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Tuesday 30 June 2026
Former USPS Mail Carrier Sentenced to 39 Months in Prison for Mail Theft and Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that Tameka Babulal, a/k/a “Tameka Williams,” a/k/a “Sharniece Williams,” a/k/a “Meek Williams,” a former United States Postal Service (“USPS”) mail carrier assigned to Mount Vernon, New York, was sentenced to 39 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel for abusing her position as a mail carrier to steal checks, credit cards, financial mail, and personal identifying information from victims on her mail route, and using that stolen mail and information to commit fraud and aggravated identity theft. The sentence imposed by Judge Seibel included 15 months on BABULAL’s mail theft, fraud, and false statement offenses, followed by a mandatory consecutive 24-month sentence for aggravated identity theft.
“Postal workers are entrusted with some of the most sensitive materials Americans send and receive: checks, credit cards, tax documents, Social Security information, and financial mail,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Tameka Babulal betrayed that trust by stealing from the very people on the mail routes she was paid to serve and then using their mail and identities to commit fraud. Today’s sentence makes clear that those who corrupt the mail system from within and exploit the public’s trust for personal gain will be held accountable.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment, public filings, and statements made in court proceedings:
From in or about December 2022 through May 23, 2024, BABULAL conspired with others in a scheme to possess, steal, and misuse mail stolen from the USPS in Mount Vernon, New York. BABULAL stole hundreds of mail items from hundreds of victims whose mail she touched, including checks, credit cards, financial mail, tax documents, Social Security cards, and other sensitive materials. She kept those items at the Hempstead, New York, residence she shared with her husband and co-conspirator, Joel Babulal. BABULAL’s victims included elderly people in their 90s, young adults in their early 20s, business owners, churchgoers, military personnel, and other everyday people.
When law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Babulal residence on May 23, 2024, officers recovered, among other things, dozens of checks, treasury checks, and money orders in victims’ names, including blank or washed checks; 51 credit cards in other people’s names; unopened financial mail appearing to contain credit cards or checks; several Social Security cards and tax documents in other people’s names; bundles of unopened mail and packages; and a USPS postal bin filled with victims’ undelivered mail.
Using the mail and other items she stole from victims on her mail route, BABULAL carried out an extensive credit card, check, and identity theft fraud scheme involving dozens of victims. BABULAL’s credit card scheme involved at least around $40,922.41 in fraudulent transactions using stolen credit cards. Additionally, BABULAL’s check fraud scheme involved $13,510 in fraudulent transactions using stolen checks, and her possession of an additional at least $78,705.05 in checks and money orders. To commit her crimes, BABULAL used various means of identification of her victims. For example, BABULAL and her co-conspirators used their victims’ names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, addresses, and other identifying information to fraudulently open accounts, submit credit-card applications, activate payment cards, and attempt transactions.
The Government’s investigation also revealed that BABULAL made false statements to obtain her USPS position. In her USPS employment application, she falsely claimed that she had previously worked at a Taco Bell restaurant under a supervisor named “Mark Khan.” In fact, “Mark Khan” was not a real person, and both the name “Mark Khan” and the phone number she listed for him were used by BABULAL’s husband and co-conspirator, Joel Babulal.
On March 18, 2026, BABULAL pled guilty before Judge Seibel to conspiracy to steal and unlawfully possess mail, theft of mail by a postal employee, unlawful possession of mail, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and false statements. BABULAL’s husband, Joel Babulal, pled guilty to conspiring with his wife and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 14, 2026.
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In addition to the prison term, BABULAL, 38, of Hempstead, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution and forfeiture.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the USPS, Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reyhan Watson, John Sarlitto, and James McMahon are in charge of the prosecution.
Former St. Louis Building Inspector Admits $1.6 Million FraudRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A former building inspector with the City of St. Louis on Tuesday admitted steering $1.64 million meant for the repair of decrepit buildings in St. Louis to himself and relatives.
Adebanjo “Banjo” Popoola, 57, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to three counts of wire fraud. Popoola was a building division inspector with the City of St. Louis at the time and was responsible for managing important aspects of two programs designed to help stabilize and rehabilitate city properties, Stable Communities STL and Prop NS. Stable Communities STL was funded through federal American Rescue Plan Act funds and intended for privately-owned properties. Prop NS was intended for residential properties owned by the City’s Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) and was funded through City issued general obligation bonds. Popoola was primarily responsible for identifying properties for rehab or stabilization; developing the scope of work; seeking, reviewing and awarding bids; inspecting the work that had purportedly been completed on each property and then certifying that the work had been completed so funds could be disbursed to the contractors.
On Tuesday, he admitted having his sister, a Texas resident who had never visited St. Louis, incorporate Farst Construction LLC, in Missouri in October of 2022. His future wife set up a different company in February of 2021, Premier Finish Contractors LLC.
From about June 12, 2023, through Nov. 22, 2024, Popoola caused Farst to be awarded $1.4 million in construction contracts as part of the City’s Stable Communities STL program. From about Feb. 22, 2023, through March 8, 2024, Popoola steered $339,500 in Prop NS contracts to Farst. From Oct. 9, 2023, through May 7, 2024, Popoola steered about $1.3 million from the Stable Communities STL program and about $853,100 from the Prop NS program to Premier. Of the $7.19 million ARPA funds disbursed through the Stable Communities STL program, Farst received $1.79 million and Premier received $1.53 million, or 42% of the total funds disbursed.
Private building owners and representatives of the LRA reported that on multiple projects, Farst and Premier failed to perform the rehabilitation and stabilization work for which the companies were paid but Popoola falsely certified that the work had been performed completely and properly.
After paying subcontractors for purported work on the stabilization projects, Popoola, his sister and wife shared in and personally used about $1.64 million. Popoola and his wife had joint bank accounts where the city funds were deposited and shared. He had the same arrangement with his sister. Popoola admitted using Prop NS and Stable Communities STL funds for residential mortgage payments, multiple vehicle purchases and repairs, travel expenses, his September 2023 Hawaii wedding, casino gambling, and other dining and entertainment expenses.
Popoola also admitted concealing his connection to the companies on city Employee Secondary Employment Questionnaires in 2022 and 2023. Popoola falsely stated that he had no personal interest, directly or indirectly, in a contract with the City of St. Louis and he also falsely represented that he had no interest in any business. His sister and wife falsely certified on contract documents that “No officer, employee, or member of the governing body of the City of St. Louis, Missouri who exercises any functions or responsibilities in connection with the carrying out of the Project to which this Contract pertains shall have any private interest, direct or indirect, in this contract.”
Popoola is scheduled to be sentenced on October 6. Wire fraud carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and fine. He will also be ordered to repay the money.
The FBI investigated the case, with substantial cooperation from the City of St. Louis Comptroller’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is prosecuting the case.
Former Soldier-Turned-Contractor Found Guilty of Stealing over $1 Million of MREs in El PasoRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – A federal jury convicted a former U.S. Army civilian contractor in El Paso for stealing more than 200 pallets of Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MREs) valued at approximately $1,120,000, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons. The case is being prosecuted in support of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Joseph Lavar Davis, 47, was named along with three other co-defendants in a two-count indictment on Feb. 12, 2025, for conspiracy to commit theft of government property and a substantive count of theft of government property between Feb. 24, 2020, and Aug. 12, 2020.
On Aug. 12, 2020, FBI and Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division agents executed a search warrant at a civilian warehouse in El Paso, where they found about 100 pallets of MREs. The investigation revealed that the owner of the company using the warehouse was purchasing the MREs from individuals who had stolen them from Ft. Bliss.
Each of the indicted individuals played a role in the scheme, which involved a civilian contractor who knew how to request and pick up the MREs, a soldier to assist in picking up and transporting the MREs, an intermediary between the buyer of the MREs and these two individuals, and the civilian who sold the MREs online.
The investigation showed a scheme involving false paperwork to obtain MREs from Ft. Bliss, truck rentals to transport the MREs, coordination among the co-conspirators to pick up and deliver the MREs, communications and financial transactions between the co-conspirators.
While in the Army, Davis held a position in food service supply where he gained knowledge of the process to obtain MREs. Upon retirement, he was hired into a similar position as a civilian contractor and used that position to exploit the process and steal MREs from Ft. Bliss.
Davis created false requests, rented trucks to transport the MRE pallets, and picked up or arranged for others to pick up the MREs from Ft. Bliss. Davis also coordinated various individuals involved to obtain, deliver, and receive payment for the MREs. Davis both negotiated the sales price and received payment for the MREs.
“Joseph Davis betrayed the very country he once swore to protect in an effort to satisfy his own selfish ambition and a jury of his peers held him accountable for it,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons. “Rooting out fraud that undermines our government and our military readiness is a priority of this administration. I want to thank our Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Lori Hughes and Mallory Rasmussen, as well as our support staff and law enforcement partners, for their excellent work in bringing this fraudster to justice. Their dedication resulted in a win for the Western District of Texas, a win for Justice, and a win for the American people.”
"This conviction should send a clear message the FBI and our law enforcement partners at the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division make it a priority to bring to justice those who resort to theft of government property for ill-gotten gain”, said Jarod Brown, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI El Paso Field Office. “We are stronger when we work together to seek justice and will continue to combat these issues through strong partnerships.”
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori Hughes and Mallory Rasmussen are prosecuting 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.
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Former Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Theft of MailRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Evan Aldric Harris, 30, of Evergreen, Alabama, pleaded guilty to theft of mail by a postal employee. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the plea today.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our citizens depend upon the U.S. Postal Service to reliably deliver the mail, and this despicable defendant violated the public trust placed in him as a postal employee by seeking to enrich himself through the theft of mail. I applaud the excellent investigative work by the USPS Inspector General and the aggressive prosecution by my office to hold this thief accountable.”
According to court documents, the defendant was caught on video opening and removing the contents of mail he was tasked with sorting while working as an employee of the United States Postal Service at the Pensacola Processing and Delivery Center. When interviewed by law enforcement, the defendant admitted that he had opened greeting cards and stole gift cards out of them.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 3, 2026, at 9 a.m. before United States District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Harris faces up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and restitution.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Former N. Charleston Councilmen, Co-conspirators Sentenced in Public Corruption SchemeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Four more defendants charged in a North Charleston public corruption scheme have been sentenced.
- Jerome Sydney Heyward, 63, a former North Charleston City Councilmember, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for extortion, bribery, and money laundering.
- Mike A. Brown, 47, former North Charleston City Council Member, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for accepting a bribe from Aaron Hicks in exchange for his support of a rezoning application.
- Michelle Stent-Hilton, 58, of North Charleston, and Donavan Laval Moten, 48, founder of Core4Success Foundation, were each sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for paying Heyward $20,000 kickbacks in exchange for his support of their applications for grant funds.
“These defendants, who broke the public trust, have been held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Thank you to our law enforcement partners at the FBI and SLED for thoroughly investigating these instances of public corruption.”
“Public corruption undermines the trust that citizens place in people with power and tarnishes the goodwill of those who use their positions to act in good faith,” said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Kevin Moore. “The FBI and our partners are committed to rooting out public corruption and bringing accountability to the bodies of government and organizations meant to serve the people.”
“Pay to play politics is an egregious abuse of the public’s trust,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “Elected officials should be serving the community – not lining their own pockets. SLED is proud to work together with our state and federal partners to bring those who unlawfully profit off their positions to justice.”
Heyward was charged in three separate schemes with corruptly using his position as a North Charleston City Councilman to personally enrich himself through bribes, kickbacks, and extortion and to deprive the citizens and the government of North Charleston of their intangible right to the honest services of the North Charleston City Council. In the first scheme, Heyward extorted a businessman by soliciting payments in exchange for his official action as a City Councilman. In the second scheme, Heyward conspired with Mike A. Brown and Aaron Hicks to solicit and accept bribes from Aaron Hicks—working on behalf of a company with business before North Charleston City Council—in exchange for his support of the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. In the third scheme, Heyward conspired with Donavan Moten and Michelle Stent-Hilton to embezzle taxpayer funds from North Charleston. Heyward agreed to support Moten and Stent-Hilton’s applications, submitted on behalf of their non-profits, for violence reduction grants. In exchange, Moten and Stent-Hilton each agreed to pay Heyward $20,000. Thereafter, Heyward conspired with Rose Lorenzo to launder the funds to conceal the nature and source of the kickbacks.
Previously, co-defendants Aaron Charles-Lee Hicks and Hason Fields were sentenced. Rose Lorenzo pleaded guilty for her role in the conspiracy, and her sentencing will be scheduled at a future date.
United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Heyward to 72 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. He was ordered to pay $200,000 in restitution.
This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whit Sowards and Emily Limehouse prosecuted the case.
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Former DeSoto County Elementary Teacher Sentenced for Possession of Child Exploitation MaterialsRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN, MS – An Olive Branch, Mississippi man was sentenced today to nine years in prison for possessing images and videos of children under 12 engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Prior to his arrest, he was an elementary school teacher.
According to court documents, Mitchell Cantrell, 37, was downloading and viewing child sexual abuse content from the internet. The content found on his electronic devices included sexual materials involving preteens, toddlers, and infants. The Southaven Police Department identified and investigated this case and worked with the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute Cantrell.
In addition to his prison term, Cantrell was sentenced to ten years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender where he lives, where he works, and where he is a student.
Scott Leary, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi stated, “As Americans we are unfortunately divided on so many issues. There are, however, certain issues upon which we should all agree. Foremost is society’s responsibility to protect children. There is simply no room for child exploitation in our country. I thank the citizens of this great state for standing with federal and state law enforcement in combating these crimes. With the advent of advanced technology, investigating child exploitation is becoming more complex – we must remain vigilant. We should all be proud of the great job the Southaven Police Department did in investigating this case. The Project Safe Childhood initiative is working; federal and state law enforcement are working together to protect our kids. Perhaps one day we can stamp out this scourge.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC
Former Bullard High School Students Appear in Federal Court for Conspiracy to Traffic Firearms Across State Lines After Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — On June 25, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a four‑count indictment charging Harman Pahal, 21, Cameron Chouanmasay, 20, Colton Malone, 21, Julian Calderon, 20, and Jaskarn Batth, 20, all of Fresno, with participating in a years‑long firearms trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
The defendants were arraigned on Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Erin Guy Castillo and entered pleas of not guilty. A status conference is scheduled for Oct. 28, 2026.
According to court documents, between December 2024 and April 2026, the defendants conspired to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, traveled across state lines to unlawfully acquire firearms, and illegally imported firearms into California. None of the defendants were licensed to deal, manufacture, or import firearms.
The indictment alleges that the defendants, who met while attending Bullard High School, used social media to advertise and sell firearms and repeatedly traveled from Fresno to Texas to obtain additional weapons for resale. During trips in December 2024, the defendants allegedly acquired multiple firearms—including Draco‑style AK‑type pistols and other handguns—and returned with them to California to sell.
They also allegedly discussed and attempted multiple firearm sales through online platforms. The indictment charges all five defendants with conspiracy, unlicensed dealing and manufacturing of firearms, interstate travel with intent to unlawfully deal firearms, and unlawful importation of firearms into California.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of conspiracy to deal commit unlawful firearms dealing, engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and interstate importation of firearms without a license. They face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if convicted of the count of interstate travel to unlawfully deal in firearms. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.
Five Charged in Alleged Athens to Chicago Gun Trafficking Tied to GangsRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. — U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes today announced that five people have been charged in a 23-count indictment in the Middle District of Georgia as members of an alleged firearms trafficking ring operating between Athens and Chicago providing weapons to gang members, with some of the guns linked to acts of violence—including a murder in Chicago committed by a juvenile—in this Homeland Security Task Force investigation led by ATF.
The federal indictment in Case No. 3:26-cr-00006, filed on April 15 and unsealed on June 23, charges the following individuals:
Anthony Edmond, aka “Chapo,” aka “Chapo Barksdale,” of Athens, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit firearms offenses; one count of conspiracy to unlawfully make, transfer and possess machineguns; seven counts of false statement during purchase of a firearm; six counts of possession of firearm by a convicted felon; one count of transfer of a firearm to a convicted felon; one count of possession of a machinegun; one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; one count of conspiracy to possess firearms and machineguns in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; one count of conspiracy to traffic in stolen motor vehicles; three counts of interstate travel with intent to engage in firearms trafficking and is facing up to a maximum of life in prison.
Rafael Enriquez, aka “Ritchie Rich,” aka “Ralph,” of Chicago, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit firearms offenses; one count of conspiracy to unlawfully make, transfer and possess machineguns; five counts of false statement during purchase of a firearm; four counts of possession of firearm by a convicted felon; one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; one count of conspiracy to possess firearms and machineguns in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; one count of conspiracy to traffic in stolen motor vehicles; and three counts of interstate travel with intent to engage in firearms trafficking and is facing up to a maximum of life in prison.
Elijah Lucena, aka “Eli,” aka “GMT Eli,”of Chicago, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit firearms offenses; one count of false statement during purchase of a firearm; one count of possession of firearm by a convicted felon; and one count of interstate travel with intent to engage in firearms trafficking and is facing up to a maximum of ten years in prison.
Keontice Reed, aka “Manman,” aka “GMT Manman,”of Chicago, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit firearms offenses; one count of conspiracy to unlawfully make, transfer and possess machineguns; one count of false statement during purchase of a firearm; one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; and one count of conspiracy to possess firearms and machineguns in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and is facing up to a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Melvin Griffin, aka “Memo600,” of Snellville, Georgia, and Chicago, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit firearms offenses; one count of possession of firearm by a convicted felon; one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; and one count of conspiracy to possess firearms and machineguns in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and is facing up to a maximum of life in prison.
The defendants have had or will have their initial appearances at times determined by the Court.
According to the indictment and other statements made in court, Edmond is allegedly a member of the Chicago-based gang known as the Black Disciples (BD) and is an associate of another Chicago-based street gang known as the Conservative Vice Lords (CVL), who was directed by the other defendants to make straw purchases of firearms from gun stores in Georgia, which were transported and distributed to criminal street gang members in the Chicago area.
From at least March 27, 2020, to Nov. 10, 2021, Edmond allegedly unlawfully purchased dozens of firearms from gun shops in Georgia for members and associates of the BD and the CVL, and between Sept. 18, 2020, to July 24, 2021, he allegedly bought at least 22 firearms in Georgia, some of which were converted into fully automatic weapons and used to commit numerous crimes of violence.
Two Glock pistols allegedly purchased by Edmond from a gun shop in Athens on May 15, 2021, and texted to Enriquez in United States v. Edmond, et al.
Each time he bought the firearms, Edmond allegedly falsified the required ATF Form 4473 by attesting that he was the true buyer and that he was not acquiring the firearms on behalf of another person.
Guns allegedly purchased by Edmond posted on Enriquez’s social media account and distributed in Chicago to gang members in United States v. Edmond, et al.
During this time, Edmond made multiple trips from Georgia to Illinois to transport the firearms that he purchased in Georgia to gang members in Chicago, including to Reed, a member of a Chicago-based street gang known as the Mickey Cobras and an associate of the CVL, and to Griffin, a convicted felon, member of the BD, and an associate of the CVL. In addition, two unindicted co-conspirators who are both convicted felons—one is an upper-level member of the CVL and the other is a member of the BD—allegedly asked Enriquez and Edmond to acquire guns for them. In 2021, Enriquez and Lucena, a convicted felon and member of the CVL, allegedly made at least one trip from Illinois to Georgia to retrieve firearms purchased for them by Edmond, which were provided to criminal street gang members.
The defendants would allegedly coordinate the purchases and transfers over the phone and through social media, calling the firearms "pipes," "straps," "licks," and "blicks." They also used coded language when discussing specific gun calibers, such as referring to 10mm pistols as "dimes," .45-caliber pistols as "four nickels" or just "nickels," 5.7-caliber pistols as "fifty sevens," and 5.56-caliber pistols as "AR pistols." Edmond was allegedly supplied with machinegun conversion devices (small plastic or metal components designed to convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons) by Enriquez, a convicted felon and member of the CVL, which he then installed on several Glock pistols that he distributed. They used coded terms, including referring to the Glock switches as "Nintendos" in reference to the Nintendo Switch video game system.
As alleged, at the direction of the conspirators, Edmond also purchased ammunition, extended magazines, drum magazines, and he test-fired the guns in the Athens area, including while they were converted to fully automatic functioning with the magazines inserted.
A screenshot of Edmond allegedly firing a fully automatic Glock pistol equipped with a machine gun conversion device and magazine he was reportedly brokering for sale on Sept. 22, 2021, in United States v. Edmond, et al.
From April 14, 2021, to Feb. 15, 2026, police recovered 20 firearms allegedly purchased by Edmond in Illinois, Indiana, and Georgia. In one example, on Oct. 6, 2021, Chicago Police Department officers recovered a Glock pistol from the bedroom of a known juvenile criminal street gang member. A forensic examination of the Glock pistol and fired cartridge casings collected from three separate crime scenes in Chicago revealed that the weapon was allegedly used in three separate violent incidents: the firearm was discharged at the scene of a murder in Chicago on June 20, 2021; the firearm was used by the juvenile to shoot and injure a rival gang member on a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus on Sept. 24, 2021; and it was fired 11 times by the juvenile on N. Drake Avenue in Chicago on Oct. 2, 2021, damaging three cars. This Glock pistol was allegedly purchased by Edmond on May 15, 2021, at a gun store in Athens, just 36 days before it was allegedly used in a murder in Chicago.
This investigation and prosecution are part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative. The HSTF is a United States government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, transnational gangs, and transnational criminal organizations worldwide. This initiative identifies TCOs engaged in a wide range of criminal schemes that violate federal law, while dismantling cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks that fuel violence and instability that threaten the safety and security of the United States and its global partners. It also places a particular emphasis on criminal offenses involving children and ensures the use of all available law enforcement tools to prosecute offenders and/or facilitate the removal of criminal aliens from the United States. Atlanta Wilhelm HSTF is comprised of agents and officers from the ATF, CGIS, DEA, FBI, ICE-HSI, IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, DSS, USMS, USPIS, and USSS, as well as numerous state and local agencies, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case with critical assistance from the Chicago Police Department; FBI-Atlanta; the Rockford, Illinois, Police Department; the Athens Clarke County Police Department; and other state and local law enforcement partners.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case for the Government.
An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
Felon who Fatally Shot St. Louis County Barbershop Patron Sentenced to 125 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Tuesday sentenced a felon who fatally shot someone in a barbershop in 2023 to 125 months in prison.
Nolan Ryan Thomas, now 34, pleaded guilty in March in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted that on Nov. 10, 2023, St. Louis County police were called to a barbershop in the 11600 block of West Florissant Avenue, where a patron had been shot in the leg. Police found Thomas hiding in a nearby wooded area, with suspected narcotics and near a handgun. The victim later died of his injury. While in jail, Thomas admitted shooting the victim but said he did so in self-defense. Thomas is a felon and is thus barred from possessing a firearm.
Judge Schelp ordered Thomas’ sentence to run consecutive to any sentence he receives for pending charges in St. Louis County Circuit Court.
The St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nichole Frankenberg prosecuted the case.
Federal grand jury indicts 11 Venezuelan & Colombian illegal aliens for sex, drug, firearm traffickingRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Eleven illegal aliens from Venezuela and Colombia have been charged federally in a case involving the sex trafficking of a minor and an adult, drug trafficking, and firearms trafficking. Ten were arrested today in Ohio, Tennessee, North Carolina and Florida.
“These defendants—ten of whom are currently illegally present in this country—allegedly engaged in a panoply of illicit trafficking activity, from drugs to firearms to human beings,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “We have no tolerance for anybody who commits such crimes in our communities and we will prosecute them to fullest extent of the law.”
“We will continue to work hard to keep Ohio safe and get narcotics, firearms, and violent criminals off the streets,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie. “These indictments would not be possible without the strong partnerships with our state, local, and federal partners.”
“Today’s enforcement actions are the result of continued coordination with our law enforcement partners to investigate networks of criminals who illegally possess and sell firearms,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jorge Rosendo. “The ATF will continue to hold accountable those who violate federal firearms laws.”
“This indictment demonstrates the Homeland Security Task Force’s unwavering commitment to protecting our communities from transnational criminal organizations that profit from exploiting vulnerable individuals and trafficking dangerous drugs and firearms,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “HSI, working alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively investigate and dismantle criminal networks that threaten public safety.”
A Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) investigation led to the 30-count indictment that was returned on June 11 and unsealed today.
According to the indictment, from July through August 2025, four of the defendants conspired to sex traffic a minor between the ages of 14 and 18 years old and an adult victim. The charging document details that, in relation to this alleged conspiracy, defendants traveled interstate to promote prostitution. Additional charges included creating online commercial sex advertisements in the central Ohio area.
From at least May 2025 until April 2026, defendants allegedly participated in a narcotics conspiracy involving MDMA or ecstasy. Finally, the indictment alleges that some of the defendants unlawfully possessed firearms as illegal aliens and illegally trafficked at least nine firearms.
Those indicted and a list of their charges includes:
NameAgeResidenceNationalityJean Pierre Alejandro Guillen Salcedo30Hilliard, OhioVenezuelanBriyi Daniela Ordonez-Iter21Hilliard, OhioColombianKeivar Elian Guillen Salcedo26Charlotte, NCVenezuelanDervin Alejandro Colmenares Quintero29MexicoVenezuelanTaidin Adreina Ferrer Guillen34Hilliard, OhioVenezuelanJohn Alexandre Fajardo-Ulzcategui27Smyrna, TennesseeVenezuelanPedro Angel Colls-Flores34Columbus, OhioVenezuelanJulian David Patino Pena33Columbus, OhioColombianJose Ruben Sanchez-Pena34Smyrna, TennesseeVenezuelanAlismar Daniela Contreras-Arevalo20Columbus, OhioVenezuelanTherry Brayant Leon Gavida34Jacksonville, FloridaVenezuelanDominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit announced the charges. The Columbus Division of Police, DEA, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and United States Marshals Service have provided significant assistance in this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Sheila G. Lafferty and Jennifer M. Rausch are representing the United States.
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 Columbus comprises agents and officers from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Federal Inmate Pleads Guilty to Operating Multi-Kilo Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Daniel Don Juan (35, Georgia) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. He faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, on April 12, 2025, agents from the Department of Homeland Security (HSI) in Jacksonville were contacted by HSI agents in Savannah regarding a traffic stop conducted by the Turner County Georgia Sheriff’s Office (TCSO). One of Don Juan’s co-conspirators had been pulled over for a traffic violation. During the stop, TCSO and Georgia State Police conducted a dog sniff around the co-conspirator’s vehicle during which the dog alerted to drugs being present inside the vehicle. During a subsequent search, the officers located approximately seven kilograms of fentanyl.
Agents determined that this co-conspirator was transporting the drugs from Lawrenceville, Georgia, to Jacksonville, Florida. According to Don Juan’s co-conspirator, on the morning of April 12, 2025, the co-conspirator was instructed by Don Juan to meet an individual at a store in Lawrenceville to pick up “7 pieces,” which was later determined to mean the seven kilograms of fentanyl. Once the co-conspirator arrived in the store parking lot, a male arrived in a separate vehicle and placed a box containing the seven kilograms of fentanyl in the back of co-conspirators vehicle.
Already serving a federal prison term for a prior drug conspiracy conviction, Don Juan used a contraband cellphone and instructed this co-conspirator to deliver this box to Jacksonville. Don Juan provided specific instructions on the route to Jacksonville as well as a meeting location and information regarding the person his co-conspirator was to meet in Jacksonville to deliver the box containing the drugs. Agents learned that this co-conspirator had made several trips to deliver drugs for Don Juan in the past, including within the Middle District of Florida.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Florida Highway Patrol, the Turner County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John Cannizarro and Elisibeth Adams.
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.
Federal Correctional Officer Sentenced to 200 Months’ Imprisonment for Federal Civil Rights and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Leon Wilson, a former correctional officer at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn (“MDC-Brooklyn”), was sentenced by United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen to 200 months in prison for willfully depriving an individual of his constitutional rights and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Wilson was convicted at trial in October 2025 on both counts of the indictment.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ryan Geach, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region, United States Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG), and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence.
“Leon Wilson used the authority entrusted to him as a federal correctional officer not to protect the public, but to engage in a dangerous and unjustified pursuit that culminated in gunfire on the streets of Brooklyn,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This sentence demonstrates our Office’s unwavering commitment to protecting constitutional rights and prosecuting those who abuse the power of their badges.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the New York City Police Department (NYPD) for its work in this case.
“We rely on Correctional Officers to do their work with honesty and integrity. Unfortunately, Wilson chose to exploit his authority," stated DOJ OIG Special Agent in Charge Geach. “The DOJ OIG will continue working with its law enforcement partners to bring to justice anyone who violates their oath and engages in this type of conduct.”
“Leon Wilson’s flagrant abuse of authority injured a civilian and gravely endangered the lives of countless other New Yorkers. The FBI New York’s Civil Rights Task Force is dedicated to holding accountable public servants who use their badge as a shield to hide behind while engaging in violent criminal activity,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
Wilson was on duty at MDC-Brooklyn on September 4, 2023, when he chased a civilian car (the BMW) out of the facility’s staff parking lot and off MDC-Brooklyn property. Wilson had no authority to pursue the BMW past MDC-Brooklyn’s property line, but he did so anyway and ultimately chased the car to the edge of the Brooklyn Bridge, approximately 3.5 miles from the facility. During the chase, Wilson exceeded the speed limit, passed other vehicles, and ran red lights. Approximately two minutes after the chase began—and nearly a mile from MDC-Brooklyn—Wilson fired several gunshots at the BMW, one of which penetrated the rear of the vehicle and struck the backseat passenger in the chest and lungs. Wilson continued to chase the BMW for several minutes after firing his weapon. He never reported the on-duty shooting to the NYPD, MDC-Brooklyn or Bureau of Prisons personnel.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity and Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Sections. Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Reid, Eric Silverberg, and Raffaela Belizaire are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Daniel Arakawa and Melissa Bennett.
The Defendant:
LEON WILSON
Age: 51
Bronx, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-465 (PKC)
Eight Charged in International Cargo Theft ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging eight defendants—VAGAN GULIAN, ZHIRAYR GUMRUYAN, SEVAK KOCHARIAN, ARAIK SETRAKIAN, VITALY KOSHELAN, ARKADIY PASTIN, JASHANPREET SINGH, and EDGAR BEZHANIAN—with conspiracy to transport and possess stolen property in connection with an international, organized scheme to steal cargo from commercial shippers.
GULIAN, GUMRUYAN, and SETRAKIAN were arrested in California and will be presented in the Central District of California; KOSHELAN was arrested in Florida and will be presented in the Southern District of Florida; SINGH was arrested in Pennsylvania and will be presented in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania; PASTIN was arrested in New York and will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron; and KOCHARIAN is in custody in connection with a pending case and will be presented in the Southern District of New York. BEZHANIAN is at large. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter.
“As alleged, the defendants were members of a sophisticated, international enterprise whose members stole millions of dollars’ worth of merchandise and sold those stolen goods on the black market,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Organized cargo theft is an attack on the integrity of our nation’s commercial supply chain and our markets more generally. Those who conspire to disrupt commerce and harm consumers will be met with a coordinated law enforcement response. Our Office is committed to ridding our supply chains of organized crime, and we will pursue those who exploit global commerce for illicit gain.”
“These eight defendants allegedly were members of an international network to steal merchandise and resell these stolen goods at the direct expense of sellers, shippers, and buyers,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “The FBI’s Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force works to dismantle illegal operations designed to generate illicit profits both domestically and internationally.”
As alleged in the Indictment and documents submitted to Court:
Between in or around March 2023 and the present, the defendants, together with others known and unknown, carried out a large-scale, organized scheme to steal cargo from commercial shippers (the “Cargo Theft Enterprise”). In total, the Cargo Theft Enterprise stole goods worth at least approximately $10 million. The Cargo Theft Enterprise operated throughout the United States and targeted high-value merchandise including electronics, liquor, meat, fish, eggs, clothing, skincare products, and cryptocurrency mining machines, among numerous other items. The defendants and other members of the Cargo Theft Enterprise perpetrated their scheme by diverting, possessing, transporting, and selling numerous loads of stolen merchandise. The Cargo Theft Enterprise relied on the coordinated efforts of at least one “dispatcher” located abroad and facilitators, drivers, and workers located in the United States.
In a typical theft, at least one member of the Cargo Theft Enterprise fraudulently impersonated a legitimate shipping carrier, or other shipping supply chain personnel and companies, to obtain a contract to transport goods from a shipping company to a customer. Other members of the Cargo Theft Enterprise then picked up the load or otherwise diverted the truck containing the load away from its intended destination, including by altering the delivery address and other information on shipping paperwork, and by removing geolocation tracking devices affixed to shipped cargo to track its location and ensure it reaches its proper destination. Once the truck reached the Cargo Theft Enterprise’s intended destination, members of the scheme offloaded and sold the stolen merchandise—including to co-conspirators known as “fences,” who knowingly purchased and resold stolen merchandise on the secondary market—for an illicit profit.
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VAGAN GULIAN, 37, of Glendale, California; ZHIRAYR GUMRUYAN, 36, of Northridge, California; SEVAK KOCHARIAN, 37, of Brooklyn, New York; ARAIK SETRAKIAN, 36, of Los Angeles, California; VITALY KOSHELAN, 56, of Dania Beach, Florida; ARKADIY PASTIN, of Brooklyn, New York; JASHANPREET SINGH, 29, of Oaklyn, New Jersey; and EDGAR BEZHANIAN, 46, of Yerevan, Armenia, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to transport and possess stolen merchandise, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
KOCHARIAN is separately charged with one count of conspiracy to commit extortion, which carries a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison. That case is pending before U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force. Mr. Clayton also thanked the New York City Police Department, the New Jersey State Police, the Port Authority Police Department, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Grossinger and David Steinbach are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
EagleBank Agrees to Pay More than $9.7 Million to Resolve Bank Secrecy Act InvestigationRead the Press Release
Note: A copy of the non-prosecution agreement and statement of facts can be found here.
HARRISBURG — U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller announced that EagleBank, a community bank with operations in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, and its parent entity, Eagle Bancorp Inc. (collectively, EagleBank), entered into a non-prosecution agreement today and agreed to pay over $9.7 million to resolve the Justice Department’s investigation into violations of the Bank Secrecy Act.
“It is simply unacceptable for financial institutions to permit fraud under their noses,” said U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “Our office is determined to investigate corporate crimes and fight financial fraud. We thank our partners for working with us.”
“For more than a decade, EagleBank knowingly allowed favored clients to operate a check kiting scheme, even as compliance personnel repeatedly tried to stop it,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Financial institutions are the first line of defense against financial crimes and must be gatekeepers, not gateways, for criminal activity. As this resolution makes clear, when banks deliberately allow unlawful conduct to persist, the Criminal Division will ensure they are held accountable.”
“EagleBank’s failure to stop major fraud weakened the financial system and enabled criminal activity,” said Assistant Director Heith Janke of the FBI’s Criminal Division. “The FBI will continue working with partners to hold institutions accountable and protect the public.”
According to the non-prosecution agreement, EagleBank admits that between 2010 and 2021, it willfully failed to establish an anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) program, in violation of the Bank Secrecy Act. In one instance, the bank admits that it allowed two customers, a son and his father, to operate a check kiting scheme for more than a decade through accounts at EagleBank. Check kiting is a form of fraud in which an accountholder writes a check for an amount greater than the amount available in the account and deposits that check into an account at a different bank, with the intent that the second bank will credit the funds to the second account before discovering the check was not supported by sufficient funds. Fraudsters frequently continue to write bad checks, often in a circular pattern amongst banks, to nominally cover overdrafts by continuing to take advantage of the delay in processing checks.
In this case, the father was a friend and business partner of EagleBank’s former chairman and CEO, who resigned in 2019. Over the course of the scheme, senior bank executives repeatedly overrode the efforts of compliance personnel to close the accounts and end the illicit conduct. EagleBank’s facilitation of this scheme resulted in a loss of almost $6.3 million to another financial institution.
Under the terms of the non-prosecution agreement, EagleBank agreed to pay the United States a fine of $9,057,821.62 and forfeiture of $736,515. The forfeiture amount consists of EagleBank’s proceeds from overdraft fees on the accounts involved in the check kiting scheme. EagleBank has further agreed to take additional remedial measures to strengthen its AML/CFT program, to cooperate with the Department’s investigation, and to report any violations of federal criminal law to the Department.
The FBI investigated the case.
This case is being prosecuted by Chief Michael P. Grady of the Bank Integrity Unit of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s (MNF) 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.
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EagleBank Agrees to Pay More than $9.7 Million to Resolve Bank Secrecy Act InvestigationRead the Press Release
Note: A copy of the non-prosecution agreement and statement of facts can be found here.
EagleBank, a community bank with operations in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, and its parent entity, Eagle Bancorp Inc. (collectively, EagleBank), entered into a non-prosecution agreement today and agreed to pay over $9.7 million to resolve the Justice Department’s investigation into violations of the Bank Secrecy Act.
“For more than a decade, EagleBank knowingly allowed favored clients to operate a check kiting scheme, even as compliance personnel repeatedly tried to stop it,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Financial institutions are the first line of defense against financial crimes and must be gatekeepers, not gateways, for criminal activity. As this resolution makes clear, when banks deliberately allow unlawful conduct to persist, the Criminal Division will ensure they are held accountable.”
“It is simply unacceptable for financial institutions to permit fraud under their noses,” said U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. “Our office is determined to investigate corporate crimes and fight financial fraud. We thank our partners for working with us.”
“EagleBank’s failure to stop major fraud weakened the financial system and enabled criminal activity,” said Assistant Director Heith Janke of the FBI’s Criminal Division. “The FBI will continue working with partners to hold institutions accountable and protect the public.”
According to the non-prosecution agreement, EagleBank admits that between 2010 and 2021, it willfully failed to establish an anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) program, in violation of the Bank Secrecy Act. In one instance, the bank admits that it allowed two customers, a son and his father, to operate a check kiting scheme for more than a decade through accounts at EagleBank. Check kiting is a form of fraud in which an accountholder writes a check for an amount greater than the amount available in the account and deposits that check into an account at a different bank, with the intent that the second bank will credit the funds to the second account before discovering the check was not supported by sufficient funds. Fraudsters frequently continue to write bad checks, often in a circular pattern amongst banks, to nominally cover overdrafts by continuing to take advantage of the delay in processing checks.
In this case, the father was a friend and business partner of EagleBank’s former chairman and CEO, who resigned in 2019. Over the course of the scheme, senior bank executives repeatedly overrode the efforts of compliance personnel to close the accounts and end the illicit conduct. EagleBank’s facilitation of this scheme resulted in a loss of almost $6.3 million to another financial institution.
Under the terms of the non-prosecution agreement, EagleBank agreed to pay the United States a fine of $9,057,821.62 and forfeiture of $736,515. The forfeiture amount consists of EagleBank’s proceeds from overdraft fees on the accounts involved in the check kiting scheme. EagleBank has further agreed to take additional remedial measures to strengthen its AML/CFT program, to cooperate with the Department’s investigation, and to report any violations of federal criminal law to the Department.
The FBI investigated the case.
This case is being prosecuted by Chief Michael P. Grady of the Bank Integrity Unit of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s (MNF) 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.
Dominican National Previously Convicted of Drug Trafficking Offense Admits Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that YUNIOR BENAVIDES, 50, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to unlawful reentry of a removed alien.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2009, Benavides and others were charged with federal offenses related to their participation in a Hartford area narcotics distribution conspiracy. He pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment and, in November 2013, was deported to the Dominican Republic. Benavides subsequently illegally reentered the U.S.
On March 6, 2026, HSI agents stopped a car in West Hartford in connection with a drug trafficking investigation. Benavides, the driver of the car, was identified as being unlawfully present in the U.S. and was taken into custody. He was also in possession of a false identification document.
Judge Oliver scheduled sentencing for September 22, 2026, at which time Benavides faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. He has been detained since March 6.
This matter has been investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
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.
Dixie County Man Indicted for Federal Child Exploitation Crimes Spanning Nearly a DecadeRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – Joseph Lee Parker, 37, of Old Town, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with four counts of attempted enticement of a minor, three counts of attempted production of child pornography, and three counts of attempted receipt of child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
Parker appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Midori A. Lowry in Gainesville, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for July 22, 2026, at 8:30 am before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Gainesville, Florida.
If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment, on each attempted enticement of a minor count; a mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment, and up to 30 years’ imprisonment, on each attempted production of child pornography count; and a mandatory minimum of 5 years’ imprisonment, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment on each attempted receipt of child pornography count.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Eric W. Welch is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Denton County man sentenced to federal prison for committing three armed robberies of banks in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Denton man who committed three armed robberies of banks in the Denton County area, has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison, announced Eastern District of Texas, U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jonathan Mark Fleming, 41, pleaded guilty to bank robbery and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Richard Schell on June 29, 2026.
According to information presented in court, from November 2022 to February 2023, the defendant committed three armed robberies of banks in the Denton County area. For each robbery, the defendant dressed in all black, wore black gloves, black ski goggles and a black mask. He also brandished a firearm. During the first two robberies, the defendant arrived at the banks in a red Dodge Challenger. For the final robbery, he arrived in a Dodge Ram TRX truck. Investigators were able to track the Dodge Ram TRX truck to the original dealership and learned the defendant had purchased the truck with a large cash payment and a trade-in of a red Dodge Challenger. Having identified the defendant as a possible suspect, a search warrant was subsequently obtained for Fleming’s apartment on February 23, 2023. During the search of the apartment, Fleming was located as the sole occupant and was arrested. Officers also located items that they had observed on video surveillance from the robberies, including a black/gray duffel bag, black clothing, a black face covering, a gun belt with holster, and black ski goggles. A large sum of United States currency, which was still wrapped in bank currency bands, was also located inside the apartment, as well as multiple firearms; specifically, a black M&P Smith and Wesson handgun in a holster (believed to be used in the robbery committed on November 10, 2022); a black newly purchased Glock handgun with a receipt; and two AR-style rifles. In addition, two police radio scanners and multiple receipts, detailing large deposits ranging from $19,000 to $40,000 into various bank accounts, were located. In all the defendant stole approximately $450,000.00 in cash from the three bank robberies.
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 Denton Police Department; Lewisville Police Department; Flower Mound Police Department; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.
Cuban illegal alien sent to federal prison for role in human smuggling operationRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 29-year-old illegal alien from Cuba living in Houston has been ordered to federal prison in a crime that involved transporting numerous illegal aliens, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Juan Manuel Sifontes-Sinales pleaded guilty Feb. 12.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Sifontes-Sinales to serve 18 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the conduct Sifontes-Sinales demonstrated showed a reckless disregard for human life. Judge Ramos also expressed concern about the number of the aliens who were transported.
On Oct. 17, 2025, Sifontes-Sinales approached the Javier Vega Jr. Border Patrol checkpoint near Sarita driving a box truck. At that time, law enforcement determined he did not have legal authorization to be in the country. A scan of the vehicle also revealed anomalies in the cargo area. Authorities conducted a search and uncovered a false wall concealing a compartment containing 19 illegal aliens without food, water or the ability to sit.
The investigation revealed communications Sifontes-Sinales had with smugglers, including the stash house caretaker. His phone also showed the phone number used to send instructions to the hidden aliens in the box truck. Records showed his truck had crossed the checkpoint six times, each accompanied by the same scout vehicle. Further investigation also revealed that the smuggling operation as a whole that he was involved with had transported more than 25 illegal aliens.
Sifontes-Sinales has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Young Min Burkett prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Colby woman accused of forging coworkers’ signatures to steal from employerRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas woman with using her position as head of the financial division to embezzle more than $750,000 from her employer.
According to court documents, Shania A. Shanahan, 39, of Colby was indicted on:
• 43 counts of bank fraud.
• 25 counts of money laundering, and
• Five counts of aggravated identity theft.According to court documents, Shanahan is the former controller at an agricultural cooperative in Colby that provides grain and fuel services to its members. She supervised the accounting department, and her duties included processing and making payments, reconciling bank accounts, and making entries into the general ledger for purchases and expenses.
Between January 2017 and November 2025, Shanahan is accused of forging 233 checks for approximately $753,575 from the co-op’s account and depositing the funds into her personal bank account. She allegedly used coworkers’ signatures without their knowledge or consent which is the basis for the identity theft charges. The defendant is accused of concealing the deception by falsifying records to make the fraudulent payments appear to be legitimate payments to herself and other third-party vendors.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting the case.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Ricardo Refujio Ortiz-Ortega, 45, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case.
Ronnie L.J. Richard, 43, of Wichita was indicted on two counts of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting the case.
Chad W. Sunley, 45, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances -methamphetamine, four counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting the case.
Arthur Waters, 46, was indicted on one count of escape from custody. The U.S. Marshal Service is investigating. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Clovis Man Arrested After Alleged Threatening Facebook Posts Targeting Pride EventRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Clovis man was arrested on federal charges after allegedly posting threatening comments on Facebook in response to a Lubbock Pride Fest 2026 event post, according to court documents.
On June 27, 2026, Michael Kenneth Thompson, 44, allegedly posted threatening comments on Facebook in response to a Lubbock Pride Fest 2026 event post made by the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Facebook page, including statements referencing the Pride event as “hunting season” and “target practice.” Thompson also commented that he did not need help, “just more ammo!” Following receipt of an anonymous tip, the FBI National Threat Operations Center identified the Facebook account and traced the activity to Thompson in Clovis, New Mexico.
Local law enforcement contacted Thompson, who admitted making the comments and later deleting them. Thompson was subsequently arrested by the FBI on June 28, 2026, at his residence in Clovis.
Thompson is charged with interstate threatening communications and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for July 1, 2026. If convicted of the current charge, Thompson faces up to five years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Roswell Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Clovis Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Civil Complaint Filed over False Laboratory ClaimsRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, United States Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace announced the filing of civil claims against three defendants, Alpha Care Medical, LLC; its owner Nihar Gala, of Lewes, Delaware; and its laboratory director Bo Wang, of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program through submission of false claims for laboratory diagnostic testing. The complaint filed in federal court is part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
In its complaint, the United States alleges that the defendants violated the False Claims Act by submitting thousands of claims to government healthcare programs for laboratory diagnostic tests that lacked a valid medical purpose to diagnose or treat patients, were conducted in violation of laboratory clinical standards that ensure reliability, and, in numerous cases, were not conducted at all.
“As alleged, the defendants exploited federal health care programs for financial gain at the expense of patients and taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Wallace. “In the District of Delaware, we will continue to vigorously enforce the False Claims Act to protect patients, public funds, and the integrity of our health care system.”
The civil claims announced by U.S. Attorney Wallace are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. The 2026 Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: charges in 56 federal districts and involving 45 U.S. states and territories, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a $1.2 billion telemedicine scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; seize over $182 million in cash, houses, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and provide full spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.
Coordinated enforcement action involving a whole-of-government approach, includes:
- Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
- 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
- Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
- 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.
The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virginia participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.
Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.
The District of Delaware, in particular, worked with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) to investigate the case, which is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Vieyra.
The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates its emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800 HHS TIPS (800-447-8477).
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. A copy of the complaint is attached to this press release. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 26-cv-707.
The allegations in the complaint are merely accusations. There has been no determination of liability.
Chinese national pleads guilty to narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and material support to terrorism in Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
A Honduras-based Chinese national extradited from Guatemala pled guilty today to conspiring to import cocaine into the United States, conspiring to launder money derived from drug trafficking, and to providing material support to a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, specifically the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG).
According to court documents, Wenshen Xu, 52, used a transportation network and contacts in Latin America to smuggle multi-kilogram loads of cocaine into the United States. Xu’s transportation network included access to airstrips, airports, armored cars, couriers, and associates. On July 17, 2025, Xu and others agreed to arrange and facilitate the transportation of a multi-kilogram load of cocaine out of Cali, Colombia, on behalf of an individual who claimed to represent the CJNG. Xu and his co-conspirators imported over 450 kilograms of cocaine into the United States. Xu and his co-conspirators also coordinated the laundering of over $22 million dollars from the sale of cocaine and fentanyl by drug trafficking organizations. This money laundering network used a variety of concealment methods, including cryptocurrency money transfers, trade-based money laundering, and encrypted communications platforms.
Xu was arrested in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on July 17, 2025, at the request of the United States and was extradited to the United States on Jan. 30.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 15 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit is investigating the case, with assistance from DEA’s Office of Special Intelligence, Document and Media Exploitation Unit; DEA’s offices in Guatemala and Colombia; the Colombian National Police; and the Guatemalan National Police. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Guatemala.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edgardo J. Rodriguez and Christopher M. Carter for the Eastern District of Viriginia and Trial Attorney Chelsea R. Rooney of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section are 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 Washington, D.C., comprises agents and officers from the DEA; FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service; Naval Criminal Investigative Service; Transportation Security Administration Federal Air Marshals Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Enforcement and Removal Operations; and Washington Baltimore HIDTA, with the prosecution being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.
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 Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit investigates and prosecutes sophisticated money laundering schemes involving financial facilitators, gatekeepers, and other individuals and entities laundering criminal proceeds, and litigates complex civil forfeiture cases to recover assets on behalf of victims.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-231.
Chinese National Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Henglie Zhou (31, China) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jordan E. Pratt to five years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. Zhou pleaded guilty on March 5, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on October 7, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, a trooper from the Florida Highway Patrol stopped a transit van for a traffic violation. Zhou was the driver and sole occupant of the van. A canine unit responded to the traffic stop and alerted to the presence of drugs inside the vehicle.
A search of the van revealed 22 cardboard boxes in the cargo area. Each box contained between 20 and 30 vacuum-sealed bags containing marijuana. In total, there was approximately 597 pounds, or 271 kilograms, of marijuana. Zhou later advised that the van was rented. He claimed to not know who had rented the van or for how long it was rented. Zhou denied having knowledge of the marijuana being inside the van or whether the boxes were inside at the time he took possession of the vehicle.
The investigation revealed that Zhou had rented the van the same day of his arrest. Rental agency records further revealed that Zhou had previously rented cargo vans in Jacksonville on 11 occasions between March and September 2024. Each rental lasted one or two days.
In related court proceedings, Jack Anntsai Chang, Kenneth Chu, Hang Sin, Yonquan Yu, Wai Lok Hui, Shaoyun Ye, Fan Liu, and Key’on Garmon have each been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Florida Highway Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams.
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.
Chinese National Pleads Guilty to Narcotics Trafficking, Money Laundering, and Material Support to Terrorism in Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
A Honduras-based Chinese national extradited from Guatemala pleaded guilty today to conspiring to import cocaine into the United States, conspiring to launder money derived from drug trafficking, and to providing material support to a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, specifically the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG).
According to court documents, Wenshen Xu, 52, used a transportation network and contacts in Latin America to smuggle multi-kilogram loads of cocaine into the United States. Xu’s transportation network included access to airstrips, airports, armored cars, couriers, and associates. On July 17, 2025, Xu and others agreed to arrange and facilitate the transportation of a multi-kilogram load of cocaine out of Cali, Colombia, on behalf of an individual who claimed to represent the CJNG. Xu and his co-conspirators imported over 450 kilograms of cocaine into the United States. Xu and his co-conspirators also coordinated the laundering of over $22 million dollars from the sale of cocaine and fentanyl by drug trafficking organizations. This money laundering network used a variety of concealment methods, including cryptocurrency money transfers, trade-based money laundering, and encrypted communications platforms.
Xu was arrested in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on July 17, 2025, at the request of the United States and was extradited to the United States on Jan. 30.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 15 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Cindy Marx of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Special Operations Division made the announcement.
The DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit is investigating the case, with assistance from DEA’s Office of Special Intelligence, Document and Media Exploitation Unit; DEA’s offices in Guatemala and Colombia; the Colombian National Police; and the Guatemalan National Police. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Guatemala.
Trial Attorney Chelsea R. Rooney of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edgardo J. Rodriguez and Christopher M. Carter for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. 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.
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 Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit investigates and prosecutes sophisticated money laundering schemes involving financial facilitators, gatekeepers, and other individuals and entities laundering criminal proceeds, and litigates complex civil forfeiture cases to recover assets on behalf of victims.
Central Falls Man Sentenced for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE – A Central Falls man involved in narcotics trafficking has been sentenced in federal court in Rhode Island for distribution of fentanyl.
Christian Carrion, 33, was sentenced on June 25, 2026, by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 5 years imprisonment to be followed by 4 years of supervised release on one count of distribution of fentanyl.
According to court documents, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force conducted an investigation that identified Carrion as involved in fentanyl distribution. As part of that investigation, Carrion sold approximately 56 grams of fentanyl to another individual in May 2025.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julianne Klein and Peter I. Roklan.
The matter was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.
The Safe Streets Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, the Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.
Capital District Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 168 Months for Leading Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Felix Arencibia, age 40, of Amsterdam, New York, was sentenced today to 168 months’ imprisonment and five years of post-imprisonment supervised release for conspiracy and methamphetamine distribution charges in connection with his distribution and possession with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of pure methamphetamine and fentanyl.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam; and acting Inspector in Charge Jason Buckley of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, made the announcement.
As part of his guilty plea, Arencibia admitted that between November 2022 and July 2023, he received through the United States mail at least 5,615 grams of pure methamphetamine from Christian Mur-Santana, his Nevada-based drug supplier. Arencibia then distributed the methamphetamine to drug dealers in the Capital District.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Thanks to the outstanding work of our partners at the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, this defendant is no longer able to traffic dangerous narcotics into our community. Dismantling the sophisticated operation run by this individual and his co-conspirators underscores the critical role of federal law enforcement working together to deliver justice for the American people. The U.S. Postal Service is a vital part of our nation’s infrastructure, not a tool for criminal organizations to exploit.”
“The sentencing of Felix Arencibia, who operated a significant drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl throughout the Capital District, marks the end of his ability to poison our communities,” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “Mr. Arencibia exploited the U.S. Postal Service to facilitate his drug trafficking network, fueling addiction and placing profit above human life. The DEA and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in identifying, targeting, and dismantling those who abuse our nation’s mail system to distribute deadly narcotics. We will continue pursuing those who profit from addiction and work tirelessly to protect the people of New York.”
“Today’s sentencing is an example of the resolve of U.S. Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners to uncover and bring to justice drug traffickers who, through their network of criminal enterprise, prey on our communities” said acting Inspector in Charge Jason Buckley of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division. “We will not tolerate these criminals distributing lethal substances such as fentanyl, destroying the lives of many who fall victim to addiction and despair. Let this be a warning that no matter where you are, you will be held accountable for your illegal activity, restoring safety to the communities we serve.”
Arencibia was the leader of the organization comprised of eight additional defendants charged in this investigation. The following defendants have pled guilty and have been sentenced or are pending sentencing:
- Andrew Deleon was sentenced to 72 months imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release
- Stefanie Plass was sentenced to 24 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release
- Ahmad Burke was sentenced to 14 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release
- Todd Austin was sentenced to 78 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release
- Kevisha Duboise is scheduled to be sentenced on August 13, 2026.
- Flor Arencibia is scheduled to be sentenced on July 10, 2026.
- Melissa Karwan is scheduled to be sentenced on July 15, 2026.
- Christian Mur-Santana is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, 2026.
These cases were investigated by the DEA and USPIS. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal is prosecuting the cases.
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. he HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Alcohol, Tabacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service (IRS/ CID), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Customs and Border Protection/ Office of Border Patrol (CBP/ OBP), Customs and Border Protection/ Office of Field Operations (CBP/ OFO), DEA, Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), USPIS, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Department of State/Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.
California Men Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced two California siblings to decades in prison for supplying dozens of kilograms of methamphetamine and other drugs to a criminal enterprise in southeast Missouri.
Judge Limbaugh sentenced Lorenzo A. Marquez, 32, to 360 months in prison and Adam A. Marquez, 28, to 204 months in prison. Jurors at the trial of both men in March found that they had supplied at least 500g or more of meth, 400g or more of fentanyl and 500g or more of cocaine to co-conspirators in Missouri. Jurors convicted each man of one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Evidence and testimony during the trial showed that the Marquez brothers were the California-based suppliers of illegal drugs that were shipped, driven or smuggled via checked baggage on commercial airlines to Missouri. In Nashville, officers seized 2,973 fentanyl pills and 391 MDMA pills. Three drug couriers were intercepted in Detroit on their way to Southeast Missouri with about 60 pounds of meth and almost three pounds of cocaine. In Perry County, Missouri, investigators found about 20 pounds of meth, 4.5 pounds of cocaine, and 315 grams of fentanyl in a suitcase. The couriers didn’t just take three flights, they took hundreds, a sentencing memorandum filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Shelton says. The memo says the Marquez brothers are likely the most prolific drug suppliers ever prosecuted in the history of the Southeastern Division of the Eastern District of Missouri.
The Marquez brothers were indicted along with six others on July 11, 2023. All others pleaded guilty. Javontrey L. Wiley, 25, who admitted providing security for the conspiracy leaders, drugs and cash; managed lower-level participants and personally engaged in drug trafficking, was sentenced to 144 months. Oluwasegun Odumuyiwa, 52, who was also a California-based supplier, was sentenced to 76 months in prison.
The Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office, the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Department of Public Safety, the Sikeston Department of Public Safety and the Cape Girardeau Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Shelton and Paul Hahn are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, 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.
Burlington Man Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
COVINGTON, Ky. – A Burlington man, Derrick Becker, 51, was sentenced on Monday to 180 months by U.S. District Judge S. Chad Meredith for possession of child pornography.
On July 23, 2025, law enforcement conducted a search warrant on Becker’s residence and seized his electronic storage devices. An examination of the devices revealed over 7,000 unique digital images and over 80 unique digital videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including depictions of minors engaged in bondage and in bestiality. Becker admitted that he knew the production of the images and videos on the storage devices involved the use of minors and that they were sent over the internet.
Becker had previously been convicted of possession or viewing of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor in January 2017.
Under federal law, Becker must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 15 years.
Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Sheriff Les K. Hill, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Boone County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Spievack is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the 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.
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Buffalo man arrested, charged with throwing a brick at the window of the FBIRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Octavio Smith, 47, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with depredation of government property, which carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison.
According to the criminal complaint, in November 2022, Smith threw a brick at a window of the FBI Buffalo Field Office and was immediately detained by on-site security personnel. When Buffalo Police officers arrived, Smith stated that he wanted to talk to the FBI and that he did this to “get the FBI’s attention.” Smith was taken into custody and told FBI agents “I’m a threat.” He was charged with depredation of government property, which was ultimately dismissed with prejudice.
On June 25, 2026, Smith again was observed throwing a brick at a window of the FBI Building and was detained. He was initially arrested by Buffalo Police officers and charged with mischief.
Smith made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A.C. Penrose. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields.
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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Braden H. Boucek Formally Invested as United States Attorney for the Middle District of TennesseeRead the Press Release
NASHVILLE — Braden H. Boucek was formally invested as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee during an investiture ceremony held June 26, 2026, at the Soli Deo Center on the campus of Christ Presbyterian Academy in Nashville. The investiture marked the formal ceremonial recognition of Boucek's appointment as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Chief Judge William L. Campbell Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee administered the oath of office. Judge Whitney Hermandorfer of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, who administered Boucek's initial oath of office in December 2025, presided over the ceremony.
United States Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty delivered remarks recognizing Boucek's unanimous Senate confirmation and his record of public service. Blackburn noted that Boucek "was unanimously confirmed by the Senate late last year," adding that such confirmations "don't happen a lot in Washington, D.C." She also highlighted the Senate's desire for nominees with significant prosecutorial experience, strong professional reputations, and a commitment to faithfully enforcing federal law. Hagerty described the office of United States Attorney as "an incredible responsibility at a very auspicious time" and encouraged Boucek to faithfully uphold the rule of law.
Boucek's public service includes serving as an Assistant United States Attorney in both Nashville and Memphis, an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Tennessee, and an Assistant District Attorney. Before his confirmation, he served as Vice President of Litigation at the Southeastern Legal Foundation.
In his remarks, Boucek reflected on the history of the Office of the United States Attorney, noting that it was established by the Judiciary Act of 1789, predating the Department of Justice itself. He emphasized the enduring responsibility of identifying, defending, and faithfully enforcing federal law while safeguarding the constitutional rights guaranteed to every American.
"To take an oath to defend the Constitution is the honor of a lifetime, and one for which I will be unceasing in my gratitude," Boucek said.
Boucek pledged vigorous enforcement of federal law while exercising prosecutorial authority with restraint.
"The days of wholesale non-enforcement of categories of federal law are over," Boucek said. "Apart from enforcing the federal laws that protect your life, liberty, and property, we will stay out of your hair, your wallet, and your lives."
Boucek concluded by thanking his wife, Monica, and their children for their steadfast support and reaffirmed his commitment to the people of the Middle District of Tennessee.
"We will never stop fighting for you," Boucek said.
The ceremony was attended by members of the federal judiciary, former United States Attorneys for the Middle District of Tennessee, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, state and local officials, law enforcement leaders, members of the legal community, and Boucek's family and friends. The program included the presentation of the colors by the Music City Young Marines, an invocation by Pastor Tommy Vallejos, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Boucek's daughter, and a benediction by Pastor Todd Teller.
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Billings man sentenced to 20 years in prison for trafficking meth with a gunRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Billings man was sentenced Friday to 15 years in prison for selling meth, followed by 10 years of supervised release. He was also sentenced to five years for possessing a gun, followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Dustin Lee Wolff, 42, pleaded guilty in January 2026 to one count of possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of using a dangerous weapon in a drug crime. His sentences for the two crimes will run consecutively.
U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided.
The government alleged in court documents that Wolff was selling meth in the Billings area.
The case began in spring 2025 when the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and the Billings Police Department Street Crimes Unit learned that Wolff was possibly involved in drug trafficking.
Billings police pulled over Wolff on May 5, 2025, after he made an illegal U-turn and initially refused to stop. Officers questioned Wolff and he admitted to selling meth. They searched his truck and found just under a pound of meth, a stolen 9mm Glock pistol, a Smith & Wesson .380 caliber pistol and $14,525 in cash, suspected to be proceeds from drug sales.
Nearly three weeks later, on May 22, 2025, Task Force agents watched Wolff sell drugs to a known drug addict. At this point, Wolff had an outstanding warrant for his arrest and so Task Force agents stopped and arrested him. In his truck, law enforcement found another pound of meth, a stolen 9mm Taurus pistol, a .223 caliber AR pistol, cash, and drug paraphernalia.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.
Bergen County Man Sentenced to 210 Months in Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County man who trafficked kilos of fentanyl from his family home was sentenced on June 26, 2026, to 210 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release before the Honorable U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler, in Newark federal court, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
Plinio Junior Pineda Lopez, 35, Oakland, New Jersey was convicted following a four-day trial before Judge Chesler in Newark federal court of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and over 500 grams of cocaine.
“The defendant transformed his family home into a staging ground for fentanyl trafficking, prioritizing profit over public safety. Fentanyl already destroys families, and this defendant took that danger one step further by bringing it directly into a home with young children. This significant sentence holds him accountable for helping spread a drug responsible for unprecedented loss of life, and serves as a warning to others engaged in the fentanyl trade.”
– U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer
“Plinio Junior Pineda Lopez’s sentencing marks a major victory in Homeland Security Investigations’ fight against the dangerous fentanyl threat,” said HSI Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas. “By dismantling this trafficking network, we and our partners removed cartel-level quantities of fentanyl from the streets and prevented countless overdoses. We remain committed to using every law enforcement tool and partnership available to stop those who endanger American lives.”
According to documents filed in this case and evidence at trial:
Lopez directed and conspired with others to distribute large quantities of fentanyl between Florida and New Jersey. Following an extensive investigation of Lopez’s drug activity in Jacksonville, Miami, and Bergen County, law enforcement arrested Lopez on July 11, 2023, in Wallington, New Jersey when he attempted to conduct a narcotics transaction involving over one kilogram of fentanyl. Following his arrest, and pursuant to a court-authorized search warrant, law enforcement searched Lopez’s home and recovered an extensive quantity of fentanyl and cocaine that was hidden in air ducts and appliances throughout his home, where children were present. Through this investigation, law enforcement recovered a total of approximately nine kilograms of fentanyl and approximately one kilogram of cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas in Newark; HSI Miami, HSI Jacksonville, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) and CBP Office of Field Operations (OFO), the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, the Oakland Police Department, and the Westwood Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Pontillo, with the investigation that led to the charges and conviction.
This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Goldberg, Chief of the Narcotics and International Trafficking Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Thompson of the Organized Crime/Gang Unit in Newark.
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Defense counsel: Carol Dominguez, Esq.
Baxter Springs man sentenced for enticing minor to produce and send him child pornographyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN – A Kansas man was sentenced to 222 months in prison for enticing a minor to create and send him child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court documents, Garrett Gayoso, 25, of Baxter Springs pleaded guilty to one count production of child pornography.
Gayoso met the 16- year-old minor online. Evidence shows the victim was quickly forthcoming with Gayoso about her age. Gayoso groomed and convinced the victim to engage in sexually explicit activity, produce visual depictions of the conduct, and then send him the images via text messages. Between August 2024 and April 2025, Gayoso exchanged text messages with the minor that contained over 100 CSAM images.
“The defendant in this case was a law enforcement officer at the time this crime occurred. It’s deeply troubling that someone who took an oath to protect and serve the public would turn out to be someone from whom our society needs protection,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Child predators are master manipulators. Children should be taught that any time someone directs them to keep secrets from trusted adults that is not someone with whom they should be communicating.”
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) investigated the case.
Project Safe Childhood
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.Artesia Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Kidnap and Murdering a Woman in 2021Read the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – An Artesia man has pleaded guilty to kidnapping a woman from an Artesia motel and murdering her at a remote site in Eddy County in 2021.
According to court documents, on February 26, 2021, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Jerrold Albert Chavarria, 37, and Jerry Romero, 47, kidnapped Jane Doe from the Budget Inn motel in Artesia, New Mexico. Video footage from the Budget Inn motel showed Romero escorting a sobbing Jane Doe into the back seat of a red SUV driven by Chavarria. Approximately one hour later, at 5:35 a.m., the video footage showed Romero and Chavarria returning to the Budget Inn motel without Jane Doe. At 10:21 a.m., Jane Doe’s lifeless body was discovered at a remote location on an oil lease approximately 11 miles from the Budget Inn motel. Jane Doe had been shot twenty-one times at close range with two different calibers of ammunition.
Chavarria pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap and faces up to life in prison at sentencing.
Romero remains in custody pending trial, which is not currently scheduled.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Roswell Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Y. Armijo are prosecuting the case.
764 Member Charged with Plot to Kill Two FBI Special Agents and a Federal Prosecutor and to Steal Incriminating Evidence from FBIRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Aaron Corey, a.k.a. “Baggeth,” age 23, of Albany, New York, has been charged in a federal criminal complaint with attempted murder for hire, solicitation of a crime of violence, and obstruction of justice, related to his attempts to hire a hit man kill the two FBI Special Agents and the Assistant United States Attorney (“AUSA”) assigned to investigate and prosecute him in an unrelated federal criminal case.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Division Craig Tremaroli made the announcement.
The complaint, which was unsealed today, alleges that Corey self-identifies as a member of the “764,” a criminal organization of Nihilistic Violent Extremists operating within the United States and abroad. Among other things, those involved with the 764 network methodically target vulnerable, underage populations by using social media to encourage the possession, production, and sharing of extreme gore media and child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
The complaint further alleges that Corey, who is being detained pending trial on unrelated federal child pornography charges, sent multiple letters to another inmate asking for help to hire someone to steal from the FBI the electronic devices seized from him for use at his upcoming trial and to murder the two FBI agents and the AUSA assigned to that case. Specifically, Corey allegedly directed that the victims be kidnapped, injected with fentanyl, and then put through a woodchipper. When the AUSA assigned to Corey’s case left the U.S. Attorney’s Office to take another job, Corey allegedly updated his request and added to his hit list the name of the AUSA who took over the case.
According to the complaint, the inmate who received Corey’s letters sent them to his attorney, who informed the FBI, and at the FBI’s request the other inmate provided the phone number of an undercover law enforcement officer (the “UC”) to Corey. The complaint further alleges that Corey, believing the UC to be a real hit man, wrote a letter to the UC offering to pay $200 down and $5,000 total for his electronic devices to be stolen from the FBI and $500 down and $30,000 total for the two FBI agents and the recently assigned AUSA to be murdered, reiterating his desire for them to be put through a woodchipper, this time asking for a video recording. Corey allegedly spoke with the UC multiple times and arranged for his fiancée, who lives abroad, to send the requested down payments of $200 and $500 to the UC, which she did.
“I commend the quick work of the FBI in investigating and disrupting this alleged and depraved murder‑for‑hire scheme. Their swift actions brought an immediate end to this disturbing situation involving an Assistant United States Attorney in my office and two FBI Special Agents. We will prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law,” said First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “Let me be clear: any attempt to obstruct justice or to harm federal law enforcement officials or federal prosecutors will be met with the full weight of the Department of Justice. My office will continue to tirelessly prosecute all 764 members and other Nihilistic Violent Extremists, whose violent and anti‑social goals have no place in civilized society and will not be tolerated.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli said, "As alleged in the criminal complaint, Mr. Corey ordered the gruesome murder of two FBI Special Agents and an Assistant United States Attorney. He quickly found out just how seriously the FBI takes threats of violence, especially those directed toward law enforcement. His alleged plot was a depraved effort to rid himself of the serious federal charge he was facing, but it only resulted in additional charges that, if convicted, will significantly extend his time in federal prison. This sadistic behavior is exactly why the FBI is deeply committed to relentlessly investigating the sick individuals in the dangerous 764 network that aim to spread violence and chaos in our society."Corey was arraigned on the new charges today in Albany, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart and will remain in pretrial detention. The charges in the complaint carry a combined maximum sentence of 50 years in prison, a fine of up to $750,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 5 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute(s) the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
The charges pending against Corey in the underlying receipt of child pornography case and in the complaint described above are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent of all charges unless and until proven guilty.
FBI is investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry is prosecuting the case.
criminal_complaint_us_v_aaron_corey_ndny.pdf7 Charged in $550K SCDC Bribery SchemeRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a nine-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging two people in a $550,000 bribery scheme involving an SCDC corrections officer and two SCDC inmates and their family members and acquaintances. Five others have waived indictment and agreed to plead guilty to their roles in the in the scheme.
The following individuals were charged in the Indictment:- Courtney Briggs, 39, of Sumter County, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud.
- Larry Williamson, 51, a former inmate incarcerated in the South Carolina Department of Corrections, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, five counts of honest services wire fraud, one count of using an interstate facility to facilitate bribery, and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana.
The following individuals were charged by Information and have agreed to plead guilty:
- Lowanda Atkinson, 52, of Kershaw County, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Atkinson served as a corrections officer in SCDC and was assigned to Lee Correctional Institution.
- Jason Brown, 43, an SCDC inmate, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud.
- Adriana Conyers, 37, of Sumter County, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud.
- Christopher Hickman, 46, of Richland County, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud.
- Mary Ann Hickman-Brown, 64, of Clarendon County, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud.
According to court documents, Lowanda Atkinson worked as a corrections officer at SCDC from 2007 until 2023. At the time of her resignation, she held the rank of Corporal and was assigned to the property room at Lee Correctional Institution (Lee), where she was entrusted to maintain inmate property, search the property for contraband, and enforce contraband laws and policy.
Atkinson is alleged to have accepted more than $550,000 in bribes from inmates Jason Brown and Williamson, and Jason Brown’s family and associates in exchange for smuggling contraband. Atkinson allegedly smuggled phones, phone accessories, tobacco, and marijuana into Lee so that Jason Brown and Williamson could sell and distribute the contraband to other inmates. Atkinson is alleged to have received a portion of the cash proceeds from the contraband sales and bribes through Cash App, Zelle, and Apple Cash. It is alleged that Atkinson spent the money on a luxury SUV, designer purchases, and thousands of dollars in cosmetic procedures.
Each of the defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment, $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and Samantha Usher are prosecuting the case.
All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.###
Monday 29 June 2026
Zuni Man Charged with Federal Assault After Violent AttackRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man has been charged in federal court after allegedly assaulting a victim with a sharp-edged weapon during a violent incident at a residence in Zuni, New Mexico.
According to court documents, on June 2, 2024, D’ante Kekoa Pooacha-Thomas, 30, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni, allegedly assaulted an older male inside their shared residence in Zuni. During the assault, Pooacha-Thomas allegedly attacked the older male with a knife or box cutter, inflicting a severe wound to the male’s neck and additional cuts to his face, hands, forearms, and legs. When two other residents of the home intervened, Pooacha-Thomas allegedly struck one of them with a baseball bat. As the injured victim was being transported to a medical facility by one of the residents, Pooacha-Thomas allegedly stole one of their cars and followed them, attempting to run them off the road.
Pooacha-Thomas is charged with two felony crimes: Assault resulting in serious bodily injury and Assault with a dangerous weapon. He was released to La Pasada halfway house, where he will remain on strict conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Pooacha-Thomas faces up to 10 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Zuni Man Charged for Violent AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man is facing federal charges for allegedly attacking another man with a machete.
According to court documents, on March 26, 2026, an argument broke out between Ronnie Shack, 25, an enrolled member of the Zuni Tribe, and another individual at Shack’s residence in Zuni, New Mexico. As the victim left the residence, Shack allegedly followed him and attacked him with a machete, slashing his back and pursuing him down the street. Neighbors called 911 and the victim was transported to a local hospital before being transferred to a regional hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Shack is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault causing serious bodily injury in Indian country. He will remain on conditions of release pending trial which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Shack faces up to 20 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Teleky is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Yonkers Man and Convicted Felon Found Guilty at Trial of Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that KWANE REYNOLDS was convicted of possessing ammunition after a felony conviction. REYNOLDS was found guilty following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jeannette A. Vargas.
“Kwane Reynolds, who had previously been convicted of a felony, shot a victim in the stomach at point-blank range on a busy public street in the Bronx,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “This Office is committed to prosecuting to the maximum extent of the law gun violence committed by violent felons.”
According to the Indictment, statements made in public court proceedings and filings, and the evidence at trial:
On December 30, 2024, on a public sidewalk in the Bronx in broad daylight, the defendant fired two shots at another individual (the “Victim”). The shooting was captured on surveillance video, which showed that, following a verbal dispute between the defendant and the Victim, REYNOLDS drew a firearm and shot the Victim in the stomach at close range. REYNOLDS then fled the scene on a bicycle. REYNOLDS has previously been convicted of a felony.
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REYNOLDS, 58, of Yonkers, New York, was convicted of knowingly possessing ammunition after having been convicted of a felony, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the New York City Police Department.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron Molis, Joe Zabel, and Jacob R. Fiddelman are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Frank Mastroianni.
West Haven Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Role in Counterfeit Pill Manufacturing and Distribution OperationRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SHAWN STEPHENS, 35, of West Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Alvin W. Thompson in Hartford to 97 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for his participation in the large-scale manufacture and trafficking of counterfeit pills containing synthetic opioids and other substances.
According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from an investigation led by the DEA New Haven’s Tactical Diversion Squad and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service targeting the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit oxycodone, Xanax, and Adderall tablets containing methamphetamine, protonitazene, dimethylpentylone, xylazine, and other substances. Protonitazene is a Schedule I synthetic opioid that is three times more potent than fentanyl.
In June 2023, law enforcement received information that Stephens’ co-conspirator, Kelldon Hinton, was using a pill press to manufacture large quantities of counterfeit pills containing controlled substances. Through the use of physical and electronic surveillance, the seizure and searches of parcels sent through the U.S. Mail and commercial delivery services, undercover purchases of counterfeit pills, trash pulls, and other investigative methods, investigators determined that Hinton, with the assistance of Stephens and others, was purchasing protonitazene, dimethypentalone, xylazine, other substances, and pill press parts from China and elsewhere, using tableting machines (“pill presses”) to manufacture counterfeit pills in a garage he rented in East Haven, marketing and selling the pills on the dark web, and mailing pills to customers around the U.S. In text messages, Hinton referred to the rented garage as his “lab.” Between February 2023 and February 2024, Hinton shipped more than 1,300 packages through the U.S. Mail. Hinton also distributed the counterfeit pills to associates in Connecticut, who sold them to their own customers.
Hinton, Stephens, and other co-conspirators were arrested on September 5, 2024. On that date, investigators conducted court-authorized searches of several locations, including the garage located on Tyler Street Extension in East Haven, which yielded approximately one million narcotic pills weighing nearly 100 kilograms, approximately 300 grams of cocaine, two large pill presses, pill manufacturing equipment, drug ledgers, and other items. One of the pill presses seized was capable of producing 100,000 pills per hour.
The investigation subsequently revealed that Hinton rented a unit at a storage facility in West Haven. On September 18, 2024, a court-authorized search of the storage unit revealed hundreds of thousands of additional narcotic pills weighing nearly 100 kilograms.
Stephens helped Hinton maintain both his garage lab and storage facility, and he mailed customer orders for Hinton.
On October 21, 2025, Stephens pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Stephens, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on July 30.
Hinton pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.
This investigation has been conducted by the DEA New Haven’s Tactical Diversion Squad and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with the assistance of the DEA Chicago Cyber Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the East Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren C. Clark and Konstantin Lantsman.
Violent Ecuadorian Illegal Alien Sentenced in Connection with Illegal Re-Entry ChargesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – An Ecuadorian alien received a federal-prison term, today, for illegally re-entering the United States after her prior removal.
U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Vanessa Yalixa Munoz-Baque, 31, to six months in federal prison in connection with the re-entry charges after she was previously removed from the U.S. in August 2023. On November 3, 2023, Munoz-Baque illegally re-entered the U.S. again, and began residing in Frederick, Maryland. Law enforcement discovered her illegally present in the U.S. upon her arrest for attempted murder.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE-ERO) – Baltimore Field Office.
According to court documents, on September 11, 2024, local law enforcement apprehended Munoz-Baque in Frederick. Authorities charged her with attempted murder and assault after she placed a knife to her victim’s neck and stabbed him in the leg. Then in March 2025, Munoz-Baque pled guilty to first-degree assault and received a 25-year sentence, with all but three years suspended.
Munoz-Baque was originally deported after law enforcement apprehended her at the border in Eagle Pass, Texas, in June 2023. Authorities subsequently charged Munoz-Baque with unlawfully attempting to enter the U.S. without inspection.
Law enforcement placed her in expedited removal proceedings, and an immigration judge ordered Munoz-Baque’s removal to Ecuador. After her removal, Munoz-Baque never obtained consent from the Attorney General of the United States, or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, for readmission into the country.
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.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ICE-ERO for its work in this investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason D. Medinger and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Shea who prosecuted this case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md.
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Vietnamese National Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Commit Identity Theft in Connection with $67 Million Dollar Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that LE VAN HUNG, a/k/a “Hung Van Le,” a/k/a “Van Hung Le,” pled guilty to participating in a conspiracy to commit identity theft based on his role in a transnational scheme to launder at least approximately $67 million of illegally obtained funds to benefit, among others, a multinational media company headquartered in New York, New York (the “Media Company”). HUNG pled guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron and is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero on September 29, 2026.
“For nearly four years, Le Van Hung oversaw an operation that stole the identities of thousands of Americans for use in a sprawling money laundering conspiracy,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Today’s guilty plea, together with Hung’s agreement to forfeit $67,000,000 and make restitution to victims of this scheme, demonstrate the commitment of this Office to hold perpetrators of financial crimes accountable and to stand up for victims.”
According to the charging documents and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings:
From at least in or about 2020, through in or about May 2024, HUNG, while working for the Vietnamese office of the Media Company, conspired with others to participate in a sprawling, transnational scheme to launder at least approximately $67 million of illegally obtained funds to bank accounts in the names of the Media Company and related entities. In order to further the money laundering scheme, HUNG exploited stolen personally identifiable information and documents of thousands of U.S. residents in order to, among other things, open and maintain financial accounts that were used to launder fraud proceeds. HUNG also recruited and managed various co-conspirators, including co-conspirators who worked with the Media Company’s “Make Money Online” team.
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HUNG, 31, of Vietnam, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to commit identity theft, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. HUNG also agreed to forfeit at least $67 million, representing proceeds traceable to the offense, and separately to pay restitution up to $67 million.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, and the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin M. Burkett, Rebecca T. Dell, Paul M. Monteleoni, Daniel C. Richenthal, and Amanda C. Weingarten are in charge of the prosecution.
Vermont U.S. Attorney’s Office Prosecutes 60 Defendants for Crimes Related to Unlawful Border Crossings from CanadaRead the Press Release
BURLINGTON – Over the last six weeks, unlawful crossing activity at Vermont’s international border with Canada has increased significantly, resulting in a substantial number of criminal prosecutions in the District of Vermont. Since May 22, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont has prosecuted 60 defendants for crimes related to unlawful border crossings. These 60 defendants were citizens and nationals of 20 different foreign countries including Angola, Chile, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, India, Iran, Ireland, Jamaica, Mauritania, Mexico, Romania, Senegal, Spain, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom. Court proceedings required interpretation services for 12 different languages. Four of the defendants were charged with felony alien smuggling offenses. One defendant was charged with felony unlawful reentry after a prior removal. The remainder of the defendants were charged with misdemeanor illegal entry.
One of the alien smuggling cases occurred on June 11, 2026. According to court records, a minivan linked to prior smuggling activity was located by Border Patrol in Newport, Vermont. The minivan drove at a high rate of speed through streets in the City of Newport, eventually merging onto Interstate 91 southbound. Border Patrol successfully stopped the vehicle on Interstate 91. An immigration inspection revealed that the driver of the minivan was Eduardo Luis Frias-Urena, age 37, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, who has lawful permanent resident status in the United States. In the back seat, agents located Ion Tulceanu, age 31, a citizen of Romania. Tulceanu admitted he had flown from Romania to Poland, and then to Toronto, Canada, rode a bus to Montreal, and paid for a ride to the border, where he crossed the border on foot. On June 12, 2026, Tulceanu pleaded guilty to illegal entry and received a sentence of time served from United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Frias-Urena was charged by criminal complaint with transportation of an illegal alien and was ordered by Magistrate Judge Doyle to be released on conditions pending trial.
Another alien smuggling case occurred on June 20, 2026. According to court records, Border Patrol surveillance detected a crossing event on the border near Highgate, Vermont at approximately 4:00pm. Approximately 2.5 hours later, six people were found hiding in the woods off a rural road in the same vicinity. They were identified as Sidney Lauryn Parra Torres, age 24, a citizen of Colombia and a woman from the Congo with her four children aged 2 to 14 years old. Border Patrol later apprehended Maimouna Diakhate, age 24, of Senegal, at a residence in close proximity to where the others had been apprehended. A Toyota Prius that had been previously suspected of alien smuggling was located loitering in the area in proximity of the Highgate Port of Entry. The vehicle was stopped, and the driver identified as Oguzhan Yilmaz, age 25, a citizen of Türkiye, who was detained. Investigation revealed that Yilmaz had received Zelle payments from Parra Torres. On June 22, 2026, Diakhate pleaded guilty to illegal entry and received a sentence of time served from Magistrate Judge Doyle. Parra Torres was charged by criminal complaint with illegal entry and consented to detention pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. Yilmaz was charged by criminal complaint with attempted transportation of an illegal alien and was ordered by Magistrate Judge Doyle to be released on conditions pending trial.
One of the illegal entry cases involved an illegal entry through the Haskell Free Library and Opera House in Derby Line, Vermont by Maria Paz Gonzalez-Vidal, age 59, a citizen of Chile. According to court records, Gonzalez-Vidal purchased both a Canadian and an American ticket to a performance at the Haskell on June 13, 2026. While inside the Haskell, Gonzalez-Vidal changed clothing in an apparent attempt to facilitate her unlawful entry into the United States. Gonzalez-Vidal then exited the Haskell, and was apprehended on Main Street in Derby Line, Vermont. She pleaded guilty to illegal entry on June 15, 2026, and received a sentence of time served from Magistrate Judge Doyle.
Another case involved an illegal entry by Diego Alejandro Restrepo-Vergara, age 45, a citizen of Colombia. According to court records, Restrepo-Vergara flew from Panama City, Panama to Montreal, Canada on June 21. One June 22, he crossed the international border near the Haskell Free Library and Opera House in Derby Line, Vermont on foot, and was apprehended on June 23 in Newport, Vermont. At the time of his apprehension, Restrepo-Vergara had a valid American tourist visa, and could have lawfully entered at the Derby Line Port of Entry approximately 200 yards from the Haskell Free Library. Restrepo-Vergara pleaded guilty to illegal entry on June 24, 2026, and received a sentence of time served from Magistrate Judge Doyle.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that those pending trial are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Frias-Urena and Yilmaz face up to 5 years of imprisonment if convicted of alien smuggling. Parra Torres faces up to six months of imprisonment if convicted of illegal entry. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the diligent efforts of the United States Border Patrol Agents patrolling the northern border of Vermont. He added: “Securing our northern border with Canada remains a significant national security priority. Everyone crossing the border, including United States citizens, must do so at a designated port of entry. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize prosecution of those who unlawfully enter our country and those facilitating their unlawful entry.”
“Securing our border is a paramount national security priority, and I want to be unequivocally clear: the border is closed to illegal immigration”, stated Acting Chief Patrol Agent Richard Fortunato, Swanton Border Patrol Sector. “We are deeply grateful for the diligent efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont in prosecuting the 60 defendants involved in unlawful border crossings. Their commitment to upholding the rule of law is critical in our shared mission to protect our nation and deter those who seek to enter our country illegally.”
These prosecutions are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Venezuelan Nationals Charged with Stealing More Than $500K in ATM “Jackpotting” SchemeRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that the following four individuals have been charged with federal offenses related to the theft of more than $500,000 in an ATM “jackpotting” scheme:
EUCLIDES MORENO ITANARE, 28, of Raleigh, North Carolina
WILLIAN RICARDO FLORES, 49, of the Bronx, New York
ALBERTO JOSE FREITES ARVILLA, 41, of Queens, New York
LUIS JOSE FREITES ARVILLA, 38, of Lynn, MassachusettsThe four defendants are citizens of Venezuela.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in August 2025, Itanare, Flores, Alberto Freites Arvilla, Luis Freites Arvilla, and others conspired to steal cash from at least nine ATM’s in Connecticut through what is known as a “jackpotting” scheme. Jackpotting often involves using specialized hardware and malware that forces an ATM to dispense its stored cash.
It is alleged that the defendants accessed ATMs in Milford and Ansonia, and at I-95 rest stops in Fairfield, Branford, Madison, and Darien. For each of the thefts, the pattern of behavior was similar. Surveillance video shows that while Luis Freites Arvilla acted as a lookout, Alberto Freites Arvilla opened the hood of the ATM, accessed the internal components of the ATM, and then left the area. Over the course of several hours, Luis Freites Arvilla, Itanare, and Flores then took turns withdrawing cash from the ATM. The defendants sometimes changed clothes in an attempt to avoid suspicion when approaching the same ATM multiple times.
It is alleged that the defendants stole $529,220 from eight ATMs between August 8 and August 18, 2025. They were prevented from stealing any money from the ATM in Ansonia due to a software patch that protected the ATM against this type of theft.
The four defendants were arrested on June 25, 2026, on federal criminal complaints charging each with interstate transportation of stolen property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and with conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. They are currently detained.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police, the Raleigh (N.C.) Police Department, and the New York City Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel George.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of North Carolina for its assistance.
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 toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
HSTF New Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.
Two Philadelphia Men Arrested on Child Sexual Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Isaiah Banks, 30, and Bryan Jackson, 42, both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with child pornography offenses.
Banks has been charged with manufacture and attempted manufacture of child pornography and Jackson with receipt of child pornography.
The criminal complaints allege that the defendants conspired and worked together to deceive a minor (“Minor 1”) into believing that he was communicating with an older girl, in order to induce Minor 1 into producing child sexual abuse material (“CSAM”), which the defendants then shared with each other.
The complaints further allege that Banks and Jackson also deceived a second minor (“Minor 2”) into producing CSAM, under the guise that Banks would sell the videos to a girl for money, some of which would be shared with Minor 2.
If convicted, Banks faces a maximum possible sentence of 30 years’ incarceration with a 15-year mandatory minimum term, and a minimum of five years up to a lifetime of supervised release. If convicted, Jackson faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years’ incarceration with a five-year mandatory minimum term, and a minimum of five years up to a lifetime of supervised release.
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 projectsafechildhood.gov.
The case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department Special Victims Unit and Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Branwen McNabb O’Donnell.
The charges and allegations contained in the criminal complaints are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Two Corinth Pharmacists Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Healthcare FraudRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN, MS – U.S. Attorney Scott Leary announced today that two Corinth pharmacists have been sentenced for stealing almost $800,000.00 from the federal health care benefit programs Medicare and Medicaid. These prosecutions were part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Northern District of Mississippi, working in close collaboration with the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office.
Ricky Wayne Quinn, 71, was a pharmacist and owner-operator of the “Medical Plaza at Alcorn, LLC” in Corinth, Mississippi. John Anthony “Andy’ Null, 56, was a pharmacist and long-time employee of Medical Plaza Pharmacy. Both pleaded guilty on an earlier date to Conspiracy to Commit Healthcare Fraud. Senior District Judge Glen H. Davidson sentenced Quinn to thirty months in prison and ordered both defendants to pay $786,972.10 in restitution to Medicare.
According to court documents, the defendants billed Medicare and Medicaid for the same single prescription drug product numerous times. These high reimbursement prescription drug products included, but not limited to, diabetic insulin pens, asthma inhalers and psychotropic medications. This investigation was a part of the 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown.
U.S. Attorney Scott Leary said, “This administration has emphasized the investigation and prosecution of those who steal taxpayer dollars. Defrauding Medicare funds intended for sick Americans is just the type of crime the National Fraud Enforcement Division is calling on us to emphasize. We must remain diligent to ensure medical dollars go where intended.”
Attorney General of Mississippi Lynn Fitch’s office stated, “We are sending a clear message that here in Mississippi, we are committed to fighting waste, fraud, and corruption. We are grateful for such strong partners at the Office of the Inspector General and U.S. Attorney’s Office. Working together, we are ensuring justice is served on behalf of Mississippi taxpayers.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton A. Dabbs is prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support 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.
Tulsa Couple Sentenced for Coercing a Minor Child into Having Sex and Recording ItRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A Tulsa couple was sentenced for admitting to coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct while they recorded it, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel sentenced Ryan Leon French, 47, and Lexie Renne French, 44. Ryan was sentenced for Production of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography and ordered to serve 365 months' imprisonment. Lexie was also sentenced for Production of Child Pornography and was ordered to serve 240 months' imprisonment. Upon their release, Ryan and Lexie will be required to register as sex offenders and will be supervised for life. They were separately ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution.
In March 2025, the FBI was contacted by the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police Department and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) regarding a police report filed by Lexie French. She reported that her husband, Ryan French, was attempting to blackmail her. Lexie initially reported that Ryan forced her to use cocaine and perform “sexual acts” on minor children. When law enforcement and OKDHS began investigating the claims, Lexie began changing her story.
Two days later, law enforcement found Lexie and Ryan. Court documents show that Lexie and Ryan both admitted to persuading and coercing a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct and recording it. Ryan told law enforcement that he could view and save sexual acts that he told Lexie to perform through a home security system.
They will both remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The FBI and the Muscogee Creek Nation Lighthorse Police Department investigated the case with the assistance of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Brandon and Melody Nelson prosecuted the case.
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 U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, local, and tribal resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Tulare County Resident Sentenced 15 Years in Prison for Receipt of Images of Child Sexual AbuseRead the Press Release
FRESNO, Calif. — Boyce Isaiah Cervantez, 29, of Dinuba, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to 15 years and eight months in prison to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. Judge Thurston also ordered Cervantez to pay $25,000 in restitution to three victims whose images he possessed.
According to court documents, in March 2024 Cervantez received more than 600 images of children being sexually abused. Several of the images depicted prepubescent minors. Cervantez pleaded guilty on Feb. 17, 2026.
The Central California Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Gappa prosecuted the case.
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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.
Three Illegal Alien MS-13 Members Convicted of Nine Murders, Kidnapping, and Racketeering Charges Following Homeland Security Task Force EffortRead the Press Release
Today, a federal jury in the District of Nevada convicted three men, Jose Luis Reynaldo Reyes-Castillo, 30, also known as “Molesto,” of El Salvador; David Arturo Perez-Manchame, 27, also known as “Herbi,” of Honduras; and Joel Vargas-Escobar, 30, also known as “Momia,” of El Salvador, of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise involving murders and attempted murder, as well as murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and related gun offenses.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the defendants were members of La Mara Salvatrucha, commonly known as MS-13, a transnational criminal organization (TCO) composed largely of individuals of Salvadoran or other Central American descent. MS-13 members and associates are organized by subsets known as “cliques,” and each clique typically has one or more leaders, commonly referred to as “shot callers.” The defendants were members of the Parkview clique operating in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Prospective MS-13 members ordinarily must participate in the murder of rival gang members, known as “chavalas,” to gain entrance and maintain and increase position within MS-13. According to evidence presented at trial, Vargas-Escobar was the leader of the Parkview clique of MS-13 in Las Vegas up until his arrest on New Year’s Eve of 2017. Reyes-Castillo then became the ranking “Homeboy” of the Parkview clique in Las Vegas. Perez-Manchame was a member of the Parkview clique. Collectively, these three men committed nine murders, over approximately a year, in Nevada and California. Evidence at trial was presented showing that many of the victims were kidnapped by MS-13 members and taken to remote locations in the mountains and desert where those victims were tortured and killed.
“Thanks to the tireless work of our law enforcement partners and prosecutors, these MS-13 members will be held accountable for the horrific violence they unleashed on U.S. communities during their year-long killing spree,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This Justice Department will continue to use every tool available to us to dismantle MS-13 and other deadly transnational criminal organizations.”
“The depravity and complete devaluing of human life of these defendants, who were responsible for killing nine victims and shooting others, is beyond comprehension,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Gangs like MS-13 terrorize communities with violence and killing. The Criminal Division will pursue these violent transnational criminal organizations in this exact way – charge these depraved gang members in bunches and try them for their brazen crimes in a way that highlights exactly what they do, which is systemically kill. These defendants will now face a sentencing hearing where, rightly, their liberty for the rest of their lives is at stake.”
“These convictions deliver a clear and uncompromising message: MS 13’s violence will be met with the full power of federal prosecution,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “These defendants carried out a campaign of terror marked by murders, kidnappings, and brutality. Their reign of violence ends today. The Las Vegas Homeland Security Task Force is unyielding in its mission — we will hunt down violent gang members, dismantle their networks, and drive transnational criminal organizations out of our communities. Southern Nevada will not be a refuge for predators or the terror they attempt to unleash.”
“This FBI has made wiping out violent gangs in America a top priority – including MS-13 — arresting over 2,500 violent gangs and criminal enterprises since last year, up 322%,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Today’s conviction is just the latest example — with three MS-13 gang members convicted of nine murders, kidnappings, drug trafficking, and more in Las Vegas. These gangs have terrorized our communities for far too long, and under this administration and law enforcement team, they are no longer allowed to operate with impunity in America. This FBI will continue working with our partners across the country to dismantle their presence coast to coast.”
“Today's conviction underscores the unwavering commitment of FBI Las Vegas working alongside our federal and local partners in eradicating gang violence that endangers our communities through senseless crime, murder, and kidnapping,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “The FBI has recently initiated Operation Summer Heat 2.0, a nationwide campaign dedicated to combating violent crime during the summer. MS-13 gang members are known for acts of brutality, violence, and intimidation. Despite these threats, the FBI and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our mission to protect our communities and eliminate this danger.”
“These convictions send a powerful message to violent transnational gangs like MS-13 — your reign of terror will not be tolerated in our communities,” said Acting Executive Associate Director John Condon of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “HSI remains at the forefront of the fight against gangs that traffic in violence, fear, and exploitation, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue these criminals to ensure the safety and security of the American people.”
Photo recovered on cell phone of Jose Luis Reynaldo Reyes-Castillo.At trial, evidence was presented about the following murders committed by Reyes-Castillo, Perez-Manchame, Vargas-Escobar and other members of MS-13:
In December 2017, the Parkview clique “greenlit” the death of murder victim 1 who was a member of a rival gang. On Dec. 18, Reyes-Castillo and another MS-13 member kidnapped murder victim 1 from downtown Mendota, California, and drove him to a rural area. Reyes-Castillo then took murder victim 1, along with several other MS-13 members, to another location and murdered him with a machete and knives, striking him so brutally that he was left unrecognizable.
On Dec. 31, 2017, Reyes-Castillo, Vargas-Escobar, and another MS-13 member killed murder victim 2 by shooting him multiple times in front of a house in Las Vegas. The MS-13 members saw murder victim 2 outside of an alleged drug house and believed he was dealing marijuana in their territory. They murdered him to reduce competition for MS-13 drug dealers.
On Jan. 9, 2018, Reyes-Castillo and other MS-13 members kidnapped murder victim 3, drove him to the desert and killed him by shooting and stabbing him multiple times. The MS-13 members believed murder victim 3 had defected to the rival 18th Street gang and thus targeted him to interrogate him and murder him. The victim’s body was found almost three weeks later, on a mountain near Las Vegas.
On Jan. 21, 2018, Reyes-Castillo and other MS-13 members kidnapped murder victim 4 from a nightclub and drove him to the desert. They murdered him by shooting and stabbing him multiple times. Murder victim 4 was targeted by the Parkview MS-13 clique for being a rival 18th Street gang member. They had gotten his name from interrogating a previous victim.
On Feb. 6, 2018, Reyes-Castillo and other MS-13 members were again searching for rival gang members. They killed two victims (murder victims 5 and 6) in a drive-by shooting. A third victim was hit by gunfire and survived. The MS-13 members believed the men were in rival gang territory and could be rival 18th Street gang members.
On Feb. 9, 2018, Reyes-Castillo, Perez-Manchame and other MS-13 members kidnapped murder victim 7, who they believed was a rival gang member because of the way he was dressed and his tattoo. They drove him to a mountain and murdered him by stabbing him over 200 times; his decomposing body was found in the mountains about three weeks later.
Sometime in February 2018, Reyes-Castillo and other MS-13 members kidnapped murder victim 8 as he had been named as an 18th Street gang member by a previous victim. The MS-13 members, including Reyes-Castillo, drove murder victim 8 to the mountains outside of Las Vegas and killed him by shooting him 20 times.
On March 1, 2018, Reyes-Castillo, Perez-Manchame and another MS-13 member kidnapped murder victim 9 and drove him up to the mountains near Las Vegas. They believed murder victim 9 was a rival gang member because he was in 18th Street gang territory. They murdered him by stabbing him more than 120 times.
The jury convicted Reyes-Castillo of one count of racketeering influenced corrupt organizations (RICO) conspiracy, eight counts of murder in aid of racketeering, seven counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, six counts of causing death through the use of a firearm, five counts of kidnapping in aid of racketeering, and one count of attempted murder in aid of racketeering.
The jury convicted Perez-Manchame of one count of RICO conspiracy, two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, and two counts of kidnappings in aid of racketeering.
The jury convicted Vargas-Escobar of one count of RICO conspiracy, one count of murder in aid of racketeering, one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of causing death through the use of a firearm.
Each of these defendants face a mandatory minimum penalty of life in prison without parole. Sentencing has been scheduled for Nov. 10, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI, HSI, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Bureau investigated the case. The Eastern District of California also provided assistance.
Trial Attorney Christopher Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melanee Smith and Steven Rose for the District of Nevada are 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 U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Las Vegas HSTF comprises agents and officers from federal, state, and local law enforcement, with the prosecution being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.
Charges in this case were supported by Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV). JTFV was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and now expanded at the direction of the Attorney General to target Tren de Aragua (TdA). JTFV is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including the District of Nevada; Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina; Western District of Virginia; Southern District of Florida; Eastern District of Texas; Western District of Oklahoma; Northern District of Indiana; and District of Arizona, as well as the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Criminal Division, and the Office of Judicial Attaché and DEA partners in Bogotá, Colombia. Additionally, the FBI, HSI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Federal Bureau of Prisons are essential law enforcement partners with JTFV.
Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement. The FBI and HSI both have nationwide tiplines that you can call to report what you know. You can reach the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.