title: Sacramento Drug Dealer Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: Michael William Hutchison III, 24, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dena M. Coggins to 15 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, between Jan. 26, 2023, and May 10, 2024, Hutchison was a leader and organizer of violent drug traffickers who distributed massive amounts of lethal drugs in the Sacramento region. Hutchison’s specific role involved orchestrating the transport of large drug loads while he himself was active in selling drugs in Sacramento. During the investigation, undercover operatives conducted nine controlled buys directly from Hutchison and seized hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine from the drug trafficking organization. Hutchison’s role in these serious offenses was aggravated by his status as an influential figure in a violent Sacramento street gang. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Sacramento Police Department, the Yuba County Sheriff’s Department, and the California Highway Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hitt prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Anaheim Man Arrested on Federal Criminal Complaint Charging Him with Making Death Threats Against Vice President Vance

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: SANTA ANA, California – An Orange County man was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint alleging that he posted on Instagram death threats against Vice President JD Vance during his visit to Disneyland Resort last year. Marco Antonio Aguayo, 22, of Anaheim, is charged with threats against the President and successors to the Presidency. He is expected to make his initial appearance on Tuesday in United States District Court in Santa Ana. “This case is a horrific reminder of the dangers public officials face from deranged criminals who would do them harm,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful that my friend Vice President Vance and his family are safe, applaud the police work that led to the arrest, and will ensure my prosecutors deliver swift justice.” “We will not tolerate criminal threats against public officials,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “We are grateful the Vice President and his family remained safe during their visit. Let this case be a warning to anyone who thinks they can make anonymous online threats. We will find you and bring you to justice.” According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, on July 12, 2025, Vice President Vance visited and stayed at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. On the same day, Aguayo posted several public comments on the Instagram account of The Walt Disney Company. The first comment read, “Pipe bombs have been placed in preparation for J.D. Vance’s arrival.” Another comment read, “It’s time for us to rise up and you will be a witness to it.” A third comment read, “Good luck finding all of them on time there will be bloodshed tonight and we will bathe in the blood of corrupt politicians.” Later that day, law enforcement visited Aguayo at home. He surrendered his telephone to law enforcement, who observed the three threatening messages left concerning the Vice President. A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court. If convicted, Aguayo would face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. The United States Secret Service is investigating this matter with assistance from the FBI and Anaheim Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Robert K. Quealy of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Mexican National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A Mexican national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for felon in possession of a firearm after absconding from supervision for sixteen months. Alfredo Terrero-Ortega, 28, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. According to court documents, on January 31, 2023, despite an ICE detainer, Oregon public officials released Terrero-Ortega from the Oregon Department of Corrections to post-prison supervision in the community. If the detainer had been honored, Terrero-Ortega would have been deported to Mexico upon his release. In June 2023 in Oregon, within five months of his release, Terrero-Ortega threatened to kill a woman and shoved her to the ground while she was holding her baby. He also strangled her. She reported the incident, and he absconded from his post-prison state supervision. On November 7, 2024, the U.S. Marshals found and arrested Terrero-Ortega in Portland. When arrested, Terrero-Ortega, had a black satchel containing a loaded 9mm pistol, methamphetamine, zip lock baggies, a phone, handwritten credit card information, and documents linked to Terrero-Ortega’s girlfriend. On December 17, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a single-count indictment charging Terrero-Ortega with felon in possession of a firearm. On October 2, 2025, Terrero-Ortega pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah K. Bolstad prosecuted the case.


title: Oregon Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempting to Sell Cocaine Purchased from the Dark Web

body_text: MEDFORD, Ore.—An Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for attempting to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine purchased from the dark web. Dominick Jeffrey Aragon, 32, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. According to court documents, in February 2025, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) task force intercepted a parcel addressed to Aragon’s residence containing approximately one ounce of cocaine. In March 2025, they intercepted a second parcel destined for Aragon at the same address that contained two ounces of cocaine. The investigation continued into April 2025, when USPIS and RADE seized two additional parcels addressed to Aragon at an acquaintance’s residence that contained controlled substances. At the time of these offenses, Aragon was on federal supervised release after completing a 15-month federal prison sentence for distributing cocaine. On September 29, 2025, Aragon pleaded guilty to attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. This case was investigated by USPIS and RADE. It was prosecuted by John C. Brassell, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon and Olivia Mendez, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. RADE is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. RADE includes members from Oregon State Police, the Grants Pass Police Department, Josephine County Probation & Parole, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $9,093,573.60  in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2025

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: GREENSBORO, NC – United States Attorney Dan Bishop announced today that the Middle District of North Carolina (MDNC) collected $9,093,573.60 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2025. Of this amount, $5,692,558.56 was collected in criminal actions and $3,401,015.04 was collected in civil actions . The MDNC also worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $1,846,408.74 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $3,107.92 was collected in criminal actions and $1,843,300.82 was collected in civil actions. In a noteworthy case, the MDNC recovered a total of $1,023,234.24 from Indra Lee Johnson in FY 2025. On April 23, 2025, Johnson was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Willful Failure to Collect or Pay over Tax in the case of USA v. Johnson , 1:25CR25-1. Johnson was ordered to pay a special assessment of $100.00, restitution of $1,344,925.41, and a fine of $45,000.00. To date, a total of $1,354,876.00 has been collected in the case. 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. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in the MDNC , working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $3,258,817 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2025. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund and Department of Treasury Seized Assets Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. ###


title: Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for  Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Daniel Kaler, 38, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced today to 64 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty on September 8, 2025, to possessing child pornography. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from November 2023 to October 2024, Kaler received and possessed over 7,000 images and videos of child pornography. The images and videos involved material that portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct, as well as prepubescent children, infants, and toddlers. A CyberTip from Verizon’s cloud storage company to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children connected downloads of child pornography to Kaler’s account. Law enforcement officers searched Kaler’s electronic devices pursuant to a search warrant. Analysis of Kaler’s devices showed he utilized third-party web browsers called “Brave” and “Yandex” to search for and download child pornography. Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Kaler was sentenced to 64 months’ imprisonment, and he must serve a term of five-years of supervised release following imprisonment. He was ordered to pay $6,600 in fines and restitution. Kaler remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” The case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-4016. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Sioux City Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

body_text: Andrew Gross, 42, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced on January 16, 2026, in federal court in Sioux City. Gross pled guilty September 11, 2025, to possession of child pornography. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that Sioux City Police received a report from the parents of a 15-year-old that Gross was having conversations with their child that were sexual in nature. Further investigation revealed that Gross and the minor victim discussed sexually explicit messages which also contained photographs of the minor victim. Evidence also showed that Gross received child pornography from April 1–May 14, 2024, and that Gross possessed thousands of other images and videos of child pornography on his cell phone. In 2021, Gross had been convicted of offenses relating to aggravated sexual abuse involving a minor in Minnesota. United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Gross to 120 months’ imprisonment and a 5-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Gross must also pay $3,000 in restitution to the victims of his crimes and an additional $1,100 in fines and assessments. Gross remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” The case was investigated by Sioux City and South Sioux City Police Departments and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information is at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-4021. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: South Bend Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SOUTH BEND – On January 16, 2026, Verrhontez L. Williams, 40 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Williams was sentenced to 57 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $168,744.00 in restitution to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. According to documents in the case, during the COVID-19 pandemic in the summer of 2020, Williams used other people’s personal identifying information to apply for Indiana unemployment benefits and benefits provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. The cash benefits were deposited onto pre-paid debit cards that were mailed to Williams’s house in South Bend. Williams used the debit cards to withdraw cash at banks throughout the city. During the course of Williams’s scheme, at least 23 people’s names were used to apply for benefits totaling $168,744.00. This case was investigated by the Department of Labor OIG, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jerome W. McKeever.


title: Henryetta Resident Pleads Guilty To Sexual Exploitation Of A Child

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Claylon Leon Austin, a/k/a Clayton Leon Austin, age 38, of Henryetta, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Child/Use of a Child to Produce a Visual Depiction, punishable by no less than 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Indictment alleged that beginning on March 13, 2025, and continuing until March 14, 2025, Austin enticed a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating videos using a device which Austin knew was manufactured outside the state of Oklahoma. The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Choctaw 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. Austin will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.


title: Henryetta Resident Pleads Guilty To Distributing Methamphetamine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Caleb Chainey Hensley, age 26, of Henryetta, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine, punishable by a term of ten years to life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. The Indictment alleged that on May 13, 2024, Hensley knowingly and intentionally distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. The charge arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, 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. Hensley will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edith A. Singer and Jacob R. Parker represented the United States.


title: Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty To Unlawful Reentry

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Rider Marel Santos-Lara, a/k/a Rider Santos-Lara, age 36, a Honduran national unlawfully present in Bryan County, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than two years, and a fine of not more than $250,000.00. The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The Indictment alleged that on November 17, 2025, Santos-Lara, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on September 30, 2016. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The Honorable 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. Santos-Lara will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States.


title: Okmulgee Resident Pleads Guilty To Assault With A Dangerous Weapon

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Isaac James Looney, age 22, of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Indictment alleged that on December 16, 2024, Looney assaulted the victim with a dangerous weapon intending to do bodily harm. The crime occurred in Okmulgee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Okmulgee Police Department, and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department. The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, 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. Looney will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lewis M. Reagan and Jordan Howanitz represented the United States.


title: Henryetta Resident Pleads Guilty To Methamphetamine Distribution

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Michael Wayne Wasson, a/k/a Pops, age 64, of Henryetta, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of a Felony Information for Distribution of Methamphetamine, punishable by a term of up to 20 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine. The Information alleged that on or about October 19, 2023, Wasson knowingly and willfully distributed a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. The charge arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. 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. Wasson is remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edith A. Singer and Jacob R. Parker represented the United States.


body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Longino Ramirez Ramos, age 51, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Adair County, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than two years, and a fine of not more than $250,000.00. The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The Indictment alleged that on December 3, 2025, Ramos, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on May 5, 2010, on February 14, 2011, on October 17, 2019, and on February 7, 2020. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, 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. Ramos will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob R. Parker represented the United States.


title: Illegal alien indicted for ramming immigration vehicle causing injury to federal agents  in the Eastern District of Texas

body_text: sanchezj.pdf indictment_0.pdf PLANO, Texas – An illegal alien has been indicted and charged with injuring federal immigration agents in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Jerson Lopez-Sanchez, 28, a citizen and national of Honduras, was indicted and charged with three counts of assaulting federal immigration agents in the Eastern District of Texas. The indictment alleges that on December 1, 2025, federal immigration agents attempted to conduct a lawful traffic stop on a vehicle owned by Lopez-Sanchez, a foreign national who was unlawfully in the United States. The vehicle, which contained at least five occupants, came to a stop in the 2400 block of S. Stemmons Fwy in Lewisville. Federal agents were in three separate vehicles, and all were wearing clearly marked law enforcement vests with police identifying insignia as well as carrying federal agent badges. Soon after he pulled over, Lopez-Sanchez suddenly placed the suspect vehicle in reverse and rammed the federal agent vehicle behind him while a federal agent had one leg outside of the vehicle injuring the agent. This maneuver caused enough space for Lopez-Sanchez to drive around the other law enforcement vehicles and attempt to flee. Federal agents began pursuit of Lopez-Sanchez with red and blue flashing lights engaged. One of the law enforcement vehicles was able to position itself between Lopez-Sanchez and his escape route. Instead of stopping, Lopez-Sanchez accelerated and rammed into that vehicle injuring the two agents inside. Lopez-Sanchez continued to evade with the third vehicle pursuing him on to East Valley Ridge Boulevard in Lewisville for about 10 minutes before the suspect vehicle stopped on a median and all five occupants fled by foot. Three of the occupants were ultimately detained after foot pursuits and with the help of civilians. Lopez-Sanchez was identified as the owner and driver of the vehicle and remains at large. If anyone has knowledge that leads to the arrest of JERSON LOPEZ-SANCHEZ, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). You may be eligible for a cash reward. This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Frisco Resident Agency and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Calli Bailey. This case part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. Lopez-Sanchez faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count of the indictment if convicted. A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ### photos_of_vehicle_0.pdf


title: Illegal alien faces federal charges for selling fentanyl at a farmers market produce stand

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: Atlanta – Luis Sanchez-Acevedo, an illegal alien from Mexico, appeared in federal court yesterday afternoon on charges related to his alleged distribution of fentanyl from a Forest Park farmers market produce stand. “Sanchez-Acevedo allegedly distributed deadly “tranq” pills containing fentanyl and xylazine at a farmers market where he sold fruits and vegetables,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Our community is a safer place now that this illegal alien and his lethal pills are off the streets.” “This defendant is accused of distributing fentanyl, a drug responsible for countless overdose poisonings across our country,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “In support of DEA’s Fentanyl Free America Initiative, DEA remains committed to targeting those who traffic in this poison and holding them accountable through the federal justice system.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: DEA agents learned that Sanchez-Acevedo was allegedly selling counterfeit “M-30” pills containing fentanyl in the Forest Park, Georgia area. The investigation revealed that, in September and October 2025, Sanchez-Acevedo allegedly sold a total of 3,000 pills from or in the vicinity of his produce stand at a Forest Park, Georgia farmers market. DEA agents ultimately recovered the pills, and laboratory testing revealed that the pills contained fentanyl and xylazine, a powerful large animal sedative that is extremely dangerous to humans. On January 13, 2026, agents arrested Sanchez-Acevedo at his produce stand. During a search of the stand, agents recovered approximately 1,000 additional counterfeit pills. The investigation further revealed that Sanchez-Acevedo is a citizen of Mexico and illegally present in the United States. Luis Sanchez-Acevedo, 41, of Tehuacán, Mexico, appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge yesterday on a criminal complaint that charged him with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Members of the public are reminded that the criminal complaint only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with valuable assistance provided by the Clayton County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Herskowitz and Edward C. Robinson Jr. are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Man Sentenced For Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: St. Croix, VI –United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that on January 12, 2026, John Paul Cunningham, 31, was sentenced by Senior District Judge Wilma A. Lewis for possession of child pornography. Judge Lewis sentenced Cunningham to 84 months’ imprisonment, 15 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Restitution will be determined later. According to documents filed with the court, on or about May 5, 2020, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children cyber tip line received information from Google, Inc. regarding a Gmail account user on St. Croix viewing or uploading what appeared to be child sexual exploitation materials. Google provided subscriber information, including the owner’s name and contact numbers for the account. The information revealed that the email address belonged to Cunningham. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) learned that Cunningham would be traveling from St. Croix to the mainland. On June 9, 2020, HSI agents went to Henry Rohlsen Airport and made contact with and interviewed Cunningham. After receiving Cunningham’s consent, agents searched his cell phone Google cloud account and found thousands of images of child sexual abuse material that showed minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The images were produced using materials which had been mailed, shipped, or transported in interstate or foreign commerce, and Cunningham knew the visual depictions involved the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.


title: Semblex Corporation Agrees to Pay $3 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Paycheck Protection Program Loans

component: USAO - Delaware

body_text: Wilmington, Del. – Semblex Corporation, a Delaware corporation, agreed to pay $3,052,250 to resolve allegations that it improperly obtained a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) for which it was not eligible. PPP was an emergency loan program established by Congress in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, and administered by the SBA. It was created to support small businesses and ensure that they could continue to pay employees and meet other business expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. To be eligible for a PPP loan, a business was required to certify that it had no more than 300 employees, including employees of any domestic and foreign affiliates. Semblex engineers and manufactures advanced cold-formed fasteners and precision components for various applications across automotive, industrial, and consumer sectors. Semblex is indirectly, wholly owned by Jinhap Co., Ltd., a South Korean manufacturer. In February 2021, Semblex applied for and obtained a $2,000,000 PPP loan after falsely certifying that it, together with its affiliates, had under 300 employees. Semblex later sought and received forgiveness from SBA of the full amount of that loan. Semblex, however, was ineligible for the loan because it, together with its affiliates including ultimate parent company Jinhap Co., had over 300 employees. U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Claudia L. Pare handled the case, with assistance from Christopher J. McClintock of the SBA. The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party—known as a relator—can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. In this case, the relator will receive a share of the settlement. Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. The settlement agreement is attached to this press release. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 25-264-CFC. The claims resolved by the settlement are merely allegations. There has been no determination of liability. ###


title: Tampa Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing More Than Half a Million Dollars in COVID Relief Funds

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – Terrance Bradford (47, Tampa) was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington to 30 months in federal prison for obtaining multiple fraudulent COVID relief loans. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture of $533,648.32, which represents the proceeds he obtained through these offenses. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court records, between April 2020 and March 2021, Bradford devised a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration by submitting multiple false and fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) and Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan applications. On these applications, Bradford was asked whether he was suspended from contracting with the federal government or whether he was presently in bankruptcy. In response to each question, Bradford answered “no.” Despite Bradford’s certifications, based on a prior investigation from the Department of Labor, Bradford was excluded from receiving any federal contracts or grants. Furthermore, Bradford’s business was in bankruptcy proceedings when he submitted his applications. By concealing this information on his loan applications, Bradford obtained $533,648.32 in COVID relief funds to which he was not entitled. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Small Business Administration - Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer. Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky is handling the forfeiture.


title: Jury Convicts Honduran National of Aggravated Identity Theft and Associated Fraud Charges

body_text: Tampa, FL – A federal jury has found Nidia Roxana Maradiaga-Flores (28), an illegal alien from Honduras, guilty of aggravated identity theft, false representation of a Social Security number, and making a false claim of United States citizenship for employment purposes. Maradiaga-Flores faces a maximum penalty of 12 years in federal prison. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 17, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe made the announcement. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Archer Western-de Moya Group Joint Venture II (Joint Venture), a construction company, is enrolled in E-Verify, a web-based system through which employers electronically confirm the employment eligibility of their employees. Maradiaga-Flores is an illegal alien from Honduras with no lawful status in the United States. On March 23, 2022, Maradiaga-Flores applied for employment with the Joint Venture in Pinellas County and filled out an I-9 form for use in the E-Verify system. On that form, Maradiaga-Flores falsely identified herself as a United States citizen and used another person’s means of identification to defeat the E-Verify system. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration–Office of the Inspector General, the United States Border Patrol, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III, and Assistant United States Attorney Karyna Valdes.


title: Sumter Man Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy in Sumter, Richland Counties

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Jalik Shykeil Tucker, 31, of Sumter, has been sentenced to more than 19 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine and crack cocaine. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in March 2023, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office began a joint investigation after receiving information that Tucker was selling large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl in both counties. RCSD deputies made several undercover buys of methamphetamine and fentanyl from Tucker over a three-week period. During this same time, law enforcement was able to identify two locations in Sumter County and one location in Richland County that Tucker was using for storing and distribution of his drugs. They obtained search warrants for all three locations. During the execution of the search warrants, law enforcement found more than $25,000 cash, including money they paid in purchasing the drugs. They also found methamphetamine, fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, firearms, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, digital scales, baking soda used in the making of crack cocaine, sandwich bags used in the distribution of the drugs, and an electric mixer also used in drug distribution. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Tucker to 235 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Statement from First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – On January 14, 2026, U.S. District Judge David Nuffer issued a ruling regarding the designation of leadership at the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico. First Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Ellison issued the following statement: “Yesterday, a federal district judge ruled that my designation as Acting United States Attorney was invalid. Importantly, the judge also ruled that I was validly designated as First Assistant United States Attorney and, in that capacity, could continue supervising the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico. The judge also declined to dismiss any of the challenged indictments or disqualify me from supervising those cases. Since I was appointed last April, I’ve repeatedly used the phrase “for however long I serve” because the duration of my time leading the United States Attorney’s Office has always been uncertain. Even though my title has changed, my mission remains the same. As the top federal prosecutor in New Mexico, I will work tirelessly to enhance public safety for all New Mexicans. I look forward to continuing to work with public servants of all political stripes for the betterment of our state—for however long I serve.”


title: New York Man Sentenced to Prison for Bank Fraud and Identity Theft in Connection with Stolen $810,000 Tax Refund Check

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Yonkers, N.Y. man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for a scheme to steal an $810,000 tax refund by impersonating a corporate executive in Connecticut. Steven Ware, 64, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 40 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Ware was also ordered to pay $322,436.28 in restitution. In July 2025 , Ware pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Ware was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in September 2024 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2024 . In December 2023, Ware opened bank accounts in the name of a Connecticut investment company and one of its executives at a credit union in Tyngsborough, Mass. When opening the account, Ware identified himself as the executive – using the executive’s full name, date of birth, Social Security number and other documents. Shortly after opening the account, Ware returned to the credit union pretending to be the executive and deposited a United States Treasury check payable to the company and the executive for $810,337. Once the check cleared, a debit card was used to withdraw money from the account to buy goods at various retailers in New York, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Ware returned to the Tyngsborough credit union several times over the following days and weeks pretending to be the executive and wired more than $634,000 of the stolen funds. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; Nicholas Bucciarelli, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division; and Michael Carpenter, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, OIG made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Tyngsborough Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Kosto, Chief of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Springfield Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Trafficking, Illegal Firearms

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court yesterday for fentanyl distribution and illegally possessing firearms. Darius Burnett, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to a total sentence of 13 years in federal prison without parole. Burnett pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on May 8, 2025. On Nov. 8, 2023, investigators with the ATF, DEA, and Springfield Police Department executed a search warrant at Burnett’s residence. During the search of Burnett’s apartment and vehicle, officers located four loaded semi-automatic pistols, including two with extended magazines, body armor, ammunition, marijuana, over 1,000 pills containing fentanyl, and $78,935.80 in cash. In an interview, the defendant described himself as the “top dude” in Springfield, Missouri, for fentanyl sales, stated that he was purchasing 5,000 pills a month from a source in St. Louis, Missouri, and admitted that the cash located by law enforcement were drug proceeds. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.


title: Five Ophthalmology Practices Agree to Pay Nearly $6M to Resolve Allegations of Fraudulent Claims to Medicare and Medicaid for Cranial Ultrasounds

body_text: WASHINGTON — Florida ophthalmology practices Clay Eye Holdings LLC, Retina Macula Specialist of Miami LLC, Florida Eye Institute P.A., Miami Eye LLC, and Kendall Eye Institute Inc. have agreed to pay a total of nearly $6 million to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act arising from their billing for trans-cranial doppler ultrasounds (TCDs) through a kickback arrangement with a third-party testing company. All five practices have agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s ongoing investigations of other participants in the alleged scheme. “Kickbacks and false claims increase healthcare costs for all Americans and undermine the integrity of healthcare decision-making,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Combatting such schemes will continue to be a priority for the Justice Department.” “These settlements are a continuing testament to the United States’ commitment to fight healthcare fraud and ensure that federal healthcare dollars are spent consistently with the law,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe of the Middle District of Florida. “Submitting false claims destroys the public’s trust in our federally funded healthcare programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI Tampa Field Office. “Working together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to prioritize safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s healthcare system and hold accountable those who try to profit from deception.” “Kickback arrangements can corrupt legitimate medical decision-making and undermine the integrity of federal healthcare programs,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ricardo Carcas of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG, working with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate improper billing and kickback schemes to protect both Medicare and Medicaid as well as those served by these programs.” The settlements announced today resolve allegations that the settling practices knowingly submitted, and caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for medically unnecessary TCDs. The settling practices performed TCDs on thousands of patients and billed Medicare and Medicaid hundreds of dollars per test. Before the patients received the results of the test, the practices and the third-party testing company identified the patients as having received a serious diagnosis that could qualify the patient for reimbursement of a TCD by Medicare or Medicaid. However, nearly all patients who received TCDs never had that diagnosis, and it was not reflected in the patient’s medical history or in the TCD results. The settling practices paid the third-party testing company based on the volume or value of tests ordered and referred the patients to the testing company’s preferred radiology group for the TCDs’ professional component. The United States alleged that as a result of this scheme, the settling practices submitted, or caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for TCDs between Jan. 1, 2018 and June 1, 2022 that were medically unnecessary, that were premised on false diagnoses, and that resulted from violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law. As a result of the settlements, Clay Eye Holdings LLC will pay $2,140,000, Retina Macula Specialist of Miami LLC will pay $1,750,000, Florida Eye Institute P.A. will pay $1,250,000, Miami Eye LLC will pay $525,000, and Kendall Eye Institute Inc. will pay $310,000. Of the total settlement amount, $333,500 will be paid to the State of Florida for its share of Medicaid, which is a jointly funded federal and state program. The civil settlements resolved claims in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the Government’s recovery. The qui tam was filed by a whistleblower who will receive $1,135,250 in connection with the settlements. The settlements were the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from HHS-OIG and the FBI. The United States previously resolved similar allegations against Brandon Eye Associates P.A. and Pinellas Eye Care, P.A. (doing business as Gulfcoast Eye Care) . The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). Trial Attorney Nelson Wagner in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S Attorney Mamie Wise for the Middle District of Florida handled the matter. The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: PENSACOLA MAN CHARGED WITH DRUG TRAFFICKING

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Adrian Dion Pettaway Jr., 24, of Pensacola, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with distribution of a controlled substance. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today. Pettaway appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon on December 22, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for February 17, 2026, at 8:30 am before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. If convicted, Pettaway faces between five to 40 years’ imprisonment. The case involved a joint investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Tharp is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case 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 available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Guatemalan National Sentenced to Eight Months in Prison for Forcibly Assaulting Federal Officers During Immigration Arrest

body_text: BOSTON – A Guatemalan national has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for assaulting multiple officers during an immigration arrest. Guido Andres Cuellar Batres, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to eight months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In October 2025 , Cuellar pleaded guilty to forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with federal officers engaged in the performance of official duties. Cuellar was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 17, 2025 . Cuellar had overstayed his non-immigrant visa by more than four years and, as a result, there was an outstanding immigration warrant for his arrest. At approximately 9:45 a.m. on May 4, 2025, four federal officers – three Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and a Drug Enforcement Administration agent – set up surveillance in a parking lot in Marlborough. There, a vehicle was observed entering the parking lot, with Cuellar in the front passenger seat. The officers – who were wearing outer garments identifying themselves as law enforcement – approached the vehicle and ordered Cuellar, in both English and Spanish, to step out of the car. Cuellar refused. The officers then instructed Cuellar and the driver to unlock the vehicle, but they did not do so. After being instructed to keep his hands visible, Cuellar reached down such that officers lost sight of his hands – raising concern that he might be reaching for a weapon. Given this concern and the refusals to comply with orders, the officers broke the rear passenger side window, enabling them to gain entry to the vehicle and unlock the front passenger door. Upon being removed from the vehicle, Cuellar resisted officer efforts to bring his arms behind his back for handcuffing. As officers continued to attempt to handcuff Cuellar, he tried to bite one of them in the leg, did bite another officer above his wrist and struck that officer in the head multiple times. After the officers succeeded in handcuffing Cuellar, he continued to resist. As agents attempted to secure Cuellar in the rear seat of their vehicle, he jumped numerous times to avoid being put in the vehicle. One of the officers entered the opposite side of the vehicle to pull Cuellar into the rear seat. As the officer took hold of Cuellar, he head-butted the officer and spat directly into the officer’s eyes and face. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston; and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert E. Richardson of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.


title: PENSACOLA MAN SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR FIREARMS AND NARCOTICS OFFENSES

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

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Malcolm Terrell Louis, 40, of Pensacola, was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute 5 grams of more of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and two counts of 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: “Thanks to the outstanding work of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners, my office was able to deliver this successful prosecution to keep drugs and this dangerous criminal off our streets. This is yet another win for Operation Take Back America, fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to unleash the full power of the Department of Justice to incapacitate the violent drug traffickers and career criminals who have terrorized our streets for far too long.” According to court records, on December 17, 2024, law enforcement observed a parked vehicle outside a housing complex in Pensacola with the engine running and no one inside. Multiple bags of narcotics including methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, cell phones, and a Glock handgun were observed inside the vehicle. The cell phone was later identified as belonging to the defendant and his fingerprints were on one of the bags of narcotics. The methamphetamine weighed over 50 grams. On March 7, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in Pensacola that was occupied by the defendant and others. Investigators located multiple firearms, ammunition, and multiple bags of narcotics, including methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana. The methamphetamine weighed over 25 grams. The defendant is a multi-time convicted felon, who was released from state prison in 2024 after a five-year sentence. The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Etherton. 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 for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Chicago Businessman Sentenced for Role in Bank Fraud and Pandemic-Relief Fraud Schemes

component: Criminal Division

body_text: An Illinois businessman was sentenced yesterday to six years in prison and two years of supervised release for his role in schemes to fraudulently obtain over $55 million in commercial loans and lines of credit, as well as for submitting fraudulent applications to obtain COVID-19 relief money guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). He was also ordered to pay $ 23,226,005 in restitution. “The defendant orchestrated a massive scheme to fraudulently obtain over $55 million in commercial loans and lines of credit from federally insured financial institutions and exploit the Paycheck Protection Program,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Criminal Division. “The defendant’s lies and deceit put our financial system at risk and wasted limited resources. The Criminal Division remains dedicated to prosecuting fraudsters who steal from our important institutions and taxpayer-assistance programs.” “The duration, brazenness, and magnitude of this fraud scheme speaks to the defendant’s determination and greed,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois. “The fact that such a sophisticated scheme was uncovered and successfully prosecuted is a testament to the diligent work of our prosecutors and federal law enforcement agents. Our Office was proud to partner with the Department of Justice Fraud Section on this case and many others that hold defendants accountable and provide justice for defrauded victims.” According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Rahul Shah, 56, of Evanston, the owner and operator of several information-technology companies in the Chicago area, fraudulently obtained funds from loans and lines of credit for which he was not eligible from federally insured financial institutions and later defaulted on at least one such line of credit and one such loan. Shah submitted to federally insured financial institutions falsified bank statements that fraudulently inflated deposits, falsified balance sheets that overstated revenues, and fabricated audited financial statements with forged signatures. Shah also engaged in monetary transactions with proceeds from the bank fraud. In addition, Shah submitted to a federally insured bank an application for a $441,138 loan guaranteed by the SBA that significantly overstated the payroll expenses of a company he controlled. In support of the loan application, he submitted to the lender several fraudulent IRS documents, which falsely represented that the company made payments to multiple individuals who had not received such payments. He also used stolen identities in the PPP loan application to carry out the fraud, listing the names and taxpayer-identification numbers of individuals that he knew had not received payments from the company. Shah signed and caused to be submitted to the lender what purported to be IRS Forms 941 representing his company’s quarterly payroll expenses for 2019. A comparison between the documents submitted to the lender and the company’s IRS and state tax filings revealed that Shah’s company reported significantly lower payroll expenses to the tax authorities. In July 2025, Shah was convicted of seven counts of bank fraud, five counts of making false statements to a financial institution, two counts of money laundering and two counts of aggravated identity theft. The FBI and Small Business Association Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG) investigated the case. Assistant Chief Patrick Mott and Trial Attorney Lindsey Carson of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the PPP. Since the enactment of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 200 defendants in more than 130 criminal cases and has seized over $78 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: PRISON TIME FOR BANK BURGLARS INVOLVED IN MULTI-STATE ATM HEIST SCHEME

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Quinnaland Jerome Rhodes, 39, of Apalachicola, Florida, Imuel Wade Thompkins, 31, of Missouri City, Texas, and Derron Skinner, 34, of Houston, Texas, were sentenced to prison for conspiracy to commit burglaries, bank burglary, and bank larceny. Thompkins was sentenced to four years in prison; Skinner received a three-year prison term; and Rhodes was sentenced to two years in prison. The sentences were announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the outstanding investigative work by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Port St. Joe Police Department, and the FBI, these offenders and their multi-state burglary scheme were stopped cold in their tracks. My office will continue to back up the hard work of our law enforcement partners with aggressive prosecutions to send criminals like these men to federal prison.” On December 10, 2023, and December 23, 2023, Skinner, Thompkins, and Rhodes committed a string of ATM burglaries at banks in Port St. Joe and Callaway, Florida. To commit the burglaries, the defendants used stolen Ford F-250 trucks and tow chains to forcibly open the ATMs. After Thompkins and Rhodes were arrested, it was discovered that Skinner and Thompkins also committed ATM burglaries using stolen Ford F-250 trucks at banks in Oregon and Missouri. The conspirators’ criminal actions caused approximately $351,284 in damage. “This case demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships between local, state, and federal law enforcement,” said Chief of Police Jake Richards, Port St Joe Police Department. “These were well-organized property crimes that impacted our community and others across the country. Because of coordinated investigative work, those responsible are now being held accountable.” Sheriff Tommy Ford, Bay County Sheriff’s Office said: “When criminals target our communities, we work together to hold them accountable and protect the people we serve.” All three defendants will be on supervised release for three years following their release from prison. They were ordered to pay $351,284 in restitution. The case involved a joint investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Port St. Joe Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp. 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: The Harvard Club of Boston Agrees to Pay $2.4 Million to Resolve Allegations of PPP Loan Fraud

body_text: BOSTON – The Harvard Club of Boston, a private club that is not formally affiliated with Harvard University, has agreed to pay approximately $2.4 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by obtaining a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for which it was not eligible. Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and the Economic Security Act (CARES Act) on March 29, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain approved expenses through the PPP. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has longstanding guidance identifying businesses that are ineligible for loan programs including “private clubs and businesses which limit the number of memberships for reasons other than capacity” and “restrict patronage for any reason other than capacity.” SBA’s guidance also made clear that this restriction applied specifically to eligibility for PPP loans. As detailed in the settlement agreement, The Harvard Club of Boston admits that, on May 4, 2021, it applied for and certified its eligibility for a first draw PPP loan. The Harvard Club of Boston later sought and received forgiveness from SBA of the full amount of its loan. At the time of its application, The Harvard Club of Boston operated as a private membership club that restricted membership to applicants who fit certain eligibility criteria, and therefore, it was ineligible for loans under the PPP program. The settlement credits The Harvard Club of Boston for cooperation under the Department of Justice’s Guidelines for Taking Voluntary Disclosure, Cooperation and Remediation into Account in False Claims Act Matters. The claims resolved in today’s settlement include claims that were brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. As part of today’s resolution, Mr. Foster will receive approximately $247,219. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Foster. v. Harvard Club of Boston, No. 25-cv-11530 (D. Mass. 2025). U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley and Wendell Davis, General Counsel for the Small Businesses Administration made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Ross of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the case. harvard_club_settlement_agreement_fully_executed.pdf


title: Macomb County Resident Sentenced for Multi-Million Dollar Pandemic Assistance Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT - A Macomb County resident was sentenced yesterday for her role in a multi-million-dollar Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) fraud scheme, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. Joining in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey, Homeland Security Investigations Detroit. Rita Shaba, 40, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison after having pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. According to court records, Shaba and her co-conspirators caused fraudulent PPP applications to be submitted for several business entities. Those applications misrepresented payroll information for the business entities and falsely certified that PPP loan funds would be used for permissible business-related purposes. The defendants also caused fictitious payroll, health insurance, bank, and tax records to be submitted in connection with the PPP loan applications. The defendants received over $3 million in fraudulent PPP loan funds. To date, law enforcement has seized and recovered over $2.1 million of those funds. The Paycheck Protection Program was created by Congress to provide assistance to businesses harmed by the economic dislocations caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Shaba was sentenced by Judge Jonathan J.C. Grey. Her co-defendants, Samer Kammo and Christina Anasi, still await sentencing. As part of her sentence, Shaba was also ordered to pay $3,294,798.50 in restitution. According to court records, when Shaba learned of the government’s investigation, she messaged a co-conspirator and stated that she thought she was ““going on a long vacation” and “leaving for a few years.” “Rita Shaba told countless lies in this case. But this is true: when you get caught committing major fraud in our district, we will aggressively prosecute you and seek substantial prison time,” stated U.S. Attorney Gorgon. "When federal relief programs are fraudulently abused, accountability must follow,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Rita Shaba diverted pandemic relief funds intended to support workers and small businesses, exploiting a national emergency for personal gain. The sentence imposed demonstrates that fraudulent abuse will not be tolerated. This result would not be possible without the hardworking investigative efforts of our team from the FBI Macomb County Resident Agency, HSI, and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan whose diligence ensured this scheme was uncovered and brought to justice.” “Homeland Security Investigations is committed to protecting the integrity of federal relief programs and holding accountable those who exploit them for personal gain,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey of HSI Detroit. “This sentence demonstrates that individuals who defraud programs intended to help businesses and workers in times of crisis will face serious consequences.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. The Unemployment Insurance Agency, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has also provided valuable assistance. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Yahkind. Related forfeiture and restitution matters are being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Nathan.


component: Civil Division

body_text: Florida ophthalmology practices Clay Eye Holdings LLC, Retina Macula Specialist of Miami LLC, Florida Eye Institute P.A., Miami Eye LLC, and Kendall Eye Institute Inc. have agreed to pay a total of nearly $6 million to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act arising from their billing for trans-cranial doppler ultrasounds (TCDs) through a kickback arrangement with a third-party testing company. All five practices have agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s ongoing investigations of other participants in the alleged scheme. “Kickbacks and false claims increase healthcare costs for all Americans and undermine the integrity of healthcare decision-making,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Combatting such schemes will continue to be a priority for the Justice Department.” “These settlements are a continuing testament to the United States’ commitment to fight healthcare fraud and ensure that federal healthcare dollars are spent consistently with the law,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Submitting false claims destroys the public’s trust in our federally funded healthcare programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI Tampa Field Office. “Working together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to prioritize safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s healthcare system and hold accountable those who try to profit from deception.” “Kickback arrangements can corrupt legitimate medical decision-making and undermine the integrity of federal healthcare programs,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ricardo Carcas of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG, working with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate improper billing and kickback schemes to protect both Medicare and Medicaid as well as those served by these programs.” The settlements announced today resolve allegations that the settling practices knowingly submitted, and caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for medically unnecessary TCDs. The settling practices performed TCDs on thousands of patients and billed Medicare and Medicaid hundreds of dollars per test. Before the patients received the results of the test, the practices and the third-party testing company identified the patients as having received a serious diagnosis that could qualify the patient for reimbursement of a TCD by Medicare or Medicaid. However, nearly all patients who received TCDs never had that diagnosis, and it was not reflected in the patient’s medical history or in the TCD results. The settling practices paid the third-party testing company based on the volume or value of tests ordered and referred the patients to the testing company’s preferred radiology group for the TCDs’ professional component. The United States alleged that as a result of this scheme, the settling practices submitted, or caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for TCDs between Jan. 1, 2018 and June 1, 2022 that were medically unnecessary, that were premised on false diagnoses, and that resulted from violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law. As a result of the settlements, Clay Eye Holdings LLC will pay $2,140,000, Retina Macula Specialist of Miami LLC will pay $1,750,000, Florida Eye Institute P.A. will pay $1,250,000, Miami Eye LLC will pay $525,000, and Kendall Eye Institute Inc. will pay $310,000. Of the total settlement amount, $333,500 will be paid to the State of Florida for its share of Medicaid, which is a jointly funded federal and state program. The civil settlements resolved claims in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the Government’s recovery. The qui tam was filed by a whistleblower who will receive $1,135,250 in connection with the settlements. The settlements were the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from HHS-OIG and the FBI. The United States previously resolved similar allegations against Brandon Eye Associates P.A. and Pinellas Eye Care, P.A. (doing business as Gulfcoast Eye Care) . The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). Trial Attorney Nelson Wagner in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S Attorney Mamie Wise for the Middle District of Florida handled the matter. The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones Swears in New Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – United States Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones administered the oath of office this week to several new Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) and Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) during a swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. Chris Dykstra, Violette Bishai, Daniel Reuter, and Benjamin Sardinas were sworn in as Assistant United States Attorneys assigned to the Criminal Division. Tatiana Pino was sworn in as an Assistant United States Attorney assigned to the Appellate Division. Vanessa Terrades and Jeffrey Pierce were sworn in as Special Assistant United States Attorneys to the Criminal Division. Both join the Office from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (ICE OPLA) and will serve in the Border and Immigration Crimes Enforcement (BICE) Section. Liviu Lungu and Brittany Brock were sworn in as Special Assistant United States Attorneys to the Civil Division. They also join the Office from ICE OPLA and will serve in the Civil Immigration Unit. Jackson Dering was sworn in as an Assistant United States Attorney assigned to the Criminal Division and will serve in the BICE Section. “These attorneys represent the very best of public service: exceptional talent, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to the rule of law,” said U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones. “They are joining this Office at a critical moment, and they will play an essential role in protecting our communities and enforcing the laws of the United States.” The newly sworn AUSAs and SAUSAs will handle a broad range of matters, including federal criminal prosecutions, appellate litigation, and civil enforcement, with particular emphasis on security matters critical to the Southern District of Florida. ###


title: Boise Man Pleads Guilty to Transportation for Commercial Sexual Activity

component: USAO - Idaho

body_text: BOISE – Lajai Jamar Pridgette, 40, of Boise, pleaded guilty to transportation for commercial sexual activity, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. According to court records, between May 14, 2024, and December 19, 2024, Pridgette engaged in a scheme to make money from commercial sexual activity. Pridgette arranged for two adult females to travel to multiple states to engage in commercial sexual activity. Pridgette also made hotel reservations and posted online advertisements to facilitate the commercial sexual activity. Pridgette received approximately $79,000 in proceeds from the commercial sexual activity. Pridgette is scheduled to be sentenced on March 9, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a minimum of five years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. U.S. Attorney Davis commended the cooperative efforts of the Meridian Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Garden City Police Department, United States Probation, and the Idaho Department of Corrections Probation and Parole, which led to charge. ###


title: Southern District of Texas launches Operation Lighthouse, a new initiative to combat sexual assault of rideshare passengers

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A new Southern District of Texas initiative has resulted in the return of four separate indictments against Houston-area men for kidnapping women while working as rideshare drivers, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Cesar Martell, 32, Humble, and Janaka Manatunga, 57, Conroe, are set to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan at 2 p.m. Authorities previously arrested Barney Steven Flores, 35, Tomball, who remains in federal custody. Also charged is Abdou Mbacke, 42, who last resided in The Woodlands. He is a fugitive, and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest. These charges are the result of Operation Lighthouse, a Southern District of Texas initiative to combat sexual abuse involving ridesharing applications. The initiative leverages federal resources and sentencing laws to secure more meaningful penalties, bring justice to victims and ultimately promote a greater sense of safety within the community. “Rideshare drivers who exploit the trust of their passengers will face the full force of law in the Southern District of Texas,” said U.S. Attorney Ganjei. “Operation Lighthouse is sending an unmistakably clear message–if you abuse your position to hurt others, we will find you, we will arrest you, we will prosecute you. Every passenger deserves to arrive at their destination safely; my office will fight to make that happen.” “Cesar Martell, Barney Steve Flores, Janaka Manatunga, and Abdou Mbacke allegedly disguised themselves as trusted rideshare drivers to commit some of the most traumatic and violent crimes against female passengers,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams. “Today’s arrests are due in large part to the bravery of the victims who reported their kidnappings and sexual assaults to law enforcement. We encourage other potential victims of these men, or any other predators posing as rideshare drivers, to come forward and report it to the FBI.” According to the indictments returned Dec. 16, 2025, Martell, Manatunga, Flores and Mbacke are charged with kidnapping victims and exploiting them for the purpose of sexual gratification. The charges also allege the defendants either drove their victims to locations other than what they had requested or prevented them from leaving the drivers’ vehicles. In the case of Cesar Martell, he is alleged to have committed two separate sexual assaults while employed as a rideshare driver. Martell allegedly strangled his victims either before or during the sexual assaults. Court records indicate all four men previously worked for a rideshare company over multiple years. However, the company allegedly terminated their accounts following victim reports. Some of the defendants are also facing state charges. If convicted, each faces up to life in prison as well as a $250,000 maximum possible fine. If you believe you are a victim of a similar sexual assault involving any rideshare service or if you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Mbacke, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law


component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Somersworth Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution CONCORD – A Somersworth man was sentenced today in federal court for possessing 100 grams of fentanyl for distribution, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Antoine Valentin, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 96 months in federal prison and 4 years of supervised release. Valentin previously pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. “Today’s sentence reflects the serious threat posed by those who deal in lethal drugs like fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “This defendant was preparing to distribute this deadly substance, putting lives at risk. Our office will continue supporting our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in drug interdiction efforts to prevent these deadly drugs from reaching our streets, and to hold accountable those who seek to profit from poisoning the public and devastating New Hampshire communities.” “Fentanyl is causing tremendous damage to our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “Those who distribute fentanyl are endangering the safety of the citizens of the Granite State. The men and women of the DEA will continue to work each day alongside our local, state, and federal partners to identify those who are responsible for distributing fentanyl and other deadly drugs.” “The Dover Police Department is proud to have participated in this collaborative investigative effort with local and federal law enforcement to help remove these dangerous drugs from our communities. We believe that this substantial sentence is appropriate to hold Antoine Valentin accountable for his criminal conduct,” said Chief David Terlemezian, Dover Police Department. On November 1, 2022, law enforcement authorities arrested Valentin at his Somersworth residence on a state assault charge, which led to the seizure of approximately 100 grams of fentanyl and drug proceeds totaling $1,300 in United States currency. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Somersworth Police Department led the investigation. The Dover Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, Hampton Police Department, Seabrook Police Department, Rochester Police Department, University of New Hampshire Police Department, and the York, Maine, Police Department, provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar A. Vega prosecuted the case. This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects More Than $4 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2025

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Acting U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma announced today that the Western District of Wisconsin collected $4,172,836 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2025. Of this amount, $3,269,903 was collected in criminal actions and $902,933 was collected in civil actions. Additionally, the Western District of Wisconsin worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $58,199 in criminal actions pursued jointly by these offices. Acting U.S. Attorney Elgersma thanked the dedicated attorneys and support professionals who work on collection and forfeiture matters in the Western District of Wisconsin, “Their diligent efforts have been instrumental in upholding the law, holding wrongdoers accountable, and recovering funds for victims of crime.” 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. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Wisconsin, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $414,632 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2025. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.


title: Bellingham, Washington woman charged with International Parental Kidnapping

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 32-year-old Bellingham woman appeared late yesterday in U.S. District Court in Seattle after being extradited from Panama where she had illegally traveled with her 4-year-old son, announced U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Talisa Manuella Munoz, failed to return the boy to his father as required by the final parenting plan. She secretly flew to Panama after using false documents to get the child a passport. Magistrate Judge Kate Vaughan ordered Munoz detained pending trial. The judge found that Munoz was a flight risk due to the extensive planning and misrepresentation that the defendant engaged in to secrete the child and take him to Panama. According to the criminal complaint, Munoz, was supposed to return the child to his father on September 8, 2025, following a weekend visitation. When the child was not returned, the father reported to law enforcement and the FBI opened an investigation. Law enforcement determined that months before leaving, Munoz, had falsely claimed on her son’s passport application that she had no way to find or know the father. She submitted a birth certificate that said “none named” where the father’s name should be. The investigation revealed that Talisa Manuella Munoz schemed with her family for months to take the child to Panama and flew out of Seattle on or about September 7, 2025. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) and the U.S. Embassy in Panama City worked with law enforcement in Panama to arrest and secure the extradition of Talisa Manuella Munoz. She was returned to the Western District of Washington on January 8, 2026. Her young son was reunited with his father. International Parental Kidnapping is punishable by a maximum of three years in prison. False statement in an application for a passport is punishable by a maximum of fifteen years in prison. The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.


title: Mexican national sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for trafficking heroin, illegally reentering United States

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Daniel H. Rodriguez-Andrade, 52, of Mexico, was sentenced in U.S. District Court here to 120 months in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin and for illegally reentering the United States after being convicted of a felony. According to court documents, Rodriguez-Andrade has been deported from the United States on four previous occasions. In July 2024, law enforcement officials encountered Rodriguez-Andrade in Pataskala, Ohio. The defendant possessed nearly two and a half kilograms of black tar heroin that he intended to sell for profit in Central Ohio. Rodriguez-Andrade attempted to sell the bulk heroin for $80,000 but was apprehended by law enforcement. Rodriguez-Andrade was charged by federal criminal complaint in August 2024 and pleaded guilty in July 2025. At the time of his instant offense, the defendant was on supervised release for a federal conviction in Arizona. The Court also sentenced him to 16 months in prison for violating his supervised release, with 12 months of that sentence to be served consecutively to the 120-month sentence imposed. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Matthew Stentz, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp announced the sentence imposed on Jan. 14 by U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorney Sheila G. Lafferty is representing the United States in this case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. # # #


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced For Destruction of Mail

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that PJ WHITAKER (“WHITAKER”) , age 36, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on January 7, 2026 to one year of probation by U.S. District Court Judge Greg G. Guidry. WHITAKER previously pleaded guilty to two counts of destruction of mail, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1703. According to court documents, WHITAKER , while employed as a Postal Service employee, unlawfully opened packages, intended to be conveyed by mail, that had come into his possession while he worked on a Small Parcel and Bundle Sorter. The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Christine Calogero of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.