title: Lancaster County Felons Sentenced to Federal Prison in Separate Cases

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Two felons in Lancaster County have been sentenced to federal prison for drug and firearm offenses in two separate cases. “Both of these defendants are convicted felons who continued to bring guns and drugs into Lancaster County,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We’re committed to working with our state and federal law enforcement partners to identify violent offenders like McGriff and Hood and prosecute them federally.” “These cases are a great example of the value of partnerships in law enforcement,” said Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile. “Our officers made a traffic stop and found McGriff to be in possession of substantial quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine and a handgun. On another traffic stop we found Hood, who is prohibited from having firearms and ammunition, with a pistol. From there we had the assistance of the FBI and the ATF in preparing the cases for prosecution in federal court. I am grateful for their help and the efforts of the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office in getting these cases into court quickly and sending McGriff and Hood to federal prison for their illegal narcotics and weapons activities in Lancaster County.” Joblicenarius W’Yarian McGriff, 28, of Lancaster, has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for possession with intent of distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on March 2, 2024, a Lancaster County Sheriff’s deputy initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle in which McGriff was a passenger. The deputy conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and found McGriff’s gray bookbag on the floor of the backseat. In the backpack, officers discovered narcotics, including over 23 grams of fentanyl and over 5 grams of methamphetamine, and a handgun. Further investigation uncovered hotel surveillance video of McGriff carrying the same bookbag just before the traffic stop. La’Jameion Vartavious Hood, 25, of Lancaster was sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. On June 24, 2024, Lancaster County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle where Hood was a passenger. During a search, officers recovered a 9mm firearm, which was loaded with 15 rounds in the magazine and one round chambered, under the passenger seat where Hood was seated. Hood has prior convictions for accessory after the fact to murder, unlawful carry, assault and battery – 3rd and discharging a firearm into a dwelling. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced McGriff to 78 total months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. sentenced Hood to 37 months imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Elizabeth Major and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Christopher Matthews of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section prosecuted the case against McGriff. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elle E. Klein prosecuted the case against Hood. ###


title: Chiropractor Sentenced to 43 Months in Prison for $14.9 Million Health Care Fraud and Kickback Scheme Related to Durable Medical Equipment and Cancer Genetic Testing

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Georgia chiropractor was sentenced to 43 months in prison for her role in a $14.9 million health care fraud and illegal kickback conspiracy, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced. “This defendant built a business model around fraud—using kickbacks, sham arrangements, and medically unnecessary equipment to siphon millions from Medicare. Health care programs exist to serve patients, not to bankroll schemes like this one. Today’s sentence holds her accountable and underscores that those who abuse our federal health care system for profit will face serious consequences.” - Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello Teflyon Cameron, 59, of Powder Springs, Georgia, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz on March 2, 2026, in Newark federal court to an Information charging her with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and conspiracy to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback statute. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: For several years, Cameron conspired to defraud health insurers, including Medicare, by causing the submission of claims for medically unnecessary Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and Cancer Genetic Tests (CGx). In total, Cameron and her conspirators caused a loss to Medicare of more than $14.9 million, and Cameron pocketed more than $1.3 million in fraud proceeds. Cameron and her conspirators owned, operated, and had a financial interest in DME companies through which they obtained doctors’ orders for durable medical equipment, namely orthotic braces, for Medicare beneficiaries without regard to medical necessity. Cameron and her conspirators obtained DME orders using marketing call centers and telemedicine companies, caused the submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, and paid illegal kickbacks. Cameron and her conspirators also owned, operated, and had a financial interest in a CGx company through which she agreed to provide a clinical laboratory with leads of beneficiaries who were qualified to receive federal health care benefits for cancer genetic tests. Cameron submitted invoices to the clinical laboratory seeking payment on a per-lead basis, but entered into a sham agreement to disguise kickback and bribe payments. Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello credited the following law enforcement organizations with the investigation leading to the sentencing: the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz; and U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Silvestro. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht of the Health Care Fraud & Opioids Enforcement Unit. ### Defense counsel: Melissa L. Jampol, Esq.


title: Four Members of D.C. Gang Sentenced in Conspiracy Case that Resulted in Two Murders and a Non-Fatal Drive-By Shooting in Southeast, Washington, D.C.

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Derrico Johnson, 21, Ronald Henderson, 19, Daveon Robinson, 18, and Demarco Robinson, 22, were sentenced Friday in connection with three different day-time shootings that occurred in Southeast Washington, D.C. between April 2022 and January 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan sentenced Derrico Johnson to 22 years of incarceration, Ronald Henderson to 22 years of incarceration, Daveon Robinson to eight years of incarceration, and Demarco Robinson to four years of incarceration on March 6, 2026. Each defendant was also sentenced to a period of supervised release at the conclusion of their sentences. The government’s evidence indicates that on April 12, 2022, Johnson shot and killed Clayton Marshall (who does not appear to have been the intended target) and shot and injured another individual (who also does not appear to have been the intended target) during a daytime drive-by shooting at Shipley Market (a known hang-out spot associated with the “Deuce Deuce” crew). About six weeks later, on May 26, 2022, Johnson, Henderson, and a still-unidentified third individual traveled by foot to the Savannah Terrace Circle associated with the “23rd and Savannah” crew, where they shot and killed 16-year-old Justin Johnson aka “23 Rackz.” On January 2, 2023, Henderson and Daveon Robinson shot and injured two individuals who were standing outside Alabama Convenience Store (a known hang-out spot associated with the “23rd and Savannah” crew) in another daytime drive-by shooting in which the evidence indicates Dionzai Parker was also inside the suspect vehicle. The case against Dionzai Parker, the fifth defendant in this conspiracy case, is still active. Each of the defendants, who are members of the Southeast D.C. “Get Back Gang” and/or “the Z,” previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder or armed crime of violence stemming from their involvement in a months-long conspiracy that included two murders and a non-fatal drive-by shooting that left multiple people injured. Derrico Johnson, Ronald Henderson, and Daveon Robinson also pleaded guilty to charges related to specific acts of violence. This crew is part of a broader group driving violence in Washington, D.C. over the past several years, known as “Fox 5 Gang.” Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was prosecuted by former Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Sellinger, Assistant United States Attorneys John Parron and Wes Faulkner, Jr. 2022 CF1 003590


title: Guatemalan National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Guatemalan national residing in Framingham was sentenced on March 4, 2026 in federal court in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. Defendant previously deported five times to Guatemala and convicted of illegal re-entry twice. Ariel Humberto Diaz, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper to 14 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In October 2025, Diaz pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Diaz was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2025. Diaz was most recently deported from the United States to Guatemala in March 2022. Sometime after his March 2022 removal, Diaz illegally reentered the United States without permission. Diaz had previously been removed to Guatemala in May 2014, April 2016, October 2016 and November 2018. In addition, Diaz had previously twice been convicted of illegal re-entry in federal court. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra W. Amrhein and Jennifer Zacks of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Mexican national sentenced in cartel-linked smuggling resulting in death

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A 24-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced for his role in bringing illegal aliens into the United States resulting in death, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Alejandro Hernandez-Alcudia pleaded guilty Nov. 24, 2025. U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana has now ordered Hernandez-Alcudia to serve 70 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Hernandez-Alcudia made the deliberate decision to leave the victim behind, resulting in his death. The investigation revealed Hernandez-Alcudia had been involved in human smuggling for at least three months as a guide. On Aug. 1, 2025, authorities apprehended four illegal aliens walking through the brush near El Cenizo. Hernandez-Alcudia had assisted them in crossing the Rio Grande by raft earlier that day and then continued guiding them through the brush. According to the aliens, the group ran out of water approximately five hours earlier. When one-member became ill, Hernandez-Alcudia instructed him to sit and rest but continued leading the others, abandoning him in the brush. When law enforcement approached, Hernandez-Alcudia ordered the group to flee and ran in the opposite direction to avoid apprehension. Authorities later located the deceased man, who was identified as a 37-year-old Mexican national that had died as a result of heat stroke. Records show temperatures ranged from 93 to 106 degrees during the time the group traveled through the brush. Hernandez-Alcudia admitted taking orders from an individual linked to Cartel del Noreste. He further acknowledged being paid to smuggle illegal aliens across the Rio Grande and guide them through the brush. He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer L. Day prosecuted the case. This arrest is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes these organizations commit, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF South Texas comprises agents and officers from ICE-HSI; FBI; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Department of Transportation/IRS; Interpol/Department of State and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas leading the prosecution. The investigation and charges are supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha, the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking that cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations commit. A highly successful partnership between the departments of Justice and Homeland Security, 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 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, Office of International Affairs and Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorney detailees from the Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas; Southern District of California; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and Districts of Arizona, New Mexico and Vermont. JTFA also partners with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices 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 Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 440 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 390 U.S. convictions; more than 330 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.


title: D.C. Man Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison for Stabbing and Killing a Man Defending a Woman and Her Baby

body_text: WASHINGTON – Stephen Herring, 26, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced Friday in the killing of Marcus Thurman in August 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Herring pleaded guilty on November 7, 2025, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of second-degree murder while armed. On March 6, 2026, the Honorable Judge Danya Dayson sentenced Herring to the prison term to be followed by five years of supervised release. According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 5:10 am, on August 22, 2023, Metropolitan Police Department received a call for a stabbing in front of 140 M Street, NE. Upon their arrival, they found the victim, Marcus Thurman, unconscious and unresponsive, suffering from an apparent stab wound to the upper chest. Responding police and medical personnel conducted life saving measures as well as CPR on the scene. The victim was transported to Washington Hospital Center where on September 4, 2023, he died from his injuries. On the day of the incident the defendant was involved in an altercation with a female victim that led to the defendant physically assaulting the victim. Upon seeing this, Thurman tried to intervene and protect the female victim. The female victim was also with her infant son who was in a baby stroller nearby. The defendant—obviously unhappy and enraged by Marcus’ attempt to protect the young woman—left the area and returned to the scene shortly thereafter armed with a knife. Surveillance video captured the defendant stabbing the victim and multiple eyewitnesses on the scene identified Stephen Herring as a suspect. Herring fled the scene shortly after the attack. Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Nebiyu Feleke, who prosecuted the case. 2023 CF1 005866


title: Quincy Man Sentenced to Over One Year in Prison for Bank Fraud and Money Laundering as Part of Stolen Treasury Check Ring

body_text: BOSTON – A Quincy man was sentenced On March 4, 2026 in federal court in Boston for bank fraud and money laundering. Eric Banks, 71, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper 14 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In November 2025, Banks pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and five counts of money laundering. Banks obtained a stolen U.S. Treasury check for $1,127,331.80 made out to a New York-based company. Banks formed a Massachusetts-based entity with the same name, opened a bank account for that fake entity and deposited the check. Banks then conducted multiple illegal money transactions designed to conceal the source of the funds from the stolen Treasury check. In addition, Banks created a second fake entity and opened a bank account in the name of this second fake entity. Other individuals who obtained and deposited stolen U.S. Treasury checks transferred over $1.3 million to this bank account created by Banks. This was part of a scheme involving seven other defendants charged in separate charging documents: 1. Gino Rosario Tyler Alexander Allegra, 31, of Brockton, charged with theft of $861,646 in government funds; 2. Jesse El-Ghoul, 31, of Leominster, charged with theft of $1,355,863 in government funds; 3. Nnamdi Opara, 30, of Woburn, charged with theft of $700,767 in government funds; 4. Gurprit Singh, 34, of Framingham, charged with theft of $2,547,508 in government funds; 5. Amarpreet Singh, 33, of Framingham, charged with theft of $536,214 in government funds; 6. Lonnie Smith-Matthews, 33, of Hyde Park, charged with theft of $150,000 in government funds and bank fraud of $232,588; and 7. Domingo Villari, 49, of Framingham, charged with theft of $1,288,575 in government funds. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; Michael Carpenter, Special Agent in Charge of the Treasury Inspector General; and Nicholas Bucciarelli, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Needham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Sullivan and Seth Kosto of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the cases.


title: Par Funding Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Investors

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Complete Business Solutions Group, Inc., doing business as Par Funding (“Par Funding”), entered a plea of guilty before United States District Court Judge Mark A. Kearney to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and securities fraud arising from a wide‑ranging scheme that defrauded investors out of hundreds of millions of dollars. Par Funding is currently under the control of a receiver appointed by a federal judge in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s civil lawsuit against Par Funding and its principals, and that receiver appeared today to enter the plea on behalf of the corporation. In January 2025, the Court found the Par Funding fraud scheme caused an actual fraud loss of approximately $404,737,299, which it reduced to $288,395,088 after factoring in credit for collateral that federal authorities seized from Par Funding when the investigation became public in July 2020, upon the SEC placing Par Funding in receivership. According to court filings and statements made in court, Par Funding operated a merchant cash advance company in Center City Philadelphia that provided short‑term financing to small businesses across the country. To fund those advances, the company and its principals raised hundreds of millions of dollars from investors while making materially false and misleading representations regarding the company’s leadership, underwriting practices, financial condition, and risk profile. As described in the indictment, the defendants concealed the identity and criminal history of company founder Joseph LaForte, misrepresented the company’s underwriting standards and portfolio performance, and misled investors about default rates, profitability, insurance coverage, and self‑dealing by company insiders. These misrepresentations were used to solicit and maintain investments used to finance the company’s merchant cash advance business, which failed to generate enough profit to sustain itself without the continued influx of new investor money. The Par Funding investigation has also resulted in guilty pleas and sentences for the company’s primary principals. Joe LaForte , the company’s founder and leader, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and related offenses, and was sentenced to approximately 15½ years in prison. His brother, James LaForte , a senior executive involved in enforcing collections, also pleaded guilty and received a sentence of roughly 11½ years. Joseph Cole Barleta , the company’s CFO, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and was sentenced to 5½ years in prison. Perry Abbonizio, Renato Gioe, and Lisa McElhone, and tax professionals Rodney Ermel and Kenneth Bacon, also pleaded guilty to felony offenses related to their involvement with Par Funding and the LaFortes, and where each received a prison sentence. This case was investigated by the FBI, FDIC OIG, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Pennsylvania State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Newcomer, Samuel Dalke, and Eric Gill. The SEC in Florida investigated and litigated the civil securities fraud charges, which formed the basis of a portion of the criminal prosecution.


title: Georgia man going to prison for his role in fraud conspiracy

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Lorenzo Jones, 38, of Atlanta, Georgia, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated ID theft, was sentenced to serve 34 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Bonanno and Sasha Mascarenhas, who handled the case, stated that between January and September 2022, Jones, along with co-conspirators Ameer Clark, Quentavious Price, and Montez White, and others, conspired to defraud financial institutions. Members of the conspiracy would travel from Atlanta, Georgia, to the Western District of New York, and steal genuine checks from businesses. Using those checks, they would create fraudulent checks drawn on the bank accounts of the businesses. Members of the conspiracy then recruited individuals to cash the fraudulent checks, buy clothes for the individuals to make them appear to be construction workers or laborers, and then drive them to area financial institutions and direct them to cash the fraudulent checks. If the checks were successfully cashed, the individuals received a small payment. Specifically: in January 2022, Jones, Price, and two others flew from Atlanta to Buffalo and drove an individual to various KeyBank branches to cash or attempt to cash fraudulent checks drawn on the KeyBank accounts of a business based in Elma, NY, and a second business based in Tonawanda, NY. in March 2022, Price and two others came to Buffalo from Atlanta and drove three individuals to M&T Bank branches, Bank on Buffalo branches, and Evans Bank branches to cash, or attempt to cash, fraudulent checks drawn on the bank accounts of businesses based in Tonawanda, Clarence, NY, and Sanborn, NY. in September 2022, Jones, Clark, Price, and White flew from Atlanta to Rochester, NY, and drove six individuals to M&T Bank branches, KeyBank branches, Northwest Bank branches, Bank on Buffalo branches, and Evans Bank branches, to cash or attempt to cash, fraudulent checks drawn on the bank accounts of two businesses based in Rochester, and one based in Alden, NY. The total loss amount, including actual loss and intended loss, Is $64,979.67. Co-conspirators Ameer Clark, Quentavious Price and Montez White were all previously convicted. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special-Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie P. Feroleto. # # # #


title: South Charleston Woman Sentenced to Prison for Role in Kanawha County Drug Trafficking Organization

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Amanda Marie Mace, also known as “A,” 43, of South Charleston, was sentenced today to five years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Mace admitted to her role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) responsible for distributing quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Charleston area between June 2024 and May 2025. According to court documents and statements made in court, Mace took part in the conspiracy between June 2024 and April 2025. As part of her guilty plea, Mace admitted that she obtained at least 30 pounds of methamphetamine during the time period from co-conspirator Robert Ford, that Ford transported the drugs to West Virginia from Detroit, Michigan, and that she distributed the drugs to multiple customers including significant methamphetamine dealers within the Southern District of West Virginia. Mace further admitted that she made $200 to $300 for each pound of methamphetamine she sold for Ford, and that her main customers who re-distributed the methamphetamine that she sold to them included co-conspirators Quanda Kiev Wilborne and Michael Allen Corkhill. Mace has a criminal history that includes two prior convictions for drug-dealing offenses. Mace, Ford, Wilborne, and Corkhill are among 16 individuals indicted as the result of a federal investigation on charges alleging they participated in the distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Charleston area between June 2024 and May 2025. Five defendants in the main indictment pleaded guilty in addition to Mace. Wilborne, also known as “Quan” and “Queso,” 30, of Charleston, was sentenced on December 18, 2025, to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Corkhill, also known as “Mike” and “Mike Mike,” 31, of Dunbar, is scheduled to be sentenced on April 27, 2026, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Four additional defendants pleaded guilty in separate cases that resulted from the investigation. The indictment against Ford, also known as “Jason” and “J,” 44, of Van Buren Township, Michigan, and the remaining defendants is pending. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-78. ###


title: Bristol Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Narcotics from New Britain Car Dealership

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that WILFREDO ORTIZ, also known as “Will” and “P,” 45, of Bristol, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 135 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for trafficking narcotics from a car dealership in New Britain. According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and New Britain Police Department investigated a drug trafficking organization, headed by Ortiz, that was operating out of Supreme Automotive, a car dealership located on Main Street in New Britain. The investigation included the use of court-authorized wiretaps, physical and electronic surveillance, and several controlled purchases of narcotics, primarily cocaine, from Ortiz and other members of the conspiracy. Three controlled purchases from Ortiz involved more than a kilogram of cocaine. Intercepted communications also revealed Oritz’s connection to firearms. Ortiz and other members of this drug trafficking organization were arrested on November 14, 2024. In association with the arrests, investigators conducted court authorized searches of Supreme Automotive and residences and other locations connected to the drug trafficking organization and seized more than five kilograms of cocaine, more than 200 grams of fentanyl, approximately 30 grams of heroin, a kilogram press, seven firearms, ammunition, approximately $75,000 in cash, and 26 vehicles. Ortiz has been detained since his arrest. On November 10, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. In 1999, Ortiz was sentenced in New Britain Superior Court to 27 years of imprisonment for murder and robbery offenses stemming from a convenience store robbery in August 1998 during which a codefendant shot and killed one employee and wounded another employee. This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, the Connecticut Department of Correction, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Police, and the New Britain, Hartford, West Hartford, Waterbury, Naugatuck, East Hartford, Brookfield, Milford, Norwich, Orange, North Haven, Meriden, Berlin, and Manchester Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Natasha Freismuth, Reed Durham, and David Nelson.


title: Jalen Smith Pleads Guilty to Bribery and Point-Shaving Scheme to Fix NCAA, CBA Men’s Basketball Games

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Jalen Smith, 30, of Charlotte, North Carolina, entered a plea of guilty before United States District Court Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro on charges in connection with a bribery and point-shaving scheme to fix National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I men’s basketball games and Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) games and charges related to an unlawful possession of a firearm. Smith pleaded guilty to Counts One, Two, and Five of the indictment charging him with bribery in sporting contests, and aiding and abetting, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 224 and 2 (Count One); conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349 (Count Two); and wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (Count Five); and to Count One of an information charging him with possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). In an indictment unsealed on January 15, 2026, Smith had been charged in connection with the bribery and point-shaving scheme. Smith engaged in the scheme to influence or fix NCAA and CBA men’s basketball games from at least in or about September 2022 through at least in or about February 2025. After co-schemers profited on fixed CBA games, the co-schemers turned their attention to fixing NCAA men’s basketball games and Smith was enlisted as a “fixer,” working together with others to recruit and bribe NCAA men’s basketball players to underperform and help ensure their team failed to cover the spread in games during the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 NCAA men’s basketball seasons. Then, through various sportsbooks, Smith helped to arrange for large wagers to be placed on those games, betting against the team whose player or players they had bribed to engage in this point-shaving scheme. Smith had a leadership role in the scheme, particularly in recruiting, managing, and paying players for their roles in the scheme. Smith and other fixers approached and communicated with the players, in person and through social media, text message communications, and cellular telephone calls, offering the players bribe payments, usually ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per game. Smith and other fixers specifically targeted college players for whom the bribe payments would meaningfully supplement, or exceed, the student-athletes’ legitimate opportunities for “Name-Image-Likeness” compensation. The fixers also generally targeted their scheme players on teams that were underdogs in games and sought to have them fail to cover the spreads in those games. Many of these players accepted the offers and agreed to help fix specific games so that the fixers would win their wagers. The bribery and point-shaving scheme involved, in total, more than 39 players on more than 17 different NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams who then fixed and attempted to fix more than 29 NCAA games. In early March 2024, for example, Smith and other fixers recruited and offered a bribe to a player on an NCAA men’s basketball team, and the player agreed to underperform in an upcoming game. Around halftime of that game, when the score was tied, Smith texted the player, expressed his concern about the score, and urged the player to underperform in the second half, telling him that the game “need[ed] to be a blowout,” that the player was “supposed to be . . . losing” and was costing him money, and that the team needed to get “blow[n] out next half.” To capitalize on this scheme, the fixers made wagers totaling millions of dollars, generating substantial proceeds for the fixers and the players who collectively received hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribe payments for fixing their teams’ basketball games. When the fixers were successful with their wagers on fixed games, Smith and other co-schemers traveled to NCAA campuses and made cash bribe payments to the players who had agreed to participate in the point-shaving scheme. On March 6, 2026, Smith was charged by information with possession of a firearm by a felon. This firearms charge arose from a search of Smith’s residence in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 21, 2025, where Smith was found in unlawful possession of a loaded Khar Arms CT380 semi-automatic pistol. The bribery in sporting contests charge carries a maximum possible sentence of five years of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Each count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud brings a maximum possible sentence of 20 years of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The firearms charge carries a maximum possible sentence of 15 years of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. This case was investigated by FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Louis D. Lappen and Jerome M. Maiatico. Anyone who believes they may have information about these crimes and would like to report the information is asked to call FBI Philadelphia at 215-418-4000 and reference “NCAA point-shaving.”


title: Two ISIS Supporters Charged With Attempting To Detonate Explosive Devices During Protests Outside Gracie Mansion

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Attorney General for the United States, Pamela Bondi, Deputy Attorney General for the United States, Todd Blanche, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today charges against EMIR BALAT and IBRAHIM KAYUMI alleging that they attempted to detonate two explosive devices in the vicinity of Gracie Mansion, and that they were acting in support of ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. “As alleged, on Saturday, March 7, during protests taking place outside Gracie Mansion on the Upper East Side, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi attempted to detonate two improvised explosive devices amongst the protesters,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Moreover, after being apprehended by NYPD officers, both Balat and Kayumi stated they were aligned with ISIS. Free speech and peaceable assembly are the bedrock of American democracy. Violence is not protected speech, and it’s not protected protest. In New York, violence—particularly acts of terror—will be met with swift justice. This investigation remains ongoing, and we encourage anyone with further information to please contact tips.fbi.gov online or 1-800-CALL-FBI.” “This was an alleged ISIS-inspired act of terrorism that could have killed American citizens,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will not allow ISIS’s poisonous, anti-American ideology to threaten this nation—our law enforcement officers will remain vigilant, as they were when these devices were brought to a protest.” “These men allegedly sought to inflict mass casualties in service to ISIS with the hope of exceeding the carnage of the Boston Marathon bombing,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “We are tremendously grateful to the brave law enforcement officers who ran into harm’s way to apprehend these individuals and disarm the explosives before anyone was harmed. Thanks to the quick investigative work by federal law enforcement, this Department of Justice will prosecute these men, who pledged allegiance to a foreign terrorist organization, to the fullest extent.” “Inspired by ISIS, a designated terrorist organization, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi allegedly threw one improved explosive device, and attempted to toss another, into a crowd gathered on East End Avenue,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “Balat and Kayumi sought to incite fear and mass suffering through this alleged attempted terror attack. Alongside the NYPD, the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force will not tolerate those who use violence against targets in New York City to broadcast their terrorist ideologies.” “As alleged in the complaint, the crimes committed by Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi were not random,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “This was an act of ISIS-inspired terrorism. From the first moments since the attack, the NYPD has been working seamlessly with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, and I am deeply grateful for their partnership in this investigation. The men and women of the NYPD will continue to stand watch over this city and selflessly run towards the danger to keep the public safe.” As alleged in the Complaint: [1] On or about March 7, 2026, a protest called “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer” and a counter-protest called “Run Nazis Out of New York City” were held outside of Gracie Mansion in Manhattan, New York. Gracie Mansion is the official residence of the Mayor of New York City. At approximately 12:15 p.m., BALAT ignited and threw an explosive device (“Device-1”) toward the area where the protesters were gathered, as pictured below: Immediately after throwing Device-1, BALAT ran to another location down the block and received a second explosive device (“Device-2”) from KAYUMI, as pictured below: After apparently igniting Device-2, BALAT dropped Device-2 near where several NYPD officers were standing, ran away from the NYPD officers, and jumped over a barricade. He was tackled and arrested by NYPD officers shortly thereafter, as was KAYUMI. Pictured below are BALAT mid-flight and Device-2 hitting the ground: Following his arrest, while en route to the NYPD precinct, BALAT stated to NYPD officers: “this isn’t a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the prophet . . . We take action! We take action!”; and “if I didn’t do it someone else will come and do it.” Then, after arriving at the NYPD precinct, BALAT requested a piece of paper and, after being given a paper and pen, wrote the following: “All praise is due to Allah lord of all worlds! I pledge my allegiance to the Islamic State. Die in your rage yu [sic] kuffar! Emir B.” “Kuffar” is an Arabic term that refers to “non-believers” or “infidels,” and “Die in your rage” is a slogan used by ISIS. Law enforcement officers later asked BALAT if he was familiar with the Boston Marathon bombing, and if that was what BALAT had hoped to accomplish. BALAT responded: “No, even bigger. It was only three deaths.” After KAYUMI was arrested, and as he was being placed inside an NYPD vehicle to be transported from the scene to an NYPD precinct, an individual from the surrounding crowd yelled to KAYUMI and asked why KAYUMI had done this. KAYUMI responded, “ISIS.” Then, at the NYPD precinct, in response to a question from law enforcement about whether he was affiliated with ISIS, KAYUMI indicated that he was. He further stated, in substance and part, that: (i) he has watched ISIS propaganda on his phone; (ii) his actions that day were partly inspired by ISIS; (iii) he did not feel comfortable holding the Devices earlier that day; and (iv) he would not feel comfortable if the Devices were in the interrogation room with him. After BALAT and KAYUMI were arrested and the Devices were secured, an FBI Special Agent Bomb Technician (“SABT”) conducted a preliminary examination of the Devices and determined that they were each approximately the size of a mason jar; that they each had an attached fuse; and that they each had nuts and bolts attached to the exterior, surrounded by duct tape. A preliminary analysis of Device-1, the device that BALAT threw into the crowd of protesters, showed that it contained TATP, a highly volatile explosive that is colloquially known as the “Mother of Satan” and extremely sensitive to impact, friction, and heat. TATP has been used in multiple terrorist attacks over the last decade. Pictured below are the contents inside Device-1 after it was opened by law enforcement: On or about March 8, 2026, law enforcement officers located a parked vehicle registered to a family member of BALAT a few blocks from Gracie Mansion. From inside the vehicle, law enforcement officers recovered a coiled green material consistent in appearance with hobby fuse, an empty metal can of the same approximate dimensions and appearance as the can recovered from inside Device-1, and a notebook containing handwritten notes. One page of the notebook contains the note “TATP explosive”; another page contains a list of chemical ingredients, including “hydrogen peroxide,” “sulfuric acid,” and “acetone”; and a third page contains a list of components and quantities, such as “aluminum can x6,” and “a box of bolts ect [sic] 2x.” * * * BALAT, 18, of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, and KAYUMI, 19, of Newtown, Pennsylvania, are charged with attempted provision of material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; use of a weapon of mass destruction, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; transportation of explosive materials, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; interstate transportation and receipt of explosives, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and unlawful possession of destructive devices, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The minimum and maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding efforts of the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force of the FBI, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the NYPD, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies. Mr. Clayton also thanked the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, the New York City Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the New York State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI Newark Field Office, the FBI Philadelphia Field Office, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their assistance. This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan L. Bodansky and Jane Y. Chong are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney James Donnelly of the Counterterrorism Section and paralegal specialist Juan Muñoz. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the charging instrument to date constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.


title: Lumberton Man Sentenced to Almost 6 Years for Drug Dealing with a Gun

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

body_text: WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Kendrick Dakota Locklear, 25, to nearly six years in federal prison for selling marijuana and possessing a gun in furtherance of selling drugs. Inmate Locklear pleaded guilty to the charges. “Some claim dealing marijuana isn’t that bad, but when you have a machinegun at your side, you inject violence into the community and place everyone’s life at risk just to feed your greed.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Stop putting the families at risk just because you want a little bit of money. We will find you and put you in federal prison to think about how you can become a productive member of society.” According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office investigated Locklear for selling marijuana. They executed a search warrant at his home and found over $6,000 cash, over ten pounds of marijuana, cocaine, and three guns, including a handgun equipped with a machinegun conversion device. After he pleaded guilty, an ATF task force officer found evidence that Locklear continued selling marijuana up until as recently as October of 2025. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Angier Police Department and the Homeland Security Investigations branch of the Department of Homeland Security investigated the case, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on our website . Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:24-CR-107-M-BM.


component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 7 years in Federal Prison for Traveling with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct CONCORD – Arthur Picanco, 43, of Bradford, Massachusetts, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Samantha D. Elliott to 7 years in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Picanco previously pleaded guilty to one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. “Individuals who travel across state lines to exploit children in New Hampshire will be found, prosecuted, and held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “The defendant deliberately traveled from Massachusetts to New Hampshire intending to purchase sex from someone he believed to be a minor. Today’s significant sentence recognizes the seriousness of his conduct.” “Picanco actively chose to pursue a child. He believed he was chatting with a trafficker offering him a chance to assault a child for a fee and he made deliberate choices to make it happen. He agreed on a price, he drove to New Hampshire, and he arrived with cash in hand. Now, after today’s sentencing, he’ll serve serious federal prison time,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “Through undercover operations like this, we can find and arrest child predators before they have a chance to prey on real children.” On November 14, 2024, in a proactive law enforcement operation, agents posted and monitored an advertisement on a website commonly used to advertise commercial sex. The advertisement contained images of what appeared to be two minor females, and a contact phone number. Law enforcement agents monitored the phone line and used it to communicate with potential sex buyers, including Picanco. Picanco arranged to pay $100 to have sex with a person who Picanco believed to be a 14-year-old girl. The undercover agent then provided Picanco with the address of a hotel in Manchester and Picanco traveled from Massachusetts to New Hampshire to the hotel. Once at the hotel, Picanco confirmed he had the cash and wanted to go up to the hotel room to meet the 14-year-old girl. When police arrested Picanco, they found that he had a condom and over $100 in cash in his pocket. Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Manchester Police Department, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anna Krasinski Matthew Vicinanzo, and Alex Chen prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Hagerstown Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting Ecuadorian Minors

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – A 76-year-old Maryland man pled guilty in federal court today to sexually exploiting minor victims living in South America. William Foster Alger, of Hagerstown, Maryland, is charged with coercion and enticement of a child. A federal grand jury indicted Alger on child sex-abuse charges in February 2025. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Christopher R. Heck, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Colonel Paul Joey Kifer, Chief of Police of the Hagerstown Police Department (HPD); and Washington County State’s Attorney Gina Cirincion. According to the guilty plea, between November 2023 and December 2024, Alger used mobile phones and online applications to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce three minor victims to engage in sexual activity. Alger paid the victims’ mothers, through Western Union payments, to send him images of the minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The victims lived in Ecuador where Alger traveled to frequently. He eventually purchased land in Ecuador and built a residence. Alger’s iCloud account included numerous photos of him at his Ecuador residence with minor victims and their mothers. Alger faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison for coercion and enticement. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page. Know2Protect is a Department of Homeland Security national public awareness campaign to educate and empower children, teens, parents, trusted adults and policymakers to prevent and combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse ; explain how to report online enticement and victimization; and offer resources for victims and survivors and their supporters. Learn more about Know2Protect at www.dhs.gov/know2protect . U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI, HPD, and the Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Budlow who is prosecuting the federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: St. Lawrence County Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Michael St. Denny, Jr., 36, of St. Lawrence County pled guilty on March 4, 2026, to distribution of child pornography. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement. As part of his guilty plea, St. Denny admitted that, in 2024, he distributed multiple child pornography files to other users of a social media messaging application, including files depicting the sexual abuse of prepubescent children including some as young as infants. First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “As the Supreme Court recognized over 40 years ago, distribution of child pornography is deeply harmful because the victims are forever haunted by the knowledge that the worst moments of their lives have been memorialized and perpetually viewed by perverted people looking for sexual gratification at their expense. My Office will never stop pursuing those who sexually exploit children, and I applaud our partners at HSI for vigorously investigating these matters.” HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan said: “Exploiting children is among the most appalling conduct our agents encounter, and the material distributed in this case reflects a level of cruelty that is simply beyond words. Each day, HSI Massena personnel utilize every tool at our disposal to find and bring to justice anyone who creates, shares, or profits from the sexual abuse of minors. Together with our law enforcement counterparts, HSI will not waver in our mission to stand between predators and the most vulnerable members of our communities.” At sentencing on July 3, 2026, St. Denny faces a term of imprisonment of at least 5 and up to 20 years, a term of post-release supervision of at least 5 years and up to life, a fine of up to $250,000, restitution to the victims, forfeiture of the property he used to commit the offense, and registration as a sex offender. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. This case was investigated by HSI with the assistance of the New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Gadarian as part of Project Safe Childhood. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Undocumented Romanian Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison for Fraud of Nearly $200,000 in 22 States

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Monday sentenced a Romanian national to 21 months in prison and ordered him to repay the almost $200,000 he stole from a nationwide retailer via “sleight-of-hand” schemes. Bobi Covaciu, 39, tricked store cashiers in at least 22 states into believing that he had paid the full amount of cash for a purchase. Covaciu counted out cash matching the purchase price and then took the cash back from cashiers and secretly pocketed bills, shortchanging the retailer by hundreds of dollars or more per transaction. Covaciu would then return the merchandise to a different store for a full cash refund. In at least 90 fraudulent transactions from February 2022 to September 2024, Covaciu stole about $196,220 in money and property. Covaciu will be deported after his release from prison. Covaciu’s criminal history shows that he became involved in the fraud scheme as early as December 2016, just one month after he illegally entered the U.S., a sentencing memo filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Ladendorf says. Covaciu pleaded guilty in December in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of wire fraud. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Ladendorf prosecuted the case.


title: Illegal alien faces federal charges for distributing kilograms of purple fentanyl

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – Martin Armando Gonzalez-Martinez, an illegal alien working directly with Mexico-based drug traffickers, appeared in federal court on charges related to his alleged distribution of purple fentanyl in the Atlanta area. “Fentanyl is so extremely dangerous that just a couple milligrams can be lethal,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “My office proudly partners with law enforcement to identify, arrest, and prosecute individuals who, while illegally present in our country, traffic this deadly drug, which is responsible for killing tens of thousands of Americans every year.” “Fentanyl traffickers continue to push dangerous and deceptive products into our communities, and the distribution of kilograms of purple fentanyl represents a significant threat to public safety,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “These federal charges reflect our unwavering commitment to protect the public and disrupt the criminal organizations responsible for this deadly trade. As part of the DEA’s Fentanyl Free America initiative, we will continue working with our law enforcement partners to stop fentanyl at every level of distribution.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Gonzalez-Martinez is an illegal alien who entered the United States by illegally crossing the southwest border several years ago. Gonzalez-Martinez then allegedly began to distribute drugs, including fentanyl, in the Atlanta area. On March 4, 2026, Gonzalez-Martinez allegedly attempted to sell approximately four kilograms of fentanyl in the parking lot of a business in Morrow, Georgia. When a customer arrived, Gonzalez-Martinez displayed the drugs in his backpack. As Gonzalez-Martinez returned to his car, DEA agents arrested him and searched his backpack, which was full of suspected fentanyl. Last week, Martin Armando Gonzalez-Martinez, 22, of Oaxaca, Mexico appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge on a criminal complaint that charged him with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with valuable assistance provided by the Georgia State Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. LaGrone is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Two ISIS Supporters Charged with Attempting to Detonate Explosive Devices During Protests Outside Gracie Mansion

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Today, the Department of Justice announced charges against Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi alleging that they attempted to detonate two explosive devices in the vicinity of Gracie Mansion, and that they were acting in support of ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. “This was an alleged ISIS-inspired act of terrorism that could have killed American citizens,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will not allow ISIS’s poisonous, anti-American ideology to threaten this nation—our law enforcement officers will remain vigilant, as they were when these devices were brought to a protest.” “These men allegedly sought to inflict mass casualties in service to ISIS with the hope of exceeding the carnage of the Boston Marathon bombing,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “We are tremendously grateful to the brave law enforcement officers who ran into harm’s way to apprehend these individuals and disarm the explosives before anyone was harmed. Thanks to the quick investigative work by federal law enforcement, this Department of Justice will prosecute these men who pledged allegiance to a foreign terrorist organization to the fullest extent.” “The defendants allegedly support ISIS and tried to follow the path of that deadly group by attempting to detonate explosive devices in a crowd,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI and our partners have no tolerance for terrorist organizations or those inspired by them to engage in attacks. We are committed to stopping acts of violence and will hold accountable those who seek to harm our citizens. I want to commend the brave NYPD officers who took action to prevent injuries or loss of life on the streets of New York.” “This alleged act of terrorism, including the packing of metal shrapnel into explosive devices, reveal an intent to cause multiple deaths or serious injuries,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “This is a sober reminder of the threat posed by ISIS and its despicable ideology. NSD will continue to use all tools at its disposal to protect this Nation and its people.” “As alleged, on Saturday, March 7, during a protest taking place outside Gracie Mansion on the Upper East Side, Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi attempted to detonate two improvised explosive devices amongst the protesters,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York. “Moreover, after being apprehended by NYPD officers, both Balat and Kayumi stated they were aligned with ISIS. Free speech and peaceable assembly are the bedrock of American democracy. Violence is not protected speech, and it’s not protected protest. In New York, violence—particularly acts of terror—will be met with swift justice. This investigation remains ongoing, and we encourage anyone with further information to please contact tips.fbi.gov online or 1-800-CALL-FBI.” As alleged in the Complaint: On or about March 7, 2026, a protest called “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City, Stop New York City Public Muslim Prayer” and a counter-protest called “Run Nazis Out of New York City” were held outside of Gracie Mansion in Manhattan, New York. Gracie Mansion is the official residence of the Mayor of New York City. At approximately 12:15 p.m., Balat ignited and threw an explosive device (Device-1) toward the area where the protesters were gathered, as pictured below: Immediately after throwing Device-1, Balat ran to another location down the block and received a second explosive device (Device-2) from Kayumi, as pictured below: After apparently igniting Device-2, Balat dropped Device-2 near where several NYPD officers were standing, ran away from the NYPD officers, and jumped over a barricade. He was tackled and arrested by NYPD officers shortly thereafter, as was Kayumi. Pictured below are Balat mid-flight and Device-2 hitting the ground: Following his arrest, while en route to the NYPD precinct, Balat stated to NYPD officers: “this isn’t a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the prophet . . . We take action! We take action!”; and “if I didn’t do it someone else will come and do it.” Then, after arriving at the NYPD precinct, Balat requested a piece of paper and, after being given a paper and pen, wrote the following: “All praise is due to Allah lord of all worlds! I pledge my allegiance to the Islamic State. Die in your rage yu [sic] kuffar! Emir B.” “Kuffar” is an Arabic term that refers to “non-believers” or “infidels,” and “Die in your rage” is a slogan used by ISIS. Law enforcement officers later asked Balat if he was familiar with the Boston Marathon bombing, and if that was what Balat had hoped to accomplish. Balat responded: “No, even bigger. It was only three deaths.” After Kayumi was arrested, and as he was being placed inside an NYPD vehicle to be transported from the scene to an NYPD precinct, an individual from the surrounding crowd yelled to Kayumi and asked why Kayumi had done this. Kayumi responded, “ISIS.” Then, at the NYPD precinct, in response to a question from law enforcement about whether he was affiliated with ISIS, Kayumi indicated that he was. He further stated, in substance and part, that: (i) he has watched ISIS propaganda on his phone; (ii) his actions that day were partly inspired by ISIS; (iii) he did not feel comfortable holding the Devices earlier that day; and (iv) he would not feel comfortable if the Devices were in the interrogation room with him. After Balat and Kayumi were arrested and the Devices were secured, an FBI Special Agent Bomb Technician (SABT) conducted a preliminary examination of the Devices and determined that they were each approximately the size of a mason jar; that they each had an attached fuse; and that they each had nuts and bolts attached to the exterior, surrounded by duct tape. A preliminary analysis of Device-1, the device that Balat threw into the crowd of protesters, showed that it contained TATP, a highly volatile explosive that is colloquially known as the “Mother of Satan” and extremely sensitive to impact, friction, and heat. TATP has been used in multiple terrorist attacks over the last decade. Pictured below are the contents inside Device-1 after it was opened by law enforcement: On or about March 8, 2026, law enforcement officers located a parked vehicle registered to a family member of Balat a few blocks from Gracie Mansion. From inside the vehicle, law enforcement officers recovered a coiled green material consistent in appearance with hobby fuse, an empty metal can of the same approximate dimensions and appearance as the can recovered from inside Device-1, and a notebook containing handwritten notes. One page of the notebook contains the note “TATP explosive”; another page contains a list of chemical ingredients, including “hydrogen peroxide,” “sulfuric acid,” and “acetone”; and a third page contains a list of components and quantities, such as “aluminum can x6,” and “a box of bolts ect [sic] 2x.” As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the charging instrument to date constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation. Balat, 18, of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, and Kayumi, 19, of Newtown, Pennsylvania, are charged with attempted provision of material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; use of a weapon of mass destruction, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; transportation of explosive materials, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; interstate transportation and receipt of explosives, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and unlawful possession of destructive devices, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The minimum and maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding efforts of the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force of the FBI, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the NYPD, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies. Mr. Clayton also thanked the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the New York State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI Newark Field Office, the FBI Philadelphia Field Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their assistance. This case is being handled by the National Security and International Narcotics Unit for the Southern District of New York. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan L. Bodansky and Jane Y. Chong are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney James Donnelly of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and paralegal specialist Juan Muñoz.


title: Hartford Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Fraudulently Collecting Social Security, Unemployment, and Food Stamp Benefits

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RICARDO SANTIAGO, 60, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 57 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for fraudulently obtaining Social Security, unemployment, and Food Stamp benefits. According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2002 and 2024, Santiago held jobs with more than 20 employers and earned income totaling more than $580,000. Santiago concealed his income from federal and state government agencies by providing to employers false identification, including a Social Security number and card belonging to another individual, and, in at least one instance, a false Social Security card. In 2002, Santiago applied for Retirement Survivors Disability Insurance (RSDI) benefits, representing to the Social Security Administration that he was unable to work due to disability. As a result, he began receiving RSDI payments in September 2002. In 2017, Santiago completed paperwork to maintain his benefits in which he asserted that he remained disabled and had not worked for the past two years. Santiago ultimately collected more than $316,000 in RSDI payments to which he was not entitled. In February 2017, Santiago submitted to the Connecticut Department of Social Services (CT-DSS) an application for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits (“Food Stamps”), representing to the CT-DSS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture that he earned no income from employment. He began receiving SNAP benefits in March 2017 and subsequently completed forms to renew his SNAP benefits on which he again represented that he had no change in his income and that he earned no money from employment. Santiago made more than $18,000 in purchases with SNAP benefits to which he was not entitled. In April 2020, Santiago applied to the Connecticut Department of Labor (CT-DOL) for Unemployment Insurance benefits. On the application, Santiago used a Social Security number belonging to another individual, and he represented to the CT-DOL and U.S. Department of Labor that he was unemployed but available for work and physically able to work. He subsequently completed weekly certifications making the same representations. From April 2020 through February 2021, Santiago received more than $36,000 in payments to which he was not entitled. Judge Oliver ordered Santiago to pay $371,686 in restitution. Santiago was arrested on May 7, 2024. On February 24, 2025, he pleaded guilty to wire fraud. In September 2025, while released on bond and awaiting sentencing, Santiago staged his and his daughter’s drowning in the Connecticut River and attempted to flee. Hartford Police located Santiago and his daughter in Hartford on September 20, 2025. Santiago has been detained since that date. This matter was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan J. Guevremont.


title: Former Quincy Official Pleads Guilty to Embezzling City Funds

body_text: BOSTON – A Fitchburg man and former Quincy official pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to a scheme to embezzle funds from the City of Quincy, Mass. Thomas F. Clasby, Jr., 61, pleaded guilty to embezzlement, mail and wire fraud and interstate transportation of stolen property. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for June 17, 2026. Clasby was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2025 . Clasby was the Director of the Quincy Department of Elder Services (Elder Services) between approximately 1999 and April 2024. Beginning in 2019, Clasby used the City’s purchasing process to pay personal expenses and generate cash for himself. For example, Clasby arranged for the City to pay $8,950 to a music studio to produce recordings of Clasby singing songs; $2,236 to food service vendors for 153 pounds of bourbon steak tips; $4,800 for a Toyota Prius; and $1,658 for a signature, lacquered, mounted and framed self-portrait, all of which were personal expenses. In addition, Clasby arranged for the City to pay over $38,000 to a New York consulting company owned by Clasby’s friend. The consulting company never provided goods or services to any City department. Instead, Clasby’s friend cashed the City checks and delivered the cash to Clasby at a rest stop in Framingham, Mass., a ferry terminal in Bridgeport, Conn. and at the friend’s New York apartment. Starting in June 2021, Clasby stole the majority of cash receipts generated by Elder Services at the Kennedy Center in Quincy. The charge of embezzlement provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of mail and wire fraud provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of interstate transportation of stolen property provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Quincy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of the Public Corruption and Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Registered sex offender sentenced to three years in prison for possession of child sexual abuse images

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A Seattle registered sex offender who was communicating with another person who has since been federally indicted for child sexual abuse, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to three years in prison and 15 years of supervised release for possession of images of child sexual abuse, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Christopher Randall Hamilton, 39, came to the attention of law enforcement because of disturbing communications he had with a Port Orchard, Washington, man who was arrested in a law enforcement sting operation for seeking to have sex with children. At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson said Hamilton’s conduct was “extremely troubling. The images involved very young children and were violent. The discussions [with the other defendant] are very concerning.” According to records filed in the case, Hamilton was arrested in March 2025, when the analysis of his phone revealed that he possessed approximately 180 videos and 1,500 images of child sexual abuse. Hamilton had been communicating with a man who was arrested after he drove to eastern Washington believing he was meeting with an adult who would allow him to sexually assault a young child. The child was fictitious, and the man was arrested and charged federally. A review of his phone led to Hamilton. The two men had discussed locating a mother with young children at a mall such as Southcenter Mall, so that they could sexually molest children. In court today, prosecutors argued for, and the judge approved, a 15-year term of supervised release to follow prison so that Hamilton’s communications and electronic devices can be monitored by federal probation. Hamilton was previously convicted in Michigan of possession of images of child sexual abuse. The case was investigated by the Washington State Patrol (WSP), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Seattle Police Department (SPD). The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Laura Harmon. Ms. Harmon is a Senior Deputy Prosecutor for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, specially designated to prosecute child exploitation crimes in federal court.


title: Arlington Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – An Arlington man pleaded guilty on March 6, 2026 in federal court in Boston to a drug conspiracy. The defendant conspired with a codefendant, who is a Vice Lord gang member on parole from a state prison sentence during these offenses. Jonathan Perry, a/k/a “Peazy,” 26, of Arlington, Mass., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for June 2, 2026. Perry is a relative and coconspirator of Keith Harlow in the distribution of controlled substances. A review of Perry’s cellphone seized during his arrest on state charges on May 29, 2025 revealed that Perry and allegedly Harlow worked together to distribute controlled substances and sell firearms throughout Massachusetts. It is further alleged that, in text message communications with Harlow, they discussed robberies and using firearms to shoot at various individuals. At the time of the alleged offenses Perry and Harlow were prohibited from possessing firearms due to numerous prior felony convictions, including Perry’s youthful offender conviction of manslaughter. At the time of all the messages, Harlow was also still on parole following his multiple concurrent state prison sentences and Perry was on probation for a domestic violence offense. According to the charging documents, Harlow is a member of a Vice Lords chapter known as the Four Corner Hustlers. Known by his street name “Lord Savage,” Harlow has been convicted of multiple prior armed robberies and, at the time of the alleged offenses, was on parole from multiple six to 10-year concurrent state prison sentences. It is alleged that during a search of Harlow’s residence on May 29, 2025, multiple firearm receivers, suspected firearm suppressors, machinegun conversion devices, 3D printers and firearm manufacturing supplies were recovered. Approximately 100 grams of suspected cocaine was allegedly found in the residence as well. The charge of conspiring to distribute controlled substances provides for a maximum penalty of up to 20 years, at least three years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; David E. Sullivan, Northwestern District Attorney; and Athol Police Chief Craig Lundgren made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; the United States Marshals Service; the Franklin County House of Correction; and Massachusetts Department of Correction. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Attorney Pleads Guilty to Tax Offenses, Agrees to Pay $2.8 Million in Restitution

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that MICHAEL SIMES, 50, of Newtown, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to offenses related to his failure to file tax returns, and acknowledged that he failed to pay more than $3.1 million in taxes, penalties, and interest owed. According to court documents and statements made in court, for the 2013 tax year and the 2016 through 2022 tax years, Simes, an attorney, failed to file U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, resulting in a tax loss to the IRS of $1,876,307 on gross income of more than $5.6 million. For the 2016 through 2020 tax years, Simes requested filing extensions until October of each year, but still failed to file and pay the taxes he owed. In addition, Simes filed tax returns for the 2012, 2014, and 2015 tax years, but he paid only a fraction of taxes reported as due, thereby incurring substantial penalties and interest. Simes has agreed to pay restitution of the presently outstanding balance of $2,871,676. Simes pleaded guilty to three counts of failure to file a tax return. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for June 8, at which time Simes faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. Simes is released on a $40,000 bond pending sentencing. This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.


title: Prolific fentanyl dealer with alleged cartel ties faces federal charges

body_text: ATLANTA – Kevin Martinez appeared in federal court earlier today on charges related to his alleged distribution of significant quantities of fentanyl in the metro-Atlanta area. Martinez allegedly operated under the direction of the La Nueva Familia Michoacana drug cartel. “Martinez allegedly worked on behalf of a terrorist drug cartel, flooding our communities with massive quantities of lethal fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “As a result of the tireless and courageous work of law enforcement, Martinez is in federal custody, and the cartel’s deadly drugs are off the street.” “This arrest demonstrates DEA’s unwavering commitment to combating the fentanyl crisis,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “The distribution of fentanyl poses an extreme danger to our communities, and we will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle those responsible. Through the Fentanyl Free America Initiative, DEA is intensifying efforts nationwide to keep this deadly drug off our streets and protect the American public.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: A DEA investigation revealed that Martinez was allegedly distributing large quantities of fentanyl in metro-Atlanta. The fentanyl was uniquely stamped with a “Pacman” symbol eating an “LV” symbol. Agents seized six pounds of this stamped fentanyl during traffic stops in Fulton County, Georgia and Henry County, Georgia on February 4, 2026, and February 18, 2026. On March 6, 2026, agents executed a federal search warrant at Martinez’s apartment in Doraville, Georgia. During the search, agents located approximately 44 pounds of fentanyl concealed in car batteries, as well as six firearms and a money counter. The DEA investigation revealed that Martinez allegedly has ties to the Mexico-based La Nueva Familia Michoacana drug cartel. Kevin Martinez, 20, of Doraville, Georgia, appeared before a federal magistrate judge earlier today on a criminal complaint that charged him with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Members of the public are reminded that the criminal complaint only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with valuable assistance provided by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, the Fulton County Police Department, and the Henry County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric White and Sandy Strippoli are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Nantucket Gang Associate Sentenced to Prison for Dealing Fentanyl and Cocaine in Nantucket and Elsewhere

body_text: BOSTON – A Nantucket man who is an associate of the transnational criminal organization 18th Street Gang, was sentenced on March 6, 2026 in federal court in Boston for drug distribution charges. John Angel, 32, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Myong J. Joun to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In November 2025 , Angel pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. Between March 2024 and July 2024, Angel met with a cooperating witness three times to sell approximately 117 grams of fentanyl, 28 grams of cocaine and a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun for a combined sum of over $7,000. Specifically, on March 27, 2024, Angel directed the cooperating witness to meet him in East Boston, where he sold “a 50” (approximately 50 grams of powder fentanyl). Later, on July 10, 2024, Angel met the cooperating witness on Nantucket and sold more powder fentanyl together with a quantity of cocaine. During the drug deals, Angel flaunted his prominence as a high-level drug supplier by boasting of his connections in the 18th Street Gang and in one instance, showing the cooperating witness a backpack containing a kilogram of cocaine and a bag of orange pills and, elsewhere in his apartment, what appeared to be another kilogram of fentanyl. At the third meeting, Angel sold the Glock handgun together with a quantity of fentanyl and claimed he could also obtain Glock “switches,” machinegun conversion devices, for the cooperating witness. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations; the Suffolk County and Middlesex County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Falmouth, Lynn, Medford, Nantucket and Revere Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fred Wyshak and Sarah Hoefle of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.


title: Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—Shabazz Naeem Caradine, a multi-convicted felon, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machinegun. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge D. P. Marshall, Jr. A federal grand jury indicted Caradine, 35, of North Little Rock, in a two-count Indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machinegun. On October 16, 2025, Caradine pleaded guilty to the two counts in the Indictment. In addition to the 15-year sentence, Caradine also received a 10-year sentence for possession of a machinegun, with the two sentences to be served concurrently. Judge Marshall also sentenced Caradine to three years’ supervised release for each count. There is no parole in the federal system. An investigation revealed that on August 16, 2024, officers with the North Little Rock Police Department observed Caradine riding a bicycle at night without a red light on the back in the middle of Highway 161 in North Little Rock. Officers conducted a stop to advise Caradine of the dangers of operating a bicycle in the roadway without proper equipment. While talking with Caradine, officers observed Caradine sweating profusely, crouching down, and becoming agitated. As officers attempted to pat down Caradine, he fled on foot and while fleeing, officers observed him drop a Glock 19 9mm firearm. The firearm had a machinegun conversion device attached to the rear of the firearm, allowing it to operate as a fully automatic weapon. Caradine was apprehended by officers and during an interview, Caradine admitted that he purchased the firearm and knew that it had a Glock machinegun conversion device attached and how it functioned. Caradine has at least three prior convictions for a violent felony offense and is therefore classified as an armed career criminal. His criminal history includes convictions for residential burglary, theft of property, aggravated assault, first-degree terroristic threatening, aggravated assault on a family or household member, third-degree domestic battery, and fleeing. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the North Little Rock Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Reese Lancaster. # # # 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