title: TALLAHASSEE MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS FOR CHILD EXPLOITATION CRIMES

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Austin Marko Coates, 27, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of children and distribution of child pornography. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “One of our greatest responsibilities is the protection of our children, and I am proud of the excellent work by our state and federal law enforcement partners to help bring this disgusting individual to justice. This substantial sentence demonstrates our unwavering commitment to keeping the most vulnerable members of our community safe, and should serve as a warning to others who would attempt to harm them. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute these horrific crimes and will seek maximum punishments for those who engage in such heinous conduct.” According to court records, in January 2025 the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office received a Cybertip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children alleging that Coates had been communicating with a minor through a social media platform regarding sexually explicit topics. Agents with HSI obtained federal search warrants for Coates’ social media account and Tallahassee residence. The searches resulted in investigators finding evidence of Coates sending child pornography to minors, some who were as young as 13 years of age, and requesting they produce their own sexually explicit content to send to him. Investigators also seized multiple electronic devices which contained hundreds of child pornography videos and images, some depicting young children and toddlers. “This predator weaponized social media to target, entice, and manipulate vulnerable children to produce sexually explicit material to add to his collection of vile content,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “The hundreds of images and videos in his possession represent countless children, some as young as toddlers, whose pain was preserved and traded like currency. Crimes like these are a brutal reminder of why HSI and our partners fight every day to protect children and bring their offenders to justice.” Coates’s sentence of imprisonment will be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release and a requirement to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. Coates was also ordered to pay restitution to his victims. The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by HSI and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen. 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 public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Beverly Hills Man Charged with Over $3 Million In Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – A federal indictment was unsealed today charging Jabari Kadar Long with defrauding the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) by submitting fraudulent loan applications to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) during the coronavirus pandemic, announced Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations-Detroit and Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations Detroit Field Office. Long, 45, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud affecting a financial institution, and one count of money laundering arising out of his participation in the scheme. The indictment alleges that, during the coronavirus pandemic, Long worked with co-conspirators to illegally obtain money through PPP and EIDL applications for businesses that were ineligible for such loans. Specifically, the indictment alleges that Long himself applied for and received $2,187,000 for a business called “Priceless Preservations Construction.” In his PPP loan application, Long claimed that Priceless Preservations had 50 employees and an average monthly payroll of $875,000. The indictment alleges that in truth, Priceless Preservations Construction had few, if any, employees and little to no payroll expenses. In total, Long fraudulently received over $3 million from these programs. An indictment is merely a formal charge and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. It is the burden of the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sara D. Woodward. The matter is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service.


title: United States Attorney's Office to Participate in Community Event During National Night Out

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Michigan GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan will join their law enforcement partners, neighbors, and communities in National Night Out events in cities and towns across the Western District of Michigan. “I am honored to represent the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan during tonight’s National Night Out events in Kalamazoo. I will be present with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety to greet the community and assure Kalamazoo residents that my office remains committed to working with local police to protect their community and the safety of its residents. This event is an important reminder that our communities are at their best when residents work in tandem with law enforcement for the benefit and good of everyone. I greatly appreciate the efforts of Kalamazoo residents and community leaders in working with Chief Boysen and local law enforcement to make our neighborhoods better and safer.” National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country. National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization. Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe. For more information, visit https://natw.org/ . Scheduled Event: Kalamazoo Date: August 5, 2025 Time: starts at 5:00p Address: 612 N Park St, Kalamazoo, MI, United States, Michigan 49007


title: Hartford, Vermont Man Charged with Drug Crime

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on July 31, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging two-time U.S. Open snowboarding champion Rahm Klampert, 45, of Hartford, Vermont, with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. Klampert entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on July 31, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle ordered that Klampert be detained during the pendency of this matter. According to court records, on June 20, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Klampert’s residence and personal training studio, Rahm’s Results, both located in Hartford, Vermont. In total, law enforcement recovered from those locations approximately 1.1 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, and 75 grams of fentanyl; 12 firearms including multiple suspected short-barreled shotguns, assault rifles, and handguns, three of which have been identified as stolen; a money-counter machine; and over $100,000 in U.S. currency. Multiple sources of information reported to law enforcement that Klampert was trafficking drugs in the Hartford area. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Klampert is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, Klampert faces a 10-year mandatory minimum prison sentence and up to a lifetime term of imprisonment. The sentence would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Hartford Police Department, the Vermont State Police, the Vermont Drug Task Force, the Brattleboro Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecutors are Assistant United States Attorney Corinne Smith and Special Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham. Klampert is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Charles Curlett.


title: Federal jury convicts Richmond recidivist for illegally possessing a firearm

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

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Richmond man yesterday for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on Feb. 23, Henrico County Police observed Tajon Rasheed Baskerville, 35, rummaging through a purse, which had been taken from a nearby vehicle earlier. As an officer performed a pat-down of Baskerville, the officer felt a firearm in a holster on Baskerville’s hip. Baskerville pulled away from and struck the officer. The officer fell, at which time Baskerville drew his firearm and, in response, the officer drew his service weapon. Baskerville tossed his firearm and attempted to flee on foot. The officer recovered the firearm and Baskerville was apprehended. Investigators found items that had been taken from the purse in Baskerville’s pockets. They also found a wallet, which had been in the purse, in Baskerville’s shirt. At the time of the offense, Baskerville had previously been convicted for possession of a schedule I or II controlled substance (2010 and 2012), felony probation violation (2012, 2014, and twice in 2017), grand larceny (2015 and 2018), and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2022). As a previously convicted felon, Baskerville cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition. Baskerville faces a up to 15 years in prison when sentenced on Dec. 17. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Eric D. English, Chief of Henrico County Police Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge David J. Novak accepted the verdict. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick J. McGorman and Stephen E. Anthony are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of 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). A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-79.


title: Arizona Resident and a Mexican Citizen Sentenced to Imprisonment for Trafficking 40,000 Fentanyl Pills to Utah

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Dominic Jared Arias Aceves, 23, of Arizona, and Cristo Alexander Urias Salazar, 32, of Mexico, were sentenced by a U.S. District Court Judge after they trafficked about 40,000 fentanyl pills from Arizona to Utah for further distribution. Aceves was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release. Salazar was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment. Upon his release, Salazar will be remanded to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation proceedings. The two defendants pleaded guilty on May 12, 2025 to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. According to court documents and statements made at Aceves and Salazar’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on October 21, 2024, in the District of Utah, they possessed approximately 3,952 grams of field-tested positive fentanyl (about 40,000 pills) with the intent to distribute. See prior press release: Two Accused Drug Dealers Indicted After Allegedly Possessing 40,000 Fentanyl Pills in Salt Lake City Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case was investigated by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Berkeley County Man Admits to Role in Fentanyl Trafficking Operation

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew James Elsea, 43, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization distributing large quantities of fentanyl. Elsea pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. According to court documents, Elsea was working with others to sell fentanyl in Berkeley County. Elsea faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the matter. U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.


title: Putnam County Veterinarian Ordered to Pay $956,709 in Civil Penalties

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia secured a $956,709 default judgment against Clara Ann Mason, a Putnam County veterinarian, after she was unable to account for 9,796 dosage units of oxycodone HCL, hydrocodone/acetaminophen and other controlled substances, Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced today. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers ordered Mason, 64, of Winfield, to pay the maximum civil penalties. The Court found that Mason ordered thousands of doses of opioids and other drugs, failed to keep these drugs secured, failed to keep track of these drugs, and apparently fabricated records to cover her failures. According to court documents, between March 8, 2018, and July 10, 2023, Mason ordered 14,200 dosage units of hydrocodone/acetaminophen at 10/325 milligrams each, 800 dosage units of oxycodone HCL at 10 milligrams each, and 600 dosage units of oxycodone HCL at 5 milligrams each from a veterinary pharmaceutical wholesale supplier. At the time, Mason was licensed under the laws of West Virginia to practice veterinary medicine and was registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a practitioner authorized to dispense controlled substances to the extent permitted by federal law. For the years 2021, 2022, and 2023, Mason ordered substantially more hydrocodone/acetaminophen from the supplier than any other individual customer. Between January 2021 and January 2023, Mason’s oxycodone HCL orders accounted for 74 percent of all oxycodone HCL dosage units sold by the supplier. On October 11, 2023, investigators executed an administrative inspection warrant at the address Mason registered with DEA in Winfield and found controlled substances unsecured in numerous locations throughout the property. During the execution of the warrant, Mason was unable to produce any records of dispensing scheduled medications, the required DEA forms recording her purchases of controlled substances, or inventory records also required by federal law. Mason voluntarily surrendered her DEA registration number during the execution of the warrant. Investigators took possession of all controlled substances found during the execution of the warrant and determined that at least 6,593 dosage units of hydrocodone and oxycodone were unaccounted for along with other controlled substances. In the days and weeks following the execution of the warrant, Mason provided purported records alleging she dispensed large quantities of opioids to dogs and cats prior to euthanasia. Investigators believe these documents were largely fabricated. Investigators also interviewed several pet owners, and none said they witnessed Mason administering oral medications to their pets. “The Court concluded that Dr. Mason jeopardized the safety of the community, which has been severely harmed by the opioid epidemic, by failing to properly secure and track these drugs,” Johnston said. “The Court assessed the maximum penalties in this case. This outcome is the result of the excellent work by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), our office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement and Health Care Fraud Investigative Specialist Tyler E. Japhet, and Assistant United States Attorney Gregory P. Neil.” “DEA registrants are responsible for handling controlled substances responsibly and ensuring complete and accurate records are being maintained in compliance with the Controlled Substance Act,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Division. “Failure to comply with controlled substance regulations puts our communities in grave danger, and any registrant who fails to meet these standards will be held accountable.” A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:35-cv-175. ###


title: Five Bay Area Men Charged For Their Roles In Armed Robbery Of 200 iPhones And Five Cameras From Oregon Business

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury has indicted Cankun He, Hailong Ma, Robert Maynard, Yuxiang Wei, and Jordan Cantie on charges of conspiring to rob a business located in Portland, Oregon, of Apple iPhones that were being shipped by the company. Ma and Wei were arrested on Aug. 1, 2025, and He was arrested yesterday; all three made their initial appearances in federal district court yesterday. Maynard was already in custody on another matter and made his initial appearance today. According to the indictment filed July 22, 2025, and unsealed yesterday, He, 31, Ma, 30, Maynard, 41, Wei, 25, and Cantie, 48—all believed to be residing in the Bay Area—conspired to rob a reshipping business in Portland of Apple iPhones that were being shipped by the company. He, Ma, and Wei allegedly participated in planning the robbery, and Maynard and Cantie were recruited to conduct the robbery itself. The indictment alleges that Ma, Wei, Maynard, and Cantie traveled from the Northern District of California to Portland to conduct the robbery, with Ma providing jackets falsely marked with “FBI,” bulletproof vests, zip ties, and other supplies for the robbery. On April 14, 2025, while Ma and Wei waited nearby, Maynard and Cantie drove into the victim business’s parking lot using blue and red flashing lights similar to police vehicle lights. Cantie allegedly brandished a gun and, along with Maynard, forced employees into the building, zip-tied them, and issued verbal threats. The two men then stole approximately 200 Apple iPhones and five cameras before driving away, the indictment alleges. They later drove back to California and, along the way, met with He and others to deliver the stolen iPhones. On or about May 19, 2025, Ma, Wei, Maynard, and others again allegedly conspired to rob another reshipping business in Hillsboro, Oregon, and drove to Oregon to do so. Maynard and four unindicted co-conspirators were arrested that day. United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement. He, Ma, Maynard, and Wei have remained in custody since their arrests. Cantie remains at large. Wei is scheduled for a detention hearing on Aug. 18, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sallie Kim. Ma and He are scheduled to be arraigned before Judge Kim on Aug. 6, 2025. Maynard was remanded into federal custody. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain for the count of conspiracy to engage in robbery affecting interstate commerce in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951(a). Any sentence will be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Yeh and Kenneth Chambers are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Claudia Hyslop and Lance Libatique. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI. Cankun He, et al. Indictment


title: Two Charged with Federal Counts in Georgia Ave. Bank Robbery

component: Criminal Investigative Division (FBI)

body_text: WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bobby Ransom, 46, of the District of Columbia, and Shawn Seegars, 49, of Forestville, Maryland, were charged by complaint on Aug. 4, 2025, for allegedly robbing the Truist Bank on Georgia Avenue, NW, on July 31, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Ransom, aka “James Ranson,” and Seegars, were charged in U.S. District Court with bank robbery, Hobbs Act robbery (robbery affecting interstate commerce), and D.C. Code robbery. Joining in the announcement were FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. On Thursday, July 31, 2025, at approximately 2:55 p.m., two men entered the bank branch on the 6400 block of Georgia Avenue, NW. One of the suspects approached the counter and passed a note to the teller stating “Give up the money right now with no problems slide money out.” The teller complied, and both suspects fled the bank with a large sum of money. A weapon was not used during the robbery. While walking away from the bank, Suspect 1 dropped some of the cash, and Suspect 2 picked it up. The two men then continued walking westbound. About 5:25 p.m. on July 31, an MPD officer at the Metro Center transit stop at 12th and G Street NW recognized Suspect 1 from a bulletin issued earlier in the day. The officer arrested Ransom and in a search recovered $5,640 in cash. Shawn Seegars was arrested on August 1 by the FBI. Approximately $1,100 was recovered from Seegars at the time of his arrest. This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI Washington Field Office's Violent Crimes Task. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared English and John Parron. 25mj133


title: Three Foreign Nationals Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the United States After Deportation

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that three men convicted separately of illegally reentering the United States after prior deportations have been sentenced. Wilfido Hernandez-Ordonez , aka Leo Acevedo and Leo Hernandez, 40, a Guatemalan national, pleaded guilty today to illegal reentry and was sentenced by United States District Judge Joseph F. Leeson Jr. to time served, almost three months. Having completed his prison sentence, he again will be removed from the country. Hernandez-Ordonez previously had been deported from the United States in May 2009, pursuant to the order of an immigration judge. Following his removal, the defendant illegally re-entered the United States on an unknown date. Earlier this year, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) became aware that Hernandez-Ordonez was in the Lehigh County jail, taking him into custody in May. He was charged by information with illegal reentry in June. Leondro Medina-Murillo , 45, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty today to illegal reentry and was sentenced by United States District Judge John M. Younge to time served, almost four months, for illegally reentering the United States. Having completed his prison sentence, he again will be removed from the country. Medina-Murillo had previously been removed from the U.S. in September 2013, after his conviction in Chester County, Pennsylvania, on a state drug charge. He was subsequently removed twice more, in April 2014 and May 2014, following encounters with the U.S. Border Patrol in California. In January of this year, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received information that Medina-Murillo had returned to the U.S. and was living in Chester County. After conducting records checks and surveillance to verify his identity and location, HSI took Medina-Murillo into custody in April. He was charged by indictment with illegal reentry in May. Jillian Santiago-Cruz , aka Julian Santiago, Julian Santigo Rodas, and Julian Santiago De La Cruz, 38, a Mexican national, was sentenced by United States District Judge Karen S. Marston last week to time served, about three and a half months, for illegally reentering the United States. Having completed his prison sentence, he again will be removed from the country. In March 2011, an immigration judge ordered Santiago-Cruz’s removal from the U.S. in absentia, due to his illegal entry. He was eventually deported in November of 2019, following his conviction in Ohio for driving under the influence of alcohol. The defendant later re-entered the United States illegally and was arrested in March of this year by the Plymouth Township (Pa.) Police Department on several charges. ICE became aware of Santiago-Cruz’s arrest and took him into custody in April. He was charged by indictment with illegal reentry the same month and pleaded guilty in June. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). The cases were investigated by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations and HSI and are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Schopf, J. Andrew Jenemann, and Mary E. Crawley.


title: Tennessee Company Pleads Guilty to Illegally Bypassing Waste Treatment and Discharging Industrial Wastes into Nashville Sewer System

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: Allwaste Onsite, doing business as Onsite Environmental (Onsite Environmental), entered two guilty pleas today in relation to federal Clean Water Act violations. As part of the plea, Onsite Environmental has agreed to pay a fine of $512,000 and serve a three-year term of probation that requires Onsite Environmental to properly treat industrial wastes according to a detailed facility operating plan. According to court documents, Onsite Environmental operated a facility in Nashville, Tennessee, that treated liquid non-hazardous industrial wastes before discharging them into the sewer. Onsite Environmental had obtained a pretreatment permit from the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (Metro) under an approved Clean Water Act pretreatment program. The permit required Onsite Environmental to remove pollutants in the industrial wastes prior to discharging them into the sewer. However, from Dec. 5-22, 2022, and again from Jan. 4-17, 2023, Onsite Environmental employees knowingly bypassed treatment processes and discharged untreated or partially untreated industrial wastes into the Metro sewer system in direct violation of the pretreatment permit. U.S. District Court Judge Aleta A. Trauger for the Middle District of Tennessee accepted the guilty pleas. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 15. Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee made the announcement. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division and EPA Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Senior Trial Attorney Matthew T. Morris of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie N. Toussaint for the Middle District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.


title: Former Miami Heat Security Employee Charged for Selling Stolen Memorabilia

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A former employee of the Miami Heat made his initial appearance in federal court today on a one-count information charging him with transporting and transferring stolen goods in interstate commerce. According to the charging document, Marcos Thomas Perez, 62, of Miami, is accused of stealing millions of dollars’ worth of Miami Heat game-worn jerseys and other valuable memorabilia, which he later sold to online brokers. Perez, a 25-year retired veteran of the City of Miami Police Department, was employed as a security officer with the Miami Heat from 2016 to 2021 and later worked as an NBA security employee from 2022 to 2025. During his tenure, Perez worked on the game-day security detail at the Kaseya Center, where he was among a limited number of trusted individuals with access to a secured equipment room. This equipment room stored hundreds of game-worn jerseys and other memorabilia that the organization intended to display in a future Miami Heat museum. During his employment, Perez accessed the equipment room multiple times to steal over 400 game-worn jerseys and other items, which he then sold to various online marketplaces. Over a three-year period, Perez sold over 100 stolen items for approximately $2 million and shipped them across state lines, often for prices well below their market value. As an example, Perez sold a game-worn LeBron James Miami Heat NBA Finals jersey for approximately $100,000. That same jersey later sold at a Sotheby’s auction for $3.7 million. On April 3, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Perez’s residence and seized nearly 300 additional stolen game-worn jerseys and memorabilia. The Miami Heat confirmed that these items had been stolen from their facility. United States Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office made the announcement. FBI Miami is investigating the case. The United States Postal Inspection Service - Miami and Miami Police Department provided invaluable assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Robert Moore is prosecuting the case. You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 25-cr-20346. ###


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Being  Felon in Possession of Firearm

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that, WARDELL FLETCHER (“FLETCHER”) , age 49, was sentenced on July 29, 2025, by United States District Judge Brandon S. Long, after previously pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). FLETCHER was sentenced to fifteen (15) years imprisonment, to be served consecutively with any pending state sentence. Judge Long also ordered that FLETCHER be placed on supervised release for (3) three years upon release from imprisonment and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. According to court documents, on December 27, 2023, FLETCHER possessed a Taurus Model 608, .357 Magnum caliber revolver and ammunition. FLETCHER, who knew he was a convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing firearms. Following an altercation, FLETCHER used the firearm to shoot a victim at a Circle K gas station in New Orleans. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson praisedthe work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crime Unit. * * *


title: Armed robber sentenced for targeting Vape City stores

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 23-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been ordered to federal prison for armed robbery followed by a high-speed chase, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Jose Rodriguez pleaded guilty April 22. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now imposed a 12-month term of imprisonment for aggravated robbery. He also received an additional 84 months for brandishing a firearm which must be served consecutively. The total 96-month sentence will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court considered the dangerousness of Rodriguez’s conduct, noting that he not only robbed store employees at gunpoint but also led officers on a reckless high-speed chase through residential neighborhoods. On July 9, 2024, Rodriguez and Alex Espinosa entered a Vape City store on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi and demanded money from the registers. Rodriguez also pointed a firearm at employees while demanding cash and their cell phones before departing. Later that night, both men then visited a second Vape City location in Calallen. They entered the store in the same manner and robbed the employees. Law enforcement identified Rodriguez’s vehicle leaving the scene of the second robbery and attempted to stop him, but he quickly fled. He continued driving recklessly through the city at speeds over 100 mph, even turning off his headlights to avoid detection. The pursuit lasted approximately 25 minutes and covered 20 miles. Rodriguez eventually drove to his residence, where both Rodriguez and Espinosa exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, but authorities soon took them into custody. Espinosa, 25, Corpus Christi, pleaded guilty to his role in the robberies and was previously sentenced to 36 months to be followed by two years of supervised release. Rodriguez has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with assistance from the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Martin prosecuted the case.


title: Rockwell Man Sentenced to 21 Years for  Producing and Distributing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who produced and distributed child pornography was sentenced yesterday to 21 years in federal prison. David Bradley Garrison, age 44, from Rockwell, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 6, 2025 guilty plea to sexual exploitation of a child and distribution of child pornography. Evidence at sentencing showed that in July 2021, Garrison recorded a video of a child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. He distributed child pornography to multiple people in May and August 2021. He possessed thousands of photographs and videos of child pornography, which contained depictions of infants and depictions of child sexual torture or bondage. After law enforcement searched Garrison’s residence in January 2022, Garrison continued to possess child pornography. Garrison was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Garrison was sentenced to 252 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to make $16,000 in restitution to victims. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was brought as part of Project Safe 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.” Garrison is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Devra T. Hake and Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Investigation, and Rockwell Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-CR-3054. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Waterloo Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Second Conviction Involving Child Pornography

body_text: A man who possessed child pornography was sentenced on August 4, 2025, to 12 years in federal prison. Forrest Rindels, age 69, of Waterloo, Iowa, received the sentence after a March 6, 2025, guilty plea to two counts of possession of child pornography. At the plea hearing, Rindels admitted that, between 2021 and 2022, he knowingly possessed child pornography on a tablet and a micro-SD card. He also admitted that he was previously convicted of receipt of child pornography in the Northern District of Iowa in 2016. Rindels was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Rindels was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment. He was ordered to make $42,000 in restitution to 14 victims depicted in the child pornography he possessed. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Waterloo Police Department. 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.” Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is CR 24-2055. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Laredo man indicted for possession of child sexual abuse material and enticement of three separate minor females

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A 30-year-old Laredo resident has been charged with enticing a 14-year-old minor to engage in sexual activity and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Originally charged by criminal complaint July 16, Emanuel Valdez remains in custody pending further criminal proceedings. A federal grand jury has now returned the four-count indictment. The charges allege that Valdez had been communicating with a 14-year-old minor female for approximately two years after “meeting” her while playing video games online. In January, the conversations became sexual in nature, according to the allegations. Valdez allegedly started sending sexually explicit texts to the minor and asking her to send pictures of herself. The charges allege the conduct escalated with Valdez attempting several times to make plans to meet with the minor at a hotel and pay her to have sex with him. Valdez also allegedly provided her with digital gift cards in exchange for pictures of herself posing in a sexual manner. The investigation linked him to a second victim he tried to arrange meetings with for sex, according to the indictment. He had allegedly talked with another 14-year-old girl about taking her virginity. The charges allege Valdez acknowledged that meeting her for sex would be illegal and suggested she lie to her parents and come up with an excuse to leave the house. He also talked with another person he believed was also only 14, according to the indictment. In those conversations, he allegedly expressed a sexual interest in the girl and attempted to make plans to meet up and have sex with her, suggesting they do so when her parents were not home. Valdez also sent a chart of the various sexual positions he wanted to engage in with her, according to the allegations. Authorities executed a search warrant July 17 which resulted in the discovery of thousands of photos and videos of child sexual abuse material. “Protecting minors from the depraved schemes of online sexual predators is a top priority for the Southern District of Texas,” said Ganjei. “If somebody takes to the internet to prey on children, they are going to find their world turned upside down by this office. SDTX will pursue these online predators to the ends of the internet and to all four corners of the globe.” “This indictment represents a critical step toward holding accountable those who target our most vulnerable population-our children,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI's San Antonio Field Office. “We will continue to pursue these child predators tirelessly through the work of our FBI San Antonio Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.” If convicted, Valdez faces up to life in prison. All charges also carry a possible $250,000 maximum fine. The FBI conducted the investigation with assistance from Charlotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina, Police Department. If you have any information about other possible victims or believe you have been victimized, please contact the FBI at 210-225-6741. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Makens is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page . An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Business owner pleads guilty to filing false tax returns and intentionally under-reporting income

body_text: HOUSTON – A Friendswood businessman has admitted he only reported a small amount of income in order to keep other federal benefits, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. William Christopher Womack was the sole owner of Intents Services LLC, a company that leased industrial and special event tents, trailers and specialty vehicles to customers in the Houston area. He concealed income by cashing business receipts at check-cashing businesses and writing fraudulent checks to fictitious employees and vendors. Womack spent the money on personal expenses, including boats, luxury vehicles, RVs and tickets to sporting events. Womack admitted he reported only a small portion of his income on tax returns. Specifically, in 2019, 2020 and 2021, he reported wages of $12,000 annually while collecting Social Security (SS) benefits ranging from $15,672 to $16,121. This was far less than he actually earned. For example, Womack admitted that his 2020 tax return failed to include $260,895 in income he earned from Intents Services. As part of his plea, he admitted he kept his reported wages low to avoid earning more than $1,000 per month in order to maintain his SS benefits. He must also pay restitution to the IRS of $219,599 in tax loss resulting from the returns he filed for the 2019 through 2021 tax years. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown will impose sentence Oct. 14. At that time, Womack faces up to three years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 possible fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing. IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray is prosecuting the case.


title: Bronx Man Charged With Slashing Of U.S. Postal Service Mail Carrier

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Acting Inspector in Charge of the New York Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), Edward Gallashaw, announced today the arrest and filing of a Complaint charging JOHN GARCIA with assaulting a U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”) mail carrier with a deadly and dangerous weapon on July 16, 2025, in the Bronx, New York. The defendant was presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. “John Garcia allegedly attacked a uniformed USPS carrier who was delivering the mail,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Attacks like this are senseless and threaten the good people and systems we rely on every day. They will not be tolerated.” “The Postal Inspection Service takes matters involving the safety and well-being of postal service employees as a top priority,” said USPIS Acting Inspector in Charge Edward Gallashaw. “Let it be clear, we will investigate and identify anyone who commits a criminal act against a USPS letter carrier. I’d like to thank our local law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their constant assistance.” According to the allegations contained in the Complaint: [1] On or about July 16, 2025, at approximately 12:50 p.m., in the Bronx, New York, GARCIA attacked a uniformed, on-duty USPS mail carrier (“Victim‑1”) with a sharp object. GARCIA slashed Victim-1’s head and right ear, causing multiple deep lacerations that required Victim-1 to be hospitalized. * * * GARCIA, 49, of the Bronx, is charged with one count of assaulting an officer of the U.S. using a deadly or dangerous weapon, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Grossinger is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. u.s._v._garcia_complaint.pdf [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Chief Lieutenant of Drug Trafficking Crew in Central Massachusetts Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Southbridge man who served as the chief lieutenant of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed cocaine and fentanyl throughout the North Shore and Central Massachusetts areas was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester. Ismael Maysonet, 44, of Southbridge, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In February 2025 , Maysonet was convicted following a six-day jury trial of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. In September 2022 , Maysonet was charged along with 21 other co-conspirators. In and around August 2021 through August 2022, Maysonet was identified as the chief lieutenant of a Southbridge-based DTO who distributed cocaine and fentanyl to retail customers and other drug dealers at the request of the leaders of the DTO, Jonathan Pizarro Gonzalez and Isaac Gonzalez. The DTO regularly used the United States mail to conduct drug trafficking activities. Specifically, the DTO obtained large quantities of cocaine through packages mailed from Puerto Rico to addresses used by the DTO and mailed packages containing fentanyl to recipients in Florida and elsewhere. As chief lieutenant, Maysonet essentially operated as a mid-level manager for the DTO and was involved in every aspect of the organization’s fentanyl and cocaine trafficking operations. Maysonet was responsible for coordinating the receipt of packages of narcotics from Puerto Rico; negotiating with suppliers; transporting fentanyl as well as drug proceeds to and from customers and suppliers; and packaging fentanyl for shipment to Isaac Gonzalez’s residence in Florida for distribution. When a package containing cocaine was seized by law enforcement during the investigation, Maysonet approached mail carriers both on the street and in the post office to inquire about the location of the package. Furthermore, Maysonet threatened a federal witness in open court during trial in February 2025. Over the course of the investigation, approximately nine kilograms of cocaine from packages sent through the mail and 800 grams of fentanyl were seized from various DTO members. Maysonet is responsible for distributing over 700 grams of fentanyl and three kilograms of cocaine. Both Jonathan Pizarro Gonzalez and Isaac Gonzalez pleaded guilty in January 2025. In June 2025, both defendants were sentenced to 10 years in prison and 15 years in prison, respectively. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Marshals Service, Massachusetts State Police, Southbridge Police Department, Lawrence Police Department, Essex County Sherriff’s Department and Worcester County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen W. Hassink and Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case. This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Second Colorado Springs Funeral Home Operator Pleads Guilty to Scheme to Defraud Grieving Families and COVID-19 Relief Program

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Carie Hallford, 48, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Hallford, who owned and operated Return to Nature Funeral Home in Colorado Springs and Penrose with her husband and codefendant, Jon Hallford, mishandled at least 190 bodies over four years and defrauded the Small Business Administration (SBA) through fraudulent COVID-19 loan applications. Jon Hallford was sentenced in June to 240 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $1,070,413.74 in restitution for his role in the conspiracy. According to the plea agreement, from as early as September 2019 through October 2023, Hallford and her husband failed to cremate or bury at least 190 bodies, despite having collected more than $130,000 from grieving families for funeral services that were never provided. The defendants failed to provide the basic core service it promised to some of its customers, either a cremation or a burial, and continued to collect payment from victims for funeral services and goods. The plea agreement further states that Carie Hallford handled much of the banking, invoicing, contracting with customers, filing of required paperwork, bookkeeping and communications with customers. Both defendants routinely prepared death certificates for the deceased and then filed those certificates with the State of Colorado’s Electronic Death Registry. On many of the death certificates for the bodies found at the Penrose location, the defendants falsely stated that the “method of disposition” was by either cremation or burial when in truth there was no disposition as the bodies were left decomposing at the Penrose location. To carry out and execute the above fraud scheme, the defendant and her husband worked together to cause multiple interstate wire communications to occur. The plea agreement goes on to state that from March 2020 to March 2022, Hallford and her husband conspired to defraud the SBA by submitting loan applications containing false information to obtain COVID-19 relief funds. As a result of this fraud, they received three separate disbursements from the SBA, totaling $882,300. The funds were obtained through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which was established to provide emergency support to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. On October 5, 2023, federal and state officials searched the Penrose location, where they discovered multiple decomposing human remains in hazardous conditions. The toxic environment posed serious health risks to first responders and the public, requiring hazmat suits and strict decontamination protocols. The EPA later condemned and demolished the building, classifying it as a toxic waste site. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted in March 2020 and was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans dealing with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act created the PPP, a program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that provided loans to small businesses to retain workers, maintain payroll, and certain other expenses consistent with PPP rules. Additionally, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several federal programs expanded eligibility for unemployment benefits. United States District Judge Nina Y. Wang presided over the hearing. Carie Hallford’s sentencing is currently scheduled before Judge Wang for December 3, 2025. The FBI Denver Field Office and the United States Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Several other state and local law enforcement agencies including the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the Colorado Springs Police Department, the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fremont County Coroner’s Office have made significant contributions to this case. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Tim Neff and Craig Fansler. Case Number: 1:24-cr-00113-NYW


title: Arizona Man Sentenced to Twelve Months in Federal Prison for Violating the Lacey Act

body_text: DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Timothy Rawlings, 56, of Laveen, Arizona, was sentenced to twelve months in federal prison for a conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act, three years’ supervised release and $45,800.00 in restitution. His codefendant, Howard Wayne Rodarmel, 71, of Baca County, Colorado, was previously sentenced to three years’ probation, $9,164.00 in restitution, and a $2,000.00 fine. Enacted 125 years ago, the Lacey Act protects the nation’s wildlife resources by prohibiting wildlife violations that cross state or international borders. According to the plea agreement, Rawlings—who owned and operated Old West Guides and Outfitters in Laveen, Arizona—provided outfitting, hunting, and guiding services to paying clients for various big game animals, to include deer, elk, mountain lions, and bears. Rawlings’ company was not licensed to provide these services in the state of Colorado. Rawlings’ paid his codefendant, Howard Wayne Rodarmel, to provide unlicensed outfitting and guiding services to clients in Baca County, Colorado. Rawlings knowingly violated several hunting regulations, to include shooting from vehicles; chasing animals with vehicles; and hunting in unlicensed and/or unpermitted lands. He also failed to register taken animals, to include mountain lions, as required by Colorado regulations. During the investigation, Rawlings also unwittingly guided undercover agents on an illegal hunt and violated such regulations in their presence, according to the plea agreement. Rawlings did all of this knowing that his clients resided almost exclusively outside of the state of Colorado, and that the animals taken would likely travel in interstate commerce. The Lacey Act prohibits, among other things, transporting wildlife that had been illegally taken under federal, state, tribal, or foreign law. “Operating without proper licensing undermines wildlife conservation efforts and the integrity of our state’s hunting regulations,” said United States Attorney Peter McNeilly. “We will continue to hold accountable those who seek to profit by skirting the laws that protect Colorado’s natural resources and ensure fair access for all.” “This was not a momentary lapse in judgment or isolated violation,” said Assistant Director Douglas Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. “For several years, Rawlings and his associates systematically violated Colorado’s hunting and guiding regulations, orchestrating illegal hunts, and facilitating the unlawful take, transport, and sale of big game across state lines for monetary financial gain. Their actions stripped wildlife from our landscapes and betrayed the foundational principles of ethical hunting. Violations like these erode public trust in licensed guides, undermine decades of conservation progress, and tarnish the legacy of fair-chase hunting that ethical sportsmen and women work hard to preserve. The Service is committed to working with our partners in Colorado to ensure that those who break the law are held accountable and that we protect the integrity of our natural resources.” The defendants were sentenced by United States District Judge S. Kato Crews. The investigation was conducted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kurt Bohn. Case Number: 24-cr-00117-SKC


title: Santa Cruz Man Who Owned Purported Music Streaming Service Indicted On Wire Fraud Charges

body_text: SAN JOSE – A federal grand jury has indicted Hank Risan on four counts of wire fraud stemming from alleged misrepresentations to investors about his software company and his purported music streaming service. Risan was arrested this morning and made his initial appearance today in federal court in San Jose. According to the indictment filed on July 31, 2025, and unsealed today, Risan, 70, of Santa Cruz, allegedly offered and sold stock and stock conversion in his software company, Media Rights Technologies, Inc. (MRT), and his music streaming service, BlueBeat, Inc., to investors based on false representations, including: (1) false claims of BlueBeat’s copyright ownership of approximately 2.5 million songs by various well-known artists; (2) false and misleading comparisons and valuations of BlueBeat; (3) false claims of imminent acquisition of BlueBeat by a multi-national media and entertainment conglomerate; and (4) false claims of association and involvement with the companies by a former undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce. As an example, on Nov. 3, 2020, Risan informed investors that he “received a very favorable comparable regarding the BlueBeat Catalog” and noted, “To put that news in perspective, BlueBeat contains approximately 2.5 million songs and $10K per song brings music to my ears. You can do the math!” In reality, the indictment alleges, BlueBeat did not own the copyrights to the 2.5 million songs, the valuations of MRT and BlueBeat were fictional, the advertised multi-media conglomerate was not in the process of acquiring BlueBeat or its catalog, and the former Commerce official was not involved with BlueBeat. Risan allegedly induced investors to purchase approximately $1,959,187 in stock and stock conversions, and to make payments characterized as “loans.” In total, he obtained approximately $3,165,859 from the charged scheme. Risan allegedly used the fraudulently obtained funds to pay personal credit cards, purchase collectables, and make mortgage payments on his personal residence. United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement. Risan was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond. He is next scheduled to appear in district court on Oct. 8, 2025, for a status conference before U.S. District Judge P. Casey Pitts. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each count of wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Chang and Jeff Nedrow are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Natachiana Burney and Susan Kreider. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.


title: Glendale Woman Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for $10.6 Million Hospice Fraud Scheme Involving Kickbacks for Patients

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Glendale woman was sentenced today to 108 months in federal prison for participating in a scheme in which hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal kickbacks were paid and received for patient referrals that resulted in the submission of approximately $10.6 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for purported hospice care. Nita Almuete Paddit Palma, 75, of Glendale, was sentenced by United States District Judge Dolly M. Gee, who also ordered her to pay $8,270,032 in restitution. At a separate hearing today, Judge Gee sentenced Percy Dean Abrams, 75, of Lakewood, to three years of probation, which will include two years of home confinement. At the conclusion of a six-day trial, a federal jury in December 2024 found Palma guilty of 12 counts of health care fraud and 16 counts of paying illegal kickbacks for health care referrals. The jury also found Abrams guilty of six counts of receiving illegal kickbacks for health care referrals. Palma was excluded from Medicare, a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, because of prior federal convictions for receiving illegal kickbacks. While she was excluded from Medicare, Palma purchased Magnolia Gardens Hospice through her daughter and bought C@A Hospice through her husband in 2015 and concealed her ownership interest in both hospices from Medicare. Palma then paid “marketers”, including Abrams, hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal kickbacks for patient referrals that Palma could bill to Medicare for purported hospice care. Hospice is only for those who are terminally ill and have a life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice provides comfort care to a patient instead of trying to cure the patient’s illness, and a patient forfeits certain benefits under Medicare when electing hospice. Consistent with instructions provided by Palma, Abrams falsely represented to prospective patients that they did not need to be dying to be on hospice. After collecting personal identifying information from prospective patients that were not dying, Abrams sent the information to Nita Palma so she could bill Medicare for purported hospice care. Through Magnolia Gardens Hospice and C@A Hospice, Palma caused the submission of approximately $10.6 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare beginning in 2015 for purported hospice care for patients that were not dying. Palma received approximately $6,000 each month a patient was billed to Medicare for hospice. In turn, Palma paid Abrams and other marketers up to $1,000 per month in illegal kickbacks for each patient referred to her that was billed to Medicare for hospice. Many of the patients that were billed to Medicare through Magnolia Gardens Hospice did not know they were signed up for hospice, and some patients only found out after they were denied medical coverage for services they needed. During the health care fraud scheme, Medicare requested additional documentation from Magnolia Gardens Hospice to support the purported hospice claims. In response, Palma and her husband directed employees to create fake patient charts and had those fake patient charts submitted to Medicare. Court documents allege that while awaiting trial in this matter, Palma took control of three other hospices and caused the submission of approximately $4.8 million in claims for purported hospice care. The United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the FBI investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Roger A. Hsieh of the Major Frauds Section and Matt Coe-Odess of the Domestic Security and Immigration Crimes Section prosecuted this case.


title: Former West Adams Man Extradited from Guatemala to Face Federal Charges Alleging He Produced Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Guatemalan national and former resident of the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles was extradited from Guatemala and arraigned today on federal criminal charges alleging that he produced child sexual abuse material of five children. Miguel Angel Batz Jr., 43, a.k.a. “Mike Batz,” was transported to the United States this morning from Guatemala and arrived at Los Angeles International Airport. Batz is charged with 12 counts of production of child pornography. At his arraignment this afternoon in United States District Court in Los Angeles, he pleaded not guilty to all counts. A federal magistrate judge ordered him jailed without bond and scheduled a trial to begin October 7. According to the indictment that a federal grand jury returned in June 2022 and was unsealed today, Batz knowingly enticed and coerced five minor victims – all under the age of 18 years old – to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct. The depictions were produced and transmitted using means of interstate and foreign commerce, including by computer, cellphone, and the internet. Batz originally was charged in Los Angeles Superior Court with contacting a minor to commit a lewd act and later fled to Guatemala. He had legal status in the United States at the time of the alleged offenses. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. If convicted, Batz would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for each count. The FBI is investigating this matter. The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the Guatemalan National Civil Police Transnational Anti-Gang Unit and FBI Legal Attaché suboffice in Guatemala City for their assistance in this matter. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs working with Guatemalan law enforcement authorities provided critical assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Batz to the United States. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon E. Martinez-Jones of the Violent and Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Honduran National Unlawfully Residing in Oregon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl in Portland and San Francisco

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.— Ermin Izaguirre-Estrada, 22, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in Oregon, was sentenced Monday to 70 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for trafficking fentanyl in downtown Portland and San Francisco, California. According to court documents, on August 9, 2023, as part of a fentanyl enforcement mission targeting fentanyl dealers in downtown Portland, officers observed Izaguirre-Estrada holding what appeared to be blue fentanyl pills in his hand. The officers arrested Izaguirre-Estrada and seized a loaded firearm, more than 6,000 fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, and cash. On August 16, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Izaguirre-Estrada with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and alien in possession of a firearm. On September 26, 2023, a federal grand jury in the Northern District of California returned a two-count indictment charging Izaguirre-Estrada with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, based on a prior arrest in April 2023. On April 30, 2025, Izaguirre-Estrada pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, resolving both of his criminal cases. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HITDA) Interdiction Team (HIT), the PPB Central Precinct Neighborhood Response Team and PPB Bike Squad. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF . Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org . Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.


title: California Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine in Oregon

body_text: EUGENE, Ore.—A Lynwood, California man was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison Monday for trafficking 11 pounds of methamphetamine from California to Oregon. Luis Banuelos, 34, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. According to court documents, on February 28, 2021, as part of a drug trafficking investigation, officers from the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team arrested Banuelos after he transported methamphetamine from California to deliver to a customer in Prineville, Oregon. Officers searched Banuelos’s vehicle and seized two boxes containing more than 11 pounds of methamphetamine. When questioned by investigators, Banuelos admitted to transporting drugs from California approximately seven times for distribution in Oregon. On August 4, 2022, Banuelos was charged by criminal information with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On October 31, 2022, Banuelos pleaded guilty to the charge. The case was investigated by the CODE team and the Drug Enforcement Agency. It was prosecuted by Adam Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.


title: Mexican National Unlawfully Residing in Oregon Sentenced to 13 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Fatal Fentanyl Poisoning of Portland Teen

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—Manuel Antonio Souza Espinoza, 27, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Portland, was sentenced today to 157 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release for distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a Portland teen and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, the investigation that ultimately led to Espinoza’s arrest began after the tragic overdose death of a Portland teenager who, on March 7, 2022, ingested a counterfeit “M30” Oxycodone pill manufactured with fentanyl. The investigation revealed that Espinoza—a known, high-volume Portland area drug dealer—was the third-level supplier of the counterfeit pills. On March 31, 2022, using a confidential informant, investigators arranged a controlled purchase of 1,000 pills from Espinoza. When Espinoza arrived at the agreed upon location, he was immediately arrested on federal charges. Investigators located and seized 1,000 pills in Espinoza’s vehicle along with a loaded .40 caliber handgun with extended magazine. On April 21, 2022, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Souza Espinoza with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On March 5, 2025, Souza Espinoza pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. In the plea agreement, Souza Espinoza admitted that the counterfeit M30 pills containing fentanyl he sold to the victim resulted in the fatal fentanyl poisoning of the victim. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Portland Police Bureau’s Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Interdiction Team (HIT), and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office with assistance from the Clackamas County Inter-Agency Task Force. It was prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org . Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.


title: Tokio, ND, Man Sentenced to 33 Years in Federal Prison for Involuntary Manslaughter, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Child Neglect in the Death of a Three-Year Old Child

component: USAO - North Dakota

body_text: Fargo – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl announced that on August 5, 2025, Austin Ray Lester, age 29 of Tokio, ND, appeared in United States District Court for the District of North Dakota and was sentenced before Chief Judge Peter D. Welte to serve 33 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release including conditions. Lester had previously pled guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter and two counts of Child Neglect in Indian country, as well as Assault of a Child with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian country. A co-defendant, Krissy Louise Hinsley was also charged in the case and pled guilty to two counts of Child Neglect in Indian country and was previously sentenced by Chief Judge Welte to a total term of 10 years in prison followed by a term of three years of supervised release including conditions. The charges are related to their abuse and neglect of a three-year-old child the, in 2022, within the boundaries of the Spirit Lake Reservation. The neglect resulted in the child’s death. Both defendants were also ordered to pay restitution, jointly and severally, $62,553.39 to the North Dakota Department of Human Services for amounts paid to cover the costs of medical care of the child prior to the child’s death. "Today, Austin Ray Lester was sentenced for his role in the horrifying abuse and neglect that resulted in the death of a three-year-old child," said FBI Minneapolis SAC Alivn M. Winston Sr. " This sentence represents a step towards justice for the life lost, and a warning to those who endanger our most vulnerable community members. The FBI will work tirelessly with its partners to ensure that the precious children of the Spirit Lake Reservation have the opportunity to grow in a safe and secure environment." “This is a tragic child abuse case. This three-year-old child was the victim of fatal abuse and neglect at the hands of her caregivers, Lester and Hinsley. They left her alone at home, where she was exposed to dangerous conditions while Lester and Hinsley used narcotics. This is shameful, deliberate, and horrific conduct,” said Acting United States Attorney Puhl. “This case should serve as a reminder that we at the United States Attorney’s Office will seek lengthy sentences for those whose willful and neglectful conduct leads to the death of children.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of North Dakota, Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori H. Conroy. # # #


title: Syracuse Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Federal Drug and Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Uqoeon Lawrence, age 29, of Syracuse, was sentenced last week to 180 months in prison for drug trafficking, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and firearms trafficking. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement. Lawrence previously admitted that he repeatedly sold controlled substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, in the Syracuse area, and that he possessed a shotgun to protect his drug trafficking. Lawrence was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had a prior felony conviction. Lawrence also admitted that he had illegally received from another person two semi-automatic pistols that had been purchased in Maine and brought to Syracuse, and that Lawrence then re-sold the firearms to other individuals in Syracuse. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “Uqoeon Lawrence peddled toxic drugs in Syracuse, protected his drug business with illegal firearms, and profited by pumping still more illegal guns into our community. Syracuse is safer with Lawrence behind bars, where he will remain for 15 years. My office is committed to bringing dangerous drug dealers like Lawrence to justice.” ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller stated: “This case reflects our unwavering commitment to working alongside our law enforcement partners to protect the people of Syracuse. When individuals flood our streets with guns and deadly drugs, we respond as one team — focused on safeguarding our communities and holding offenders accountable. I’m grateful for the strong collaboration between ATF New York Syracuse Field Office, DEA, the Syracuse Police Department Intelligence Unit, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.” Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release to follow Lawrence’s term of imprisonment. This case was investigated by ATF, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Syracuse Police Department-Intelligence Unit (SPD-INTEL). The case was prosecuted by Assistance U.S. Attorney Nicolas Commandeur and retired Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Southwick. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn .


title: Monticello Man Sentenced to 300 Months in Prison

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: HAMMOND – Timothy B. Pressey, 40 years old, of Monticello, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to production of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor. Pressey was sentenced to 300 months in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release. Pressey also agreed to pay restitution to the victims of his offense, the amount of which will be determined in a separate hearing. According to documents in the case, in October 2024, Pressey took a series of sexually explicit images of a six-year-old child he was babysitting at the time. Using an anonymous identity, Pressey then shared the images in an encrypted group message where hundreds of other users were exchanging and viewing material depicting the violent sexual abuse of children. The FBI quickly identified Pressey as the anonymous user, enabling federal, state, and local law enforcement to obtain and execute a search warrant at Pressey’s residence within a matter of hours. During the search, agents recovered electronic devices that contained thousands of additional images of child sex abuse material. “Timothy Pressey committed a heinous crime against a child entrusted to his care and supervision and then shared the product of that crime on the internet,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Proctor. “Thanks to the outstanding work of the FBI, our state and local partners, and this Office’s dedicated team of prosecutors and staff, Pressey was swiftly brought to justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to do everything within our power to prosecute those who victimize children.” “The family of this young victim placed their trust in the defendant to care for their child and he exploited that trust,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy O’Malley. “This sentence reflects the serious nature of the defendant’s conduct and the FBI’s commitment to protect our children and hold predators accountable.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Monticello Police Department, White County Sheriff’s Office, White County Prosecutor’s Office, the Indiana State Police, and the Indiana Department of Child Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary D. Heater. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: Birmingham Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison on Gun and Drug Charges

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man has been sentenced on gun and drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. U.S. District Court Judge Anna Manasco sentenced Isaiah De’Monte De’Mario Henley, 31, to 240 months in prison. In March 2025, Henley pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a machine gun, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, in July and August of 2024, Henley sold methamphetamine and fentanyl to a confidential informant (CI) on three occasions. On August 8, 2024, law enforcement attempted to arrest Henley after he sold methamphetamine and fentanyl to the CI in West Birmingham. Henley ran from the police into a residence, dropped a bag, ran out the back door, and threw a Glock 9mm pistol equipped with a machine gun-conversion device (commonly referred to as a “Glock switch”) into tall grass before being apprehended. Law enforcement officers recovered the machine gun, a fully loaded extended magazine, 465 grams of methamphetamine, and over 7 grams of fentanyl. The FBI investigated the case along with the Vestavia Hills Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany T. Byrd prosecuted the case.


title: Missouri Man Sentenced to 65 Months in Prison for Stealing from Financial Firm’s Customers

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Tuesday sentenced the former employee of a financial firm who used client information to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from clients to 65 months in prison. From August 2022 through April of 2024, Calvin Lee Gray, 24, used his access to customers’ private information in a long-running scheme to attempt to steal more than $550,000 from dozens of victims. He was successful in stealing $357,582, which he will now have to repay. Gray used his position at the firm to view private customer information for hundreds of accounts without a legitimate purpose, and stole customer information including birthdates, Social Security numbers and financial account information. He used that information to impersonate customers in phone calls and electronic communication with other financial institutions, to change their addresses to his own and have their credit cards reissued to him. He also applied for new lines of credit. He used that information to travel, buy luxury goods, gamble and transfer money to other accounts under his control. Gray opened a checking account in one customer’s name, transferred other customers’ money into that account and then withdrew $1,780 in a series of ATM transactions. Gray fabricated identification documents with his picture but the personal information of others so that he could use those documents to access financial accounts. Gray also fabricated identification documents in the name of his mother, Joann Helms. Helms withdrew money from the account of one victim twice, via an ATM. She allowed Gray to use her account to launder the proceeds of his crime. She also went on shopping sprees her son, during which he made lavish purchases, her plea says. Helms used some of the money Gray gave her to make other purchases, including methamphetamine. Gray, of Columbia, Missouri, who is also known as Dustin Whitehead, pleaded guilty in April to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of fraud in connection with identification documents. Helms now 52, of De Soto, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of fraud in connection with identification documents. She is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has also barred Gray from working for or associating with any firm that is a FINRA member. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is charged with defending the nation’s mail system from illegal use. With the collaborative efforts of our federal law enforcement partners, Postal Inspectors investigate fraudsters who utilize the U.S. Mail to perpetuate financial schemes to defraud others to enrich themselves. Postal Inspectors seek justice for victims including those most vulnerable,” said Inspector in Charge, Ruth Mendonça, who leads the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which includes the St. Louis Field Office. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll prosecuted the case.


title: Pair Sentenced for Multiple St. Louis Carjackings

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

body_text: ST. LOUIS –U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Tuesday sentenced a man who participated in three carjackings in St. Louis in 2022 to 319 months in prison. Evidence and testimony at a trial in March showed that Jaylen Mays, 28, committed the first carjacking less than six months after being released from parole for committing a previous carjacking, and three carjackings in just eight days. On Nov. 5, 2022, Mays and others stole a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu from the downtown business district, according to trial evidence and testimony. On Nov. 11, 2022, Mays and Quinn Turner stole a 2007 Chevrolet Impala at gunpoint. Two days later, Turner drove the Malibu containing Mays and a juvenile to a gas station at the northwest corner of Russell Boulevard and South 7th Street in the Soulard neighborhood, where a juvenile riding with Mays and another person carjacked a 2017 GMC Terrain and stole the driver’s wallet, the trial showed. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's Anti-Crime Task Force utilized spike strips to stop the Malibu as it was leaving the gas station, and found Turner, Mays and the juvenile inside. In a sentencing memorandum, Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Martin pointed out that carjackings create a real fear in the surrounding community and dissuade local residents from visiting the areas where the crimes occur. Turner and Mays, both of East St. Louis, Illinois, were each convicted of two counts of carjacking with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm and two charges of possession and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Mays was convicted of an additional carjacking charge. Judge Schelp sentenced Turner, now 23, on July 22 to 230 months in prison. The case was investigated by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Martin and Jennifer Szczucinski prosecuted the case.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced to More than Six Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon has been sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced John Henry Edmondson, 29, of Shelby, Alabama, to 75 months in prison. In April, Edmondson pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm. According to the plea agreement, on June 30, 2024, a deputy with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) conducted a welfare check on a minor who was at Edmondson’s residence. Edmondson refused to let the deputy in the house. The next day, SCSO deputies and Edmondson’s parole officer returned to the house with a juvenile pick-up order for the minor. While inside the residence recovering the minor, deputies seized two pistols and drug paraphernalia. A SCSO deputy obtained a state search warrant for the residence. Deputies seized a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun, 12-gauge shotgun shells, camouflage body armor, suspected narcotics, and drug paraphernalia. Edmondson is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions in the District Court of Shelby County, Alabama. Specifically, in May 2021, Edmondson pleaded guilty to Domestic Violence by Suffocation or Strangulation and Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Pistol. And in August 2022, he pleaded guilty to Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case along with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. McBrayer prosecuted the case.