title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 91 Border-Related Cases This Week

component: USAO - California, Southern

number: CAS25-0801-Border Related Cases

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 91 border-related cases this week, including charges of assault on a federal officer, bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city). In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here . A sample of border-related arrests this week: On July 28, Martin ALFARO Arambula, a Mexican citizen, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, ALFARO was attempting to enter the U.S. at the San Ysidro Port of Entry when he was intercepted by Customs and Border Patrol agents with 221.18 kgs (487.62 lbs.) of cocaine. On July 29, Luis Antonio CARCAMO and Isabel VERA-Cortes were arrested and charged with bringing in and harboring certain aliens. According to a complaint, U.S. Border Patrol Agents were conducting a pro-active patrol of Interstate 5, when they observed a suspicious vehicle. Following a traffic stop on the suspicious vehicle, U.S. Border Patrol Agents conducted an immigration inspection on the driver and passengers of the vehicle later identified as CARCAMO and VERA, who identified themselves as United States Citizens. After U.S. Border Patrol Agents learned that the third occupant of the vehicle was a citizen of Mexico without immigration documents, Border Patrol Agents placed CARCAMO and VERA under arrest for alien smuggling. Also recently, a number of defendants with criminal records were convicted by a jury or sentenced for border-related crimes such as illegally re-entering the U.S. after previous deportation. Here are a few of those cases: On July 29, Abner Leon-Mote, a Mexican national who was previously convicted of felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon in April 2018, was sentenced in federal court to 30 months in custody for again entering the U.S. illegally. On July 29, Juan Carlos Luna Valenzuela, a Mexican national who was convicted of illegal entry and deported in 2024, was sentenced in federal court to 67 days’ in custody for again entering the U.S illegally. He was also sentenced to an additional, consecutive 30 days’ custody for violating probation in his prior illegal entry case. On July 31, Gustavo Sanchez Meneses, a Mexican national who was previously convicted of felony sexual abuse of a child for which he served 12 years in state custody and was deported in 2022, was sentenced in federal court to 15 months in custody for entering the U.S illegally. On August 1, Antonio Reyes-Camacho, a Mexican national who was previously convicted of a felony in 2023 and twice removed from the U.S., was sentenced in federal court to time served for being found unlawfully in the U.S. On August 1, Noe Dario Lopez Saavedra, a Mexican national who worked as a ministerial officer at the Attorney General’s Office in Mexico, was sentenced in federal court to 21 months in custody for participating in an international conspiracy to distribute cocaine. On August 1, Sabino Valderas-Largo, a Mexican national who was previously convicted of five DUI offenses, including a felony DUI, was sentenced in federal court to 30 months in custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release for again entering the U.S illegally. On August 1, Ricardo Barajas-Beltran, a Mexican national who was previously convicted of Trafficking in Cocaine, Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Trafficking in Illegal Drugs, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana more than One Ounce, and Possession of Sawed-Off Shotgun, Sawed-Off Rifle, Machine Gun, Dangerous Weapon, or Silencer in 2019, was sentenced in federal court to 30 months in custody, followed by 2 years of supervised release for again entering the U.S illegally. Pursuant to the Department’s Operation Take Back America priorities, federal law enforcement has focused immigration prosecutions on undocumented aliens who are engaged in criminal activity in the U.S., including those who commit drug and firearms crimes, who have serious criminal records, or who have active warrants for their arrest. Federal authorities have also been prioritizing investigations and prosecutions against drug, firearm, and human smugglers and those who endanger and threaten the safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers who protect the community. The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners. Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: FEDERAL JURY CONVICTS TWO MERIDIAN DRUG TRAFFICKERS FOR CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE KILOGRAMS OF COCAINE FROM MEXICO

component: Department of Justice

body_text: JACKSON, MS – A federal jury convicted Fredrick Dywane Campbell , 51, and Ramonz Payne , 45, both of Meridian, MS, for conspiring with each other and several others to possess cocaine and marijuana with the intent to distribute those drugs. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from at least November 2019 through at least July 2020, Campbell arranged with separate sources of supply in Texas and in Alabama to illegally obtain approximately 50 kilograms of cocaine imported from Mexico and then sell the cocaine to other drug dealers in the Meridian area for their further sale or distribution to more people. The conspiracy also included the illegal distribution of marijuana. Ramonz Payne likewise was convicted of participating in the conspiracy with Campbell and others to possess the cocaine from Mexico, as well as marijuana, with the intent to distribute the drugs to others. Other charged coconspirators have previously pleaded guilty in the case, one of whom have been sentenced, and some of whom await sentencing: Americo Aldrete , 57, Houston, TX: pleaded guilty on June 23, 2025, and awaits sentencing scheduled for October 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Billy Wilson , 53, Cuba, AL: pleaded guilty on June 23, 2025, and awaits sentencing scheduled for October 22, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. James Green , 53, Meridian, MS: pleaded guilty on July 11, 2024, and was sentenced to serve the statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison to be followed by 4 years of supervised release, ordered to pay a $1,500 fine and the $100 statutory special assessment in criminal cases. Jeffery Jennings , 42, Meridian, MS: pleaded guilty on July 8, 2025, and awaits sentencing scheduled for November 5, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi; Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge Matthew Reidell, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Director Phillip Pope, and Lauderdale County Sheriff Ward Calhoun, III, made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the East Mississippi Drug Task Force of the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carla J. Clark and Samuel P. Goff prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Meridian Man Found Guilty of Drug Trafficking

body_text: Jackson, MS – A federal jury convicted a Meridian, Mississippi man today of drug trafficking offenses after four days of trial. According to court documents, Jabreon Deshon Mosley, 34, was found guilty of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. Evidence presented at trial, showed that in January of 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Mosley’s residence where they recovered from him over 87 pounds of methamphetamine, 45 pounds of fentanyl, and 35 pounds of cocaine, 2 different pill press machines, 13 firearms, and 1 suppressor. From at least October of 2023 until January of 2024, Mosley was utilizing an illegal automatic pill press machine to manufacture thousands of counterfeit pharmaceutical pills containing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. These counterfeit pills were then distributed to the streets of Meridian, Mississippi and parts of Alabama. “I am proud of the work and collaboration between my office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics to take this massive amount of drugs off our streets”, stated Acting United States Attorney Patrick A. Lemon. "The seizure of this massive amount of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, along with illegal firearms and pill presses, is a significant blow to the criminal organizations that endanger our streets," said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Anessa Daniels-McCaw. "This successful outcome is a direct result of the collaboration and dedication of the Mississippi Homeland Security Task Force as part of Operation Take Back America, which is marshaling the full resources of the Department of Justice to eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations." “This case is a clear example of the dangerous impact drug trafficking has on our communities,” said Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell. “I commend the DEA, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and our federal partners for their tireless work in getting these deadly drugs and illegal weapons off the streets. We will continue to work together to dismantle the criminal networks pushing poison into our neighborhoods.” The Drug Enforcement Administration Jackson and Birmingham District Offices, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the East Mississippi Drug Task Force are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam T. Stuart and Kabah S. Ealy are prosecuting the case. This case was investigated by the Mississippi Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Long Beach Man Arrested on Federal Criminal Complaint Charging Him with Sending a Dozen Payments to Suspected ISIS Terrorists

component: National Security Division (NSD)

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Long Beach man was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint alleging he sent a dozen payments to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Mark Lorenzo Villanueva, 28, is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, a felony offense that carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Villanueva, who is a lawful permanent resident from the Philippines, is scheduled to make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in Los Angeles. “Supporting a terrorist group, whether at home or abroad, is a serious risk to our national security,” said Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “We will aggressively hunt down and prosecute anyone who provides support or comfort to our enemies.” “Mr. Villanueva is alleged to have financially supported and pledged his allegiance to a terror group that targets the United States and our interests around the world,” said Patrick Grandy, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. “Thanks to the proactive efforts by the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the FBI and our partners safely arrested Mr. Villanueva today and prevented further support and spreading of ISIS ideology.” According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, Villanueva communicated via social media with two individuals who self-identified as ISIS fighters. During these communications, Villanueva discussed his desire to support ISIS, and offered to send money to the ISIS fighters to support their terrorist activities. Villanueva told one of the self-identified ISIS fighters that Villanueva wanted to fight for ISIS himself, stating, “It’s an honor to fight and die for our faith. It’s the best way to go to heaven.” Villanueva also stated, “Someday soon, I’ll be joining.” Villanueva told the other individual that Villanueva possessed a bomb and knives. According to prosecutors, during Villanueva’s arrest this morning, the FBI recovered what appeared to be a bomb from Villanueva’s bedroom. In a February 2025 message with one of the self-identified ISIS fighters, Villanueva offered to send the individual money, and asked whether the money would “cover your equipment and your weapons.” Villanueva discussed sending the money through an intermediary. According to Western Union records, Villanueva then sent 12 payments totaling $1,615 during a five-month period to two intermediaries who accessed the money overseas. A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Colin S. Scott of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section is prosecuting this case, with substantial assistance from Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.


title: Horry County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Gun, Drug Charges

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

body_text: FLORENCE, S.C. — Zuri Jaheem Stephens, 23, of Horry County, has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in October and November 2022, law enforcement conducted a series of controlled buys of fentanyl from Stephens. Following those buys, law enforcement obtained search warrants for addresses in Little River that were associated with Stephens. During the search of one of these addresses, law enforcement found fentanyl and methamphetamine, pills, a pill press, and assorted firearm magazines. During the search of another address, law enforcement found fentanyl, methamphetamine, and two firearms. United States District Judge Joseph Dawson, III sentenced Stephens to 105 months imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Horry County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Flynn and Lauren Hummel are prosecuting the case. ###


title: York County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Conspiracy While in State Prison

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Jacquese Traveon Underwood, 40, of Rock Hill has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl. At the time of the conspiracy, Underwood was incarcerated in the Department of Corrections serving a sentence for drug trafficking. During an investigation of Darryl Hemphill and others, agents learned that Underwood was responsible for arranging the purchase and distribution of narcotics he obtained from Hemphill, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl-based pills. The fentanyl-based pills Underwood obtained from Hemphill resembled that of an Oxycodone pill, also known in the generic form as Roxicodone. Hemphill and other members of his drug trafficking organization produced the pills, which were clandestinely manufactured with fentanyl at various locations around Rock Hill and Charlotte. As the leader of this organization, Hemphill was supplying the drugs to Underwood while he was incarcerated in the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Underwood used his drug trafficking knowledge to continue his drug trafficking business while inside the SCDC system. Agents identified Underwood from monitored telephone calls with Hemphill and statements from others. Agents learned that Underwood and others taught Hemphill the process to order, ship, and receive narcotics from Southern California. Underwood utilized associates outside the prison facility to obtain the drugs from Hemphill in Rock Hill. Underwood arranged the purchase and exchange of the drugs from Hemphill to other individuals. While incarcerated, Underwood received at least 1,000 fentanyl-based pills, over 700 grams of methamphetamine, and approximately 312 grams of cocaine from Hemphill. United States District Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Underwood to 121 months imprisonment, to be followed by a four-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This investigation and arrests are part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, York County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case. ###


title: 176 Immigration Cases Filed in the Western District of Texas This Week

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas Justin R. Simmons announced today that federal prosecutors in the district filed 176 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from July 24 through July 31, 2025. In one such case, Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers requested assistance from El Paso Border Patrol Agents after receiving information from a concerned citizen about an apartment possibly being used to house illegal aliens. After agents arrived at the residence to perform an investigatory inquiry, an individual later identified as Jose Alfredo MACIAS-Mendoza answered the door and the agents encountered a total of 12 individuals in the apartment. All 12 individuals stated they were in the United States illegally. It was determined that MACIAS was being paid by an organization to oversee and harbor the illegal aliens and he was charged with alien smuggling. Records reveal that MACIAS himself had previously been deported from El Paso to Mexico on April 19, 2024. Jose REYNA-Aguilera was encountered at the El Paso County Detention Facility by a Deportation Officer assigned to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Criminal Apprehension Program. Record checks revealed that REYNA is a citizen and national of Mexico without immigration documents allowing him to remain in the United States. REYNA’s immigration records established that he had been removed from the United States to Mexico on three prior occasions and was previously convicted of illegal reentry in October 2009 and April of 2011. Deportation Officers encountered Daniel NAVA-Morales at the El Paso County Detention Facility. Immigration records reveal that he was illegally in the country having first been removed from the U.S. to Mexico on August 4, 1998. That removal order has been re-instated 6 times with NAVA last being removed to Mexico on January 18, 2024. His criminal history includes convictions for illegal entry in 1999 and 2021, where he was sentenced to 3 years probation each time, and impersonating a United States Citizen, where he was sentenced to 11 months imprisonment in 2007. He is being charged once again with illegal reentry. In Del Rio, Texas, Azaraias Prudencio ALVARADO-Almendarez , a Honduran national who had previously been convicted of a sex offense against a child in Florida, was charged with illegal reentry. ALVARADO has a criminal history beginning in 2007 with convictions for burglary and two “hit and runs,” one of which was a felony resulting in injury. ALVARADO has been deported 3 times, the last time being to Honduras on June 21, 2024. El Salvadoran National Celso RIVAS-Gonzalez was arrested by Border Patrol Agents on July 26, 2025, for illegal reentry. RIVAS has two prior removals from the United States and a criminal history that includes aggravated sexual assault of a child in 2020, harassment in 2021, and felony indecency with a child - sexual contact in 2024. RIVAS has been deported twice, the last time being on February 19, 2025. Katia Yolanda SOLANO-Alvarenga , a native and citizen of Honduras, was found 3.29 miles west of Paso Del Norte Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas without documents allowing entry or residence in the United States. SOLANO was previously deported on October 7, 2024. Additionally, SOLANO was convicted and confined for 300 days for assault causing bodily injury in Dallas Texas, on March 28, 2003. Honduran citizen Marcos Josue BANEGAS-Castro was found at the 7300 block of Alameda Avenue in El Paso Texas. It was determined that he was in the United States illegally without immigration documents. It was further determined that BANEGAS had previously been deported to Honduras on March 14, 2025. These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico Weekly Immigration and Border Crimes Report

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced its immigration enforcement statistics for this week. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies. In the one-week period ending August 1, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico: 35 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326) 4 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324) 36 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325) 33 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), violation of a military security regulation (50 U.S.C. 797) and Entering Military, Naval, or Coast Guard Property (18 U.S.C. 1382), arising from the newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico. Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1326 had prior criminal convictions for drug trafficking, DUI, and human smuggling. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. These statistics represent prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process. Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children. The District of New Mexico consists of 33 counties and shares 180 miles of international border with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Albuquerque and Las Cruces work directly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prosecute immigration-related and other federal offenses.


title: Lancaster County Man Sentenced to 15 years for Drug Conspiracy

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Tymarious Nydarious Thompson, 24, of Lancaster, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, a quantity of cocaine and marijuana. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Thompson conspired with Mikel Stewart and others to obtain and distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, a quantity of cocaine, and a quantity of marijuana. During a search of his home in 2019, investigators found 7 pounds of marijuana, a sawed-off shotgun, a handgun, ammunition, and counterfeit money. Law enforcement also made several purchases of pure ice methamphetamine from him. During a subsequent search of his home in 2020, law enforcement found more than 198 grams of pure ice methamphetamine, marijuana, and crack cocaine along with another firearm and over $4,000. Even after this discovery, Thompson continued to sell more ice methamphetamine to an undercover agent. United States District Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Thompson to 180 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 Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, Lancaster Police Department, and the York County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Montgomery Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm Possession

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that, on July 31, 2025, Calvin Craig Griffin, 22, of Montgomery, Alabama, was sentenced to 81 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Following his prison term, Griffin will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records, on August 28, 2024, officers with the Montgomery Police Department were conducting patrols in the area of Eastern Boulevard and Carmichael Road when they observed an individual entering a hotel room carrying what appeared to be an AR-style pistol. Hotel management informed officers that they suspected illegal activity in that room and requested assistance in having the individuals removed from the property. When officers entered the room, they identified the armed individual as Calvin Griffin. Inside, they recovered an AR-style pistol with an extended magazine containing 63 rounds of ammunition. Because of prior felony convictions, Griffin is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition. Griffin pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm on April 21, 2025. The case was investigated by the Montgomery Police Department (MPD) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with assistance from the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit, which includes the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, ATF, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and MPD. Assistant United States Attorney John J. Geer III prosecuted the case.


title: California Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl Conspiracy Involving Shipments to Alabama

body_text: MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced today that Shanarion Lee, 32, of La Mesa, California, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Lee pleaded guilty to the charge earlier this year and was sentenced on July 31, 2025. In addition to his prison term, the court ordered Lee to serve five years of supervised release following his release from custody. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records and Lee’s plea agreement, the investigation began in March 2023 when the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) began investigating a suspected drug-trafficking network transporting fentanyl from California to Alabama. Investigators determined that Lee conspired with others, including 32-year-old Hillary Lewis of Lemon Grove, California, and 35-year-old James Walker of Enterprise, Alabama, to ship illegal controlled substances to various addresses within the Middle District of Alabama. Throughout 2023 and 2024, federal agents intercepted multiple packages containing pills designed to look like legitimate oxycodone tablets. Laboratory analysis later confirmed that the pills were counterfeit and contained fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. Lee pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl on March 26, 2025. Earlier this year, both Lewis and Walker entered guilty pleas to federal drug conspiracy charges for their roles in the operation. Their sentencing hearings are scheduled for the coming months. This case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Enterprise Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Paul Markovits is prosecuting the case.


title: San Joaquin County Woman Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Illegal Firearms Trafficking

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: Alejandra Susana Castillo, 34, of Tracy, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins to five years in prison for illegal firearms trafficking, Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez announced. According to court documents, between Aug. 22, 2023, and Aug. 27, 2024, Castillo and a co‑conspirator trafficked firearms by purchasing them in Nevada and selling them on the black market in California. Because Castillo’s co-conspirator is a convicted felon and was not able to purchase the firearms himself, he entered into a criminal partnership with Castillo to purchase the firearms for him. In general, the two obtained firearms by traveling together to firearms dealers in Nevada, where the co-conspirator would enter the stores first, identify the firearms he wanted to Castillo via text message or other communications, and then exit the store. Castillo, who was not prohibited person at the time, would then enter the store and purchase the firearms, pretending they were for her. Once Castillo had the firearms, the two would then travel back to California, where they would unlawfully sell them to people who could not lawfully purchase firearms. On July 27, 2024, Castillo’s co-conspirator led a law enforcement officer on a high-speed chase, which was ultimately ended because of public safety concerns. Two days later, another law enforcement officer observed the car involved in the chase parked at a gas station. The officer detained Castillo, who was then using the car. During a search of the vehicle, the officer discovered a semi-automatic rifle in the trunk, along with three extended magazines. In total, more than 30 firearms were traced to this conspiracy. At least four of these firearms have since been recovered in connection with suspected firearm-related crimes. One such firearm, for example, was recovered by the California Highway Patrol in the possession of a felon in Vallejo on July 25, 2024, only three days after Castillo purchased the firearm in Nevada. Castillo was ordered report to prison on Nov. 1, 2025. Her co-conspirator is currently in federal custody for a related case. This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the California Highway Patrol, the Pleasanton Police Department, the Reno Police Department, the Tracy Police Department, and the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella prosecuted the case.


title: Folsom Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Child

body_text: William James Fitzgerald, 25, of Folsom, pleaded guilty today to one count of sexual exploitation of a child, Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez announced. According to court documents, between Oct. 15, 2020, and May 4, 2022, Fitzgerald used a minor child he met on Snapchat to engage in sexually explicit conduct with her for the purpose of creating photographs and video recordings. Fitzgerald coerced and persuaded the minor child into creating multiple sexually explicit depictions at least four times by offering and later sending Amazon gift cards ranging in value from $20 to $30. Additionally, between Feb. 9, 2021, and Feb. 20, 2021, Fitzgerald used a minor child he met on Snapchat to engage in sexually explicit conduct with her for the purpose of creating photographs and video recordings. Finally, Fitzgerald knowingly possessed more than 1,000 files depicting the sexual abuse of children on his phone and iPad. The files included images of children engaged in sexual activity with adults and other children and adults sexually abusing toddlers. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Folsom Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitnee Goins is prosecuting the case. Fitzgerald is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins on Nov. 7, 2025. Fitzgerald faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison with a lifetime of supervised release, restitution and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.


title: Bronx Man Charged With Federal Narcotics Offenses Resulting In Death

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Frank A. Tarentino, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging ESTHERLYN FRIAS, a/k/a “Platinum,” a/k/a “Silver,” with conspiring to distribute narcotics resulting in death in connection with the poisoning death—or “overdose”—of a victim in Greenwich, Connecticut (“Victim-1”). The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Kevin P. Castel. “As alleged, Estherlyn Frias has been pumping deadly drugs into our communities for years, including fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and more,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The drugs that he sold claimed someone’s life, and it appears they may have claimed others before. Shockingly, Frias appears to have stored his significant drug supply in an apartment where his two young children lived with him, mere feet away from where they slept. Our communities’ suffering from this kind of personal profit ends now. As the charges in this case show, together with our law enforcement partners, we will relentlessly pursue those who distribute illegal drugs.” “Another senseless death at the hands of an individual pushing illicit narcotics laced with fentanyl,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino. As alleged, Estherlyn Frias repeatedly trafficked and sold fentanyl laced products, going so far as to recklessly stash these deadly drugs in a bedroom where his children slept. While today’s indictment against Mr. Frias will not bring back the person whose life was lost; it undoubtably represents a step towards justice and likely saved countless others. The DEA is committed to saving lives and will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners in targeting those responsible for poisoning our communities and destroying families.” As alleged in the Indictment, other court filings, and statements made during court proceedings: [1] From at least in or about January 2023 through at least in or about July 2025, FRIAS and others conspired to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, cocaine base, cocaine, heroin, and methadone, including from FRIAS’s apartment in the Bronx, New York. FRIAS used that apartment—where his girlfriend and two young children resided—as a stash house, where he stored significant quantities of a variety of narcotics. As a consequence of the drug conspiracy engaged in by FRIAS and his co-conspirators, Victim-1 died from acute fentanyl and cocaine intoxication on or about July 1, 2025. Victim-1 met FRIAS outside of FRIAS’s apartment the day before to buy drugs. Within about twelve hours of their meeting, Victim-1 died from consuming fentanyl and cocaine purchased from FRIAS. FRIAS had been selling Victim-1 drugs for weeks in the lead-up to dealing the drugs that killed Victim-1. Below are text messages from Victim-1’s phone in which FRIAS, saved in Victim-1’s phone under his alias “Platinum,” sent Victim-1 a menu of the drugs that he had for sale, among them “soft” (heroin), “hard” (cocaine), “down” (fentanyl), and “everything.” Law enforcement searched FRIAS’s apartment on the night of Victim-1’s death, pursuant to a judicially authorized search warrant. There, they found, among other things: 1,413 white glassine envelopes containing fentanyl; 603 purple glassine envelopes containing fentanyl; two plastic bags containing fentanyl; a third plastic bag containing fentanyl; 585 pink glassine envelopes containing para-fluorofentanyl; a plastic bag containing heroin; a second plastic bag containing heroin; two plastic bags containing crystal methamphetamine; a third plastic bag containing methamphetamine; 777 colored capsules containing crack cocaine; and 20 plastic bottles containing methadone. Law enforcement also recovered various drug paraphernalia, including bulk packages of empty capsules, a digital scale, and a ledger summarizing FRIAS’s drug deals. Additional records from FRIAS’s phones include two videos, both of which depict FRIAS walking into his apartment bedroom to retrieve drugs. In both videos, FRIAS walks past a bed in which a young child can be seen asleep. And, in both videos, after passing the bed, FRIAS pans the camera to a dresser—mere feet from where his children slept—covered in drugs, cash, and drug paraphernalia, including, in one video, a digital scale on which a plastic bag containing a white substance is resting (depicted in a screenshot below). * * * FRIAS, 34, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of conspiring to distribute narcotics resulting in death, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of possession with intent to distribute narcotics, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; and one count of possession with intent to distribute narcotics resulting in death, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The statutory minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA and the Greenwich Police Department. This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca R. Delfiner and Benjamin M. Burkett are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. u.s._v._frias_indictment.pdf [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: District of Arizona Charges 134 Individuals for Immigration-Related Conduct this Week

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from July 26, 2025, through August 1, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 134 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 66 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 57 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 9 cases against 11 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona. These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Recent matters of interest include: United States v. Felipe Osuna Hernandez : On July 29, Felipe Osuna Hernandez, a Mexican national illegally present in the United States, was charged by criminal complaint with Illegal Reentry and with Bringing an Illegal Alien into the United States for Profit and While Placing Their Life in Jeopardy. On July 26, Osuna was arrested after it was determined he was a foot guide who smuggled two illegal aliens through the desert, from Mexico into the United States, without adequate food or water. The aliens made arrangements to pay to be smuggled into the United States and they were assigned Osuna as their guide. When one of the individuals was in medical distress, Osuna threatened the individual, took the aliens' phones so they could not call for help and, ultimately, left the individual deceased in the desert. [Case Number: 25-MJ-2438] United States v. Luis Enrique Beltran-Ceballos : On August 1, Luis Enrique Beltran-Ceballos, a citizen of Mexico unlawfully present in the United States, was charged by criminal complaint with Bringing an Alien to the United States and Improper Entry by Alien. On July 30, Beltran-Ceballos smuggled a twelve-year-old girl, whom he had never met before, into the United States by scaling the international border wall using a ladder. After crossing, Beltran-Ceballos attempted to evade detection by hiding with the child in a canal. Beltran-Ceballos was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations agents. The investigation revealed that Beltran-Ceballos had engaged in the smuggling activity with the expectation of financial compensation. [Case Number: 25-MJ-1774] United States v. Edgar Pedro Hernandez : On August 1, Edgar Pedro Hernandez was charged by criminal complaint with Transporting an Illegal Alien. On July 30, Hernandez was stopped by local law enforcement for driving significantly below the posted speed limit. During the stop, Hernandez provided inconsistent information regarding the identity of his two passengers. U.S. Border Patrol was contacted and ultimately determined that both passengers were unlawfully present in the United States and had made prior arrangements to be smuggled across the border. Hernandez admitted to picking them up at a gas station and agreeing to transport them to Phoenix in exchange for gas money. [Case Number: 25-MJ-6341] These cases are part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-129_August 1 Immigration Enforcement # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Davis Picnic Day Shooter Charged with Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

body_text: A criminal complaint was unsealed today charging Joseph Allen Davis, 19, of Sacramento, with being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez announced. According to court documents, police officers began investigating Joseph Allen Davis after determining that he was a shooter at the April 12, 2025, shooting at Rainbow City Park in Davis, California, where three people were injured by gunfire. Law enforcement officers conducted a search of Joseph Allen Davis’s apartment and seized a short-barrel AR-15-style pistol. Davis is prohibited from possessing any firearms and ammunition because he has previously been convicted of a felon gun possession offense. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Davis Police Department, the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Lee is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Davis faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Previously Deported Alien Indicted for Illegal Reentry and Selling False Immigration Documents

body_text: A federal grand jury returned an 11-count indictment against Luis Eduardo Torres-Hernandez, 39, residing in Sacramento, charging him with 10 counts of transferring false identification documents, and one count of illegally reentering the United States after being previously removed, Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez announced. According to court documents, between September and December 2024, Torres-Hernandez sold multiple sets of false identification documents to undercover agents. The documents included Permanent Resident (green) cards and Social Security cards that, while appearing to be issued by and under the authority of the United States, were instead false documents produced without lawful authority. According to the indictment, on Aug. 29, 2014, Torres-Hernandez was deported from the United States after a previous conviction for transferring false identification documents in the Eastern District of California. This case is the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dhruv M. Sharma is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Torres-Hernandez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 on each false documents count and 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 on the illegal reentry count. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Final defendants plead guilty in Alaska fentanyl, heroin trafficking conspiracy

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The final two defendants in a six-defendant drug trafficking ring pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to traffic large amounts of fentanyl and heroin to Alaska. According to court documents, Semaj Brown, 34, and Brandon Garrett, 46, both of Anchorage, pleaded guilty to conspiring with Julio Juarez, 32, of Anchorage, Marcelino Juarez, 30, of Anchorage, Shane Murphy, 43, of Wasilla, and Gustavo Sebastian Lopez-Chavez, 24, a Mexican national illegally residing in the U.S., to purchase fentanyl and heroin in California and transport the substances to Alaska through the mail or in checked airline baggage. Marcelino Juarez, Julio Juarez, Brown and Murphy all traveled between Alaska and California on multiple occasions to obtain drugs and contributed money toward drug purchase trips. Law enforcement’s investigation into the conspiracy culminated on Aug. 22, 2024, when agents with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) identified a suspicious parcel destined for a residence in Anchorage. On Aug. 26, 2024, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant on the parcel and seized over two kilograms of fentanyl powder from the package. Later that day, law enforcement officials conducted a controlled delivery of the parcel at the destined location. Marcelino Juarez was observed entering the residence, which belonged to a third-party, and leaving with the package in a vehicle with Brown. Marcelino Juarez and Brown met with another vehicle at a local gas station before both vehicles were contacted by law enforcement through traffic stops. Marcelino Juarez was arrested during the traffic stop, and Garrett, who was an occupant in the other vehicle, was detained. Through further investigation, law enforcement also discovered that Brown and Murphy flew from Anchorage to Los Angeles to purchase heroin and fentanyl from multiple sources between July 3 and 5, 2024. Law enforcement later determined that one of the sources was Lopez-Chavez. On July 6, 2024, law enforcement at the Los Angeles International Airport seized roughly one kilogram of heroin and two kilograms of fentanyl powder from a checked bag destined for Anchorage. When Murphy and Brown arrived in Alaska, they noted that the suitcase did not arrive. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Alaska U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Alaska. The FBI arrested Lopez-Chavez in Los Angeles on Nov. 14, 2024. He was found to be in possession of roughly 23 kilograms of fentanyl, U.S. currency and counterfeit immigration documents. In total, law enforcement has seized at least 36 kilograms of fentanyl and roughly 10 kilograms of heroin connected to the drug trafficking conspiracy. Marcelino Juarez was charged by complaint in August 2024, and indicted along with Julio Juarez, Brown and Murphy in September 2024. Marcelino Juarez and Julio Juarez pleaded guilty in July 2025, and Murphy pleaded guilty in April 2025. Lopez-Chavez was charged by complaint and indicted in November 2024 and pleaded guilty in June 2025. Garrett was indicted in March 2025. The Juarez brothers and Brown were identified as known gang members by the Stockton, California, Police Department. The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced within the next three months. Marcelino Juarez, Brown, Murphy, Lopez-Chavez and Garrett face between 10 years to life in prison. Julio Juarez faces between 15 years to life in prison due to a prior conviction in California for attempted murder, for which he served 11 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office, Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes and Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Seattle Division made the announcement. The FBI Anchorage Field Office and the Alaska High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Mat-Su Narcotics Team investigated this case. Special assistance was provided by HIDTA’s Southcentral Area-wide Narcotics Team (SCAN), Fairbanks Area-wide Narcotics Team (FANT), and Anchorage Airport Interdiction Team (AAIT); U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), FBI Los Angeles Field Office, FBI Sacramento Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS CI), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Los Angeles Special Response Team, Los Angeles Police Department, Stockton Police Department, and California Highway Patrol. The Anchorage Police Department and Alaska State Troopers also provided assistance as part of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Bradley, Jack Schmidt, and Bill Reed are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Niagara Falls man going to prison on drug charges

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jermaine McQueen, 47, of Niagara Falls, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 106 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that on August 28, 2024, investigators executed search warrants at several locations associated with McQueen. They seized approximately 405 grams of cocaine, approximately 300 grams of fentanyl, and approximately six grams of crack cocaine, drug packaging materials, $10,625 in cash, and several pieces of jewelry, which constitute proceeds of narcotics trafficking. During the investigation, law enforcement made controlled purchases of fentanyl and cocaine from McQueen. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm, the Niagara Falls Police Department, under the direction of Superintendent Nick Ligammari, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti, the North Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Keith Glass, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia. # # # #


title: Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche Visits The Western District of North Carolina

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, United States Attorney Russ Ferguson was honored to host Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina (WDNC). During his visit, Deputy Attorney General Blanche met with U.S. Attorney Ferguson and the leadership team to discuss key issues and significant cases impacting the district. Deputy Attorney General Blanche also spoke with prosecutors and personnel from the office. In his remarks, he outlined Department of Justice priorities and expressed his appreciation for the office’s work implementing Operation Take Back America, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, addressing immigration and violent crime, and protecting vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly. He also thanked the team for their service and their commitment to justice. Deputy Attorney General Blanche also met with law enforcement representatives to highlight the important role of partnerships in enforcing the rule of law and enhancing public safety. “It was an honor to welcome Deputy Attorney General Blanche, a veteran of the Department, to the Western District of North Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “The Deputy Attorney General got into the weeds and discussed the details of the work we are doing to protect our communities. We are very grateful for his attention to what is important to us here in North Carolina.” For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and important programs and initiatives please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc .


title: Jamestown man going to prison for 30 years for producing child pornography

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Roberto Millan, 36, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of production of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 360 months in prison and 20 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who handled the case, stated that between December 28, 2021, and February 8, 2022, Millan engaged in sexually graphic conversations with a 15-year-old victim over TextNow, a mobile phone application. The conversations included demands and instructions from Millan that the victim take sexually explicit videos and images and send them to him. In addition, the messages exchanged between Milan and the victim indicate that they engaged in sexual contact. The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson and Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Mark Grimm. # # # #


title: Indictment Unsealed Charging a U.S. Navy Sailor Stationed in Georgia with Multiple Child Sex Crimes After Enticing a Teen Via Social Media

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – An indictment was unsealed charging a U.S. Navy service member with multiple federal crimes after he allegedly manipulated a minor victim over social media for months and exchanged sexually explicit photos and videos of her. Bryce Lucas Stimka, 24, currently stationed in Augusta, Georgia, was arrested on July 30, 2025. According to court documents, between July 17, 2024 and March 30, 2025, Stimka allegedly began communicating with a 14-year-old girl he met and began manipulating her on social media. Over the course of their communication, more than 15,000 texts were exchanged between Stimka and the minor victim discussing various sex acts, the victim’s age, and their potential relationship. Additionally, sexually explicit images and videos of the victim were exchanged. The social media account was linked to Stimka by subscriber information (including IP addresses) matching Stimka, and photos of himself in his social media account. Stimka is charged with production of child pornography, coercion and enticement for illegal sexual activity, and receipt of child pornography. His initial appearance in Utah has yet to be scheduled. Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated by an Officer with the West Valley Police Department assigned to the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. Special assistance was provided the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and the FBI Atlanta Field Office, Augusta Resident Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Carol A. Dain of the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Manhattan Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Offense

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Sean Christianson, age 45, of Manhattan, New York, pled guilty on Wednesday to possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute it. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement. Christianson admitted that on February 25, 2025, he traveled from the New York City area to Liverpool, New York, with twenty-two one-kilogram bricks of cocaine in his vehicle. Christianson intended to sell the cocaine in the Syracuse area. Law enforcement apprehended Christianson as he arrived in Liverpool. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Thanks to the investigative efforts of the DEA and our other law enforcement partners, another drug dealer and a huge quantity of narcotics are off the streets. Drug dealers will not get away with selling narcotics in the Northern District of New York.” “Illicit drugs have no place in our communities,” stated DEA New York Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “DEA New York remains steadfast in our commitment to working alongside our law enforcement partners to target those who poison our neighborhoods with dangerous narcotics.” At sentencing, Christianson faces a prison term of at least 10 years and up to life, and a supervised release term of at least 4 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. DEA investigated the case with assistance from the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, Syracuse Police Department, and City of New York Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is prosecuting the case.


title: Waikiki Drug Dealer Who Distributed Fentanyl Pills Linked to U.S. Marine’s Death Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Justin Wu, 23, of Waikiki, Hawaii was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Shanlyn A. S. Park to 120 months of imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release for distributing pills containing fentanyl and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. According to court records, Wu distributed five small blue pills containing fentanyl to an 18-year-old United States Marine on November 9, 2021 and was arrested in possession of approximately 17 grams of cocaine on June 29, 2022. Investigators determined that the Marine died from fentanyl toxicity a day after Wu gave him the pills. Judge Park imposed an upward variance from the advisory Sentencing Guidelines range, observing that Wu’s distribution of fentanyl contributed to and facilitated the Marine’s death. Judge Park also noted that Wu was dealing drugs while on federal probation for a prior drug trafficking conviction—a “brazen” betrayal of the district court’s trust—and that while in custody pending trial, Wu attempted to obstruct justice by soliciting another person to present perjured testimony on his behalf. Wu’s prior federal probation was revoked, and he was sentenced to concurrent time. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, with assistance from the Honolulu Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Albanese and Jonathan D. Slack prosecuted the case.


title: Chester County Woman Indicted for Allegedly Running Years-Long Immigration Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Fatima DeMaria, 65, of Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged by indictment with eight counts of asylum fraud and eight counts of mail fraud. DeMaria is the owner and operator of Immigration Matters Legal Services, currently located in Oxford, Pa. The indictment alleges that the defendant falsely represented herself to clients and prospective clients as an immigration attorney who could help undocumented aliens obtain employment authorization or “work permits.” However, DeMaria was neither a licensed attorney, nor accredited or authorized by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (“EOIR”) to represent individuals in immigration proceedings. As alleged, from at least December 2021 to July 2024, DeMaria prepared, and caused to be prepared, fraudulent Form I-589 asylum applications in her clients’ names, without their knowledge or consent, knowingly making, and aiding and abetting the making of, false and material misstatements in the I-589 asylum applications. For example, the defendant caused to be stated on each asylum application that the applicant was “seeking asylum or withholding of removal” based on “political opinion” and “Torture Convention.” Her clients, however, were not seeking asylum based on either of these categories, and never informed DeMaria or anyone at Immigration Matters Legal Services of facts that could make them eligible for asylum under either of these categories. According to the indictment, DeMaria placed, and caused to be placed, her clients’ signatures on the Form I-589 asylum applications, certifying under penalty of perjury that the applications and supporting evidence were true and correct, again without her clients’ knowledge or consent. The indictment further alleges that the defendant, and those acting at her direction, failed to advise clients that the mechanism through which she would help them obtain work permits from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) was by filing frivolous Form I-589 asylum applications. Nor did the defendant advise clients that, if the asylum applications filed on their behalf were rejected or referred by USCIS, it would result in their being placed in removal proceedings, at which point the filing of the baseless asylum application could jeopardize their eligibility for future immigration benefits. According to the indictment, DeMaria charged her clients approximately $6,000-9,000 per individual, and $12,000-$15,000 per couple, for her purported legal services in conjunction with their applications. As alleged in the indictment, she also frequently had her clients pay her in cash or peer-to-peer transactions that were deposited into her personal bank accounts, hundreds of thousands of dollars of which were withdrawn at casinos. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 240 years’ imprisonment and a $4 million fine. The government is also seeking forfeiture of the defendant’s alleged ill-gotten earnings, which are alleged to be at least $1 million. This is an ongoing matter, with investigators seeking to identify additional potential victims of Fatima DeMaria. Anyone with information on DeMaria’s activities at Immigration Matters Legal Services is asked to contact the FBI via one of these online forms: Seeking Victim Information in Fatima DeMaria/Immigration Matters Investigation Se Solicita Información en la Investigación de Fatima DeMaria/Immigration Matters The case is being investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. USCIS, the Diplomatic Security Service, and the Coast Guard Investigative Service provided assistance. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sara Solow and Eileen Castilla Geiger. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.


title: Former Guam Corrections Officer Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement of a Minor

component: U.S. Attorneys (USAO)

body_text: Hagåtña – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announces that, Raymond T. Tammed, age 30, from Piti, Guam, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment in the U.S. District Court of Guam for Attempted Enticement of a Minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b). The Court also ordered five years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory assessment fee. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, Tammed must register in every jurisdiction he resides, works, and goes to school. In May of 2024, federal investigators conducted an internet-based operation to identify and arrest individuals seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors on Guam. During that operation, Tammed contacted an undercover agent posing as a 13-year-old girl. Despite believing that he was conversing with an underage girl, Tammed sent sexually explicit messages, sought to arrange a sexual encounter, and sent the undercover agent a selfie and a picture of his genitals. Tammed later arranged to meet the undercover agent at the Andersen Air Force Base Visitors Center, where Tammed was arrested upon arrival. “This case demonstrates the dangers faced by our children during online activity,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “We will continue these undercover operations to protect our communities from sexual predators. I applaud the efforts of law enforcement in bringing Tammed to justice.” “Keeping our children safe from exploitation and abuse is the highest priority. By taking predators like Tammed off the street, we are ensuring the safety of the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas. “HSI will continue to seek justice to keep our children safe with zero tolerance for this heinous crime.” Investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and Air Force Office of Special Investigations Service, Detachment 602. This case was prosecuted by Benjamin K. Petersburg, Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Guam. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . #


title: Morgan County Man Sentenced for Attempted to Coerce a Minor for Sex

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Joel Galen Patton, age 40, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, was sentenced to 150 months in federal prison for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Patton was talking to who he believed to be a 14-year-old female online, requesting nude photos of the teen, as well as sending nudes of himself to her. Patton also requested to meet her for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. Patton will serve supervised release for life following his prison sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberley Crockett prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Virginia State Police. U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.


title: WEWAHITCHKA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FIREARM AND AMMUNITION

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

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Matthew Pellerito, 49, of Wewahitchka, Florida, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and the carrying of a firearm without written notice. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said, “I applaud the excellent coordination of our state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies in their detection and investigation of these crimes. My office is committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting those who unlawfully possess weapons or ammunition.” Court documents reflect that on September 5, 2024, Pellerito prepared to board a commercial flight in Panama City, Florida. Pellerito’s checked luggage was flagged by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Inside of Pellerito’s luggage, TSA found an undeclared firearm and a 50-round box of ammunition. Pellerito stated that he was traveling to Oregon for a camping trip and had forgotten to declare the firearm with the airline. Further investigation confirmed that Pellerito is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition by law. Pellerito is scheduled for sentencing before United States District Judge Mark Walker on September 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Tallahassee, Florida. Pellerito faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment on the firearm and ammunition charge, and up to five years’ imprisonment on the carrying of firearm without written notice charge. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Transportation Security Administration, the Panama City Airport Police Department, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. Ravelo is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: FEDERAL CHARGES FILED AGAINST NICEVILLE MAN FOR MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR FRAUD AND TAX CRIME ALLEGATIONS

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Sidney Marc Wilson, Jr., 47, of Niceville, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on charges related to a multi-year scheme to defraud victims out of millions of dollars. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges. Wilson’s next court appearance is set for August 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. before United States Magistrate Judge Hope Thai Cannon. The Indictment charges Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Mail Fraud; Mail Fraud; Wire Fraud; Money Laundering; and Subscribing to Materially False Tax Returns. If convicted, Wilson faces up to twenty years’ imprisonment on the fraud charges, up to ten years’ imprisonment on the money laundering charges, and up to three years’ imprisonment on the tax charges. The case is being jointly investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg. 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. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Roanoke Man Sentenced to 150 Months for Role in Robbery Conspiracy Connected to Murder of Drug Supplier

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ROANOKE, Va. – A Roanoke, Virginia man involved in distributing large quantities of marijuana and helping plan a robbery that ultimately led to the murder of his drug supplier, was sentenced yesterday to 150 months in federal prison. Garrett Isaac Williams, 22, pled guilty in February 2025 to one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery. In April, Williams’ co-defendant, Joseph Walker, was sentenced to 35 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of Hobbs Act Robbery and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, beginning no later than January 2023, Walker and Williams conspired to distribute marijuana and marijuana wax they sourced from E.B., who periodically traveled from Pennsylvania to supply the pair at Mr. Walker’s residence in Roanoke. Eventually, the men fell into debt to E.B. Then, in an effort to collect money he was owed, E.B. attempted to phone Walker but instead inadvertently called Walker’s mother. This phone call caused Walker and Williams to set in motion a plan to end their relationship with E.B. However, instead of paying down their debt, they conspired to order more marijuana from E.B., rob E.B. of that marijuana upon delivery and, in so doing, scare him from returning to Virginia. On April 17, 2023, E.B. traveled from Pennsylvania to Walker’s residence, bringing with him approximately 10 pounds of marijuana and two pounds of marijuana wax in a deal facilitated by Williams. During E.B.’s trip, Williams maintained communication with him and provided updates to Walker so that he was prepared for E.B.’s arrival. For his part, Walker concealed a Sig Sauer, .45 caliber pistol on his person, intending to use it as part of the robbery. Upon E.B.’s arrival, Walker confronted E.B. about the phone call E.B. made to his mother, before shooting him twice, killing him. Afterwards, Walker, as planned, took the marijuana that E.B. had brought with him and, to conceal his crime, moved E.B.’s body out of his residence, placed it in the trunk of E.B.’s car and drove to Bedford County, Virginia where he set the car on fire. While not physically present at the time of the robbery, Williams admitted to planning to rob E.B by force. C. Todd Gilbert, United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, Stephen Farina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, and Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Virginia State Police, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the Roanoke City Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Roanoke City Police Department, the Roanoke County Police Department, the City of Lynchburg Police Department, and the Bedford County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office are investigating the case. The Star City Drug and Violent Crime Task Force also aided in the investigation and is comprised of officers from the Roanoke City Police Department, Roanoke County Police Department, City of Salem Virginia Police Department, the Vinton Police Department, and Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Salem Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys M. Coleman Adams and Kelly McGann are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew O. Inman. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: ARMED CAREER CRIMINAL SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON

body_text: GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – James C. Mobley, 43, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to a total of 15 years in federal prison following his conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the sentence. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This sentence ensures that our community will be safer and sends a strong message that there are real and severe consequences for federal firearm offenses. Thanks to the outstanding work of our law enforcement partners, this armed felon has been called to account for his continued criminal conduct.” On July 11, 2024, Gainesville Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop of Mobley. During a search of Mobley’s vehicle, officers located a loaded revolver and various narcotics. Mobley pleaded guilty the day his trial was set to commence on April 28, 2025. Mobley was sentenced as an armed career criminal due to his numerous felony convictions for serious drug offenses. “We have zero tolerance for gun crimes in our community. My message to those who choose to bring guns and drugs to our streets – we will find you, and we will work with all our criminal justice partners to hold you accountable. Our community deserves safety,” said Chief Nelson Moya, Gainesville Police Department. Mobley’s imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release. This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Gainesville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Harley W. Ferguson and Adam Hapner prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Rapid City Woman Sentenced to Nearly 3 Years in Federal Prison Following Conviction for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a woman from Rapid City, South Dakota, who was convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. The sentencing took place on July 25, 2025. Kiana Pilcher, 29, was sentenced to two years and 11 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Pilcher was indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering by a federal grand jury in April 2024. She pleaded guilty on May 5, 2025. Pilcher worked with multiple individuals involved in a cocaine conspiracy to help them move money generated by the distribution of cocaine through electronic transactions. Pilcher and others deposited money into her bank account from drug proceeds and the account was then used to send the proceeds to drug sources in Texas. Investigators determined that approximately $90,000 in cash was deposited into Pilcher’s account through ATM deposits. Pilcher was also involved in the distribution of cocaine. While Pilcher was involved in the conspiracy, the group distributed over three kilograms of cocaine in the Rapid City area. This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Division of Criminal Investigation. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case. Pilcher was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Tampa Man And Woman Indicted For Forcibly Assaulting And Impeding Federal Agent

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Alfredo Javier Fuentes (22, Tampa) and Luz Mary Vasquez Cruz (45, Tampa) with forcibly assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal officer or employee. If convicted, Fuentes and Cruz each face a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison. According to court records, on July 15, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents were investigating a Honduran national for immigration-related matters at a residence in Tampa when Vasquez and Cruz placed themselves between agents and the subject of the investigation. Vasquez and Cruz shoved an HSI agent backwards, allowing the subject to flee into the residence. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.


title: Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced To 20 Years

body_text: Ocala, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Alfred Denmark, Jr. (49, Reddick) to 20 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl and 500 grams of cocaine, distribution of more than 500 grams of cocaine, and possession of two firearms by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Denmark to forfeit $186,220 in cash, a Highpoint rifle, a Highpoint 45mm pistol, and ammunition, which are traceable to proceeds of the drug offenses and that he possessed as part of the criminal activity. Denmark pleaded guilty on April 22, 2025. According to court documents, during an ongoing investigation on September 7, 2023, Denmark distributed a kilogram of cocaine to an individual named Tasha Ervin. Deputies from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Ervin later that day after she left Denmark’s residence. The deputies arrested Ervin and seized the cocaine. Later during the investigation, on November 12, 2024, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Denmark’s residence. During the search, agents located more than 12 kilograms of fentanyl, 3 kilograms of cocaine, a rifle, a pistol, and $186,200 in cash. Ervin pleaded guilty to her role in this case. She was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST), and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney A. Tysen Duva.


title: Department of Justice, CIA Transmit Declassified Durham Documents to Senator Chuck Grassley

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice transmitted the declassified Appendix of the Durham Report to the Senate Judiciary Committee following collaboration with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). This transmission advances President Donald J. Trump’s directive for maximum transparency and underscores the Attorney General’s commitment to that objective. It also fulfills a request for disclosure by Senate Judiciary Chairman Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), whose leadership on this issue has been instrumental. This latest transmission to Senate Republicans follows the Department’s recent disclosure of information related to the FBI’s handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server and mishandling of classified information. Following the transmission of new Durham documents, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and FBI Director Kash Patel released the following statements: “Today, the Department of Justice provided Chairman Grassley with previously classified information relating to Special Counsel Durham’s investigation into possible coordination between the Clinton campaign and the Obama administration to interfere with the 2016 presidential election. This Department of Justice, alongside the CIA, is committed to truth and transparency and will continue to support good-faith efforts by Congress to hold our government accountable.” – Attorney General Pamela Bondi “Today, CIA and the Department of Justice under Attorney General Pam Bondi are taking a bold step forward in declassifying the underlying intelligence in the Durham appendix showing the false Trump-Russia collusion narrative for what it was – a coordinated plan to prevent and destroy Donald Trump’s presidency. CIA stands with the Department and is committed to transparency and rebuilding trust in the IC. The American people deserve the opportunity to see the evidence for themselves.” – CIA Director John Ratcliffe “The American people deserve the full, unfiltered truth about the Russia collusion hoax and the political abuse of our justice system it exposed. Today’s declassification and release of documents tied to the Durham report is another step toward that accountability. The FBI will continue working tirelessly with our federal partners at DOJ, CIA, and more to uncover the facts that should have been brought to light years ago. I’m grateful to Chairman Grassley for his steadfast leadership on this issue, and I look forward to our continued partnership in exposing one of the most shameful frauds ever perpetrated on the American public.” – FBI Director Kash Patel