title: San Jose Man Sentenced To 30 Years In Prison Following His Second Federal Child Exploitation Conviction

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN JOSE – Christopher Schuette was sentenced yesterday to 30 years in federal prison following his conviction at trial on charges of possession of child pornography and attempted enticement of a minor. U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman handed down the sentence. Schuette, 42, of San Jose, was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 22, 2022, on one count of possession of child pornography. The government obtained a superseding indictment on October 12, 2022, that added a charge of attempted enticement of a minor. On January 25, 2023, a jury found Schuette guilty of both charges. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Schuette—who had been released from prison in December 2021 following a previous federal conviction for, among other crimes, distribution of child pornography—was arrested in February 2022 in possession of a smartphone that contained more than 1,200 images of child pornography. Subsequent investigation revealed that Schuette had been using multiple Instagram profiles to communicate with others about child pornography. For example, Schuette enticed one Instagram user who said she was an 11-year-old girl to create and send him sexually explicit videos of herself and others. And he told another Instagram user that he was particularly attracted to girls 7-12 years old. United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo made the announcement. Schuette has been in custody since he was arrested in February 2022. He will begin serving his prison term immediately. In addition to the prison term, Judge Freeman ordered Schuette to serve a lifetime of supervised release following his prison term and to pay restitution in an amount to be determined at a later date to the victims of his crimes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Parker is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Laurie Worthen. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.


title: New Orleans Man Indicted for Arson Of Property In Interstate Commerce

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – KYLE THOMSEN (“THOMSEN”) , from New Orleans, was indicted on March 19, 2026 for arson of property used in interstate commerce, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to the indictment, on or about January 19, 2026, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, THOMSEN , damaged and destroyed by means of fire, a vehicle used by a commercial business in interstate commerce. THOMSEN faces from five to twenty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). U. S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The case is a part of the NOLA Safe initiative and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tabacco and Firearms and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Foreign National from the Congo Sentenced for Role in Email Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and Special Agent in Charge Sara J. Jones with the FBI Mobile, Alabama Field Office announced the sentencing of a foreign national from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who was residing in Hockley, Texas for his role in an email compromise scheme that defrauded a business of more than $200,000. On March 24, 2026, a federal judge sentenced 27-year-old Chris Kasimbo Kalwahali to 33 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering. Following his prison term, Kalwahali will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. “Business email compromise schemes are a growing threat to companies across our district and the nation,” said Acting United States Attorney Davidson. “Those who seek to exploit trusted business relationships for personal gain must be pursued and held accountable.” “The FBI is working every day to disrupt and dismantle cybercriminals who prey on victims in southern Alabama,” said Special Agent in Charge Jones. “Today’s outcome is another example of our commitment to protecting victims and imposing consequences on the criminals who perpetrate cyber intrusions in our area. We encourage anyone who has been the victim of cybercrime to report it immediately at www.ic3.gov. Quick reporting gives us the best chance to work with victims and our partners to recover stolen funds and bring criminals to justice.” According to his plea agreement and other court records, in March 2023, Kalwahali’s co-conspirators targeted a business in Auburn, Alabama, by gaining unauthorized access to a business email account. Such access is commonly obtained through methods including hacking or social engineering to acquire login credentials. Once access is obtained, perpetrators often impersonate the legitimate account holder and send fraudulent messages directing business partners to update payment information. Victims are then instructed to send payments to bank accounts controlled by members of the scheme. In this case, the compromised email account was used to request wire transfers from two companies that conducted business with the Auburn company. One transfer, totaling $209,308.45, was deposited into a bank account controlled by Kalwahali. He then transferred the proceeds to other participants in the scheme. As part of his plea agreement, Kalwahali admitted that he received and redistributed fraud proceeds, including transferring more than $83,000 to a Houston, Texas car dealership to purchase a vehicle. During the sentencing hearing, the court also ordered Kalwahali to pay a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $185,667.20. Additional restitution amounts are also pending. The FBI Mobile Field Office investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle R. Turner and Eric M. Counts prosecuted for the Middle District of Alabama.


title: Billings man sentenced to over 3 years in prison for illegal firearm possession

body_text: BILLINGS – A Billings man who was prohibited from owning firearms was sentenced today to 41 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said. Andre Lamar Alexander, 19, pleaded guilty in November 2025 to one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. He is prohibited based on a conviction for felony escape in Montana’s Thirteenth Judicial District Court in April 2025. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The government alleged in court documents that on August 3, 2025, law enforcement officers responded to a Billings residence after receiving a report that a male suspect had threatened to shoot a teenage female, Jane Doe. Doe said Alexander messaged her, demanding that she return some of his belongings. When Doe arrived at her house, she saw Alexander sitting in a vehicle. He got out of the car holding a pistol and threatened her, saying “You’re so lucky I don’t just shoot you up right now” and “If the cops get involved it’s going to be way worse.” Doe showed the officers messages Alexander sent to her that night, which contained repeated threats to shoot her. Other responding officers located the vehicle parked nearby and ordered the occupants to exit. Alexander was sitting in the front passenger seat. As he got out, the officers observed a black backpack on the floor at his feet. When they searched Alexander’s bag, the officers seized a black, privately-made Geisler model 19X .40 caliber pistol, two standard magazines, one extended .40 caliber magazine, and Alexander’s wallet. Alexander later admitted in phone calls from the jail he owned a second gun – a “Glock 17” – that he successfully concealed from the arresting officers. Investigators identified that firearm as a Glock model 17, 9 mm semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine with 39 rounds of 9 mm ammunition. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Yerger prosecuted the case. The ATF and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. XXX


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Launches Inaugural Federal Prosecutor Leadership Academy for Miami-Dade High School Students

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida recently hosted its inaugural Federal Prosecutor Leadership Academy, a two-day program designed to introduce high school students to the mission and work of the Department of Justice and inspire the next generation of public servants. The inaugural class included 33 students representing 10 high schools across Miami-Dade County. Throughout the program, students engaged directly with federal prosecutors, law enforcement agents, and members of the judiciary to gain a comprehensive understanding of the federal criminal justice system. “This program is about access and mentorship at an early stage,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “For many of these students, this was their first real interaction with federal prosecutors, law enforcement agents, and judges. That kind of exposure matters. When young people can engage directly with professionals in public service, it turns something distant into something possible. Early access like this can shape the trajectory of a student’s life and give them a clearer understanding of how they can one day serve. As a career prosecutor and former state trial judge, I’ve seen in my own development how mentorship opens doors and helps build the next generation of public servants.” Over the course of two days, students participated in a series of interactive panels and presentations led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys and federal law enforcement partners, including representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Secret Service, and the City of Doral Police Department. Programming included: An introduction to the Department of Justice and the structure of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Roundtable discussions with Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Civil Division, General Crimes Section, Violent Crime and Special Victims Section, and Economic Crimes Section A panel on pathways to becoming a federal prosecutor A presentation on the “nuts and bolts” of a criminal investigation A law enforcement panel highlighting interagency collaboration in federal cases A guided office tour and a visit with a U.S. Magistrate Judge Building on the success of the inaugural program, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will host a second session of the Federal Prosecutor Leadership Academy on April 6-7, which will welcome students from private high schools across Miami-Dade County. The Federal Prosecutor Leadership Academy is part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s broader community outreach efforts aimed at strengthening public trust and building a pipeline of diverse future leaders in the justice system. The U.S. Attorney’s Office looks forward to continuing the program in the years ahead. ###


title: Las Vegas Woman Indicted for Fraudulently Obtaining Over $365,000 in Social Security Payments

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas woman made her initial appearance in court on Tuesday before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts for allegedly fraudulently obtaining more than $365,000 in payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA). According to allegations contained in court documents, beginning in April 2009 through February 2026, Narda Yvonne Locklear improperly received and converted the SSA benefit payments of her deceased grandmother for her own use. Because the SSA was unaware of the death, the SSA continued to deposit Social Security Retirement Insurance Benefits payments in the bank account. Locklear possessed a debit card issued in her grandmother’s name that allowed her access to the bank account. Additionally, she made false representations to the SSA in her application for Supplemental Security Income benefits and during redeterminations. As a result of the fraud scheme, Locklear obtained over $365,000 in SSA payments. Locklear is charged with three counts of bank fraud, two counts of theft of government money, and one count of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is 112 years in custody. A jury trial has been scheduled for May 18, 2026, before United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon. First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent-in-Charge Christian Assaad of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, San Francisco Field Division, made the announcement. The SSA OIG investigated the case. Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Weidhaas is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Washington man guilty of distributing fentanyl resulting in two fatal overdoses

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: JUNEAU, Alaska – Following a five-day trial, a federal jury convicted a Washington man today of distributing fentanyl pills that resulted in the overdose death of two men in Skagway. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between Jan. 1 to 13, 2023, Jacob Cotton, 34, of Spokane, Washington, agreed to sell and mail approximately 150 fentanyl pills to an individual for distribution in Skagway. The object of the conspiracy was to have Cotton buy fentanyl in Spokane for a cheaper price, ship it to Alaska and then charge a premium price for purchase in Skagway. Cotton and the individual agreed to split any distribution proceeds. At the time of the agreement, Skagway was “dry,” meaning there was no fentanyl available in the community. United States Attorney's Office, District of Alaska; U.S. v. Jacob Cotton, Case #: 1:25-cr-00002 On Jan. 9, Cotton shipped a parcel containing the pills from Spokane to the individual in Skagway via the U.S. Postal Service. The parcel was delivered sometime between Jan. 11 and 12. On Jan. 12, the individual contacted multiple people indicating the pills were available for purchase, and sold pills to multiple people, including a 44-year-old man. On Jan. 13, around 11:30 p.m., the individual selling the pills was found unresponsive on his bathroom floor and later declared decease after attempts to revive him. This victim was 28 years old at the time of his death. On Jan. 14, around 4:30 pm., the 44-year-old man was found dead in his bedroom. The State of Alaska Medical Examiner’s Office later determined both victims died from acute toxic effects of fentanyl. On Jan. 15, law enforcement searched the 28-year-old victim’s residence and recovered a plastic bag with 62 fentanyl pills hidden in a computer tower. During trial, prosecutors presented evidence of records confirming Cotton’s shipment of drugs, digital messages and other forms of payment connected to the illegal drug sales. Cotton was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death and one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. The federal jury also found Cotton guilty of a “death resulting” enhancement for both victims, which required proof that the fentanyl pills Cotton distributed were the cause of each victim’s death. A sentencing hearing will be set for a later date. Cotton faces between 20 years and life in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Saccone of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Seattle Field Division and Skagway Police Chief Jerry Reddick made the announcement. The DEA Seattle Field Division and Anchorage District Office, and Skagway Police Department, as part of the Southeast Alaska Cities Against Drugs Task Force (SEACAD), investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jack Schmidt and Carly Vosacek are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of drug trafficking and violent crime. ###


title: Jury finds Browning man guilty of assault on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: GREAT FALLS – A Browning man who shot an individual on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was found guilty by a federal jury today, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said. Following a one-and-a-half-day trial, Kevin James Trombley, 28, was found guilty of one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, and one count of use of a firearm during a crime of violence. Trombley faces mandatory minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for April 23, 2026. Trombley remained detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents and at trial that John Doe was drinking with friends and family in the late hours of March 22, 2024, and early hours of March 23. Early in the morning on March 23, Trombley and some friends entered the same residence without permission. Once inside, a fight ensued among Doe, Trombley, and others. After the fight caused damage, the homeowner declared everyone needed to leave, and grabbed a pellet gun to make her point. The fight migrated outside into the driveway that abuts the house. Doe, meanwhile, stood in the driveway. According to witnesses, Doe was unarmed and had his hands up, saying something to the effect of, “What are we going to do?” At that point, Trombley—who was seated in the driver’s seat of his truck—leaned across the passenger seat—and fired a gun through the truck’s window. The shot hit Doe in the abdomen, and he fell to the ground. Trombley then fled in his truck. Doe was taken to Blackfeet Community Hospital before he was transferred to Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, where he underwent surgery for injuries to his internal organs. Law enforcement spoke with several witnesses who identified Trombley as the shooter. Law enforcement went to a residence in search of Trombley. They found him sleeping in a back bedroom, and they found a Smith & Wesson 40 caliber pistol—later confirmed to have been purchased by Trombley—between the box spring and the mattress on which he slept. When Trombley’s truck was later searched, officers found a spent shell casing on the passenger side floorboard. When law enforcement interviewed Trombley, he did not deny being at the party but denied knowing how Doe was shot. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services. XXX


title: Eleven Defendants Charged in Takedown of Alleged Gang-Associated Drug Dealing

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Five indictments and one complaint were unsealed in federal court this week charging 11 individuals with distributing methamphetamine throughout San Diego County. The charges are the result of a 16-month investigation by the FBI San Diego Violent Crime Task Force – Gang Group and Homeland Security Investigations that targeted Asian Crips-affiliated drug dealers in Mira Mesa and elsewhere. The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, undercover agents and confidential sources. In a coordinated takedown this morning, more than 200 federal, state, and local law enforcement officials executed four search warrants in Escondido, National City, Ramona and San Diego and arrested seven defendants. Four defendants were arrested on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Including seizures today and throughout this investigation, authorities have confiscated more than 11 pounds of methamphetamine and two firearms. “We allege that these defendants turned neighborhoods into a marketplace for drugs and crime,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “By dismantling this network, we’re helping give the community back its streets—and its peace of mind.” “The success of this joint Homeland Security Task Force operation is a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and professionalism of all our law enforcement partners,” said Kevin Murphy, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego. “Together, we have made significant strides in disrupting gang-associated drug trafficking and protecting our communities. HSI remains committed to prioritizing public safety.” “Today’s multiple arrests of alleged violent gang members resulted from FBI San Diego and our law enforcement partners at HSI, SDCSO, SDPD, CVPD, and CDCR working together to stop the flow of drugs into our neighborhoods,” said TJ Holland, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “The FBI will continue to coordinate complex joint investigations to ensure justice is served and our communities are safe.” These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Keith D. Ellison and Daniel Casillas. DEFENDANTS Case Number 26CR0903-DMS Muriel Burless (Age: 43) Eric Rose (Age: 45) SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual), in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 846 Maximum Penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years in prison; $10 million fine. Case Number 26CR0904-DMS Roy Elazgui (Age: 50) SUMMARY OF CHARGES Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual), in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) Maximum Penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years; $10 million fine Case Number 26CR0905-DMS Rex Hernandez (Age: 57) Antonio Gregorio Amposta (Age: 52) Jesus Rodriguez (Age: 49) Clyde Johnson (Age: 64) SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Distribute more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual), in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 846 Maximum Penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years; $10 million fine Case Number 26CR0906-DMS Jeremy Espiritu (Age: 36) Albert Mora (Age: 54) SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Distribute more than 5 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual), in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 846 Maximum Penalty: Forty years in prison, mandatory minimum five years; $5 million fine Case Number 26CR0907-JLS Jason Quila (Age: 45) SUMMARY OF CHARGES Distribution of more than 5 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual), in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) Maximum Penalty: Forty years in prison, mandatory minimum five years; $5 million fine. Case Number 26MJ01036 Priscilla Violante (Age: 38) SUMMARY OF CHARGES Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 50 Grams of Methamphetamine (Actual) and 40 Grams of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) Maximum Penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum 10 years; $10 million fine INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Federal Bureau of Investigation, Violent Crimes Task Force – Gang Group (VCTF-GG), which included investigators from the following agencies: Federal Bureau of Investigation Homeland Security Investigations San Diego Police Department California Department of Corrections San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Chula Vista Police Department National City Police Department San Diego County District Attorney’s Office Investigations *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This investigation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF San Diego comprises agents and officers from FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, Department of Defense, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and INTERPOL, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, provides assistance to Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. This grant program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). There are currently 33 HIDTAs, and HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.


title: Drug Dealer With Tenderloin Ties Sentenced To Eight Years In Federal Prison For Possession With Intent To Distribute Fentanyl

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – Andy Cruz was sentenced today to 96 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and failure to appear in court as required by conditions of release. Senior U.S. District Judge Charles R. Breyer handed down the sentence. Cruz, 40, who previously resided in Oakland, was initially charged by complaint on Oct. 11, 2023, and by indictment on October 25, 2023, on drug charges. On November 6, 2023, Cruz was released on bond. Around February 2024, Cruz absconded. As a result, he was separately indicted by a federal grand jury on April 2, 2024, for failure to appear in court and contempt of court. On May 6, 2025, Cruz was located and arrested. On January 29, 2026, Cruz was charged by a superseding information on drug charges. On March 25, 2026, Cruz pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of failure to appear before a court as required by conditions of release. According to court documents and proceedings, Cruz has been selling drugs in San Francisco and elsewhere since 2008. In 2023, officers observed Cruz engage in a suspected drug transaction in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco, which led to his arrest and a search of his person. That search uncovered multiple suspected controlled substances. Officers have also observed Cruz conduct several additional suspected drug transactions from his car, as well as suspected drug transports throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. On October 5, 2023, officers executed a search warrant at Cruz’s residence, and searched his car and person, recovering nearly one kilogram of fentanyl, 76 grams of heroin, and 25 grams of methamphetamine, as well as drug paraphernalia. Cruz has remained in custody since his most recent arrest and was remanded into custody following sentencing. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Breyer ordered Cruz to serve four years of supervised release to begin after his prison term is completed. United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris made the announcement. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Yeh prosecuted the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DEA.


title: Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Gas Station Robbery

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon has pleaded guilty to the robbery of a gas station in Attala, Alabama, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby. Joseph Lee Rainey, 34, of Munford, Alabama, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Liles C. Burke to Hobbs Act Robbery, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on August 20, 2025, Rainey entered the Marathon gas station in Attala, Alabama, took a drink from the cooler, and approached the cashier as if he were going to pay for the beverage. Rainey then robbed the cashier at gunpoint. The cashier complied with Rainey’s demand and gave him approximately $500. On August 25, 2025, members of the 7 th Judicial Major Crimes Unit were looking for Rainey in Ohatchee, Alabama, when they attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Rainey was a passenger. The driver made an abrupt stop and got out of the vehicle. Rainey moved into the driver’s seat and sped away. The officers pursued Rainey in a high-speed chase that ended when Rainey jumped out of the vehicle and ran. A short time later, officers found Rainey hiding in a wooded area. The search of the vehicle revealed a Taurus 9mm pistol, matching the gun used during the Marathon gas station robbery, and a cell phone. Rainey is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his six prior felony convictions that span from 2016 to 2024, in the Circuit Court of Calhoun County, Circuit Court of Talladega County, and Circuit Court of St. Clair County. The ATF investigated the case along with the 7 th Judicial Major Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittney L. Plyler is prosecuting the case.


title: Chicago Felon Convicted of Identity Theft and Money Laundering in U.S. Treasury Check Scheme

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A felon who perpetrated an extensive scheme involving fraudulent U.S. Treasury checks at Eastern Iowa financial institutions in 2023 pled guilty on March 24, 2026, in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Tyrone Terrell Harris, age 34, from Chicago, Illinois, was convicted of five counts of theft of government property, five counts of aggravated identity theft, one count of money laundering, and one count of money laundering conspiracy. Evidence presented at Harris’s detention hearings, as well as at other hearings in related cases, showed that Harris provided fraudulent U.S. Treasury checks to co-conspirators for presentation to Eastern Iowa financial institutions. The co-conspirators had fake driver’s licenses in the names of the persons to whom the U.S. Treasury had issued the checks and possessed these victims’ social security numbers and dates of birth. The co-conspirators then opened bank accounts in the victims’ names and quickly withdrew the fraud proceeds in cash to evade detection by law enforcement. At his plea hearing, Harris admitted his involvement with five stolen U.S. Treasury checks in August and September 2023, with a combined face value of over $300,000 and in the names of five different victims. Harris also admitted that he personally withdrew $9,000 in fraud proceeds in cash to conceal the location of the fraud proceeds. Finally, Harris admitted that, between June and September 2023, he conspired with others to launder the fraud proceeds. Harris has prior criminal convictions in Illinois, Georgia, and Oklahoma. He has prior felony convictions for attempting to elude a police officer, driving a motor vehicle under the influence, and running a roadblock in Oklahoma. Harris is the latest defendant to plead guilty in the Northern District of Iowa as part of the fraudulent U.S. Treasury check scheme. Other individuals convicted include: Edgar Stacey Delgado , age 32, from East Los Angeles, California, was convicted of one count of Forged Endorsement on a U.S. Treasury Check and one count of Aggravated Identity Theft. On February 26, 2025, Delgado was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release, and he was also ordered to pay $201,510.69 in restitution. Irvin Lantern , age 68, from Chicago, Illinois, was convicted of one count of Forged Endorsement on a U.S. Treasury Check and one count of Aggravated Identity Theft. On February 4, 2025, Lantern was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release, and he was also ordered to pay $33,000 in restitution. Lantern has an extensive criminal history in Illinois. Dale Ford , age 60, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of Forged Endorsement on a U.S. Treasury Check and one count of Aggravated Identity Theft. On March 14, 2025, Ford was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release, and he was also ordered to pay $91,916 in restitution. Ford had over 30 prior criminal convictions by the time of his federal sentencing hearing. Tim Dale Howe , age 62, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of Forged Endorsement on a U.S. Treasury Check and one count of Money Laundering Conspiracy. On July 28, 2025, Howe was sentenced to 6 months of imprisonment, 6 months of home confinement, and three years of supervised release, and he was ordered to pay $87,851.37 in restitution. Howe previously was convicted in Florida in 2005 for committing a sex offense against a child. Cornelius Devon Hicks , age 50, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was convicted of one count of Forged Endorsement on a U.S. Treasury Check and one count of Money Laundering. On July 7, 2025, Hicks was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release, and he was ordered to pay $47,175.65 in restitution. Hicks has an extensive criminal history in Iowa and Tennessee. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Harris remains in the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Harris faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 100 years’ imprisonment, a $3.5 million fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek and was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Cedar Rapids Police Department assisted in the investigation. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file numbers are 25-CR-97 (Harris), 23-CR-90 (Delgado), 23-CR-49 (Ford), 23-CR-2077 (Lantern), 24-CR-63 (Howe), and 24-CR-80 (Hicks). Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Dunkirk man pleads guilty to theft of government funds involving COVID-19 fraud

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jesus Ramos aka Manny, 42, of Dunkirk, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to theft of government funds, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, co-defendant Lamont Brown recruited others to apply for unemployment assistance compensation through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for which they were not entitled. In July 2020, Ramos provided his identification information and social security number to Lamont Brown, knowing that it would be used to obtain money that he was not entitled to. After he provided his personal information to Brown, Ramos received a check totaling $11,454 from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources, which he deposited into a checking account at a Lake Shore Savings Bank, owned by Lamont Brown. These funds were later withdrawn and spent. Ramos did not reside in, nor had he resided or worked in Puerto Rico and was therefore legally ineligible to receive the PUA funds from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources. The total loss amount to the Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources due to the actions of Ramos and others involved in the scheme was $67,524. Brown was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing. The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Jonathan Mellone, Northeast Region. Sentencing is scheduled for July 24, 2026, before Judge Sinatra. # # # #


title: Stigler Resident Pleads Guilty To Federal Drug And Firearm Charges

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that William Herr, a/k/a Yangyee Her, age 41, of Stigler, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to an Information of one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and one count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, punishable by not less than five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Information alleged that on December 16, 2024, Herr knowingly and intentionally possessed less than 50 kilograms of marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance, with intent to distribute it. The Information further alleged that on December 16, 2024, Herr knowingly possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, that being Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana as charged in Count One of the Information. The charges arose from an investigation by the Haskell County Sheriff’s Department, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Honorable Judge Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Herr was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Staubus and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States.


title: Illegal Alien Sentenced For Unlawful Reentry

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Celso Martinez-Mata, a/k/a Celso Mata Martinez, a/k/a Celso Martinez, age 60, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien. The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. On December 22, 2025, Martinez-Mata pleaded guilty to the charge in federal district court. According to investigators, on October 29, 2025, Martinez-Mata, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on July 2, 2002. 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 Honorable Raúl M. Arias-Marxuach, Chief Judge in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Staubus represented the United States.


title: Attorney General Pamela Bondi Announces Award Recipients at the U.S. Department of Justice 73rd Annual Awards Ceremony

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced award recipients at the U.S. Department of Justice Seventy-Third Annual Awards Ceremony held at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building. "It is my distinct honor working alongside so many outstanding men and women," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "The commitment to justice, devotion to duty, and selfless service demonstrated each day by our colleagues deserves to be recognized and celebrated. I extend my gratitude to this year's award recipients for their remarkable service and to their families, colleagues, and partners who support them in this incredible mission." The Department of Justice hosts the annual Attorney General’s Awards to recognize the incredible achievements of its employees and law enforcement partners. The individuals and teams being honored represent the very best of the Department—each of them selected for acts of service that are aligned with the Department of Justice's core mission: upholding the rule of law, keeping the American people safe, and protecting civil rights. The awardees include attorneys, investigators, law enforcement officers, support staff, and many others who have made extraordinary efforts. The Attorney General Awards include recognition for: Excellence in Law Enforcement Excellence in Management Excellence in Technology or Privacy Excellence in Furthering the Interests of U.S. National Security Excellence in Legal Support Excellence in Administration Support K-9 Award Additionally, the John Marshall Awards recognize outstanding professional achievements by attorneys at the U.S. Department of Justice. These awards are designed to recognize attorneys' outstanding achievements either in trial or litigation, participation in litigation or support of litigation: Excellence in Litigation Excellence in Providing Legal Advice Excellence in Appellate Litigation Attorney General Awards were also presented for the following achievements: Award Asset Forfeiture Award for Fraud Prevention Outstanding External Contributions Rising Star Award Edward H. Levi Award for Outstanding Professionalism and Exemplary Integrity William French Smith Award for Outstanding Contribution to Cooperative Law Enforcement Commitment to Advancing Justice Award Outstanding Contributions by a New Employee Finally, the Attorney General presented the following awards, considered the three highest awards at the Department of Justice. The Mary C. Lawton Lifetime Service Award Exceptional Heroism Distinguished Service Below is the list of the award recipients, award citations, and summaries of achievement: THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT This award recognizes outstanding professional achievement by a law enforcement officer of the U.S. Department of Justice. Group Name: Michael Pratt Investigation Team Award Citation: Honored for the relentless pursuit in the investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of a Complex Sex Trafficking Ring Responsible for the Victimization of Over 573 victims. Synopsis: This team is nominated for relentlessly pursuing justice against a complex sex trafficking enterprise led by FBI Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Michael James Pratt circa 2010 through 2019 operating primarily in the Southern District of California and extending across the United States (U.S.) and abroad. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MANAGEMENT This award recognizes outstanding administrative or managerial achievements which have significantly improved the operations or productivity of the Department or have reduced costs. Group Name: DAAGs Alvarez and Taylor Awards Citation: Honored for delivering transformational, enterprise level management results that strengthened the Department’s efficiency, fiscal integrity, and mission readiness during a period of sweeping administrative change. Christopher Alvarez Deputy Assistant Attorney General Controller Justice Management Division William N. Taylor II Deputy Assistant Attorney General Management and Compliance Justice Management Division Synopsis: Deputy Assistant Attorneys General (DAAGs) Christopher Alvarez and William Taylor delivered transformational, enterprise level management results that strengthened the Department’s efficiency, fiscal integrity, and mission readiness during a period of sweeping administrative change. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MANAGEMENT Award Citation: Honored for exceptional service as Acting Director of the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Sirce E. Owen Appellate Immigration Judge Board of Immigration Appeals Executive Office for Immigration Review Synopsis: Judge Owen is an accomplished Appellate Immigration Judge who stepped into the highest leadership role in EOIR at a pivotal time. Her dedicated service to the Department of Justice and EOIR was critical to implementing important new Administration priorities related to immigration, national security, and the rule of law. Under her leadership, EOIR’s pending caseload was reduced by 10%, or over 400,000 cases. She also restored the Agency’s mission to adjudicate cases in a fair, impartial, and expeditious manner. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TECHNOLOGY OR PRIVACY This award recognizes outstanding contributions by U.S. Department of Justice employees in applying information technology to improve the operations or productivity of the Department, reduce or avoid costs, or solve problems, as well as recognizing outstanding achievements in privacy law, policy, and compliance. Group Name: Matrix Implementation Team Award Citation: Honored for exceptional effort and diligence in the sweeping modernization of USAO-DC's Case Management System. Jeffrey Wojcik Department Chief, SCGCCIU District of Columbia Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys Petula Coon Derek Meeks Supervisor IT Specialist District of Columbia Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys Kori Arsenault Paralegal Specialist District of Columbia Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys Roopa Dasari IT Specialist District of Columbia Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys Jessica Moffatt Program Analyst (Chief of Staff) District of Columbia Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys Alex Reber Information Technology Program Manager Office of the Chief Information Officer Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys Synopsis: The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USAO-DC) Matrix Implementation Team led a sweeping modernization of the office’s long-outdated case management system, culminating in the successful deployment of the Matrix platform in 2025. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TECHNOLOGY OR PRIVACY Group Name: Immigration Enforcement Efficiency Enhancement Award Citation: Honored for exceptional innovation in developing real-time mobile and case management technologies to track immigration, TCO, and FTO enforcement data for the DOJ. Brandon J. Leach Branch Chief/Intelligence Research Specialist Geospatial and Intelligence Systems Branch Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Christopher Bailey Katherine E. Brady Richard M. Nieto Project Officer Spartan Program Management Branch Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Gregory W. Dreaper National Geospatial Program Manager Geospatial and Intelligence Systems Branch Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Cory J. Schleyer Intelligence Operations Specialist Geospatial and Intelligence Systems Branch Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives John Cook Project Manager Spartan Program Management Branch Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Synopsis: The Immigration and TCO Enforcement Data Modernization Team is nominated for the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence in Technology for their transformative work in establishing a real-time data collection ecosystem supporting high-priority DOJ and Administration initiatives. To address the urgent need for accurate intelligence on immigration enforcement operations, Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs), and Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), the team developed a dual-front technological solution. The team conceptualized and deployed the ATF’s mobile application for operational reporting, allowing Special Agents to transmit real-time data on arrests, geolocations, and interagency support directly from the field. This innovation replaced labor-intensive manual reporting, significantly reducing administrative overhead and providing Executive Leadership with immediate operational visibility. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FURTHERING THE INTERESTS OF U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY This award recognizes a special act or service that has greatly contributed to furthering the interests of national security by protecting citizens and infrastructure, contributing to successful high-profile investigations, or participating in prosecutions in the areas of foreign counterintelligence, terrorism, or espionage. Group Name: Miami Field Division Counternarcotic Cyber Investigations Task Force (CCITF) Award Citation: Excellence in furthering the interests of U.S. National Security by Assisting with the U.S. fentanyl epidemic and the DEA “One Pill Can Kill” Program. Synopsis: This team is nominated for its historic achievement in working to thwart the global fentanyl supply chain by targeting China and India-based chemical manufacturers who played a key role in the manufacturing, selling, and importing ton quantities of fentanyl precursor chemicals into the U.S. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN LEGAL SUPPORT This award recognizes outstanding achievements in the field of legal support to attorneys. Awards Citation: Honored in Excellence in Legal Support Tria Yang Legal Assistant Baltimore Immigration Court Executive Office for Immigration Review Synopsis: Since 2016, Ms. Yang has been a cornerstone of both detained and non-detained dockets at the Baltimore and York Immigration Courts. As a subject matter expert, she was the cornerstone of the Immigration Court’s electronic file pilot program, Judicial Tools, translating complex court needs into functional IT updates that now benefit the entire agency. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT This award recognizes outstanding administrative or managerial achievements (e.g., human resources, financial management, information technology, and general non-legal administrative support). Award Citation: Exceptional administrative support in leading the reorganization of several hundred employees to the Criminal Division. Brandon M. Morrison Chief Administrative Director Office of Administration Criminal Division Synopsis: Brandon Morrison was integral in planning and executing a series of complex reorganizations into and within the Criminal Division in 2025. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT Award Citation: Excellence in the administrative support of efforts to combat violent crime in New Mexico. Amanda L. Walmsley Investigative Analyst Albuquerque III Field Office Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Synopsis: Investigative Analyst (IA) Amanda Walmsley is an ideal team player – humble, hungry, and smart. Since joining ATF, IA Walmsley’s work ethic and enthusiasm have been invaluable, ensuring that the work she supports is carried out efficiently, and with the necessary resources. She embraces the duties of her position and is always the first to volunteer for assignments of all shapes and sizes, including those that many would perceive to be tedious or undesirable. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT Award Citation: Honored for her unwavering commitment to the Federal Bureau of Prisons and her excellence in providing administrative support. Amilene Wachter Warden Secretary Federal Correction Complex Allenwood Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System Synopsis: Ms. Wachter is a dedicated government employee with over 28 years of exemplary service. As the Complex Warden’s Secretary, she manages complex-level meetings and events, executive scheduling, budget oversight, Community Relations Board coordination, Administrative Remedies, Sentence Reduction and Compassionate Release processing under the First Step Act, and ensures all documentation is accurate and ready for Warden approval. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR TOP K-9 OR K-9 TEAM This award recognizes outstanding work done by a federal service K-9 or K-9 Team in support of the Department’s mission and every day encounters with the real world. Award Citation: Honored for exceptional service in linking violent crime cases through K-9 ballistic evidence recovery in Houston, TX. Jim Osburg Special Agent Canine Handler Houston Field Division Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives K-9 Lady Canine Houston Field Division Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Synopsis: Special Agent Jim Osburg and ATF K9 Lady have established themselves as one of the most effective K9 teams supporting violent crime investigations in the Houston area. During FY 2025, they conducted 160 evidence-related searches, recovering more than 843 pieces of ballistic and firearms evidence and generating 123 NIBIN hits. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR TOP K-9 OR K-9 TEAM Award Citation: Honored for actions of SACH Michael McGrath, through his training, intuition, heroism and overall courage, saved countless law enforcement officer’s lives that morning. Michael McGrath Special Agent Canine Handler Kansas City Field Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives K-9 Diggs Canine Kansas City Field Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Synopsis: SACH McGrath and his canine partner, “Diggs,” were responsible for assisting not only ATF, but the surrounding State, Federal and local partner agencies in the search and recovery of explosives, and ballistic and firearm related evidence at the scenes of violent crimes. SACH McGrath and his actions saved the lives of several St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Officers on the morning of May 9, 2025. THE JOHN MARSHALL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN LITIGATION This award recognizes outstanding professional achievement by attorneys only of the U.S. Department of Justice. The award is designed to recognize attorneys outstanding achievement either in trial or litigation, participation in litigation or support of litigation. Group Name: Curtailing Universal Injunctions Litigation Team Award Citation: Honored for exceptional service in advancing arguments at all levels of the judicial system to curtail universal injunctions. Curtis E. Gannon Deputy Solicitor General Office of the Solicitor General Harry S. Graver Vivek Suri Assistant to the Solicitor General Office of the Solicitor General Brandley A. Hinshelwood Assistant Director Appellate Staff Civil Division Kathleen C. Jacobs Trial Attorney Federal Programs Civil Division Sharon M. Swingle Deputy Director Appellate Staff Civil Division Derek L. Weiss Trial Attorney Appellate Staff Civil Division Synopsis: In Trump v. CASA, Inc., the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision limiting the use of universal injunctions, holding that such injunctions exceed the judicial power of courts unless necessary to provide a named plaintiff with complete relief. Before this decision, plaintiffs challenging government policies could obtain nationwide injunctive relief in a single court, effectively blocking implementation of policies across the entire country on an expedited basis. This practice allowed plaintiffs to forum-shop by filing lawsuits in jurisdictions they perceived as favorable, requiring the government to prevail in every case, while plaintiffs needed to win only once. The DOJ litigation team defended multiple simultaneous lawsuits challenging the Executive Order and strategically developed arguments addressing the constitutional merits as well as the scope of injunctive relief itself. THE JOHN MARSHALL AWARD FOR PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE This award recognizes an attorney or group furnishing sound legal opinions and expertise, supported by appropriate documentation and research, in areas involving significant litigation or matters of importance to the Government. Award Citation: Honored for exceptional service in securing the expulsion of 55 High-Value Fugitives and Cartel Leaders under Mexico’s National Security Law. Bethany A. Allen Jorge A. Kotelanski Trial Attorney Office of International Affairs Criminal Division Rocio Zamudio Department of Justice Attache’ Office of International Affairs Criminal Division Synopsis: OIA oversaw the first two transfers of high-priority fugitives from Mexico to the United States under Mexico's National Security law. The first transfer of 29 fugitives from Mexico occurred in February 2025, followed by a second transfer of 26 fugitives in August 2025. Transferred fugitives included Rafael Caro Quintero, who organized the torture and killing of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena-Salazar and Abdual Karim Conteh, the leader of an organization responsible for smuggling migrants from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. THE JOHN MARSHALL AWARD FOR APPELLATE LITIGATION This award recognizes the entire spectrum of legal efforts involved in presenting the Government’s major cases in appellate courts, including the presentation of oral arguments, and supervising or participating in the preparation of written briefs. Group Name: Global Health Council v. USAID Litigation Team Award Citation: Honored for Appellate Litigation to the Global Health Council v. USAID Litigation Team. Zoe Jacoby Assistant to the Solicitor General Office of the Solicitor General Christopher Edelman Sean Janda Joshua Schopf Brian Springer Indraneel Sur Trial Attorney Civil Division Daniel Tenny Senior Level Appellate Counsel Civil Division Synopsis: The team is nominated for its extraordinary work on Global Health Council v. USAID. This litigation arose out of the President’s determination that certain previous foreign-aid spending does not reflect American values and interests and his direction to relevant agencies to ensure that, moving forward, those funds are disbursed to support programs that align with the President’s policy priorities. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR ASSET FORFEITURE This award recognizes outstanding legal efforts or other actions by employees from any Component of the Department in support of the Government’s asset forfeiture programs. Group Name: The Venezuela Tanker Seizure Team Award Citation: Honored for investigating and seizing three oil tankers that were used by Venezuela, Iran, and others to Generate Revenue for Terrorist Organizations. Margaret Moeser Chief Money Laundering, Narcotics, and Forfeiture Section Criminal Division Michael DiLorenzo Deputy Chief District of Columbia Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys Sean Heiden Acting Deputy Chief Counterintelligence and Export Control Section National Security Division Gene Patton Deputy Chief Money Laundering, Narcotics, and Forfeiture Section Program Operations Unit Criminal Division Rajbir Datta Assistant United States Attorney District of Columbia Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys Cindy R. Burnham Special Agent Minneapolis Field Office Federal Bureau of Investigation Synopsis: The Venezuela Tanker Seizure Team is nominated for the Attorney General’s Award for Asset Forfeiture for its extraordinarily successful investigations and seizures of three very large crude carrier (VLCC) oil tankers that were used by Venezuela, Iran, and others to generate revenue in support of rogue regimes and terrorist organizations. The team demonstrated exceptional creativity, perseverance, determination, and dedication to the pursuit of justice and in helping enforce the President’s oil quarantine imposed against the illegitimate Maduro regime in Venezuela. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR FRAUD PREVENTION This award recognizes those who have been involved with the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud and other white-collar crimes. Group Name: Operation Gold Rush Award Citation: Honored for exceptional service in the investigation and prosecution of over $10 Billion Health Care Fraud Scheme by a Transnational Criminal Organization. Andres Q. Almendarez Sara E. Porter Leonid Sandlar Trial Attorney Fraud Section Criminal Division Patrick Gifford Data Analyst Fraud Section Criminal Division Kevin P. Lowell Shankar Ramamurthy Assistant Deputy Chief Fraud Section Criminal Division David C. Nelson Assistant U.S. Attorney District of Connecticut Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys Sarah Calgreen Deputy U.S. Marshal District of Connecticut United States Marshals Service Synopsis: A nationwide investigation known as Operation Gold Rush resulted in the largest loss amount ever charged in a health care fraud case brought by the Department. These charges were announced in the Eastern District of New York, the Northern District of Illinois, the Central District of California, the Middle District of Florida, and the District of New Jersey, and included charges brought against defendants who were apprehended in Estonia as a result of international cooperation with Estonian law enforcement and defendants who were arrested at U.S. airports and the U.S. border with Mexico, cutting off their intended escape routes as they attempted to avoid capture. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING EXTERNAL CONTRIBUTIONS This award recognizes individuals or teams who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in fostering collaboration between government agencies and community stakeholders to enhance public safety or have rendered exceptionally helpful assistance to the Department in high-visibility litigation. Award Citation: Honored for outstanding external contributions in support of animal welfare. Lauree Simmons President and Founder Big Dog Ranch Rescue Synopsis: Right before January 1, 2026, Lauree Simmons, the founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, received horrific information about animal abuse happening at a Texas breeding ranch with more than 100 dogs living in squalor. Within hours, Ms. Simmons and her team brought the matter to the attention of the Department of Justice. The FBI and USDA then executed a search warrant, deeming the dogs unsafe to remain on the property. Ms. Simmons and her organization ultimately saved more than 50 German Shepherds, placing many in loving homes and housing the rest. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S RISING STAR AWARD The Attorney General’s Rising Star Award is designed to recognize individual attorneys who have five years or less post law school and significant professional achievements and contributions to the federal government and the Department of Justice mission. Award Citation: Honored for leading the office in indictments, sentencings, and jury trials, indicting 60 cases, 86 defendants, and reviewing hundreds of warrants. Mac Caille L. Petursson Assistant United States Attorney District of Alaska Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys Synopsis: In her first year as an AUSA, 2024, Ms. Petursson indicted 34 cases against 37 defendants, reviewed 131 postal drug interdiction warrants, conducted one jury trial. In her spare time, she authored an article on courtroom psychology for the October 2024 issue of the DOJ Journal of Federal Law and Practice. In 2025, she indicted 26 cases against a total of 49 defendants, including two complex white collar fraud cases, a seven-defendant OCDETF/HSTF fentanyl conspiracy, a five defendant Lacey Act conspiracy, two cartel-related drug conspiracies, and five child sexual exploitation cases. She reviewed an additional 164 postal parcel warrants, more than double the number handled by the rest of the office combined. She received a regional award from the Postal Inspection Service for her exemplary work. In 2025, she led the office in case openings, pending cases as lead counsel, and was in the top three in sentencings. She authored a second DOJ Journal article, this time on international cooperation in cybercrime prosecutions in the March 2025 issue. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S RISING STAR AWARD Award Citation: Honored for the Attorney General’s Award for a rising star for the Civil Division’s Appellate Staff. Derek L. Weiss Trial Attorney Appellate Staff Civil Division Synopsis: Derek Weiss, an attorney on the Civil Division’s Appellate Staff, is widely recognized as a rising star at the DOJ. Mr. Weiss, who attended Yale Law School after a decade-long career in private equity, joined the Department in October 2024 following clerkships with Hon. Kevin Newsom on the Eleventh Circuit and Hon. Neomi Rao on the D.C. Circuit. He immediately became an essential part of the litigation team defending some of the Department’s most significant matters to date. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S RISING STAR AWARD Award Citation: Honored for outsized role to protect houses of worship utilizing and pursuing the criminal investigation of a nationally significant assassination. Orlando Sonza Counsel Office of the Assistant Attorney General Civil Rights Division Synopsis: Counsel Orlando Sonza has rapidly distinguished himself taking on an outsized role pursuing three critical, priority matters. First, Mr. Sonza played a pivotal role in United States v. Party for Socialism and Liberation, et al., the first civil FACE Act case ever brought by DOJ to protect a house of worship, arising from an attack against a synagogue in West Orange, New Jersey. Second, Mr. Sonza continues to help lead the ongoing federal investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk, one of the most sensitive and consequential matters currently handled by the Civil Rights Division. Lastly and most recently, Mr. Sonza was instrumental in helping lead the investigation and indictment of Don Lemon et al. in the case involving an attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. THE EDWARD H. LEVI AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONALISM AND EXEMPLARY INTEGRITY This award honors the memory and achievements of former Attorney General Edward H. Levi, whose career as an attorney, law professor and dean, and public servant exemplified these qualities in the best traditions of the Department. Award Citation: Recognized for exceptional service in responding to violent protest in Los Angeles. Frances S. Lewis Chief, General Crimes Central District of California Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys Synopsis: General Crimes Section Chief AUSA Frances Lewis exemplifies the best traditions of the Department of Justice in showing dedication, leadership, and courage in mobilizing the response of the United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California to the civil unrest in Los Angeles arising out of federal immigration enforcement actions. Since June 2025, Chief Lewis and the General Crimes Section have filed criminal complaints against over 100 individuals who have committed violence at protests or otherwise tried to interfere with federal immigration enforcement, including by assaulting federal officers. THE EDWARD H. LEVI AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONALISM AND EXEMPLARY INTEGRITY Award Citation: Recognized for outstanding professionalism and exemplary integrity in the performance of duties. Michael Moran ReEntry Affairs Coordinator FMC Devens Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System Synopsis: In September 2024, Reentry Affairs Coordinator Michael Moran demonstrated exceptional professionalism, integrity, and leadership by conceptualizing and leading the development of a virtual Pre/Reentry presentation designed to educate newly sentenced individuals and their families about the federal incarceration and reentry process. WILLIAM FRENCH SMITH AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO COOPERATIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT This award honors the memory and achievements of former Attorney General William French Smith for his establishment of Law Enforcement Coordinating Committees and his outstanding efforts in promoting law enforcement cooperation and coordination throughout the Nation. The William French Smith award recognizes state and local law enforcement officials who, through their participation in cooperative interagency efforts, have made significant contributions to law enforcement endeavors and objectives. Group Name: D.C. Metropolitan Police Department D.C. Crime Emergency Leadership Award Citation: Honored for exceptional law enforcement cooperation by providing instrumental efforts in developing an interagency infrastructure and execution framework. Jeffrey W. Carroll Chief of Police D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Jason Bagshaw Commander Special Operation Division D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Synopsis: The United States Marshals Service (USMS) nominated the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department D.C. Crime Emergency Leadership Team consisting of Chief of Police Jeffrey Carroll and Commander Jason Bagshaw of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for the William French Smith Award for Outstanding Contributions to Cooperative Law Enforcement for their exceptional leadership and instrumental efforts developing the interagency operational concept, infrastructure, and execution framework. WILLIAM FRENCH SMITH AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO COOPERATIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT Award Citation: Recognized for excellence in cooperative law enforcement for Spearheading Federal Surge Efforts and Securing $727M in Department of Homeland Security Funding to Support Agents and Title 8 Enforcement. Colin M. McDonald Assistant United States Attorney California Southern District Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the United States Attorneys Synopsis: Colin is recommended for the William French Smith Award for Outstanding Contributions to Cooperative Law Enforcement. Over the past year, Colin has made significant contributions to cooperative law enforcement endeavors by spearheading the Department's surge efforts, overseeing a portfolio of law enforcement components, participating in the DC Safe & Beautiful Law Enforcement Hiring efforts, establishing and securing $15 million in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) One Big Beautiful Bill funding for Special Act Awards process for Law Enforcement staff supporting Title 8 Immigration Enforcement, and securing $712 million in funding from DHS Homeland Security Task Forces One Big Beautiful Bill funding to support agents in the Department’s law enforcement components. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR COMMITMENT TO ADVANCING JUSTICE AWARD This award recognizes individuals or teams who have made exceptional contributions to the investigation and resolution of long-standing cold cases. It honors the dedication, persistence, and investigative excellence required to revisit unresolved cases and pursue justice years—sometimes decades—after the original investigation. Group Name: US v. James Williams (Murder-for-hire) Award Citation: This award recognizes exceptional service in the investigation and prosecution of conspiracies to commit murder for hire in Michigan. Mark S. Bilkovic Tare Wigod Assistant United States Attorneys Criminal Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the United States Attorneys Synopsis: In 2013, Clifton Page was bound with duct tape and executed in his home in Detroit, Michigan. Three years later, Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Bilkovic and A. Tare Wigod began their investigation of this murder. Through a multi-year investigation—and an immense amount of hard work— the AUSAs solved the murder of Page, five other cold-case murders, and three attempted murders. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR COMMITMENT TO ADVANCING JUSTICE AWARD Group Name: Bowling Green, Kentucky Cold Case Award Citation: This award recognizes excellence in cold case resolution for using advanced forensic DNA to solve the 1996 abduction of Morgan Violi and secure justice after thirty years. Kyle G. Bumgarner Assistant United States Attorney District of Western Kentucky Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the United States Attorneys Brian P. Butler First Assistant United States Attorney District of Western Kentucky Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the United States Attorneys Renee S. Chouinard Special Agent Louisville Field Office Federal Bureau of Investigation David Grimsley Detective Bowling Green Police Department Criminal Investigations Division William B. Kurtz Supervisory Special Agent Louisville Field Office Federal Bureau of Investigation Eric L. Stroud Special Agent Louisville Field Office Federal Bureau of Investigation Laura M. Stump Intelligence Analyst Louisville Field Office Federal Bureau of Investigation Synopsis: On July 24, 1996, seven-year-old Morgan Violi was abducted while playing outside her apartment complex in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Despite an immediate and extensive search, the case remained unsolved for decades, leaving a family and community without answers. Years later, investigators revisited the evidence (one which was fiber recovered from Morgan’s hair) using advanced forensic DNA technology, uncovering new leads that ultimately identified a suspect, Robert S. Froberg. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR COMMITMENT TO ADVANCING JUSTICE AWARD Group Name: Operation Sombra De La Bestia (Shadow of the Beast) Award Citation: This award recognizes excellence in the use of multiple investigative techniques and multi-agency collaboration for the investigation of four gang cold-case murders during Operation Sombra De La Bestia (Shadow of the Beast). Brian N. Dobbins Chief, Special Prosecutions Southern District of Florida Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the United States Attorneys Elena Smukler-Dominguez Assistant United States Attorney Southern District of Florida Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys Manolo Reboso Jr. Executive Assistant United States Attorney Southern District of Florida Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the United States Attorneys Hayden P. O’Byrne Special Counsel to the United States Attorney Southern District of Florida Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys Nathan K. Ferguson Supervisory Special Agent Miami Field Office Federal Bureau of Investigation Robert Drake Detective Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office Andrew Gianino Detective Broward County Sheriff’s Office Davis Hernandez Juan Miranda Border Patrol Agent Kentucky Western District U.S. Customs and Border Protection Ashley L. Law Paralegal Southern District of Florida Executive Office for United States Attorney and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys Synopsis: Awarded for their efforts in a multi-jurisdictional investigation focused on a series of four unsolved gang related murders committed by MS-13 members between November 2014 to October 2015. THE MARY C. LAWTON LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD This award recognizes employees who have served at least 20 years in the Department and who have demonstrated high standards of excellence and dedication throughout their careers. Award Citation: Honored for demonstrating exceptional creativity and legal analysis to make the best use of electronic evidence in the Department's most important cases. Nathan Judish Trial Attorney Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section Criminal Division Synopsis: Over the last 25 plus years, nothing has transformed the law or life more than computers. During that time, Nathan Judish has been the United States’ leading expert on the law of electronic evidence. Nathan has argued numerous cases of first impression before Magistrate Judges, District Judges, and a majority of the Courts of Appeals (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th Circuits, including end banc arguments), in addition to preparing the Office of Solicitor General in a number of cases before the Supreme Court of the United States. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL HEROISM This award recognizes exceptional heroism designed to recognize an extraordinary act of courage or voluntary risk of life during the performance of duty. Award Citation: Honored for bravery and selfless extraordinary act of courage or voluntary risk of life during the performance of duty. John Thompson Special Agent Cleveland Field Office Federal Bureau of Investigation Synopsis: On July 23, 2025, FBI SA John Thompson responded with two Lorain detectives to the scene of what was later determined to be an ambush of police by a bad actor. The shooter pulled his car into a cul-de-sac in a position perpendicular to the police cruisers, exited his vehicle and opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle, mortally wounding Officer Phillip Wagner and then retreated to his car and pulled out a cache of semi-automatic rifles in various firing positions around his vehicles. SA Thompson arrived at the scene and was met with rifle shots fired in his direction. SA Thompson observed Officer Brent Payne running toward him and away from the shooter, who was still firing at Officer Payne. SA Thompson observed Officer Payne struck by bullets and go down. SA Thompson bravely and courageously ran in the direction of the gunfire to reach the downed officer and remove him from the barrage of oncoming fire. SA Thompson applied lifesaving first aid in the form of a tourniquet to Officer Payne’s arms, and injured leg and then removed the officer to the hospital. The Captain who oversaw the investigation told the FBI Cleveland Executive Management that SA Thompson’s actions undoubtedly saved Officer Payne’s life. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE This is the second highest award granted by the Attorney General and recognizes outstanding service and commitment to the Department. Group Name: Southwest Border Group 1 Award Citation: Honored for exceptional service in dismantling major cartel-linked Operating in U.S. and abroad. Synopsis: Southwest Border Group 1 (SWB1) of the Los Angeles Field Division (LAFD) displayed exceptional service in furtherance of the DEA’s mission by its investigations into multiple Narco Terrorist Groups operating in locations such as Mexico, Colombia, Spain, South America, France, Belgium, Canada, and the United States. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE Group Name: Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV) Award Citation: Honored for distinguished service in the investigation and prosecution of Foreign Terrorist Organizations MS-13 and Teren de Aragua (TdA). Christopher A. Easton Jacob E. Warren Co-Director Joint Task Force Vulcan Office of the Deputy Attorney General Jeremy I. Franker David C. Smith Deputy Director Joint Task Force Vulcan Office of the Deputy Attorney General Angel L. Martinez Chief of Intelligence Joint Task Force Vulcan Office of the Deputy Attorney General Andrew K. Chan Julie A. Childress Katelan M. Doyle Gilberto Guerrero Jr. Jason M. Harley James Keller Kelly J. McGann Jacob H. Operskalski Josephine W. Thomas Jun Xiang Trial Attorney Joint Task Force Vulcan Office of the Deputy Attorney General Synopsis: Collectively, the nominees enabled a coordinated national takedown in December 2025 spanning the Districts of Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, the Southern District of New York, and the Southern District of Texas, charging more than 70 TdA leaders and members in a unified enforcement action. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE Award Citation: Honored for exceptional service during the DCA Midair Collision involving a commercial aircraft and a U.S. Army UH-60-L helicopter, resulting in 67 fatalities. Timothy J. Dietz Laura M. Janowski Supervisory Special Agent Laboratory Division Federal Bureau of Investigation John Longmire Supervisory Special Agent Cyber Division Federal Bureau of Investigation Bryan T. Johnson Physical Scientist Laboratory Division Federal Bureau of Investigation Melissa Lawrence Joseph G. Marx Special Agent Washington Field Office Federal Bureau of Investigation Stephen T. Melson Supervisory Forensic Operations Specialist Laboratory Division Federal Bureau of Investigation Gerald L. Roberts Forensic Operations Specialist Laboratory Division Federal Bureau of Investigation Synopsis: FBI Laboratory Division’s Evidence Response Team Unit (ERTU), Technical Hazardous Response Unit (THRU), Disaster Victim Identification Squad (DVIS) as part of the Latent Print Operations Unit (LPOU), and Washington Field Office Underwater Search and Evidence Response Team (USERT), Evidence Response Team (ERT), and Hazardous Evidence Response Team (HERT) are being nominated for their demonstration of extraordinary courage, competence, and professionalism during the response to the DCA Midair Collision involving a commercial aircraft and a U.S. Army UH-60-L helicopter, which resulted in the loss of 67 lives and both aircrafts entering the Potomac River. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S DAVID MARGOLIS AWARD FOR EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE This is the highest award granted by the Attorney General within the U.S. Department of Justice. It is named in honor of former Associate Deputy Attorney General, David Margolis, one of the senior-most career employees at the Department of Justice, who served over 50 years in many key roles. Group Name: Washington D.C. Safe & Beautiful Task Force - U.S. Marshals Service Leadership Team Award Citation: Honored for a successful operation under pressure, delivering record-setting results while leading a prominent federal violent-crime reduction operation. Gadyaces S. Serralta Director United States Marshals Service Michelle C. Hamilton Donald Snider Chief Investigative Operations Division United States Marshals Service David R. Smith Oscar Torres Chief Tactical Operations Division United States Marshals Service Tristan Martin Senior Inspector Investigative Operations Division United States Marshals Service Saturnina Reyes Assistant Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal District of Columbia Superior Court United States Marshals Service Synopsis: On August 9, 2025, President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed the U.S. Marshals Service, under the leadership of Director Gadyaces Serralta, to command the Washington D.C. Safe & Beautiful Task Force. Director Serralta established an integrated command team to lead incident, operational, and intelligence functions for this unprecedented federal public safety surge The Attorney General expresses her appreciation to the following Department officials for their assistance in evaluating the awards nominations. The 2025 award recipients were recommended and selected from a group of highly qualified nominees. Chairperson Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General, Chair or Designee Members Stanley Woodward, Associate Attorney General Office of the Associate Attorney General Jolene Ann Lauria, Assistant Attorney General for Administration, Justice Management Division Catharine Cypher, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Attorney General Hayley Conklin, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Attorney General Francey Hakes, Director, Executive Office for Unites States Attorneys Dana Lindblad, Deputy Chief of Staff Office of the Director, United States Marshals Service Ex Officio Member James McHenry, Jr., Acting Principal Associate Deputy Associate Attorney General, Office of the Deputy Attorney General Executive Secretary Jacqueline D. Jones, Executive Officer, Justice Management Division


title: Philadelphia Man Sentenced for Work in Drug Trafficking Operation

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania man was sentenced for his role in a drug trafficking organization that distributed large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine in the Northern District of West Virginia, U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced. Ryan Rasheed Shaw, 29, was sentenced to 240 months in prison. Shaw was the point of contact in West Virginia for the operation led by Rodney Johnson in Philadelphia. Shaw was managing the drug business in Morgantown, supplying significant quantities of illicit drugs to local dealers. Shaw was responsible for nearly 3.2 kilograms of methamphetamine and 379 grams of fentanyl. Johnson, the leader of the drug operation, received an 188-month prison sentence in March of 2025. To date all 24 defendants in the case have been convicted and 18 defendants, including Shaw, have been sentenced thus far. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. This case was investigated by the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force consists of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia State Police; the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office; the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; the Morgantown Police Department; the WVU Police Department; the Granville Police Department; and the Star City Police Department. Fentanyl has been designated by President Donald Trump as a weapon of mass destruction due to its extreme lethality which poses a grave threat to public safety, even in trace amounts. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.


title: Convicted Drug Dealer Indicted On New Drug Distribution Charges

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Henry A. Glenn, 47, of DeFuniak Springs, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine over 500 grams of mixture, three counts of distribution of methamphetamine over 50 grams of mixture, and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges. Glenn appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for May 4, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. before District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers in Pensacola, Florida. If convicted as charged, Glenn faces up to life imprisonment. The case is being jointly investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher C. Patterson. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Three Indicted for Involvement in Stolen Identity and Bank Fraud Ring

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: Pensacola, Florida – Donny Bernard Ross, 49, Elizabeth Ann Rogers, 39, and Vontavius Jamaal Bradley, 23, all of Pensacola, Florida, were indicted by a federal grand jury charging them with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, use of a false passport, and aggravated identity theft. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today. All three defendants appeared for their arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho on March 18, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for May 4, 2026, before United States District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers. If convicted, each defendant faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy to commit bank fraud count; up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the use of a false passport count; and a mandatory two years’ imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence on the aggravated identity theft count. The case was a joint investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Canadian National Sentenced to Over 17 Years for Attempted Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity and Distributing, Transporting, and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – James Hjelmeland (30, Canada) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, distributing, transporting, and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Hjelmeland pleaded guilty on November 25, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, on December 29, 2024, an undercover detective with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office posed as the guardian of a fictional 12-year-old child. Hjelmeland engaged in sexually explicit conversation with the undercover detective and made plans to travel from Canada to Orlando to have sex with the child. During the conversation, Hjelmeland distributed CSAM to the undercover detective. When Hjelmeland was arrested in Orlando, he possessed CSAM material on his cellphone that he had transported to the United States involving children under the age of 12. “The cooperation demonstrated by local, federal, and international agencies in this case affirms a commitment by our law enforcement partners to protect children from exploitation and harm,” stated U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Because of their diligence and shared expertise, another child predator has been brought to justice.” “Protecting our children is a fundamental responsibility of law enforcement. By taking these sexual predators off the streets, we are safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Homeland Security investigations Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker. “HSI is fully committed to working with our law enforcement partners to seek out those who would exploit children, bring them to justice, and ensure the continued safety of our children.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, be United States Customs and Border Protection, and the Southern Alberta Internet Child Exploitation Team. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Chinese National Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison For Possessing More Than 5,400 Sexual Abuse Images of Children

body_text: CLEVELAND – A 59-year-old Chinese national has been sentenced to federal prison for possession and distribution of child pornography. Tong Chen, residing in Hudson, was sentenced to 160 months (13 years and three months) in prison by U.S. District Judge Christopher A Boyko, after pleading guilty in December 2025 to Receipt and Distribution of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct, and Possession of Child Pornography or Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM). He was also ordered to serve 15 years of supervised release after imprisonment and pay $67,500 in restitution. Chen also faces deportation from the United States upon completion of his sentence. According to court documents, in May 2024, federal agents began an investigation after the Circleville Police Department identified suspected CSAM linked to the defendant’s Summit County residence. In July 2024, agents executed a federal search warrant at Chen’s residence and seized a desktop computer and external hard drives. During forensic analysis of these items, agents located more than 5,400 CSAM images and videos, as well as a software program capable of downloading and sharing the sexually explicit content with others. The recovered images were sadistic and masochistic in nature and included bondage, bestiality, and infants and toddlers being assaulted. Investigators determined that Chen had been viewing CSAM for approximately 12 years. The FBI Cleveland Division led this investigation with assistance from the Circleville Police Department and Hudson Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Margaret Kane for the Northern District of Ohio was responsible for prosecuting this matter. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country and 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 justice.gov/PSC . To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org , or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


title: Fort Myers Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing, Accessing, and Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Images and Videos

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – John James Adducci (41, Fort Myers) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to 12 years in federal prison for possessing, accessing with intent to view, and receiving images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Adducci pleaded guilty on December 1, 2025. Adducci was also sentenced to a life term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, between February 2023 and June 2025, Adducci possessed and accessed with intent to view child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that he had searched for and downloaded from the internet. Adducci also accessed and searched the dark web for sites offering CSAM. On December 13, 2023, Adducci knowingly received CSAM from a website he had accessed on the dark web. In June 2025, during the execution of a search warrant at Adducci’s residence, FBI agents seized Adducci’s cellphones, laptops, USB drives, and numerous external hard drives. Adducci admitted to agents that he resided alone, no one else had access to his electronic devices, and that he had accessed the dark web. FBI conducted a forensic analysis on the seized electronic devices, which revealed thousands of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.