title: Lockport man arrested on drug and gun charges

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ma Le Jones, 37, of Lockport, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and $1,000,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katerina F. Powers, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on the morning of December 13, 2025, Jones presented for inspection at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, using a New York State driver’s license for identification. Jones told a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer that he made a wrong turn and was attempting to return to the United States. The CBP officer conducted database queries, which revealed Jones was subject to an active order of protection, and was also on probation for a prior firearms offense. As a result, Jones was referred secondary inspection, during which CBP officers seized, among other things, two cell phones, $2,383 in cash, quantities of marijuana, MDMA, cocaine and crack cocaine, and a loaded revolver. Jones is currently on parole after being convicted of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree in 2017 in New York State Court. Jones was ordered detained following a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy. The complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Bucks County Man Pleads Guilty To Child Pornography Offenses

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Richard Adamsky, 66, of Warminster, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty before United States District Judge Gerald J. Pappert on one count of receipt and attempted receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Adamsky was indicted in September of 2025, for knowingly receiving a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct on or about June 15, 2024. Additionally, Adamsky possessed two computers and two flash drives containing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. These depictions included prepubescent minors and minors under 12 years of age. At the time of his arrest, Adamsky had been a 7th and 8th grade teacher at Nativity of Our Lord grade school in Warminster, Pa., where he had taught for the last 38 years. 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to 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 projectsafechildhood.gov . The case was investigated by FBI Philadelphia’s Fort Washington Resident Agency, the Warminster Township Police Department, Upper Merion Township Police Department, and Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maureen McCartney.


title: Former Sewerage & Water Board Special Agent Sentenced for Multiple Fraud Schemes

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that LEESSA AUGUSTINE (“AUGUSTINE”) age 47, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on December 16, 2025, for charges related to her involvement in fraud schemes while employed as a Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (“S&WB”) Senior Special Agent, a position that tasked her with investigating the alleged misconduct of other Sewerage & Water Board employees. United States District Judge Greg Gerard Guidry sentenced AUGUSTINE to 6 months’ home detention to be followed by five years’ supervised release and $94,972 in restitution. AUGUSTINE sentence was imposed on her guilty pleas to three counts of Wire Fraud and one count of making False Statements for lying to investigators. In one scheme, AUGUSTINE , who was also a New Orleans Police Department reserve officer, billed a police detail customer for hours not actually worked. During some of the times AUGUSTINE was supposed to be working the police detail for the Downtown Development District, she used her S&WB-issued computer to conduct a second fraud scheme, that involved obtaining a mortgage loan and federally funded assistance for low-income homebuyers. In that home-purchase scheme, AUGUSTINE created fake documents, including a fake W-2 form, fake pay stubs, and fake bank statements. In a third scheme, AUGUSTINE obtained federally funded unemployment benefits by concealing her Senior Special Agent income. Finally, in a fourth scheme, AUGUSTINE obtained federally funded emergency rental assistance from the City of New Orleans, by submitting a fake lease and a termination letter from a fictitious employer. At various times during the schemes, AUGUSTINE provided her S&WB-issued cellphone number as a contact number for persons she impersonated. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson thanked the New Orleans Office of Inspector General and the New Orleans Police Department for their valuable assistance in this case. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of Inspector General - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Office of Inspector General - U.S. Department of Labor, and the Office of Inspector General – U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chandra Menon of the Public Integrity Unit.


title: Last of 8 Defendants Sentenced for Drug Trafficking in Trinidad Neighborhood

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: WASHINGTON – Levancie Carr, 43, a three-time convicted felon from the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to eight years in prison in connection with his role in a large open-air narcotics market that operated in the Trinidad neighborhood of the city, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Carr, aka “Locs,” pleaded guilty on Sept. 11, 2025, before Chief Judge James E. Boasberg to a two-count Information charging him with distribution of fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. In addition to the eight-year prison term, Chief Judge Boasberg ordered Carr to serve five years of supervised release. Carr is the last of eight defendants to be sentenced in the prosecution of the Trinidad drug market. According to court documents, in June 2023, federal and local law enforcement agencies launched an investigation into drug sales in the Trinidad neighborhood of Northeast Washington. Surveillance cameras captured images of men on the 1100 block of Raum Street, NE, conducting hand-to-hand transactions of suspected narcotics on an almost daily basis. Members of the group routinely discouraged others from the block by approaching vehicles that came into the area and asking the occupants why they were there. From June 2023 through March 2024, law enforcement made 42 controlled purchases of narcotics totaling more than 600 grams of fentanyl and 150 grams of crack cocaine. Carr conducted 18 of the sales which include 15 grams of cocaine base, 28 grams of fentanyl, and 18 grams of fentanyl analogue. On May 27, 2024, agents executed a search warrant at Carr’s apartment, and recovered 375 grams of cocaine, five firearms, and $115,621 in cash. During the course of the conspiracy, the Trinidad organization sold approximately 468 kilos of fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, and cocaine base. The Trinidad trafficking investigation was a multi-agency effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division, the Narcotics Enforcement Unit of the Violent Crime Suppression Division of the Metropolitan Police Department, and the FBI Washington Field Office’s Violent Crimes Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nihar Mohanty and Daniel Seidel of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. 24cr246 NAME AGE AKA CHARGES Davon Cunningham 36 Tank, Kevin Sentenced to 126 months in prison on June 27, 2025, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, and cocaine base. Levancie Carr 43 Locs Sentenced to 96 months on Dec. 22, 2025, for distribution of fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Roosevelt Richardson 48 Rose Sentenced to 66 months on June 30, 2025, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, and cocaine base. Dandre Goodwine 30 Dreads Sentenced to 36 months on July 7, 2025, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, and cocaine base. Jalonie Hooper 26 JR Sentenced to 15 months on July 7, 2025, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base. Jvares Amaray Wright 49 Jay Sentenced to 17 months on July 7, 2025, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, and cocaine base and for criminal contempt. Edward Frizell Williams,Jr. 53 Pooh Sentenced to 22 months on July 2, 2025, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, and cocaine base. Arnez Mack 22 Sentenced to 12 months and one day on June 27, 2025, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, fentanyl analogue, and cocaine base. 24cr246


title: Two Absecon Men Admit to Conspiring to Defraud the IRS

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – Two Absecon men admitted to conspiring with each other to defraud the Internal Revenue Service by filing false tax returns that concealed their motels’ cash payroll, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced. Dhruvesh Patel, 37, and Mayank Ray, 36, both of Absecon, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn to informations charging each with one count of conspiring to defraud the IRS. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Patel and Ray operated two motels in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Their motels generated substantial gross receipts from customers who paid for their motel rooms in cash. As part of the conspiracy, Patel and Ray used a large portion of the cash to pay employees in cash and kept some of the resulting cash for personal use. Patel and Ray caused to be prepared and filed with the IRS false employment tax returns that concealed the cash wages and false individual income tax returns that underreported the income they earned from the motels. Patel admitted that the conspiracy and his relevant conduct caused a loss greater than $250,000, and Ray admitted that the conspiracy and his relevant conduct caused a loss of approximately $129,512. The count of conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing for both Patel and Ray are scheduled for May 11, 2026. Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer Piovesan in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty pleas. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden. ### Defense counsel for Patel: Jed Silversmith, Esq., Jenkintown, Pennsylvania Defense counsel for Ray: Ira Slovin, Esq., Haddon Heights, New Jersey patel.information.pdf ray.information.pdf


title: Waterbury Woman Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Violent Carjacking, Stalking

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that EMILY RODRIGUEZ, also known as “Emy,” 30, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 87 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for participating in a violent carjacking and stalking. According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of June 18, 2023, two all-terrain vehicles (“ATVs”) were stolen from Rodriguez’s Waterbury residence. At the time, Rodriguez was living with Ricardo Verdejo. After the theft, Rodriguez, Verdejo, and others posted messages on Facebook seeking to identify the individuals responsible for the theft and offering money for information about the location of the stolen vehicles. Rodriguez, Verdejo, Michael McCann-Ortiz and, Luis Cruz, then mistakenly identified an individual (“Victim 1”), who they incorrectly believed was involved in the theft. Later that night, Victim 1’s friend, (“Victim 2”), picked up Victim 1 from work and drove him home. As they arrived at Victim 1’s residence, three vehicles followed them and surrounded the victims. Verdejo, who carried an assault-style rifle, McCann-Ortiz, Cruz, and others exited the vehicles and approached the victims while Rodriguez watched. Verdejo and his associates demanded the return of the stolen ATVs, threatened to kill the victims, and physically assaulted them. Verdejo smacked one victim in the head and then used the barrel of the rifle to strike both victims in the face. McCann-Ortiz repeatedly threatened to kill the victims, and punched and kicked one victim, causing serious bodily injury. Cruz, who was recovering from a leg injury, used a crutch to repeatedly strike one of the victims. Rodriguez, Verdejo, McCann-Ortiz, and Cruz then stole Victim 2’s vehicle, which was owned by Victim 2’s relative, and other items and cash belonging to the victims. In the following days, Rodriguez, Verdejo, and their associates continued to harass and threaten the victims via Facebook and by using Victim 2’s phone, to which they had obtained the passcode. Rodriguez was arrested on March 21, 2024, and has been detained since April 18, 2024. On May 27, 2025, she pleaded guilty to stalking resulting in serious bodily injury or involving the use of a dangerous weapon. Verdejo , McCann-Ortiz , and Cruz also pleaded guilty and have been sentenced. This investigation was led by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and Waterbury Safe Streets Gang Task Force, and the Waterbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathan J. Guevremont and David T. Huang.


title: Two Members of the Neighborhood Bloods Street Gang in Jersey Convicted of Murdering Pregnant Woman and Two Others

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – Two members of the Neighborhood Bloods street gang, which operated in Jersey City, New Jersey, were convicted of multiple charges stemming from the January 16, 2017, murder of three Jersey City residents, including a twenty-five-year-old pregnant woman, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced. “These convictions hold accountable violent gang members who carried out a calculated, execution-style triple homicide, including the murder of a young pregnant woman. The defendants planned these killings with chilling deliberation and then attempted to silence their own associate to avoid justice. Today’s verdicts make clear that this level of brutality will be met with the full force of federal prosecution, and that those who terrorize our communities will face severe consequences.” - Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello “Through the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative, the full force of NJ Law enforcement is called upon in the aftermath of heinous crimes such as this triple homicide,” said FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy. “This show of force will make clear to anyone contemplating gang-related or other violent crimes: do not expect to walk free in New Jersey.” Following a month-long jury trial, Markell Brown, a/k/a “Sayboy,” 37, of Jersey City, New Jersey, was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, three counts of murder in aid of racketeering, three counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and three counts of causing death through use of a firearm. Terence Shaw, a/k/a “Sweet Meat,” 37, of Jersey City, New Jersey, was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, two counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and two counts of causing death through use of a firearm. With respect to Shaw, the jury could not come to a unanimous verdict as to one count of murder in aid of racketeering, one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of causing death through use of a firearm According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial: On January 16, 2017, Brown and Shaw murdered a rival gang member with whom they had been feuding, along with the rival gang member’s pregnant girlfriend. Brown then murdered one of Brown and Shaw’s own associates, who had accompanied them to commit the murders. Brown and Shaw planned the murders through, among other things, orchestrating the use of a stolen U-Haul truck and purchasing two-way walkie-talkie radios to use during the murders. Brown and Shaw then used their associate to obtain access to the rival gang member’s apartment. After entering that residence on Fulton Avenue in Jersey City shortly before 10:00 p.m., Brown and Shaw executed the rival gang member, shooting him in the back of the head, the left arm, and the right shoulder. They also executed the twenty-five-year-old woman, shooting her in the back of the head and the chest. As Brown left the Fulton Avenue apartment, he shot his and Shaw’s associate in the chest to eliminate the possibility that he would provide information to law enforcement. The conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Brown and Shaw face mandatory life sentences for each count of murder in aid of racketeering. For each count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, they face mandatory consecutive sentences of ten years’ imprisonment. The counts charging Brown and Shaw with causing death through use of a firearm carry maximum life sentences. Sentencing is scheduled for April 22, 2026. Senior Counsel Lamparello credited the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Wayne Mello, and the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Public Safety Director James Shea, as well as special agents of the FBI, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy with the investigation leading to the charges and arrests. This investigation was conducted as part of the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The VCI was formed in 2018 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Jersey City Police Department, for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Jersey City. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate to strategize and prioritize the prosecution of violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New Jersey Division, the U.S. Marshals, the Jersey City Police Department, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Parole, the Hudson County Jail, and the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kendall Randolph and Senior Trial Counsel Robert Frazer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark and Assistant U.S. Attorney James Graham of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division in Newark. ### Defense counsel: Brown - Stephen Turano, Esq. New York, and Thomas Ambrosio, Esq. Shaw - Brooke Barnett, Esq. and Henry Klingeman, Esq. brown_shaw.indictment.pdf


title: Justice Department Sues J.B. Pritzker, Kwame Raoul Over the Illinois Bivens Act

component: Civil Division

body_text: Today, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul, challenging their unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal law enforcement officers through the so-called “Illinois Bivens Act” and “Court Access, Safety, and Participation Act.” Not only are the laws illegal attempts to regulate and discriminate against the federal government through novel causes of action, but, as alleged in the complaint, the laws threaten the safety of federal officers who have faced an unprecedented wave of harassment, doxxing, and even violence. Threatening officers with ruinous liability and even punitive damages for executing federal law and for simply protecting their identities and their families also chills the enforcement of federal law and compromises sensitive law enforcement operations. The danger is acute. “The Department of Justice will steadfastly protect law enforcement from unconstitutional state laws like Illinois’ that threaten massive punitive liability and compromise the safety of our officers,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Unfortunately, Illinois politicians prefer to attack law enforcement with lawsuits and punitive damages rather than support ICE’s Criminal Alien Program, which prioritizes the safe removal of dangerous criminal aliens like murderers, child rapists, and other serious offenders,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft for the Southern District of Illinois. “Courthouse arrests are only necessary in the first place because Illinois refuses to honor federal detainers at the jails and prisons, instead preferring to release criminals back into our communities.” On her first day in office, Attorney General Bondi instructed the Department’s Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies, and practices that facilitate violations of federal laws or impede lawful federal operations. Today’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of lawsuits brought by the Civil Division targeting illegal policies designed to thwart federal law enforcement across the country, including in New York, New Jersey, and Los Angeles, California.


title: Oahu Woman Pleads Guilty to Filing False Tax Returns and Wire Fraud

component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Heidi Cafirma, 50, of Waipahu, Hawaii, pleaded guilty today to filing false tax returns and wire fraud related to her fraudulent application for unemployment assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cafirma’s sentencing is set for April 15, 2026 before United States District Judge Shanlyn A.S. Park. According to court documents and in-court statements, for tax years 2016 through 2020, Cafirma filed false federal tax returns with the IRS for her and her spouse that underreported their business income and total taxes owed. In 2020, Cafirma also submitted a fraudulent application requesting Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits, which she was not entitled to receive. From approximately June 2020 through September 2021, Cafirma filed weekly unemployment benefit certification forms in support of her application, falsely claiming she was not working or earning any income during the certification period. As a result, Cafirma received approximately $70,500 in fraudulent benefit payments. Cafirma faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 3 years for filing a false tax return and 20 years for wire fraud. She also faces a term of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Perlmutter and Trial Attorney Sarah A. Kiewlicz are prosecuting the case.


title: Two Men Sentenced after Shooting Near the Eagle Food Mart in Durham

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: GREENSBORO, N.C. – In April 2025, JAVONNTE LAMHN PATTERSON, of Burlington, North Carolina, and JERMAL ZAMONT MOYE, of Durham, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to being felons in possession of ammunition in relation to a shooting incident that occurred in broad daylight outside the Eagle Food Mart on the corner of Fayetteville Street and Linwood Avenue in Durham, North Carolina in April 2024. Sources say the store has since closed due to gun violence. PATTERSON, age 32, was sentenced on November 10, 2025, to 180 months’ imprisonment, plus 3 years of supervised release. MOYE, age 22, was sentenced today to 78 months’ imprisonment to run consecutive to a 25-42 month state probation revocation sentence he is currently serving, plus 3 years of supervised release. United States Attorney Dan Bishop of the Middle District of North Carolina made the announcement. Both sentencing hearings were held in Greensboro, North Carolina, before United States District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. According to court documents, on April 11, 2024, at approximately 5:15 p.m., officers responded to a report of someone suffering from a gunshot wound in the vicinity of Fayetteville Street and Linwood Avenue. When officers arrived, they did not see anyone suffering from a gunshot wound; however, they observed blood splatter on the ground and parking lot of the Eagle Food Mart and recovered approximately 38 cartridges and several projectile fragments. During the investigation, officers spoke with someone who lives across the street from the Eagle Food Mart whose home was shot into by a stray bullet. Officers also spoke with a witness whose car was shot into by a stray bullet. No guns were located on scene. Video surveillance from the time of the incident showed PATTERSON and an unidentified male walking down the sidewalk on Fayetteville Street before PATTERSON turned and opened fire into a crowded parking lot on the side of the building, which led to a shootout between PATTERSON, MOYE, and several unidentified males. PATTERSON, MOYE, and another male were locally treated for gunshot wounds related to the incident. Review of video and ballistics evidence determined that eleven of the casings were ejected from the firearm used by PATTERSON and five of the casings were ejected from the firearm used by MOYE. PATTERSON was previously convicted of at least two crimes of violence or controlled substance offenses and MOYE was previously convicted of one crime of violence or controlled substance offense. The Durham County Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Tracy M. Williams-Durham. ###


title: Previously Deported Aliens Sentenced and Transferred  to Immigration Officials for Deportation Proceedings

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – on December 18, 2025 Julio Cesar Chavez-Rizo, 30, of Mexico, was sentenced in federal court for illegally reentering the United States after previously having been deported. This case was prosecuted as 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. According to court documents, on October 19, 2025, Chavez-Rizo was arrested for disorderly conduct and public intoxication by the Saraland Police Department. The Saraland Police Department requested assistance from the United States Border Patrol (USBP) for immigration records checks. The USBP confirmed Chavez-Rizo had been deported from the United States two times. Chavez-Rizo had been previously convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and endangering a person in violation of Indiana state law in 2021. USBP placed an immigration detainer on Chavez-Rizo. Chavez-Rizo went straight into federal custody upon meeting bond on his state-related charges. Chavez-Rizo was sentenced to time-served in prison since his arrest. Chavez-Rizo had been in custody since his arrest by the Saraland Police Department. Chavez-Rizo was ordered to be transferred to immigration officials for deportation proceedings upon his release from prison. Additional defendants were recently prosecuted and charged with illegally reentering the United States after previously having been deported as part of Operation Take Back America’s ongoing collaboration between federal agencies with the assistance of state and local law enforcement and sentenced in federal court. On December 18, 2025, Marvin Alexander Santos-Carballo, 30, of Honduras, was sentenced for illegal reentry. On October 20, 2025, the Creola Police Department had encountered Santos-Carballo during a traffic stop. The Creola Police Department requested assistance from USBP for records checks. USBP determined that Santos-Carballo was a previously deported alien. USBP responded and arrested Santos-Carballo. Santos-Carballo was sentenced to time-served in prison since his USBP arrest and ordered to be transferred to immigration officials for deportation proceedings upon his release. On September 29, 2025, Ezequiel Vega-Solano, 27, of Mexico, was sentenced for illegal reentry. On August 1, 2025, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) encountered Vega-Solano during a traffic stop. BCSO reached out to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) for records confirmation. ICE/ERO confirmed that Vega-Solano was a previously removed alien with prior felony convictions for illegal alien transportation in violation of federal law in 2020. ICE/ERO responded and arrested Vega-Solano for his illegal presence in the United States. Vega-Solano remained in federal custody through his sentencing. Vega-Solano was sentenced to time-served and ordered to be transferred to immigration officials for deportation proceedings. On September 16, 2025, Roberto Ulin-Ajin, 40, of Guatemala, was sentenced for illegal reentry in federal court. According to court documents, Ulin-Ajin was encountered during a worksite enforcement action by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in May 2025. HSI agents determined that Ulin-Ajin had been previously deported and was unlawfully in the United States. Ulin-Ajin had also been previously convicted under an alias name for public intoxication and driving under the influence in violation of Alabama state law. HSI arrested Ulin-Ajin during the worksite enforcement action. Ulin-Ajin remained in federal custody through his sentencing. Ulin-Ajin was sentenced to time-served and ordered to be transferred to immigration officials for deportation proceedings. These defendants had been in custody since their respective arrests on federal charges. All defendants were ordered to pay $100.00 each in special assessments. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), investigated the cases with the assistance of state and local law enforcement partners, including the Saraland Police Department, Creola Police Department, and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin D. Kopf prosecuted the cases on behalf of the United States. In addition to repelling the invasion of illegal immigration, Operation Take Back America aim includes the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protecting our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Sioux City Man Sentenced to 17.5 Years in Federal Prison for  Possession with Intent to Distribute Meth

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Omar Barrientos, 35, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced on December 19, 2025, to over 17 years’ imprisonment. Barrientos pled guilty August 19, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Evidence in the case showed that on June 20, 2024, law enforcement responded to remove an individual sleeping in a vehicle in the Thompson Electric parking lot in Sioux City. Law enforcement arrived and knocked on the driver’s window eventually waking up Barrientos. Barrientos was the sole occupant of the vehicle and exhibited strange behavior and signs of impairment. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and found a bag under the driver’s seat containing just under a pound of methamphetamine. Barrientos admitted that he planned to distribute the methamphetamine to others. Barrientos had previously been convicted of willful injury and criminal gang participation in 2009, and in 2016 he was again convicted of willful injury along with assault while displaying a dangerous weapon and going armed with intent. Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Barrientos was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment and must serve a term of ten years of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Barrientos remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-4065. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Individuals involved in Diversity Visa Lottery Corruption  Plead Guilty to Conspiracy and Visa Fraud Charges

body_text: Joseph Longanga Okoko, Medard Lotahe Elonge, Joseph Onolenga Okamba pled guilty on August 7, 2025, September 8, 2025, and November 13, 2025, respectively, to conspiracy to defraud the United States in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Bienvenu Saido Binyangi pled guilty on December 11, 2025, to visa fraud. All four men were charged in a ten-count indictment in the Northern District of Iowa. The indictment alleged a fraudulent conspiracy related to the diversity visa lottery system in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as aiding and abetting marriage fraud, other types of visa fraud, and obstructive conduct. There are various types of fraud that may occur in the diversity visa lottery process, specifically related to marriage. If a diversity visa lottery winner was not married at the time they won the lottery, they may engage in “coupling.” “Coupling” is where an individual falsely claims that they have a “spouse,” so that they can later petition to bring their “spouse” to the United States. In plea agreements, Okoko, Elonge, and Okamba admitted to assisting individuals in the Congo who won the diversity visa lottery to enter contracts of fake marriages to help additional individuals who would not be eligible for entry come to the United States. Binyangi also admitted to obtaining a non-immigrant visa by fraud so that he could come to the United States. Binyangi admitted in his plea that when in Congo, he was in a relationship with Okoko’s daughter. Okoko’s daughter, who also came to the United States, gave birth to Binyangi’s child in the United States. After Binyangi entered the United States, he reunited with Okoko’s daughter and their shared child. Okoko’s daughter and Binyangi are married. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams has been set for January 30, 2026, at 1:30 P.M., for Okoko. Sentencing for Elonge, Okamba, and Binyangi will be set after a presentence report is prepared. All men remain free on bond. Okoko, Elonge, and Okamba face a possible maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of up to three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. Binyangi faces a possible maximum sentence of ten years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of up to three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Matt L. Cole and Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin and was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the United States Postal Inspection, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Waterloo Police Department, the Sioux City Police Department, and the Iowa Department of Transportation. 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. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 24-CR-2052. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Illegal Alien Sentenced For Unlawful Reentry

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Luis Cuellar-Martinez, a/k/a Luis Cueller, a/k/a Luis Martinez, a/k/a Luis Martinez Cueller, age 32, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Poteau, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served in prison for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien. The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. On September 10, 2025, Cuellar-Martinez pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on July 31, 2025, Cuellar-Martinez, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on June 19, 2014. 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). The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Cornell and Jacob R. Parker represented the United States.


body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Alain Sanchez-Lopez, a/k/a Enrique Sanchez-Malpicha, a/k/a Jesus Rico-Lopez, a/k/a Jesus Perez-Rico, a/k/a Alain De Jesus Sanchez-Lopez, age 40, a Mexican national unlawfully present/residing in Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served in prison for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien. The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office. On October 6, 2025, Sanchez-Lopez pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on June 15, 2025, Sanchez-Lopez, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on November 6, 2015, on February 14, 2016, on March 29, 2016, and on April 13, 2016. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 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 Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Cornell and Jacob R. Parker represented the United States.


body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Benjamin Vasquez-Hernandez, a/k/a Benjamin Vasquez, a/k/a Benjamin Santiago Vasquez, age 53, a Honduran national unlawfully present in Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served in prison for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien. The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division. On October 1, 2025, Vasquez-Hernandez pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on July 31, 2025, Vasquez-Hernandez, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on September 13, 2019. 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). The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Cornell and Jacob R. Parker represented the United States.


title: Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty To Unlawful Reentry

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Celso Martinez-Mata, a/k/a Celso Mata Martinez, a/k/a Celso Martinez, age 60, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than two years, and a fine of not more than $250,000.00. The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The Indictment alleged that on October 29, 2025, Martinez-Mata, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on July 2, 2002. 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). The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Martinez-Mata will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob R. Parker represented the United States.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Joins Justice Department in Announcing Results Of Operation Relentless Justice

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson joins the Department of Justice in announcing the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a nationwide coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. In the Western District of North Carolina, the operation resulted in federal charges against a Hickory man for possession of child sexual abuse material, along with drug and firearm offenses. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes.” “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.” “The name of the operation says it all – we will be relentless when it comes to protecting our children,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “As we did here, we will use the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect children who live in this district and put their abusers behind bars.” “There is no place in our community for people who prey on and sexually exploit children. The FBI will use every resource available to find these predators and work with prosecutors to put them behind bars where they can no longer harm a child. Operation Relentless Justice is a never-ending commitment to protect innocent children,” said James C. Barnacle Jr., the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina. In the Western District of North Carolina, an investigation stemming from Operation Relentless Justice resulted in criminal charges filed against a Hickory man, for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), in addition to drug and gun offenses. According to allegations in the criminal indictment, on or about December 11, 2024, Tony Chache See, 29, did knowingly possess and access with intent to view CSAM, that involved a prepubescent minor and a minor under 12 years of age. The indictment also alleges that, between March and December 2024, See distributed methamphetamine and cocaine in and around Catawba County, and possessed a firearm, including a short-barreled rifle, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to the Justice Department’s announcement, those arrested as part of Operation Relentless Justice are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon. As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself. This effort follows two other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. The FBI's Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Court Sides with Justice Department by Stopping Michigan from Shutting Down Critical International Pipeline

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan this week granted Enbridge Energy Limited Partnership (Enbridge)’s motion for summary judgment and stopped the State of Michigan from shutting down a critical international pipeline called Line 5. In September, the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and Civil Division filed a statement of interest in the case. “This ruling by the court reaffirms the federal government’s unique responsibilities in regulating interstate pipelines and enforcing international treaties,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “If a state exceeds its authority to disrupt the flow of energy, we will step in to re-assert the federal government’s prerogative. President Trump has set America on a strong, winning path toward securing energy dominance. This ruling undergirds that effort.” In 2020, Michigan tried to shut down the pipeline by moving to stop Enbridge from using an easement, which had allowed the pipeline to run underneath the Straits of Mackinac between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron for decades. The court held that federal law preempts Michigan’s efforts to shut down the pipeline, for two reasons. First, the Pipeline Safety Act provides exclusive authority to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to set nationwide safety standards for interstate pipelines and related infrastructure. The Act prevents a state from imposing its own safety standards on an interstate (and an international) pipeline. The court concluded that Michigan “unlawfully” attempted to “regulate the safety of Line 5 by attempting to shut it down” and by “‘continuing in force’ numerous state safety standards found” in the easement. Second, the pipeline is subject to a treaty between the United States and Canada, and the United States has an express policy preference in favor of the uninterrupted flow of oil through international pipelines. And, as the court recognized, a “compelled shutdown of an international pipeline blatantly defies” that federal foreign policy. Chief of Staff and Senior General Counsel John Adams of ENRD filed the statement of interest.


title: Middleton Police Officer Indicted on Federal Child Sex Offense

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Brad D. Schimel, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on December 16, 2025, a federal grand jury issued an indictment alleging that between approximately November 5, 2025, and November 9, 2025, Myles S. Schumaker (Age: 26) of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, coerced or enticed a minor for unlawful sexual activity in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b). At the time of his arrest, the defendant was employed as a patrol officer with the Middleton Police Department. If convicted of the charge alleged, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum 10-year sentence and up to a lifetime in federal prison. Additionally, he may be required to pay a fine of up to $250,000 and will face a mandatory 5-year term of supervised release and up to a lifetime term of supervised release. This case was investigated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 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 U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. # # # For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero (414) 297-1700 Follow us on X


title: Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison for Trafficking Drugs in Oshkosh

body_text: Brad D. Schimel, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on December 15, 2025, United States District Judge Byron B. Conway sentenced Aquanis M. Williams (a/k/a “Pirate”) to 156 months’ imprisonment for distributing controlled substances in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and possessing firearms as a convicted felon. According to court records, from January through May of 2025, Williams distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. On May 29, 2025, agents searched Williams’ residence and seized three firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, approximately $4,500 cash, over 700 grams of methamphetamine, over 100 grams of cocaine, and 27 grams of fentanyl. Williams admitted to possessing the firearms and controlled substances and stated that he planned to purchase one kilogram of fentanyl later that day. Williams has a significant prior criminal record, including three prior convictions for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and a prior conviction for pointing a firearm at a law enforcement officer. This case was investigated by the Oshkosh Police Department – Vice and Narcotics Unit, with assistance from the Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group – Drug Unit (LWAM), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Milwaukee Police Department, and North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alex Duros. # # # For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero (414) 297-1700 Follow us on X


title: Oshkosh Sex Offender Indicted on Federal Child Sex Offenses

body_text: Brad D. Schimel, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on December 16, 2025, a federal grand jury issued a four-count indictment alleging that on two different dates in September of 2025, Dustin K. Gildemeister (Age: 39) of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, distributed obscene visual depictions of the sexual abuse of children in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1466A. The indictment also alleges that he did so as an individual required to register as a sexual offender in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2260A. If convicted of one of the distribution of obscene depictions charges, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum 15-year and a maximum of 40 years’ imprisonment. Should the jury find he committed one of those charges while required to register as a sexual offender, the defendant faces an additional mandatory 10 year-sentence that must be imposed consecutive to any other sentence. The defendant may also be required to pay a fine of up to $250,000 and faces a mandatory term of 5 years on supervised release and a maximum term of life on supervised release. The defendant is alleged to be on the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry based upon his convictions in 2015 in the Winnebago County Circuit Court for child exploitation and possession of child pornography. This case was investigated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office with the assistance of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Division of Community Corrections. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. 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 U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. # # # For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero (414) 297-1700 Follow us on X


title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Relentless Justice

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys' offices around the country. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes." “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.” Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon. As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself. This effort follows two other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. The FBI's Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: West Memphis Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of a Machinegun

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: HELENA-WEST HELENA—West Memphis man involved in a drive-by shooting that left two people severely injured will spend 120 months in federal prison after being convicted by a jury of unlawful possession of a machinegun. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on December 18, 2025, by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller and is the maximum allowed by law. Judge Miller also sentenced Alexander to three years of supervised release to follow his 10 years in prison. Martinez Alexander, Jr., 20, was originally indicted by a federal grand jury on March 7, 2024, charging him with unlawful possession of a machinegun. The jury trial began on August 18, 2025. After four days of testimony, including testimony from victims of the shooting, the jury deliberated approximately 30 minutes before returning a guilty verdict. The evidence presented at trial revealed that on December 15, 2023, Alexander and Jaylan Atkins, 21, drove up to a group of teenagers walking in a West Memphis neighborhood and opened fire with fully automatic firearms, striking two teenage males multiple times and leading to significant injuries. Bullets also struck a nearby home where a mother and her young child were present. Thirty-nine shell casings were collected from the crime scene. A state arrest warrant for attempted capital murder was issued for Alexander and Atkins following the shooting. On December 31, 2023, two-and-a-half weeks later, law enforcement officers from the West Memphis Police Department seeking to execute the state warrant observed Alexander riding in a stolen Dodge Charger and initiated a traffic stop. The Charger, which was driven by Atkins, fled, leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase through West Memphis. The chase continued for more than five minutes before law enforcement officers used a tactical maneuver to disable the vehicle by the railroad tracks off Missouri Street. According to testimony at trial, Atkins and the front seat passenger immediately fled on foot. Atkins was arrested and found to be in possession of a Glock 22, .40 caliber handgun equipped with a machinegun conversion device (MCD), which allowed it to function as a machinegun. While other officers pursued Atkins and the front seat passenger, an officer noticed movement in the backseat of the stolen vehicle and observed Alexander open the back driver’s side door and toss something on the ground. Once Alexander was taken into custody, a tan 9mm Glock firearm with an extended magazine and a gold MCD was discovered outside the backseat driver’s side door in the area the officer saw Alexander toss an object. The firearm was tested and functioned as a machinegun, which allowed it to fire fully automatic. Further investigation revealed that the tan 9mm Glock firearm found in the possession of Alexander on December 31, 2023, was the same firearm used in the drive-by shooting on December 15, 2023. Atkins pleaded guilty on February 5, 2025, to possessing a machinegun and was sentenced to 103 months in federal prison on October 22, 2025. There is no parole in the federal system. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the West Memphis Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Bowen and Bart Dickinson. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Members of Dangerous Human Smuggling Organization  Extradited from Colombia

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Two Colombian nationals made their initial appearance in court in El Paso, Texas yesterday after being extradited from Colombia to face charges relating to their roles in a dangerous human smuggling conspiracy that left 40 aliens and two boat captains missing. In October 2024, a federal grand jury in the Western District of Texas returned an indictment against Hernando Manuel De La Cruz Rivera Orjuela, also known as Hernan, also known as Manuel, also known as El Patron, 53, and Luis Enrique Linero Pinto, aka El Calvo, 41, of Colombia for conspiring to encourage and induce aliens to come to, enter, and reside in the United States placing lives in jeopardy and in violation of immigration laws of the United States. “These defendants are alleged to have operated a sophisticated human smuggling operation that resulted in the disappearance of 42 people at sea,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Human smuggling is a dangerous, predatory enterprise that exploits vulnerable migrants for profit. The Criminal Division will continue to aggressively dismantle these criminal networks that profit from human suffering and threaten the security of our border.” “There is no limit as to the lengths we will go to bring to justice those who would smuggle humans into the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “Taking down human smuggling operations, like this one, deals a direct blow to the transnational criminal organizations that receive millions of dollars from these operations. Therefore, prosecuting these kinds of cases is key to accomplishing of our mission to eradicate Mexican drug cartels and other transnational criminal organizations that use this country as a direct and indirect means to enrich themselves. Thank you to all of our law enforcement partners and members of Joint Task Force Alpha who stand shoulder to shoulder with us in this worthwhile effort.” Rivera Orjuela and Linero Pinto were arrested in Colombia in December 2024 at the request of the United States. Their extraditions followed extensive coordination and cooperation between U.S. and Colombian law enforcement authorities. According to the indictment, the defendants participated in a conspiracy where they were directly and personally responsible for unlawfully smuggling aliens, transporting them from other locations to San Andres Island, Colombia, and from there to Nicaragua via boats, north through Central America and Mexico, before reaching their final destination in the United States. Allegedly, Rivera Orjuela and Linero Pinto advised the migrants how to get to San Andres Island, personally received them once they arrived on the island, arranged for their accommodation, and brought them to the boats that transported them to Nicaragua so they could enter the United States illegally. Linero Pinto is alleged to have bribed uniformed service members of the Colombian Navy to acquire real-time intelligence about the position of Navy patrol vessels located between San Andres Island and Nicaragua, enabling the boats carrying migrants to avoid detection. On Oct. 21, 2023, a boat carrying approximately 40 aliens and two boat captains disappeared on its way to Nicaragua after leaving San Andreas Island. The defendants were allegedly responsible for smuggling the aliens on that boat who were en route to the United States. HSI led the investigation, with assistance from their McAllen, El Paso, and Cartagena Field Offices. HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, and the Justice Department’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT); Office of International Affairs; and the Justice Department’s Judicial Attaché Office in Bogotá provided valuable assistance. The Justice Department thanks Colombian law enforcement officials, who were instrumental in furthering this investigation. The investigation and indictment were coordinated and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorney-detailees from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/ HSI and CBP/BP and OFO, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 425 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 375 U.S. convictions; more than 325 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets. The extraditions of Rivera Orjuela and Linero Pinto are the first extraditions from Colombia resulting from JTFA’s work since the taskforce’s mission expanded to target human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Colombia. Trial Attorneys Danielle Hickman of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Daria Andryushchenko of the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Luis Acosta for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs Acting Associate Director Jesse Ormsby and the Justice Department’s Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Kristopher Jarvis, provided significant assistance with the extradition. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER FROM HONDURAS SENTENCED FOR ILLEGAL REENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: Kevin Noel Ochoa Venegas (a/k/a Kevin Noel Ochoa-Venegas, a/k/a Kevin Noel Banegas Banegas, a/k/a Kevin Noel Banegas, a/k/a Kevin Banegas, a/k/a Kevin Noel Banega), 32, of Honduras, was sentenced to federal prison after previously pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This criminal illegal alien thought he could continue to violate our nation’s immigration laws with impunity, but Operation Take Back America was launched upon the promise by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi that we would devote our legal resources to fully enforcing federal law against such criminals. This successful prosecution delivers on that promise, and we will ensure this criminal illegal alien is deported yet again, and with our border secure he will not be able to return.” According to court documents, on April 11, 2025, the defendant was arrested in Bay County, Florida, for driving without a valid license. Law enforcement determined that the defendant was a citizen of Honduras who was illegally present in the United States. An investigation revealed that the defendant was previously removed from the United States in 2016, and again in 2021 after he was convicted in Bay County, Florida, for a sex crime that resulted in him being designated a sex offender. The defendant did not apply for or receive permission to reenter the United States since his last removal from the United States in 2021. An ICE detainer has been lodged against the defendant, and he will begin deportation proceedings. The case involved a joint investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The 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: Member of Anti-Capitalist and Anti-Government Group Arrested and Charged with Threatening ICE Officers

body_text: On Dec. 13, Micah James Legnon, 28, of New Iberia, Louisiana, was arrested on a criminal complaint filed in the Western District of Louisiana charging him with threatening Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. According to court documents, Legnon also known as Dark Witch and Kateri the Witch, is associated with the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF), a far-left, pro-Palestine, anti-government, and anti-capitalist group. Legnon’s association with TILF included participating in a chat called “Order of the Black Lotus,” in which Legnon discussed teaching other TILF members urban warfare while writing threatening messages about ICE officers there and on social media. “This arrest reflects the Justice Department’s priority of disrupting and dismantling terrorist networks across the Nation,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will continue to aggressively target violent extremist groups like the Turtle Island Liberation Front, hold their proxies accountable, and ensure the American people—and the officers who protect them—can live without fear. Thank you to the US Attorney, Zachary Keller, in the Western District of Louisiana for his incredible work.” “The FBI will not tolerate anyone who threatens law enforcement officers and will work with our partners to bring them to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This defendant allegedly threatened ICE officers and had an assault rifle, body armor, and other items in his vehicle when he was arrested by local law enforcement. He is associated with the Turtle Island Liberation Front which espouses anti-government views. The FBI is steadfast in our commitment to protect the American people and those who wear the badge to protect our communities.” “Groups like TILF are a menace to society and a threat to the values that make America the greatest nation on Earth,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana. “As we approach the one-year anniversary of the New Orleans New Year’s Day terror attack, the Louisiana U.S. Attorney’s Offices stand vigilant alongside the FBI and our other federal, state, and local partners to uncover and stop potential terrorist plots dead in their tracks. The swift and decisive action taken by the FBI’s California and Louisiana components and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office here exemplifies that commitment we all have to keeping Louisiana and our country safe.” Legnon, who has a military background, was under surveillance by the FBI on Dec. 12, due to his affiliation with TILF members plotting to bomb Los Angeles who were arrested that day. On Dec. 12, FBI saw Legnon leaving his New Iberia residence with what appeared to be an assault rifle and body armor in his vehicle in an apparent effort to execute an attack. Legnon was stopped and arrested by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and one assault rifle, one pistol, one gas canister, and body armor were recovered from his vehicle. A federal search warrant executed on Legnon’s residence revealed sniper training manuals, SWAT training manuals, assault rifles, and multiple rounds of ammunition. This investigation is ongoing. The FBI is investigating the case with valuable assistance from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel for the Western District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Puerto Rico Department of Labor Employee and Seven Others Indicted in Public Corruption Unemployment Insurance Fraud Scheme

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SAN JUAN, P.R. – On December 17, 2025, a Federal Grand Jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging eight women with engaging in fraud scheme to obtain unemployment compensation from the Puerto Rico Department of Labor (PRDOL) totaling $619,923 and to make kickback payments to a public official, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The United States Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (USDOL-OIG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are in charge of the investigation with the assistance of the Puerto Rico Police, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG), and the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (Hacienda). The Puerto Rico Department of Labor initiated the referral to federal authorities. According to the indictment, the defendants conspired to submit false information in order to fraudulently obtain unemployment compensation from the PRDOL. This was done by using false personal identifying information, using identifying information of other individuals, and providing false information related to past employment history. Defendant Luz Garay-Osorio, using her position as an employee of PRDOL, made changes in the PRDOL system to make family members eligible to receive unemployment benefits, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, and Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Garay-Osorio also used her position as a PRDOL interviewer to file fraudulent claims, create false work history, change historical changes, and make monetary and non-monetary determinations. In addition, Garay-Osorio submitted fraudulent claims using other individuals’ identities and caused benefits to be paid to co-conspirators, including family members. The defendants fraudulently obtained approximately $619,923 in benefits and Garay-Osorio received approximately $142,507 in kickback payments as follows. [1] Luz Garay-Osorio directly received approximately $13,308 in fraudulent benefits. [2] Glenda Garay-Osorio received approximately $107,291 in fraudulent benefits and transferred approximately $17,857.00 to the bank account of Luz Garay-Osorio. [3] Tatiana Skerrett-Garay received approximately $46,834 in fraudulent benefits and transferred approximately $20,597.98 to the bank account of Luz Garay-Osorio. [4] Ariana Skerrett-Garay received approximately $45,946 in fraudulent benefits and transferred the entire amount to the bank account of Luz Garay-Osorio. [5] Dayanara Aquino-Garay received approximately $73,950 in fraudulent benefits and transferred approximately $10,575.00 to the bank account of Luz Garay-Osorio. [6] Nashaly Vega-Garay received approximately $102,670 in fraudulent benefits and transferred approximately $21,423.00 to the bank account of Luz Garay-Osorio. [7] Almarys De Jesús-Garay received approximately $13,803 in fraudulent benefits and transferred approximately $1,000.00 to the bank account of Luz Garay-Osorio. [8] Mariela Cabrera-Vistel received approximately $58,015 in fraudulent benefits and caused the purchase of 18 money orders totaling $17,500 that were deposited in the bank account of Luz Garay-Osorio and an additional approximately $7,609 was transferred to the bank account of Luz Garay-Osorio. In addition to being charged with conspiracy to steal federal funds and honest services mail fraud, Garay-Osorio is also charged with money laundering and aggravated identity theft. Garay-Osorio was subsequently terminated by the Puerto Rico Department of Labor. “These defendants engaged in a scheme to defraud the Puerto Rico Department of Labor by using an employee’s position of trust to file numerous fraudulent unemployment insurance claims when they were not entitled to such benefits,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “The United States Department of Justice, along with our state and federal counterparts will continue to hold accountable those who seek to exploit federal benefits for personal gain, to protect vulnerable populations, and to safeguard the integrity of taxpayer-funded programs. We commend the outstanding work and collaboration of our law enforcement partners in the investigation of this case.” “An important part of the mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud involving the U.S. Department of Labor’s unemployment insurance program. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of allegations,” stated Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “This investigation underscores our commitment to protecting public funds and holding accountable those who abuse positions of trust for personal gain,” said Joe Rodríguez, Acting Special Agent in Charge for the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “The FBI will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and prosecute fraudulent schemes that undermine critical assistance programs and hurt our communities.” “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigative and bring to justice those who defraud the American taxpayer and fraudulently use the nation’s mail system,” said Bladismir Rojo, Postal Inspector in Charge, Miami Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Anderson is in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, the defendants are facing up to 5 years of imprisonment for theft of government money and conspiracy. Luz Garay-Osorio is also facing up to 20 years of imprisonment for honest services mail fraud and a mandatory two-year sentence in prison for aggravated identity theft. In addition, Luz Garay Osorio and Mariela Cabrera Vistel are facing up to 20 years in prison for money laundering conspiracy. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Luz Garay-Osorio is the ninth Commonwealth of Puerto Rico employee to be charged or plead guilty to a federal corruption offense since 2024. See United States v. Antonio Silva-Rodriguez (Hacienda employee – CR 23-452(CVR)); United States v. Hector Vazquez-Barroso (Hacienda employee – CR 23-452(CVR)); United States v. Doris Bonilla-Valle (Hacienda employee – CR 23-452(CVR)); United States v. Nancy Baez-Flores (CESCO employee – CR 24-238(PAD)); United States v. Joselyn Figueroa- Rosario (CESCO employee – CR 24-238(PAD)); United States v. Javier Relta-Lebron (Hacienda employee – CR 25-434(PAD)); United States v. Harry Muriel-Falero (Hacienda employee – CR 25-434(PAD)); United States v. Elsa Santiago-Colon (Hacienda employee – CR 25-492(SCC)). To report a COVID-19-related fraud scheme or suspicious activity, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by calling the NCDF Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form To report a bribery/kickback scheme or suspicious public corruption activity, contact the FBI by calling the San Juan Field Office at (787)987-6500 or online via www.tips.fbi.gov Indictments contain only charges and are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. # # #


title: U.S. Senate confirms Kriegshauser as U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: KANSAS CITY, KAN. – The U.S. Senate confirmed Ryan A. Kriegshauser as the United States Attorney for the District of Kansas following his nomination by President Donald J. Trump. As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Kriegshauser is the chief federal law enforcement officer in Kansas. Mr. Kriegshauser had been serving as Interim U.S. Attorney since July 28, 2025, and was re-appointed by the District Court of Kansas, effective November 25, 2025, while awaiting confirmation. The U.S. Attorney’s office for the District of Kansas employs Assistant U.S. Attorneys and support staff who work in Kansas City, Kan., Topeka, and Wichita. The office is organized into Civil, Criminal, and Administrative divisions. The jurisdiction covers all 105 counties in Kansas, with a population of approximately 2.8 million. “I am deeply honored with the special trust and confidence placed in me by the President of the United States, the United States Attorney General, and the judges in the District of Kansas,” Ryan A. Kriegshauser said. “Additionally, the support of Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall was pivotal in my selection and confirmation. I look forward to continuing my efforts to strengthen the relationship between the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Office and the Kansas justice system by extending more resources and support to our federal, state, and local partners. We want our partners to see us as accessible and approachable so that in working together, we can most effectively protect and serve our Kansas community.” Mr. Kriegshauser is from Johnson County, Kansas. Before serving as U.S. Attorney, he was a partner in private practice at the Kriegshauser Ney Law Group, focusing on constitutional claims, commercial litigation, and administrative law. Before re-entering private practice in 2018, Mr. Kriegshauser was deployed to Afghanistan with the U.S. Navy. His previous public service roles include General Counsel at the Kansas Securities Commissioner's Office, overseeing financial prosecutions, and Deputy Assistant Kansas Secretary of State for the Office of Legal Counsel and Policy. He has prosecuted as Deputy County Attorney in Jefferson County, Kansas, as well as serving as a municipal prosecutor in Osawatomie and Edwardsville, Kansas. Mr. Kriegshauser earned his B.A. from Georgetown University and his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In addition to practicing law, Mr. Kriegshauser continues to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Commander. ###


title: PENSACOLA MAN INDICTED ON CHARGES OF DRUG ADULTERATION, MAIL FRAUD AND WIRE FRAUD

body_text: PENSACOLA FLORIDA – Scott Robinson, 51, of Pensacola, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with two counts of drug adulteration, two counts of mail fraud, and two counts of wire fraud. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today. Robinson appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon for his arraignment in federal court in Pensacola, Florida. Trial is set for January 20, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. If convicted, Robinson faces up to twenty years’ imprisonment on each count. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher C. Patterson is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. 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: Former McCreary County Assistant Principal Sentenced for Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LONDON, Ky. – A Strunk, Ky., man, and former Assistant Principal of McCreary County High School, Aaron Anderson, 52, was sentenced on Thursday by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier to 120 months in prison, for attempting to persuade a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity online. According to court documents, in August 2023, Anderson was the McCreary County High School Assistant Principal, an began communicating with the minor victim via Microsoft Teams on the victim’s school-issued Chromebook. Anderson and the victim spoke daily on Teams, and Anderson engaged in a pattern of grooming via the Teams messages that included terms of endearment, offers of gifts, and frequent praise to the minor victim. The grooming messages were part of the enticement as they were intended to flatter her, build intimacy, and create a sense of obligation. Furthermore, in his plea agreement, Anderson admitted to enticing the victim to engage in sexual contact in his office. Under federal law, Anderson must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years. Paul McCaffrey, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and KSP. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Blankenship. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . – END –