laws committed by its former employee, Jonathan Soong. Soong pleaded guilty to willfully violating the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by exporting U.S. Army-developed aviation software to a university in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) that had been placed on the Commerce Department’s Entity List and was sentenced to 20 months in prison.
“USRA discovered that one of its employees was funneling sensitive aeronautics software to a Beijing university in violation of export control laws and at risk to our national security,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins for the Northern District of California. “What the company did next made all the difference in the Government’s decision not to prosecute it: the company took swift and proactive measures to disclose the employee’s wrongdoing, provide all known facts, and cooperate – and continue to cooperate – with the government’s investigation.”
“If we stay vigilant, all of us — including our citizens, small businesses, and large corporations — can play a critical role in protecting our country,” said Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “A criminal who compromised our national security was brought to justice because his employer caught him and immediately turned him in. We decline to prosecute his employer and are ready to work together with such responsible corporate actors who are committed to joining us in this fight to protect our country from foreign adversaries.”
According to court documents, in April 2016, USRA contracted with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to, among other things, license and distribute for a fee aeronautics-related and U.S. Army-owned flight control software. Soong was employed by USRA as a program administrator under the contract and was responsible for performing due diligence on prospective purchasers to ensure that the sale or transfer of software licenses complied with applicable law, including by checking the Entity List. Soong willfully exported software subject to the EAR to Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, also known as Beihang University (Beihang), a university in the PRC, knowing that an export control license was required for the export to Beihang because it was on the Entity List. Beihang was on the Commerce Department’s Entity List due to its involvement in the development of military rocket systems and unmanned air vehicle systems. Soong further used an intermediary to complete the transfer and export of the software to Beihang to avoid detection, and embezzled tens of thousands of dollars in software license sales by directing purchasers to make payment to an account he personally owned and controlled.
This scheme continued until NASA inquired about the sales of software licenses to PRC-based purchasers and USRA began to investigate. Soong initially lied to USRA and fabricated evidence that he had conducted due diligence on the purchasers and provided it to USRA’s counsel to provide to NASA, but after USRA’s counsel investigated further and confronted Soong with evidence that contradicted his statements, he admitted to knowing that Beihang was on the Entity List when he exported the software to Beihang and that a license had been required for the export.
Within days of learning that Soong had willfully violated U.S. export control laws, and before USRA had completed its own investigation to understand the scope of the misconduct, USRA self-disclosed the crime to NSD and fully cooperated with the ensuing criminal investigation, which eventually established that Soong had acted alone at USRA. USRA’s cooperation included proactively identifying, collecting, and disclosing relevant evidence to investigators, including foreign language evidence and evidence located overseas, and providing detailed and timely responses to the government’s requests for information and evidence. USRA remediated the root cause of the misconduct by disciplining a supervisory employee who failed appropriately to supervise Soong, and by significantly improving its internal controls and compliance program. USRA also compensated the government both for the funds Soong embezzled, and for the time Soong had spent embezzling funds instead of performing his duties under USRA’s contract with NASA.
The Justice Department declined USRA’s prosecution after considering the factors set forth in the Department’s Principles of Federal Prosecution of Business Organizations and the National Security Division Enforcement Policy for Business Organizations (NSD Enforcement Policy). The NSD Enforcement Policy creates a presumption that companies that (1) voluntarily self-disclose to NSD potentially criminal violations arising out of or relating to the enforcement of export control or sanctions laws, (2) fully cooperate, and (3) timely and appropriately remediate will generally receive a non-prosecution agreement, unless aggravating factors are present. In appropriate cases, the NSD Enforcement Policy authorizes prosecutors to go further, and exercise discretion to decline a company’s prosecution. This is the second time that NSD has exercised its discretion to decline the prosecution of a company under the NSD Enforcement Policy.
The case was investigated by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security; the Department of Defense’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and the FBI. The NASA Office of Inspector General; U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. Army Counterintelligence; and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations provided valuable assistance.
Trial Attorney Rachel Craft of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Valliere for the Northern District of California prosecuted the case.
Jury convicts conspirator involved in transporting aliens shot en route to HoustonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 21-year-old New Orleans, Louisiana, resident has been found guilty for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Mailon Almendares-Martinez, 21, New Orleans, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to transport aliens.
The jury deliberated for less than an hour before returning the guilty verdict following a three-day trial.
The jury heard how Almendares-Martinez conspired with others from Oct. 30 – Nov. 2, 2022, to transport aliens from the South Texas border to Houston.
The jury heard testimony that Almendares-Martinez recruited friends and conspirators from New Orleans to carry out the scheme. Witnesses testified that Almendares-Martinez and others offered to pay them $1,000 to $2,000 per alien they transported.
Evidence revealed he had directed them as to where to pick up the aliens through WhatsApp messages and phone calls.
After picking up the aliens near the border, the conspirators headed back to Houston. En route, individuals believed to be a part of a rival alien smuggling and transporting organization had shot at them. Two of the aliens suffered gunshot wounds to the arm and leg. One was a native of Honduras who had recently crossed the Rio Grande River and entered the United States illegally.
After the shooting, Almendares-Martinez told the co-conspirators to return to Houston and not seek medical attention for the two wounded aliens.
Co-conspirators then brought the aliens to a motel in Houston Nov. 1, 2022. The next day, the illegal aliens had escaped. Law enforcement arrived at the scene and took four people in custody, to include Jonathan Melendez-Merino, Oscar Melendez-Sosa, Cristian Mencias-Padilla and Cesar Monge-Milla.
The defense attempted to convince the jury Almendares-Martinez was not part of the conspiracy and someone else was using his WhatsApp account to communicate with co-conspirators. They did not believe those claims and found Almendares-Martinez guilty as charged.
“This case demonstrates—like so many cases before it—that human smuggling is an inhumane, dangerous, and sometimes fatal business,” said Ganjei. “Those that smuggle human beings for profit deserve prosecution, and those that would willingly place themselves in a situation to be smuggled need to think twice. Stay home, stay safe.”
U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt presided over trial and set sentencing for Aug. 11. At that time, Almendares-Martinez faces up to 10 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Previously released on bond, Almendares-Martinez was taken into custody following the verdict where he will remain pending that hearing.
Seven others, all from New Orleans, Louisiana, previously pleaded guilty in the case - Melendez-Merino, 32, Melendez-Sosa, 22, Mencias-Padilla, 21, and Monge-Milla, 25, along with Yunior Sorto-Ramirez, 23, Bayron Pineda-Alvarado, and Alan Galvez-Baquedano, 22.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Day and Anthony Franklyn prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Jury Finds Former Border Patrol Agent Guilty of CorruptionRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On Friday, April 25, 2025, a jury found former Border Patrol Agent Jorge J. Jimenez, 54, of Rio Rico, guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Wire Fraud. The guilty verdict followed a 10-day trial before U.S. District Judge Rosemary Marquez. A conviction for this crime carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and not more than three years supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for July 9, 2025.
“Securing the southern border requires an effective law enforcement force, held to the highest standard of integrity,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “Mr. Jimenez forgot his oath and put his community in danger for his own gain.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jimenez was employed as a United States Border Patrol Agent since 2010. Between July and October 2024, Jimenez was stationed at the Interstate 19 (I-19) Border Patrol Checkpoint where he worked the primary lanes performing inspections.
At trial, the government showed that between June 2024 and October 2024, Jimenez conspired with at least two individuals in Mexico to allow “load” vehicles to pass through his assigned checkpoint lane without inspection. The individuals in Mexico handled arrangements and the receipt of payment while Jimenez provided information about activities at the checkpoint and let the “load” vehicles pass through his lane. In exchange for his help, Jimenez expected to receive half of the $40,000 that the conspirators were paid for getting five “load” vehicles through the checkpoint.
The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility, and the FBI conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: 24-CR-08599-TUC-RM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-067_Jimenez# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Jordanian National Sentenced to Six Years for Threatening to Use Explosives and Attacking an Energy FacilityRead the Press Release
Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, 44, a Jordanian national residing illegally in Orlando, was sentenced today to six years in federal prison for threatening to use explosives and destruction of an energy facility. A restitution hearing will be held at a future date to address the more than $450,000 in damages Hnaihen caused.
“Threatening to commit mass violence against American citizens and targeting businesses or institutions for destruction will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Today’s sentence demonstrates the collective fortitude of our law enforcement partners to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who engage in acts of intimidation or violence against our communities.”
“This case highlights the strength of our partnerships and the tenacity of our investigators who are determined to protect the American people from those threatening the safety and security of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor the FBI Tampa Field Office.
United States v. Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, Middle District of Florida. Case # 6:24-cr-00201, Document 60, Filed 04/24/25. Restaurant damaged in attack with notes taped to the window.According to court documents, beginning around June 2024, Hnaihen targeted and attacked businesses in the Orlando area for their perceived support for Israel. Wearing a mask, under the cover of night, Hnaihen smashed the glass front doors of businesses and left behind “Warning Letters.” In his letters, which were addressed to the President of the United States and the United States government, Hnaihen laid out a series of political demands, culminating in a threat to “destroy or explode everything here in whole America. Especially the companies and factories that support the racist state of Israel.”
United States v. Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, Middle District of Florida. Case # 6:24-cr-00201, Document 60, Filed 04/24/25. Solar panels with cracked glass.Hnaihen’s attacks escalated. At the end of June, as law enforcement worked to identify the masked attacker, Hnaihen broke into a solar power generation facility in Wedgefield, Florida, and spent hours systematically destroying solar panel arrays. He smashed panels, cut wires, and targeted critical electronic equipment. Hnaihen left behind two more copies of his threatening demand letter. Hnaihen’s attacks caused more than $450,000 in damage.
Following a multiagency effort, law enforcement identified Hnaihen and arrested him on July 11, 2024, shortly after another “Warning Letter” threatening to “destroy or explode everything” was discovered at an industrial propane gas distribution depot in Orlando.
The FBI and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, with valuable assistance from the Maitland Police Department, the Winter Park Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Varadan for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Ryan White and George Kraehe of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case.
Jemez Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of MinorsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Jemez man pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual abuse of a minor.
According to court documents, Tyler Chinana, 35, an enrolled member of the Jemez Pueblo, admitted that in 2012, he engaged in unlawful sexual contact with a minor victim who was under the age of 12 at the time. In a separate incident, Chinana also admitted that in November 2022, he engaged in similar unlawful sexual contact with a second minor victim who was also under the age of 12.
At sentencing, Chinana faces up to life in prison followed by no less than five years and up to life of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Jemez Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meg Tomlinson and Timothy Trembley are prosecuting the case.
View the Plea Agreement (Chinana)_0.pdfJefferson County Man Sentenced to Prison on Gun ChargeRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Jefferson County man has been sentenced on a gun charge, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.
U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Jaden O’Neal Cooper, a.k.a. “Tallapoosa Jay,” 21, of Midfield, Alabama to 27 months in prison. In January, Cooper pleaded guilty to possession of a machinegun.
According to court documents, on February 1, 2024, detectives with the Leeds Police Department, Birmingham Police Department East Task Force, FBI, and Jefferson County Sheriff Department’s Star One Aviation Unit were conducting surveillance in the Inglenook area. Detectives had previously interacted with an individual they saw driving a red 2021 Hyundai Sonata. A detective ran the tag number on the vehicle, and the tag returned as belonging to a white 2014 Hyundai Sonata. Detectives confirmed that the tag had been switched, and a Birmingham Police officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle.
As the Birmingham Police officer approached the vehicle, the officer noticed Cooper—a known member of the Hard to Kill “H2K” street gang—was a passenger in the vehicle. The officer could also see an AM-15 pistol (assault style rifle) located at Cooper’s feet. Other officers provided backup at the traffic stop, and a Leeds Police Department detective removed the firearm from the vehicle. The firearm was determined to be loaded and was equipped with plastic piece—a 3-D printed “swift link” conversion device—in the trigger assembly. This device converted the firearm to a fully automatic machine gun.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the cases along with the Leeds Police Department, Birmingham Police Department East Task Force, and the Jefferson County Sheriff Department’s Star One Aviation Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Darius C. Greene prosecuted the case.
Illinois Man Admits Trying to Arrange Florida MurderRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – A man from Illinois on Wednesday admitted trying to have a business associate in Florida murdered.
Ben Patrick Mullavey, 66, of Mechanicsburg, in Sangamon County, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to one felony count of use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of attempted murder-for-hire. As part of his plea, Mullavey admitted offering cash to a former employee to commit the murder.
On Jan. 3, 2024, Mullavey picked up the former employee in Missouri and took him to a McDonald’s restaurant. There, Mullavey flashed a stack of cash and said he wanted his business partner killed. On Jan.11, 2024, the employee drove to Mullavey’s house. During the next three days, the employee helped Mullavey with construction work as they discussed the murder. Mullavey said he had been planning the murder for months, had conducted surveillance of the victim in Florida and had stolen a Florida license plate in preparation for the murder. Mullavey suggested the best time and place to commit the murder and how to avoid being identified on surveillance cameras. He also discussed several possible ways of disposing of the victim’s body, including using lime to dissolve it. Many of the conversations were audio and video recorded.
On Jan. 13, 2024, the employee left Mullavey’s home with orders to kill the victim. Mullavey also gave him a crossbow, arrows, the stolen Florida license plate, handwritten directions to a restaurant located next door to the victim’s business and $2,100 in cash, Mullavey’s plea agreement says.
Mullavey is scheduled to be sentenced July 22. The attempted murder-for-hire charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Shelton is prosecuting the case.
Hunterdon County Man Charged with Possession of Videos and Images of Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
TRENTON, N.J. – A Hunterdon County man was charged with possessing videos and images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.
David Tuytjens, 69, of Tewksbury Township, New Jersey, was charged in a one-count complaint with possession of child pornography. He had an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rukhsanah L. Singh in Trenton federal court and was detained.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In December 2024, officers from the New Jersey State Parole Board visited Tuytjens’ residence and discovered various electronic devices, including a 64 gigabyte MicroSD storage card inside of a laptop. Officers conducted their visit because Tuytjens is prohibited from possessing, among other things, Internet-capable devices as an individual under Community Supervision for Life due to a prior State conviction. An examination of the storage card contents revealed at least 800 images and 30 video files containing child sexual abuse materials (“CSAM”). An ongoing review of the CSAM has revealed images depicting prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, images portraying sadistic or masochistic conduct, and sexual abuse or exploitation of an infant or toddler as further outlined in the complaint.
Due to Tuytjens’ prior convictions for aggravated sexual assault and possession of child pornography, the charge of possession of child pornography carries a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison. The charge also carries with it a maximum $250,000 fine.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force in the Newark Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, the New Jersey State Parole Board, under the direction of Chairman Samuel J. Plumeri, Jr., and the Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson, with the investigation leading to the charge.
The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Defense counsel: Benjamin West, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender
tuytjens.complaint.pdfHouston man charged with using endangered sea turtles to make bootsRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A Laredo grand jury has indicted a 31-year-old Houston man for his role in trafficking boots made of sea turtle skin, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Law enforcement has taken Alejandro Hernandez into custody in Midland. He is making his initial appearance there before U.S. Magistrate Judge Roland Griffin.
The five-count indictment alleges Hernandez smuggled and conspired to smuggle boots into the United States, illegally sold the boots and sent them through the mail.
Hernandez allegedly operated an online store where he advertised selling custom boots made from any animal skin. He claimed the boots were genuine handmade items from Guanajuato, Mexico, according to the charges.
In October 2024, Hernandez allegedly caused sea turtle skin boots to be imported from Mexico and sent them to a customer in Houston.
If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Fish and Wildlife Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan L. Oliver is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Honduras Man Pleads Guilty and is Sentenced for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Honduras resident pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of illegal reentry of a removed alien and was sentenced to time served of approximately 92 days of imprisonment on his conviction, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Luis Fernando Diaz-Garcia, 27, on April 29, 2025.
According to information presented to the Court, Diaz-Garcia was arrested by the Pennsylvania State Police and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol as well as other traffic violations, including driving without a license, after he allegedly nearly side-swiped a marked police vehicle, charges which remain pending. Following this encounter, immigration officials determined that Diaz-Garcia was illegally present in the United States and arrested him on January 27, 2025. Diaz-Garcia was previously removed from the United States on November 13, 2019, and had not received the required permission to be in the United States. Diaz-Garcia has been in federal custody since his January arrest on the illegal reentry charge, and will be returned to immigration custody.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Diaz-Garcia.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Honduran and Guatemalan nationals sentenced for distributing methamphetamineRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Two people from Central America have been sentenced for drug trafficking in the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Sanmy Elieser Gonzalez, 35, Honduras, and Iris Graciela Hernandez-Castaneda, 34, Guatemala, both pleaded guilty Aug. 25, 2022.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana has now ordered Gonzalez to serve 60 months in federal prison, while Hernandez-Castaneda received a 70-month-sentence. Not U.S. citizens, both are expected to face removal proceedings following their imprisonment.
The investigation revealed Gonzalez and Hernandez received loads of methamphetamine in the Houston area had been smuggled into the United States in the vicinity of Laredo. The narcotics would then be further distributed to others.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation dubbed Operation Siete Pinguinos. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Sturgis prosecuted the case.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Honduran Woman Indicted for Illegal Re-Entry and Failure to RegisterRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Michael M. Simpson announced today that SOLVIN ARRIALO-ROMERO, a/k/a “ Solvin Regina Arriola-Romero, ” a/k/a “Solvin Romero,” (“ARRIALO-ROMERO”), age 28, was indicted on April 24, 2025 for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), and failure to register, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1306(a).
According to the indictment, ARRIALO-ROMERO, reentered the United States after being previously deported on December 29, 2017. If convicted, ARRIALO-ROMERO faces up to two years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee, for reentry of a removed alien. ARRIALO-ROMERO faces up to 6 months imprisonment, up to $1,000 fine, up to one-year of supervised release, and a mandatory $10 special assessment fee for failure to register.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Honduran National Indicted for Reentry of Deported AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ActingUnited States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that BRYAN JAVIER PEREZ-ESPINOZA (“PEREZ-ESPINOZA”), age 33, a native of Honduras, was indicted on April 24, 2025, for reentry of removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a).
According to court documents, PEREZ-ESPINOZA, an illegal alien, was found in Orleans Parish on March 23, 2024. He had previously been removed to Honduras on September 30, 2022.
If convicted, PEREZ-ESPINOZA faces a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Honduran National Indicted for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpsonannounced that JHOSMY JOSUE PEREZ-ALVAREZ (“PEREZ-ALVAREZ”), age 24, a native of Honduras, was indicted on April 24, 2025, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(5)(A) and 924(a)(8).
According to court documents, on or about January 2, 2025, PEREZ-ALVAREZ, an individual unlawfully present in the United States, was found in possession of a Glock nine-millimeter handgun. He was arrested by the New Orleans Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations officers, for violating immigration laws.
If convicted, PEREZ-ALVAREZ faces a maximum penalty of 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpsonpraised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Honduran Man Indicted for Re-Entry of Removed AlienRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSE MELVIN LOPEZ-LORENZO (“LOPEZ-LORENZO”), age 29, a native of Honduras, was indicted on April 24, 2025,for re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.
According to the indictment, LOPEZ-LORENZO was found in the United States on April 10, 2025, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on July 26, 2018.
LOPEZ-LORENZO faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge, and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Border Patrol in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Honduran Citizen Indicted for Illegal Firearm Possession, Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics, and Possession of Firearm to Further Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JUAN JOSUE CUEVAR-ALVARADO (“CUEVAR-ALVARADO “), 20, a native of Honduras, was indicted in a three-count superseding indictment on April 24, 2025, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A) (Count 1), possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D) (Count 2); and possession of a firearm, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i) (Count 3).
According to the superseding indictment, on or about September 15, 2023, CUEVAR-ALVARADO, an alien present illegally in the United States, was found in possession of a .22 caliber revolver and a nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, as well as a quantity of marijuana.
As to Count 1, CUEVAR-ALVARADO faces up to 15 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. As to Count 2, he faces up to 5 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. As to Count 3, he faces a prison term of 5 years consecutive to any other prison term he receives, up to 3years of supervised release, and up to a fine of $250,000. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. The defendant also faces deportation to his home country of Honduras after serving any prison sentence.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of United States Department of Homeland Security and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit are in charge of the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Hardin woman arraigned on charges for sex trafficking a minorRead the Press Release
BILLINGS - A Hardin woman accused of sex trafficking a minor appeared today for arraignment, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
The defendant, Veronica Clarice Baker, 29, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging her with one count of sex trafficking of a minor. If convicted of the crime charged in the indictment, Baker faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a maximum term of life, a $250,000 fine, and five years to lifetime supervised release.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Cavan presided. Baker was detained pending further proceedings.
The indictment alleges that in or before August 2022, in Billings, the defendant knowingly recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided, obtained, advertised, maintained, patronized, and solicited, by any means an individual, Jane Doe 1, knowing and in reckless disregard that Jane Doe 1 was under the age of 18, to engage in a commercial sex act.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
The charging document is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
PACER case reference. 25-43.
The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html. To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.
Hammond Man Guilty of Violating Federal Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that KYLIN SEXTON (“SEXTON”), age 25, a resident of Hammond, pleaded guilty on April 24, 2025 to possession with the intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, in violation of 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C) and 841(b)(1)(D). SEXTON faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, a fine of up to a $1,000,000.00, a period of supervised release of at least 3 years up to life, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
Chief U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown will sentence SEXTON on July 24, 2025.
On October 10, 2024, SEXTON pled guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2).
According to court records, on May 18, 2022, the Ponchatoula Police Department received a complaint that SEXTON a co-conspirator, was in possession of a firearm. Upon arrival at the scene, the officers observed the co-conspirator and SEXTON seated inside of a vehicle. Officers approached the vehicle and ordered the co-conspirator to show his hands. The co-conspirator ignored the officers’ commands and refused to place his hands behind his back when the officers attempted to remove him from the vehicle. After eventually removing the co-conspirator from the vehicle, officers observed a Glock Model 17, nine-millimeter handgun and extended magazine, loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, tucked between the passenger seat and the center console. The firearm had a machine gun conversion device, a “Glock switch,” attached to it.
The officers also observed a green backpack on the floorboard of the driver’s side where SEXTON was seated. Upon opening the backpack, the officers located marijuana and cocaine hydrochloride.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Ponchatoula Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime Unit.
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Greenwich Investment Group Operator Pleads Guilty to Fraud, Money Laundering OffensesRead the Press Release
Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JUSTIN C. MURPHY, 50, of Stamford, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to offenses stemming from an investment fraud scheme.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Murphy owned and operated Greenwich-based Mara Investment Group, LLC, also known as Mara Investment Management LP and Mara Investments Global Management LLC (“Mara”), which Murphy purported to be a hedge fund that solicited and accepted investments and used a quantitative strategy that balanced long and short positions in securities. Between approximately 2016 and September 2022, Murphy defrauded investors by pursuing a much riskier investment strategy than he told investors; diverting substantial investor funds for his own personal use and benefit; representing to investors that their invested funds were performing more favorably than was, in fact, the case, including providing investors with account statements that falsely representing their account balances; and providing investors with federal tax forms that falsely reported business income upon which investors would be required to pay tax.
Murphy stole approximately $3,465,812 in investor funds through this scheme and used the funds to pay for personal expenses and to purchase a personal stake in his relative’s startup company.
Murphy pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, and one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. A sentencing date is not scheduled.
Murphy was arrested in Brazil on December 6, 2023, and was detained for nearly 11 months while awaiting extradition to the U.S. He has been released on a $250,000 bond since November 1, 2024.
This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Brazilian authorities provided assistance.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.
Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 63 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE – Neon L. Frazier, 50 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady following his conviction from a January 2025 jury trial for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.
Frazier was sentenced to 63 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.
According to documents in the case, during a traffic stop on August 16. 2024, Frazier was found to be in possession of two firearms, one of which was stolen. At the time, Frazier was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his prior Indiana state court felony robbery conviction.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey R. Speith and Dawn Ransom.
This case was also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Fort Hall Man Sentenced to 100 Months in Federal Prison for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – Creston Dale Kindness, 42, of Fort Hall, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today.
According to court records, on January 21, 2024, officers observed Kindness driving at a high rate of speed. A lengthy pursuit followed, and the vehicle stopped when it became stuck in the snow. Officers arrested Kindness and took him to jail. At the jail, a sheriff’s deputy observed Kindness make a video call to a female friend. Kindness told the friend that he threw a bag with her name on it out of the car window during the pursuit. Kindness gave her the location and told her to go get the bag. Officers responded and found the bag. The bag contained a large amount of cash and 350 grams of fentanyl pills.
Kindness pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl on June 24, 2024. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Kindness to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, the Bingham, Blackfoot, Shelley Investigation Unit, the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Hall Police Department, and the Idaho State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Haycock prosecuted the case.
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Former religious services assistant admits to smuggling contraband into federal prisonRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 33-year-old Beeville woman has entered a guilty plea to smuggling contraband into a federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Ashley Priscilla Garza worked as a religious services assistant with the Federal Correctional Institution in Three Rivers.
As part of her plea, Garza admitted she used her access to the prison to smuggle contraband to an inmate in 2022 and 2023. The items included cigarettes, an MP3 player and papers laced with synthetic opioids and other drugs.
In return, she received 13 payments totaling approximately $11,400. She was terminated following the discovery of the smuggling scheme.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will impose sentencing Aug. 12. At that time, Garza will face up to 15 years in federal prison and a possible fine of up to $250,000.
Garza was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The Department of Justice-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Chu and Robert Thorpe are prosecuting the case.
Former Teacher Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of StudentRead the Press Release
Samantha Meyer-Davis, 32, from Rutland, Iowa, pled guilty in federal court April 30, 2025, to sexual exploitation of a child.
At the plea hearing, Meyer-Davis admitted that from May 2022, through November 2023, she was engaged in sexually exploiting a student as well as disseminating and exhibiting obscene materials to the victim. Meyer-Davis was a middle school teacher at the time of the incidents and met with school administrators on several occasions and denied any inappropriate relationship. Administrators reminded Meyer-Davis of her professional and ethical obligations to her students and encouraged her to cease and desist any inappropriate relationship with the student. When interviewed by law enforcement, Meyer-Davis continued to deny any inappropriate relationship until she was confronted with photographic evidence of her kissing the student who was in a state of undress. Evidence further showed that Meyer-Davis and the victim exchanged over 130 photographs, and over 60 videos related to and depicting child pornography, including materials that portrayed sadistic and masochistic conduct.
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.”
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Meyer-Davis remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Meyer-Davis faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa Special Enforcement Operations Bureau, and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 24-3028. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Former State Department Budget Analyst Pleads Guilty to Embezzling More than $650,000Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Levita Almuete Ferrer, 64, of Montgomery Village, Maryland, pleaded guilty today to embezzling more than $650,000 from the U.S. State Department over a two-year period.
The guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Brockschmidt of the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Inspector General, and Deputy Assistant Director William Ferrari of the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service Office of Special Investigations.
As part of her guilty plea, Ferrer, who is also known as Levita Brezovic, admitted that she abused her signature authority over a State Department checking account between March 2022 and April 2024 while working as a Senior Budget Analyst in the State Department’s Office of the Chief of Protocol. She issued 60 checks payable to herself and three checks payable to another individual with whom she had a personal relationship. She printed and signed each check and then deposited all 63 checks, which totaled $657,347.50, into her personal checking and savings accounts.
Ferrer attempted to conceal her scheme by using a common Quickbooks account at the State Department. After entering her name as the payee on checks in Quickbooks and then printing them, she often changed the listed payee in Quickbooks from herself to an actual State Department vendor. As a result, anyone viewing those entries in the Quickbooks system did not see Ferrer’s name as the payee on the checks unless they accessed an audit trail.
U.S. District Judge Christopher R. Cooper accepted Ferrer’s guilty plea to theft of government property and set a sentencing date for September 18, 2025. Ferrer faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Judge Cooper will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
As part of her plea agreement, Ferrer agreed to pay $657,347.50 in restitution to the U.S. government. She also agreed to be liable for a forfeiture money judgment in that same amount.
This case was investigated by the State Department’s Office of Inspector General and Diplomatic Security Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kondi Kleinman with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Sona Chaturvedi. Essential investigatory work was conducted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Orville of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.
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Former Salem County Resident Admits Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – A former resident of Salem County admitted to filing false tax returns and causing a tax loss of approximately $590,000, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.
Michael DiPaolo, Jr., 47, of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Edward S. Kiel to an information charging him with one count of filing a false income tax return.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From 2018 through 2022, DiPaolo was the manager of a restaurant in Salem County, New Jersey, and received income from the restaurant. DiPaolo received and failed to report more than $1,700,000 in income from 2018 through 2022. By failing to report the income, DiPaolo avoided approximately $590,000 in federal income taxes.
The count of filing a false tax return is punishable by a maximum of 3 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gross loss or gain, whichever is greatest.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 3, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, with the investigation leading to this guilty plea.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division.
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Defense counsel:
Michael S. Adelman, Esq., Cherry Hill, New Jersey
dipaolo.information.pdfFormer Hospital Worker Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Wednesday sentenced a man who produced child pornography and secretly recorded women in the hospital where he worked to 20 years in prison.
Ian Wood, 45, of Rolla, Missouri, pleaded guilty in January to one count of production of child pornography and one count of receiving child pornography. He admitted producing child pornography by recording video of three girls when they were nude, including when one girl was 10 years old. He also admitted possessing images and videos in his Google account containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
The CSAM triggered an alert to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which notified law enforcement. A court-approved search of Wood’s Google accounts uncovered the CSAM as well as video files of adult women being recorded by Wood without their consent in the hospital where he worked. The women were filmed in a room and shower in a state of full or partial nudity.
“The actions of this individual are not only reprehensible, but they are also a grotesque violation of human dignity and trust. We will relentlessly pursue anyone who preys on the innocent,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito. “This case reflects the firm commitment of HSI and our law enforcement partners to ensure that predators are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice. We will not tolerate exploitation in any form and will use every resource at our disposal to protect our communities.”
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, the South-Central Missouri Computer Crimes Task Force and the Missouri Department of Social Services’ State Technical Assistance Team investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former Homewood Finance Director Sentenced for Embezzling Nearly $950,000Read the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The former finance director for the City of Homewood has been sentenced for embezzling nearly $950,000 from Homewood’s coffers, announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona.
U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Robert Winston Burgett, 64, of Hueytown, to 37 months in prison. In October 2024, Burgett pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud.
According to the information and plea agreement, Burgett worked for the City of Homewood as its finance director. Between at least May 2023 and about March 2024, Burgett used that position to embezzle almost $950,000 from City of Homewood bank accounts.
Burgett concealed his conduct by first moving the City’s funds into a commercial bank account he controlled before transferring the funds into his personal account. Burgett also altered City bank account statements and made false journal entries in City accounting records. Burgett ultimately used the embezzled funds for personal purposes.
The FBI and the Homewood Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. Assistant U.S. Attorney J.B. Ward prosecuted the case.
Former Georgia Church Bookkeeper Sentenced to Prison for FraudRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A Florida woman who served as the bookkeeper for an Alapaha, Georgia, church was sentenced to federal prison and ordered to pay back $173,500 in restitution for falsely applying for and then stealing federal loan money designated for use by the church and the church’s Peanut Butter and Jesus (PB&J) charitable organization, which provides food and hope for the community.
Judith Alane Chavis, 58, of Sorrento, Florida, was sentenced to serve 21 months in prison per count to run concurrently to be followed by three years of supervised release and $173,500 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on April 29, 2025. Chavis previously pleaded guilty to five counts of wire fraud in relation to a disaster benefit and ten counts of money laundering on Oct. 30, 2024. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Individuals who use places of worship and charitable organizations for their fraud and theft will be rooted out and face consequences for their criminal actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “I want to express my gratitude to our FBI partners for their ongoing efforts to combat fraud and ensure accountability for these crimes.”
"Chavis betrayed the confidence the church had placed in her by misappropriating funds intended to support its mission,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “We hope that this federal prison sentence offers some measure of closure to the church and its congregation and serves as a warning to others who might exploit the trust of faith-based or charitable institutions for personal enrichment."
According to court documents, Chavis was a volunteer bookkeeper for both the Glory Church of Alapaha and its charity, the Peanut Butter and Jesus Outreach (PB&J), from 2018 until August 2022. Chavis was authorized to write checks; the Church’s and PB&J’s bank statements were only sent to her. Between August 2020 and March 2022, Chavis applied for and was granted $163,500 of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) on behalf of the Church and PB&J without the Church's or PB&J’s authorization or knowledge and using the Church’s letterhead. Chavis also falsely designated herself as treasurer in the request for funds, signing the letter herself. On March 7, 2022, Chavis submitted a signed certification stating members of the Church's finance committee approved the second modification of the loan. No such approval occurred. In June 2021, Chavis submitted requests for targeted advances on behalf of the Church without the Church’s authorization or knowledge. The SBA granted the requests and deposited $15,000 in the Church’s account. Chavis transferred almost all of the EIDL and advance funds from the Church's and PB&J’s accounts, totaling $173,500, to her personal checking account using the Church's and PB&J’s checks that she made out to herself and signed without the Church's or PB&J’s authorization or knowledge. She used the money for personal expenses including travel and large purchases.
FBI Atlanta’s Valdosta Resident Agency investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Couch Hostetler prosecuted the case for the Government.
Former Antioch Police Officer Found Guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute Anabolic Steroids and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – A federal jury today convicted former Antioch police officer Devon Wenger of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute anabolic steroids and one count of obstruction of justice. The jury’s verdict follows a three-day trial before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White.
Wenger, 33, was previously employed as a police officer with the Antioch Police Department. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Wenger conspired with Daniel Harris, who was at the time also a police officer with the Antioch Police Department, to distribute anabolic steroids to a third individual, and then deleted evidence of this conspiracy from his cellular phone.
“Instead of upholding the law, as he swore an oath to do, Devon Wenger conspired with a fellow officer to sell illegal anabolic steroids. When the FBI arrived at his home to investigate him, he then doubled down by destroying evidence of his crime. Crimes like these by a police officer have a corrosive effect on the public’s trust in law enforcement. Thanks to today’s jury conviction, Mr. Wenger will now face sentencing for his violations of law,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins.
“When Devon Wenger broke the law and then tried to cover his tracks, he didn’t just commit a crime — he betrayed the trust of the community he was sworn to serve. After learning the FBI was outside his home with a search warrant, he chose to delete evidence rather than come clean. That kind of misconduct corrodes public confidence in law enforcement,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani. “Today’s guilty verdict makes clear that the FBI will hold accountable anyone who abuses the authority and responsibility of public service.”
According to the evidence presented at trial, in February 2022, Wenger set up the sale of anabolic steroids, a Schedule III controlled substance, between Harris and a third individual. Harris was also charged in this case and pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy on Sept. 17, 2024. Law enforcement officials seized the package of anabolic steroids destined for Harris before they arrived, although Wenger continued to communicate with Harris about supplying the third individual with anabolic steroids, including offering to give this individual some of Wenger’s own while they waited for the delayed package.
On March 23, 2022, at 8:03 a.m., the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began calling and sending text messages to Wenger telling him that they were outside of his residence with a warrant. It was not until 9:00 a.m. that Wenger appeared for the FBI to seize Wenger’s cellular phone. Later forensic examination of that device showed that specific entries related to the anabolic steroid distribution conspiracy had been deleted: specifically, all text messages between Wenger and Harris, all text messages between Wenger and the third individual he was trying to supply with steroids, the contacts for both Harris and the third individual, and recent call log entries for Wenger’s most recent phone calls with the third individual.
The jury convicted Wenger of all counts charged in this case: one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute anabolic steroids in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) and one count of destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in federal investigations (obstruction of justice) in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1519.
Wenger is scheduled to appear on May 6, 2025, for a hearing on whether to remand him to custody pending sentencing. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on the conspiracy to distribute anabolic steroids count and 20 years in prison on the obstruction of justice count. Any sentence will be imposed by the Court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The case is being prosecuted by the National Security & Special Prosecutions Section and the Oakland Branch of the United States Attorney’s Office. This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Office of the Contra Costa County District Attorney.
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Separately, Wenger is scheduled to appear before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White on May 6, 2025, for a status conference in United States v. Wenger, 23-cr-00269, which charges Wenger with one count of conspiracy against rights in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 241 and one count of deprivation of rights under color of law in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 242. The United States v. Wenger, 23-cr-00269 case is set for trial on July 21, 2025.
These charges against Wenger were brought as part of an investigation into the Antioch and Pittsburgh police departments that resulted in multiple charges against 10 current and former officers and employees of these two police departments for various crimes ranging from the use of excessive force to fraud. The status of these cases, all of which are before Senior U.S. District Judge Jeffrey S. White, is below:
Case Name and NumberStatute(s)Defendant
(Bold: multiple case numbers)
StatusFraud
23-cr-00264
18 U.S.C. §§ 1349 (Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud; 1343 (Wire Fraud)Patrick BerhanSentenced to 30 months custody, 2 years supervised release concurrent with 24-cr-157 on 9/5/24Morteza AmiriConvicted at trial 8/8/24, remanded to custody pending sentencing, which is set for 6/3/25Amanda Theodosy a/k/a NashSentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release 11/15/24Samantha PetersonSentenced to time served, 3 years supervised release 4/24/24Ernesto Mejia-OrozcoSentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 9/19/24Brauli Jalapa RodriguezSentenced to 3 months custody, 3 years supervised release on 10/25/24Obstruction
23-cr-00267
18 U.S.C. §§ 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations); 1512(c)(2) (Obstruction of Official Proceedings); 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law)Timothy Manly WilliamsPleaded guilty 11/28/23, status conference 8/19/25Anabolic Steroid Distribution
23-cr-00268
21 U.S.C. §§ 846 (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids), 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Possession with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids)Daniel HarrisPleaded guilty 9/17/24, status conference 8/19/2521 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids);
18 U.S.C.§ 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations)
Devon WengerConvicted at trial 4/30/25, sentencing pendingCivil Rights
23-cr-00269
18 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law); § 1519 (Destruction, Alteration, and Falsification of Records in Federal Investigations)Morteza AmiriConvicted at trial 3/14/25 on counts 2 and 5, remanded to custody pending sentencing, which is set for 6/3/2518 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law)Eric RomboughPleaded guilty 1/14/25, status conference 8/19/2518 U.S.C. §§ 241 (Conspiracy Against Rights), 242 (Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law)Devon WengerTrial 7/21/25Anabolic Steroid Distribution
24-cr-00157
21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(E)(i) (Possession with Intent to Distribute Anabolic Steroids)Patrick BerhanSentenced to 30 months custody, 2 years supervised release concurrent with 23-cr-264 on 9/5/24Bank Fraud
24-cr-00502
18 U.S.C. § 1344(1), (2) (Bank fraud)Daniel HarrisPleaded guilty 9/17/24, status conference 8/19/25Five Men Charged Following Largest Single Seizure of Machinegun Conversion Devices in the Middle District of AlabamaRead the Press Release
Montgomery, AL. – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that four men are facing federal charges in connection with the largest single seizure of machinegun conversion devices (MCDs) ever recorded in the Middle District of Alabama. A fifth individual is facing related state charges. Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Division, and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Secretary Hal Taylor joined Davidson in the announcement.
Machinegun conversion devices are small, often easily concealed components that illegally convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons. These devices are classified as machineguns under federal law, even if not installed on a firearm.
On April 23, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted 22-year-old Maceo Levar Edwards and 22-year-old Elliott Arjuna Turner, both of Montgomery, Alabama, charging them with the illegal possession of 53 machinegun conversion devices and the unlawful transfer of a federally regulated firearm. According to the indictment and other court records, the charges stem from an April 3, 2025, operation during which Edwards and Turner were allegedly found with the illegal devices after leaving a residence in Montgomery.
Later that day, agents made contact with 24-year-old Jemarion Fe’Qon Lausane at the same residence. Lausane was arrested on site and now faces federal charges of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On April 25, 2025, another individual connected to the investigation — 22-year-old Ke’Marcus Simmons of Selma, Alabama — was charged with the federal crime of illegal possession of a machinegun.
In a related development, Jalen Rodgers is facing state charges for the possession of machinegun conversion devices following the execution of a search warrant at his home in Repton, Alabama, on April 18, 2025. The search of Rodgers home was part of the investigation that began on April 3, 2025.
This investigation was led by the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit, a multi-agency task force that includes personnel from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Montgomery Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and ATF.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted on all charges, Edwards, Turner, and Simmons each face up to 10 years in federal prison. Lausane faces a sentence ranging from five years to life. There is no parole in the federal system.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher P. Moore is prosecuting the four federal cases.
These federal prosecutions are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Fargo, ND Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Fargo – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl announced today that Kadar Udai Pearson, age 21, from Fargo, North Dakota, appeared in federal court and was sentenced before Chief United States District Judge Peter D. Welte to 51 months in prison, consecutive to any other sentence, and 3 years of supervised release. Pearson pleaded guilty on November 20, 2024.
As noted in court documents, in the afternoon of June 5, 2024, Fargo Police Department officers were in the area of the Arbors apartment complex after an earlier shots-fired report. They observed a person, later identified as Pearson, wearing a sweatshirt and pulling up a ski mask over his face, though the temperature was in the mid-70s. The sweatshirt pocket appeared to have something heavier than a cell phone in it. Officers further observed Pearson enter into a backyard in the neighborhood, where a resident of the home said Pearson did not have permission to be.
Officers directed Pearson to halt, but he fled on foot. As officers gave chase, one officer observed Pearson throw what appeared to be a firearm beneath a vehicle in a nearby parking lot. Surveillance cameras captured the toss. On the ground beneath the vehicle, officers found a SIG Sauer 9mm pistol, loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition, which was previously reported stolen in Fargo.
At the time of the offense, Pearson was an inmate on escape status with the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, under a state sentence imposed in October 2023, for his felony convictions of Possession with Intent to Deliver Fentanyl and Theft of a Firearm.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Fargo Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jacob T. Rodenbiker and Trial Attorney Alyssa Levey-Weinstein in the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section of the Criminal Division at the United States Department of Justice.
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Fargo, ND Man Sentenced to 32 Years in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Fargo – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl announced today that Dustin Ray Fredrickson, age 37 of Fargo, North Dakota, appeared in United States District Court for the District of North Dakota and was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Peter D. Welte to serve 32 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime supervised release for the offenses of Receipt of Materials Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of Minors in violation of 18 USC § 2252(a)(2). Fredrickson was also ordered to pay $18,000 in restitution to the victims that were identified in the videos and images recovered from his cellphone. Fredrickson pleaded guilty on November 20, 2024.
As noted in court documents, Dustin Ray Fredrickson’s criminal activity was discovered after the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force received a Cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children involving a Snapchat account that contained images depicting nude children. Further investigation revealed that the account was associated Fredrickson. A search warrant for Fredrickson’s residence resulted in the seizure of a Samsung cellphone that belonged to Fredrickson. A search of the phone revealed approximately 373 videos and 773 images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, to include children as young as infants.
At the time Fredrickson committed this offense, he had three prior convictions for having sexual contact with minors as an adult.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.This case was investigated by the Fargo Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and North Dakota Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Delorme.
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FBI Agents Arrest San Antonio Man for Alleged Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was arrested Tuesday in San Antonio on criminal charges related to his alleged possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, Zaid Mashhour Haddad allegedly streamed child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from his computer to a TV mounted on the bedroom wall of his apartment. One of the videos that allegedly depicted child pornography was displayed on Haddad’s TV as the FBI executed a search warrant on his apartment. The video was allegedly being streamed from a link Haddad received through Telegram. Agents reviewed and documented the contents of the link, which allegedly contained 181 different videos.
The complaint alleges that the investigation into Haddad’s activity showed Haddad received links containing CSAM from direct message threads on Telegram, which were stored in the Telegram application on his phone. Details in the complaint allege that the links often led to virtual Zoom meetings where CSAM would be live streamed using content from a separate file sharing application.
Haddad is charged with one count of possession of child pornography and one count of knowingly accessing with intent to view any material that contained an image of child pornography. If convicted, Haddad faces up to 20 years in prison, lifetime supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, an additional restitution amount, and the requirement to register as a sex offender. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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