title: Sioux Falls Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking, Which Resulted in Pipestone Death

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A North Dakota man has pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, which resulted in the accidental fatal fentanyl poisoning of a young man in the Pipestone, Minnesota, area, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. According to court documents, Jake Noland Northern, aka “Jake Noal Northern,” admitted that from at least February 2023 through April 21, 2023, he knowingly and intentionally distributed pressed fentanyl pills to users and distributors across southwestern Minnesota. Northern operated his distribution network from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he sold both personal‑use and bulk quantities of fentanyl pills, including to individuals who further distributed the drugs in the Pipestone community. On April 21, 2023, Northern sold pressed fentanyl pills to an individual for roughly $200. That evening, the victim consumed Northern’s fentanyl and subsequently died due to accidental fentanyl poisoning. Northern admitted during his plea that he knowingly and voluntarily conspired to possess and distribute fentanyl pills and acknowledged that his conduct violated federal law. He also acknowledged a prior federal conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, for which he received a sentence of 96 months’ imprisonment. That conviction increased the penalties in this case. “[The victim] deserves to be remembered for the beautiful soul he was, not for the way he died. I hope that through this process, his story can bring awareness to the dangers of fentanyl and help save others from this tragedy,” said a person close to the victim. “Fentanyl has stolen lives, fractured families, and destabilized entire communities across Minnesota,” said U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “Northern treated addiction as an opportunity and people as profit. This office will continue to pursue federal sentences for traffickers whose actions bring deadly fentanyl into Minnesota communities. We extend our condolences to the victim’s family, friends, and community and will continue to work with partners around the state to find, investigate, and prosecute those who bring this lethal drug into our communities.” “This case shows the devastating reality and impact fentanyl has on our community,” said Lt. Edison Dengler, of the Pipestone County Sheriff’s Office and Buffalo Ridge Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. “A young man lost his life, a family was forever changed, and our community continues to feel the devastating effects. We are thankful for the long hours, dedication, and teamwork of all the local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation, as well as the overwhelming support of the Pipestone County Attorney’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota. From the start of this investigation in April of 2023 through today’s sentencing more than three years later, this case required persistence, cooperation, and a shared commitment to justice. Jake Noland Northern’s 240-month federal sentence sends a strong message that those who traffic fentanyl into Pipestone County and poison our community will be held accountable. We will not stop working to protect our citizens, support victims and families, and hold drug traffickers accountable.” This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Buffalo Ridge Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, the Pipestone County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Additional assistance was provided by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Fargo Police Department, the Globe Police Department (AZ), and the Mid-State Organized Crime Information Center. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Evans.


title: Newark Real Estate Developer Charged for Bribing City Of Newark Employees and Unauthorized Sale of I.D. Cards with Homeland Security Insignia

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A real estate developer was charged yesterday for his role in a scheme to bribe Newark, New Jersey employees and for conspiring to sell law enforcement identification cards embossed with the insignia of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), announced U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer. Menashe Davidovitz, 31, of Airmont, New York, was charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery in connection with the business and transactions of a federally funded local government and organization. Davidovitz was also charged with one count of conspiracy to sell false seals and one count of conspiracy to sell official insignia. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From June 2024 through November 2024, Davidovitz conspired with others to provide City of Newark employees with cash and other benefits in exchange for the employees’ official action in matters related to City of Newark properties that Davidovitz owned. Specifically, Davidovitz paid bribes in order to obtain permits and certificates, including certificates of occupancy, which were required before his properties could be occupied or sold. Davidovitz also paid bribes to local officials for their help in resolving violations at his properties. Further, from October 2021 through January 2023, Davidovitz worked with his co-conspirators, including Jonathan Ledesma, a former U.S. Air Marshal, to sell “Law Enforcement Family Member” cards that identified their bearers as “family member[s]” of Ledesma, “a Federal Officer.” These cards were embossed with the apparent insignia of DHS as well as a QR code that was linked to Ledesma’s cell phone. Though Davidovitz was not authorized to sell the insignia of the DHS, or any colorable imitation of the insignia, he received approximately $30,000 in proceeds from the sale of these cards. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy and special agents of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Shawn A. Rice with the investigation leading to the charges. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francesca Liquori of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht of U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division. The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ### Defense counsel: Jerome A. Ballarotto, Esq., Trenton, New Jersey John W. Mitchell, Esq., Bedford, New York davidovitz.complaint.pdf


title: Belleville Man Receives Maximum Sentence of 30 Years for Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—Victor Ramirez-Mora, 20, of Belleville, was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison for production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), conduct which included producing CSAM images of multiple toddlers. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller. On December 3, 2024, Ramirez-Mora was indicted by a federal grand jury in an Indictment charging him with 13 counts of production of CSAM. On February 4, 2026, Ramirez-Mora pleaded guilty to one count of production of CSAM. In addition to the 30-year sentence, which is the maximum allowed by law, Judge Miller also ordered Ramirez-Mora to serve 10 years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. On May 29, 2024, a social media platform flagged a user for violating the terms of service because the user uploaded a video depicting CSAM. The social media platform reported the violation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and on August 26, 2024, special agents from Homeland Security Investigations received a Cybertip regarding a sexually explicit photograph of a minor child and an adult male. Through an investigation of the IP address and subscriber information, agents identified Ramirez-Mora as a suspect. On September 26, 2024, officers went to Ramirez-Mora’s residence and observed him arriving at the residence with a small child. After Ramirez-Mora handed over the child to its mother, officers advised Ramirez-Mora of his Miranda rights and he waived them. Ramirez-Mora was advised that law enforcement was at his residence due to CSAM being uploaded on a social media platform. Ramirez-Mora admitted that he had seen CSAM on his social media account and that the sexual acts depicted involved minors who were under the age of 14. Ramirez-Mora was also questioned about any inappropriate activity with a minor child that was in his care and he admitted that he recorded the minor child nude while he was on the bed but did not send the video to anyone. Ramirez-Mora stated he has four videos of the minor child depicted in a sexually explicit manner. Officers seized Ramirez-Mora’s phone and after obtaining a search warrant, observed multiple videos of Ramirez-Mora engaging in sexual contact with two toddler minors, both under the age of four. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Arkansas State Police and the Yell County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Bryant, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . Parents are encouraged to always monitor your children’s online activity. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Merrillville Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison For Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of 100 Grams or More of Heroin

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

body_text: HAMMOND – On June 18, 2026, Lamario Delgado-Gonzalez, 31 years old, of Merrillville, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of 100 grams or more of heroin, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Lamario Delgado-Gonzalez was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release. “The Defendant participated in the sale of over 10,000 pills containing a total of over 100 grams of heroin to undercover law enforcement agents on February 14, 2025, in Merrillville, Indiana. Between December 2024 and April 2025 in Merrillville, Delgado-Gonzalez also participated in the sale of additional pills containing a variety of controlled substances including methamphetamine, fentanyl, and a fentanyl precursor to undercover law enforcement agents. As part of Operation Take Back America , this dealer of poison is going to prison due to the hard work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration HIDTA Enforcement Group with assistance from the DEA North Central Laboratory, and AUSA Dean Lanter. Our district and nation are safer because of their efforts,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration HIDTA Enforcement Group with assistance from the DEA North Central Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dean Lanter. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Galloping Goose Members Plead Guilty to Charges Related to July 2021 Lake of the Ozarks Shooting

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Three members of the Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club plead guilty in federal court to charges relating to the July 15, 2021 shooting at Lake of the Ozarks resulting in the death of one individual. On May 13, 2026, Tonka Way Con Ponder, 55, pleaded guilty to two counts of a crime of violence in aid of racketeering, one count of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence in aid of racketeering, one count of discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm. On May 5, 2026, Keith Nolen, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of a crime of violence in aid of racketeering, one count of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence in aid of racketeering, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. On June 17, 2026, Tretch Lawrence, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of a crime of violence in aid of racketeering and one count of attempted extortion. By pleading guilty, Ponder, Nolen and Lawrence admitted they were members of the Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club and that the Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club engaged in racketeering activities to include attempted robbery and extortion. The focus of the robbery and extortion were the Iron Celtics Motorcycle Association. They also admitted to aiding and abetting an assault on members of the Iron Celtics Motorcycle Club in December 2021 at the Chuckwagon Café in Camdenton, Missouri. They admitted the assault included one individual being assaulted with a pistol. Ponder and Nolen also admitted that on July 15, 2021, they conspired with other members of the Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club to cause serious bodily injury to members of the Iron Celtics Motorcycle Club and the Mongols Motorcycle Club. This occurred at Casablanca Pub & Grille. Ponder admitted that during the incident at Casablanca, he caused serious bodily injury to another by shooting at another person. Ponder also admitted to entering into a conspiracy with others to distribute methamphetamine during the fall of 2022. He also admitted to selling methamphetamine during the summer of 2023. Finally, Ponder admitted to possessing a silencer in June of 2024, which was found during a search of his residence by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Nolen admitted to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The firearm was found on Nolen during an August 2023 traffic stop by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Lawrence also admitted to demanding money from the Iron Celtics Motorcycle Association. After the demand was refused, members of the Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club went to the residence of two Iron Celtics members and confronted them. Iron Celtics were told they could not operate and if they continued to operate, individual members would face repercussions. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron M. Maness, David Wagner, and Bradley Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Lake Ozark Police Department. Operation Take Back America This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Atkins Man Sentenced to More Than 19 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—James Baker will spend 235 months in federal prison for production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller. On August 5, 2025, Baker, 28, of Atkins, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a 14-count Indictment on seven counts of production of CSAM and seven counts of receipt of CSAM. On March 4, 2026, Baker pleaded guilty to one count of production of CSAM. Judge Miller also sentenced Baker to five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. On June 30, 2025, following a report to the child abuse hotline advising of inappropriate text messages between a 12-year-old minor female victim and a 27-year-old male, later identified as Baker, law enforcement initiated an investigation into Baker. Law enforcement discovered that Baker received numerous nude photographs and videos of the minor female victim. Officers also discovered text messages from Baker requesting the minor female victim send him sexually explicit photographs and videos. Between July 5, 2025, and August 4, 2025, Baker conversed with a second minor female victim. The 16-year-old minor female victim and Baker discussed moving in together in a camper. Baker and the minor female victim also exchanged sexually explicit photographs. Baker, in one conversation, told the minor female victim that he would love to marry her after she turned 18. He further told the minor female victim that he lied to his friend because his friend would inform the police if he knew the minor female victim’s age. In a meeting with his probation officer, Baker admitted that he was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a female he knew to be 12 years old and with another who was 16 years old. He also admitted that he sent and received nude photographs and videos. Baker further stated that he did not know why, but that he was attracted to younger girls. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . Parents are encouraged to always monitor your children’s online activity. The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security with assistance from the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office and the Arkansas State Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Bryant, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Dow City Man Sentenced to Thirty-Five Years in Federal Prison  for Child Exploitation

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Bryce White, 42, from Dow City, Iowa, was sentenced in federal court in Sioux City, on June 18, 2026, to 35 years’ imprisonment. White pled guilty January 21, 2026, to one count of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of receipt of child pornography. Between August 2023 and August 2024, White coerced dozens of minor females into sending him depictions of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct. White used Snapchat to pose as a minor and solicited and received nude images and videos of minor females from across the United States and overseas. In September 2023 a Midland, Michigan, law enforcement agency began investigating White based on a complaint from a minor female’s parents. The parents discovered inappropriate messages on Snapchat between their daughter and White. Law enforcement traced the Snapchat account back to White in Dow City. Agents in Iowa obtained and executed search warrants for White’s electronics. Forensic examination revealed White had sent over 95,000 messages to over 1,400 unique users in over a dozen states. Evidence showed White received 14 videos, 180 images of child sexual abuse material, and over 20,000 images of child erotica. White had also communicated with at least one of the minors that “when she was legal” he would “come get her.” The images and videos involved material that portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct, as well as prepubescent children and toddlers. United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced White to 420 months’ imprisonment along with a 10-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. White remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Midland County Michigan Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-4079. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Florida Man Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: HAMMOND – Justyn Arch, 40 years old, of Florida, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and tax evasion, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Arch was sentenced to 36 months in prison and ordered to pay $520,897 in restitution. “The Defendant bilked Indiana Medicaid out of money set aside to help members of our community with their medical bills and the Internal Revenue Service of over half a million dollars combined. As the vice president of a dental practice that had locations in Chesterton, Indiana, and Crown Point, Indiana, he violated that position of importance and trust over a period of over two and a half years by submitting claims to Indiana Medicaid by falsely billing for hundreds of dental surgeries that were never actually performed. To carry out this scheme, the Defendant used, without authorization, the personal identifiers of patients to support payment for the fraudulent claims. To conceal the illegal income from this scheme, he also committed tax evasion. Thanks to the combined efforts and partnership of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indiana Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Northern Indiana Region 10 Office of the U.S. Trustee, the Porter County Prosecutor’s Office led by Gary S. Germann, and AUSA Philip C. Benson and AUSA Kevin F. Wolff, this fraudster has been sent to prison and ordered to pay back his ill-gotten gains,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Indiana Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Porter County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Northern Indiana Region 10 Office of the U.S. Trustee. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Philip C. Benson and Kevin F. Wolff. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Sixth Honduran National Sentenced to Prison for His Role in a Bank Fraud Conspiracy

body_text: HAMMOND – Rosalio Pena Sandres, 45 years old, of Luquigue, Honduras, is the latest Honduran national to be sentenced to prison for his role in an expansive bank fraud conspiracy resulting in significant losses to small businesses and community banks in more than a dozen states, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Pena Sandres was sentenced to 33 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of illegal re-entry. He was also ordered to pay $533,043 in restitution to the victims of his crimes. The sentence was imposed by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon at a hearing held on June 18, 2026. “Rosalio Pena Sandres will spend 33 months in prison because he and his co-conspirators used fake identification cards to cash 169 fraudulent paychecks totaling $233,569 at three branches of the same bank in the Northern District of Indiana on January 11, 2023. The fraudulent paychecks were designed to look like they had been issued by a company that operates dairy farms in the Northern District of Indiana. Almost six months later, on June 23, 2023, Pena Sandres and his co-conspirators used fake identification cards to cash 178 fraudulent paychecks totaling $299,474 at five branches of the same bank and three check cashing businesses in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The fraudulent paychecks were designed to look like they had been issued by a building materials supply company in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. As he has no legal no legal status within the United States, he will be subject to a separate and immediate removal process upon release from prison. Thanks to the combined efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Indiana State Police, with valuable assistance provided by the Benton County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Department, the Benton County (Indiana) Prosecutor’s Office, the Poteau (Oklahoma) Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Travis County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office, the Houston (Texas) Police Department, the Nebraska State Police, and the Stanton County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office, the case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Steven J. Lupa from the Northern District of Indiana and Assistant United States Attorneys Kara Traster and Jordan Howanitz from the Eastern District of Oklahoma,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred. “The economic impact of these fraud schemes damages the well-being and quality of life in these communities,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. “Small businesses are the backbone of our country. I’m proud of our agents and law enforcement partners for disrupting the fraud scheme and ensuring that the individuals involved were held accountable for their criminal actions.” “The sentencing of another member of this fraud conspiracy sends a clear message that those who target American businesses and financial institutions will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “The FBI remains committed to working with our partners to protect the integrity of our financial system and hold offenders accountable.” “Indiana State Police remains committed to working diligently with our federal and local law enforcement partners to investigate complex criminal organizations that victimize businesses and communities. This case, involving a multi-state bank fraud conspiracy that resulted in significant financial losses, is a testament to the strong partnerships and coordinated efforts that help bring offenders to justice and protect the public,” said Sgt. Jeremy Piers, Indiana State Police. Five co-conspirators were previously sentenced to prison for their roles in this scheme: Luis Banegas Rodriguez (27 months), Ricardo Castro Murillo (37 months), Carlos Aquino Sosa (41 months), Edwin Palacios Sosa (27 months), and Delvin Velasquez Romero (time served of approximately 17 months). This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Indiana State Police, with valuable assistance provided by the Benton County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Department, the Benton County (Indiana) Prosecutor’s Office, the Poteau (Oklahoma) Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Travis County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office, the Houston (Texas) Police Department, the Nebraska State Police, and the Stanton County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Steven J. Lupa from the Northern District of Indiana and Assistant United States Attorneys Kara Traster and Jordan Howanitz from the Eastern District of Oklahoma. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Indianapolis comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, IRS, Indiana State Police, and other partners, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana.


title: Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) Investigation Results in Federal Charges Against 3 Men for Distribution of Cocaine in Yuba County

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment today against Julian Ayala, 26, of Oroville; Javier Alvarez, 52, of Olivehurst; and Henry Gomez, 49, of Yuba City, charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, on June 26, 2025, Ayala sold a confidential source 3 ounces of cocaine and agreed to sell an additional 3 ounces. Ayala contacted Alvarez for the supply and Alvarez instructed Gomez to deliver the cocaine. Ayala then sold the additional 3 ounces to the confidential source. The parties repeated this exact pattern during a second controlled purchase on Aug. 13, 2025. On Sept. 17, 2025, Alvarez again supplied Ayala with cocaine, which Ayala sold to the confidential source. Over the three controlled purchases, Ayala sold the confidential source more than 18 ounces of cocaine, all of which had been supplied by Alvarez. On March 19, 2026, Ayala arranged another cocaine sale to the confidential source. Before the transaction, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Ayala’s vehicle. A K-9 search revealed more than 300 grams of cocaine inside. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin L. Lee and Nicole M. Vanek are prosecuting the case. If convicted, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine for the conspiracy charge. For the other counts, the defendants face a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Sacramento is composed of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.


title: Canadian Man Charged by Federal Complaint for Child Exploitation Offenses

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Bowling Green, KY – On June 15, 2026, a Canadian man was arrested and charged by complaint, following an Investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with distribution of child pornography and attempted online enticement of a minor. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement. The complaint alleges that on or about and between May 6, 2026, to June 15, 2026, Alexander Towns, 44, used an online messaging application to communicate with an undercover officer regarding his intention of engaging in sexual acts with a purported minor child. During their communications, Towns distributed child sexual abuse materials to the undercover officer and made sexually explicit statements regarding his intentions with the purported minor. On June 15, 2026, Towns traveled from Ottawa, Canada to Nashville, Tennessee, for the purpose of engaging in sexual acts with the purported minor. Towns was arrested by FBI agents upon arrival at Nashville International Airport. United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “The FBI did tremendous work in investigating and apprehending Towns. We will aggressively prosecute anyone accused of traveling to sexually abuse a minor. This is one of the most disturbing crimes that crosses my desk.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson said, "To child predators who think you are anonymously preying upon vulnerable, innocent children through online applications, know that there's a good chance the FBI is on the other end. While this one perpetrator has been caught, the FBI will continue fighting every day to protect America's children from those who seek to exploit them." If convicted as charged in the complaint, Towns faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle M. Yannelli is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” A complaint merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Newport Man Sentenced for Production and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: COVINGTON, Ky. – A Newport, Ky., man, Leandro Davila, III, 31, was sentenced on Thursday by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning to 408 months for the production and distribution of child pornography. The investigation began in July 2025 when federal investigators discovered that an individual, subsequently identified as Davila, had produced and distributed sexually explicit conduct involving a minor online. The investigation further revealed that the Defendant was entrusted by the family to look after the minor and committed the crimes while doing so. According to court records, Davila created child sexual abuse material involving the child and disseminated it through the messaging platform Kik, sharing it repeatedly with users around the world. He also distributed child pornography involving other minors. Kik reported the activity to law enforcement, prompting the investigation. Investigators were able to link the activity to Davila through account records and files sent from the account. A search of Davila’s Kik account uncovered at least 50 videos involving minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Records from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also showed multiple prior CyberTipline reports associated with Davila’s IP address. Davila received numerous sentencing enhancements, including an enhancement pertaining to the abuse of a position of trust. Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Colin Jackson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Chief Patrick Sorrell, Campbell County Police Department, announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by HSI and the Campbell County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Winslow prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . – END –


title: Mexican Illegal Alien Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the Country

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Mexican man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for reentering the United States after three prior removals. U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., sentenced Miguel Alfonzo Tapia-Gonzalez , 39, to time served. He pleaded guilty on April 24, 2026. According to court records, on March 8, 2026, a U.S. Border Patrol Agent conducted a field inspection of two individuals he encountered in a commercial parking lot in Augusta. One of the men, later identified as Tapia-Gonzalez, acknowledged that he was a Mexican citizen and was in the country unlawfully. The agent transported Tapia-Gonzalez to the U.S. Border Patrol Station in Rangeley where it was discovered that he had been removed from the U.S. in 2015, 2018 and 2019. The U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case. Operation Take Back America : This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. ###


title: Former Bellevue social worker sentenced to prison for stealing benefits from a vulnerable victim

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 48-year-old former Bellevue, Washington woman was ordered into custody yesterday to serve five months in prison for stealing the Social Security benefits intended for a disabled minor – a member of the Snoqualmie Tribe, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Akeatha Diane Akintola pleaded guilty yesterday to theft of public funds for the $17,638 she stole from the tribal member. At the sentencing hearing, Magistrate Judge S. Kate Vaughan said she was struck by the fact that Akintola “targeted a vulnerable victim” – there is “no one more vulnerable” than the victim in this case. The crime was an “ethical breach beyond imagining,” Judge Vaughan said. According to records filed in the case, Akintola became a social worker for the Snoqualmie Tribe in January 2023. In September 2023, Akintola applied by telephone to be the Social Security Representative Payee for a minor child with intellectual disabilities who was a ward of the Tribe. The child’s mother had died leaving survivor benefits to the child. The Tribe prohibits its social workers from becoming a representative payee for any child under its care. Nevertheless, Akintola used the child’s Social Security number and her own to apply to be the minor child’s representative payee and, once appointed as such, had the benefits intended for the child deposited into a bank account she controlled. Akintola spent the money that was deposited in the account for her own benefit, including a purchase at a North Bend retailer. In July 2024, after Akintola had been collecting the benefits for at least five months, she went with her supervisor to the Social Security Administration to determine what had happened to the victim’s funds. When Social Security reported that Akintola was the representative payee, Akintola denied it to her supervisor. She resigned from her position with the Snoqualmie Tribe the next day. Speaking to the impact of the theft, a Tribal representative told the court, “In our profession, a social worker is meant to be a safekeeper. A protector for children who have been stripped of their safety, family, and stability. Ms. Akintola did not just fail in that duty; she weaponized her position of power to systematically steal from a grieving, autistic child … her future independence…. This money was not a luxury. It was a lifeline…. The defendant did not just steal money; she manufactured a false relationship of safety with a traumatized child, exploiting that unearned trust for financial gain.” The plea and sentencing hearing was originally scheduled for May 22, 2026, but Akintola failed to appear. Prosecutors learned she had left the U.S. on May 20, 2026, and traveled to Togo in West Africa using a passport issued in a different last name. Akintola appeared for the plea and sentencing hearing yesterday, and Judge Vaughan ultimately ordered her into custody to begin serving the sentence immediately. Akintola must pay $17,638 in restitution to the Social Security Administration. She is precluded from becoming a Social Security Representative Payee for anyone in the future. The case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG) and the Snoqualmie Tribal Police. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica M Ly. Ms. Ly is an attorney with the Social Security Administration specially designated to prosecute Social Security fraud in federal court.


title: Co-Leader of Violent Spree Targeting Pharmacies and Phone Stores Sentenced to 224 Months

body_text: WASHINGTON – D’Marrell Mitchell, 36, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 224 months in federal prison for his role in a violent multi-state robbery spree that targeted pharmacies and cell phone stores in the District, Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “D'Marrell Mitchell and his crew turned pharmacies and cellphone stores into hunting grounds, terrorizing workers and customers all to feed a criminal enterprise that treated other people's safety as an acceptable cost of doing business,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “He didn't just participate in these robberies. Mitchell planned them, recruited others to carry them out, and pocketed the proceeds. That is the definition of a dangerous predator, and today's sentence reflects it.” Mitchell, aka “Baby,” was found guilty on Oct. 28, 2025, following a six-week jury trial of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act robbery), of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and of nine counts of Hobbs Act Robbery. In addition to the 224-month prison term, Judge Amy B. Jackson ordered Mitchell to serve three years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 327-month prison term. Surveillance image captured Nov. 6, 2020, during the robbery of a T-Mobile store on D Street, Southeast Washington D.C. According to court papers, between May 2020 and May 2021, Mitchell and his co-conspirators committed at least 19 robberies, targeting pharmacies for opioids and cellphone stores for devices that they then resold in the District. The conspiracy terrorized more than 40 victims and netted over $300,000 in stolen narcotics and cellphones. Mitchell was not only one of the conspiracy’s principal organizers, but he also personally entered stores and assaulted employees during multiple robberies, including at a CVS in Neptune, N.J., a T-Mobile in College Park, Md., a pharmacy in Glen Echo, Md., and a CVS in Pasadena, Md. Surveillance image captured during the May 9, 2020, robbery of a CVS in Neptune, New Jersey. During the Glen Echo robbery on Nov. 12, 2020, Mitchell went behind the pharmacy counter, ordered an employee to his knees, struck him on the head, and grabbed another employee by the neck before filling a duffel bag with narcotics. Surveillance image captured during the June 20, 2020, robbery of a CVS in Nottingham, Maryland. During the final robbery at a CVS in Pasadena, Mitchell forced an employee to open the pharmacy's narcotics safe and ultimately bound their hands with zip ties. Police arrived as the conspirators fled, and Mitchell was apprehended on the rooftop of a nearby restaurant. Mitchell used a juvenile co-conspirator in multiple robberies and ostensibly exercised control over at least one other conspirator through cellphone communications. Photos recovered from Mitchell's cellphone showed firearms consistent with those used in several of the robberies. On October 25, 2020, Mitchell sent a photo of two handguns, only twelve days before the D Street armed robbery . Mitchell has an extensive prior criminal history, including convictions for assault with significant bodily injury and multiple theft offenses across D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. Sentencing for co-defendant and co-leader of the conspiracy, Ashley Gause, is scheduled for August 20, 2026. Gause, 33, was found guilty of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act Robbery), conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances from the pharmacy robberies, and eight counts of Hobbs Act Robbery. Joining in the announcement of today's sentencing were FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office, and Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office with valuable assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department, Alexandria Police Department, Anne Arundel County Police Department, Baltimore County Police Department, Henrico County Police Division, Laurel Police Department, Montgomery County Police Department, Neptune Township, N.J., Police Department, and Prince George’s County Police Department. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Levy with valuable assistance from former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josh Gold, Cameron Tepfer, and Sarah Martin. Surveillance captured on June 9, 2020, during the robbery of a T-Mobile in College Park, Maryland. 23cr190


title: Man Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking Stolen Firearms

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who pleaded guilty to trafficking stolen firearms was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 30 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release. According to court documents, Ky’von Love Bernard Payne admitted that on March 25, 2024, he and co-defendant Semaj’e Ridgeway possessed 35 stolen firearms – including a semiautomatic rifle, semiautomatic pistols, and a long rifle – inside Ridgeway’s residence in North Las Vegas. Many of the stolen firearms had price tags and descriptions attached to them from a licensed firearms dealer located in Southern California. Payne further admitted that, on that same day, co-defendants Jahova Bell and Lanell Bellows exchanged a 5.56x45mm semiautomatic rifle and cash for two of the stolen pistols. Payne pleaded guilty to one count of possession of stolen firearms and one count of trafficking in firearms. First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge John Wester for the San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement. ATF investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case. If you have information about gun violence or any illegal activities that involve firearms, you are urged to contact ATF by calling 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477). ###


title: Chicago Man Found Guilty for Distributing Methamphetamine in Cedar Rapids

body_text: A man who distributed ice methamphetamine on multiple occasions during the summer of 2025 was convicted by a jury today, after a three-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Jonathan Quinn Carter, age 37, from Chicago, Illinois, was convicted of eight counts of distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine. The verdict was returned this afternoon following about five hours of jury deliberations. The evidence at trial showed that during the summer of 2025, Carter frequently traveled between Chicago and Cedar Rapids. During these trips, Carter transported multiple pound quantities of ice methamphetamine back to the Cedar Rapids area. He then eventually distributed the drugs to customers. For example, in November 2024, law enforcement officers located four pounds of ice methamphetamine in a car headed back to Iowa that Carter was traveling in. In August 2025, Carter arrived in Iowa City after taking a bus back from Chicago. Law enforcement officers observed him get into a ride share and head towards Cedar Rapids. During a traffic stop of the ride share, officers located two pounds of methamphetamine in Carter’s backpack. Law enforcement officers also purchased half-pound quantities of ice methamphetamine from Carter on five different occasions and Carter assisted with arranging three other similar drug transactions. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Carter remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Carter faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $20,000,000 fine, and at least ten years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa C. Williams and Dillan Edwards and was investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department as well as the Cedar Rapids Police Department, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Illinois State Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa City Police Department, and Coralville Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-CR-0073. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Kansas City Man Sentenced for Escape from Custody

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today to two years in prison for escaping from federal custody. Carlos Rosas, 30, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Brian C. Wimes to two years in prison followed by three years of supervised release, following Rosas’s guilty plea to escaping from custody in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 751(a). In January 2024, Rosas was serving a term of supervised release stemming from a conviction for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. On Jan. 24, 2024, Rosas attended a hearing before a federal district court judge regarding violations of the terms of his supervised release. At the end of the hearing, the judge remanded Rosas into the custody of the United States Marshals Service and allowed Rosas to self-report—with his attorney—to the Marshals’ office in the federal courthouse. Rather than report to the Marshals’ office as directed, Rosas fled from the courthouse. Deputy Marshals searched for Rosas for almost two months. In March 2024, they located Rosas at the home of his girlfriend in Kansas. More than two hours after deputies arrived at the residence, Rosas eventually surrendered and was returned to custody. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Bradley and David Wagner and by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Moeder. It was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.


title: Waterloo Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison  for Lying While Buying Four Guns

body_text: A woman who bought four guns over six months and lied about her drug use was sentenced June 17, 2026, to a year in federal prison. Sydnie Mahoney, age 28, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 23, 2026, guilty plea to making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. Information at sentencing showed that between March 2023 and September 2023, Mahoney bought four guns on four separate occasions from a gun dealer in Cedar Falls, Iowa. During each purchase, Mahoney signed a form on which she indicated she was not an unlawful user of controlled substances, including marijuana. Mahoney was a marijuana user at the time of each purchase. During two of the purchases, Mahoney was accompanied by Torion Byrd, her boyfriend. Later, police officers found Byrd driving a car with another man who was wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant. Officers searched the car and found one of the guns Mahoney had purchased in the glove box. Byrd’s DNA was found on the gun, which had an extended magazine. Byrd was a convicted felon. Byrd was sentenced to over three years in federal prison. Mahoney was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Mahoney was sentenced to 12 months and a day in federal prison. She must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Mahoney was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshal on July 20, 2026. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by a Federal Task Force composed of the Waterloo Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms assisted by the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office and Cedar Falls Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-cr-2027. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Odessa Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Possessing Firearm Used in KC Shooting

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Odessa, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today to 13 years for possessing a firearm used in a shooting in Kansas City, Mo. Gary D. Holcomb II, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 120 months on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and 36 months for violating a previous term of supervised release. The sentences were ordered to be served consecutively for a total sentence of 13 years. On Jan. 29, 2026, Holcomb, pleaded guilty to one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm that he admitted he used in a shooting in Kansas City, Mo. According to the plea agreement, Holcomb admitted during the early morning hours on Sept. 30, 2025, he and his co-defendant, were in an alley behind a residence in Kansas City, Mo. Holcomb admitted they both possessed semi-automatic AR style rifles with large capacity magazines and shot at another individual in the alleyway, before fleeing the area in an SUV. Holcomb further admitted he had multiple felony convictions, to include a prior federal felony conviction for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jess Michaelsen. It was investigated by Kansas City, Mo. Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Operation Take Back America This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Brothers Plead Guilty in $8 Million Armed Cryptocurrency Kidnapping Case

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced today that the Garcia brothers pleaded guilty in connection with their roles in a September 2025 armed robbery of a family in Grant, Minnesota and the theft of more than $8 million in digital assets. This afternoon, before U.S. District Judge Ann D. Montgomery, Isiah Angelo Garcia, 25, and Raymond Christian Garcia, 24, both of Waller, Texas, entered guilty pleas to one count each of Interference with Commerce by Robbery. According to court documents, on the morning of September 19, 2025, the Garcia brothers, who had traveled from Texas to Minnesota for the purpose of executing the scheme, kidnapped Victim 1 and his family at gunpoint at their home. During the offense, the defendants demanded access to the victim’s cryptocurrency accounts, zip-tied Victim 1 and his family, and held the family at gunpoint for over 8 hours. Isiah Garcia, aided and abetted by his brother, abducted Victim 1 to the family’s cabin in northern Minnesota, where he forced Victim 1 to retrieve additional cryptocurrency storage devices and transfer the funds contained therein. The Garcia brothers ultimately forced Victim 1 to transfer more than $8 million in cryptocurrency funds in the course of the scheme. After the victim’s son called 911, the Garcias fled the area. Law enforcement responded to the family home, where they found numerous items left behind by the defendants. Law enforcement then used those items to identify the Garcias and locate them near Houston, Texas, where they were arrested. In their guilty pleas, both defendants admitted to using firearms to threaten the victims and facilitate the robbery. They agreed to pay over $8 million in restitution and each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled at a later date. “Violent schemes carried out for financial gain undermine the safety and security of our communities. When individuals resort to intimidation and force, they can expect a swift and unified law enforcement response. The guilty pleas entered today reflect our commitment to holding the defendants accountable for the choices they made,” said U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “No one should ever feel unsafe in their own home," said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. "The kinds of violence and greed displayed by Raymond and Isiah Garcia will always be aggressively investigated by the FBI and our law enforcement partners. Thanks to the seamless partnership between the FBI, Washington County Sheriff's Office, and state and local law enforcement agencies from here to Texas, these defendants will now face sentencing in federal court. Home invasions, kidnapping, and robberies carry lasting impacts on victims and our communities. We hope this conviction will bring some measure of peace to the victims of this horrendous crime.” “This crime struck close to home for many people in our area. It shook not only the victims involved, but it disrupted lives, created fear, and left residents wondering how something so violent could happen here. I’m proud of the work done by our investigators, deputies, law enforcement partners, and prosecutors who helped move this case forward. Today’s proceedings mark an important step toward accountability and justice for our community,” said Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry. This matter is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca E. Kline is prosecuting the case. Note: A previous press release on this case can be found here .


title: Illegal Alien Sentenced to Federal Prison After Illegally Reentering the United States

body_text: An illegal alien from Jamaica who was found unlawfully in the United States after having been previously removed following felony convictions in federal court was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison. Steven Jarret, also known as Steven Jones, age 55, from Montego Bay, Jamaica, received the prison term after a February 17, 2026, guilty plea to one count of being found after illegal reentry. Information at sentencing showed that Jarret had been deported or removed from the United States in 1995, 2008, and 2013. His removal in 2008 came following convictions in 2003 for entering the United States on a false passport and drug trafficking in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas. He was sentenced to five years in prison and then removed from the country after completing his prison term in 2008. His removal in 2013 came after he had returned to the United States and was convicted of money laundering in 2012 in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska. In December 2025, law enforcement officers in the Northern District of Iowa stopped Jarret as he was driving a commercial vehicle. He was arrested for a traffic violation. Immigrations officials found Jarret as he was being processed at the Howard County, Iowa, jail and arrested him. At sentencing, the judge said that Jarret was a “dangerous drug dealer” when he was convicted in 2003 for trafficking more than 1000 kilograms of marijuana, and possessing a loaded gun, and in 2012 when he was convicted of laundering more than $140,000 in drug proceeds. The judge said the United States has an interest in keeping dangerous drug dealers out of the country. Jarret was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Jarret was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Jarret is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-cr-2074. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Former Voice of America Employee Sentenced for Making Threats Against Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Seth Jason, 65, of Edgewater, Maryland, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 30 months in federal prison in connection with a 15-month campaign of intimidation in which he made anonymous death threats against former U.S. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “Seth Jason repeatedly threatened to assault and kill former Congresswoman Greene and he did so from inside Voice of America where he had a taxpayer-funded job. His menacing phone calls were part of an alarming increase in threats directed at Members of Congress and other government officials,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “No one should have to live their life in fear wondering if threats are about to be fulfilled. Today’s sentence sends a clear message. My office will not take these threats lightly.” Jason pleaded guilty on Dec. 18, 2025, to one count of Interstate Communications with a Threat to Kidnap or Injure, and to one count of anonymous telecommunications harassment. In addition to the 30-month prison term, U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan ordered Jason to serve two years of supervised release. According to court documents, Jason made eight calls between Oct. 11, 2023, and Jan. 21, 2025, to the congressional offices of Marjorie Taylor Greene, who was at the time a member of the House of Representatives. Jason made explicit threats involving shooting and murdering Greene, her staff, and her family, including using AK-47s and stockpiled ammunition. On Oct. 11, 2023, Jason placed a call using a phone line at VOA headquarters to the congresswoman’s Dalton, Georgia, District Office. Jason left a voice message that said: “My friends would like to go to a Greene rally because we have our AK-47s and we alls want to take them out on her because that’s what we need. One between the th- th- the eyes.” On Oct. 13, 2023, he left a voicemail saying “This is Kevin and my friends and I have followed her great advice about stocking up and stockpiling ammo. We have done that. And our next step is to come after Greene and her offices and her staff and exercise our Second Amendment rights and take them all out.” The threats escalated over time, culminating with two threats coinciding with the Presidential Inauguration. Specifically, on Jan. 8, 2025, just 12 days before the Inauguration, Jason left a voicemail with Greene’s office stating that the Representative would not “see the inaugural,” and that she, her staff, and her family would be dead. Then, on Jan. 21, 2025, Jason left another threatening voicemail with her congressional office, stating she and her staffers “were as good as dead,” and to “make your last will ready, because we are coming after you, and the only thing you’re going to hear is bang…I’m yearning to hear you cry for your last breath.” The investigation revealed that Jason, then a Voice of America employee, placed each of the eight calls from inside of the VOA headquarters in the District. Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in making the announcement was Chief Michael Sullivan of the United States Capitol Police. This case was investigated by the United States Capitol Police and the Department of State Office of Inspector General. The matter was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan M. Horan, who is detailed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office from the United States Capitol Police, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Travis Wolf. 25cr191 Follow us on X , Instagram , and YouTube Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc


title: M/V Dali Chief Engineer Enters Into Deferred Prosecution Agreement  in Key Bridge Crash Related Case

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – Today, the United States and Motor Vessel Dali Chief Engineer, Karthikeyan Deenadayalan, entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement in which he admitted to conduct that constitutes a criminal violation of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act. This case is related to the indictment unsealed last month that charged three defendants in connection with the vessel crash that destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The agreement defers prosecution of the charge in a criminal information recently filed against the chief engineer provided he abides by the agreement’s conditions. Deenadayalan, an Indian national, served as the chief engineer aboard the Dali when it crashed into the Key Bridge. He also previously served as the chief engineer on the Dali ’s sister vessels, the Motor Vessel Maersk Saltoro and the Motor Vessel Cezanne . Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the deferred prosecution agreement with Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson, Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD); Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; Acting Director Zinnia James, Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS); and Assistant Administrator Jeffrey A. Hall, Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID). As part of the agreement, Deenadayalan admitted to facts that constitute a criminal violation of the Ports and Waterways Safety Act for failing to report a hazardous condition to the U.S. Coast Guard. According to the statement of facts, Deenadayalan admitted he was aware that the Dali , Maersk Saltoro , and Cezanne used an unsafe fuel supply pump. Deenadayalan acknowledged that the unsafe pump, known as a flushing pump, lacked redundancy, which compromised the vessels’ safe navigation and ability to recover from the loss of power. He admitted that he knew that the inability to recover from a loss of power could adversely affect the safety of the vessel itself, as well as any bridge, structure, or shore area. The statement of facts also detailed the chief engineer’s conversations and correspondence with Synergy personnel, including Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair, who was separately charged in a criminal indictment, about the use of the unsafe flushing pump on the vessels. Deenadayalan further admitted that Nair directed him to send a “convincing” email to the charterer of the Dali so that the charterer would not ask additional questions about fuel consumption on the Dali to prevent revealing the use of the flushing pump. The charges contained in an information are allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, CGIS, and EPA-CID for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew P. Phelps, Bijon A. Mostoufi, and Kimberly S. Phillips, along with ENRD Trial Attorney Leigh Rendé, who are prosecuting this matter and the related criminal case against Synergy Maritime Pvt Ltd., Synergy Marine Pvt Ltd., and Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md . # # #


title: South Dakota Men Indicted in Connection With 14-year-old Sioux Falls Girl Found Dead

body_text: United States Attorney Leif Olson announced today that two men have been indicted on criminal charges related to the missing-person case of McKenna Wendel, who was found dead on March 19, 2026, in Brookings, South Dakota. Mark Milk, 51, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Jon Rogness, 38, of Brookings, South Dakota, were charged in an indictment filed on June 17, 2026, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa. Milk faces five counts: Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death, Possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance, Transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, Conspiracy to conceal objects with the intent to impair their availability for an official proceeding, and Concealing objects with the intent to impair their availability for official proceedings. Rogness faces two counts: Conspiracy to conceal objects with the intent to impair their availability for an official proceeding, and Accessory after the fact. Milk and Rogness will have an initial appearance before a judge at the Sioux City federal courthouse at a date yet to be determined. As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation, and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. It is being investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department; Sioux Falls Fire Rescue; Minnehaha County, South Dakota, Sheriff’s Department; Minnehaha County Search and Rescue; Brookings County, South Dakota, Sheriff’s Office; Brookings Police Department; Brookings Fire Department; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; Brookings County Attorney’s Office; Minnehaha County, South Dakota, Attorney’s Office; the Iowa Department of Public Safety—Division of Criminal Investigation; Iowa State Patrol; Lyon County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Department; the Lyon County Attorney’s Office; the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office; the U.S. Department of Justice’s Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 26-4032. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Dubuque Man Pleads Guilty to  Possessing Firearm as Domestic Abuser

body_text: A man who unlawfully possessed a loaded and stolen gun in a car with a child pled guilty today in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Hombra Montrell Williams, age 30, from Dubuque, Iowa, was convicted of possession of a firearm by a person convicted of domestic violence. Evidence at a prior hearing demonstrated that on April 14, 2025, officers stopped a car in Dubuque. Williams was in the front passenger seat, and a child was in the back seat. Officers searched the car and found a stolen and loaded gun on the floorboard near where Williams had been sitting. Williams’s DNA and fingerprint were on the gun. Williams has a 2021 conviction for domestic abuse assault causing injury. Officers searched Williams’s Snapchat account and found recent videos that Williams had posted of drugs, of Williams holding multiple guns, and of Williams firing a gun into the air. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Williams remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Williams faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Dubuque Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 26-CR-1007. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Naugatuck Man Sentenced to 42 Months for Role in Waterbury-Area Drug Ring

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that WILLIE REDD, 45, of Naugatuck, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 42 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release, for his role in a Waterbury-area drug trafficking organization. According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task Force and other law enforcement agencies investigated two drug trafficking organizations based in the city of Waterbury. One organization was headed by Angel Quiros and operated in the area of William Street, and the other was headed by Daniel Diaz-Rivera and operated in the area of Maple Avenue. The investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps on multiple phones, video surveillance, GPS tracking of vehicles, and numerous controlled purchases of narcotics, revealed that the two organizations distributed cocaine, crack, and fentanyl through a network of sellers. The organizations shared sources of supply, worked together to further their operations, and sold narcotics all hours of the day and night. Redd distributed cocaine and crack as part of the Quiros organization. Redd, Quiros, Diaz-Rivera, and 14 associates were charged with federal offenses as a result of the investigation. Redd, Quiros, Diaz-Rivera, and several codefendants were arrested on November 29, 2023. In association with the arrests, investigators executed multiple search warrants and seized approximately 700 grams of crack cocaine, more than 900 vials (“caps”) of crack, approximately 200 grams of loose fentanyl, more than 1,600 dose bags of fentanyl/heroin, two stolen firearms, numerous rounds of ammunition, and more than $39,000 in cash. On April 15, 2024, Redd pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He has been detained since February 26, 2026, when his bond was revoked. Quiros and Diaz-Rivera pleaded guilty to related charges. On August 19, 2025, Quiros was sentenced to 63 months of imprisonment, and on June 23, 2025, Diaz-Rivera was sentenced to 210 months of imprisonment. The FBI’s Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task includes members from the FBI, the Waterbury Police Department, the Naugatuck Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. The DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Connecticut State Police, Wolcott Police Department, and Meriden Police Department have assisted the investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth and Shan Patel. U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the Waterbury State Attorney’s Office for its cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of this case.


title: New London Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Cocaine Distribution and Firearm Possession Offenses

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that LUIS OLIVER-GARCIA, also known as “Bebo,” 36, of New London, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for cocaine distribution and firearm possession offenses. According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force identified Oliver-Garcia as a large-scale distributor of cocaine and learned that he rented a storage unit at a facility on Cross Road in Waterford to store narcotics and other items. On June 21, 2024, Oliver-Garcia arrived at the storage facility shortly before investigators were about to conduct a court-authorized search of his storage unit. Oliver-Garcia was arrested after the search revealed more than three kilograms of cocaine, approximately $30,000 in cash, and a 9mm firearm, and a search of the car that he drove to the facility revealed an additional quantity of cocaine and two boxes of 9mm ammunition. Ortiz-Garcia’s criminal history includes state convictions for drug distribution and weapon possession offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. Oliver-Garcia has been detained since his arrest. On January 20, 2026, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, including personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reed Durham.


title: Illegal Alien Convicted for Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Possessing Guns as Part of Drug Trafficking Enterprise

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican national, unlawfully residing in Lowell, Mass., was convicted by a federal jury in Boston on June 12, 2026 of conspiring to distribute narcotics, possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Juan Riquerbin Garcia Rivera, 44, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and cocaine; possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and cocaine; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun scheduled sentencing for Nov. 10, 2026. In June 2024, Garica was indicted by a federal grand jury along with co-conspirator and nephew Christian Raphael Paredes, who previously pleaded guilty. Garcia conspired with Paredes to distribute $5,000 worth of fentanyl to an undercover officer over three separate occasions. During a search of his home, over 19,000 fentanyl pills, two kilos of methamphetamine, cocaine and acetyl fentanyl were recovered. Located next to the drugs was pressing and mixing equipment. Evidence at trial showed that Garcia would have the drugs shipped to him in girls backpacks as a way to hide the drugs from detection. Also recovered during the search were four handguns, two of which were loaded, and hundreds of bullets matching those guns. Three of the guns were found next to the drugs and pressing equipment, and the fourth gun was loaded in a dresser drawer under thousands of dollars in cash. Investigators also seized over $30,000 in cash from Garcia’s bedroom. Evidence at trial showed Garcia threatening to use those guns on a drug dealer over a dispute about drug quality. Garcia, who was previously deported in 2007, was communicating with a Mexican drug supplier to obtain narcotics. On Garcia’s phone were dozens of pictures of drugs, a video of a drug delivery, and pictures of Garcia packaging and pressing the drugs. In May 2026, Paredes pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sep. 8, 2026. The charge of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and cocaine provides for a sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of acetyl fentanyl, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and cocaine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison, to be served consecutively to the other crimes, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John O. Wray, Charles Dell’Anno and Lauren Graber of the Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit and Annapurna Balakrishna of the Asset Forfeiture Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Twenty-Six Charged in Indictment Alleging  Federal Racketeering, Conspiracy, and Other Crimes

body_text: PROVIDENCE, R.I. – First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda and Thomas A. Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Boston Field Division, in partnership with Colonel Oscar L. Perez, Chief of Police, Providence Police Department, announced federal charges against twenty-six individuals. The indictment alleged that several Providence-area street gangs, including the East Side gang, the Congress gang, and their various subsets and associates constituted a criminal enterprise. Three additional defendants are charged with related offenses. The charges are the result of a multi-agency investigation conducted by federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. According to court documents, the Enterprise operated in Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, and elsewhere since at least 2013. The indictment alleges that members and associates of the enterprise worked together to advance the interests of the organization through acts of violence, narcotics trafficking, firearms offenses, fraud schemes, and other criminal activity. Court documents further allege that members and associates of the enterprise distributed controlled substances, including fentanyl, cocaine, cocaine base, marijuana, and Percocet, and that narcotics trafficking served as a significant source of income for the enterprise. The indictment further alleges that members and associates of the enterprise participated in violent acts, including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to commit murder, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, firearms offenses, narcotics trafficking, wire fraud, and other criminal conduct. The indictment also alleges that certain members and associates participated in fraud schemes involving unemployment insurance benefits, COVID-19 relief programs, tax filings, and other financial crimes. The indictment charges twenty-three defendants with participation in the racketeering conspiracy and three additional defendants with related offenses. The matter was investigated by ATF, the Providence Police Department, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and numerous additional federal, state, and local law enforcement partners including the Providence Police Department Intelligence Unit. The charges contained in the indictment are allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Additional information will be provided at the appropriate time. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Citrus County Man Indicted for Attempting to Meet a 13-Year-Old to Engage in Sexual Activity and Produce Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, Florida – Brian James Verka (39, Beverly Hills) has been charged by indictment with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and attempted production of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, he faces a minimum prison sentence of 10 years, up to life, on the attempted enticement offense, and a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to 30 years, for the attempted production offense. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, between May 27 and June 2, 2026, Verka communicated online with someone whom he believed was a 13-year-old girl. The minor, however, was an undercover Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent. During the conversation, Verka described his desire to engage in sexual activity with the minor. Verka also asked the minor to produce sexually explicit images of herself and send them to him. Verka was arrested on June 2, 2026, when he traveled to a location in Marion County to meet the minor to engage in sexual activity. He is currently detained pending the resolution of the criminal proceedings. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Justice Department Sues State of New York for Requiring Catholic Nursing Facilities to House Men with Women

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department notified the U.S. District Court that it intends to intervene in a lawsuit filed by an order of Catholic nuns — the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne — against the State of New York, challenging a State law that requires housing biological men with women in the Sisters’ residential hospice care program. The United States’ supports the Sisters of Hawthorne’s argument that the New York law violates the U.S. Constitution’s equal protection of religious groups. “States should take notice that they cannot require Americans to abandon their religious beliefs in the name of woke gender ideology,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “For more than a century, the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne have provided free palliative care to indigent cancer patients in their last days. New York’s law would force these religious women to choose between their faith and their license if they wish to continue serving the dying.” The United States’ Complaint-in-Intervention alleges that New York Public Health Law § 2803-c-2 violates the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause by requiring religious facilities to meet requirements that violate religious beliefs, while excusing non-religious facilities from those same requirements. New York’s law requires long-term care facilities to assign rooms to transgender residents based on “gender identity” rather than biological sex, and facility staff to use names and pronouns reflecting gender identity rather than biological sex. New York’s law permits facilities to refuse opposite-sex room assignments based on secular clinical judgments — that the assignment would cause psychological harm to a roommate — but offers no equivalent accommodation based on a religious judgment that the assignment would cause spiritual harm. The Acting Attorney General certified this case pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 2000h-2, which authorizes the United States to intervene in equal protection cases of general public importance. The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne operate Rosary Hill Home, a skilled nursing facility that provides free palliative care to indigent cancer patients in their last days, and welcome every patient. Catholic teaching holds that biological sex is God-given and cannot be morally changed, and that identifying a person by another sex is religiously prohibited lying. Consistent with that teaching, Rosary Hill houses patients in single-sex rooms based on patients’ biological sex, refers to patients by pronouns reflecting their biological sex, and performs “very personal acts of care such as painting women’s fingernails, combing their hair, changing them into fresh nightgowns, and arranging flowers in their rooms.” The Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section is handling this matter. The Section enforces federal civil rights laws that protect disabled individuals, including those who receive palliative care in long-term care facilities. For more information about the Civil Rights Division and its work, please visit www.justice.gov/crt . Members of the public who believe they have experienced religious discrimination may file a complaint at civilrights.justice.gov .