title: U.S. Attorney's Office Collects $20,238,028.08 in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2025

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced today that the District of Oregon collected more than $20.2 million in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2025. Of this amount, nearly $15 million was collected in criminal actions and over $5.2 million was collected in civil actions. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. “The District of Oregon’s Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Unit provides critical support to victims of crime by holding those who profit from criminal conduct accountable and pursuing civil recoveries,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “We take seriously our obligation to make victims as financially whole as possible. Our annual collections reflect the dedication, persistence, and resolve of our team in the pursuit of justice.” For example, to date, the government has recovered over $4.5 million in restitution from Sergey and Galina Lebedenko, who used their ill-gotten gains to purchase fourteen homes and properties, seven vehicles, an ownership interest in a private jet, and countless luxury items. After pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and wire fraud, the Lebedenkos were ordered to pay over $33 million in restitution. The government sought to remit and restore forfeited assets on behalf of the victim, including real properties and nineteen financial accounts. In another example, the government secured the full restitution payment totaling $1.346 million from Michael James Defrees, who was convicted of wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. Defrees agreed to satisfy this obligation prior to sentencing, but failed to do so. The United States secured payment through seizing three vehicles, multiple winter sports equipment, a racing boat, and a trailer, and helped facilitate the sale of two parcels of real property to pay his restitution judgment in full and satisfy his forfeiture money judgment. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.


title: Sallisaw Resident Sentenced For Illegally Possessing Ammunition

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

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Andrew Tyler Blankenship, age 39, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for one count of Possession of Ammunition After Conviction of a Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence. The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sallisaw Police Department. On November 10, 2025, Blankenship pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on July 24, 2024, after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of Battery (Domestic Violence) in Putnam County, Florida, and knowing of that conviction, Blankenship knowingly possessed eight rounds of ammunition. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Blankenship will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan E. Soverly and Lewis Reagan represented the United States.


title: Seminole County Resident Pleads Guilty To Failure To Register As Sex Offender

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Brandon Scott Waldon, age 44, of Bowlegs, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Failure to Register as Sex Offender, punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Indictment alleged that Waldon was convicted of Rape Second Degree in Seminole County, Oklahoma, on August 29, 2002, and was required to register as a sex offender, and that from October 2, 2025, until December 11, 2025, Waldon failed to register and update his registration despite entering, leaving, or residing in Indian country, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charge arose from an investigation by the United States Marshal Service Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force and the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Waldon will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.


title: Mexican National Sentenced to 15 Years for Methamphetamine Possession

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Octavio Zamora-Chona, 39, a Mexican citizen living in Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on February 13, 2026, in federal court in Omaha for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Zamora-Chona to 180 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Zamora-Chona’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. On November 21, 2024, DEA agents and local law enforcement executed a search warrant at Zamora-Chona’s residence in Omaha. They recovered more than 30 pounds of methamphetamine, five firearms, and more than $19,000 in cash. One of the firearms was a short-barreled rifle. Review of extracted data from Zamora-Chona’s seized cell phone showed his involvement in methamphetamine dealing. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency with assistance from the Omaha Police Department, Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office, and Saunders County Sheriff’s Office.


title: Mexican National Sentenced to 108 Months’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine Charge

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Jose Rodrigo Alejandro Muniz, 27, of Mexico City, Mexico, was sentenced on February 13, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Alejandro Muniz to 108 months’ imprisonment. After his release from prison, he will begin a two-year term of supervised release. This case involves a Mexican source of supply of methamphetamine who has been supplying the Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa, areas through a local network of drug couriers since 2021. Customers will call the source and order the drugs, who will then send a courier to meet them and complete the transaction. Alejandro Muniz was the main drug courier for the Mexican source of supply starting in June of 2023. On June 15, 2023, law enforcement utilized a cooperating witness who purchased one pound of methamphetamine from the Alejandro Muniz at an Omaha location. Phone messages confirmed he was working for and being directed by the Mexican source of supply. On September 26, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant on the Alejandro Muniz’s Council Bluffs apartment and discovered approximately 3.9 pounds of methamphetamine and $2,750 in U.S. currency. During a post-Miranda interview, the defendant admitted to distributing at least 25 pounds of methamphetamine in last six months. The investigation revealed that he distributed most of the methamphetamine in the Omaha area. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: City Man Who Committed Armed Robbery and Shot at Philadelphia Police Officers Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Prison for Illegal Gun Possession

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Carlian Gonzalez, 36, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 188 months in prison and five years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Kai N. Scott for possession of a firearm by a felon. The defendant was charged by indictment in June 2024 and pleaded guilty last November. As detailed in court filings and statements, on September 14, 2023, Gonzalez robbed a victim of his cell phone on a sidewalk in North Philadelphia, pointing a gun to his head and demanding he turn over his phone. Shortly after the robbery, the victim stopped police officers patrolling the area and informed them that Gonzalez had robbed him and was armed with a gun. The officers followed behind Gonzalez and activated their lights and sirens, in an attempt to stop him. Video footage shows Gonzalez dismount the bicycle he was riding, raise his arm, and fire several shots at the police vehicle. One officer returned fire and hit Gonzalez in the ankle, causing Gonzalez to fall and drop his gun, which the defendant knew that he was not permitted to possess, due to his status as a convicted felon. This case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Osborne.


title: Two Foreign Nationals Indicted in Chicago as Part of $10M Health Care Fraud Scheme

body_text: Two foreign nationals participated in a $10 million scheme to fraudulently bill Medicare and private insurers for nonexistent health care services, according to an indictment returned in federal court in Chicago. In 2023 and 2024, Burhan Mirza and Kashif Iqbal, along with several co-schemers, used nominee-owned laboratories and durable medical equipment providers to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare and private health care benefit programs for items and services that were not provided, the indictment states. Mirza, 31, is a Pakistani native who resided in Pakistan and obtained the identifying information of individuals, providers, and insurers without their knowledge and used the information to support the bogus claims submitted on behalf of the nominee-owned companies, the indictment states. Iqbal, 48, is a Pakistani native who resided in Lavon, Texas, and was allegedly associated with a number of durable medical equipment providers that submitted fraudulent claims to insurers. Iqbal also laundered fraud proceeds obtained by the co-schemers and coordinated the transfer of money obtained through the scheme to Pakistan, the indictment states. “Rooting out fraud is a priority for this Justice Department, and these defendants allegedly billed millions of dollars from Medicare and laundered the proceeds to Pakistan,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “These alleged criminals stole from a program designed to provide health care benefits to American seniors and the disabled, not line the pockets of foreign fraudsters. We will not tolerate these schemes that divert taxpayer dollars to criminals.” “Every fraudulent submission in this case was a hand in the pocket of a senior citizen or disabled person who relies on Medicare to fund critically important care,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois. “The defendants didn’t just steal from a government program; they stole from taxpayers who fund the promise of healthcare in this country. The newly established Healthcare Fraud Section in the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to stop bad actors from draining public and private programs—especially those in the healthcare fraud space that would make it harder for legitimate patients to receive care.” “Each fraudulent claim submitted by the defendants deprived other deserving patients from necessary medical resources and cost taxpayers their hard-earned money,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas S. DePodesta of the FBI Chicago Field Office. “The FBI, along with our network of investigative and prosecutorial partners, will bring to justice those who engage in egregious fraudulent schemes at the expense of the American public.” “This scheme was built on a foundation of lies — fraudulent claims for services that were never provided and a deliberate effort to funnel millions of dollars overseas,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “These actions not only siphon funds from federal health care programs and private insurers but also undermine the integrity of programs meant to serve vulnerable patients. Our agency will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to dismantle these schemes and ensure those responsible are held accountable.” The indictment charges Mirza with 12 counts of health care fraud and five counts of money laundering. Iqbal is charged with 12 counts of health care fraud, six counts of money laundering, and one count of making a false statement to U.S. law enforcement. Arraignments in federal court in Chicago have not yet been scheduled. Three alleged co-schemers were previously indicted as part of this investigation and have pleaded guilty to federal health care fraud charges. Mir Akbar Khan, 57, of West Chicago, Illinois, recruited and managed individuals, including Fasiur Rahman Syed, 47, a citizen of India who resided in Chicago, to pose as the nominee owners of the purported medical businesses that Mirza and Iqbal used in their false submissions to Medicare. Navaid Rasheed, 43, a citizen of Pakistan who resided in Plano, Texas, admitted that he tracked payments of false claims in the United States to the nominee-owned companies, as well as disbursement of the fraud proceeds to the co-schemers. Khan, Syed, and Rasheed are awaiting sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Hayes for the Northern District of Illinois is prosecuting the case. An indictment merely contains accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Fort Myers Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – Walter James Marshall (31, Fort Myers) has pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Marshall faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement According to court documents, on June 12, 2025, Marshall was stopped by the Fort Myers Police Department for driving on a suspended license. During a search of his vehicle, officers recovered a loaded SCCY pistol under the driver’s seat. DNA swabs taken from the pistol and from Marshall linked him to the firearm. As a previously convicted felon, Marshall is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Fort Myers Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Mexican National Living Illegally in the United States Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Silvester Barcenas, 24, a Mexican national living illegally in the United States, was sentenced on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, to four years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 12, 2024, Barcenas arrived in Charleston, West Virginia, with over 8 pounds of methamphetamine in a vehicle he had driven from South Carolina, where he was living at the time. Barcenas admitted that he possessed the methamphetamine, that a co-conspirator directed him to deliver the methamphetamine to another individual in Charleston, and that he delivered the methamphetamine to the individual as instructed. Barcenas and two other Mexican nationals living illegally in the United States were indicted by a federal grand jury as the result of a joint investigation by federal and local law enforcement into a conspiracy that was responsible for delivering large quantities of methamphetamine to West Virginia and elsewhere from Houston. Braulio Villa-Chairez, also known as “Raul,” 32, pleaded guilty on August 11, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 25, 2026. Co-defendant German Francisco Diaz, also known as “Trulio,” 41, remains a fugitive. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Israel Chaires-Villa, 23, a Mexican national, was sentenced on November 20, 2025, to three years and 10 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine as a result of the joint investigation. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has immigration detainers on the Mexican national defendants for their transfer to ICE administrative custody for removal proceedings upon the conclusion of their criminal cases. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department. Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-176. ###


title: Two Men Plead Guilty to Assaulting, Robbing and Carjacking a Woman at Gunpoint

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Laithen Bell, 20, of Washington, D.C., and Cornell Jamison, 21, Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty yesterday in Superior Court to assaulting, robbing and carjacking a woman at gunpoint on January 22, 2025, announced Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Bell pleaded guilty to carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Jamison pleaded guilty to carjacking, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a prohibited weapon (machine gun). The Honorable Andrea Hertzfeld accepted Bell and Jamison’s pleas and scheduled their sentencing for April 17, 2026. According to court documents, on January 22, 2025, in the 4300 Block of 3rd Street SE, at approximately 12:28 a.m., a woman was returning home and parked on the street near an apartment building. As she pulled into the parking space, she observed a white van pulling up beside her car and then drive off. As she exited her vehicle, the white van returned and pulled beside her. The woman attempted to get to safety in the apartment building, but she was attacked from behind by several men, one of whom was armed with a handgun. The men beat her, struck her with the handgun, and ultimately robbed her of her clothing, keys, and cellphone. They also took her car. Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Levy and Lauren Miller. 2025 CF3 001030; 2025 CF3 002082


title: Twenty Free Money Gang Members and Associates Arrested on Racketeering, Murder, Drug Trafficking and Firearms Charges

component: Criminal Division

body_text: An 18-count superseding indictment was unsealed yesterday in the Southern District of Texas charging 20 defendants – all alleged Free Money gang members and associates from Houston – with federal crimes, including racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, murder and attempted murder in aid of racketeering, Hobbs Act Robbery, and related firearm and drug offenses. According to court documents, members and associates of Free Money, a violent, Houston-based street gang, used violence and intimidation to control their territory and retaliated against rival gang members, including by conducting numerous drive-by shootings, and raised money through drug trafficking and robberies. “This twenty-defendant indictment alleges that the Free Money gang terrorized the streets of Houston with drive-by and calculated shootings, often in public places like grocery store parking lots, putting countless lives in danger,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These brazen tactics show the wide-ranging danger posed by violent gangs. The Criminal Division will continue to prioritize investigations and prosecutions of violent gang members so that innocent Americans get what they deserve – their communities restored and their lives unencumbered by the fear and carnage that these gangs perpetuate.” “The indictment unsealed yesterday alleges that the Free Money gang engaged in a campaign of robbery, drug trafficking, and armed violence to intimidate their rivals and terrorize the people of Houston,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). “That ends now. Houstonians should be able to live their lives without fear of either themselves or their loved ones being robbed, maimed, or caught in the crossfire of gang warfare. SDTX’s message on this point is clear and unmistakable: if you’re thinking of engaging in violent, criminal conduct on a Houston street, think again. The Southern District has your number.” “The sheer number of murders and shootings these individuals are suspected of freely carrying out for years, and the level of indiscriminate violence they’re accused of executing is alarming,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson of the FBI Houston Field Office. “Yesterday’s coordinated arrests across Houston are the result of years-long investigations by our FBI Houston team and our partners. We hope the residents of the Houston neighborhoods they terrorized can rest a little easier knowing that these individuals are free no more.” According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 24, 2022, in broad daylight, surveillance video captured defendants Terry Ardoin, 24, and Travonte Ardoin, 28, as they followed a Chevrolet Equinox into a shopping center parking lot. The driver of the Equinox entered a nearby store while the passenger remained in the vehicle. When the driver returned, the video showed the Ardoins exiting their vehicle wearing masks and opening fire on both individuals. Multiple rounds struck the Equinox’s passenger compartment, killing the passenger. Surveillance Video of Defendants Free Money members hunted for rival gang members throughout Houston and were indiscriminate when they attacked. For instance, on Aug. 3, 2022, defendant Shakeil Anderson, 23, and other Free Money members allegedly drove past and shot repeatedly into the home of the grandmother of a perceived rival gang member. The gang allegedly financed the buying of guns and provided money to jailed fellow gang members through robberies and drug sales. For example, on June 3, 2024, defendant Walter Tolbert, 21, and other Free Money members allegedly stole jewelry, Sony PlayStations, and money from a pawn store, robbing the store employees at gunpoint. The gang also targeted rival gangs for robberies. On Aug. 14, 2022, Free Money members and associates attempted to rob a rival gang member’s drug stash house and kill the inhabitants. Defendants Joci Barley, 26; Terrel Davis,28; Walter Tolbert; Shakeil Anderson; Jakobe Anderson, 24; Chase Franklin-Williams, 21; Terry Adroin; Travonte Ardoin; Deandre Thompson, 22; Emery Goodley, 26; Jymonte McClendon, 28; and Maurkael Brown, 31, allegedly planned the robbery of the drug stash house while at a Free Money meeting during which they avowed to “kill and do everything they needed to do” to rob the drugs and money they believed were in the house even knowing that the house was likely occupied. Luckily, law enforcement was able to stop the home invasion while the robbers were driving to the stash house location. During the police chase, Travonte Ardoin threw a gun out of his car window. The gang allegedly also trafficked in crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. As alleged, defendant Orlando Calloway, 52, supplied crack cocaine to the gang by cooking cocaine the gang ordered. FBI and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Texas Department of Public Safety. Trial Attorney Ralph Paradiso of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Brown for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Houston. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas have partnered, along with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes gang members and associates have committed through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute violent offenders and prevent further violence. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Southern District of Texas brings racketeering, murder, drug trafficking, and firearms charges against 20 alleged “Free Money” gang members and associates

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – An 18-count superseding indictment has been unsealed charging 20 alleged members and associates of a violent Houston-based street gang for their purported roles in a racketeering conspiracy (RICO) involving murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Law enforcement arrested 10 of the defendants today and they will be presented before a United States Magistrate Judge in Houston on these charges this week. The remaining ten defendants are already in custody on related federal charges. According to court documents, members and associates of Free Money allegedly engaged in acts of violence, intimidation, drive-by shootings and murder to further the gang’s criminal enterprise. The indictment alleges Terry Ardoin, 24, and Travonte Ardoin, 28, both of Houston, committed a murder in connection with an ongoing gang war with a rival group. “The indictment unsealed today alleges that the Free Money gang engaged in a campaign of robbery, drug trafficking, and armed violence to intimidate their rivals and terrorize the people of Houston. That ends now,” said United States Attorney Nicholas Ganjei of the Southern District of Texas. “Houstonians should be able to live their lives without fear of either themselves or their loved ones being robbed, maimed, or caught in the crossfire of gang warfare. SDTX’s message on this point is clear and unmistakable: if you’re thinking of engaging in violent, criminal conduct on a Houston street, think again. The Southern District has your number.” “This gang terrorized the streets of Houston with their drive-by shootings in public places like grocery store parking lots and with their brazen, armed robberies,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These brazen tactics show the wide-ranging danger posed by violent gangs. The Criminal Division will continue to prioritize investigations and prosecutions of violent gang members so that innocent Americans get what they deserve – their communities restored and their lives unencumbered by the fear and carnage that these gangs perpetuate.” “The sheer number of murders and shootings these individuals are suspected of freely carrying out for years, and the level of indiscriminate violence they’re accused of executing is alarming,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Houston Field Office Jason Hudson. “Today’s coordinated arrests across Houston are the result of years-long investigations by our FBI Houston team and our partners. We hope the residents of the Houston neighborhoods they terrorized can rest a little easier knowing that these individuals are ‘free’ no more.” On June 24, 2022, in broad daylight, the Ardoins allegedly followed a Chevrolet Equinox carrying two individuals into a shopping center parking lot while driving a black Nissan Altima. After the driver entered a nearby store and the passenger remained inside the vehicle, the Ardoins allegedly exited the Altima wearing masks and opened fired on the vehicle. Multiple rounds struck the passenger compartment. Law enforcement responded within minutes and found one victim deceased. The indictment alleges Free Money members targeted rival gang members throughout Houston. On Aug. 3, 2022, Shakeil Anderson, 23, and other alleged Free Money members fired multiple rounds into the home of the grandmother of a perceived rival gang member. According to the charges, the gang allegedly financed firearms purchases and provided money to incarcerated members through robberies and drug sales. On June 3, 2024, Walter Tolbert, 21, and other alleged Free Money members allegedly robbed a pawn shop at gunpoint, stealing jewelry, Sony PlayStations and cash. The indictment also alleges Free Money members targeted rival gangs for robbery. On Aug. 14, 2022, several alleged members attempted to rob a rival gang member’s stash house and kill the occupants. Joci Barley, 26, Terrel Davis, 28, Tolbert, Anderson, Jakobe Anderson, 24, Chase Franklin-Williams, 21, Terry Adroin, Travonte Ardoin, Deandre Thompson, 22, Emery Goodley, 26, Jymonte McClendon, 28, and Maurkael Brown, 31, allegedly planned the robbery during a gang meeting, during which they stated they would “kill and do everything they needed to do” to obtain the drugs and money they believed were inside, despite knowing the home was likely occupied. Law enforcement stopped the group while en route to the location, according to the charges. During the subsequent pursuit, Travonte Ardoin allegedly threw a firearm from the vehicle. The indictment further alleges the gang trafficked crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana. Orlando Calloway, 52, allegedly supplied crack cocaine to the gang by converting powder cocaine for redistribution. The defendants face maximum sentences of life in prison for the RICO charges, and from ten years to life in prison on the drug trafficking and firearms charges. In addition, defendants Terry Ardoin and Travante Ardoin each face either mandatory life in prison or the death penalty if they are convicted of the charge of murder in aid of racketeering. The FBI Houston field office and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hunter Brown and Trial Attorney Ralph Paradiso of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case. This joint effort includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local, state and federal law enforcement and addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute gang members in the southwest and southeast areas of Houston. As part of the initiative, the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division has also dedicated attorneys and other resources to prosecuting violent offenders and assisting intervention, prevention and reentry efforts to address the root causes of violent crime, such as narcotics trafficking. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Two Foreign Nationals Indicted in Chicago as Part of $10 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme

body_text: CHICAGO — Two foreign nationals participated in a $10 million scheme to fraudulently bill Medicare and private insurers for nonexistent health care services, according to an indictment returned in federal court in Chicago. In 2023 and 2024, BURHAN MIRZA and KASHIF IQBAL, along with several co-schemers, used nominee-owned laboratories and durable medical equipment providers to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare and private healthcare benefit programs for items and services that were not provided, the indictment states. Mirza, a Pakistani native who resided in Pakistan, obtained the identifying information of individuals, providers, and insurers without their knowledge and used the information to support the bogus claims submitted on behalf of the nominee-owned companies, the indictment states. Iqbal, a Pakistani native who resided in Lavon, Texas, was allegedly associated with a number of durable medical equipment providers that submitted fraudulent claims to insurers. Iqbal also laundered fraud proceeds obtained by the co-schemers and coordinated the transfer of money obtained through the scheme to Pakistan, the indictment states. The indictment charges Mirza, 31, with 12 counts of healthcare fraud and five counts of money laundering. Iqbal, 48, is charged with 12 counts of healthcare fraud, six counts of money laundering, and one count of making a false statement to U.S. law enforcement. Arraignments in federal court in Chicago have not yet been scheduled. The indictment was announced by Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General, Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Mario Pinto, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Chicago Regional Office. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Hayes of the Northern District of Illinois. “Rooting out fraud is a priority for this Justice Department, and these defendants allegedly billed millions of dollars from Medicare and laundered the proceeds to Pakistan,” said Deputy Attorney General Blanche. “These alleged criminals stole from a program designed to provide health care benefits to American seniors and the disabled, not line the pockets of foreign fraudsters. We will not tolerate these schemes that divert taxpayer dollars to criminals.” “Every fraudulent submission in this case diverts much needed monies from senior citizens and disabled persons who rely on Medicare to fund critically important health needs,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “The defendants didn’t just steal from a government program; they did damage to the promise of healthcare in this country and the peace of mind that comes with it. I was proud to form a new Healthcare Fraud Section in the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office last summer with the aim of guarding hardworking taxpayer funds. We will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to stop bad actors from draining public and private programs—especially those in the healthcare space that make it harder for legitimate patients to receive care.” “Each fraudulent claim submitted by the defendants deprived other deserving patients from necessary medical resources and cost taxpayers their hard-earned money,” said FBI SAC DePodesta. “The FBI, along with our network of investigative and prosecutorial partners, will bring to justice those who engage in egregious fraudulent schemes at the expense of the American public.” “This scheme was built on a foundation of lies—fraudulent claims for services that were never provided and a deliberate effort to funnel millions of dollars overseas,” said HHS-OIG SAC Pinto. “These actions not only siphon funds from federal health care programs and private insurers, but also undermine the integrity of programs meant to serve vulnerable patients. Our agency will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to dismantle these schemes and ensure those responsible are held accountable.” The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Three alleged co-schemers were previously indicted as part of this investigation and have pleaded guilty to federal healthcare fraud charges. MIR AKBAR KHAN, 57, of West Chicago, Ill., recruited and managed individuals, including FASIUR RAHMAN SYED, 47, a citizen of India who resided in Chicago, to pose as the nominee owners of the purported medical businesses that Mirza and Iqbal allegedly used in their false submissions to Medicare. NAVAID RASHEED, 43, a citizen of Pakistan who resided in Plano, Texas, admitted that he tracked payments of false claims in the United States to the nominee-owned companies, as well as disbursement of the fraud proceeds to the co-schemers. Khan, Syed, and Rasheed are awaiting sentencing. mirza_et_al_indictment.pdf


title: Florida Man on Federal Supervised Release for Enticement to Engage in Prostitution Indicted for Forcible Sex Trafficking

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Erwin Phillips Burley (37, Jacksonville) has been charged by federal indictment with two counts of sex trafficking by means of force, fraud, and coercion, two counts of enticement to engage in prostitution, and seven counts of interstate transportation of a person with the intent that the person engage in prostitution. If convicted, Burley faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years, up to life, in prison for each of the forcible sex trafficking counts, up to 20 years’ imprisonment for each of the enticement counts, and up to 10 years in prison for each of the transportation counts. Burley would also be required to serve at least 5 years on federal supervised release following any term of imprisonment and register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court records, Burley was convicted in 2018 of enticement to engage in prostitution and sentenced to 96 months in federal prison, followed by supervised release. He was released to a halfway house in early 2024. According to the indictment, beginning in February 2024, and continuing through at least May 2025, Burley recruited two victims to engage in commercial sex acts, while knowing that means of force, fraud, and coercion would be used to cause the victims to engage in commercial sex acts. Burley also enticed each of the victims to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution. The indictment also alleges that Burley transported one of the victims between Florida and other states, including Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas on multiple dates in 2024 with the intent that the victim engage in prostitution. 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 the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s (Fourth Judicial Circuit), the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Sandy Springs (Georgia) Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.


title: Religious Liberty Commission Hosts Fifth Hearing on Anti-Semitism and Religious Liberty in the Private Sector

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: WASHINGTON – This week, the Religious Liberty Commission (RLC) held a hearing to discuss the dangers of rising anti-Semitism from the perspectives of students, teachers, and Jewish leaders. The hearing included panels with testimony from graduate students, coaches, university administrators, and relatives of Holocaust survivors, as well as individuals who experienced religious liberty issues in the private sector and employment contexts. It also included testimony from Justice Department and Civil Rights leaders on the front lines of combatting anti-Semitism through the legal system. The hearing’s objectives aimed to understand the ideologies behind anti-Semitism, recognize present threats to religious liberty in the private sector and employment, and identify opportunities to secure religious liberty in these contexts for the future. "Religious liberty is our first and foundational freedom," said Chairman Dan Patrick. "Physical violence is the ultimate deprivation of this freedom. In recent years, our Jewish brothers and sisters have increasingly been faced with hostility and physical violence in their houses of worship and communities—as recently as this weekend, when a driver repeatedly rammed his car into a peaceful gathering at a Brooklyn Chabad. This is un-American and unacceptable. Following President Trump’s lead, the Religious Liberty Commission will be fully considering this issue to ensure that all Americans enjoy the full freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment." The witnesses included: Yitzchok Frankel : Plaintiff in Frankel v. Regents of the University of California In the wake of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel, anti-Jewish protests emerged on college campuses nationwide. At UCLA, activists set up an encampment and enforced a “Jew Exclusion Zone,” segregating Jewish students and faculty and preventing them from attending class or accessing campus spaces. UCLA’s administration ordered police to stand down allowing the activists to wreak havoc on campus through the 2024-25 academic year. Three Jewish UCLA students and a Jewish UCLA professor sued UCLA in federal court. After battling the suit for more than a year, UCLA ultimately agreed to a permanent court order and paid more than $6 million in damages and fees. Shabbos Kestenbaum : American Jewish Activist, Political Commentator Kestenbaum is an American Jewish activist who filed a lawsuit against Harvard University over accusations that the school had failed to protect Jewish students from anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination. Rabbi Ari Berman : President, Yeshiva University Berman is a global faith leader, distinguished scholar, and educational visionary who is shaping contemporary discourse at the intersection of faith, ethics, and higher education. As the fifth president of Yeshiva University, Dr. Berman has anchored the university on the twin pillars of academic excellence and values-based education, guiding it into a new era of growth and innovation as a global leader in higher education. Coach Bruce Pearl : Founder, Jewish Coaches Association The all-time winningest coach in Auburn men’s basketball history, head coach Bruce Pearl has made the program into a national power by leading the Tigers to a pair of Final Fours, five Southeastern Conference Championships and six NCAA Tournament appearances in 11 seasons. Pearl is a Founder and Senior Advisor of the Jewish Coaches Association, a non-profit organization working to foster the growth and development of individuals of the Jewish faith at all levels of sports, both nationally and internationally. Leo Terrell : Chair of DOJ’s Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Terrell is an American civil rights attorney and former talk radio host who has frequently appeared on Fox News programs. Previously a Democrat, in a July 2020 interview, he declared his support for President Donald Trump—the first time he declared support for a Republican Party presidential candidate. In January 2025, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to appoint Terrell as Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division in the United States Department of Justice, where he currently serves as the Chair of the Department’s Task Force to Combat Antisemitism. Dr. Elizabeth Spalding : Author, Lifelong Educator, and Religious Liberty Advocate A lifelong educator and frequent public speaker, Spalding is a Visiting Fellow at Hillsdale College’s Van Andel Graduate School of Government in Washington, D.C. She is a Senior Fellow at the Pepperdine University School of Public Policy and serves as the Chairman of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation where she is also Founding Director of the Victims of Communism Museum. Spalding has taught on subjects ranging from the American presidency, religion and politics, and comparative ideologies to U.S. foreign policy, national security, and international relations. Her expertise is regularly sought for documentaries, podcasts, and other media outlets. She also serves on the Board of the Institute on Religion and Democracy. Dr. Moshe Glick : Member of Congregation Ohr Torah in West Orange, New Jersey Glick is a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected community leader in West Orange, New Jersey, who was unfairly charged with assault after coming to the aid of someone attacked by pro-Hamas protestor in November 2024. Last month, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy pardoned Glick, wiping away state charges and ending his baseless prosecution. The Justice Department filed a civil complaint under the FACE Act against entities and individuals who targeted Ohr Torah synagogue in West Orange, New Jersey, during the November 2024 incident that escalated into violence. Liat Cohen-Reeis : Founder, The Jewish-Christian Alliance Cohen-Reeis is a Jewish leader in the San Diego area who founded an interfaith organization to bring together Christians and Jews for worship and fellowship. Pastor JC Cooper : Pastor, The Mission Church, San Diego Cooper is the Associate Pastor of the Mission Church, which has locations in Carlsbad, Encinitas, Cardiff, Del Mar, and Rancho Santa Fe. His church community was targeted by violent protests after hosting joint Jewish-Christian worship events. Seth Dillon : CEO, The Babylon Bee Dillon is the CEO of The Babylon Bee, a fast-growing news satire site that has overtaken The Onion in traffic and engagement. Taking on the tone of a traditional news media publication, the Bee satirizes real-world events and public figures. Dillon's experience with censorship and deplatforming has placed him on the front lines of the battle for free speech in the public square. He now speaks on college campuses and at conferences across the country about the effectiveness of humor, the moral imperative of mockery, and the dangers of censorship. John Mertens : Acting Deputy Chief, Education Section for the Civil Rights Division, Department of Justice John P. Mertens joined the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice in September 2025, after nearly twenty years as a litigator in private practice. He has represented civil rights plaintiffs on issues from political expression to freedom of consciousness. In July 2025, he completed a second term as president of the Board of Trustees of the largest synagogue by membership in the State of Utah. Fr. Thomas Ferguson : Pastor, Good Shepard Parish Father Thomas Ferguson is the pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Alexandria, Virginia. He is the author of Catholic and American: The Political Theology of John Courtney Murray. Rabbi Meir Soloveichik : Rabbi, Congregation Shearith Israel Meir Y. Soloveichik is Rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel- the oldest Jewish congregation in the United States, the Director of the Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought at Yeshiva University, and a Senior Scholar at the Tikvah Fund. He graduated summa cum laude from Yeshiva University, and received his Phd in religion from Princeton University. Rabbi Soloveichik's recent book is Providence and Power: Ten Portraits in Jewish Statesmanship. Much of his writing and academic work focuses on the American Founding, and the unique story and role of religion in the United States. His podcasts include Bible365, a daily study of the Hebrew Bible that completes all of Jewish scripture in a year, and Jerusalem365, which tells the 4,000 year history of Jerusalem. In 2018 Rabbi Soloveichik was awarded the Canterbury Medal for his work on behalf of religious liberty by the Becket Fund. Ambassador Sam Brownback: Former Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom, Former Governor of Kansas Sam Brownback formerly served as Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom and continues to work with coalitions around the globe to promote and protect the fundamental human right to religious liberty. Brownback was the 46th Governor of Kansas. He was first elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. He left office after being confirmed to the position of Ambassador-at-Large in January 2018. Prior to becoming governor, Brownback served in a number of elected government offices in Kansas. After one term in the House of Representatives, he served as Senator for Kansas from 1996-2011, having first won a special election to fill the seat left vacant by Bob Dole (R). Brownback began his political career in 1986 when he became the youngest individual to be the Secretary of Agriculture in the state's history. During his tenure as Secretary, Brownback did double duty as a White House Fellow under the administration of George H.W. Bush. Brownback is a licensed attorney, having graduated from the University of Kansas School of Law. Lacey Smith : Former Alaska Airlines Employee In February 2021, Alaska Airlines posted an internal company message announcing its support for the “Equality Act,” a controversial bill that, among other things, would gut protection for people of faith under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Employees were invited to comment on the post, to which Smith respectfully expressed her concerns with the bill. Her post was swiftly deleted, work schedule paused, and within a month, Smith was fired. Since then, Smith has chosen to speak out and continue the fight for religious freedom. Hermione Susana : Hospitality Worker, New York City Susana is lifelong New Yorker who built a career as a hospitality industry worker. She was working in three different premium stadium and arena venues when her living was jeopardized because her religious beliefs were not accommodated in the face of corporate and city vaccine mandates. Watch the hearing HERE . The Religious Liberty Commission was established by President Trump under Executive Order 14291 and is tasked with producing a comprehensive report on the foundations of religious liberty in America, increasing awareness of and celebrating America’s peaceful religious pluralism, highlighting current threats to religious liberty, and developing strategies to preserve and enhance protections for future generations.


title: Delaware County Man Pleads Guilty to Social Security Fraud Charge

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Brian Gill, age 59, of Andes, New York, pled guilty on January 20, 2026 to a charge of social security fraud. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge, Boston/New York Field Division, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA-OIG), made the announcement. As part of his plea, Gill admitted that between January 2021 and November 2023, while Gill was actively collecting social security disability benefits, Gill was also managing and personally engaging in physical labor for a tree services company he owned and operated. Gill also admitted he concealed from the Social Security Administration (SSA) the fact that he was working and falsely stated on a SSA form that he had not been working. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “This kind of social security fraud is a serious offense that robs taxpayers of funds needed to assist those who are truly unable to work. Thanks to the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners, people who try to game the system, like this defendant, are identified and held accountable.” “Brian Gill chose to lie to obtain Social Security disability insurance benefits while actively working physical labor for a tree service he owned,” said Special Agent in Charge Amy Connelly, SSA OIG, Boston/New York Field Division. “Social Security disability insurance benefits are reserved for individuals who are truly unable to work. When someone misrepresents their abilities to collect benefits they are not entitled to, it undermines the integrity of the program and steals from hardworking taxpayers. We will aggressively pursue those who try to cheat the American taxpayers for personal gain.” Sentencing is scheduled for May 21, 2026 before United States Chief District Judge Brenda K. Sannes. Gill faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. As part of his plea, Gill agreed to pay restitution to the SSA for the funds he fraudulently collected. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The case is being investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the Offices of the New York State Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Gillis and Adrian LaRochelle are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Knox Place Defendant Pleads Guilty in Wide-Ranging Narcotics Trafficking Conspiracy

body_text: WASHINGTON – Darryl Dacota Riley, Jr, 39, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that reached across the United States and sold PCP, cocaine, and fentanyl in the 2900 block of Knox Place in Southeast D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Riley, aka “Slice,” pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of phencyclidine (PCP), 500 grams or more of cocaine, and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. In addition, Riley pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. Judge Timothy J. Kelly, who accepted the plea, scheduled sentencing for May 14, 2026. “Thanks to our prosecutors, a 10-time convicted felon and drug-trafficker is off the streets and behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Jackson went so far as to target drug addicts seeking rehabilitation by selling drugs outside of rehabilitation and treatment facilities in Southeast Washington D.C., but now he won’t be bringing down this community anymore.” According to court documents, in the summer of 2024, FBI agents initiated a long-term investigation of a drug trafficking conspiracy centered around the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE, where law enforcement had identified an alleged fentanyl and PCP trafficker with a stash house. Over the course of their investigation into the trafficker’s narcotics suppliers, agents determined that Riley served as a bulk PCP supplier within the conspiracy. Riley is the third defendant to plead guilty thus far after a years-long investigation that culminated in the arrests of fourteen individuals in August 2025 after the FBI executed 20 residential search warrants across the District, Maryland, and Los Angeles. Investigators at the time seized 20 firearms, more than two kilograms of suspected cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl, a kilo press commonly used to compact kilogram-quantities of powdered narcotics, and over $100,000 in cash. The Knox Place neighborhood has experienced at least five homicides in the past year, among other violent crimes. According to court documents, the D.C. traffickers who operated around Knox Place sourced their narcotics through a Baltimore-based co-conspirator, who in turn was importing narcotics from California. One of the shipments from California included 17 gallons of PCP that was intercepted last year by law enforcement outside of Topeka, Kansas. On Aug. 26, 2025, investigators searched Riley’s residence on the 1900 block of Naylor Road, SE, and recovered about 900 grams of cocaine, about 11 grams of crack cocaine, 120 grams of fentanyl, more than 7 grams of methamphetamine, and $20,097 in cash. In addition, agents recovered a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun, a loaded and chambered Glock 21 45mm pistol; and a loaded privately manufactured AR-style .223 caliber firearm with no serial number. Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox. This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office with valuable assistance from the DEA and the MPD. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey, Sarah Akhtar, and John Crabb of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. 25cr241


title: Caldwell Man Sentenced to 120 Months  in Federal Prison for Drug Crime

component: USAO - Idaho

body_text: BOISE – Emanuel Avalos, 30, of Caldwell was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. According to court records, in April of 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Nampa Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit began investigating Avalos for distributing methamphetamine in the Treasure Valley. On April 3, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Avalos’s residence in Caldwell, Idaho. In the residence, law enforcement found Avalos attempting to flush a bag of methamphetamine down the toilet. In Avalos’s bedroom, investigators found more methamphetamine, an AR style rifle with three loaded magazines, and approximately $8,210.00. In total, law enforcement recovered 975 grams (over two pounds) of methamphetamine which Avalos possessed with the intent to distribute to others. U.S. Attorney Davis commended the work of the Idaho State Police which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kane Venecia prosecuted the case. This case was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Ada County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office with funds provided by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney position. ###


title: Man Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Illinois, Northern

body_text: ROCKFORD — A Crystal Lake, Ill., man has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. JAMES ETTLESON, 39, pleaded guilty last year to one count of distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston imposed a 100-month prison sentence during a hearing on Monday at the federal courthouse in Rockford. In a plea agreement, Ettleson admitted that from 2022 to 2024, he repeatedly ordered controlled substances to be delivered to him through the mail via the “dark web,” and then advertised to sell those controlled substances on Facebook. In April 2023, Ettleson arranged the order and sale of a package containing 113.2 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement officer. The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Mary Johnson, Acting Postal Inspector in Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodora Anderson.


title: Carroll, Iowa Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Meth and Firearm Charges

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Shawn Zak, 32, from Carroll, Iowa, pled guilty February 11, 2026, in federal court in Sioux City to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and illegal possession of a firearm. At the plea hearing, Zak admitted that from June 2025 through September 2025, he and others conspired to distribute more than 1500 grams of methamphetamine in the Carroll, Iowa, area. On September 11, 2025, Zak was approached by law enforcement based on an active warrant for his arrest. At the time Zak provided a false name to officers and he was arrested. During his arrest, Zak had a brief, physical struggle with law enforcement. Law enforcement seized 53.19 grams of pure methamphetamine, some marijuana, .22 caliber ammunition, indicia of drug dealing including baggies, syringes, and scale weights from the vehicle. Zak admitted he planned to distribute the methamphetamine to others. Law enforcement later recovered a .22 caliber handgun which Zak possessed in the vehicle in which he was stopped. Zak further admitted he received the .22 caliber handgun from another person earlier in September 2025. Zak was previously convicted of burglary in January 2023 in Iowa and criminal trespass in Pennsylvania in 2017. The felony convictions prohibited Zak from possessing a firearm. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 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 Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Zak remains in custody of the United States Marshal and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Zak faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Carroll County Sheriff’s Office; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and Iowa DCI Laboratory. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-3049. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Mississippi Man Indicted for Arson of Beth Israel Synagogue and the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19, of Madison, Mississippi, was charged by superseding indictment Tuesday, Feb. 10, with civil rights and arson offenses related to the burning of the Beth Israel Congregation and the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life building. According to court documents from his arrest, Pittman is alleged to have used gasoline to set fire to the religious building in the early morning hours of Saturday, Jan. 10. The fire resulted in extensive damage to a significant portion of the building and rendered it inoperable for an indefinite period time. “The Department of Justice will not tolerate attacks on houses of worship,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This superseding indictment shows that we will investigate and we will prosecute such vicious attacks that strike at the core of our country’s long tradition of religious liberty.” “I applaud our law enforcement partners for their swift response to this heinous act of hate-fueled violence,” said U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger for the Southern District of Mississippi. “We Americans should not fear for our safety because of our faith. Yesterday’s superseding indictment demonstrates our commitment to that cause.” According to its website, the Beth Israel Congregation was founded in 1860, and it has operated in its present location since 1967. On Sept. 18, 1967, the then-new temple on Old Canton Road was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan. The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life provides services to Jewish communities in 13 states and comprehensive religious school programs to 70 Jewish congregations and offers traveling rabbinical services. Pittman was charged in the three-count indictment with violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i), which prohibits arson of property used in interstate commerce or used in an activity affecting interstate commerce, Title 18, United States Code, Section 247, which prohibits damaging or destroying religious real property because of the character of that property, and Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(h), which prohibits the use of fire during the commission of a federal felony. The FBI, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Jackson Police Department, and Jackson Fire Department are investigating the case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Allen and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner for the Southern District of Mississippi and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Taylor Payne. A criminal indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: GAINESVILLE FELON SENTENCED TO  12 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON

body_text: GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – William Blas Hernandez, 28, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This is another successful prosecution under Operation Take Back America , which was launched by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to deploy the full might of the Department of Justice to remove violent, drug trafficking felons like this defendant from our communities. The residents of the Northern District of Florida deserve safe, drug-free streets, and that is exactly what my office is committed to delivering by aggressively prosecuting these cases and seeking maximum punishments.” Court documents reflect that law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on the defendant’s vehicle because he was speeding, and his vehicle matched the description from a 911 caller who reported other criminal conduct. During the traffic stop, officers established probable cause to search the vehicle, and found the defendant’s backpack with a loaded pistol, over 50 grams of methamphetamine in a variety of forms, and other drug-distribution paraphernalia. The defendant was recently released from a prison sentence for eight prior felony convictions. “Methamphetamine is capable of destroying families and ripping through communities,” said DEA Tampa Field Division Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar. “We will not stop until the flow of this poison has been removed from our streets.” “We will not allow guns and drugs to corrupt our community. We will work with our federal partners to ensure that those who choose to engage in these activities are held accountable,” said Gainesville Police Chief Moya. The defendant’s imprisonment will be followed by a 10-year term of supervised release, meaning if he violates any of the conditions of his supervision, he will potentially face additional prison time. The case involved a joint investigation by the Gainesville Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Hapner and James McCain. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, human and drug trafficking. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Cleaning Service Owner Pleads Guilty to Employment Tax Crimes

body_text: A former Nevada business owner pleaded guilty today to willfully failing to pay over employment taxes on behalf of the cleaning company she owned and operated. According to court documents and statements made in court: Deborah Meadows, 64, formerly of Las Vegas, owned and operated A to Z Employment Services LLC, which provided carpet, upholstery and roadside cleaning services in Nevada. Meadows controlled all financial matters related to the company. She also was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare and income taxes from her employees’ wages and paying those funds over to the IRS, as well as filing quarterly employment tax returns with the IRS. From the first quarter of 2010 through the fourth quarter of 2020, however, Meadows withheld taxes from her employees’ wages but did not pay over those taxes to the IRS or file the required quarterly employment tax returns. From 2018 through 2021, Meadows also did not file individual tax returns, even though she was required to do so by law. In total, Meadows caused a tax loss to the U.S. government exceeding $1.2 million. After the IRS began investigating Meadows, she took steps to obstruct the grand jury investigation. In response to a grand jury subpoena, Meadows provided investigators with altered bank records and inaccurate tax records. These altered bank records purportedly showed that another company Meadows owned had made sizeable tax payments to the IRS, when in fact the company had not made any such payments. She also provided inaccurate individual and employment tax returns that allegedly showed taxes paid to the IRS, when in fact Meadows knew at the time that she had never paid such taxes. Meadows pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to account for and pay over trust fund taxes. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Meadows is scheduled to be sentenced on May 21, 2026. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant Deputy Chief Eric Powers and Trial Attorney Regina Jeon of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.


title: VIRGINIA WOMAN SENTENCED FOR INTRODUCING METHAMPHETAMINE INTO A FEDERAL PRISON

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Ashley Mullins, 40, of Appalachia, Virginia, was sentenced to one year and a day in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to introducing methamphetamine into Tallahassee Federal Correctional Institution. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This inmate now has an extended stay in our federal prison after trying to smuggle these deadly drugs into the correctional facility. My office remains committed to keeping these drugs off our streets and out of our prisons.” According to court records, the defendant, who was an inmate at the federal prison, was caught by a Bureau of Prisons officer while she was walking with an object bulging in her pocket. The officer directed the defendant to empty her pockets and discovered several contraband items, including a crystal substance and a crystal powder substance in a bag. Later forensic testing confirmed the substances were methamphetamine. The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric Welch. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Two federal inmates indicted for attacking correctional employees

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned indictments charging two men with assaulting U.S. Department of Justice employees who were carrying out their duties as correctional staff. According to court documents, Devario Talley, 35, and Brett Roelandt, 35, were both indicted on two counts of forcible assault inflicting bodily injury. Talley and Roelandt, who are federal inmates, allegedly attacked and injured two employees of the Federal Bureau of Prisons on December 26, 2025. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Faiza Alhambra is prosecuting the cases. OTHER INDICTMENTS Ataven Tatum, 46, of Kansas City, Kansas, was indicted on one count of felon in possession of a firearm. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting the case. Derek Marsocci, 63, of Centerview, Missouri, was indicted on one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Faiza Alhambra is prosecuting the case. Project Safe Childhood 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. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Career Offender Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—Kelly Bruce Duncan, Jr., who has previous felony drug convictions, will spend the next 188 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down Tuesday, February 10, 2026, by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky. A federal grand jury indicted Duncan, 43, of Lamar, in a three-count Indictment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance with a drug trafficking crime. On September 29, 2025, Duncan pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Duncan to three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. On June 8, 2024, law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Duncan after observing a traffic violation. The vehicle, which had fictitious tags, fled at a high rate of speed, reaching speeds up to 112 miles per hour while passing other vehicles, driving in the oncoming traffic lane multiple times, running a stop sign, and while making a turn, striking another passenger car that contained a juvenile in a car seat. Duncan drove down an ATV trail, eventually causing the vehicle to become inoperable. The pursuit was approximately 21 minutes long and covered approximately 35 miles. Duncan then fled on foot, and law enforcement saw Duncan holding a revolver. Duncan stated to law enforcement, “I’ve got a gun.” Law enforcement gave Duncan several commands to drop the firearm, while Duncan was stating he was not going back to jail. After several minutes, Duncan eventually dropped the firearm on the ground and was placed into custody. The loaded firearm was a Taurus, .45/.410 revolver. During the search of Duncan’s person, two separate clear baggies were found in his front right pocket containing methamphetamine (6.7885 grams in one bag confirmed to be methamphetamine by the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, with a second bag weighing 1.2544 grams not tested), along with a .410-gauge shell. A handgun holster was located near the vehicle, and drug paraphernalia was inside the vehicle console. During the transport to the detention center Duncan made statements that he was planning to drive the vehicle off into the creek hoping to evade the officers and acknowledged possessing the firearm. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Duncan’s Facebook account and located messages between Duncan and others regarding the acquisition and distribution of ounce quantities of methamphetamine. Duncan admitted he was involved in the distribution of at least 200 grams of methamphetamine. Duncan has prior felony convictions dating back to 2001. His prior felony convictions include possession of firearms by certain person, felony fleeing, two counts of delivery of methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine with purpose to deliver. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Pope County Sheriff’s Office and the Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force. # # # 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: Leader of drug trafficking organization sentenced to more than 24 years in prison

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – Four Cincinnati men were sentenced in U.S. District Court here this week for their roles in a large-scale narcotics conspiracy that provided drugs in the West End. Kevin Deramus, 46, was the head of the drug trafficking organization. He obtained, cut, processed and distributed large quantities of drug mixes made with heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, xylazine and other drugs. He was sentenced on Feb. 11 to 294 months in prison. Throughout this investigation, agents learned that Deramus purchased large quantities of heroin from a co-defendant before he and one of his top distributors, Dorian Freeman, cut and processed that heroin with fentanyl, cocaine, xylazine and other substances. The drugs were then sold to co-conspirators who helped run a handful of stash houses in Cincinnati. Deramus was heard during law enforcement surveillance bragging about how potent his drugs were, while simultaneously complaining that they were too strong because it now took his “licks” longer to come back and buy more. He was also heard joking that one of his drug testers may have overdosed and died from the potency. When law enforcement officials executed search warrants at associated residences in February and March 2024, they discovered $291,000 in cash at one stash house. They also seized bulk quantities of drugs and loaded firearms. Freeman has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. He faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Co-defendant Gregory Isham was sentenced on Feb. 11 to 57 months in prison. Damien Tribble and Edmond Hurt were each sentenced today to 36 months in prison. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Joseph O. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Detroit, and Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie announced the sentences imposed by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Susan J. Dlott. Former Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Oakley and Assistant United States Attorney David P. Dornette represented the United States in this case. # # #


title: St. Margaret’s Center Pays $1.3 Million Under the False Claims Act

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III announced today that the Center for Disability Services Holding Corporation, d/b/a St. Margaret’s Center (SMC), a skilled nursing facility located in Albany, New York, has agreed to pay $1,300,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by billing for care that was worthless and falsely attesting that it had implemented a compliance program that promoted quality care. “St. Margaret’s Center receives millions of public healthcare dollars to care for very sick children,” said First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “Those children deserve quality care, and I expect all nursing homes will fulfill their obligations to vulnerable residents and the taxpayers who fund them. Thank you to the New York State Office of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for their collaboration on this case.” This settlement resolves allegations that between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2023, SMC provided care that was grossly substandard and therefore worthless. During this time, New York State surveys, or inspections, revealed that SMC did not consistently provide sufficient nursing staff, ensure that residents were free of significant medication errors, or provide respiratory and tracheostomy care and suctioning. During one such survey the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) determined that SMC failed to adequately supervise three residents, jeopardizing their health or safety. NYSDOH placed SMC into “immediate jeopardy” status for over a month in 2022. Based on NYSDOH’s findings, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services placed SMC on its Special Focus Facility list which identifies nursing homes throughout the United States that have a history of serious quality issues. As a condition of receiving federal and state Medicaid dollars, SMC annually certified that it adopted and implemented an effective compliance program that addressed quality of care. SMC admitted that its compliance program failed to meet the statutory compliance program requirements. For example, SMC’s compliance officer admitted under oath that they had “no idea” how to identify potential compliance risks associated with caring for medically fragile infants and children and was unaware that SMC had been placed in “immediate jeopardy” status by NYSDOH. SMC’s compliance program did not include quality of care as a potential risk area until March 2023, after the government investigation in this matter had commenced. Contemporaneously with the settlement announced today, SMC agreed to enter into a quality-of-care Corporate Integrity Agreement with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), which will remain in effect for five years and address quality of care and resident safety within SMC. The settlement resolves a whistleblower lawsuit filed under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act by two former SMC employees. The Act allows private persons to file civil actions on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. Under the settlement, the whistleblowers will receive approximately $247,000 of the settlement proceeds. The case is docketed with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York under number 1:22-cv-0004. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York jointly investigated this matter with the Office of the New York Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Moran represented the United States. Settlement Agreement ###


title: Hartford Man Who Robbed Victims after Advertising Vehicle Sales Online Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that FREDERICK WRIGHT, 34, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 180 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for committing several armed robberies of individuals who responded to his Facebook Marketplace posts advertising the sale of a vehicle. According to court documents and statements made in court, Wright operated a robbery scheme in which he would post a vehicle for sale on Facebook Marketplace. He then arranged to meet a potential purchaser, allowed the purchaser to take a test drive of the vehicle, and then negotiated a price. Once the purchaser handed over cash for the vehicle, Wright would brandish a firearm, threaten to shoot the victim, and steal the cash and, at times, other valuable items from the victim. During this scheme, between July 2020 and November 2020, Wright and others robbed at least five victims in Windsor and Bloomfield. Wright was arrested on November 24, 2020. On that date, investigators conducted a court-authorized search of Wright’s Hartford residence and seized a loaded 9mm semiautomatic pistol that he and others used during the robberies. Wright’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for attempted robbery in the first degree and failure to appear, and he was on state special parole when he committed the robberies in 2020. Wright has been detained since his arrest. On February 1, 2022, he pleaded guilty to three counts of obstruction of interstate commerce by robbery, two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Judge Shea ordered Wright to pay $14,429 in restitution to the victims of his crimes. This matter was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Konstantin Lantsman. U.S. Attorney Sullivan encouraged those who sell and purchase items online, and need to meet an individual in person to complete the sale, to use a visible, monitored location. Contact your local police department to see if it offers a monitored meeting location, or search online for a nearby monitored location.


title: Honduran National Guilty of Assault Against Law Enforcement

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSE WALTER NIETO-CASTELLANOS (“ NIETO-CASTELLANOS ”), age 31, plead guilty on January 29, 2026, to Assault Against Law Enforcement, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(b), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to the charging document, on October 14, 2025, NIETO-CASTELLANOS forcibly obstructed and impeded a United States Customs and Border Protection Agent, while that agent was engaged in the performance of his official duties. NIETO-CASTELLANOS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty (20) years, followed by up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. NIETO-CASTELLANOS sentencing is set for March 12, 2026, before United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter. Special Assistant United States Attorney Frederick W. Veters Jr., of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution. * * *


component: Department of Justice

body_text: WASHINGTON, D.C. – Stephen Spencer Pittman, 19, of Madison, Mississippi, was charged by superseding indictment Tuesday, February 10, 2026, with civil rights and arson offenses related to the burning of the Beth Israel Congregation and the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life building. Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Harmeet K. Dhillon, United States Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger for the Southern District of Mississippi, and Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office made the announcement. According to court documents from his arrest, Pittman is alleged to have used gasoline to set fire to the religious building in the early morning hours of Saturday, January 10, 2026. The fire resulted in extensive damage to a significant portion of the building and rendered it inoperable for an indefinite period time. “The Department of Justice will not tolerate attacks on houses of worship,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This superseding indictment shows that we will investigate and we will prosecute such vicious attacks that strike at the core of our country’s long tradition of religious liberty.” “I applaud our law enforcement partners for their swift response to this heinous act of hate-fueled violence,” said United States Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger. We Americans should not fear for our safety because of our faith. The superseding indictment demonstrates our commitment to that cause.” According to its website, the Beth Israel Congregation was founded in 1860, and it has operated in its present location since 1967. On September 18, 1967, the then-new temple on Old Canton Road was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan. The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life provides services to Jewish communities in 13 states and comprehensive religious school programs to 70 Jewish congregations and offers traveling rabbinical services. Pittman was charged in the three-count indictment with violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i), which prohibits arson of property used in interstate commerce or used in an activity affecting interstate commerce, Title 18, United States Code, Section 247, which prohibits damaging or destroying religious real property because of the character of that property, and Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(h), which prohibits the use of fire during the commission of a federal felony. The FBI, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Jackson Police Department, and Jackson Fire Department are investigating the case. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matt Allen, Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan Buckner and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Taylor Payne. A criminal indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Mexican National Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jorge Alberto Santamaria-Cortes, age 47, a Mexican national who was residing in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, at the time of his arrest, was sentenced today to serve six months in prison for illegal reentry by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick. Santamaria-Cortes was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 22, 2025. He subsequently pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Santamaria-Cortes most recently illegally reentered the United States sometime after he had been deported in July 2014. Santamaria-Cortes was found again in the United States after being arrested on October 10, 2025, on unrelated state charges in Franklin County. Those charges are still pending. Judge Mehalchick explained that she imposed a sentence at the high-end of the applicable sentencing guideline range due to Santamaria-Cortes’ repeated instances of illegally reentering the United States and the three drunk driving offenses he committed while he was illegally in the country between 1998 and 2011. The judge cited the defendant’s lack of respect for the law and the need to deter others from committing similar crimes, among other factors, as reasons for the sentence. The case was investigated by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis P. Sempa prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Santamaria-Cortes faces deportation after serving his prison sentence. # # #


title: Cleaning Service Owner Pleads Guilty To Employment Tax Crimes

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS — A former Nevada business owner pleaded guilty today to willfully failing to pay over employment taxes on behalf of the cleaning company she owned and operated. According to court documents and statements made in court: Deborah Meadows, 64, formerly of Las Vegas, owned and operated A to Z Employment Services LLC, which provided carpet, upholstery, and roadside cleaning services in Nevada. Meadows controlled all financial matters related to the company. She also was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare and income taxes from her employees’ wages and paying those funds over to the IRS, as well as filing quarterly employment tax returns with the IRS. From the first quarter of 2010 through the fourth quarter of 2020, however, Meadows withheld taxes from her employees’ wages but did not pay over those taxes to the IRS or file the required quarterly employment tax returns. From 2018 through 2021, Meadows also did not file individual tax returns, even though she was required to do so by law. In total, Meadows caused a tax loss to the U.S. government exceeding $1.2 million. After the IRS began investigating Meadows, she took steps to obstruct the grand jury investigation. In response to a grand jury subpoena, Meadows provided investigators with altered bank records and inaccurate tax records. These altered bank records purportedly showed that another company Meadows owned had made sizeable tax payments to the IRS, when in fact the company had not made any such payments. She also provided inaccurate individual and employment tax returns that allegedly showed taxes paid to the IRS, when in fact Meadows knew at the time that she had never paid such taxes. Meadows pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to account for and pay over trust fund taxes. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Meadows is scheduled to be sentenced on May 21, 2026. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jarom Gregory for the IRS Criminal Investigation's Phoenix Field Office made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant Deputy Chief Eric Powers and Trial Attorney Regina Jeon of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada. ###