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Tuesday 25 August 2026
Unknown Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Using Identity of Deceased Child for 25 Years to Obtain Nearly $300,000 in Government BenefitsRead the Press Release
POCATELLO – A man whose identity remains unknown was sentenced to five years in federal prison for stealing the identity of a deceased child for 25 years to obtain significant government benefits, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. After a three-day trial in May 2026, a federal jury sitting in Pocatello found the man guilty of wire fraud, theft of government funds, aggravated identity theft, and related charges.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division ('Fraud Division'). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
“Taxpayer funds are precious resources, and our office will fight to vigorously protect such funds,” U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis said. “This sentence should send a strong message that stealing taxpayer funds and craven identity theft will be met with a thorough federal investigation, and a stiff sentence.”
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Carlos Ramon Obregon was born in 1963 in Los Angeles but was tragically killed in Los Angeles in 1977 at the age of 14 after suffering from a gunshot wound to the head during a drive-by shooting. Obregon was laid to rest at a local cemetery in Los Angeles that same year.
Twenty-three years after Obregon’s death, in 2000, the Defendant applied for a replacement social security card using Obregon’s social security number, Obregon’s date of birth, and Obregon’s parent’s names.
At trial, Obregon’s mother testified that Obregon died in 1977. She testified that the Defendant is not her son, and that she does not know the Defendant. The Defendant’s true identity remains unknown.
The Defendant misused Obregon’s identity to fraudulently obtain multiple identification documents. In 2012, the Defendant applied for, and obtained, a United States passport using Obregon’s birth certificate. He travelled multiple times on the passport to Mexico. In 2024, the Defendant unsuccessfully sought to renew the passport.
“Identity thieves who exploit the identities of deceased Americans cause real harm,” said Jonathan P. Kazmar, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) San Francisco Field Office. “In this case, the defendant assumed the identity of a deceased American teenager and used it for years to commit serious fraud. DSS will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of U.S. travel and identity documents and to seek justice for victims of identity theft.”
For more than two decades, the Defendant used Obregon’s name and identity to fraudulently obtain numerous government benefits totaling approximately $284,000. The Defendant unlawfully received approximately $177,000 in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, $91,00 in Medicaid benefits, $12,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and $3,200 in Economic Impact Payments.
“This defendant repeatedly used a deceased individual’s identity to unlawfully obtain over $177,000 in SSI benefits for personal gain, diverting critical resources from people who genuinely need them to meet their basic needs.,” said Christian Assaad, Special Agent-in-Charge, Denver/San Francisco Field Division, Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General (SSA OIG). “We will continue to investigate those who attempt to defraud Social Security programs, and we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold them accountable.”
“Unlawfully obtaining Medicaid benefits—even in this case going so far as to assume the identity of a deceased child to fraudulently collect benefits—diverts limited resources from patients who truly need them,” said Special Agent in Charge Robb Breeden of the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Pacific Region. “HHS OIG, working with our law enforcement and program partners, will continue to protect the integrity of Medicaid and hold accountable anyone who exploits it.”
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) takes all investigations into identity theft and COVID relief fraud seriously”, stated TIGTA Special Agent-in-Charge Krystofor Proev. “We would like to thank our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting such egregious acts in this case.”
“This 61-month prison sentence following a multi-agency investigation reflects the effectiveness of the whole-of-government approach against fraud under the leadership of VP Vance and the WH Task Force to bring criminals to justice. I applaud the work of USDA OIG and the numerous law enforcement partners who worked this case together,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk. “This ‘unknown man’ used the stolen identity of a child who died in 1977 to successfully obtain government benefits across numerous programs for 25 years beginning decades after the child’s death. Something is broken. This underscores the importance of strengthening fraud prevention measures like upfront identity verification and data analytics to stop the fraud before it happens.”
The Defendant also obtained Idaho state identification cards in 2002, 2010, and 2014. In 2022, the Defendant obtained a Star Card, again using Obregon’s birth certificate as proof of his identity and lawful presence in the United States.
United States District Judge David C. Nye sentenced the unknown man to 61 months in prison and ordered the man to be placed on supervised release for three years following completion of his prison sentence. Judge Nye also ordered the man to pay $283,977.40 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Davis commended the cooperative efforts of the SSA OIG, DSS, HHS-OIG, TIGTA, USDA OIG, and Idaho Transportation Department, which led to the charges.
Assistant United States Attorneys Sean Mazorol and Brittney Campbell prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, in Partnership with Federal and Local Law Enforcement, Targets Fentanyl Trafficking in Downtown PortlandRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced in a press conference today that, over the past three years, federal charges have been brought against more than 100 defendants for trafficking fentanyl in downtown Portland. Those arrests included seizures of more than 40 guns.
Starting in 2023, at a time when open-air drug markets were commonplace in downtown Portland and the county and state systems were unable to hold and prosecute these street-level fentanyl dealers, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) stepped in to federally prosecute fentanyl dealers in downtown Portland.
A unique aspect of this partnership involved a dedicated team that included an FBI special agent, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, PPB’s Bike Squad, and PPB’s Central Precinct Neighborhood Response Team (NRT) going on late-night missions to target fentanyl dealers in downtown Portland.
As a result, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged more than 100 defendants for selling fentanyl in downtown Portland. Of these defendants, over 80% were illegal aliens from Honduras and Mexico unlawfully residing in Oregon. These cases have resulted in the seizure of more than 100 kilograms of fentanyl, 40 guns, and $1.3 million in proceeds. That is enough fentanyl to kill 50 million people, or Oregon’s population, 11 times.
After this project began additional law enforcement agencies became involved as dealers move from downtown to other areas. It has continued to be a growing partnership with local, state, and federal stakeholders in the broader Portland region.
“Our message is simple,” U.S. Attorney Bradford said, “if you are dealing fentanyl in downtown Portland, you will be arrested, federally prosecuted, and go to federal prison.” U.S. Attorney Bradford noted, “Three years ago, downtown Portland had notorious open-air drug markets and was in the news for all the wrong reasons. Downtown fentanyl dealers, many of whom were armed, were contributing to higher crime rates and overdoses. To many people, downtown Portland simply felt unsafe – and it was. As a result of these joint efforts, we are changing that.” U.S. Attorney Bradford emphasized, “Our coordinated and dynamic law enforcement response, with local, county, state, and federal partners, is making a difference in downtown Portland—reducing fentanyl trafficking, violent crime, and overdoses. We will continue to work with our partners to make Portland safe.”
“Our partnerships with the Portland Police Bureau, the Multnomah and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Offices, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office make all of this possible," said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “To anyone dealing dangerous drugs downtown: it’s not a matter of if we catch you—it's when.”
A summary of a few of these downtown fentanyl cases are listed below:
United States v. Luis Carlos Moreno-Mencia, Case No. 3:23-cr-354
On December 9, 2024, Luis Carlos Moreno-Mencia pled guilty to possession with the intent to Distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.
According to court documents, on or about September 28, 2023, Moreno-Mencia possessed approximately 167 grams of fentanyl for purposes of further distribution. Moreno-Mencia also possessed a firearm.
On March 3, 2025, Moreno-Mencia was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment, followed by 4 years of supervised release. He is facing deportation back to Honduras.
United States v. Olvin Fabricio Diaz-Centeno, Case No. 3:23-cr-00301
On October 3, 2024, Olvin Fabricio Diaz-Centeno pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, Diaz-Centeno was working with others distributing fentanyl, in both powder and pills, within the greater Portland metropolitan area. On or about September 6, 2023, Diaz-Centeno and his co-defendant were arrested and a search of the vehicle they were in resulted in the seizure of approximately 1.2 kilograms of counterfeit M30 pills manufactured with fentanyl and 1 kilogram of Super Mannitol, a cutting agent used to mix with fentanyl for purposes of further distribution. A search of a storage unit Diaz-Centeno and co-defendant maintained resulted in the seizure of approximately 460 grams of counterfeit M30 pills manufactured with fentanyl and 2.1 kilograms of powdered fentanyl, as well as additional Super Mannitol. A search of their residence resulted in the seizure of three pistols; ammunition; and equipment for processing fentanyl for purposes of further distribution, to include vice presses, a scale, masks, Super Mannitol, and a blender.
On December 13, 2024, Diaz-Centeno was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. He is facing deportation back to Honduras.
United States v. Bexon Calix-Rivera, Case No. 3:24-cr-00232
On March 12, 2025, Bexon Calix-Rivera pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, from January 2023 through to June 2024 Calix-Rivera was arrested by police on multiple occasions.
On June 4, 2024, PPB officers recognized Calix-Rivera from the encounter ten days prior. Officers observed Calix-Rivera carrying a hatchet and engaged in hand-to-hand drug transactions in downtown Portland. Officers attempted to detain Calix-Rivera, but he fled on foot. When officers apprehended Calix-Rivera, they seized fentanyl powder, a firearm, and $755 in cash. PPB officers booked Calix-Rivera in the Multnomah County Jail, and he was released the same day.
On June 11, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment charging Calix-Rivera with possession of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine with the intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. On October 28, 2024 he made his initial appearance on the federal charges and remained in custody.
On June 5, 2025, Calix-Rivera was sentenced to 78months imprisonment, followed by 4 years supervised release. pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He is facing deportation back to Honduras.
United States v. Cristian Laines-Hernandez, Case No. 3:25-cr-00405
On January 15, 2026, Cristian Laines-Hernandez pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, January 18, 2025, Laines possessed to distribute 45 bags of prepackaged fentanyl which weighed approximately 339 grams. He was arrested on state charges and released from custody on January 22, 2025. On September 8, 2025, as part of a separate drug trafficking investigation, Laines was arrested by officers from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation’s Unit on federal charges. The state case was adopted for federal prosecution. The defendant was held in federal custody since the September 8, 2025, federal arrest.
On May 11, 2026, Laines was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release. He is facing deportation back to Honduras.
United States v. Matthew Eugene Garlock, Case No. 3:25-cr-00164
On May 27,2026, Matthew Eugene Garlock pled guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to court documents, beginning on or about January 19, 2025, and continuing until on or about April 4, 2025, Garlock sold fentanyl in downtown Portland. Despite multiple arrests by local law enforcement, he continued distributing fentanyl. On each occasion he was arrested his fentanyl and firearm would be seized and he would then go out and acquire additional fentanyl to sell and an additional firearm for protection. A search of his residence resulted in the seizure of three pistols; ammunition; and equipment for processing fentanyl for further distribution, to include vice presses, a scale, masks, Super Mannitol, and a blender. On April 7, 2025, Garlock made his initial appearance on federal charges and was detained.
Garlock is in custody and scheduled for sentencing.
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U.S. Attorney Files Civil Fraud Suit Against Network of Companies for Fraudulently Obtaining COVID Relief MoneyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, announced today that the United States has filed a Complaint against MICHAEL SHABSELS, SIMAD HOLDINGS LLC, DAMIS HOLDINGS LLC, and 26 related entities (the “Shabsels Companies” and, collectively, the “Defendants”), alleging that the Defendants concealed their interrelationship from the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) in order to improperly obtain PPP funds. The lawsuit seeks damages and civil penalties under the False Claims Act as well as a recovery of government funds under the common law.
“Congress enacted the Paycheck Protection Program during a national crisis to help small businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “As alleged, the defendants repeatedly lied to the SBA to exploit this program and fund their sprawling network of companies at taxpayer expense, thereby depleting the funds for small businesses that needed the assistance. The civil process to recover taxpayer funds remains ongoing.”
The following allegations are based on the Complaint filed in White Plains federal court on August 24, 2026:
To promote the availability of PPP loans to the largest number of borrowers, the SBA limited businesses in a single corporate group to a maximum aggregate loan amount of $4 million for second-draw PPP loans (the “Corporate Group Rule”). The Shabsels Companies were part of a large corporate group that was subject to the Corporate Group Rule’s cap of $4 million. Indeed, the vast majority of the Shabsels Companies were directly majority-owned by a single company. The Defendants, however, sought and obtained over $17 million in second-draw PPP loans for the Shabsels Companies, improperly obtaining over $13 million in PPP loans, all of which were forgiven, as follows:
Defendant
Camp Name
Loan and Forgiveness Amount
ACHIM OPERATINGCO LLC
Camp Achim, New York
$79,527.00
BAHS OPERATING INC CAMP
Camp Chen-A-Wanda, Pennsylvania
$1,072,529.00
BANNER OPERATINGCO LLC
Banner Day Camp, Illinois
$1,394,904.00
BELGRADE LAKES SUMMER CAMPS LLC
New England Tennis and Golf Camp, Maine
$167,415.00
BLUESTAR OPERATINGCO, LLC
Blue Star Camps, North Carolina
$1,425,091.00
CAMP MED-O-LARK, INC
Camp Med-O-Lark, Maine
$454,719.00
CLUB GETAWAY OPERATINGCO, LLC
Club Getaway, Connecticut
$592,039.00
COUNTRY ROADS OPERATINGCO, LLC
Country Roads Day Camp, New Jersey
$1,134,437.50
DAMIS HOLDINGS, LLC
(not a camp at all, but a holding company)
$179,730.00
EAGLE'S LANDING DAY CAMP LLC
Eagle’s Landing, New Jersey
$591,804.00
GREEN LANE OPERATINGCO, LLC
Camp Green Lane, Pennsylvania
$175,836.00
IAFA OPERATING CO, LLC
Indian Acres and Forest Acres, Maine
$469,105.00
KIWI OPERATINGCO, LLC
Kiwi Country Day Camp, New York
$768,410.00
LAVCO LLC
Camp Lavi, Pennsylvania
$689,132.00
MAINE WEKEELA CO, LLC
Camp Wekeela, Maine
$424,343.00
MALKA OPERATINGCO LLC
Camp Malka, New York
$163,628.00
MEADOWBROOK OPERATINGCO, LLC
Meadowbrook Country Day Camp, New Jersey
$1,380,766.00
MESORAHCO, LLC
Camp Mesorah, New York
$469,829.00
MOGENAVCO LLC
Camp Mogen Av, New York
$1,091,353.62
MOHAWKCAMPCO LLC
Mohawk Day Camp, New York
$2,000,000.00
POLAND CAMPCO LLC
Camp North Star, Maine
$224,350.00
RDM CAMPS LLC
Camp Lokanda, New York
$719,446.00
SHAB OPERATING INC
Camp Echo, New York
$326,893.00
STONY CREEK OPERATING CO, LLC
1000 Acres Ranch, New York
$142,015.00
SUMMIT CAMP, LLC
Summit Camp, Pennsylvania
$613,833.50
WAUKEELA OPERATINGCO LLC
Camp Waukeela, New Hampshire
$268,170.00
WM CAMP LLC
Windsor Mountain Summer Camp, New Hampshire
$399,273.00
SHABSELS signed numerous second-draw PPP applications on behalf of the Shabsels Companies. On over 20 occasions, SHABSELS falsely answered “no” to the following question in PPP applications submitted on behalf of the Shabsels Companies: “[i]s the Applicant or any owner of the Applicant an owner of any other business, or have common management (including a management agreement) with any other business.” In fact, SHABSELS and SIMAD HOLDINGS, LLC were owners of the applicants for PPP loans and also owners of various other businesses.
The Defendants have all filed for bankruptcy in the District of New Jersey. In this action, the United States seeks to determine the extent of the Defendants’ liability and will then coordinate any recovery for the taxpayers in conjunction with the bankruptcy proceedings.
* * *
The Government intervened in a whistleblower lawsuit before U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas that had previously been filed under seal pursuant to the False Claims Act, and which was unsealed on August 17, 2026.
Mr. McDonald thanked the SBA for its assistance with the case.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Frauds Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Kennedy is in charge of the case.
U.S. Attorney Announces Surge in Federal Violent Crime Prosecutions in AustinRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas Justin R. Simmons announced on Tuesday that assistant U.S. attorneys in Austin have filed approximately 40 federal cases against defendants for gun-related crimes in recent months.
Simmons made the announcement in a press conference, joined by representatives from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Austin Police Department. He said that, as part of an initiative to tackle violent crime in the community, his team has worked closely with the federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, as well as the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, to identify cases for federal prosecution.
“It is imperative that we focus our law enforcement resources and efforts on individuals who commit violent crimes, especially when those crimes are committed with firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Simmons. “According to data from the Major Cities Police Chiefs Association, Homicides in Austin are up 187% since 2015. Rape and Aggravated assault are up 65% and 38% respectively during that same period. Many of these crimes are committed by bad guys with guns. Just this year, we’ve seen multiple violent criminals engage in acts which endangered the lives of peace-loving Austinites, including the March 1st shooting on 6th Street. It’s plain to see that gun crime poses a significant threat to the law-abiding citizens of Austin, and the U.S. Attorney’s office takes that threat seriously. Our goal through this initiative is to emphasize that felons, or anyone else, who illegally possess or uses firearms will face serious consequences.”
“ATF is proud to stand alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in this united effort to make Austin safer and hold violent offenders accountable,” said ATF Houston Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel. “Our agency brings unique expertise in firearms investigations, and we remain committed to disrupting those who use firearms to facilitate violent crime by working with our partners to ensure dangerous offenders face the consequences of their actions. This partnership is a powerful example of what we can accomplish when law enforcement agencies work together toward protecting our communities.”
Simmons highlighted multiple significant cases the Western District of Texas attorneys are currently prosecuting, including charges for felon in possession of a firearm, drug trafficking, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and illegal possession of machine guns. The penalties for convicted defendants include 10-, 15-, and 30-year minimums with maximum penalties for some reaching life in federal prison.
“It is true that this U.S. Attorney’s Office and others across the Department of Justice are prosecuting immigration crimes, taking on alien smugglers, drug traffickers, and Mexican cartels designated as foreign terrorist organizations,” Simmons added. “But we have not let up on our overall mission to ensure individuals who seek to harm our neighbors, friends, and loved ones, by violating federal laws with no regard for human life, are met with the full weight of the U.S. Department of Justice. We do this as law enforcement professionals so that Americans can live their lives, enjoy the blessings of liberty, and pursue happiness.”
An indictment/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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Turtle Creek Resident Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Producing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 20 years of prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution of $15,000 to his victims for his conviction on charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Robert Bookshar, 49, on August 24, 2026. Bookshar pleaded guilty in March 2026 to two counts of production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of children.
According to information presented to the Court, from in and around September 2021 through in and around June 2023, Bookshar communicated with an online criminal organization offering child sexual abuse material for sale through a social media app. Specifically, on August 23, 2022, and May 12, 2022, Bookshar purchased live video calls with two different female minors, during which the defendant requested that each minor “get naked” and engage in sexual conduct. Bookshar secretly recorded the video calls and saved them to a folder labeled under each girl’s name on an external hard drive. Bookshar paid for these calls and other child sexual abuse material with gift cards and various mobile payment apps.
Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Stickman condemned the defendant’s criminal conduct and expressed significant concern regarding Bookshar’s claim that he did not realize that he was harming real girls.
Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Tampa (Florida) and Colorado Springs (Colorado) police departments for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Bookshar.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Tucson Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Assaulting Victim with a Metal RodRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On Aug. 19, 2026, Sonny Reyes Lozano, 38, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced by United States District Judge Rosemary Marquez to 60 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Lozano previously pleaded guilty to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
On Dec. 14, 2025, Lozano, an enrolled member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, confronted the victim as he was walking home. Lozano struck the victim approximately eight times with a metal rod, inflicting serious injuries. The victim sustained a fractured ulna.
At the time of the assault, Lozano was under supervised release for a previous conviction.
The FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson office and the Pascua Yaqui Police Department conducted the investigation. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: 25-CR-05654-TUC-RM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-145_Lozano# # #
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.Three Sentenced for Firearms Violations in the Northern District of West VirginiaRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three people were sentenced to a combined 11 years in prison for violating federal firearms laws, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Charlie Bret Parker, 45, of Cumberland, Maryland, will serve 78 months in prison after stealing firearms from a pawn shop in Ridgeley, West Virginia. Surveillance footage captured Parker leaning over a display case, opening the door, and taking a firearm before leaving the store. Because of previous felony convictions—including drug offenses, theft, and grand larceny—Parker is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Ricardo Xavier Jones, 46, of Martinsburg, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. Jones was already on probation for a felony grand larceny conviction in Virginia. During a probation check at his home, officers found a shotgun hidden inside his mattress, a box of ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and suboxone strips. Jones is barred from having firearms due to his prior convictions.
Gary Owen Jones, 55, also of Martinsburg, received a sentence of 37 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm. A West Virginia parole officer found a rifle in Jones’s home during a routine visit. Jones is prohibited from possessing firearms because of previous convictions, including making terroristic threats in Berkeley County and another firearms-related offense.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.
Investigative agencies include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; West Virginia State Police; and the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation Parole Services.
These cases are a 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 (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration.
U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.
Suspect Indicted in Fairview Heights Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – a man appeared in federal court last Friday to face a federal charge for allegedly robbing a bank in Fairview Heights, Illinois. He will remain detained pending trial.
Kiante M. Brooks, 32, is facing one count of federal bank robbery. According to court documents, around 5:00 p.m. on August 13, 2026, Fairview Heights Police Department (“FHPD”) received a call from a local bank teller advising the police that a co-worker was being robbed. FHPD arrived on scene and Brooks exited the bank. FHPD immediately took Brooks into custody without incident. According to court documents, Brooks was in possession of a black bag at the time of his arrest. The bag allegedly contained the cash stolen from the bank and a demand note stating, “ROBBERY GIVE ME $10,000. I HAVE A GUN.”
“The Department of Justice recently announced the largest year-to-year drop in the violent crime rate in American history from 2024 to 2025, and the downward trend is continuing in 2026,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Those statistics included an 18.5 percent decrease in bank robberies, which is explained by a nationwide emphasis on aggressive enforcement. Credit to the Fairview Heights Police Department and the FBI for the quick work that took this defendant into custody without incident.”
“The FBI Springfield Field Office remains committed to conducting thorough investigations that help ensure the safety of our communities and the security of our financial institutions,” said FBI Springfield’s Special Agent in Charge Ryan Presley. “We appreciate the quick, professional response of the Fairview Heights Police Department and value the strong partnership that supports our work on cases like this.”
Jury trial is set for October 19, 2026 at 9:00 AM in the Benton Courthouse. The FBI Springfield Field Office is investigating with support from the Fairview Heights Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Reppert is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Strafford Woman Sentenced to 300 Months for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Strafford, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for her role in a “throuple” who sexually abused two children to produce child pornography.
Jessica Nicole Pickett, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Megan Blair Benton to a total of 25 years in federal prison without parole, to be followed by a life term of supervised release. Pickett will be required to register as a sex offender upon her release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout her life.
Pickett pleaded guilty on Jan. 22, 2026, to conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of children and transfer of obscene material to a minor. Pickett admitted that she participated in a conspiracy with Mallory Bunch and Thomas Bunch (now deceased, formerly Mallory Bunch’s husband with whom they were involved in a polyamorous relationship) to sexually abuse two minor victims and to produce child pornography depicting that abuse from Sept. 2, 2016, to May 23, 2024. Pickett also admitted to sharing an iCloud link that contained 376 images and two videos of the sexual activity of Mallory and Thomas Bunch and Pickett with one of the minor victims.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Greene County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and Webster County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Springfield Man Sentenced to 15 Months for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo. man was sentenced in federal court today for his illegal possession of a firearm.
William Thomas Alexander Moore, 30, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Megan Blair Benton for being a felon in possession of a firearm. This defendant was charged as a part of Operation Spring Cleaning, that was coordinated by the United States Attorney’s Office and law enforcement across Southwest Missouri.
On June 26, 2025, Moore was contacted by the Christian County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office for exceeding the posted speed limit. Christian County deputies conducted a search of Moore’s vehicle after a K-9 unit indicated on the vehicle. Deputies discovered two Smith and Wesson .38 caliber firearms. Deputies then learned Moore was a convicted felon and was arrested for his illegal possession of the firearms. Moore was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, followed by three years of post-release supervision, and payment of a $100 Special Assessment as required by law.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Christian County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office.
Operation Take Back America
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.
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a Felon and as a Drug UserRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on August 24, 2026.
Anthony James Howard, 34, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Howard was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2026. He pleaded guilty on June 29, 2026.
According to court records, in early December 2025, Howard was wielding a semi-automatic pistol after consuming methamphetamine. He was prohibited from possessing the firearm due to previous felony convictions. Howard fired the firearm and shot himself in the foot.
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). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.
Howard was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Saranac Lake Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – William Strack II, age 37, of Saranac Lake, New York, pleaded guilty August 4, 2026, to eight counts of sexual exploitation of children.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James; and Saranac Lake Police Chief Darin Perrotte made the announcement.
The defendant was arrested on October 14, 2025, by the Saranac Lake Police Department. On November 5, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted the defendant on eight counts of sexual exploitation of children.
As part of his guilty plea, Strack admitted that between January 2022 and October 2025, he sexually abused three children and took videos and pictures of that abuse. Another minor child accessed the defendant’s phone and saw the videos and images of the defendant sexually abusing an 11-year-old minor female, a 15-year-old minor female, and another 11-year-old-minor female. The minor child who accessed the defendant’s phone reported the defendant to the Saranac Lake Police Department. The investigation revealed that the defendant had been sexually abusing children over a period of years.
“With this guilty plea, Mr. Strack now faces a potential life sentence for the horrific conduct he engaged in. For years, he was able to perpetrate these reprehensible acts, but thanks to the diligent efforts of the Saranac Lake Police Department and our partners at Homeland Security Investigations and the New York State Police, he will no longer be able to victimize innocent children in our community,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone.
HSI Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone said, “William Strack II admitted to exploiting and abusing multiple minor victims over several years, creating images and videos that documented those horrific crimes — conduct that reflects a years-long pattern of predatory abuse and exploitation that inflicted profound harm on vulnerable children. HSI Rouses Point, together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, is committed to identifying predators, bringing them to justice, and protecting children from further harm. This case underscores the critical impact of collaborative investigations in safeguarding our communities and ensuring victims are heard, protected, and supported.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “We are committed to finding justice for victims of child exploitation and making sure those who threaten children in any capacity are put behind bars. The acts performed by Mr. Strack are unconscionable and this type of behavior cannot, and should not, be tolerated in our society. I thank all our partners involved in this case for their unwavering dedication in making sure every child is protected from any source of harm.”
This sentence sends a strong message that crimes against children will not be tolerated in our community,” said Chief Darin Perrotte. “Protecting the most vulnerable members of our community — our children — remains one of the highest priorities of the Saranac Lake Police Department. These investigations are difficult and deeply disturbing, but our Officers remain committed to pursuing justice for victims and holding offenders fully accountable for their actions. Cases involving the exploitation and abuse of children require strong partnerships and collaboration between agencies. We are grateful for the professionalism, dedication, and expertise provided by all agencies involved in this investigation and prosecution.”
When he is sentenced on December 2, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, a maximum term of imprisonment of up to life, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. The defendant will also be required to register as a sex offender and will be responsible for restitution to the victims. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes that the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.
Strack has been detained since his arrest on October 14, 2025.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case, with assistance from the New York State Police and the Saranac Lake Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham is prosecuting the case.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Rock Island Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl ChargeRead the Press Release
DAVENPORT, Iowa – A Rock Island man was sentenced on August 25, 2026, to five years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Davaria Shargquil Lewis, Sr., 32, possessed 879 counterfeit oxycodone M30 pills containing fentanyl inside a vehicle, which officers located during a traffic stop in March 2025.
After completing his term of imprisonment, Lewis will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Davenport Police Department investigated the case.
Red Lion Resident Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud for Depositing Counterfeit U.S. Treasury CheckRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rashu D. Powell, age 52, of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to one count of bank fraud.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, in July 2024, Powell deposited a counterfeit U.S. Treasury check in the amount of $421,502.10 in a business account that he controlled at Members 1st Federal Credit Union, in York, PA. Following this deposit, Powell made a series of withdrawals from the account in order to use the money, including a $3,000 cash withdrawal, a $100 ATM withdrawal, and a $1,100 transfer to a personal bank account. In August 2024, Members 1st FCU withdrew the full amount of the fraudulent check deposit from Powell’s business account, which prevented him from using any additional funds derived from the fraudulent deposit.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service with assistance from the West Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty for bank fraud is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
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Recidivist offender sentenced to 20 years in prison for fentanyl traffickingRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.
According to court documents, on Oct. 26, 2023, law enforcement searched the residence of Christopher Raymond Coleman, 38. Upon entering the residence, an officer located Coleman in the kitchen next to a table with numerous packages of illegal narcotics and items related to drug trafficking. Agents recovered over 670 grams of fentanyl, over 129 grams of cocaine powder, approximately 20 grams of crack cocaine, a box of plastic baggies, scissors, and a digital scale. Agents also recovered a handgun, ammunition, and two ammunition magazines.
Coleman has been convicted previously of possession of oxycodone, possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of a firearm with drugs, and on another occasion with possession with intent to distribute heroin, and possession of a firearm with drugs. After Coleman was released from custody on Aug. 29, 2022, he began distributing illegal controlled substances in July 2023 and continued into October 2023. Additionally, Coleman was charged on Sept. 6, 2023, with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Christopher C. Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division, and Chief Rick Edwards, of the Richmond Police Department made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olivia L. Norman and Katherine E. Groover prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-138.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on August 24, 2026.
Hayden Sengua, 26, was sentenced to 10 years and one month in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $15,685 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The Court also ordered the forfeiture of the defendant’s external hard drive and two cellular phones.
Sengua was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in June 2025. He pleaded guilty on January 21, 2026.
Beginning in 2018 and continuing into January 2025, Sengua knowingly downloaded image and video files containing sexually explicit visual depictions of young children. Sengua saved the files on his cell phone, in his Google account, and on an external hard drive. Altogether, Sengua was in possession of approximately 15,000 total media files depicting child sexual abuse. Some of the imagery Sengua collected depicts the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers, as well as the bondage and torture of minors. Sengua also used a virtual machine to attempt to hide his collection of child pornography.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Sengua was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Quinlan woman sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Quinlan woman has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Michelle Hignight, 48, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on August 25, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in 2023, Hignight was identified during an on-going investigation into drug trafficking activities in the Eastern District of Texas. Hignight was responsible for trafficking at least 50 grams of methamphetamine during the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Plano Office.
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Prior felon arrested on gun chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Gerald Harper, 31, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250.000 fine.
In June 2023, Harper was convicted on a federal charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and sentenced to serve 60 months’ probation. As a result, he was prohibited from possessing firearms and/or ammunition. According to the complaint, on August 13, 2026, a North Tonawanda police officer conducted a traffic stop of Harper’s vehicle for a suspended registration. During the stop, when Harper lowered the window, the officer observed heavy smoke consistent with the scent of marijuana. The officer also observed an open backpack in the vehicle that contained bundles of United States Currency, later determined to be approximately $7,055 in cash. The officer asked Harper to step out of the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle recovered a quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Harper is still on federal supervised release, which led to a search of his residence. During that search, investigators located two firearms and ammunition.
Harper made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroder, Jr. and was detained.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the North Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Keith Glass and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, New York Field Division.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Postal employees charged in $24M stolen-check schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Five Houston residents have been indicted for conspiracy to commit bank fraud in a scheme that involved the theft of checks from the U.S. mail.
Tryston Tremaine Vaughn, 28; Malcolm Tiree Joubert, 35; and Alyssa Nadine Bryant, 27; are all expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Y. Ho at 10:00 a.m today. Catherine Clauzelle Kilpatrick, 29, made her appearance Aug. 24. Also charged is Drakkor Jamar Alexander, 34, who is not as yet in custody.
According to the indictment, Vaughn allegedly recruited U.S. Postal Service mail carriers to steal checks from the mail along their routes. Vaughn and others allegedly purchased the stolen checks from postal employees and resold them to buyers through Telegram. They then shipped the stolen checks to buyers, according to the indictment.
Telegram is a cloud-based, cross-platform social media, and instant messaging service.
Kilpatrick, Joubert, and Alexander worked as USPS mail carriers when Vaughn allegedly recruited them to steal mail.
The charges allege the scheme involved approximately $24 million in stolen checks.
If convicted, each faces up to 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud and a possible $1 million maximum fine. Kilpatrick, Joubert, and Alexander also face up to five years for theft by a postal employee and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
FBI, USPS – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Department of Treasury – OIG, Treasury Inspector for Tax Administration, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, and police departments in Houston and Stafford conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Celia Moyer 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.
Portland Metro Area Roundtable Held on Fentanyl and Methamphetamine with HIDTA and HSTFRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— Today, United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford in partnership with the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program (HIDTA) and the Portland Homeland Security Taskforce hosted a roundtable with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners on fentanyl and methamphetamine, the two greatest drug threats to our local communities.
At this HIDTA and HSTF roundtable, key stakeholders discussed recent successes and ways to build upon them, including increasing the arrests and prosecutions of local fentanyl and methamphetamine dealers, emphasizing overdose investigations and prosecutions, and investigating and prosecuting individuals laundering proceeds for drug traffickers and cartels. These roundtables improve coordination and efforts to combat these dangerous drugs, leading to greater results for the community.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 100 times more powerful than morphine and 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state.
This project is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.
Pensacola Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Jesse Allen Hudson, 43, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of possession of unregistered firearm. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the excellent investigative work by our state law enforcement partners, and this aggressive prosecution by my office, this violent felon has been taken off our streets and he’ll be kept locked in federal prison where he belongs.”
Court documents reflect that on January 21, 2026, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a disturbance complaint at a residence in Pensacola, Florida. Upon arrival, deputies encountered the defendant and his wife. The deputies learned that firearms were missing from the residence and that the defendant had been previously convicted of multiple felonies, including Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting an Officer with Violence, and Fleeing to Elude Police and Destroying or Tampering with Evidence. Based on these felony convictions, the defendant was legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. With the wife’s consent, deputies searched the property for the missing firearms and discovered several loaded AR-style magazines and an unregistered multi-caliber short-barreled rifle among the defendant’s belongings.
Hudson faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon count, and up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the possession of unregistered firearm count.
Hudson’s sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida.
The plea was the result of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas S.P. Geeker.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Pearl River Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – On August 25, 2026, a Pearl River man pleaded guilty to Production of Child Pornography.
U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger and Robert Eickhoff, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Jackson Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Eli Joe, 22, knowingly enticed or coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct that were sent to Joe using the internet.
Joe is scheduled to be sentenced on January 12, 2027, and faces not less than 15 years up to 30 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Kruger commended the work of the Choctaw Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Trails Task Force, who investigated the case. The Safe Trails Task Force is comprised of officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Choctaw Police Department, Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department, and various state and local law enforcement agencies.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Payne, Brian K. Burns and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kalleigh McCoy prosecuted the case.
Palestine National Pleads Guilty of Being an Illegal Alien in Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MOHAMED H.M. ZEIDAN, a/k/a “Sebastian Marcello, a/k/a “Sebastian York” (“ZEIDAN”), age 33, a native of Palestine, pled guilty on August 25, 2026, to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A), announced the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Louisiana. Sentencing is set for November 24, 2026.
According to the charging document, on or about August 3, 2023, ZEIDAN, an alien present illegally in the United States, was found in possession of a MC9 semi-automatic pistol and a RF-15 semi-automatic rifle.
ZEIDAN, a native and national of Palestine entered the United States as a B2 visitor. He overstayed his visa and thus became an illegal alien. On August 3, 2023, in Kenner, Louisiana, ZEIDAN, knowingly possessed two firearms, a Girsan model MC9, nine-millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol and a Radical Firearms model RF-15, 5.56 x 45millimeter multi - caliber semi-automatic rifle. The firearms were discovered in his apartment. No other persons in the apartment claimed knowledge or ownership of the firearms.
ZEIDAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
U.S. Attorney’s Office praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, Homeland Security Investigations and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. The Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office made significant contributions to the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
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Oregon Man Sentenced to Prison for Tax Crimes and Other FraudRead the Press Release
An Oregon man was sentenced to 42 months in prison for tax evasion, employment tax crimes, bank fraud, wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to documents and statements made in court, Joel Matthew Caswell, 32, of Jacksonville, Oregon, had ownership or managing interests in three logging and construction businesses that collectively employed approximately 40 employees. Caswell exercised control over the business and financial affairs of at least two of these businesses and was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare and federal income taxes from employees and then paying over those funds to the IRS. From 2018 through 2022, Caswell withheld employment taxes from his employees’ pay but willfully failed to pay over these taxes to the IRS. Caswell attempted to evade these and other taxes by directing customers to write checks to another company or to him personally, moving business funds and lying to IRS collection officers. In 2019, the IRS assessed the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty against Caswell based on these unpaid payroll taxes.
Separately, between 2022 and 2024, Caswell executed multiple fraud schemes that involved submitting fabricated financial records to a bank, a private lender and the Small Business Administration to secure loans. For example, Caswell submitted fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications for all three of the logging and construction businesses. He transferred $70,000 of his fraud proceeds to be used as a deposit for an ultimate frisbee tournament. Caswell also used the personal identifying information of another person to obtain a residential mortgage.
On June 9, Caswell pleaded guilty to three counts of tax evasion, three counts of willful failure to pay over employment taxes, one count of bank fraud, one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. McShane ordered Caswell to serve five years of supervised release and to pay $1,198,799.83 in restitution to the IRS.
Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation, the FBI and the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management investigated the case.
Trial Attorney J. Parker Gochenour of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Brassel for the District of Oregon prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Operator of Minnesota-Based Money Transmitter Charged with Laundering Drug Proceeds for Mexican Cartel Following Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced today that a federal grand jury in the District of Minnesota returned an indictment on August 20, 2026, charging Christopher A. Bravo Marin, aka Bravo, 46, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, a Mexican national, with conspiring to launder at least $750,000 in drug proceeds on behalf of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), one of the most prolific and dangerous drug cartels in Mexico.
Bravo was arrested yesterday by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents. He appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge in Minneapolis on August 25, 2026.
“The indictment alleges that this defendant abused his position at a financial institution to help the CJNG cartel launder money from its drug sales back to Mexico,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Cartels rely on financial facilitators to ensure that cartel leadership in Mexico receive the profits from the heinous crimes they perpetrate here in the United States. The Criminal Division is relentless in its mission to take the profit out of crime, including by prosecuting those who help funnel drug proceeds back to cartel management.”
“This defendant strengthened a criminal infrastructure by helping transfer hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds to cartel leaders,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “My office remains committed to taking down drug trafficking organizations that threaten the public safety of the people of Minnesota.”
“These types of cases are exactly why Homeland Security Task Forces are so important in stopping transnational criminal activity,” said Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard of HSI St. Paul. “They bring a whole-of-government approach to combating serious criminals who commit serious crimes and endanger people in our communities every day. Through coordinated law enforcement partnerships, we are better positioned to disrupt these networks and protect the public.”
According to the indictment, from at least February 2023 to at least February 2026, Bravo, an employee of a Minnesota-based money transmitting business, conspired with members of a CJNG drug distribution cell in Minnesota to launder drug proceeds and transfer them to cartel leaders in Mexico through the money transmitter where he worked. Bravo used his position at the money transmitter and his understanding of his employer’s compliance policies and procedures to evade their anti-money laundering controls and conceal the illicit source of the funds he laundered. Cartel members paid Bravo approximately $40-50 for each transfer that he laundered.
To transfer the funds, Bravo allegedly structured the amount of money to be sent to Mexico across multiple transfers, ensuring that each transfer was always right below $1,000—the money transmitter’s threshold for collecting and verifying a customer’s identification document. Bravo created fake names of Hispanic origin to serve as the senders and sent the money to straw beneficiaries in Mexico whose names he received from cartel members.
After processing the transfers, Bravo forged the signature of the senders on each payment confirmation receipt to make the transfer appear legitimate and texted screenshots of the receipts to his co-conspirators so that the funds could be redeemed in Mexico.
Bravo is charged with one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Trial Attorney Javier Urbina of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) and Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca E. Kline for the District of Minnesota are prosecuting the case.
HSI St. Paul and the Dakota County Drug Task Force investigated this case.
MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.
MNF’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers and employees whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Operator of Minnesota-Based Money Transmitter Charged with Laundering Drug Proceeds for Mexican Cartel Following Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in the District of Minnesota returned an indictment on Aug. 20, charging Christopher A. Bravo Marin (Bravo), 46, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, a Mexican national, with conspiring to launder at least $750,000 in drug proceeds on behalf of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), one of the most prolific and dangerous drug cartels in Mexico. Bravo was arrested yesterday by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents. He appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge in Minneapolis today.
“The indictment alleges that this defendant abused his position at a financial institution to help the CJNG cartel launder money from its drug sales back to Mexico,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Cartels rely on financial facilitators to ensure that cartel leadership in Mexico receive the profits from the heinous crimes they perpetrate here in the United States. The Criminal Division is relentless in its mission to take the profit out of crime, including by prosecuting those who help funnel drug proceeds back to cartel management.”
“This defendant strengthened a criminal infrastructure by helping transfer hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds to cartel leaders,” said U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen for the District of Minnesota. “My office remains committed to taking down drug trafficking organizations that threaten the public safety of the people of Minnesota.”
“These types of cases are exactly why Homeland Security Task Forces are so important in stopping transnational criminal activity,” said Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard of HSI St. Paul. “They bring a whole-of-government approach to combating serious criminals who commit serious crimes and endanger people in our communities every day. Through coordinated law enforcement partnerships, we are better positioned to disrupt these networks and protect the public.”
According to the indictment, from at least February 2023 to at least February 2026, Bravo, an employee of a Minnesota-based money transmitting business, conspired with members of a CJNG drug distribution cell in Minnesota to launder drug proceeds and transfer them to cartel leaders in Mexico through the money transmitter where he worked. Bravo used his position at the money transmitter and his understanding of his employer’s compliance policies and procedures to evade their anti-money laundering controls and conceal the illicit source of the funds he laundered. Cartel members paid Bravo approximately $40-50 for each transfer that he laundered.
To transfer the funds, Bravo allegedly structured the amount of money to be sent to Mexico across multiple transfers, ensuring that each transfer was always right below $1,000 — the money transmitter’s threshold for collecting and verifying a customer’s identification document. Bravo created fake names of Hispanic origin to serve as the senders and sent the money to straw beneficiaries in Mexico whose names he received from cartel members.
After processing the transfers, Bravo forged the signature of the senders on each payment confirmation receipt to make the transfer appear legitimate and texted screenshots of the receipts to his co-conspirators so that the funds could be redeemed in Mexico.
Bravo is charged with one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Trial Attorney Javier Urbina of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Kline for the District of Minnesota are prosecuting the case.
HSI St. Paul and the Dakota County Drug Task Force investigated this case.
MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.
MNF’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers and employees whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Ohio Man Arrested for Threatening a U.S. CongressmanRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Alex Justin Miller (26, Columbus, OH) has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with interstate transmission of a threat to injure. If convicted, Miller faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the criminal complaint, on August 18, 2026, Miller sent a true threat to a U.S. Congressman via email. In the email, Miller threatened to murder the congressman and the congressman’s family.
A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the U.S. Capitol Police and the U.S. Secret Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones.
Criminal ComplaintNew Orleans Man Indicted for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On August 21, 2026, GERALD FRANKLIN (“FRANKLIN”), 35, from New Orleans, was charged in a two-count indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment, on or about March 30, 2026, and April 5, 2026, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, FRANKLIN, knowing that that he had been previously convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, was found in possession of a firearm after being arrested in connection with a French Quarter shooting on March 30, 2026.
FRANKLIN faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
U. S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime Unit.
New Orleans Man Indicted for Being Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On August 21, 2026, GERALD FRANKLIN (“FRANKLIN”), 35, from New Orleans, was charged in a two-count indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment, on or about March 30, 2026, and April 5, 2026, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, FRANKLIN, knowing that that he had been previously convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, was found in possession of a firearm.
FRANKLIN faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00.
U. S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime Unit.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
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New Orleans Man Guilty of Carjacking and Federal Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle announced on August 12, 2026, that KEN DOOLEY (“DOOLEY”), age 34, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to a three-count superseding indictment charging him with carjacking and Federal Gun Control Act violations.
In Count One, DOOLEY is charged with carjacking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119(1). DOOLEY faces a maximum sentence of up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.
In Count Two, DOOLEY is charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). DOOLEY faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five (5) years up to life imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, up to five (5) years of supervised release, and a mandatory assessment fee of $100.
In Count Three, DOOLEY is charged with felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). DOOLEY faces a maximum sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, up to three (3) years of supervised release, and a mandatory assessment of $100.
U.S. District Court Judge Lance M. Africk will sentence DOOLEY on December 2, 2026.
According to court documents, on February 25, 2026, while a vehicle was stopped at a red light, DOOLEY pointed a black semiautomatic handgun with an extended magazine at the two occupants through the vehicle’s window. DOOLEY then racked the slide of the firearm and ordered both women to exit the vehicle. DOOLEY also instructed them to leave their phones and purses inside the car. Both individuals complied with DOOLEY’s demands and exited the Nissan. DOOLEY got into the driver’s seat and fled on Canal Street. One of the passengers tracked her iPhone, which was left behind in the car, to the 8300 block of Palm Street, in New Orleans. Approximately 30 minutes later, police officers arrived at the 8400 block of Palm Street and located the white Nissan backed into the driveway. A male identified as DOOLEY, who matched the full description of the carjacking suspect, fled from the residence.
While at the residence where the vehicle was located, officers searched the vehicle and located a black Glock semiautomatic handgun with an extended magazine on the center console. This gun matched the description of the firearm provided by the victims.
On Friday, February 27, 2026, just two days later, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents received information that DOOLEY was at his residence. Agents then set up surveillance of the residence. Agents observed DOOLEY exit the residence and enter a silver Nissan Sentra. Agents followed the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. DOOLEY was then taken into custody.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crime Unit.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
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New Orleans Man Convicted for Gun Charges and Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On August 20, 2026, LARRY CASTON (“CASTON”), age 54, was found guilty at a jury trial for possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B) (Count One), possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) (Count Two), and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8) (Count Three), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, deputies with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office (SBSO) received tips from a confidential informant and an arrested subject about someone named “Drack” selling cocaine in St. Bernard Parish. Because the tips included a description of Drack’s truck, his license plate number, and his address, SBSO was able to identify “Drack” as Larry Caston. Surveillance began on CASTON and on October 1, 2024, SBSO was alerted by license plate readers that CASTON’s truck had entered St. Bernard Parish. CASTON made a stop and upon returning to his truck, CASTON left the location, and deputies followed. They observed traffic violations and conducted a traffic stop. CASTON delayed stopping and deputies observed CASTON making furtive hand movements. A search of the vehicle revealed cocaine and CASTON was arrested for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. While CASTON was incarcerated in the St. Bernard Parish Jail for that arrest, he made a jail call which raised law enforcement’s suspicions and led police to search CASTON’s home, as well as his neighbor’s home. Over two kilograms of cocaine, four firearms, and over $35,000 in U.S. currency were recovered from both locations.
For Count One, CASTON faces between five- and forty-years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release. For Count Two, CASTON faces between five years and up to life imprisonment, which term must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. For Count Three, CASTON faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. Each count carries a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah Dawkins, of the Violent Crime Unit, and Joshua Vanderhooft, of the Narcotics Unit, are in charge of the prosecution.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
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Mission Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on August 24, 2026.
Joseph Running, age 31, was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Running was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2025. He pleaded guilty on May 6, 2026.
Running was convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact in United States District Court, District of South Dakota in June 2020. As a result of his conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and update his registration within three business days of relocation, a change in employment, or a change in student status. In March 2025, Running updated his sex offender registration to reflect that he was residing at a residence in Rosebud, SD. He left that residence in September 2025 and did not update his registration. An arrest warrant was issued, and on November 18, 2025, Running was arrested in Rosebud, SD.
This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Unit prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Zachrison prosecuted the case.
Running was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Michigan Man Sentenced for Threats to Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Justin Ward, 32, Ironwood, Michigan, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James Peterson to time served and three years of supervised release for making threats to injure law enforcement. Ward pleaded guilty to this charge on May 22, 2026.
On January 29, 2026, the Gogebic County (Michigan) Sheriff’s Office was investigating Ward for threatening to kill an Ironwood law enforcement officer. Deputies learned that Ward was not at his residence and viewed his Facebook page, which showed that he was travelling through Northern Wisconsin toward Duluth. While enroute Ward posted threats that he was on his way to kill ICE agents. At the time, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was engaged in a widely publicized operation in Minneapolis. Ward was arrested and charged with making threats to kill ICE agents.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson considered that Ward had suffered a mental health crisis leading up to his conduct in the case and also found that Ward, who had remained in custody since his arrest, had already served a sentence consistent with the guideline range for the offense. Judge Peterson imposed strict supervised release conditions, including a curfew and GPS monitoring.
The charge against Ward was the result of an investigation conducted by the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case.
Mexican National with Prior Domestic Battery Conviction Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Reentry into the United States After Prior DeportationRead the Press Release
Jacksonville – Reberiano Santana-Ayala (35, Mexico) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger to the statutory maximum of two years in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported. Santana-Ayala pleaded guilty in May 2026. After serving this federal prison sentence, Santana-Ayala will be deported and removed back to Mexico. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Santana-Ayala is a citizen of Mexico. In 2019, Santana-Ayala was charged and pleaded no contest to domestic violence charges, associated with two different women, in Putnam County. He was subsequently removed from the United States by immigration authorities and returned to Mexico. After he was removed, Santana-Ayala illegally reentered the United States. On September 2, 2023, Santana-Ayala was found voluntarily back in the United States during a traffic stop in Putnam County. During that encounter, Santana-Ayala provided a false name to law enforcement and has at least seven known aliases that he has used when in the United States.
Santana-Ayala was subsequently convicted in state court in connection with violating the terms of probation issued in connection with his prior domestic battery charges. Record checks confirmed that Santana-Ayala had never applied to U.S. immigration authorities for permission to lawfully reenter the United States after his removal.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard L. Lasseter.
Mexican National Sentenced to 24 Months for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Juan Jesus Mendoza (60, Mexico) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard to two years in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States. Mendoza pleaded guilty on May 19, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Mendoza is a citizen of Mexico and was previously deported from the United States in 2002 and 2015. Mendoza was also previously convicted of two felony offenses. In 1994, Mendoza was convicted of aggravated possession of marijuana in Texas and sentenced to 25 years in prison, for which he was then paroled in 2002.
In 2013, after being encountered by law enforcement again in the United States, Mendoza was convicted of illegal reentry in the Orlando division of the Middle District of Florida. He has never obtained permission from the Attorney General or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to apply for readmission to the United States. On March 21, 2026, law enforcement in Putnam County encountered Mendoza during a traffic stop, identified him as an alien unlawfully present in the United States, and contacted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.
Mexican National Sentenced in Federal Court for Illegal Reentry after DeportationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY – U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Mexican man convicted of Illegal Reentry after Deportation. The sentencing took place on August 17, 2026.
Angel Takashi Cano-Meza, 36, was sentenced to time served. He will be deported to Mexico.
Cano-Meza was indicted for Illegal Reentry after Deportation by a federal grand jury in July 2026. He pleaded guilty on August 17, 2026.
Cano-Meza is an illegal alien who was deported from the United States to Mexico in 2022. Cano-Meza was again deported from the United States in 2024. On June 20, 2026, Cano-Meza was in custody for an arrest in Pennington County for possession of a fictitious driver’s license, impersonation to deceive law enforcement, and open container in a motor vehicle. Local authorities notified Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who discovered Cano-Meza’s true identity and history of deportations. It is a federal felony for an alien to be in the United States after having been deported from the United States without obtaining the consent of the Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Attorney General of the United States to apply for lawful admission into the United States.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Member of the Lynn Chapter of the Trinitarios Sentenced to over 11 Years for Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A member of the Lynn Chapter of the Trinitarios was sentenced on Aug. 19, 2026, after pleading guilty in April 2026 to racketeering charges, including three attempted murders and an accessory after the fact to two murders.
Luis Enrique Santana, a/k/a “Chiquito,” 32, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 136 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised released. After serving the prison sentence, Luis Enrique Santana will be deported to the Dominican Republic. In April 2026, Luis Enrique Santana pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, commonly known as RICO Conspiracy.
The Trinitarios is a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Trinitarios adhere to a Magna Carta, employ an internal hierarchy to organize and execute violence and undertake extensive efforts to maintain the secrecy of the organization and its members.
In February 2025, federal racketeering charges were unsealed against 22 leaders and members of the Trinitarios. The charges were the result of a multijurisdictional investigation, which began in the aftermath of four murders as well as a series of attempted murders and shootings that took place in Lynn in 2023, allegedly committed by the Trinitarios criminal enterprise and its members. On June 9, 2026, additional federal racketeering and drug charges were unsealed charging 26 additional leaders, members and associates of the Lawrence, Haverhill and Boston Chapters of the gang. According to court documents, the Trinitarios have allegedly participated in five additional murders in Essex County since 2017, bringing the total of federally charged murders to 11. In March 2025, a Lynn member of the Trinitarios was sentenced to 10 years in prison. In June 2025, two members of the Trinitarios were charged with kidnapping a drug supplier. In July 2025, the leader of the Lynn Chapter was sentenced to 14 years in prison. In December 2025 Michael Miliano and James Jimenez pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy; in May 2026, Westyn Lantigua pleaded guilty; in June 2026, Luis Jeffrey Santana pleaded guilty; and in August 2026, Kelvin Liranzo Roman and Israel Garcia Vasquez also pleaded guilty. All are awaiting sentencing.
Luis Enrique Santana was a member of the gang and rapper who published music videos glorifying the Trinitarios in Massachusetts, which featured gang members and himself possessing firearms, and contained threats to rival gangs. Luis Enrique Santana participated in a March 2019 shooting in Lynn, where the Trinitarios intended to kill three rival gang members. During this incident, Luis Enrique Santana posed as a female online and lured rival gang members to a nightclub. Another Trinitarios gang member, Lynn Chapter leader Aaron Diaz Liranzo, proceeded to the location and fired at the three rival gang members in the vehicle, wounding two of them who would survive their injuries. In July 2025, Aaron Diaz Liranzo was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison.
Luis Enrique Santana also participated as an accessory after the fact to the Sept. 2, 2023 murders of Jandriel Heredia and Abraham Diaz. During this incident, three members of the Trinitarios drove by a party in Lynn and discharged numerous rounds at people gathered outside celebrating a recent graduate who was heading off to college. Seven people were shot during this incident, including Abraham Diaz and Jandriel Heredia who later died from gunshot wounds. After the shooting, Luis Enrique Santana assisted the Trinitarios in moving the vehicle used in the shooting from Lynn to Lawrence in order to conceal it from law enforcement and destroy evidence that it contained.
The charge of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity (also known as “racketeering conspiracy” or “RICO conspiracy”) provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble; and Lynn Police Chief Christopher P. Reddy made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
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.
Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine Trafficking Following Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to possessing fentanyl and crack cocaine with intent to distribute and conspiracy.
According to court records, on September 15, 2025, law enforcement in Woodstock, Maine, observed three men engaging in an apparent drug transaction. When investigators contacted the men, two of the men fled into the woods. One man was apprehended after a foot pursuit, and was found in possession of approximately 27 grams of cocaine. The other man evaded law enforcement that day, but was quickly identified as Raymundo Dejesus, 45, an associate of the Trinitario street gang. During searches of the area where Dejesus was last seen before fleeing into the woods, investigators recovered a bag containing approximately 35 grams of a substance containing fentanyl, a bag containing approximately 17 grams of cocaine base, and two firearms.
Dejesus faces up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $1 million, and up to a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force investigated the case with assistance from the Rumford Police Department, the Norway Police Department, the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Border Patrol.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Maine HSTF comprises agents and officers from FBI; HSI; DEA; IRS-Criminal Investigations; U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Border Patrol; Coast Guard Investigative Service; and Transportation Security Administration, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine.
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Maryland Man Sentenced to Decade in Federal Prison for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A Maryland man received a federal-prison term, today, for the armed robbery of a Prince George’s County convenience store.
U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang sentenced Zebedee Alexander Johnson, 36, to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, in connection with the crime.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).
According to the guilty plea, on April 29, 2022, Johnson and four others traveled to a Clinton convenience store, where they pointed a firearm at a store employee and ordered him to lie down. They then used a circular saw to break open the store’s ATM and take trays containing approximately $35,020. At the time of the armed robbery, Johnson was on federal supervised release in connection with a 2018 drug-distribution conviction. Johnson admitted that he violated the supervised-release terms, which prohibits him from committing any new crimes, by committing the armed robbery.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Rosenthal and William Moomau who are prosecuting the case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md.
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Martinsville Woman Pleads Guilty in Social Security Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
ROANOKE, Va. – A Martinsville woman, who stole almost $30,000 in Social Security benefits intended for her deceased boyfriend, was ordered to repay the money she stole and sentenced to two years of supervised release.
Jackie Cayton, 55, previously pled guilty to one felony count charging her with theft of government money.
According to court documents, from January 1, 2024, through September 16, 2025, Cayton used the deceased’s debit card to steal $29,988 in Social Security Administration (SSA) retirement benefits to which she was not entitled.
Law enforcement was made aware of Cayton’s action in September 2025 when a family member of the deceased SSA beneficiary (“the Deceased”) reported that his romantic partner, Cayton, was in possession of the Deceased’s Social Security benefits card and was spending the money.
Further investigation confirmed that the benefits were paid directly to a Truist bank account belonging to the Deceased through September 2025; even though he had died in December 2023.
Agents determined that Cayton used her deceased boyfriend’s benefits to make large ATM withdrawals of $400, online payments for cosmetics, as well as purchases at a Collinsville furniture store, Aldi, Walmart, Food Lion, and Appalachian Power Company.
First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci made the announcement.
The Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General investigated the matter with significant contribution from the Henry County Sheriff's Office.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Browne prosecuted the case.
Man Sentenced to 120 Months’ Imprisonment for Role in Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
MINNEAPOLIS – United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced that Rodolfo Rebollar-Gonzalez, 29, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
Rebollar-Gonzalez was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Patrick J. Schiltz on August 25, 2026. He pleaded guilty on April 24, 2026.
According to court documents, on November 21, 2023, police executed a search warrant on the defendant’s apartment in St. Paul, Minnesota. Police forced entry into the apartment and saw Rebollar-Gonzalez holding roughly nine pounds of methamphetamine in his arms. Elsewhere in the apartment, police found roughly two pounds of marijuana and two magazines loaded with 9-millimeter ammunition. The next day, police seized a 9-millimeter pistol and loaded magazine from the defendant’s car.
In February and March 2025, Rebollar-Gonzalez distributed methamphetamine on two occasions. On each occasion, the defendant sold roughly one pound of methamphetamine, once to a confidential informant and once to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration agent.
Finally, on March 24, 2025, Rebollar-Gonzalez possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute. When police attempted to arrest him, he ran but was caught and arrested within seconds. Police searched the defendant and found roughly one pound of cocaine in his backpack and a digital scale in his back pocket.
Rebollar-Gonzalez was not in the United States legally when he committed these crimes.
“My office is committed to getting dangerous drug traffickers off the streets and stopping the flow of illegal narcotics into the state. Today’s sentence is a significant step toward disrupting these pipelines and safeguarding public safety for the people of Minnesota,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen.
“This investigation is a clear example of what can be accomplished when agencies work together to identify and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that are bringing deadly drugs into our communities. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office West Metro Drug Task Force and our federal partners at the DEA first identified Rebollar-Gonzalez as part of a drug trafficking investigation in 2023, resulting in the seizure of nine pounds of methamphetamine and a pistol. Less than two years later, our investigators received information that he was again trafficking drugs, leading to another investigation and the seizure of additional cocaine,” said Dawanna Witt, Sheriff of Hennepin County. “These investigations take time, but the results are clear: getting dangerous drug traffickers and cartel members off our streets saves lives and makes our communities safer. Now we must hold Rebollar-Gonzalez accountable. I remain committed to the strong partnerships that allow us to pursue these cases and dismantle the criminal organizations wreaking havoc in our communities.”
“Few things pose a greater threat to public safety than illegal methamphetamine flooding our communities,” said HSI St. Paul Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard. “This sentence holds the defendant accountable for trafficking a highly addictive, destructive drug that fuels crime, devastates families and tears at the fabric of our neighborhoods. HSI and our partners will continue to aggressively target those who profit from addiction and bring them to justice.”
“Rodolfo is a repeat offender who squandered an opportunity to turn away from a life of drug trafficking,” DEA Omaha Field Division Special Agent in Charge Dustin Gillespie said. “Instead, he opted to double down, moving large quantities of methamphetamine around the Twin Cities. Today’s sentencing now forces Rodolfo to be accountable for his crimes and respect the rule of law.”
This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the Hennepin County West Metro Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigation, with assistance from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and other local law enforcement partners.
Assistant United States Attorney Campbell Warner prosecuted the case.
Man Posing as San Francisco 49er Charged with Defrauding over Two Dozen Women Out of More than $1.3 MillionRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Two men have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, have been charged by criminal complaint in Portland, Oregon.
According to court documents, beginning in February 2022, Love and Chan created fictitious investments to defraud numerous women in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California. Love met most of the women on the Internet through dating apps. Chan falsely posed as Love’s financial adviser to further gain their victims’ trust and demonstrate the validity of the investments. Love and Chan solicited money from the women through lies and misrepresentations. The scheme lasted until the day of Love and Chan’s arrests on August 24, 2026.
The scheme relied on Love’s creation of fictitious personas and display of a lavish lifestyle which Love presented to victims both in person and on social media websites. Love falsely portrayed himself as legitimately wealthy, often as an NFL player for the San Francisco 49ers or as a wealthy real estate investor.
Love convinced many of the victims they were in sincere romantic relationships with Love, that he was a sophisticated investor, and that Chan was his investment adviser who helped Love grow a fortune worth tens of millions of dollars. Love had romantic relationships with many of the victims and told them he wanted to build wealth and a future together. Love advertised nonexistent investment vehicles and claimed these investments would generate massive returns for both him and his victims.
Love also used phone applications to create fictitious bank and investment accounts and balances which Love showed victims to legitimize the scheme.
Love and Chan also exchanged investment-related electronic communications in which Chan pretended to be Love’s investment adviser. Chan sent Love messages purportedly encouraging Love to invest in new opportunities. Love then sent screenshots of those messages to numerous victims to further convince them to send money to either Love or Chan. Chan and Love also hosted three-way FaceTime calls in which they showed victims falsified investment gains and encouraged victims to part with their money. Victims sent Love and Chan money due to their belief that their money would be invested in legitimate investment vehicles on the victims’ behalf. Some victims also loaned Love large amounts of money, if victims did not have cash to invest, Love sometimes instructed them to take out personal loans in both scenarios Love assured the victims that they would quickly be repaid.
Once victims had no more money to invest, or if they asked too many questions, Love blocked communication with them, but kept their money. Of the victims identified and interviewed, none reported receiving any proceeds, returns on their principle, or investment account information, after sending Love and Chan money. Financial records show Love and Chan received about $1.3 million from victim investors. 26 victims have been identified, the FBI believes there are many more victims.
Arrest warrants and a criminal complaint alleging conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud and were issued for both Love and Chan on August 17, 2026, in the District of Oregon. The FBI’s investigation revealed that on August 24, 2026, Chan flew from California to meet Love in Boise, Idaho. The FBI and other law enforcement apprehended both Love and Chan at the Boise Airport. Investigators learned that Love was in Idaho to meet new victims. Investigators learned that from July 15 through August 24, 2026, Love traveled to New Mexico, California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Idaho.
Love has used several names including Jon Love, Daejon Love, Avril Lyto Love, and Jordan Love to perpetuate the scheme.
The FBI encourages anyone having information on Daejon Love or Taylor Chan to contact the FBI at https://tips.fbi.gov/ or to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Both Love and Chan are in federal custody in Boise, Idaho, and will have their first court appearance on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
This case was investigated by The Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Chinwuba and Chris Cardani for the District of Oregon.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to More Than 21 Years for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Jeremiah Thurman, 43, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 20, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln for receipt of child pornography. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Thurman to a total of 260 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Thurman’s release from prison, he will begin a 20-year term of supervised release. Thurman was additionally ordered to pay $3,000 which will contribute to funds established for victims of these types of cases.
This case began in March of 2024 when the Clarinda Police Department in Iowa received a report of a minor female (Victim 1) having inappropriate conversations with adult men online Thurman was identified as having sexually explicit conversations with Victim 1 and receiving sexually explicit photos and videos of her. The initial investigation revealed Thurman was on the Nebraska Sex Offender registry for a prior crime.
The FBI executed a search warrant for Thurman’s residence on April 12, 2024. During the search, Thurman admitted to sending money to Victim 1 in exchange for nude pictures. A review of texts between Victim 1 and Thurman revealed phone calls and chat communications. Thurman would request explicit photos and videos from Victim 1. Thurman and Victim 1 also discussed how she was still in high school and living with family. As communications came to an end, Thurman discussed meeting up with Victim 1 and suggested getting a motel room. His plans did not occur due to the messages being discovered and police report being made.
“There are an alarming number of child predators online targeting Nebraska’s children, and we will not stop pursuing every single one of them until each is locked up behind bars where they cannot do harm to Nebraska’s children,” said United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods
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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to 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.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to 180 Months for Receipt of Child Pornography with Prior Possession ConvictionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Frank Tonini, 41, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 20, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln for receipt of child pornography after having been convicted of possession of child pornography previously. District Court Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Tonini to 180 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Tonini’s release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release. Tonini was ordered to pay $10,000 which will contribute to funds established for victims of these types of cases.
Tonini was on a five-year term of supervised release after being sentenced in 2017 to 56 months’ imprisonment in the District of Nebraska for possession of child pornography. As part of his supervision, he participated in a routine polygraph examination. After multiple exams with significant responses, United States Probation Office did a search of Tonini’s residence. The search yielded three unauthorized cell phones.
Law enforcement searched the three phones. On a phone located under Tonini’s mattress, law enforcement located 60 images of child pornography and five videos of child pornography. Included in the illegal files were images and videos of prepubescent and pubescent children, vaginal, digital and object penetration and violence.
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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to 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.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.
Lincoln Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Dakota Parrott, 33, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 20, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Parrott to 120 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Parrott’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release.
On March 24, 2025, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle driven by Parrott for a traffic violation by a Nebraska State Patrol trooper in Lincoln. Parrott was the sole occupant of the vehicle. The trooper conducted a K9 sniff of the vehicle and the K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics. After the alert, troopers began a search of the vehicle, which resulted in the NSP troopers finding marijuana, a large amount of methamphetamine, and a box of 9mm ammunition. The methamphetamine was sent to the State Patrol Crime Laboratory, where it was confirmed to weigh 898 grams, with at least 820 grams of it being pure.
This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force (LLCNTF).
Lincoln Man Sentenced for Attempted Production of Child Pornography Crime Committed while Awaiting Sentencing for Earlier Child Pornography ConvictionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Devon Rice, 29, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 20, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln for attempted production of child pornography. District Court Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Rice to 180 months’ imprisonment to be served consecutive to his 2025 conviction for receipt of child pornography. The total time of imprisonment for Rice is 250 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After Rice’s release from prison, he will begin a 15-year term of supervised release.
Rice was pending sentencing in the District Court of Nebraska for a conviction of receipt of child pornography. While out on pre-trial release in that case, Rice began communicating via Kik messenger application with an undercover officer with the Lincoln Police Department. The undercover officer identified himself as a 14-year-old female from Lincoln.
The conversation quickly turned sexual. Rice asked on numerous occasions for the purported 14-year-old to send “nudes” and “sexy pics.” In June 2025, the conversation involved requests by Rice to meet the purported 14-year-old for sex. Additional requests were made by Rice to the purported 14-year-old for explicit photos.
Eventually, Rice made plans to meet up with the purported 14-year-old at a coffee shop in Lincoln that was within walking distance of the fictitious apartment address the undercover officer had provided to Rice. Investigators with the Lincoln Police Department were waiting at the coffee shop and arrested Rice as he was exiting his vehicle.
Rice was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment on August 21, 2025, for receipt of child pornography.
“The Lincoln Police Department is to be commended for this incredible undercover investigative work that will provide the community protection from this insatiable sexual predator long into the future,” said United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods. “Nebraska is safer thanks to this judgement and conviction.”
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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to 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.
This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.
Lewiston Man Sentenced for Aggravated Identity Theft and Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Lewiston man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for aggravated identity theft, false statements relating to health care matters, and unlawful use of Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Chief U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Joseph Dobie, 38, to 36 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Dobie was also ordered to pay $36,373.16 in restitution. Dobie pleaded guilty on February 13, 2026.
According to court records, Dobie stole a victim’s identity which he then used to obtain drivers licenses and a social security card. Dobie used the stolen identity to apply for and receive SNAP benefits in Maine and New York. At the same time, Dobie was receiving SNAP benefits in New York using his true identity. Dobie also used the stolen identity to apply for and receive healthcare benefits from MaineCare (Maine’s Medicaid program). In total, Dobie fraudulently obtained a total of $36,373.16 in benefits from SNAP and MaineCare.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, investigated the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
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La Crosse Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jerome Sinclair, 36, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 5 years in federal prison for distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Sinclair pleaded guilty to this charge on June 15, 2026.
In September 2025, investigators with the La Crosse Police Department identified Jerome Sinclair as a methamphetamine and fentanyl dealer operating in La Crosse. In October 2025, investigators purchased 60 grams of methamphetamine from Sinclair. In November 2025, investigators purchased 5 grams of fentanyl from Sinclair at his apartment. During that controlled purchase, Sinclair weighed and packaged the fentanyl in close proximity to a young child. Later in November, investigators purchased 114 grams of methamphetamine from Sinclair, again at his residence. In December 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at Sinclair’s residence and found methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Peterson noted that he was concerned that Sinclair already had a serious prior felony, for Armed Robbery, and was now facing another serious charge in this federal case.
The charge against Sinclair was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, which is comprised of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. The La Crosse County District Attorney’s Office also with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Jennifer R. Remington and Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
Federal prosecutions by the U.S. Department of Justice involving drugs and guns are part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe.
Justice Department to Conduct Election Monitoring in South Carolina Primary ElectionRead the Press Release
Today, the Civil Rights Division is monitoring polling sites in South Carolina for the state’s primary runoff election to ensure transparency, ballot security, and compliance with federal law.
“South Carolina is the next stop in our ongoing effort to ensure election transparency,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We appreciate the cooperation of the State of South Carolina, the County of Charleston, and the South Carolina United States Attorney’s Office in helping make this monitoring effort an exemplary one for promoting trust.”
The DOJ, through the Civil Rights Division, enforces federal voting laws which protect the voting rights of all eligible citizens. The DOJ regularly deploys staff to monitor compliance with federal civil rights laws in communities across the country. This special GOP runoff is occurring due to the late Senator Lindsey Graham’s unexpected death on July 11, 2026.
The DOJ is monitoring polls in Charleston County, South Carolina, with four Civil Rights Division attorneys, one South Carolina Assistant U.S. Attorney, and one staff employee with the South Carolina U.S. Attorney’s Office. Thus far the DOJ has deployed over 80 monitors across seven states and over 200 polling locations this primary season. By comparison, during the 2022 midterms the DOJ sent monitors to nine states during the primary season.
This monitoring initiative is aimed at promoting transparency and an open flow of communication between poll observers and election monitors. The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces various federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Civil Rights Acts.
From now through the general election on Nov. 3, Civil Rights Division personnel will be available to receive questions and complaints from the public related to federal voting rights laws. If you have a question or complaint or would like to request election monitoring in a particular jurisdiction, please contact the Voting Section at [email protected].
Justice Department Files Lawsuit to Stop Ohio Court’s Unlawful Obstruction of Federal Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the Franklin County Municipal Court in Columbus, Ohio, along with the Administrative and Presiding Judge and Director of Security, challenging a new rule that blocks federal officials from arresting aliens at or near the courthouse. Specifically, the complaint challenges the new Rule 2.10 that purports to shield aliens from being lawfully detained at or around the courthouse and to impose criminal and civil liability for violations.
Not only is the rule an illegal attempt to regulate the federal government, but, as alleged in the complaint, the rule threatens the safety and effectiveness of federal operations. As is true in all types of law enforcement, conducting an arrest at or near a courthouse often reduces the risk of flight and potential safety risks to the public, law enforcement officers, and subjects themselves due to the enhanced security screenings in place at courthouses. Franklin County Municipal Court’s rule runs counter to common sense and endangers the broader community by attempting to eliminate safe places for law enforcement officers to act.
“Today the Department sued yet another local entity that seeks to thwart the will of Congress by regulating when and where Federal law enforcement does its job, all in the name of protecting criminal aliens who violate our Nation’s laws,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward, Jr. “No more. This Department of Justice will not sit idly by while state and local government seek to undermine federal immigration enforcement.”
“This type of rule obstructs federal law enforcement and facilitates evasion of federal law by dangerous criminal aliens, despite Congress’s direction that federal agents detain and remove them,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Throughout the country, and including in this courthouse specifically, federal agents have routinely and safely conducted arrests. The Department of Justice is committed to protecting that important federal prerogative.”
Attorney General Blanche has instructed the Department’s Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies, and practices that facilitate violations of federal laws or impede lawful federal operations. Today’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of lawsuits brought by the Civil Division targeting illegal policies designed to thwart federal law enforcement across the country, including in New York, Virginia, Connecticut, New Jersey, California, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia.