title: Peruvian National Involved in Credit Card Theft, Identity Theft Scheme Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERICK CHRISTIAN LUNA DE LA CRUZ, 34, a citizen of Peru residing in Edison, New Jersey, pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to an offense related to his participation in a credit card theft and identity theft scheme. According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2022, the FBI and local law enforcement agencies in Connecticut and elsewhere began investigating a series of distraction thefts of wallets from victims, typically elderly women, at Trader Joe’s grocery stores, TJ Maxx stores, and other retail stores in Connecticut and elsewhere. The investigation revealed that Luna de la Cruz and others traveled throughout the U.S. in order to steal wallets from unwary victims, and then use the victims’ credit and debit cards to purchase electronic devices and other items at other stores. Luna de la Cruz and his associates stopped at shipping providers along their route to ship the goods they purchased to a co-conspirator’s address in New Jersey. Luna de la Cruz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years. Luna de la Cruz was arrested on June 28, 2024. He is released on a $100,000 bond under electronic monitoring pending sentencing, which is scheduled for April 22. This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manchester (Conn.) Police Department, with the assistance of the Orange (Conn.) Police Department, the Fairfax County (Va.) Police Department, the Spartanburg County (S.C.) Sheriff’s Office, the Spartanburg Police Department, the Warwick (R.I.) Police Department, the Cary (N.C.) Police Department, and the Metropolitan Nashville (Tenn.) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan J. Guevremont and Michael S. McGarry.


title: Former labor union president sentenced for embezzling over $280,000 in union funds

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 42-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been sentenced to prison for one count of wire fraud and one count of embezzlement from a labor organization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Robert Cirilo pleaded guilty April 28, 2025. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Cirilo to serve 21 months in federal prison, to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. The court also ordered him to pay more than $280,000 in restitution. From June 2021 to January 2024, Cirilo, former president of the United Steelworkers Local 13-1647 in Corpus Christi, used union debit cards to make approximately 430 unauthorized personal purchases. He concealed the transactions by lying to union members. As part of his guilty plea, he acknowledged the embezzlement totaled more than $280,000. Cirilo was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The FBI and Department of Labor’s Office of Labor Management Standards conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler Foster and John Marck prosecuted the case.


title: Three North Idaho Child Exploitation Defendants Sentenced to Over Forty Years in Federal Prison Combined

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: COEUR D’ALENE – U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced the results of three separate child exploitation cases in North Idaho today. Registered Sex Offender in Lewiston Sentenced to 300 Months in Federal Prison for Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Child Jesse Eugene Burnett, 42, of Lewiston, was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison for attempted sexual exploitation of a child. According to court records, in April 2024, FBI agents were contacted by a mother who discovered her 10-year-old daughter had been exchanging sexually explicit images with an adult male on a messaging application. Although the child told the male that she was thirty, the male commented that she looked young. Using legal process, law enforcement identified Burnett, a registered sex offender living in Lewiston. Law enforcement posed as the child using the child’s phone. When Burnett was told by “the child” she was actually only thirteen-years-old, Burnett replied, “so no more pics then.” However, within days, he again requested explicit images. Burnett was arrested in June 2024 and admitted that he believed he was speaking with a child and continued to solicit sexually explicit images. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered that Burnett be placed on supervised release for 15 years following his prison sentence. Burnett will continue to be required to register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Davis commended the joint efforts of the Lewiston Police Department, the Des Moines Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Johnson prosecuted this case. Moscow Man Sentenced to 100 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM) Nathanael Dewayne Jensen, 26, of Moscow, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for possession of CSAM. Court records show that in August 2024, law enforcement received CyberTips from multiple online platforms reporting the presence of CSAM in certain accounts on their platforms. Using numerous search warrants and other investigative tools, law enforcement determined the accounts belonged to Jensen, who lived in Moscow. A search of Jensen’s cell phone pursuant to a search warrant revealed CSAM videos and images on the phone, along with evidence showing that Jensen had exchanged CSAM files with another user. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered that Jensen be placed on supervised release for 15 years following his prison sentence. Jensen will be required to register as a sex offender because of this conviction. U.S. Attorney Davis thanked the Moscow Police Department, the Latah Regional SWAT team, and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office for their collaboration in this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Johnson and Special Assistant United States Attorney Madison Allen Gourley prosecuted this case. Culdesac Man Sentenced to 100 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of CSAM Riley Neal O’Brien, 36, of Culdesac, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for possession of CSAM. According to court records, in June 2022, law enforcement received a CyberTip from a social media company reporting that a user of their platform was possessing child pornography. After a thorough investigation, law enforcement identified the user as O’Brien. Law enforcement determined that O’Brien possessed CSAM images and videos on his online account and distributed CSAM to others more than 70 times between March and April of 2022. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered that O’Brien be placed on supervised release for 5 years following his prison sentence. O’Brien will also be required to register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Davis commended the work of the Nez Perce County Sherrif’s Office, the Lewiston Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Johnson prosecuted this case. ###


title: Former Police Officer Sentenced to 20 years for Child Sexual Exploitation

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Grain Valley, Mo., police officer was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge D. Gregory Kays to 20 years in the Bureau of Prisons to be followed by supervised release for Life. August Price Gildehaus, 30, of Blue Springs, Mo., previously pleaded guilty to one count of enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and one count of producing child pornography. Gildehaus admitted that he engaged in illegal sexual activity with a 15-year-old female victim. Gildehaus and the victim met on an online social media platform. Gildehaus met with the victim on five separate occasions between Aug. 5, 2022, and Jan. 5, 2023, to engage in illicit sexual activity at different locations, including a middle school parking lot. Gildehaus admitted that the child victim took photographs of herself when she was home, and he took photographs of himself that he sent to her. Gildehaus also admitted that he recorded videos of their sexual encounters. Gildehaus will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen Brackett. It was investigated by the Grain Valley, Mo., Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Slidell Chiropractor Sentenced For Health Care Fraud

component: Criminal Division

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – JOHN DENNIS MICHAEL PEYROUX (“PEYROUX”) , age 58, of Slidell, Louisiana, was sentenced on January 26, 2026 by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk for conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1347 and 1349, in connection with a scheme to bill Medicare for over-the-counter (“OTC”) COVID-19 test kits that were not requested or otherwise ineligible for reimbursement, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to court documents, starting in November 2022, PEYROUX conspired with others to purchase Medicare beneficiary information, including names, Medicare identification numbers, and clearly fabricated recordings of individuals posing as beneficiaries and “requesting” OTC COVID-19 test kits. PEYROUX used that information to bill Medicare through his chiropractic clinic for test kits. On several occasions, PEYROUX billed for beneficiaries who were already deceased, or were in hospice or inpatient care and therefore ineligible to receive OTC COVID-19 tests paid for by Medicare. PEYROUX then misappropriated the credentials of a former nurse practitioner that worked for him and falsely listed the nurse practitioner as the referring provider on fraudulent claims, even though the employee did not treat the beneficiaries or order the tests. In total, in around six months, PEYROUX allegedly billed Medicare approximately $3.3 million in false and fraudulent claims for OTC COVID-19 test kits through his clinic, for which Medicare reimbursed approximately $3.2 million. Under the terms of the plea agreement, PEYROUX agreed to pay over $3.2 million in restitution to Medicare. The government also forfeited over $1 million seized from PEYROUX ’s bank accounts. Judge Africk sentenced PEYROUX to one year and one day in prison, $3,212,761.44 in restitution, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment. PEYROUX ’s brother, Steven D. Peyroux, recently pled guilty to his own role in the scheme and is scheduled for sentencing before U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter on May 14, 2026. U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, United States Secret Service, and the United States Postal Inspection Service in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, of the Financial Crimes Unit and Health Care Fraud Coordinator, and Assistant Chief Justin Woodard and Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters, of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, are in charge of the prosecution. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of 8 strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Buffalo man going to prison on fentanyl charge

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alexis Perez, Jr., 22, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 40 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that on November 6, 2024, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of Perez’s vehicle and executed a search warrant, seizing a shotgun and ammunition. Investigators then searched his Cambridge Avenue residence, recovering 28 grams of fentanyl, 89 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and cocaine, and 24 grams of cocaine. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Enforcement Division, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons. # # # #


title: Billings woman sentenced to 5 years in prison for distributing methamphetamine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: BILLINGS – A Billings woman who trafficked methamphetamine was sentenced today to 60 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Stephanie Marie Nava, 37, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The government alleged in court documents that on June 26, 2023, the Billings Police Department determined an apartment belonging to Stephanie Nava was used for storing drugs by Nava’s co-defendant. A state search warrant was executed. Nava was present and said she didn’t know what her co-defendant stored at her place. During the search, officers located 7 grams of fentanyl pills and 16.7 grams of meth in a back bedroom. Law enforcement officers served a search warrant on a hotel room in Billings where approximately 2.77 pounds of methamphetamine was seized. Officers determined this was originally 8 pounds, but the rest had been distributed to others. Law enforcement executed another search warrant at a residence and seized eight ounces of meth. The original 8 pounds and the redistributed quantities were coordinated through Stephanie Nava and a co-defendant, both of whom were in Mexico. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The DEA and Billings Police Department conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Former Willingboro Township Mayor and Associate Convicted of Mortgage Fraud in Connection with Fraudulent Short Sale

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK/TRENTON/CAMDEN, N.J. – A federal jury found the former Mayor of Willingboro Township and another individual guilty yesterday of mortgage fraud in connection with a fraudulent short sale of real estate, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced. Nathaniel Anderson, 59, a town councilman and the former Mayor of Willingboro in Burlington County, New Jersey, and his business associate Chrisone D. Anderson, 58, of Sicklerville, New Jersey, were each convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution, one count of bank fraud, and two counts of making a false statement on a mortgage application. The jury deliberated for approximately two-and-one-half hours before returning verdicts following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton federal court. A federal grand jury indicted both defendants on August 22, 2024. According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial: From March 2015 through June 2017, Nathaniel Anderson and Chrisone D. Anderson conspired to orchestrate a fraudulent short sale of a property in Willingboro from Nathaniel Anderson to Chrisone D. Anderson. As part of the conspiracy to defraud a government-sponsored enterprise to discharge a mortgage obligation on Nathaniel Anderson’s property in Willingboro and to induce a mortgage lending business to issue a new mortgage on the property, Chrisone D. Anderson executed mortgage documents containing materially false representations. These misrepresentations included that the short sale was an arm’s length transaction, that Chrisone D. Anderson did not have a prior business relationship with Nathaniel Anderson, that Nathaniel Anderson would not continue to occupy the property as his residence following the short sale, and that Chrisone D. Anderson would occupy the property as her primary residence. As a result of the fraudulent short sale, the government-sponsored enterprise discharged Nathaniel Anderson’s mortgage obligation, causing a total loss of over $200,000, and the victim lender issued a new mortgage on the property. The charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution, bank fraud, and making false statements on a loan application are each punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for June 1, 2026 before Judge Kirsch. Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark; and special agents of the Northeast Region of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of the Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Robert Manchak, with the investigation leading to the charges. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph McFarlane of the Special Prosecutions Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Trombly, Chief of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark. ### Defense counsel: Troy Archie, Esq. (Chrisone D. Anderson) Andrea Aldana and Adalgiza Nunez (Nathaniel Anderson) anderson.indictment.pdf


title: Two Davenport Co-Conspirators Sentenced to Federal Prison for Cocaine Charges

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – Two Davenport residents were sentenced to federal prison on January 28, 2026, for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and distribution of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base. According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Lloyd Demico Franklin, 44, and Michelle Collins, 40, sold cocaine base (“crack cocaine”) in the Quad Cities area for several years. From June 2022 to December 2024, law enforcement conducted 20 controlled purchases from Franklin and Collins and purchased a total of more than 500 grams of crack cocaine. Franklin was sentenced to a 25-year prison term for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. Collins was sentenced to a three-year prison term for one count of distribution of a controlled substance, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The FBI Quad Cities Resident Agency of the Omaha Field Office, Moline Police Department, and Scott County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.


title: Settlement for $1.7 Million With Former Physician Don J. Wagoner and His Business Entity for Fraudulently Billing the Indiana Medicaid Program

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: HAMMOND - United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred announced today a settlement for nearly $1.7 million to resolve civil claims of the United States of America and the State of Indiana against former physician Don J. Wagoner, age 89, of Burlington, Indiana, and his business entity, Wagoner Medical Center, L.L.C. According to documents in this case, during 2011-2013, former physician Don J. Wagoner practiced medicine at Wagoner Medical Center, L.L.C., which Mr. Wagoner solely owned. The Wagoner defendants had a routine practice of requiring patients seeking a prescription for opioid pills or other pain medicine to submit a urine sample for qualitative testing for the presence or absence of nine or more drugs or drug classes. Using a multiplexed screening kit costing defendants no more than approximately ten dollars, defendants tested each single urine sample for the same patient on the same day using the simple kit. Defendants then billed Indiana Medicaid and received $171.27 or more per patient, even though Indiana Medicaid billing rules only allowed them to bill $20.83 per patient. Defendants concealed this fraud by falsely certifying to Indiana Medicaid that they had collected and separately analyzed nine or more urine samples from each patient, when in fact they only had collected and analyzed one urine sample. Defendants perpetrated this fraudulent scheme for over 5,000 claims, and received a total overpayment from Indiana Medicaid of nearly $1 million, which they refused to repay. On December 29, 2017, the United States and the State of Indiana filed a Complaint under the False Claims Act to recover the overpayment resulting from the fraudulent scheme, and also civil penalties. The settlement announced today resolves that case. The Indiana Medicaid program provides healthcare for low income, often uninsured, Indiana residents who cannot otherwise afford needed medical care. Indiana Medicaid is jointly funded by the United States and the State of Indiana. The federal False Claims Act, and the Indiana Medicaid False Claims Act, allows the federal government and the State of Indiana to recover the amount of the false claims plus civil penalties. A small portion of recoveries under the federal False Claims Act, three percent, is used to fund the cost of future health care fraud investigations and cases. In 2013, defendant Don J. Wagoner permanently surrendered his licenses to prescribe drugs and practice medicine in connection with a state criminal investigation of his opioid‑prescribing practices, which resulted in felony drug dealing convictions of Mr. Wagoner. “Although they no longer are endangering vulnerable Medicaid patients by practicing medicine, former physician Don Wagoner cannot be allowed to retain the fruits of his fraudulent Medicaid claims,” said United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to make it a priority to pursue investigations and cases to recover funds that were fraudulently received from the Medicare and Medicaid programs.” The settlement was reached in a case against Don J. Wagoner and Wagoner Medical Center, L.L.C. filed by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana and the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit within the Indiana Attorney General’s Office. Lead counsel for plaintiff United States in this litigation and negotiation was Assistant United States Attorney Wayne T. Ault.


title: Mexican National Sentenced to Prison Time

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Manuel De Jesus Tinoco-Calderon, 36 years old, of Mexico and a resident of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to felony reentry of removed alien, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Tinoco-Calderon was sentenced to time served. He has been in custody since August 15, 2025. According to documents in the case, Tinoco-Calderon was previously removed from the United States in September of 2007. This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with assistance from the Notre Dame Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander.


title: Felon Sentenced For Illegally Possessing Firearm And Ammunition

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

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Tyrone Noble, age 59, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition. The charge arose from an investigation by the Okfuskee County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department. On June 25, 2025, Noble pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on December 2, 2024, law enforcement discovered Noble in possession of a 12-gauge shotgun and 5 rounds of Winchester 12-gauge ammunition. At the time, Noble had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment. 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 Robert J. Shelby, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the District of Utah, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Noble will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Gross represented the United States.


title: Federal Jury Convicts Man of Extorting Money From Chicago Restaurateur

body_text: CHICAGO — A federal jury has convicted a man on extortion charges for threatening and assaulting a Chicago restaurateur to collect a debt. JAWAD FAKROUNE, also known as “Angelino Escobar” or “Anjelino Escobar,” 46, was found guilty on both extortion counts against him. The jury returned its verdicts after a week-long trial in federal court in Chicago. Each count is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah set sentencing for June 30, 2026. Fakroune is a foreign national who recently resided in the Chicago area. Evidence at trial revealed that in 2023 and 2024, Fakroune loaned approximately $405,000 to the restaurateur to develop and open a new restaurant in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago and to pay back taxes. In November 2024, Fakroune began to threaten the restaurateur about repayment of the loan. On the evening of Nov. 25, 2024, Fakroune confronted the restaurateur and threatened him over the manner and nature of the repayments. Fakroune choked, kicked, and punched the restaurateur, while continuing to demand money and repeatedly threatening the lives of the restaurateur and his family. The guilty verdicts were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Adam Jobes, Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Hennessy and Richard M. Rothblatt.


title: MIDDLE DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA RECOGNIZES NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: Today the Middle District of Louisiana observes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and joins the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Homeland Security (DHS) in reaffirming the administration’s commitment to combating all forms of human trafficking and protecting victims and survivors. Human Trafficking Prevention Month presents an opportunity for DHS and DOJ, through Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTFs) to intensify operational efforts, raise public awareness, and strengthen partnerships across federal, state, and local agencies to disrupt trafficking networks, protect vulnerable individuals, and ensure traffickers are brought to justice. “This Department of Justice is working tirelessly alongside our partners to dismantle human trafficking networks, help survivors, and protect vulnerable populations from being exploited,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Under this administration we have seen an increase in human trafficking prosecutions, and during Human Trafficking Prevention Month we reaffirm our commitment to prosecuting traffickers and encourage Americans to report instances of human trafficking in their communities.” “Through the Homeland Security Task Force, President Trump is taking the fight directly to human trafficking networks and disrupting their modern-day slave trade while seizing their assets and arresting their kingpins and foot soldiers. The American people should not have to live in fear of cartels, gang bangers, and foreign terrorists preying upon the most vulnerable among us,” the United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in a statement. “The Homeland Security Task Force is the largest coordinated campaign against transnational criminal organizations in U.S. history, and I’m proud to co-lead it with Attorney General Bondi.” “During Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the FBI reiterates our work with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and national victim-based advocacy groups in joint task forces to protect our communities across the country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The horrifying reach of human trafficking spreads far and wide. Homeland Security Task Forces are fighting back to disrupt these perilous networks and put a stop to that reach. The FBI will continue our investigations and bring justice to those exploited by human traffickers. “I am thankful that this President has made the prosecution and elimination of human trafficking such an important priority,” stated U.S. Attorney Wall. “Our office will continue to aggressively support that mission.” In January 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. Section 6 of this order directed the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to jointly establish HSTFs in every state nationwide. The HSTF objective is to end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) throughout the United States; dismantle cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks; end the scourge of human smuggling and trafficking, with a particular focus on such offenses involving children; and ensure the use of all available law enforcement tools to faithfully execute the immigration laws of the United States. Since January 20, 2025, the Middle District of Louisiana has: Indicted Maurilio Lazcano-Vargas, age 45, of Mexico; Zabdi Guzman-Diaz, age 40, of Mexico; and Edyn Efrain-Arevalo, age 52, of Guatemala, charging them with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sex trafficking, and coercing and enticing another to travel interstate for prostitution. Each defendant is an illegal alien who is present in the United States without authorization. If convicted of the sex trafficking charges, each defendant faces a minimum of fifteen years and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. They are also subject to removal or deportation from the United States upon completing any sentences imposed. This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, and East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Edward Warner and Stephen Vick, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Allen Ross are prosecuting this matter. Indicted Jesus Lopez, age 45; Zaira Lopez-Oliva, age 24; and Kirsis Castellanos-Kirington, age 30, charging them with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sex trafficking, and coercing and enticing another to travel interstate for prostitution. Each defendant is a Honduran national that is present in the United States without authorization. If convicted of the sex trafficking charges, each defendant faces a minimum of fifteen years and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. They are also subject to removal or deportation from the United States upon completing any sentences imposed. This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, and East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Edward Warner and Stephen Vick, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Allen Ross are prosecuting this matter. Secured a guilty plea against Josmar Jesus Zambrano-Chirinos, age 25, a Venezuelan national who is present in the United States without authorization, for sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion. Zambrano-Chirinos’s conviction is punishable by a minimum of fifteen years and a maximum of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. The conviction also includes sex offender registration requirements. He is also subject to removal or deportation from the United States upon completing his sentence. This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, and East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Alan Stevens and Benjamin Anderson are prosecuting this matter. In January 2026, DHS and DOJ are surging resources to fight and raise awareness about human trafficking, including by: Identifying on-going investigations and prioritizing featured operations across 45 federal locations and 10 state locations with an emphasis on border states. Coordinating with FBI Human Trafficking Squads and multi-agency Human Trafficking Task Forces to conduct victim recovery. Partnering with AMTRAK and FAMS to increase law enforcement resources and distribute posters with QR codes for reporting human trafficking in all station bathrooms and trains. Running advertisements related to the $250 million recovery from Backpage to distribute to victims and additional victim restitution efforts by DOL-OIG. Organizing Human Trafficking seminars and outreach events with DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking at high schools and colleges to highlight the role of HSTFs in addressing human trafficking. On August 25, 2025, the HSTFs officially launched their efforts to protect the Homeland with a September Surge encompassing 400 operations nationwide. In just 43 days, HSTF nationwide operations resulted in 3,266 arrests and seizures, including: 1,041 Sinaloa members, 856 Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (“CJNG”) members, 641 MS-13 members, 456 Tren de Aragua members, 1,067 weapons, More than $3,250,000 in currency, and Approximately 91 metric tons of narcotics


title: FLORIDA AIRMAN INDICTED FOR DISTRIBUTION, RECEIPT, AND POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Matthew Fooladian, 24, of Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with one count of receipt/attempted receipt of child pornography, one count of distribution/attempted distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession/access with intent to view child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today. Fooladian appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for March 23, 2026, at 8:30 am before District Court Judge Mark E. Walker. If convicted, Fooladian faces a mandatory minimum 5 years’ imprisonment and up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the receipt count; a mandatory minimum 5 years’ imprisonment and up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the distribution count; and up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the possession count. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith L. Steer and Joseph Ravelo are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Grand jury indicts Mexican national with prior heroin conviction for new drug, immigration crimes

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Luis Cabrales-Guerra, 32, was indicted in U.S. District Court here for allegedly conspiring to distribute fentanyl and for illegally reentering the United States following his previous federal conviction for an aggravated drug felony. According to charging documents, between January and September 2025, Cabrales-Guerra participated in a narcotics conspiracy involving 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of para-fluorofentanyl. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the defendant’s Columbus apartment and discovered more than a kilogram of narcotics. Court documents detail that Cabrales-Guerra was previously removed from the United States to Mexico multiple times in 2010 and 2011. In 2016, Cabrales-Guerra was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute heroin in the District of Minnesota. He was again removed from the United States to Mexico in 2019 after serving his sentence in that case. Cabrales-Guerra’s prior federal conviction for conspiring to distribute heroin is an aggravated felony, which increases his potential penalty in this case to up to 20 years in prison. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant and officials with the Central Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Sheila G. Lafferty is representing the United States in this case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. # # #


title: PENSACOLA MAN SENTENCED FOR ARMED ROBBERY AND SHOOTING OFFENSES

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Ulysses Robinson, Jr., 41, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for interference with commerce by threat or violence, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I am incredibly proud to deliver yet another successful prosecution under Operation Take Back America, which was launched at the direction of President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to unleash the full power of the Department of Justice to incapacitate violent offenders, like these defendants, who have terrorized our communities with their crimes. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute and send to federal prison every dangerous felon who dares to threaten the safety of our residents.” Court documents reveal that on December 16, 2024, Robinson and his partner, Ladarryl Paige – who previously pleaded guilty to the same offenses – entered a business on North Davis Highway and held multiple individuals at gunpoint. Robinson and Paige then robbed these individuals of approximately $10,000 in United States currency as well as the marijuana that was present on scene. During the armed robbery, Robinson forced the victims to comply with orders at gunpoint and discharged his firearm. Law enforcement identified both Robinson and Paige through video surveillance and forensically derived electronic evidence. Robinson is a previously convicted felon who served time in state prison. “This is an incredible public safety win for residents of Northwest Florida,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Harrell. “We’re proud to have leveraged our expertise to help Pensacola Police Department bring this violent offender to justice.” The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Pensacola Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg. 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, human and drug trafficking. 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: Polk County Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to 18 Years

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – Wesley Anderson (Lakeland, 46) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Mizelle to 18 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Anderson pleaded guilty on August 20, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, on January 4, 2024, Anderson was arrested outside of a Lakeland hotel pursuant to an unrelated warrant. The hotel manager asked officers to clear the room. The officers encountered a customer who was waiting for Anderson to return to purchase narcotics from him. A search of the room recovered a backpack with over 1,300 grams of methamphetamine. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lakeland Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth. 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 Neighborhoods (PSN).


title: Providence Man Sentenced for Trafficking Cocaine

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Providence man has been sentenced in federal court in Rhode Island for trafficking kilos of cocaine, announced United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. Eluid Rosa-Escudero, 35, was sentenced on January 21, 2026, by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 24 months of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release. Rosa-Escudero pleaded guilty on September 10, 2025, to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Court documents reflect that a three-month, multi-agency investigation into Rosa-Escudero’s drug trafficking activities culminated on April 10, 2025, with the execution of a court-authorized seizure of a package containing over two kilograms of cocaine and a search of his Providence residence, resulting in the seizure of over $10,000 in cash and other items associated with narcotics trafficking. Leading up to the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement intercepted a package containing the cocaine, which was removed from the package. Law enforcement then surveilled the retrieval of the same package (with the cocaine removed) delivered by the U.S. Postal Service to the front porch of a Providence residence. The package was retrieved by an individual who arrived by car and later drove to a nearby gas station, where the driver met with Rosa-Escudero, who was travelling in a separate vehicle. As the two vehicles departed, a law enforcement surveillance team followed Rosa-Escudero to his residence. East Providence Police subsequently conducted an investigative stop of the vehicle driven by the individual who retrieved the package from the porch of the residence, who was identified as a 15-year-old juvenile. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and G. Michael Seaman. The matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service Contraband Interdiction and Investigations Task Force, with the assistance of the Providence, East Providence and Pawtucket Police Departments, and the Rhode Island State Police. 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).


title: Albuquerque Man Charged After FBI Finds Modified Hand Grenade in His Home

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man has been federally charged with unlawfully possessing an improvised explosive device following the discovery of a modified hand grenade in his home. According to court documents, on December 31, 2025, the Albuquerque Police Department responded to a residence in northwest Albuquerque after the resident, Jeff Bramlett , 46, requested medical assistance. While assisting at the residence, officers observed what appeared to be hand grenades and requested assistance from the FBI’s Albuquerque Special Agent Bomb Technicians. Agents located two devices, one resembling a pineapple-shaped MK 2 fragmentation grenade and another similar to an M26 fragmentation grenade, in the living room. Both were fitted with functional military training fuzes. On January 7, 2026, FBI and APD bomb technicians safely disassembled the devices and determined that one device was a functional grenade, containing granulated black powder that reacted positively to a flame test, confirming it was explosive material. Bramlett is charged with possessing a firearm, namely a destructive device (grenade) that was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Bramlett faces up to 10 years in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Seth Teleky is prosecuting the case. View the Criminal Complaint (Bramlett).pdf View the Indictment (Bramlett).pdf An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Ankeny Man Sentenced to Probation for Violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DES MOINES, Iowa – An Ankeny man was sentenced on January 26, 2026, to a six-month term of probation for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Joseph Thomas Lamb, 82, drove his vehicle into a flock of Canada Geese on State Street in Ankeny around 6:30 am on June 10, 2025. Lamb stopped to let a flock of nine Canada Geese cross in front of his vehicle. When the geese were in the middle of his lane, he accelerated into the geese, killing one of the geese. In addition to a six-month term of probation, Lamb was ordered to pay a $2000 fine. The Canada Goose is a migratory bird protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service maintains a list of birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act . Violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act are punishable by up to six months in prison, a fine of up to $15,000, and a term of supervised release of not more than one year. United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Ankeny Police Department investigated the case. If you believe you have information related to a wildlife crime that violates federal law, please reach out to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service . You may also submit a wildlife crime report to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) using the Turn in Poachers (TIP) online form or call the TIP Hotline at 1-800-532-2020.


title: FLINT MAN SENTENCED TO 19 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING AND POSSESSING A SHORT-BARREL RIFLE USED TO SHOOT A FLINT WOMAN

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: FLINT — Vincent “Vito” Galicia, 37, of Flint was sentenced yesterday to 228 months in federal prison for drug trafficking, possessing a short-barrel rifle, and being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). U.S. District Court Judge Shalina D. Kumar imposed sentence on Galicia following his guilty pleas to numerous charges including possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a short-barrel rifle. Judge Kumar also sentenced Galicia to XX years of federal supervised release following his release from incarceration. According to court documents, in January of 2019, Flint Police executed a search warrant at Galicia’s home where they seized two nine-millimeter pistols, one of which was stolen and equipped with a 50-round drum magazine; nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine; 85 grams of cocaine; and 289 grams of suspected methamphetamine. The police also seized over $8,000 in cash and various drug trafficking paraphernalia. Galicia was initially charged in the State of Michigan 67th District Court. In March of 2021, while on bond, Galicia, who was armed with an illegal short-barrel semi-automatic rifle, broke into the home of a Flint woman with whom he had a romantic relationship. While inside the home, Galicia assaulted the woman and then shot her in the neck with the short-barrel rifle. Galicia transported the woman to McLaren Hospital after which he fled on foot leaving behind the woman and his vehicle. Galicia gunshot to the neck paralyzed the woman. Officers from the Flint Police Department and the Michigan State Police responded to the woman’s home where they found Galicia’s short-barrel rifle, which had an obliterated serial number. Special agents from the ATF joined the investigation, and Galicia was subsequently charged in federal court with numerous charges related to both the 2019 and 2021 incidents. “This armed drug dealer broke into a woman’s home where he shot and paralyzed her. And perhaps most disturbing, he was somehow on bond at the time—even though he had been caught with guns, almost a kilo of meth, and cocaine. This case is an exemplar of the federal/state partnership that prosecutes the most dangerous armed criminals in our community,” U.S. Attorney Gorgon said. “Vincent Galicia is a violent, heavily armed drug trafficker whose greed led him down a destructive path. He chose a life devoted to peddling poison in our community while armed with an illegal firearm. Rather than self-reflect on his misdeeds after his arrest, he chose to arm himself once again with an illegal firearm while waiting for a resolution on his state case. Then, Galicia chose to engage in a far worse crime - domestic violence. Galicia shot his girlfriend in the neck and permanently paralyzed her. Galicia’s consistent disregard for the well-being of our community members is repulsive” said ATF Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Let this be a cautionary tale to all the would-be illegally armed domestic abusers/drug dealers in our community; when you arm yourself with illegal firearms, abuse women, and/or traffic drugs in our communities, you should pack your bags for prison. This sentence should send a clear warning across Michigan—ATF and our partners will find you, prosecute you, remove you from our streets, and send you to a galaxy far, far away called the Federal Bureau of Prisons.” This investigation was conducted by special agents of the ATF, in conjunction with the Flint Police Department and the Michigan State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Vance.


title: PENSACOLA PHARMACIST AND CONSPIRATOR CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL DRUG DIVERSION CONSPIRACY

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Douglas Craig Reid Jr., 47, and Martrice Lamar Portis, 47, both of Pensacola, have been charged in federal court with conspiracy to unlawfully dispense and distribute controlled substances and to obtain controlled substances by fraud. The charges were announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Trial for both defendants is currently set for March 2, 2026, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment. The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Control Division, with assistance from the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force. According to court documents, this case is related to a prior case that was indicted as part of the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown . The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia Forbes. 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 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: Mexican National With Multiple Felony Convictions And 11 Prior Deportations Charged For Illegally Reentering The United States

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Mexican national made his initial court appearance Monday to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country. Ulian Ohye-Michiko, 48, is charged with one-count of deported alien found in the United States. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 9, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Brenda N. Weksler. According to allegations contained in the criminal complaint and statements made during court proceedings, Ohye-Michiko is a citizen and national of Mexico who was previously deported on 11 prior occasions since 2008 and reentered the United States illegally after his most recent removal in 2020. On December 27, 2025, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police arrested Ohye-Michiko for child abuse or neglect, domestic battery, false statement to or obstruct public officer, driving without a driver's license, driving under the influence and operator - proof of insurance required. On January 13, 2026, Ohye-Michiko was remanded to ICE Las Vegas, Nevada, custody on an immigration detainer. Ohye-Michiko also has four prior felony convictions: Aggravated Assault- Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and two more for illegally returning to the United States after a removal. If convicted, Ohye-Michiko faces the maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. After serving his sentence, Ohye-Michiko will be deported to Mexico for a twelfth time. First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Brian Henke made the announcement. The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case. Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form . A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ###


title: Opa-Locka Aviation Company to Pay $109,618 to Resolve Allegations of Improper Maintenance of Coast Guard Aircraft

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Sherwood Avionics and Accessories, Inc. (Sherwood), headquartered in Opa-Locka, has agreed to pay $109,618 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by failing to use contractually required and updated technical manuals when performing repairs on U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) C-130 aircraft landing gear. “The False Claims Act protects more than taxpayer dollars—it safeguards the integrity of federal missions that depend on safe, reliable equipment,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “Our Office will continue working with our partners to enforce procurement standards and ensure accountability in defense and homeland security contracting.” “The U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service is committed to ensuring the integrity of procurements by the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Assistant Director Josh Packer of the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS). “We will continue to work diligently with our partners to protect taxpayer resources and uphold the highest standards in government contracting.” According to the settlement, in September 2016, Sherwood entered into a contract with the USCG to perform repair and overhaul work on various components of C-130H and C-130J aircraft landing gear in accordance with specific technical and contractual requirements. The USCG relies on C-130 aircraft for a variety of critical missions, including law enforcement operations and search-and-rescue efforts. From September 2017 through September 2021, Sherwood performed overhaul and maintenance work on USCG C-130 landing gear but failed to obtain and use the most current U.S. Air Force Technical Orders required under the contract. These Technical Orders provide mandatory instructions for conducting repairs safely and properly. Enacted during the Civil War, the False Claims Act is the government’s primary civil tool to combat fraud and abuse in federal programs and procurement. U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones and Assistant Director Josh Packer, CGIS, Southeast Region, made the announcement. CGIS, Southeast Region investigated the matter, with assistance from the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ghannam handled the matter. Note: See the settlement agreement here . ###


title: Two Bangor Area Men Indicted for Sex Trafficking and Child Exploitation Offenses

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: On November 12, 2025, a federal grand jury sitting in Bangor indicted Agasha Carvalho and Donovan Miller on charges related to child exploitation and sex trafficking. According to court records, Carvalho, 45, of Bangor, was indicted for production of child pornography, transportation of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. Miller, 38, of Milford, was indicted for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; and production of child pornography. On November 18, 2025, Carvalho appeared in the U.S. District Court for an arraignment and pleaded not guilty. Miller appeared in U.S. District Court on November 20, 2025, for his arraignment and pleaded not guilty. The FBI investigated the case with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bangor Police Department. If you believe that you may be a victim of the alleged crimes, please reach out to the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force by filling out this short form . If you have information or questions about this investigation, or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking or child exploitation, please contact the FBI using this link . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Serial rapist to serve 25 years in federal prison

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – Jacques Jackson, who raped three teenage girls he met on Instagram, has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison. “Our community is safer today because law enforcement agencies from around the country collaborated to put an irrepressible sexual predator in prison for a quarter century,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “This case is an important reminder that social media is often an abuser’s preferred means to manipulate, exploit, and victimize unsuspecting children. I urge parents to monitor their kids’ online activity vigilantly.” “Jacques Jackson’s actions were reprehensible and justice was served,” said Peter Ellis, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This predator exploited social media to devastate vulnerable minors, and we will not tolerate such abuse. The FBI, in partnership with local law enforcement, will relentlessly pursue those who prey on our children.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Law enforcement first encountered Jackson in Decatur, Georgia in August 2018, after DeKalb County police officers rescued one of his victims, a 15-year-old girl. Jackson and the minor were at a grocery store when the minor, with the help of a bystander, got the attention of a police officer. Jackson was arrested and confessed to meeting the minor on Instagram, knowing she was 15, blackmailing her to coerce her to meet him out of state, punching her, destroying her cell phone, and having sex with her multiple times. Although officers arrested him then, Jackson was released on bond approximately six months later. On October 1, 2021, the Elberton, Georgia, Police Department received a report concerning a missing 15-year-old girl. Investigators learned that the missing girl had used her younger brother’s phone to communicate with Jackson. They discovered that Jackson and the minor exchanged sexually explicit videos with each other. On October 5, the minor returned to her family and explained that, after she met Jackson on Instagram, Jackson sent an Uber for the minor and they stayed at a motel where Jackson had sex with her multiple times, knowing she was 15. Over several months, the FBI tried to find Jackson. In June 2022, agents learned that Jackson was on a Greyhound bus headed west from Atlanta. On June 8, 2022, local law enforcement arrested Jackson at a bus station in Big Spring, Texas. Jackson had a gun and $3,500 cash, and he was accompanied by a runaway child. The child disclosed to investigators that she met Jackson on Instagram and told him she was 16, that they had sex several times at an Atlanta area hotel, and that Jackson recorded a video of them having sex at least once. The investigation also revealed that Jackson was linked to an unsolved July 2015 forcible rape of a 15-year-old girl in Atlanta. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, DNA samples collected from the victim in 2015 matched a DNA sample taken from Jackson following his arrest in 2018. On January 23, 2026, U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr. sentenced Jacques Jackson, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia, to 25 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. On May 8, 2025, Jackson pled guilty to one count of interstate transportation of a minor to engage in unlawful sex and two counts of enticing minors to engage in unlawful sex. Jackson has been in custody since his arrest in June 2022. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with valuable assistance from the DeKalb County Police Department, Baton Rouge (LA) Police Department, Big Spring (TX) Police Department, Elberton (GA) Police Department, and Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex R. Sistla and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Annalise K. Peters prosecuted this case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Federal Indictment Charges Man With Attempting To Provide Material Support To ISIS

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – An 18-year-old man has been indicted by a Charlotte grand jury for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. The formal indictment comes after Christian Sturdivant, of Mint Hill, was arrested and charged on December 31, 2025, by criminal complaint after the FBI learned he was planning to use knives and hammers to execute a deadly New Year’s Eve attack at a grocery store and a fast- food restaurant. Sturdivant’s alleged plan was to harm as many people as possible until he was killed by law enforcement. James C. Barnacle, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Charlotte Field Office, joins U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making the announcement. According to allegations in filed documents and court proceedings, the FBI launched an investigation after receiving information that Sturdivant had been communicating with an online undercover law enforcement agent whom Sturdivant thought was an ISIS member. Over the course of their communications, Sturdivant told the undercover agent he was going to “do jihad soon,” and proclaimed he was “a soldier of the state,” meaning ISIS. On December 29, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Sturdivant’s residence, where they discovered handwritten documents indicating he was planning an attack. Law enforcement also seized from Sturdivant’s bedroom two hammers and two butcher knives, a list of targets, as well as tactical gloves and a vest, all acquired as part of the defendant’s alleged planned attack. Sturdivant remains in federal custody. If convicted, Sturdivant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine the ultimate sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The investigation was conducted by the FBI Charlotte Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the Matthews Police Department, the Monroe Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Air Marshal Service, the Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, with the assistance of the NYPD, additional FBI Field Offices, the FBI Counterterrorism Division, and the Mint Hill Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Gleason for the Western District of North Carolina and DOJ Trial Attorney Elisa Poteat with the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. The charges against the defendant are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Federal Authorities Warn of Fraudsters Impersonating Prosecutors

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MACON, Ga. – Federal authorities are warning citizens of a scammer or group of scammers—potentially outside of the United States—contacting American citizens around the country, posing as prosecutors or federal law enforcement and attempting to defraud people of money by claiming they are possible victims or suspects of a fraud investigation. “Fraudsters will go to great lengths to steal money from people who, in this case, believe they are dutifully complying with lawful requests by law enforcement or prosecutors,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “No one in the U.S. Attorney’s Office will contact a citizen with demands for bank account information and money. If you receive a similar call or email, please contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov immediately.” “These fraudsters are capitalizing on fear and intimidation because nobody wants to be the victim of a crime or the subject of a law enforcement investigation,” said FBI Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Peter Ellis. “The FBI will actively pursue and charge those who participate in such criminal activity.” According to the FBI, in this specific scam, fraudsters impersonate federal agents or prosecutors. By reaching out via text message, email or call, the fraudster claims you have been a victim of fraud, or you are a suspect in a fraud investigation. There are typically several contacts before personal information is requested, including credit cards, banking and other information. Fraudsters are targeting victims in North Carolina and California, but federal authorities warn people in every state to be vigilant. Other similar scams exist, such as the jury duty scam, in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers at the local, state or federal level. As with jury duty scams (for more information, please visit https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/atlanta/news/jury-duty-scammers-target-georgians or https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/georgia-inmates-found-guilty-nationwide-jury-duty-call-scheme ) scammers often provide details like actual law enforcement titles, badge numbers, names, and addresses to increase their credibility. They may even “spoof” phone numbers to make calls appear to come from legitimate government agencies, further deceiving victims. If someone receives such a call or email, they should not provide any personal information, credit card numbers, prepaid cards or money. Federal authorities do not call victims of crimes or suspects of crimes and ask for money or personal identifying information over the telephone. Here are some tips to avoid becoming the victim of this type of scam: Always be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls, text messages and emails. Never give money or personal information to someone with whom you don’t have ties and did not initiate contact. Trust your instincts: if an unknown caller pressures you, or says things that don’t sound right, hang up. If concerns remain about the caller’s claims, verify the information with the appropriate law enforcement agency or court officials. If you believe you have been a victim of a fraudulent scheme, you are encouraged to file a report, including a description of the caller and any available caller ID information, with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov .


title: Three California Drug Traffickers Sentenced To Prison For Transporting Six Kilograms Of Methamphetamine And A Kilogram Of Fentanyl In Checked Luggage

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Three drug traffickers from California who were arrested after they tried to smuggle six kilograms of methamphetamine and a kilogram of fentanyl through the Charlotte Douglas International Airport have been sentenced to prison, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Dericc Milford Adams, 35, of Long Beach, California, was sentenced to 132 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Anthony Quintin Boyd, 30, of Compton, California, was ordered to serve 120 months in prison followed five years of supervised release. David Anton Stallworth, 37, also of Compton, California, was sentenced to 108 months in prison and three years of supervised release. According to court documents and court proceedings, on August 1, 2023, Adams, Boyd, and Stallworth boarded a flight from California to Charlotte, with fentanyl and methamphetamine hidden in luggage. When they arrived at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a drug detecting canine alerted the presence of narcotics in two checked suitcases. One of the suitcases was checked by Boyd and the other by Adams. Law enforcement discovered hidden in the luggage more than six kilograms of methamphetamine and nearly a kilogram of fentanyl. Included in the seizure were gallon-sized plastic baggies of methamphetamine hidden in Welch’s Fruit Snack boxes. In addition to the conduct described above, Stallworth was also convicted and sentenced for trafficking approximately three and a half kilograms of methamphetamine and 100 grams a fentanyl in Little Rock, Arkansas. Adams and Boyd pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess and distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Adams also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Stallworth pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to possess and distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. One count for the North Carolina conduct and a second count for the Arkansas offense. The defendants are in federal custody and will be ordered to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Field Office in Arkansas. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte handled the prosecution.


title: East Hartford Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possessing Child Sex Abuse Material While on State Probation for Similar Offense

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RYAN PERRY, 39, of East Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment and 20 years of supervised release for a child exploitation offense. In 2013, an investigation determined that Perry used a peer-to-peer file sharing network to trade videos depicting child sexual abuse. Perry was convicted in state court of possession of child pornography in the first degree and was sentenced to 10 years of incarceration, suspended after five years, and 10 years of probation. He was released from state prison in May 2018. In January 2025, Perry was arrested for probation violations following a 2024 home visit. A separate federal investigation identified Perry as a possible user of a darknet site where child pornography was uploaded and shared. In April 2025, analysis of a hard drive seized from Perry revealed approximately 2,900 images and videos of child sex abuse material. Perry was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 29, 2025. On October 29, 2025, he pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. He has been detained since his arrest. The penalties in this matter were enhanced based on Perry’s prior conviction. This matter was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, the East Hartford Police Department, and the Connecticut Court Support Services Division – Adult Probation Services. The Task Force includes federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com .


title: Repeat Mail Thief Who Fled To Mexico To Avoid Prosecution Appears In Federal Court

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A repeat mail thief who fled to Mexico to avoid prosecution appeared in court today on new federal charges, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Erik Magana, 41, of Charlotte, is charged with bank fraud and two counts of receipt and possession of stolen mail. In 2020, Magana was convicted of stealing thousands of pieces of mail in North and South Carolina, and was sentenced to prison followed by a term of supervised release. Beginning in 2024, after Magana was released from prison and no longer was under court supervision, he allegedly began to steal large quantities of mail, from mailboxes around Mecklenburg, Union, and Gaston Counties, and elsewhere. Magana allegedly stole business and individual checks, credit cards, tax forms, financial statements, packages, and other documents containing victims’ personal identifying information. Magana used the stolen mail to engage in a bank fraud scheme by depositing stolen and forged business and individual checks into bank accounts he controlled and then withdrawing as much of the funds as possible before the fraud was detected. Magana fled to Mexico prior to being indicted in September 2024. The U.S. Marshal’s Service facilitated Magana’s arrest and return from Mexico to the United States to face prosecution. Following today’s arraignment in federal court, Magana was remanded into custody. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison for each mail theft charge, and up to 30 years in prison for the bank fraud offense. A federal district court judge will determine the ultimate sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their investigation of the case. Ferguson also commended the U.S. Marshals Service for securing Magana’s return to the Western District of North Carolina and recognized the Union County Sheriff’s office for assisting in this case. The charges against the defendant are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to 48 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Minor

body_text: CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been sentenced to 48 years in federal prison for enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. TERCALO E. THOMAS enticed, persuaded, and used a prepubescent minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct, which he recorded. Thomas then trafficked the images as barter to amass a vast collection of images of other children’s sexual abuse. At the time of his arrest in April 2022, Thomas possessed on his cell phone more than 1,500 images depicting child sex abuse. Thomas, 35, of Park Forest, Ill., pleaded guilty last year to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Steven C. Seeger imposed the 48-year prison sentence during a hearing on Jan. 22, 2026, in federal court in Chicago. The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. “Defendant was an avid collector of child exploitation images, particularly of prepubescent children,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Elly Moheb argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Unsatisfied by his depraved collection, he created his own. The seriousness of this offense cannot be overstated.” If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


title: Former Senior Bank Executive, Edward Gene Smith, Pleads Guilty To Sexual Assault, Child Pornography, And Obstruction Of Justice Offenses

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that EDWARD GENE SMITH pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer to drugging a female victim (“Victim-1”) with the intent to rape her, enticing another female victim (“Victim-2”) to travel to New York where SMITH drugged and sexually assaulted her, receipt of child pornography, and obstruction of justice. SMITH also admitted to additional conduct relating to other victims. SMITH is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Engelmayer on May 8, 2026. “Edward Gene Smith is a predator,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “He used money, access, and his influence in our community to identify, lure, drug, and sexually assault young women. He trafficked in images of child sexual abuse. He thought he could evade the law by paying a victim to sign a false statement. This case sends two messages: there is no place in New York for sexual predators, and those who seek to obstruct justice will be brought to justice.” According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment, admissions the defendant has made in connection with the plea, public documents, and statements made in court: Between approximately 2015 and June 2024, SMITH, who was during that approximate time period a senior executive of major financial institutions, planned to drug, attempted to drug, and/or drugged numerous women with the intent to incapacitate them and/or render them unable to consent to sexual activity. SMITH did, in fact, engage in sexual activity with multiple of these women, and, in at least some cases, surreptitiously took videos or photographs of his criminal sexual activity. At least on or about April 23, 2023, SMITH drugged and raped Victim-1 in his Central Park South residence. Specifically, unbeknownst to Victim-1, SMITH gave Victim-1 one or more alcoholic beverages that he had laced with Klonopin, a controlled substance. After Victim-1 consumed the drugged drink, SMITH physically restrained Victim-1 and raped her while she was unconscious. While Victim-1 was still unconscious, SMITH also took a video of himself sexually assaulting Victim-1, and then shared that video with others via an encrypted messaging platform, on a channel that was dedicated to sharing depictions of incapacitated or unconscious women in sexually exploitative positions. Previously, between in or about 2019 and in or about 2020, SMITH repeatedly drugged and sexually assaulted Victim-2. SMITH met Victim-2 in 2019 when Victim-2 was a college student and persuaded Victim-2 to relocate to New York City, which she did. SMITH thereafter controlled Victim-2’s finances, social life, and activities, and repeatedly drugged and sexually assaulted Victim-2 over the course of several months. During this time period, SMITH caused Victim-2 to engage in sexual activity through coercion and force, including threatened and physical assault and physical restraint. Additionally, SMITH informed Victim-2 of one or more firearms that he possessed and showed Victim-2 at least one such firearm. In or about the fall of 2021, SMITH communicated with another victim (“Victim-3”), who was then 17 years old. SMITH followed a similar pattern with Victim-3. While Victim-3 was still 17 years old, SMITH solicited explicit photographs from Victim-3. Shortly after Victim-3 turned 18 years old, SMITH caused Victim-3 to travel to New York City, attempted to drug Victim-3, and then physically and sexually assaulted her. In or about October 2023, SMITH caused Victim-3 to travel to New York City again, which she did, and drugged and sexually assaulted her. Around this time, SMITH also posted Victim-3’s photographs and personal contact information to a website advertising prostitution services, without Victim-3’s knowledge. Between approximately 2012 and June 2024, SMITH also received via the internet and possessed a large volume of images and videos on his personal devices that depicted children, including prepubescent children, being sexually abused. In or about August 2024, after a search warrant was executed at SMITH’s residence, revealing that SMITH possessed child pornography on his electronic devices, SMITH paid Victim-1 thousands of dollars to sign a false document in an attempt to obstruct the investigation. Also in or about August 2024, SMITH solicited other individuals to sign false documents in an attempt to obstruct the investigation. If you have been victimized by SMITH in any way or have any additional information about his illegal behavior, please call the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) at 1-800-CALL-FBI. * * * SMITH, 50, of New York, New York, was arrested on September 10, 2024 and has been detained since January 8, 2025. SMITH pled guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance with intent to commit rape, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of enticement to travel to engage in unlawful sexual activity, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of obstruction of justice, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The mandatory minimum and maximum sentences described above are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Remy Grosbard, Rita Maxwell, Daniel Richenthal, and Joe Zabel are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Olivia Sebade.


title: Slovakian Man Admits Aiding Darknet Market that Sold Drugs and Stolen Personal Information

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A Slovakian man on Tuesday admitted involvement in a darknet market that sold drugs and stolen personal information. Alan Bill, 33, of Bratislava, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one felony count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. He admitted involvement in the operation of Kingdom Market, a darknet marketplace that operated between March 2021 and December 2023. Kingdom users sold and bought illegal goods and services, including fentanyl, methamphetamine and other drugs, stolen financial information and identification documents, via cryptocurrency and anonymous or semi-anonymous accounts. Bill admitted assisting others in maintaining or operating Kingdom by providing or procuring web-administration services. He also admitted receiving cryptocurrency from a wallet associated with Kingdom, assisting with the creation of Kingdom’s forum pages on websites such as Reddit and Dread, having access to Kingdom usernames that made postings on behalf of Kingdom on social media accounts and communicating with others regarding certain Kingdom transactions. Beginning around July 2022, undercover federal investigators made purchases from Kingdom market, including fentanyl, meth and a United States passport, that were shipped to the Eastern District of Missouri. Bill was arrested Dec. 15, 2023, at Newark Liberty International Airport after a customs inspection found two cellular telephones, a laptop, a thumb drive and a hardware wallet used to store cryptocurrency private keys. The electronics contained evidence of his involvement with Kingdom. As part of his plea agreement, Bill also agreed to forfeit five different types of coins in a cryptocurrency wallet, as well as the Kingdommarket.live and Kingdommarket.so domains, which have been shut down by authorities. Bill is scheduled to be sentenced on May 5. The drug trafficking conspiracy charge carries a penalty of at least five years in prison, with a maximum of 40, and the possibility of a fine of up to $5 million. IRS Criminal Investigation, the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and the Missouri Department of Revenue investigated the case. The investigation also involved numerous foreign law enforcement agencies, including the German Federal Criminal Police, or Bundeskriminalamt, the Frankfurt am Main Public Prosecutor's Office - Central Office for Combating Internet Crime (ZIT) as well as law enforcement agencies from Switzerland, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Bateman is prosecuting the case.


title: Illegal aliens charged with methamphetamine trafficking and firearm possession

body_text: Atlanta – Juan Carlos Solano Lorenzo and Jorge Luis Ramirez Bibiano, both illegal aliens from Mexico, appeared in federal court earlier today on charges related to their alleged distribution of methamphetamine and illegal possession of a loaded pistol. “Quick work by our law enforcement partners disrupted this drug trafficking enterprise,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Agents seized large quantities of drugs, a firearm, and subsequently arrested the two defendants who are in our country illegally and will face justice here.” “As part of the DEA’s Fentanyl-Free America initiative, DEA and our state and local partners are united in sending a clear message: trafficking dangerous drugs and carrying firearms will not be tolerated,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “These arrests demonstrate our continued commitment to dismantling drug trafficking organizations and preventing the violence they bring into our communities.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: DEA agents learned that Solano Lorenzo and Ramirez Bibiano were allegedly distributing kilogram quantities of methamphetamine in the metro-Atlanta area and operating their drug trafficking enterprise out of an apartment near Piedmont Park. On January 21, 2026, agents executed a federal search warrant at the apartment and located approximately 44 kilograms of methamphetamine, 22 “M30” pills suspected to contain fentanyl, and a loaded firearm that was next to Ramirez Bibiano’s wallet. The investigation further revealed that both Solano Lorenzo and Ramirez Bibiano are citizens of Mexico and illegally present in the United States. Earlier today, Juan Carlos Solano Lorenzo, 30, of Guerrero, Mexico, appeared before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard on a criminal complaint that charged him with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jorge Luis Ramirez Bibiano, 28, of Guerrero, Mexico, appeared before Magistrate Judge Vineyard on a criminal complaint that charged him with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. Both defendants have been remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending further proceedings. Members of the public are reminded that the criminal complaint only contains charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with valuable assistance provided by the Marietta-Cobb-Smyrna Organized Crime Task Force Narcotics Unit, the Georgia State Patrol, the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, and the Atlanta Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Schwarzl is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Long Beach Man Pleads Guilty to Sending a Dozen Payments to Suspected ISIS Terrorists and Illegally Possessing Homemade Bomb

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Long Beach man pleaded guilty today to federal criminal charges for sending a dozen payments to suspected members of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, and for illegally possessing a homemade bomb. Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Villanueva has been in federal custody since August 2025. According to his plea agreement, Villanueva began communicating in February 2025 over a social media messaging platform with an individual who represented himself to be an ISIS fighter living in Syria. This individual told Villanueva how to send him money in Syria. Based on these instructions, Villanueva sent more than $1,600 with the understanding that the money would be spent on ammunition, weapons, and other supplies in order for ISIS to conduct operations. Villanueva also discussed conducting operations for ISIS in the United States. During a search of Villanueva’s home in August 2025, law enforcement found a manufactured bomb packed with large amounts of ball bearings and other metal objects, including nails, screws, and nuts. At all relevant times, Villanueva knew the bomb was considered a firearm and a destructive device under federal law, and the device was not federally registered as required by law. At the time Villanueva possessed the homemade bomb, he knew he had been convicted of felony stalking in Los Angeles Superior Court in September 2017 and was prohibited from possessing any firearm. United States District Judge Anne Hwang scheduled a June 17 sentencing hearing, at which time Villanueva will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for attempting to provide material support to a federal terrorist organization, and up to 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Colin S. Scott of the National Security Division is prosecuting this case, with substantial assistance from Trial Attorneys Patrick Cashman and Matt Hracho of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.