title: Convicted Felon Sentenced To Nine Years In Federal Prison For Possessing A Firearm

body_text: Tampa, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland, sitting by designation from the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota, has sentenced Jamal Dixon (23, Ruskin) to nine years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Dixon pleaded guilty on December 10, 2024. The court also ordered Dixon to forfeit the firearm. According to court documents, on April 4, 2024, deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office conducted surveillance at a location in Tampa to locate and arrest Dixon on an outstanding warrant. Dixon exited a residence, placed a backpack in a vehicle, then ran from deputies when they approached the vehicle. While fleeing, Dixon dropped a Glock pistol with an extended magazine. After finding Dixon hiding underneath another vehicle parked in a nearby driveway, deputies retrieved and searched the backpack and found over 450 grams of marijuana, digital scales, and a large quantity of plastic baggies. The pistol had been reported stolen and the magazine recovered from the firearm had the capacity to store up to 22 rounds of ammunition. Dixon, having previously been convicted of felony offenses for discharging a firearm in public and for possession of controlled substances with intent to sell or deliver, is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sinacore. 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.


title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice:

component: USAO - Kansas


title: La Jara Man Admits to Decades-Long Pattern of Sexual Abuse of Minors

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)


title: Former Postal Employee Sentenced for Delaying and Stealing Contents of U.S. Mail

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – RANDY BROWN, JR (“BROWN”) , age 31, a resident of Gretna, Louisiana, was sentenced to twenty-one (21) months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance, after previously pleading guilty to the four-count indictment charging him with unlawful delay of U.S. Mail matter by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1703(a) and theft of U.S. Mail matter by a postal employee, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1709. According to court documents, between on or about July, 2022, through October 4, 2022, BROWN unlawfully secreted, detained, and delayed U.S. mail entrusted to him as a postal employee; and on September 26, 2022, September 27, 2022, and October 3, 2022, BROWN did knowingly embezzle, steal, abstract, and remove checks from U.S. mail entrusted to him as a postal employee. In addition to his incarceration sentence, Judge Vance also sentenced BROWN to three (3) years of supervised release. BROWN must additionally pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General and the Gretna Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crimes Unit. * * *


title: Government Seeks Death Penalty for Federal Inmate Charged with First Degree Murder

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Yesterday, a federal grand jury in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, returned a three-count indictment charging Jasper Reed, 27, a federal prison inmate, with first degree murder, attempted murder, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. According to court documents, Reed entered the federal prison system on Dec. 27, 2023, to serve a 51-month sentence after a firearms conviction. On April 19, 2024, he was sent to the prison system’s Federal Transfer Center (FTC) in Oklahoma City. It is alleged that, on April 27, 2024, a correctional officer found Reed strangling his cellmate. The officer attempted to stop Reed by spraying him with oleoresin capsicum, commonly referred to as “pepper spray.” The pepper spray had no impact on Reed, and multiple officers had to restrain him. Reed was evaluated in a medical examination room and was cleared with no injuries. However, the victim was rushed to a local hospital and was diagnosed with several fractures to his nasal bone, orbital bone, maxillary sinus anterior wall, maxillary sinus lateral wall, and hyoid bone. It is further alleged that, on May 8, 2024, Reed murdered a different FTC cellmate. Correctional officers found this victim lying on the cell floor housed by only the victim and Reed. After an autopsy was performed, a medical examiner determined the cause of death to be homicide by manual strangulation. This victim suffered fractured thyroid and hyoid bones and severe hemorrhaging to the chest. The maximum penalty for the first-degree murder charge is death and Attorney General Pamela Bondi has authorized the United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma to pursue capital punishment in this case. Consistent with that authorization, the U.S. Attorney filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Reed. Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma, made the announcement. The FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Edgmon and Brandon Hale for the Western District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the case with assistance from the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Section. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country. “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.” “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.” “Operation Restore Justice represents our unwavering commitment to ridding our communities of child sex abusers,” said United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “Last week I joined the FBI in Delaware County as they arrested one of these defendants, and I saw firsthand the hard work and dedication of the agents and task force officers working these cases. I am also proud to say that my Office accepted every one of the cases presented to us for prosecution.” “Operation Restore Justice perfectly demonstrates the depth, breadth, and reach of the FBI,” said Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albany Field Office. “Thanks to the invaluable assistance provided by our state and local law enforcement partners on our Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force, eight dangerous predators were taken off the street in just five days. The FBI will continue to use every resource available to find and arrest these predators and ensure they can never hurt another child.” Those arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing CSAM while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, Virginia, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims. In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents following an online safety presentation at a Capital Region school. A criminal complaint or indictment is merely an allegation. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the Northern District of New York, those arrested and charged, in separate cases, are: Jerry N. Butler III, age 19, of Walton, New York, who used a social messaging application to request and receive sexually explicit content from a minor. He faces at least 15 years in prison. Butler III is believed to be involved in the "764" network, whose members seek to corrupt and exploit vulnerable populations, including minors. Butler III is believed to have administrated an online offshoot of 764 that operated across multiple social media channels and whose members engaged in extortion of minors, coercive self-harm, harm to animals, and the production and dissemination of CSAM. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Gadarian is prosecuting this case. Steven Campbell, age 27, a citizen of the United Kingdom, who distributed CSAM to someone he believed to be a parent who would make their child available for Campbell to sexually abuse. Campbell also sent money to the parent so that the parent could bring the child to the United Kingdom for Campbell to sexually abuse. He faces at least 15 years in prison if convicted of all charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian LaRochelle is prosecuting this case. Max Fishkind, age 24, of New Paltz, New York, who enticed a Maryland child into creating and sending him self-produced child sexual abuse material over Snapchat . He faces at least 15 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting this case. Kenneth House, age 59, of Pine Planes, New York, who communicated with an individual to discuss and plan his sexual abuse of a person he believed to be a child. House was arrested after arriving at a location in Albany County and paying $140 to a woman he believed to be the child’s caretaker. He faces at least 10 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Paulbeck is prosecuting this case. Terry Mead Jr., age 49, of Watervliet, New York, who used his cell phone to photograph the genitals of a 4-year-old child and distributed that photograph to another person. He faces at least 15 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashlyn Miranda is prosecuting this case. Devine Ravine, age 20, of Riverside, California, who persuaded and induced a Rensselaer County minor to create child sexual abuse material, which the child then sent to Ravine over the Internet . He faces at least 15 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mikayla Espinosa and Rick Belliss are prosecuting this case. Bryan Silva, age 32, a Brazilian citizen residing in Schenectady, New York, who was arrested after responding to an advertisement on a social networking site offering sex with someone who appeared to be a child. He faces at least 10 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mikayla Espinosa and Nicholas Walter are prosecuting this case. Gary Yorkshire, age 68, of Scotia, New York, who communicated with an individual to discuss and plan his sexual abuse of a person he believed to be a child. Yorkshire was arrested after arriving at a location in Albany County and paying $250 to a woman he believed to be the child’s caretaker. He faces at least 10 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Paulbeck is prosecuting this case. If convicted, each defendant would also face a term of post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life, a fine, special assessments, mandatory restitution, and forfeiture of the device(s) used to commit the offense(s). A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Each defendant, if convicted, would also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. The FBI Albany Field Office and its Child Exploitation Task Force are investigating these cases. The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force is comprised of members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the New York State Police, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, and Police Departments in Cohoes, Colonie, Rotterdam, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Troy, and Watervliet. This effort follows the Department of Justice’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, underscoring the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education. The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office. Other online resources: Violent Crimes Against Children How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids


title: Lumberton Bank Employee Pleads Guilty to Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A Lumberton woman pleaded guilty today to bank fraud and misuse of social security numbers. Jillian Scott, 31, faces a maximum penalty of 35 years in prison when sentenced later this year. According to court documents and other evidence presented in court, Scott was employed as a customer call representative for State Employees Credit Union (SECU) and worked remotely from her home on a SECU issued laptop. As a customer call representative, Scott had access to both the personal identifying information and account information of SECU members. Between November 2018 and June 2021, Scott used her position to access the bank accounts of more than 20 customers who called the member service line for questions regarding their accounts. The customers were unaware that Scott repeatedly accessed their accounts for reasons unrelated to their customer service call. As part of the scheme, Scott used the personal identifying information from the customer’s accounts to create fraudulent PayPal and CashApp accounts in their names. Scott then used these fraudulent PayPal and CashApp accounts to transfer money from the customers’ SECU accounts to bank accounts owned and controlled by her. She also created fraudulent Bill Pay checks, which she used to move money from the SECU customer’s accounts into her own accounts. In total, Scott made nearly 700 fraudulent CashApp transactions, 120 fraudulent PayPal transactions, and 47 fraudulent Bill Pay transactions, for a total loss of nearly $80,000. Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted the plea. The United States Postal Inspection Service is investigating the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Toby Lathan is prosecuting the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 25-CR-00028. ###


component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Yesterday, a federal grand jury in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, returned a three-count indictment charging Jasper Reed, 27, a federal prison inmate, with first degree murder, attempted murder, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. According to court documents, Reed entered the federal prison system on Dec. 27, 2023, to serve a 51-month sentence after a firearms conviction. On April 19, 2024, he was sent to the prison system’s Federal Transfer Center (FTC) in Oklahoma City. It is alleged that, on April 27, 2024, a correctional officer found Reed strangling his cellmate. The officer attempted to stop Reed by spraying him with oleoresin capsicum, commonly referred to as “pepper spray.” The pepper spray had no impact on Reed, and multiple officers had to restrain him. Reed was evaluated in a medical examination room and was cleared with no injuries. However, the victim was rushed to a local hospital and was diagnosed with several fractures to his nasal bone, orbital bone, maxillary sinus anterior wall, maxillary sinus lateral wall, and hyoid bone. It is further alleged that, on May 8, 2024, Reed murdered a different FTC cellmate. Correctional officers found this victim lying on the cell floor housed by only the victim and Reed. After an autopsy was performed, a medical examiner determined the cause of death to be homicide by manual strangulation. This victim suffered fractured thyroid and hyoid bones and severe hemorrhaging to the chest. The maximum penalty for the first-degree murder charge is death and Attorney General Pamela Bondi has authorized the United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma to pursue capital punishment in this case. Consistent with that authorization, the U.S. Attorney filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Reed. Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Robert J. Troester, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, made the announcement. The FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Services. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Edgmon and Brandon Hale for the Western District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the case with assistance from the Criminal Division’s Capital Case Section. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Law Enforcement Seizes 9 DDoS-for-Hire Webpages as Part of Global Crackdown on ‘Booter’ and ‘Stresser’ DDoS Services

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: LOS ANGELES – The Justice Department today announced the court-authorized seizure of nine internet domains associated with some of the world’s leading DDoS-for-hire services. Poland’s Central Cybercrime Bureau simultaneously announced the arrests of four administrators of such services, investigations which were assisted by U.S. authorities. Several of the arrested administrators operated websites seized pursuant to previous operations by the Central District of California. Federal law enforcement continues to seize websites that allow paying users to launch powerful distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. These attacks flood targeted computers and servers with information to prevent them from being able to access the internet. Booter services such as those named in this action allegedly attacked a wide array of victims in the United States and abroad, including schools, government agencies, gaming platforms, and millions of people. In addition to affecting targeted victims, these attacks can significantly degrade internet services and completely disrupt internet connections. The websites targeted in this operation were used for hundreds of thousands of actual or attempted DDoS attacks targeting victims worldwide. While some of these services claimed to offer “stresser” services that purportedly could be used for network testing, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) determined these claims to be a pretense, and “thousands of communications between booter site administrators and their customers…make clear that both parties are aware that the customer is not attempting to attack their own computers,” according to an affidavit filed in support of court-authorized warrants to seize the booter sites. Today’s announcement builds on the success of the prior cases by targeting all known booter sites, shutting down as many as possible, and undertaking a public education campaign. In the last four years more than 11 defendants have been charged in Los Angeles and Anchorage for facilitating DDoS-for-hire services. More than 75 domains associated with such services have been seized. “Booter services facilitate cyberattacks that harm victims and compromise everyone’s ability to access the internet,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “This week’s sweeping law enforcement activity is a major step in our ongoing efforts to eradicate criminal conduct that threatens the internet’s infrastructure and our ability to function in a digital world.” “DDoS for hire criminal booter services impact internet services for victims in every corner of the United States, including Alaska,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “This threat highlights the continued need to pursue cybercrime services like booter providers. We remain committed to bolstering our collaborative partnerships in the U.S. and abroad to address threats to critical internet infrastructure and services.” “The enforcement actions launched today, made possible by enduring partnerships between law enforcement and private industry, represents continued pressure on DDoS-for-hire services and the cybercriminals and hacktivists who use them.” said Special Agent in Charge Kenneth DeChellis of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Cyber Field Office. "This success demonstrates the resolve of the DCIS to relentlessly pursue those who target our warfighters and their information systems." In conjunction with the website seizures, Homeland Security Investigations, DCIS, and the Netherlands Police have launched an advertising campaign using targeted placement ads in search engines, which are triggered by keywords associated with DDoS activities. The purpose of the ads is to deter potential cybercriminals searching for DDoS services in the United States and around the globe, and to educate the public on the illegality of DDoS activities. In recent years, booter services have continued to proliferate as they offer a low barrier to entry for users looking to engage in cybercriminal activity. These types of DDoS attacks are so named because they result in the “booting” or dropping of the targeted computer from the internet. For additional information on booter and stresser services and the harm that they cause, please visit: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/anchorage/fbi-intensify-efforts-to-combat-illegal-ddos-attacks . The seizures announced today were performed by DCIS’s Cyber-West Resident Agency. These law enforcement actions were taken in conjunction with Operation PowerOFF, an ongoing, coordinated effort among international law enforcement agencies aimed at dismantling criminal DDoS-for-hire infrastructures worldwide, and holding accountable the administrators and users of these illegal services. Principal partners in Operation PowerOFF include EUROPOL; the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska; The Department of Justice Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS); FBI’s Anchorage and Los Angeles field offices; HSI’s Columbus field office; Germany’s Bundeskriminalamt (BKA); United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA); Netherlands Police; Polish Central Cybercrime Bureau; Brazilian Federal Police, Japan’s National Police Agency, France’s Police Nationale, and many others. Assistance was provided by Akamai, Amazon Web Services, Cloudflare, Digital Ocean, Flashpoint, Google, PayPal, The University of Cambridge, and Unit 221B. Assistant United States Attorneys James E. Dochterman of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section and Aaron Frumkin of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section are handling this investigation.


title: MS-13 Gang Member Sentenced to 55 Years in Prison for the Murders of Four Young Men in a Central Islip Park

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Omar Antonio Villalta, also known as “Anticristo,” a member of the Guanacos Lil Cycos Salvatruchas (Guanacos) clique of the violent transnational criminal organization La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as the MS-13, was sentenced by United States District Judge Gary R. Brown to 55 years’ imprisonment. On May 26, 2023, Villalta pleaded guilty to racketeering, including predicate acts of murder and conspiracy to murder rival gang members. The charges stemmed from his involvement in the April 11, 2017 murders of Justin Llivicura, Michael Lopez, Jorge Tigre, and Jefferson Villalobos, who were hacked to death in a Central Islip park, and his involvement in the July 3, 2017 murder of Marvin Rivera Guevara, in Charlottsville, Virginia. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Kevin Catalina, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), announced the sentence. “My Office and our law enforcement partners have worked endlessly to hold MS-13 accountable for their unspeakable crimes and the harm they’ve caused to countless victims and their loved ones,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This sentencing and others demonstrate our relentless pursuit to dismantle MS-13 and other violent criminal organizations in totality.” “Omar Antonio Villalta, an MS-13 member, repeatedly played judge, jury, and executioner by unlawfully issuing death sentences to five victims perceived to be disrespectful or rivals to the gang,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “These slaughters reflect the gang’s gruesome retributive tactics while demonstrating utter disregard for life with the rapid succession of murders. May today’s legitimate sentencing reflect the FBI's steadfast commitment to dismantling any gang from plaguing our communities with rampant violence.” “The torture carried out at the hands of Villalta was inconceivable and sadistic— all because of his devotion to MS-13,” stated Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina. “His crimes sent shock waves through our communities but thanks to our collaboration with our law enforcement partners, Villalta was apprehended, and we will continue to target violent gang members who are a threat public safety.” As set forth in the government’s sentencing memorandum, prior court filings, and statements during the sentencing, Llivicura, Lopez, Tigre, and Villalobos were lured to their deaths by Villalta and more than a dozen other members and associates of the MS-13. Specifically, the victims were led to a community park in Central Islip (the Park) by two female associates of the MS-13, Leniz Escobar and Keyli Gomez, where they were attacked by members and associates of the gang, including Josue Portillo, Freiry Martinez, Alexis Hernandez, Edwin Rodriguez, Sergio Segovia-Pineda, Henry Salmeron, Anderson Sanchez, and others. The MS-13 members believed the victims to be members of a rival gang and at least two of the victims had offended the MS-13 by posting photos on social media in which they wore certain items and flashed hand signs that signified membership in the MS-13 gang. After the gang-related photos were brought to their attention by Escobar and Gomez, Villalta and several other MS-13 members formulated and carried out a plan to kill the victims. On the night of the murders, Villalta and more than a dozen other MS-13 members and associates gathered in the woods adjacent to the Park. Once there, the members who had been planning the attack, including Villalta, instructed the others to prepare themselves, as the female associates were luring a group of rivals to the Park for them to attack and kill. Villalta distributed weapons to certain gang members, including knives and machetes, while others took clubs made of tree limbs as the group waited for the victims to arrive. Meanwhile, Escobar and Gomez met the victims, drove with them to the Park, led them to a predetermined wooded area, and sent the MS-13 members text-messages notifying them of their arrival. The MS-13 members and associates proceeded to the designated location and encircled the victims under the cover of darkness. One of the intended victims immediately fled and was able to escape. Llivicura, Lopez, Tigre, and Villalobos were surrounded by the MS-13 members, who attacked them with machetes, knives, an axe, and wooden clubs. After the attack, the MS-13 members dragged the victims’ bodies to a more secluded spot in the woods, piled them up, and fled. The victims’ bodies were discovered the following evening. Following the murders, Villalta fled to Charlottesville, Virginia, where he connected with local MS-13 members. He soon began work at a pizzeria with a fellow MS-13 member. Within days of starting work, Villalta reported to other MS-13 members, including the leader of the Guanacos clique, that a co-worker, Marvin Rivera Guevara, had flashed an 18th Street gang hand sign indicating his membership in one of the MS-13’s principal rivals. Villalta was given authorization to kill the victim and a plan was quickly developed to carry out the murder. On the evening of July 3, 2017, the MS-13 member who worked at the pizzeria convinced the victim to drive with him to a remote location under the guise of smoking marijuana and meeting women. Once they arrived at the designated location, Villalta and other MS-13 members forced the victim at gunpoint deeper into the woods where they attacked him with a machete and knives. Villalta and the others then threw the victim’s body off a nearby bridge into the river below. More than a dozen MS-13 members and associates have been charged in connection with the April 11, 2017 quadruple murder, including the individuals listed above. Of these defendants, Villalta is the sixth person to be sentenced. Josue Portillo was sentenced to 55 years’ imprisonment; Freiry Martinez to 50 years’ imprisonment; Leniz Escobar to 50 years’ imprisonment; Anderson Sanchez to 32 years’ imprisonment; and Alexis Hernandez to 29 years’ imprisonment. The remaining defendants are awaiting sentence. Today’s sentencing is the latest in a series of federal prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York targeting members of MS-13. Since 2010, the Office has obtained indictments charging MS-13 members with carrying out more than 70 murders in the Eastern District of New York, resulting in the convictions of dozens of MS-13 leaders and members in connection with those murders. These prosecutions are the product of investigations led by the FBI’s Long Island Gang Task Force, which is comprised of agents and officers of the FBI, SCPD, Nassau County Police Department, Nassau County Sheriff’s Department, Suffolk County Probation Office, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Police, the Hempstead Police Department, the Rockville Centre Police Department, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. This case is also 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 other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood. The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Paul G. Scotti, Justina L. Geraci, and Megan E. Farrell are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Automated Litigation Support Specialist Michael Compitello. The Defendant : OMAR ANTONIO VILLALTA (also known as “Anticristo”) Age: 29 Central Islip, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-CR-403 (S-8) (GRB)


title: Serial Bank Robber Convicted by Federal Jury

body_text: WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal jury convicted a Fayetteville man on Friday on one charge of bank robbery, three charges of armed bank robbery, and three charges of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Karim Brown, 32, engaged in a serial bank robbery spree that spanned a month from December 2021 to January 2022. The robberies occurred in Hope Mills, Angier, Fuquay-Varina, and Fayetteville. Karim Brown was the robber who entered each of the banks and brandished a firearm in three of them. Shiheem Brown, who pled guilty to one of the armed bank robberies and a charge of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison on December 11, 2024. Karim Brown began his spree by robbing the PNC Bank in Hope Mills. He entered the bank and demanded money from the teller, which totaled $4,674. On New Year’s Eve 2021, Shiheem Brown was captured on surveillance footage scouting the First Bank in Angier, before Karim Brown entered, brandished a firearm, and demanded cash. He got away with $4,611. Two weeks later, on January 14, 2022, Karim Brown robbed the PNC on Main Street in Fuquay-Varina, brandishing a firearm and getting away with $9,000. For the final act in their spree, Shiheem Brown was again captured on surveillance footage scouting the Fidelity Bank on Village Drive in Fayetteville. Karim Brown then entered the bank, brandished a firearm equipped with a laser sight, and demanded cash. During this robbery he passed a note to the teller indicating that he was willing to shoot her. A bank manager at Fidelity exited her office to see what the commotion was about, and Karim Brown pointed his firearm at her and ordered her to walk across the bank to the teller counter while the tellers placed $15,336 in a bag. Karim Brown then fled, but during the flight, Shiheem Brown took a selfie as he drove away, capturing himself driving and Karim Brown removing his disguise in the back seat. The selfie was taken approximately 7 minutes after the robbery ( pictured below ). Police broke the case open when they were able to track the vehicle used in the Fuquay-Varina bobbery back to Shiheem and Karim Brown. Shiheem Brown was arrested at an apartment in Fayetteville by Fayetteville PD and the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force on January 27, 2022. During the arrest, Shiheem Brown threw a loaded firearm off the balcony of the apartment, which was recovered. The firearm matched the description of the firearm used in the robberies. Police also recovered $2,650 cash during Shiheem Brown’s arrest. Karim Brown was arrested at this residence the same day. Karim Brown faces a mandatory minimum of 31 years’ imprisonment and a statutory maximum of life in prison when sentenced on a later date. Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the verdict. The Federal Bureau of Investigations, Hope Mills PD, Angier PD, Fuquay-Varina PD, Fayetteville PD and the United States Marshals Service helped investigate the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phil Aubart and Kimberly Dixon prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.5:23-CR-251. ###


body_text: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Two in the Western District of Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country. “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.” “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.” “Those who prey upon children leave a horrific trail of lives damaged and futures destroyed,” said United States Attorney Robert J. Troester. “My office is proud to join with our partners at the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country to prioritize the safety of children and bringing justice to those who seek to harm them.” “Operation Restore Justice is not just about upholding the rule of law – it’s about standing up as a society for the safety of children and showing predators that we will not allow them to rob kids of their innocence,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “The FBI is proud to collaborate with our law enforcement partners every single day to ensure anyone involved in criminal behavior against a child is brought to justice.” Defendants in the Western District of Oklahoma have been charged as follows: COLT TRAVIS GLADDING , SR. , 41, of Coyle, Oklahoma, has been charged by Complaint with sexual exploitation of a child and possession of material containing child pornography. According to the Complaint, on July 15, 2024, officers with the Troy Police Department (TPD) in Troy, New Hampshire, received a report regarding the sexual abuse of a minor. The minor reported that between the ages of 14 and 16, she lived in Coyle, Oklahoma, where she was sexually abused by Gladding several times over two years. Gladding also coerced the victim to send him photos that were sexual in nature. If found guilty, Gladding faces not less than 15 years and up to 50 years in federal prison, and fines of up to $500,000. DALTON CUNNINGHAM , 31, of Alva, Oklahoma, has been charged by Complaint with possession of and/or access with intent to view child pornography. According to the Complaint, the FBI obtained a federal search warrant for Cunningham’s phone and found videos and images of child sexual abuse material, including files depicting prepubescent children. If found guilty, Cunningham faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. *The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that the defendants are innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims. In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y. This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education. The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office. Other online resources: Electronic Press Kit Violent Crimes Against Children How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Texas and Lafourche Parish Residents Guilty of Federal Controlled Substances Act Violations

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that on April 29, 2025, YOLANDA TILLMAN , (“TILLMAN”) , age 42, of Des Allemands, Louisiana, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long to 108 months imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, over 500 grams of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846. TILLMAN was also sentenced to four (4) years of supervised release after release from prison, as well as a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. According to court records, beginning on a time unknown, but continuing until at least June 5, 2024, TILLMAN, and others, conspired to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, cocaine throughout Lafourche and Terrebonne Parish, within the Eastern District of Louisiana. The conspiracy involved obtaining narcotics from Houston, Texas and transporting them to Thibodaux, Louisiana. The conspiracy was carried out through wire and electronic communications, and the use of multiple vehicles. TILLMAN helped further this drug-trafficking conspiracy by using her bank account to help other co-conspirators move money to other drug traffickers and drug couriers. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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 http://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . Acting United States Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Thibodaux Police Department, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit. * * *


body_text: May 7, 2025 – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country. “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.” “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.” "Children are the foundation of our communities. It is not their burden to protect themselves; it is our absolute responsibility as adults to shield them from the egregious predators charged today,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “I commend the exceptional and tireless work of our law enforcement partners and AUSAs Tiffany Preston, Carolyn Haney, Samantha Spiro, and Jeremy Kemper, who are doing their part to execute Operation Restore Justice.” “Behind every arrest during Operation Restore Justice was a child who was being exploited – who was suffering in silence,” said FBI Indianapolis Acting Special Agent in Charge Dominique Evans. “These crimes are both heartbreaking and deeply disturbing and the FBI remains committed to identifying and investigating these cases and ensuring those who responsible for such heinous acts are held accountable. Our hope is that these children now have a chance to heal and to rebuild their lives in safety, free from fear and surrounded by the care and support they need.” In the Southern District of Indiana, the following four individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes: Defendant Name(s) Offense(s) Charge Raymond Robert Lapensee, Jr., 33, of Evansville Possession of Sexually Explicit Material Involving Minors (3 Counts) James Dean Collett, Jr, 29, of New Albany Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Attempt (4 Counts) Possession of Child Pornography (2 Counts) Eric Lee Dicken, 35, of Columbus Possession of Child Pornography Beau R. Thornburgh, 45, of Lebanon *Convicted sex offender Possession of Child Pornography Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims. In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y. This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, this effort and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education. The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including in the District of Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country. “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.” “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.” “When it comes to child sex abuse, Utah is no exception to the rest of the country and there is no shortage of work for our prosecutors or law enforcement partners,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah. “No matter the age or demographic, any child can become a victim and keeping our children safe is a top priority in the District of Utah.” “If your child has access to the internet, he or she is likely to encounter a predator looking to entice or harm them,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force combines the resources and expertise of our law enforcement partners to safeguard society’s most vulnerable.” As part of this operation, FBI Salt Lake City field office investigations led to federal arrests and indictments against: 1. Gustavo Uroza-Rodriguez, charged on April 23, 2025, with attempted coercion and enticement, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. 2. Melissa Goodrich, charged on April 23, 2025, with trafficking of a minor. Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims. In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y. This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education. The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. Other online resources: Electronic Press Kit Violent Crimes Against Children How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Two in the Western District of Arkansas

component: USAO - Arkansas, Western

body_text: FORT SMITH - Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country. “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.” “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children. The FBI is relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us.” “Our top priority in Western Arkansas is making our communities safer and better,” said the United States Attorney for Western Arkansas, David Clay Fowlkes. “This crucial mission begins with protecting those who cannot protect themselves, particularly children residing in Western Arkansas. This operation, and many others like it, are vital to helping us accomplish this important mission by concentrating our efforts on prosecuting those who engage in child abuse. Furthermore, this operation serves as a significant demonstration of our collaborative partnerships with federal, local, and state law enforcement officers who share our unwavering commitment to pursuing these important cases.” “This operation is a testament to the efforts of the FBI and our dedicated law enforcement partners to protect children in our communities,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder. “FBI Little Rock will continue to prioritize these investigations, seek justice for victims and hold predators accountable for their actions.” Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims. In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y. This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education. The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office. Other online resources: Electronic Press Kit Violent Crimes Against Children How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Pendleton County Man Facing Child Pornography Charges as a part of Nationwide Initiative “Operation Restore Justice”

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Jerry Lewis Ayres, age 55, of Franklin, West Virginia, was arrested on charges of receipt and possession of child pornography as a part of the nationwide effort Operation Restore Justice . According to court documents, the West Virginia State Police, on a tip from the Virginia State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, opened an investigation into Ayres. On multiple occasions, Ayres downloaded child pornography depicting minors, some under the age of 12, in sexual acts and positions. Investigators searched Ayres’ home, phone, and computer and discovered nearly 1500 images. He is charged with receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. Ayres’ arrest is a part of the Department of Justice’s Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country. “As a nation, we are measured by how well we protect our most vulnerable citizens including our very young as well as our elderly populations,” stated Randolph J. Bernard, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia. “Operation Restore Justice is a testament to our solemn duty to ensure that our children are safe from those who would exploit and abuse them. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to seek the most serious charges and severe penalties for those who commit these crimes.” Ayres is facing at least five years and up to 20 years on the receipt count and facing up to 20 years on the possession count. He is currently being held in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christie Utt is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The FBI and the West Virginia State Police are investigating. The U.S. Attorney’s Office works with the FBI and other law enforcement to bring those who prey upon children to justice. In the past year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged 23 individuals with crimes involving sexual offenses against children, one of whom was sentenced this week to 10 years in prison for his crime. See the press release here: www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/brooke-county-man-sentenced-decade-prison-child-pornography-charge The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . The FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the tiplines at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Four in the Western District of Missouri

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country. “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.” “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.” In the Western District of Missouri four individuals, Clinton Gray, 47, Joplin, Mo., Andrew Charles Nicholls, 38, Columbia, Mo., and Trevor Scott Teegarden, 34, Liberty, Mo., along with one additional defendant were arrested last week in separate cases. Charges include attempted production of child pornography, attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, receipt and distribution of child pornography, and receipt and possession of child pornography. All charging documents have been unsealed following their arrests last week. These Western District of Missouri cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Turner, and Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. They were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI Kansas City Child Exploitation Task Force, Boone County Sheriff’s Cyber Crime Task Force, Joplin, Missouri, Police Department, Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims. In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y. This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education. The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office. Other online resources: Electronic Press Kit Violent Crimes Against Children How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Poughkeepsie Gang Member Sentenced To 34 Years In Prison For June 2020 Murder Of 16-Year-Old And Other Offenses

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ELIJAH BERMUDEZ, a/k/a “Quiet,” was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Nelson S. Román to 34 years in prison in connection with his criminal activities as a member of the violent gang Bully Hard Hunna Blood (“Bully Hard”) for racketeering and firearms offenses. As part of his participation in the Bully Hard racketeering conspiracy, on June 20, 2020, BERMUDEZ stabbed a teenager and shot and killed a second teenager: 16-year-old bystander Frederick Wells, known to his friends and family as “Khabir.” BERMUDEZ’s murder of Wells arose out of a dispute between Bully Hard gang members and members of a rival set of Bloods called the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation (“Gorilla Stone”), which led to, three months later, a retaliatory September 21, 2020, broad daylight murder of a second minor victim, 15-year-old Jalani Jones, in Poughkeepsie. Previously, Gorilla Stone leader Brandon Soto was convicted and sentenced to 35 years in prison for his role in planning and ordering the retaliatory September 21, 2020, murder of Jones. BERMUDEZ previously pled guilty on July 9, 2024, before Judge Román. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said: “Elijah Bermudez murdered Frederick Wells, an innocent 16-year-old bystander who spent his last moments running for his life, trying to escape Bermudez’s gunfire. Tragically, Wells lost his life for simply being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Today’s significant sentence holds Bermudez accountable for this senseless murder, as well as for his participation in the wide range of crimes committed by the Bully Hard gang, including Bermudez’s stabbing of a second teenage victim. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to relentlessly pursue any gangs who threaten the safety of New Yorkers.” According to allegations in the Indictment and Information and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings: From early 2020 to April 2022, BERMUDEZ was a member or associate of a racketeering enterprise known as Bully Hard, a criminal organization whose members and associates engaged in, among other things, murder, robberies, narcotics trafficking, and fraud. Bully Hard operated in New York City and Upstate New York, including in Poughkeepsie. Members and associates of Bully Hard engaged in a series of violent disputes with rivals, as well as those within Bully Hard who they deemed disloyal. During these disputes, members and associates of Bully Hard committed murder, shootings, and assaults against their rivals. They also distributed heroin and marijuana. On June 20, 2020, BERMUDEZ shot and killed 16-year-old bystander Wells in the vicinity of Charles Street in Poughkeepsie in furtherance of his membership in the Bully Hard racketeering enterprise. Specifically, on the night of June 20, 2020, BERMUDEZ and another member of Bully Hard (“Bully Hard Member-1”) got into a physical fight with members of Gorilla Stone, a rival set of Bloods. During the fight, Bully Hard Member-1 confronted a 17-year-old Gorilla Stone member (“Gorilla Stone Member-1”). At the time, Gorilla Stone Member-1 was standing with Wells, who was Gorilla Stone Member-1’s friend from school, was not in a gang, and was a bystander to the altercation. BERMUDEZ then stabbed Gorilla Stone Member-1, picked up Bully Hard Member-1’s gun, which had dropped to the ground, and shot Wells as Wells tried to run away. Wells was found dead with a gunshot wound to his head. * * * In addition to the prison term, BERMUDEZ, 32, of New York, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. On July 9, 2024, BERMUDEZ pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition, and one count of conspiracy to possess ammunition after a felony conviction. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force. Mr. Clayton also thanked the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department and Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the case. This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David R. Felton, Courtney L. Heavey, Shiva H. Logarajah, and Kevin T. Sullivan are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Two in District of Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country. “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.” “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.” “Operation Restore Justice signifies the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland’s commitment to ensuring that those who exploit or abuse our children will be found, prosecuted, and brought to justice,” said Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland. “Protecting the most vulnerable members of our community is among our highest priorities, and we will continue to work closely with our community and law enforcement partners to ensure that predators are held accountable. Our office is committed to pursuing justice for every victim.” “Every arrest made in these cases delivers justice and sends a clear message that crimes against children will not be tolerated,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno. “This operation highlights efforts FBI Baltimore, our Violent Crimes Against Children Squad, and our dedicated law enforcement partners continually make to protect children from the dangerous and predatory monsters seeking to exploit, harm and abuse.” In Maryland, Donald Robert Wilt Edwards, Sr. , 29, of West Virginia, was indicted for sexually exploiting a minor. The former Baltimore resident is charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, three counts of distribution of child sexual abuse material, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. Additionally, Joel Thomas Biermann , 46, of University Park, Maryland, was indicted for multiple child exploitation offenses. Biermann is charged with two counts of producing child sexual abuse material, one count of distributing child sexual abuse material, and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material. Those arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims. In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y. This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education. The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office. Other online resources: Electronic Press Kit Violent Crimes Against Children How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Office around the country. “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims—especially child victims—and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.” “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.” In the Northern District of Alabama, two individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes, including attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, transferring obscene materials to minors, sexual exploitation of children, distribution of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, and coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. “Protecting the most vulnerable members of our society remains a top priority,” said U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona. “These arrests are the result of strong collaboration between our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to protect victims from child exploitation. We will not rest until those who exploit and endanger our children are held accountable for their actions.” “Each arrest is a powerful testament to the tireless efforts of the FBI and our dedicated law enforcement partners to protect the most vulnerable among us,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge James DeLoatch, III. “It reaffirms our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice for victims and hold predators accountable.” Jalan Christophe Lewis, 31, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, transferring obscene materials to minors, sexual exploitation of children, distribution of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, and coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. These incidents occurred between July 2024 and November 2024 in Tuscaloosa County. Robert John Newman, Jr. aka “Robert John Newman,” 28, of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, was charged with sexual exploitation of children, coercion and enticement of a minor, and travelling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. These incidents occurred between December 2024 and January 2025 in Winston County, Alabama. Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, Virginia, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims. In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, New York. This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education. The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through our tiplines at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office. Other online resources: Electronic Press Kit Violent Crimes Against Children How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids FBI Birmingham’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and FBI Pittsburgh’s Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated these cases with substantial assistance from the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force, the Winston County, Alabama, Sheriff’s Office, and the Shaler Township Police Department in Pennsylvania. Assistant United States Attorneys R. Leann White and Daniel S. McBrayer are prosecuting the cases. An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission Seek Information on Unfair and Anticompetitive Practices in Live Ticketing

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: Today, the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) jointly launched a public inquiry to identify unfair and anticompetitive practices and conduct in the live concert and entertainment industry. The agencies invite members of the public to submit comments and information on harmful practices and on potential regulation or legislation to protect consumers in the industry. The Agencies will use the information in their preparation of the report and recommendations directed by President Trump’s Executive Order 14254 , Combating Unfair Practices in the Live Entertainment Market. “Competitive live entertainment markets should deliver value to artists and fans alike,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “We will continue to closely examine this market and look for opportunities where vigorous enforcement of the antitrust laws can lead to increased competition that makes tickets more affordable for fans while offering fairer compensation for artists.” “Many Americans feel like they are being priced out of live entertainment by scalpers, bots, and other unfair and deceptive practices,” said FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson. “Now their voices are being heard. President Trump has sent a clear message that bad actors who exploit fans and distort the marketplace will not be tolerated. The FTC is proud to help deliver on that promise and restore fair and competitive markets that benefit ordinary Americans.” On March 31, President Trump issued Executive Order 14254 , Combating Unfair Practices in the Live Entertainment Market. The Executive Order directs the Attorney General and the FTC to “ensure that competition laws are appropriately enforced in the concert and entertainment industry.” The Executive Order also directs the FTC to “rigorously enforce the Better Online Tickets Sales Act, 15 U.S.C. 45c.” The Executive Order also directs the Attorney General, with the Secretary of the Treasury and the Chairman of the FTC, to submit a report that identifies “recommendations for regulations or legislation necessary to protect consumers” in the industry. In furtherance of this direction, the agencies will work together, along with the Secretary of the Treasury, on a joint report, with the FTC taking the lead on issues relating to the Better Online Ticket Sales Act. The agencies therefore seek information from the public about unfair and anticompetitive conduct and practices in the live concert and entertainment industry. The agencies also encourage comments providing information on the competitive effects of current state and federal regulations and laws in the live concert and entertainment industry, including the secondary ticketing market. The public will have 60 days to submit comments at Regulations.gov , no later than July 7, 2025. Once submitted, comments will be posted to Regulations.gov (Docket No. ATR-2025-0002). All market participants are invited to provide comments, including consumers, artists, small businesses, trade groups, industry analysts, and other entities that are impacted by anticompetitive practices in the live concert and entertainment industry. The Justice Department, along with 40 state and district attorneys general, is also currently litigating a civil antitrust lawsuit brought last year against Live Nation Entertainment Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ticketmaster LLC for monopolization and other unlawful conduct that thwarts competition in markets across the live entertainment industry.


title: Harrison County Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Drug Trafficking

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Kevin Herve Cayemitte, age 36, of Clarksburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 300 months in federal prison for two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, investigators received a tip that Cayemitte was selling methamphetamine from multiple locations in Harrison and Lewis Counties. Investigators recovered a package mailed from Los Angeles, California to a Cayemitte’s campsite. The package contained nearly 2,000 grams of methamphetamine. Subsequent searches of properties utilized by Cayemitte resulted in the seizure of more methamphetamine and firearms. Cayemitte has prior drug convictions. Cayemitte will serve 4 years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.


title: Farmington Resident Charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor as Part of DOJ/FBI Operation Restore Justice

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Farmington, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal laws regarding the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The two-count Indictment named Nathan Fike, 40, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment presented to the Court, on or about October 4, 2023, Fike distributed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. The government further alleges that, on or about February 9, 2024, Fike knowingly possessed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor. The Indictment occurred in connection with Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated, nationwide enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators that, as announced today by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders over a five-day period. The coordinated effort was executed by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorneys’ Offices around the country (read the Operation Restore Justice news release here ). The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney DeMarr W. Moulton is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment. 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 CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.