title: Oklahoma Medical Supply Company Owner Indicted for $30M  Health Care Fraud Scheme

body_text: An indictment was unsealed in the Middle District of Florida today charging an Oklahoma chiropractor and medical supply company owner for his role in a conspiracy to submit fraudulent claims to multiple federal health care programs for orthotic braces and other durable medical equipment (DME), and for the theft of government funds intended to support health care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the indictment, Mark Loftis, 38, of Cushing, Oklahoma, was the owner of a medical supply company called Back Pain Home Supplies LLC, which did business as EZ Medical Supply. As alleged, Loftis paid illegal kickbacks to marketers in exchange for the referral of Medicare patients, and to marketers and telemedicine companies in exchange for signed doctors’ orders that could be used to support claims to health care benefit programs. The telemedicine providers did not engage in meaningful evaluation of the patients before signing the orders. Loftis allegedly caused Back Pain to bill Medicare, TRICARE (the health care benefit program for U.S. service members and their families), and CHAMPVA (the health care benefit program for spouses and children of permanently disabled veterans) for DME that was medically unnecessary, obtained through the payment of illegal kickbacks, and not provided as billed. In total, Back Pain submitted approximately $30 million in false and fraudulent claims, for which the three health care programs paid approximately $8 million. As further alleged, Loftis converted for his own use and the use of others money he received from the Provider Relief Fund (PRF) pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. PRF funds were appropriated to help health care providers that were financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to provide care to patients who were suffering from COVID-19 and compensate providers for the cost of that care. As alleged, Loftis received more than $133,000 in PRF funds and then falsely attested to a series of conditions to retain the funds, including that he would use the funds for health care expenses and to replace revenue lost due to the pandemic. In reality, Loftis used a portion of the funds to further the DME fraud scheme and for a variety of personal expenses. Loftis is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to offer, pay, solicit, and receive kickbacks, and two counts of theft of government property. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the health care and wire fraud conspiracy count, five years in prison on the conspiracy and kickback count, and 10 years in prison on each of the theft of government property counts. A federal 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; U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office; Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Special Agent in Charge Jason Sargenski of the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Southeast Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge David Spilker of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG) Southeast Field Office made the announcement. FBI, HHS-OIG, DCIS, and VA-OIG are investigating the case. Acting Assistant Chief Catherine Wagner of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section is prosecuting the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Blytheville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—Lyonel Smith will spend the next 10 years in federal prison after convictions for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of an unregistered firearm. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker. On August 8, 2024, Smith, 38, of Blytheville, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a four-count Indictment. The Indictment charged Smith with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine, possession of unregistered firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. On June 2, 2025, Smith pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of an unregistered firearm. As a result of an investigation, on September 27, 2023, law enforcement officers obtained a warrant and conducted a search at Smith’s residence. During a search of Smith’s bedroom, officers located two firearms, an FN, Model 509 9mm semi-automatic firearm that was loaded with 24 rounds of ammunition and an FN Model Five-Seven, 5.7x28 caliber semi-automatic firearm. Officers also located six ounces of marijuana, more than seven grams of cocaine, digital scales, and other drug paraphernalia. In Smith’s garage, officers located 263 grams of methamphetamine. In addition to the methamphetamine, there were additional firearms located in the garage: an American Tactical Omni-Hybrid 300 Blackout loaded with 20 rounds of ammunition, an American Tactical AR-15, .223 caliber firearm loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition, and an AR-style, 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle with a short barrel (less than 16 inches in length) that did not contain a serial number and was not registered as a legal short-barrel rifle. In addition to the 10-year sentence for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Smith was sentenced to five years in federal prison for being in possession of an unregistered firearm—the 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle—which will be served concurrently with the 10-year sentence. Chief Judge Baker also sentenced Smith to five years’ supervised release for each count he was sentenced, to also be served concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the Blytheville Police Department with assistance from the DEA. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bart Dickinson. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Sioux City Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of Firearm

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Victor Villarreal, 30, from Sioux City, was sentenced today, to more than 3 years in federal prison, after a September 16, 2025, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon. Evidence in the case revealed on May 3, 2025, Villarreal, the mother of his children, and others went out for dinner and drinks, leaving Villarreal’s minor children under the care of a 15-year old babysitter. He became intoxicated, agitated, and returned home. When the mother of the children attempted to stop Villarreal from driving the children away while he was intoxicated, he became violent and pulled a gun. The babysitter called 911 for help. In the early morning hours of May 4, 2025, law enforcement responded to the report of an angry, intoxicated, man waving a firearm in the air and threatening others, including minors. Villarreal fled the scene in another person’s car prior to officers’ arrival. Law enforcement learned he was a felon and also subject to an active no contact order both of which precluded his lawful possession of a firearm. Officers found Villarreal, attempted to stop him, but he fled leading officers on a pursuit. Villarreal drove through residential neighborhoods in Sioux City at a high rate of speed, eventually hitting a wooden fence where he exited the vehicle and was taken into custody. Villarreal was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 37 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. Villarreal is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and the United States Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-4044. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: St. Louis Woman Admits $177,000 Pandemic-Era Tax Credit Scheme

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis, Missouri woman on Thursday admitted fraudulently obtaining $177,000 by falsely claiming tax credits for retaining employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ayana J. Brown, 34, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to two felony counts of theft of government property. Brown admitted filing two fraudulent quarterly employment tax returns (IRS Form 941s) with the IRS on behalf of Yaya Flowtiques LLC on Dec. 22, 2022. The filings falsely claimed that the company had 5 employees and paid $177,321.77 and $145,098.88 in wages for the first and second quarters of 2021, respectively. The forms sought Employee Retention Tax Credits, which were designed to encourage businesses to retain employees during the pandemic. Generally, businesses qualified for the ERC if they paid qualifies wages to employees during the pandemic and were shut down by a government order, experienced a 50% decline in gross receipts or qualified as a recovery startup business. Brown did not have employees or pay wages during this period and the company had little or no operations. Brown had never reported income from Yaya Flowtiques and knew that the forms 941 were false. Based on these fraudulent IRS Forms 941, the IRS issued two U.S. Treasury checks for $97,645.53 and $79,901.40 to Yaya Flowtiques. Brown deposited the checks before making multiple large cash withdrawals and spending the remaining proceeds on personal expenses, food, and shopping. Brown is scheduled to be sentenced on May 6. Each theft of government property charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and fine. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow is prosecuting the case.


title: Felon Who Illegally Possessed Firearm Sent to Federal Prison

body_text: A man who illegally possessed a firearm was sentenced on January 8, 2026, to 30 months’ imprisonment. Taxavier Ford, 29, from Alta, Iowa, pled guilty on August 11, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City, to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Ford was previously convicted of possession of a narcotic drug, in the State of Indiana in 2017, and possession of marijuana, with intent to deliver and possession of a firearm by a felon, in the Iowa District Court for Buena Vista County in 2021. Both of these convictions prohibit a person from possessing any firearm. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that on March 14, 2025, in Storm Lake, Iowa, law enforcement observed a vehicle, driven by Ford, with illegal window tint and initiated a traffic stop. Officers measured the window tint which revealed it was in excess of Iowa state law. When measuring the window tint, officers smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle and Ford, officers found a metal object in Ford’s waistline. Ford admitted he had a loaded firearm in his waistline. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case is also part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Ford was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment and ordered to serve a 3-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Ford remains in the custody of the United States Marshals Service until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was investigated by the Storm Lake Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-4028. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Birmingham Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Carjacking and Kidnapping

component: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man has been sentenced for carjacking and kidnapping, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Dearrius Dontrell Pace, 31, to 240 months in prison. In September 2025, Pace pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking and one count of kidnapping. According to the plea agreement, on July 16, 2024, Pace followed the victim out of a gas station on Lloyd Nolan Parkway. Pace confronted the victim at gunpoint as he entered his vehicle, ordered him to move into the passenger seat and Pace got in the driver’s seat. During the drive, Pace demanded the victim’s wallet and cash. The victim handed over approximately $16.00 and told Pace that he did not have a wallet with him. Pace then struck the victim in the face with a hard object before ordering him out of the vehicle. On July 24, 2024, Jefferson County Sherriff’s deputies arrested Pace. The FBI investigated the case along with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. McBrayer prosecuted the case.


title: Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Member Pleaded Guilty for Armed Assault Against Rival

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A member of the Los Valerosos Motorcycle Gang, a support club for the Pagan’s Motorcycle Gang, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays, for his involvement in an armed assault against a member of rival motorcycle club. Graham S. Gattis, also known as “Dro,” 41, of East Ridge, Tn., pleaded guilty today to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, and one count of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. On Sept. 17, 2022, Gattis and other members of the Pagan’s and Los Valerosos chased and forced a lone rival gang member from the road in Blue Springs, Mo. Various members of the Pagan’s and Los Valerosos were armed with firearms and at least one axe handle. Gattis and the others confronted the victim on the side of the roadway and ultimately, the victim was shot seven times, with wounds to his knee, thigh, forearm, biceps, buttocks and back of his leg. Under federal statutes, Gattis is subject to a sentence of not less than five years and up to life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI, the Independence, Mo., Police Department, the Blue Springs, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.


title: Federal Indictment Charges Foreign National with Illegally Possessing Firearm in Chicago; Gun Used to Fire Shots Near Border Patrol Agents During Operation Midway Blitz

body_text: CHICAGO — A foreign national has been indicted on federal firearm charges for allegedly illegally possessing a loaded handgun in Chicago last year. HECTOR GOMEZ is charged with one count of illegal possession of a firearm as a previously convicted felon and one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a foreign national who has no claim to United States citizenship or lawful permanent residence. The indictment accuses Gomez of brandishing a firearm at a victim on the afternoon of Nov. 8, 2025. Shortly thereafter, Chicago Police Officers found a handgun in Gomez’s lap as he sat in the driver’s seat of a black Jeep Wrangler in a parking lot in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago, the indictment states. Five hours earlier, at least two rounds were discharged from the same gun about two blocks from the parking lot, the indictment states. The rounds were fired in proximity of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents who were engaged in the performance of their official duties, the indictment states. Gomez, 45, is a citizen of Mexico who had been residing in Chicago. He had previously been convicted of a felony and was removed from the United States on at least four separate occasions from 2008 to 2015. The indictment was returned on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2026, at 1:15 p.m., before U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly. Gomez is currently detained in federal custody without bond. The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Chicago Police Department provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill J. Bhalakia. Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods , the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction strategy. In the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the District, particularly firearm offenses. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each count in the indictment is punishable by up to ten years in federal prison. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. gomez_indictment.pdf


title: Convicted Sex Offender Who Had Been Deported to Mexico Pleads Guilty to Illegally Re-Entering the United States

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Saul Castillo-Crespo, 28, a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to illegal re-entry into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Castillo-Crespo, aka “David Crespo,” was previously convicted in August 2017 in D.C. Superior Court and sentenced to five years in prison in connection with the kidnapping and sexual abuse of an intoxicated stranger in Northwest Washington. In January 2023, Castillo-Crespo was deported to Mexico. He illegally re-entered the country in March 2025, proceeded to violate the law by failing to register as a sex offender, and was arrested in June by local law enforcement. Judge Timothy J. Kelly scheduled sentencing for March 13, 2026. “This individual sexually assaulted a victim and got deported a few years ago, just to sneak back into the U.S. illegally,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “I will not allow this brazen defiance of our immigration laws to continue, especially from criminals who commit the most heinous illegal acts.” According to the court documents, ICE learned that Castillo-Crespo had been arrested by MPD officers on June 27, 2025, and had been charged with unlawful entry and destroying property. On arrest, the defendant identified himself using the alias “David Crespo.” On July 16, 2025, law enforcement fingerprinted “David Crespo.” The FBI identified him as Castillo-Crespo. ICE determined that the fingerprints matched those of a known and previously deported alien. Castillo-Crespo previously was found guilty and sentenced for a sex crime in the District. On May 7, 2017, Castillo-Crespo encountered his victim in the early morning hours on a sidewalk near Lafayette Square in downtown Washington. The woman was extremely intoxicated, unable to walk, and told Castillo-Crespo that she wanted to go to her home. Castillo-Crespo hailed a passing taxi and took her to his apartment building in the 1700 block of Seventh Street NW. Once inside, the victim refused to enter Castillo-Crespo’s fourth-floor apartment and repeated that she wanted to go home. Castillo-Crespo carried her to a staircase where he sexually assaulted her. His conduct inside the building was captured on building surveillance cameras. This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Satter. 25cr235


title: Previously Convicted Killer Sentenced in Taking a Loaded Revolver into a DC Government Building

body_text: WASHINGTON – Dwayne Taylor, 49, a convicted murderer residing in the District, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to one year and one day in prison in connection with his illegal possession of a loaded revolver he carried into a government building that had been designated as a gun-free zone, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Taylor pleaded guilty on Sept. 2, 2025, before Judge Jia M. Cobb to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the prison term, Judge Cobb ordered Taylor to serve three years of supervised release. Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Washington Field Office, and Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). According to court documents, on June 30, 2025, shortly after 9 a.m. an MPD officer responded to the Minnesota-Benning Government Center on the 4000 block of Minnesota Avenue NE. The officer approached a security official who pointed to Taylor and identified him as a man who had a gun in his bag. The officer asked Taylor, “What’s going on?” Taylor replied, “My weapon in my backpack.” The officer asked Taylor if he had a permit, Taylor stated, “No it’s at home, I don’t got none of my stuff with me . . . I forgot when I was rushing out the door this morning. I forgot. I just put it in my bag and ran out the door.” The officer asked Taylor if he was licensed to carry. Taylor responded, “No, I’m not licensed to carry.” The officer then placed Taylor in handcuffs and called for more officers. Officers recovered a Hopkins & Allen 36 .38 Special Revolver loaded with five rounds of ammunition from Taylor’s backpack. As a previously convicted felon, Taylor was prohibited from possessing a firearm. In 1995, Taylor was convicted in D.C. Superior Court of second degree murder while armed; armed robbery; and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in the 1994 execution-style killing of cab driver Keith Moore. Taylor was sentenced to 15-years-to-life in prison and served 27 years. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the ATF Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Liss for the District of Columbia. An X-ray image of Taylor’s backpack as it passed through the X-Ray machine at the Minnesota-Benning Government Center. The revolver is circled in yellow. In this photo, an officer pulls a revolver from Taylor’s backpack.


title: Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Lovus Austin Brewer, 28, of Huntington, pleaded guilty on Monday, January 5, 2026, to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 4, 2025, law enforcement officers responding to reports of shots fired at a Huntington residence encountered Brewer and ordered him to raise his hands in the air. When Brewer complied, officers saw a black pistol with an extended magazine on his right rear hip. Officers recovered a 9mm pistol from Brewer. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Brewer knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine in Wayne County Circuit Court on August 21, 2017, and fleeing with reckless indifference to the safety of others in Cabell County Circuit Court on September 22, 2022. Brewer is scheduled to be sentenced on April 13, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-149.


title: Huntington Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Dyson Lamont Woody Jr., also known as “DC Sosa,” 33, of Huntington, was sentenced on Monday, January 5, 2026, to six years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 17, 2021, Woody sold approximately 27.28 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for $430. As part of his guilty plea, Woody admitted that he conducted that transaction, that he arranged it beforehand, and that it occurred in a Huntington motel room. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cabell County Sheriff's Office, and the Huntington Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:23-cr-81. ###


title: East Helena man sentenced to prison for illegal possession of guns and ammunition

body_text: GREAT FALLS – An East Helena man who possessed guns and ammunition illegally was sentenced today to 28 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Justin Curtis Huckaby, 44, was found guilty at a September 2025 trial of two counts of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The government alleged in court documents and at trial that Huckaby was convicted of a felony in the Montana Thirteenth Judicial District on June 5, 2019. He was sentenced to a period of custody of up to 15 years, with 5 years suspended, followed by a period of supervision with the Department of Corrections. Huckaby’s judgment set out the conditions of his supervision, which included a prohibition of “using, owning, possession, transferring, or controlling any firearm, [or] ammunition….” That condition was also read to Huckaby in open court. On June 13, 2023, Huckaby signed the Firearms and Voting Regulations form, which states: “I further understand that my right to possess or own firearms or ammunition is suspended while under supervision. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing or receiving firearms or ammunition [Title 18, United States Code Section 922(g)(1)]. Therefore, I understand I could be prosecuted for a violation of Federal law. I also understand that I could be punished for violating my conditions of supervision AND federally prosecuted.” That same day, Huckaby signed his conditions of probation and parole. Condition 15 states: “Weapons: I will not use, own, possess, transfer, or be in control of any firearms, ammunition (including black powder), or weapons.” On August 5, 2024, around 4 a.m., law enforcement officers responded to a casino in East Helena, Montana. Officers were informed Huckaby was at the casino and had drugs and a firearm in his vehicle. Upon arrival, law enforcement contacted Huckaby who was in the driver’s seat of his white Chevrolet pickup parked outside the casino. Huckaby confirmed he was on parole but denied there was anything his truck that would violate his conditions of supervision. During contact with Huckaby, law enforcement saw a glass pipe with burnt residue on the center console. The pipe later field tested positive for methamphetamine. A probation search was authorized and performed on the vehicle. During the search, officers found a loaded 9mm handgun under the driver’s rear passenger seat. It was loaded with 9mm caliber ammunition. A box of 9mm caliber ammunition was also located in a backpack. Huckaby later admitted to touching and handling the firearm earlier that day. Huckaby also threatened to shoot an individual after he suspected the individual took his 8-ball of methamphetamine and money that he won at other casinos that evening. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and the State of Montana Probation and Parole. 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. XXX


title: Grand jury indicts Arkansas man for production of child pornography and enticing a minor

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Brayden Storey, 22, of West Fork, Arkansas, with two counts of production and attempted production of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years, and one count of enticement of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, in June 2024, the West Seneca Police Department received a report from a minor victim of an incident involving an individual that she met online in September 2022, when she was 13 years-old and he was 19 years-old. They communicated on social media and text message. At times, Storey made sexual comments, with the sexual communications significantly increasing over time. Between October 2023 and April 2024, Storey coerced the minor victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct and created visual depictions of the conduct. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the West Seneca Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Cosgrove, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera. Additional assistance was provided by the Little Rock Office of the FBI, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, the Arkansas State Police, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Still, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Arkansas. 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. # # # #


title: Previous sex offender sentenced to 27 years in prison for attempted coercion and child pornography

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: BILLINGS – A previous sex offender from Billings who attempted to obtain nude photos from a person he thought was 12 years old was sentenced today to a total of 324 months in prison to be followed by lifetime supervised release. supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Steven Dwyane Scott, 51, was found guilty at a September 2025 trial of one count of attempted coercion and enticement and one count of possession of child pornography. Mr. Scott was also ordered to pay a total of $17,200 in special assessments. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The government alleged in court documents and at trial that in March 2024, law enforcement, acting in an undercover capacity and posing as a 12-year-old juvenile female, electronically reached out to Scott on Facebook. Scott accepted the invite and the two parties began conversing. The communications eventually transitioned to KIK. The communications lasted from roughly March 7, 2024, until May 28, 2024. During the chats, Scott was put on notice of the “child’s” age, indicated he should not be talking to her yet continued, and sought pictures of her, including nude pictures. On May 21, 2024, Scott sent the “child” images of a gift card and payment for possible nude images from her. Scott provided instructions to the undercover officer as to the best way to verify money was on the card. Thereafter, on May 27, 2024, Scott sent a $25 Amazon gift card to the “child,” again for the purpose of obtaining images from the child. The last communication law enforcement received from Scott was on May 28, 2024. When law enforcement reached out to Scott, he was a registered sex offender following a 1997 conviction for Sexual Abuse of a Minor in the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota. Several years before the conduct in this case, in 2018, Scott corresponded with multiple juvenile females online. One of those children was Jane Doe 1. A law enforcement investigation stemming from Jane Doe 1’s disclosure led to a search warrant of Scott’s Snapchat account and the discovery of his interest in juvenile females. Sexually explicit images of a different victim, Jane Doe 2, were discovered on Scott’s Snapchat account. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Montana Department of Criminal Investigations, the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and the Townsend, Massachusetts Police Department. 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 . XXX


title: Mexican citizen pleads guilty to production of child pornography

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Victor Francisco Lucas, 32, a citizen of Vera Cruz, Mexico, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to production of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, who is handling the case, stated that beginning on January 3, 2025, and continuing for approximately two weeks, Lucas, who was residing in the Western District of New York, communicated with an out of state 12-year-old minor victim through TikTok, text message, phone calls and video calls. During these communications, Lucas, who claimed to be a 13-year-old boy, requested and directed the minor victim to produce sexually explicit images and send the images to him by text message. Also, during these communications, Lucas engaged in sexually explicit live stream facetime video calls with the minor victim. During the investigation, a search of Lucas’ cell phone recovered material constituting child pornography, as well as multiple additional chat conversations with additional minors, which included sexually graphic communications and the transmission and receipt of child pornography. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti. Sentencing is scheduled for May 18, 2026, before Judge Vilardo. # # # #


title: Grand jury indicts Jamestown man for threatening to kill a Homeland Security agent and family

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Matthew White, 43, of Jamestown, NY, with threatening to assault and murder a federal law enforcement officer and interstate communication with threat to injure a person. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, on April 30, 2025, White threatened to assault and murder a federal law enforcement officer employed by the Department of Homeland Security, with the intent of interfering in the officer’s performance of his duties. In addition, White posted threats on “X,” stating, “I can’t wait to put a bullet into this guy’s brain, but first his children.” White was arraigned before this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and released on conditions. The indictment is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. 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. # # # #


title: Waipahu Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Paying Adults to Sexually Abuse Children During Livestreamed Internet Videos

component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Robert Silva, 52, of Waipahu, Hawaii, was sentenced on Tuesday to 30 years in federal prison (the statutory maximum) followed by a 20-year term of supervised release for producing child pornography. He must also now register as a sex offender. Silva pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement in September 2025. As part of his guilty plea, Silva admitted that on multiple occasions in 2018 and 2019, he paid adults in the Philippines to sexually abuse children there during live internet video streams. While in Hawaii, Silva created recordings of these video streams, which show him directing the adults to abuse the children, ranging from ages three to thirteen, in real time. Silva would “tip” the adults, sometimes as little as fifty cents, to engage in specific sex acts with the children. At sentencing, Senior U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor highlighted the egregious nature of the defendant’s conduct, which involved the sexual exploitation of young children from economically marginalized communities abroad. Judge Gillmor expressed concern that Silva continued to minimize the severity of his role in the offense after he argued he did not himself commit a “hands on” offense. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barbara Eucker and Rebecca A. Perlmutter prosecuted the case.


title: Three Men Charged in Bank Fraud Conspiracy Targeting Mail Collection Boxes and Postal Vehicles

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – Three men were charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud connected to theft of mail from collection boxes and postal vehicles across Northern New Jersey, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced today. Jeffrey Bennett, a/k/a “Bizz,” a/k/a “Riley Smith,” 31, of Irvington and Rahway, New Jersey, Aquil Hubbard, 31, of Middlesex and Newark, New Jersey, and Tashon Ragan, a/k/a “Ta,” 26, of Union, New Jersey, were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Bennett, Hubbard, and Ragan made their initial appearances in court before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa in Newark federal court. They were detained pending further proceedings. According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court: From December 2024 to December 2025, Bennett, Hubbard, and Ragan conspired to steal mail and packages from United States Postal Service mail collection boxes and postal vehicles. The conspirators sought checks, financial instruments, and other items of value from the mail. The conspirators altered checks and attempted to deposit them at various financial institutions in New Jersey, and they used social media to recruit account holders at various financial institutions to further the goals of the conspiracy. Investigators connected Bennett, Hubbard, and Ragan to a series of smash-and-grab burglaries of United States Postal Service vehicles across Northern New Jersey. In those incidents, members of the conspiracy either smashed windows of postal vehicles or opened unlocked vehicle doors and stole trays of mail, often in broad daylight while postal workers were out delivering mail. The charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000 or twice the gross gain to the defendant or loss to a person other than the defendant, whichever is greater. Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello credited postal inspectors of the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher Nielsen, Philadelphia Division, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked postal inspectors of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, and agents and investigators from the United States Secret Service, Newark Field Office, as well as law enforcement officers from the Bernards Police Department, Belleville Police Department, Chatham Borough Police Department, Clifton Police Department, East Hanover Police Department, Maplewood Police Department, Middlesex Police Department, Metuchen Police Department, Nutley Police Department, Parsippany Police Department, Rahway Police Department, Roseland Police Department, and Union Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael K. O’Leary of the General Crimes Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ### Defense counsel for Bennett: Laura Sayler, Esq. Assistant Federal Public Defender Defense counsel for Hubbard: Perry Primavera, Esq. Defense counsel for Ragan: Adam Elewa, Esq.


title: Tracy Man Sentenced to over 7 Years in Prison for his Role in Murder-for-Hire Plot

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO , Calif. — Shaminderjit Singh Sandhu, 52, of Tracy, was sentenced today to seven and a half years in prison for conspiring to use interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, Sandhu conspired with Jagninder Singh Boparai, 49, of Manteca; and Ramesh Kumar Birla Jr., 47, of Dublin, to murder a victim identified as Victim 2. In February 2023, Boparai met with a person he believed to be a hitman at a Starbucks in Manteca. Unbeknownst to Boparai and his co-defendants, throughout their interactions, the hitman was in fact a confidential informant working for the FBI. Boparai told the supposed hitman that the first job involved the assault of another man with whom the defendants were feuding. Once the hitman proved his trustworthiness, he would be given another job. The following day, Boparai met the confidential informant again and offered to pay $6,000 for the assault. In March 2023, in the presence of Birla and another individual, Boparai met with the confidential informant, and Boparai gave the confidential informant $1,000 as a down payment for the assault. After more time had passed, the confidential informant showed Boparai a staged photo of the supposed assault victim lying on the ground covered in bruises, dirt, and blood to show the assault had occurred. Boparai said he liked the photo and told the confidential informant that he had two other “jobs,” one of which involved robbing a business, and the other involved making a person “disappear.” Then, in March 2023, Boparai met with the confidential informant to pay the confidential informant $10,000 as a down payment for the murder for hire job. Sandhu provided the second victim’s address, and Boparai instructed the confidential informant that the victim must disappear without any evidence remaining. On March 24, 2023, Sandhu and Birla met with the confidential informant in a parking lot in Manteca. Sandhu and Birla claimed that Boparai was out of town, but Boparai was observed remaining in a car in the same parking lot. Sandhu and Birla instructed the confidential informant to kill the victim and take his remains to Mexico in a suitcase. All three defendants were arrested on March 31, 2023, and are currently in federal custody. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the California Highway Patrol, the Ceres Police Department, the Dublin Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Lathrop Police Department, the Modesto Police Department, the San Joaquin County Probation Office, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, the Stockton Police Department, the Tracy Police Department, the Turlock Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adrian T. Kinsella and Kevin Khasigian are prosecuting the case. Boparai pleaded guilty to the same charge on January 23, 2025. On August 14, 2025, U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta sentenced him to nine years in prison. Birla is scheduled for a further status conference on February 12, 2026. If convicted, he faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will 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 against Birla are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless he is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Grand Jury Returns Indictments

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments this week. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation, and a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Madison Man Charged With Illegally Possessing Firearm and Ammunition Johnell L. Britt, 27, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing a firearm as a felon. The indictment alleges that on December 11, 2025, Britt possessed a Glock 19 Gen5 9mm caliber pistol and 9mm ammunition. If convicted, Britt faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison . The charge against him is the result of an investigation conducted by the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, which is comprised of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lennon is handling the case. Illinois Man Charged With Drug Distribution Kendrick Payton, 30, Rockford, Illinois, is charged with distributing controlled substances. The indictment alleges that Payton distributed heroin on December 18, 2024, and cocaine on February 18, 2025. The indictment further alleges that Payton distributed 40 grams or more of fentanyl on January 6, 2025, January 10, 2025, and February 18, 2025. If convicted, Payton faces a minimum penalty of 5 years in federal prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison for each of the charges involving fentanyl. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the charges involving cocaine and heroin. The charges against Payton are the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Rock County Sheriff’s Office, and Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis Glinzak is handling the case. The cases in the press release are part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the U.S. 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).


title: Acting U.S. Attorney Announces Grants Available to Combat Human Trafficking

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Acting United States Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma announced that today U.S. Department of Justice grants are currently available to help communities combat human trafficking and serve adults and children who are victimized in trafficking operations. The grants are being made available through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs. For more information on program criteria and how to apply, please visit https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov. For more information about application deadlines or to see all available funding opportunities from the Office of Justice Programs, visit https://www.ojp.gov/funding/explore/current-funding-opportunities. Please note that you must have active registrations in SAM.gov and Grants.gov before you can apply for Department of Justice funding opportunities. Grant Opportunities Available Housing Assistance for Victims of Human Trafficking : This funding will provide for transitional housing and supportive services that assist human trafficking victims in moving as quickly as possible into permanent housing and achieving stability. Eligible applicants are government entities, educational organizations, nonprofit organizations, and public housing organizations. Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Human Trafficking : This funding will support programs to enhance the availability, quality, and delivery of services tailored to the developmental stages and needs of young (minor) victims of human trafficking. Eligible applicants are government entities, educational organizations, nonprofit organizations, and public housing organizations. Preventing Trafficking of Girls : This funding will develop or enhance prevention and early intervention services for girls who are at risk of, or are victims of, sex and/or labor trafficking. Funding will be provided for activities such as street outreach, partnerships with organizations that serve youth, partnerships with juvenile justice and child welfare systems, and/or collaboration with other key community stakeholders. Eligible applicants are government entities, educational organizations, nonprofit organizations, and public housing organizations. Specialized Human Trafficking Assistance : Supporting Survivor Engagement in Anti-Trafficking Programming: This funding will assist OVC-funded anti-trafficking grantees in ensuring meaningful engagement with and successful outcomes for survivors of human trafficking. The program will help build capacity to identify and partner with survivors in their local community, state, or region. Eligible applicants are educational organizations, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations. Enhanced Collaborative Model (ECM) Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking : This funding will support jurisdictions to develop and expand a multidisciplinary, collaborative task force approach to better respond to human trafficking through increased victim identification, service provision, and case investigations. Eligible applicants are government entities and nonprofit organizations. Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking : This funding will develop, enhance, and coordinate programs and activities geared toward improving outcomes for child and youth victims of sex and labor trafficking. The program supports a statewide or Tribal jurisdiction-wide strategic plan addressing challenges related to identifying and serving child and youth victims of sex and labor trafficking, as well as identifying, investigating, and prosecuting traffickers. Eligible applicants are government entities. Services for Victims of Human Trafficking : This funding will develop, expand, and strengthen victim service comprehensive and specialized services programs for victims of all forms of human trafficking. Eligible Applicants are government entities, educational organizations, nonprofit organizations, and public housing organizations.


title: Key member of Chinese money laundering network charged with laundering tens of millions of dollars in drug proceeds

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – Yan Lin, 41, of California, appeared in federal court in Cincinnati today on charges of conspiracy to launder tens of millions of dollars derived from drug trafficking proceeds. According to the indictment unsealed today, between March 2022 and October 2024, Mexico-based drug traffickers hired Lin to return tens of millions of dollars in profits from the sale of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine in cities throughout the United States to Mexico. Lin allegedly arranged for his co-conspirators to deliver bulk cash to others who bought electronics that were shipped to co-conspirators in Hong Kong, China and elsewhere. After confirmation of receipt of the bulk cash, Mexico-based drug traffickers would receive their payment in Mexico, minus a commission, via a “mirror transaction.” One ledger, which recorded just a portion of Lin’s money contracts in 2024, totaled approximately $27.4 million in bulk cash delivered across the United States. “As alleged in the indictment, the defendant laundered tens of millions of dollars in drug proceeds from the United States through China, enabling a continuous flow of dangerous drugs into our country from Mexico,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva, of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Dismantling Chinese money laundering networks that support drug trafficking organizations is critical to achieve the mission of total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations. Working with our federal and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute the financial networks that fuel and profit from the illegal drug trade.” “Without money launderers, drug cartels are stuck with dirty money they can’t use,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “These profiteers help facilitate the distribution of deadly drugs into our communities and will be held accountable as if they trafficked the drugs themselves.” “By targeting those who facilitate the movement of illicit proceeds, we are attacking the lifeblood of drug trafficking operations and protecting Americans,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz. “Homeland Security Investigations remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks who illegally use our nation’s financial infrastructure to funnel drugs into our communities.” “Laundering drug trafficking money helps the cartels reap enormous profits while Americans are harmed by their dangerous drugs,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie. “Money laundering is a serious crime that the FBI and our partners will continue to investigate as we work to disrupt the flow of drugs and dismantle the dangerous cartels.” Yan Lin is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and concealment money laundering, which is a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison. This case is being investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations Cincinnati Office, the IRS-Criminal Investigation Cincinnati Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, including the New York, Philadelphia, Charleston, Tulsa and Atlanta offices, FBI Cincinnati, and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Regional Enforcement Narcotics Unit. DEA’s Special Operations Division also aided the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Dornette for the Southern District of Ohio, Acting Assistant Deputy Chief Mingda Hang and Trial Attorney Elizabeth Rabe of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # #


title: Morgantown Construction Company Sentenced for Tax Fraud, Employing Illegals

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Hetzon Marroquin Reyes, owner and operator of A&M Homes, LLC, in Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison for employing illegal aliens and tax fraud, United States Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced. Reyes, also known as “Hector,” age 41, hired and harbored illegal workers for his construction company. Reyes, a Guatemalan resident, in the United States on a temporary visa himself, created fraudulent documentation for the illegal workers to provide to the West Virginia Division of Labor inspectors and fraudulently used others’ social security numbers for the aliens’ tax paperwork. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, and the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General. 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. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.


title: Indiana Woman Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison

body_text: HAMMOND – On January 8, 2026, Christine Reese, age 62, of Crown Point, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to health care fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Reese was sentenced to 84 months in prison and ordered to pay $268,746.37 in restitution. According to documents in the case, Reese falsely claimed that she was licensed as a clinical psychologist and falsely represented that she held the degree of Doctor of Psychology. In reality, Reese did not have these qualifications but did have over ten previous felony convictions. Using forged and fraudulent documents, Reese convinced Company A, a mental health services provider in Munster, Indiana, to hire her to work as a clinical therapist. Reese also obtained employment at another mental health services provider using false qualifications. Reese conducted appointments with patients at Company A, including Indiana Medicaid recipients and children. Later, Reese continued to claim she was a psychologist and conducted appointments with patients out of her home, using the business name of Sanctuary Counseling. Reese continued to fraudulently bill for the services she claimed to provide. As a result of her scheme Reese defrauded Indiana Medicaid and Medicare Advantage Plans out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. In the course of her scheme, Reese stole the identities of three different legitimate medical professionals. Reese used the names and license numbers of these practitioners to enroll herself in Indiana Medicaid and submit bills. “This extensive fraud not only contributed to the strain on healthcare programs designed to help the most vulnerable among Indiana’s citizens, but callously preyed upon patients deceived into thinking the therapy they were receiving was from a qualified professional, said United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred, “My thanks to the state and federal investigators whose work led to the significant and necessary sentence that was handed down today.” “The public relies on the integrity of the health care system, and fraud undermines that trust,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that health care fraud will not be tolerated. The FBI remains committed to working alongside our state and federal partners to protect patients and safeguard the health care system.” “This case underscores the serious risks posed by individuals who exploit vulnerable patients and taxpayer-funded programs through fraud,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region. “Providing therapy services without proper credentials endangers beneficiaries—especially children—and erodes trust in our health care system. Yesterday’s sentence reflects our commitment to protecting patients and holding those who engage in health care fraud accountable.” This case was investigated by the Indiana Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin F. Wolff.


title: Rapid City Man Sentenced to Nearly 2 Years in Federal Prison for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a man from Rapid City, South Dakota, convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on January 5, 2026. Jose Eduardo Rodriguez, age 50, was sentenced to one year and nine months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Rodriguez was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2025. He pleaded guilty on October 1, 2025. Rodriguez was convicted of Fourth Degree Rape in Butte County, South Dakota, in 1998. Consequently, he is required to register as a sex offender and update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment or student status. In October 2023, Rodriguez began a period of supervised release residing in Rapid City, and he appropriately updated his sex offender registration. Rodriguez moved from South Dakota to Texas in February 2024, but did not update his sex offender registration. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued, and on April 29, 2025, Rodriguez was arrested in Rapid City. This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case. Rodriguez was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Sports Agent Indicted For Embezzling Hundreds Of Thousands Of Dollars From Clients

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Lucas Mirtl (42, Prosper, TX) with four counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Mirtl faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count. The indictment also notifies Mirtl that the United States intends to forfeit at least $351,797, which is alleged to represent proceeds obtained from the offenses. According to the indictment, Mirtl worked as a sports agent for a sports marketing and talent management company based in Los Angeles, California. Between August 2023 and January 2025, Mirtl perpetrated a scheme to defraud two clients of hundreds of thousands of dollars. As part of the scheme, Mirtl gained access to bank accounts that contained funds generated by his clients’ professional activities. Mirtl, without authorization, withdrew funds in small increments from those accounts for his personal use over the course of approximately 18 months, including transactions sent directly to his personal bank account. To conceal the unauthorized transactions, Mirtl entered false and fraudulent memo lines that identified payments as being for goods and services that Mirtl never provided. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts. Indictment


title: Justice Department Announces Largest Distribution of Over $2.8 Billion to Compensate Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism

component: Criminal Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund (the Fund) will provide its largest-ever distribution of compensation to victims in 2026. The Fund’s Special Master, Mary Patrice Brown, authorized distribution of $2.825 billion, which will provide compensation to nearly 22,000 victims of state‑sponsored terrorism. “The distribution announced today brings the total compensation provided by the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund to over $10 billion,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division is honored to serve this victim community by administering the Fund. No amount of money can ever make the victims of these terrible acts whole, but this distribution aims to provide some measure of justice.” “The department’s dedicated Fund team and I applaud the courage and perseverance of victims of state‑sponsored terrorism and their families,” said Special Master Brown. “This will be the largest distribution in the Fund’s history, as we continue to ensure that all available funds reach victims and their families.” The Fund, established by Congress, and under the leadership of the department, serves thousands of victims of heinous acts of international state‑sponsored terrorism. The Fund previously authorized more than $7 billion for thousands of victims of state-sponsored terrorism and their families in five rounds of general distributions and two rounds of lump-sum catch-up payments. The Special Master’s authorization this year brings the amounts authorized for distribution to over $10 billion. Apart from an initial appropriation of approximately $1 billion from Congress and additional congressional appropriations for lump-sum catch-up payments, funds available for distributions result from certain Justice Department prosecutions and cases and other U.S. government enforcement actions. The amounts available for this distribution came from qualifying federal enforcement actions and the termination of the Beirut barracks and Khobar Towers reserve fund. Since last year’s fifth distribution, more than 1,300 new claimants qualified to join the Fund, bringing the total number of eligible claimants to nearly 22,000. Claims are anticipated to grow in the coming years as more victims of state‑sponsored terrorism apply to the Fund. Although the amount of funds available is not sufficient to compensate the victims’ claims in full, this compensation provides some measure of justice for victims of state-sponsored terrorism. More information about the Fund’s compensation to victims of state‑sponsored terrorism is available on the Fund website at www.usvsst.com , including application materials, frequently asked questions and publications.


title: New Jersey Man Sentenced for Promoting Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: A New Jersey man was sentenced yesterday to 14 years in prison and 15 years of supervised release for promoting child sexual abuse material on the dark web. According to court documents, between Oct. 18, 2020, and Jan. 20, 2023, Declan Golden, 39, of Middletown Township, New Jersey, accessed and engaged with a website on the Tor network known to encourage its users to post and trade child sexual abuse material. While on this website, Golden created numerous posts related to voyeurism and the sexual exploitation of children while encouraging other users to share images with him. Golden also posted links for users to access images of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct and statements about using a spycam on girls in the shower and on the toilet. A search of his devices revealed many videos and image files of child sexual abuse material, including depictions of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts. In an interview with law enforcement, Golden admitted to viewing child sexual abuse material beginning in 2014. Golden pleaded guilty in May 2025 to the charge of promoting material containing child pornography involving a prepubescent minor in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello for the Criminal and Special Prosecutions Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, and Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy of the FBI Newark Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force made the announcement. This case was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit (CEOU). The Department also thanks the Middletown Police Department for its assistance with the investigation. Trial Attorney Anglica Carrasco of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Fell for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: HONDURAN MAN SENTENCED FOR POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND ILLEGAL REENTRY

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Marco Tulio Gonzalez-Oliva, 25, of Honduras, was sentenced to 51 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to illegal reentry and possession of child pornography. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The possession of child sexual abuse material is a disgusting offense that perpetuates a cycle of victimization for the innocent children who have been exploited and abused, and my office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting offenders like this defendant to put an end to that. Thanks to the excellent investigative work of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations, this criminal illegal alien will spend years in federal prison before being deported. My office remains committed to fulfilling the mandate of Operation Take Back America by keeping our communities safe and our border secure.” According to court records, the defendant was encountered in Okaloosa County, Florida, during the execution of a search warrant at a residence. During a search of the defendant’s cell phone, law enforcement located photographs and videos of child pornography. Investigators also determined the defendant was an illegal alien present in the United States after being previously deported in 2023. “Protecting children from online exploitation is not just a duty—it's a moral responsibility,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Every image and video of child sexual abuse shared on the dark web perpetuates victimization. We will relentlessly pursue those who prey on the innocent, preventing these predators from using the internet as a safe haven.” “No child should ever be victimized by a predator and we're happy our efforts and partnership helped lead to this sentencing,” said Sheriff Eric Aden, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. “It sends a clear message that possessing child pornography or illegally reentering our country to commit crimes will reap consequences through the results of an united ongoing mission to protect our children.” The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Etherton. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The case was also 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 public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: PREVIOUSLY DEPORTED ALIEN INDICTED FOR ILLEGAL ENTRY AND ASSAULT OF AN IMMIGRATION OFFICER

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Edwin Antonio Rodriguez-Gonzalez, 31, of El Salvador, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with illegal entry by a deported alien and assault of a government official. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today. Rodriguez-Gonzalez appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick, in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for February 3, 2026, at 8:30 am, before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor. If convicted, Rodriguez-Gonzalez faces up to three years’ imprisonment. The case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Florida Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Tampa Man Pleads Guilty To Interstate Threat To Kill A Member Of The United States House Of Representatives

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Myles M. McQuade (30, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to interstate transmission of a threat to injure a Member of the United States House of Representatives. McQuade faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, on September 12, 2025, McQuade transmitted social media posts containing gruesome and threatening messages to harm a U.S. Congresswoman as well as members of her immediate family. This case was investigated by the United States Capitol Police. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler III.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Leveraging Federal, State, Local Partnerships to Help Drive Sharp Decline in Violent Crime Across Maryland

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced today that, thanks to cooperative efforts between Federal, State, and local partners, statewide violent crime continued to significantly decline in 2025. Homicides and non-fatal shootings are down statewide, including in Baltimore City, for the fourth year in a row. Since 2021, statewide homicides have declined by 50 percent. In 2025, Baltimore City saw 133 murders — the lowest on record since 1977 — which reflects a 31-perecent drop from 2024, and a 61-percent decrease since 2021. This is only the fifth time the City logged under 200 murders since 1970, and is the first time it recorded under 200 homicides in back-to-back years, since 1978. Non-fatal shootings statewide and in Baltimore City were also down, in 2025, by 28 percent and 25 percent, respectively. Additionally, in Prince George’s County, as of December 31, homicides declined by 41 percent in 2025. These declines demonstrate the value of strategic collaboration between Federal, State, and local law enforcement. In this way, federal resources are leveraged as a force multiplier for the safety and security of all Marylanders. This dynamic is on display through the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s leveraging of state-funded Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (SAUSAs) to help with the fight against violent crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office partners with the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor, Office of the State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County, and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City — who provide SAUSAs to work in federal court alongside federal prosecutors — to tackle violent crime. Utilizing these SAUSAs is directly tied to the drop in statewide violent crime. In 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office worked with its State partners to onboard six SAUSAs, bringing the total to nine active SAUSAs working full time out of the Baltimore or Greenbelt U.S. Attorney’s offices. “The recent decline in violent crime across Maryland reflects what is possible when we work together with focus and purpose,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes. “By strategically leveraging Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys — and strengthening our partnerships with Federal, State, and local law enforcement — we are multiplying our impact and ensuring that the most serious offenders are held accountable. Public safety remains our top priority, and we will continue to use every tool available to keep Maryland’s communities safe.” In Baltimore City, SAUSAs, who are funded through grants from the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, lead efforts to prosecute individuals who violate federal firearm laws. SAUSAs also assist the Baltimore Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with separate armed robbery, carjacking, homicide and non-fatal shooting investigations. Additionally, SAUSAs actively help investigate and prosecute multiple firearms, narcotics, robbery, and carjacking cases with a nexus to Prince George’s County and the surrounding area. As a result of using all available resources, and increased collaboration with Federal, State, and local prosecutors and law enforcement agencies, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is successfully investigating and prosecuting individuals and organizations responsible for committing firearms trafficking ; drug trafficking ; violent carjackings ; bank robberies ; gang-related murders — including the murder of a 16-year-old girl , and multiple murders in connection with an MS-13 RICO Act conspiracy — and other violent crimes. These strong collaborations have helped drive major declines in violence, and are connected to the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) . This program brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is helping eradicate violent crime while improving neighborhood safety through utilizing the newly formed Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF). The HSTF is an initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. It 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. This includes prosecuting foreign nationals who committed murders and stabbings , along with illegal aliens who sold illicit fentanyl in the state. 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 and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: January Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments Announced

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the January Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments. The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence. Gelvin Garcia-Alvarado. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Garcia-Alvarado, 43, a Guatemalan national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in April 2008, October 2014, February 2017, and March 2019. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory Richard is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-010 Ruben Manuel Barraza Reyes. Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography; Possession of Child Pornography. Barraza Reyes, 26, a Mexican national, is charged with knowingly receiving and distributing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Additionally, Barraza Reyes is charged with possessing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children under 12 years old. The FBI Oklahoma City and Anchorage Divisions, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, and the Homeland Security Investigations are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Heign is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-007 Jacob Robin Gilmartin. Child Abuse in Indian Country. Gilmartin, 32, of Skiatook and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with maliciously injuring, torturing, and maiming a minor child by throwing a knife at him and striking him. The FBI and the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Brandon is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-008 Austin Wayne Haley. Abusive Sexual Contact in Indian Country (Counts 1 through 7) Haley, 30, of Bixby and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with engaging in unwanted sexual contact with the intent to degrade the victims for his own sexual gratification. The FBI and the Bixby Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacey Todd is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-009 Erik Antonio Ortiz-Mora. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Ortiz-Mora, 36, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Nov. 2012. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Hockenbury is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-003 Sasha Jamece Phillips. Eluding a Law Enforcement Officer While Endangering Others in Indian Country. Phillips, 28, of Tulsa and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is charged with operating a motor vehicle and eluding law enforcement while endangering others. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Brandon is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-004 Ramiro Rincon-Castro. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Rincon-Castro, 38, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in June 2014. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Flynn is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-002 Andrew Mark Southey. Sexual Exploitation of a Child; Receipt of Child Pornography. Southey, 57, of the Dominican Republic, with dual citizenship in New Zealand, is charged with coercing a minor child to produce images and videos of sexually explicit conduct. Further, Southey is charged with receiving images and videos of a minor child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The FBI is the investigative agency. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the FBI LEGAT office in the Dominican Republic assisted in the arrest. Assistant U.S. Attorney Valeria Luster is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-005 Lajon Anthony Walker. Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Walker, 41, of Tulsa, is charged with knowingly possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. He is additionally charged with maintaining a residence to distribute drugs. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the Tulsa Police Department, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-006


title: MEXICAN NATIONAL CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING FEDERAL OFFICERS

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: United States Attorney Kurt L. Wall announced that a federal grand jury recently returned a one-count indictment charging Evodio Merida-Tavera, age 42, a Mexican national who is present in the United States without authorization, with assaulting federal officers. According to the indictment, Merida-Tavera used a motor vehicle as a dangerous weapon to assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, or interfere with two United States Border Patrol officers while they were engaged in the performance of their duties. If convicted of the assault charges, Merida-Tavera faces up to twenty years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Merida-Tavera is also subject to removal or deportation from the United States upon completing any sentence imposed. This matter is being investigated by the United States Border Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy S. Johnson. 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. An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.


title: New Castle Man Sentenced for Role in Interstate Drug Trafficking Operation

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of New Castle, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Edward Dietrich, 60, was sentenced by United States District Judge Robert J. Colville to time served of six days in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. Prior to sentencing, Judge Colville was informed that the conspiracy in which Dietrich participated was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of controlled substances in New Castle as well as in Detroit, Michigan, and that Dietrich suffers from multiple serious medical and physical conditions. According to information presented to the Court, Dietrich primarily participated in the conspiracy by allowing fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine to be stored inside and distributed from his New Castle residence for months between August 2023 and August 2024, with the defendant having received controlled substances as compensation for the use of his residence for that purpose. Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States. First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Mercer County Drug Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, Department of Homeland Security, and Douglas County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Dietrich. This prosecution was 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 that 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.