title: Foreign National Sentenced After Being Convicted at Trial of Illegally Entering the United States

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on July 18, 2025, following a one-day bench trial before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, Huan Lin, 41, a Chinese citizen, was convicted of illegally entering the United States. Following the trial, Judge Doyle sentenced Lin to a time-served sentence of approximately three months. According to evidence presented at trial, on April 18, 2025, Lin was spotted walking across a field near Holland, Vermont, about a quarter-mile south of the U.S.-Canada border. Lin got into a minivan with New York license plates, which appeared to be a car for hire. After Lin got into the minivan, agents with United States Border Patrol stopped the vehicle. Lin, who was the sole passenger, presented agents with a Chinese passport that contained a Canadian visa and a stamp showing she had entered Canada about seven days earlier. In her purse and backpack, Lin carried changes of clothing, electronics chargers, foreign currency, and what appeared to be Chinese identification and bank cards. Border Patrol agents confirmed that Lin had no legal status in the United States. Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of United States Border Patrol and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Lasher. Lin was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defenders Charles N. Curlett, Jr., and Emily Kenyon. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: St. Louis County Felon Caught with Stolen Gun and Vehicle Sentenced to Prison

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark on Tuesday sentenced a felon caught in a stolen car with a stolen gun to 102 months in prison. Deonte Alfred, 26, of Berkeley, Missouri, pleaded guilty in August to a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He admitted as part of his plea agreement that on Jan. 6, 2021, he fled from St. Louis County Police in a stolen vehicle. Police were conducting surveillance in a place that Alfred was known to park and sell stolen vehicles, according to a separate court filing. Alfred jumped out of the driver’s seat while the vehicle was still in motion, endangering others, and then discarded a loaded, stolen .40-caliber Glock handgun with an extended magazine as he fled on foot, his plea agreement says. Officers arrested Alfred after he scaled several fences, when he lost his footing on the bank of a creek. Alfred admitted to police after his arrest that he sold stolen vehicles and knew that the vehicle he was driving was stolen. The St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Dunkel prosecuted the case.


title: St. Johnsbury, Vermont Man Sentenced to 36 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl While on Federal Supervised Release

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on July 7, 2025, Shawn Snead, 33, of St. Johnsbury, Vermont was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of 24 months’ imprisonment. Snead previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and admitted that in February and March 2024 he worked with a co-conspirator to distribute fentanyl in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Judge Sessions also sentenced Snead to 12 months’ incarceration, to run consecutively to the 24-month sentence, for a related supervised release violation. Following his incarceration, Sneed will also be subject to a 3-year term of supervised release. According to court records, the offense involved multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Critically, Snead committed this offense while on federal supervised release following his 2020 conviction in U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont for conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine base. Snead began his supervised release in July 2022, and not even two years later, he was selling drugs again. Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Vermont State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Cate and Michelle Arra. Snead was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth.


title: Five Defendants Sentenced In Connection With Operating One Of The Largest Illegal Television Show Streaming Services In The United States

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS - Yesterday, the final judgments were issued for five Nevada men, including a citizen of Germany, who were sentenced on May 29 and 30 to terms of up to 84 months in prison for running Jetflicks, one of the largest illegal television streaming services in the United States. “The defendants operated Jetflicks, an illegal paid streaming service that made available more television episodes than any licensed streaming service on the market,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This scheme generated millions of dollars in criminal profits, and hurt thousands of U.S. companies and individuals who owned the copyrights to these shows but never received a penny in compensation from Jetflicks. The sentences issued in this case demonstrate the Criminal Division’s commitment to protect American creativity and to ensure that large-scale infringers are brought to justice and punished for their crimes.” “Digital crimes are not victimless crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “The copyright owners lost millions of dollars as a result of the illegal paid streaming service. These sentences underscore our joint commitment with the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and FBI to deter and disrupt intellectual property crime via thorough investigation and prosecution of those who violate federal intellectual property laws.” “By building and running one of the largest unauthorized streaming services in the U.S., these individuals not only stole from content creators and legitimate streaming services, they undermined the integrity of our economy and the rule of law," said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “These sentencings are a reminder that illegal actions have consequences. The FBI and our partners are unwavering in our commitment to protect intellectual property rights and hold criminals accountable.” "Every act of digital piracy has a real-life victim," said Steven J. Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. "The results of this investigation — the largest of its kind to go to trial — demonstrate that the FBI and our partners will pursue thieves who infringe upon intellectual property rights and steal profits from hardworking creators, copyright owners, and licensed streaming services." "These sentences are the result of the robust collaboration between the FBI and our law enforcement partners in the endeavor to safeguard intellectual property rights and ensure accountability for criminal activities," said Special Agent in Charge Amir Ehsaei for the FBI Las Vegas Division. After a 14-day trial that ended in June 2024, a federal jury in the District of Nevada convicted Kristopher Lee Dallmann, 42; Peter H. Huber, 67; Jared Edward Jaurequi, also known as Jared Edwards, 44; Felipe Garcia, 43; and Douglas M. Courson, 65, all of Las Vegas, of conspiracy to commit copyright infringement. The jury also convicted Dallmann of criminal copyright infringement by distribution, criminal copyright infringement by public performance, and money laundering. Subsequently, the court sentenced Dallmann to 84 months in prison; Huber to 18 months in prison; Jaurequi to time served (almost 5 months in prison), 180 days of home confinement, and 500 hours of community service; Garcia to three years' probation with 49 days in prison and 1000 hours of community service; and Courson to three years' probation with 48 days in prison. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the defendants ran a site called Jetflicks, an online subscription-based service headquartered in Las Vegas, that permitted users to stream and at times download copyrighted television programs without the permission of the relevant copyright owners. At one point, Jetflicks claimed to have 183,285 different television episodes, significantly more than Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, Amazon Prime, or any other licensed streaming service. This was the largest internet piracy case — as measured by the estimated total infringement amount and total number of infringements — ever to go to trial as well as the first illegal streaming case ever to go to trial. The defendants’ conduct harmed every major copyright owner of a television program in the United States. Copyright owners lost millions of dollars from the operation. Evidence presented at trial showed that the defendants used automated software and computer scripts that ran constantly to scour sites around the world hosting pirated content. The software and scripts would download, process, and store illegal content, and then make it immediately available on servers in the United States and Canada to tens of thousands of paid subscribers located throughout the United States for streaming and/or downloading. The defendants often delivered episodes to subscribers the day after the shows originally aired on television. The service was not only available to subscribers over the internet but specifically designed to work on many different types of devices, platforms, and software. Each defendant performed at least one and often multiple roles at Jetflicks including management, computer programming and coding, design of the website, applications, and customer interface, technical assistance, content acquisition, subscriptions and revenue, and customer support. Dallmann reaped millions of dollars in profit from the operation. The government conservatively estimated the value of the copyright infringement in the case at $37.5 million. This included the approximate retail value of the defendants’ reproduction of infringing works to create the Jetflicks inventory as well as the approximate retail value of the streams of pirated television episodes that the defendants provided to subscribers. The five defendants sentenced were among eight defendants originally indicted in the Eastern District of Virginia in connection with operating Jetflicks. In addition to the defendants just sentenced in Nevada, defendant Darryl Polo previously pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of Virginia to four counts of criminal copyright infringement and one count of money laundering for his involvement with Jetflicks as well as an equally large illegal streaming site he ran called iStreamItAll. Similarly, defendant Luis Villarino also previously pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of Virginia to conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement. In May 2021, a judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Virginia sentenced Polo and Villarino to, respectively, 57 months in prison and 12 months and a day in prison. After the case was transferred to the District of Nevada for trial, defendant Yoany Vaillant was tried separately from the other five remaining defendants. In November 2024, after an eight-day trial, a federal jury convicted Vaillant of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement. Vaillant is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 4. The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti, Trial Attorney Michael Christin, and Acting Deputy Chief Christopher S. Merriam of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Oliva and Edward G. Veronda for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case. The CCIPS Cybercrime Lab, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Canada provided significant assistance. ###


title: Raleigh County Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Carey Ann Trotter, also known as “Carey Ann Metz-Wood,” 41, of Crab Orchard, pleaded guilty today to aiding and abetting possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 1, 2024, Trotter possessed approximately 10.51 grams of methamphetamine and a total of 25.95 grams of para-fluorofentanyl, a synthetic opioid, in several packages. As part of her guilty plea, Trotter admitted that she intended to use some of the controlled substances and aid and abet another individual in the possession and distribution of controlled substances. Trotter further admitted to possessing a Glock model 21 .45-caliber pistol, a CBC model 817 .17-caliber rifle, and a 26-round high-capacity magazine for .45-caliber ammunition. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Trotter knew she was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of her prior felony conviction for delivery of oxycodone in Raleigh County Circuit Court on January 3, 2017. Trotter is scheduled to be sentenced on November 7, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine. Trotter’s co-defendant, Joshua Mason Trotter, 44, of Crab Orchard, pleaded guilty on May 27, 2025, to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Joshua Mason Trotter admitted to possessing the Glock model 21 .45-caliber pistol and CBC model 817 .17-caliber rifle on July 1, 2024. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 26, 2025. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). 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. 5:25-cr-22. ###


title: Owner of Local Business ‘All American Papers’ Arrested on Tax Evasion Charges

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – A criminal indictment was unsealed today in the District of Columbia charging two owners of a local chain of retail stores operating under the banner “All American Papers” with tax evasion, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Ramon Roque, 73, of the District of Columbia, was arrested today and made his initial appearance this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh in the U.S. District for the District of Columbia. Roque was released pending a further hearing in this matter on July 25 before U.S. District Court Judge Beryl A. Howell. Joining in the announcement was Kareem Carter, Executive Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (CI), Washington, D.C. Field Office, which is leading the investigation. According to the indictment, Roque and a co-defendant owned and controlled multiple retail businesses in the District under different registrations, trade names, and taxpayer identification numbers. The business names included All American Papers, All American Bakery & Café, All American D.C., American Legends, and All American Sole (collectively All American Papers). The business had retail stores at multiple locations in the District, but effectively operated as a single enterprise with common payroll accounts and common bank accounts with commingled funds. The indictment alleges that between 2018 and 2020, All American Papers generated at least $14 million in revenue from the sale of their merchandise. Notwithstanding the success of the business, Roque and his co-defendant never filed federal income tax returns for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020. The indictment further alleges that the defendants impeded and obstructed the Internal Revenue Service in the collection of taxes from All American Papers by using multiple business names and trade names for their company; obtaining multiple Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) for their company; providing false information to banks concerning the ownership of the company; and using false identity information with payroll companies so their income would not be reported to the IRS. The indictment also alleges that the defendants structured cash deposits at financial institutions to prevent banks from notifying the U.S. Treasury about their business’ income. The indictment charges Roque with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States government in the assessment and collection of taxes, and three counts of failure to file income tax returns for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020. The charges in an indictment are merely allegations and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to defraud the United States is five years’ incarceration, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. The maximum statutory sentence for failing to file an income tax return is imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of $25,000, or both for each count of conviction. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted of any offense, a defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The investigation into this matter was conducted by IRS-CI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Borchert. 24cr270


title: Jonesboro Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: JONESBORO—Thomas Demetrius Williams, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 216 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on Monday, July 21, 2025, by United States District Judge D. P. Marshall Jr. On April 29, 2024, Williams, 41, of Jonesboro, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Judge Marshall also sentenced Williams to five years’ supervised release. Williams was indicted on April 2, 2024, in a second superseding indictment, on two counts of felon in possession of a firearm, two counts of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual), two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, one count of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. On October 12, 2021, law enforcement officers received information that Williams was in possession of a large amount of methamphetamine. An investigation revealed that Williams was on parole with an active search waiver on file. As law enforcement officers approached Williams’ residence he shared with his girlfriend to conduct a parole search, they observed three vehicles in the driveway. While at the residence, law enforcement officers observed the girlfriend and a small child in the grey vehicle in the driveway. The girlfriend stated the vehicle belonged to Williams. At that time, law enforcement officers circled the block and when they arrived back at Williams’ residence, they observed the white vehicle that had previously been in the driveway was no longer there. During a parole search of Williams’ residence, law enforcement officers located a debit card in Williams’ name. While awaiting the arrival of a canine officer, Williams was observed driving by his residence in the white vehicle. Not long afterwards, Williams stopped his vehicle and made contact with the law enforcement officers at his residence. Upon arrival of the canine officer, it was deployed to search the area. The canine officer alerted to the presence of narcotics in the grey vehicle. Law enforcement officers searched the grey vehicle and located the bag the girlfriend had been carrying. During a search of the bag, it was revealed to contain 730.4 grams of pure methamphetamine, 299.5 grams of marijuana, 19.7651 grams of ecstasy pills, 4.7289 grams of oxycodone pills, $1,999 in cash, and a stolen Ruger, LCP .380 firearm. Williams was sentenced as a Career Offender on the drug conviction due to his criminal history that includes aggravated assault, three domestic battery convictions, a terroristic threatening conviction, three serious drug convictions, drug trafficking convictions, and felon in possession of firearm convictions. There is no parole in the federal system. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin O’Leary. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Laredo men sentenced for multiyear cocaine trafficking conspiracy

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – Two Laredo residents have been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Juan Jose Castaneda, 44, and Juan Enrique Villanueva, 52, pleaded guilty March 4 and Dec. 12, 2024, respectively. U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison has now imposed a 168-month-term of imprisonment for Castaneda, while Villanueva received 63 months. Both must also serve five years of supervised release following their sentences. At the hearing, the court heard Castaneda managed a cocaine trafficking organization for several years that included Villanueva and others. Judge Ellison considered the scope of the organization, which included trafficking tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of cocaine each month, and the substantial profits Castaneda personally earned. Castaneda also fled from law enforcement and threatened a man with a knife in an attempt to avoid arrest. On Sept. 16 and 26, 2024, authorities observed Castaneda and Villanueva transporting cocaine that was later sold. Law enforcement seized the drugs on these occasions along with additional cocaine at his residence weighing over 11 kilograms. They also found over $40,000 in cash from cocaine trafficking that was seized and forfeited as part of the sentencing. The investigation revealed Castaneda and Villanueva were involved in this conspiracy for multiple years. This scheme included numerous co-conspirators and showed that Castaneda was making tens of thousands of dollars a month trafficking in cocaine that he used to make purchases of property, jewelry, vehicles and other possessions. Castaneda was held accountable for 43 kilograms of cocaine he was known to have distributed as part of this conspiracy. Both will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Scott Bowling is prosecuting the case.


title: Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty To Drug Trafficking And Firearm Offenses

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Obmar Garcia-Galban (25, Tennessee) has pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute over 124 grams of fentanyl and approximately 2 kilograms of a substance containing MDMA and ketamine, also known as “Tusi,” as well as possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Garcia-Galban faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, on December 19, 2024, Garcia-Galban had 124.6 grams of fentanyl, 1.99 kilograms of Tusi, and a firearm with the serial number removed in his vehicle. During an interview with law enforcement, Garcia-Galban stated that he planned to sell the fentanyl, Tusi, and firearm to an individual in Florida. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). This case was part of an OCDETF investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Brevard County Drug Traffickers Charged With Conspiracy To Distribute Fentanyl And Cocaine

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Michael Jatsko (34, Melbourne), Alivia Mae Assidio (23, Melbourne), and Leonard Ronald Nile, Jr. (52, Melbourne) with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. Jatsko and Assidio are also charged with distribution of methamphetamine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, Jatsko and Assidio each face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. Nile faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Jatsko and Assidio that the United States intends to forfeit a Mossberg pistol and Blackside Tactical rifle, which were seized from their residence. According to court documents, Jatsko, Assidio, and Nile were involved in a drug conspiracy until June 24, 2025, when Jatsko and Nile were arrested. On June 24, 2025, law enforcement witnessed Jatsko and Nile loading into their vehicle large bags and boxes believed to contain narcotics. When officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the vehicle, Jatsko and Nile fled at a high rate of speed. The high-speed chase ultimately ended in Brevard County, after Florida Highway Patrol troopers immobilized the fleeing car. A search of the vehicle revealed multiple kilograms of cocaine. Subsequent searches of Jatsko and Assidio’s storage unit and residence revealed substantial quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, as well as firearms. At the time, Jatsko and Assidio both had prior felony drug convictions. As convicted felons, they are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office - Special Investigations Unit. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. Sowell. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).


title: Former Banker Pleads Guilty To Embezzlement

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Jennifer Lamanna (49, Venice) today pleaded guilty to one count of theft or embezzlement by a bank employee and one count of making a false statement to an agency of the United States. Lamanna faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison for the embezzlement and up to 5 years for making a false statement. She has also agreed to forfeit $280,000, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, Lamanna worked for an FDIC-insured financial institution. As a result of reduced in-branch staffing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lamanna had sole access to and exercised control over a branch bank vault located in Venice, Florida. In 2020, Lamanna began using a contingency cash bag to steal cash from the vault, then physically removed the cash from the branch until the contingency cash bag program was discontinued. After the cash bag program ended, Lamanna continued to embezzle cash from the vault and deposited $255,362 in stolen funds into a bank account she controlled. To balance out the vault and conceal her embezzlement, Lamanna made multiple large withdrawals and subsequent matching deposits out of a customer’s account. To make the sham transactions appear legitimate, Lamanna filed fictitious Currency Transaction Reports. On June 8, 2023, Lamanna made a materially false statement to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a sub-agency of the U.S. Treasury Department, when she completed and submitted a Currency Transaction Report falsely stating that a bank customer deposited $160,100 in cash into his account knowing that no such deposit took place. This case was investigated by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General and Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Tampa field office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.


title: Mexican National Indicted after Illegal Alien Dies During Smuggling Attempt

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Last week, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned a seven-count indictment against Miguel Salomon-Lugo, 40, of Chihuahua, Mexico, for smuggling illegal aliens for profit resulting in death, bringing in illegal aliens for profit, smuggling illegal aliens for profit, and conspiracy to smuggle illegal aliens for profit. The indictment alleges that on June 19, Border Patrol Agents encountered two illegal aliens who told them that two other individuals in their group needed assistance in the area of Bonita Tank near Arivaca, Arizona. Border Patrol air assets were able to locate the illegal aliens in distress, but the helicopter could not land because of the terrain. The agents relayed the individuals’ location to other agents. Despite the excessive 100+ degree heat, Border Patrol Agents on the ground moved quickly to assist the distressed aliens. Upon arrival, agents discovered that one of the men had died after falling down a steep ravine. All three of the surviving illegal aliens reported that they were part of a group led by two foot-guides who had brought them from Mexico into the United States. Salomon-Lugo was identified as one of those foot guides. According to court documents, the deceased illegal alien began to feel faint due to heat while traveling. After being told to continue by one of the foot guides, he became dizzy and fell down a ravine, suffering the injuries that would lead to his death. His uncle, one of the other members of the group, stayed with him as the group moved on. The foot guides instructed others to leave the suffering man behind and continue north. A conviction for smuggling illegal aliens for profit resulting in death carries a maximum penalty of death. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The United States Border Patrol conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution. An indictment is a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. CASE NUMBER: 25-CR-3238-TUC-RCC RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-124_Salomon-Lugo # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Springfield Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking, Illegal Firearms

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine in Greene County, Mo., and possessing firearms. Russell Lee Deck, Jr., 47, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Brian C. Wimes to a total sentence of 25 years in federal prison without parole, followed by three years of supervised release. On Nov. 8, 2024, Deck pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Deck admitted he participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene County from June 1 to Aug. 25, 2022, and to possessing firearms. The drug trafficking conspiracy ended when a Springfield police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Deck on Aug. 18, 2022. When the officer pulled behind Deck’s vehicle in a hotel parking lot and activated his lights, Deck put the car in reverse and rammed the officer’s vehicle. The officer got out of his vehicle, pulled his duty weapon, and ordered the vehicle’s occupants to stop. Instead, Deck drove forward, then put his vehicle in reverse and rammed the officer’s vehicle again before fleeing the parking lot. A police pursuit ensued, with Deck driving at a high rate of speed in a residential neighborhood, while Deck’s passenger shot at the officer’s vehicle. The pursuit ended when Deck crashed into a Jeep SUV at an intersection. While the Jeep suffered significant damage, the innocent driver appeared to be unharmed. Deck’s passenger fled the crash on foot and was arrested after Greene County deputies found the passenger hiding under a car. Shell casings and damage from gunfire were located throughout the neighborhood. Officers removed Deck from the wrecked vehicle and found two bags containing a total of 46.2 grams of methamphetamine in Deck’s pockets. Inside Deck’s vehicle, officers found two handguns on the front passenger side floorboard. Deck’s passenger who fired the shots during the pursuit, Blake Basten, was sentenced in federal court to a total sentence of 10 years for two counts of felon in possession of a firearm on Feb. 27, 2024. Deck’s co-defendant in the drug trafficking conspiracy, Justin Hollingsworth, was sentenced to a total sentence of 18 years for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on June 24, 2024. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department. Project Safe Neighborhoods This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Springfield Man Indicted for Assaulting Postal Worker

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for assaulting a postal worker. Courtney J. Ellis, 45, was charged today in a one count indictment with assaulting an employee of the U.S. Postal Service while they were performing their official duties. Today’s indictment replaces a felony criminal complaint filed June 23, 2025. According to an affidavit filed in support of the original complaint, on June 18, 2025, Ellis struck the victim on the head with a wooden board while he was delivering mail to Ellis’s address. The victim, who was delivering mail along that route for the first time, was wearing a USPS uniform and driving a marked USPS delivery vehicle. After striking the victim, Ellis yelled that he didn’t belong in the neighborhood and followed him back to his vehicle where he continued to yell at and threaten the victim until he drove away. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.


title: Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Drug and Firearm Offenses

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ERIC HERMAN, 32, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 96 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug distribution and firearm possession offenses. According to court documents and statements made in court, following two fatal overdoses involving fentanyl in 2021, both of which are believed to be connected to Herman, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Stratford Police Department began investigating Herman’s drug trafficking activities. In May and June 2022, investigators made two controlled purchases of fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine from Herman. Herman was arrested on September 15, 2022. At the time of his arrest, he possessed a distribution quantity of cocaine, a loaded 9mm “ghost gun” with a laser sight attached, and additional rounds of ammunition. Herman’s criminal history includes state felony convictions for drug and firearm offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm or ammunition that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. Herman has been detained since his arrest. On March 24, 2025, he pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine base (“crack”), fentanyl, and heroin; one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition by a felon. Herman pleaded guilty in state court to narcotics and manslaughter charges stemming from an overdose death investigation and was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment, suspended after eight years, and five years of probation. Judge Bolden ordered Herman’s federal sentence to run concurrently with his state sentence. The DEA’s HIDTA Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk, Stamford, and Stratford Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck.


title: Special Police Officer Pleads Guilty to  Violating an Arrestee’s Rights

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: WASHINGTON – Brigette O. Robertson of Washington, D.C. pled guilty today to violating the constitutional rights of a detained citizen by stomping on her face in June 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Joining in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office. U.S. District Judge Dabney L. Friedrich took Robertson’s guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for Oct. 21, 2025. For the offense to which she pled guilty – a misdemeanor count of violating constitutional rights – the defendant faces a potential penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. According to court documents, on June 24, 2023, Robertson was employed by Specific Protection Services, LLC., as a Special Police Officer (SPO). She was licensed in the District of Columbia to act and to carry out law enforcement actions as a SPO. That day, while in full uniform and vested with police powers, Robertson was assigned to and providing security services at a McDonald’s restaurant on the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE. At about 3:30 p.m., Robertson got into a verbal altercation with a patron at the restaurant. The altercation escalated into a physical confrontation. Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to the scene. After the patron was under the control of an MPD officer, the patron remained prone on the ground. Robertson stepped over the patron and, while doing so, stomped on the patron’s face. The stomp to the face caused the patron to experience pain and bleeding. The stomp was without legal justification and in violation of the individual’s constitutional rights. Use-of-force investigations generally The U.S. Attorney’s Office reviews police-involved use of force to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to conclude that any officers violated either federal criminal civil rights laws or District of Columbia law. To prove civil rights violations, prosecutors must typically be able to prove that the involved officers willfully used more force than was reasonably necessary. Proving “willfulness” is a heavy burden. Prosecutors must not only prove that the force used was excessive, but must also prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officer acted with the deliberate and specific intent to do something the law forbids. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to investigating allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers and will continue to devote the resources necessary to ensure that all allegations of serious civil rights violations are investigated fully and completely. The FBI Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department Internal Affairs Division investigated the case. Prosecuting the case is Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Truscott for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia’s Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section. 25cr167


title: Joplin Man Indicted for Felon in Possession of Firearm

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with his possession of a firearm recovered following a shooting in Joplin, Mo. Andrew M. Reed, 22, was charged in a single count indictment with being a felon possession of a firearm. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint filed on July 2, 2025. According to an affidavit filed in support of the original complaint, police officers responded to the area of 5 th and Joplin Avenue in Joplin, Mo., on Feb. 15, 2025, in reference to gunshots, and recovered several spent cartridge casings in the area. Officers recovered a firearm with a thirty-round extended magazine loaded with ammunition consistent with the spent shell casings. Surveillance footage from a nearby business showed a male, later identified as Reed, hiding the firearm. Reed has prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony M. Brown It was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Joplin, Mo., Police Department. Operation Take Back America This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Zuni Man Charged in Unprovoked Stabbing That Left Victim Seriously Injured

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man has been charged in federal court for allegedly stabbing another man without provocation, causing serious injuries. According to court documents, on the night of June 16, 2025, Adrian Cheama , 36, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, allegedly approached the victim while he was walking with a friend along a residential street in Zuni, New Mexico. Without provocation, Cheama stabbed the victim in the abdomen with a weapon described as either a circular metal pole or a knife, then walked away laughing. The victim sustained serious injuries as a result. Multiple witnesses placed Cheama at the scene and described him carrying a backpack and a baton-like object before and during the attack. The investigation revealed that Cheama had previously made statements suggesting he was looking for the victim. Cheama is charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Cheama faces up to 10 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jordan is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: ‘We knocked her out with some gummies:’ trafficker sent to prison for conspiring to smuggle toddler from Mexico

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A 23-year-old Laredo woman has been ordered to prison for her role in an unaccompanied minor smuggling ring, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Vanessa Valadez pleaded guilty Sept. 20, 2024, admitting she smuggled a child into the United States for financial gain. U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison has now ordered her to serve 18 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. “Those that choose to engage in the human trafficking business are not good people. They aren’t motivated by altruism or sympathy. They are paid to traffic in human beings, and they treat people they smuggle as nothing more than cargo,” said Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas will not rest until all such smuggling rings—particularly those that deal in children—are completely eradicated.” “The sentencing of this individual underscores the serious consequences for those who exploit and endanger vulnerable populations, especially children,” said Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig S. Larrabee. “Drugging children to facilitate human smuggling is not only criminal it’s inhumane. HSI is committed to identifying and dismantling the criminal networks behind these horrific acts and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.” From August to September 2023, Valadez and other family members operated a child smuggling ring working to bring young illegal minors from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, into the United States. All the children were under the age of five. On the night of Sept. 19, 2023, members of the smuggling ring retrieved a young girl from a stash house which the organization members operated. The co-conspirators smuggled the girl across the border and delivered her to Valadez in downtown Laredo. Co-conspirators then took the child further into the United States and delivered her to unknown people. Two days later, the ring attempted to transport another young girl. However, law enforcement intercepted them following a routine border inspection at the Juarez Lincoln Bridge in Laredo. To carry out their scheme, co-conspirators had sedated the girl with melatonin gummies and used an unlawfully obtained birth certificate to deceive authorities into believing the girl was a family member. The investigation revealed the smuggling ring had attempted to similarly transport at least four girls into the United States, three of whom remain unidentified and their whereabouts are unknown. Members of the smuggling ring obtained birth certificates of U.S. citizen children to pose as a family unit at ports of entry to the United States. At times, organization members used melatonin gummies to sedate at least one child to ensure a successful smuggling attempt. One text message uncovered in the investigation showed an image depicting an unconscious child and a caption, “La noquiamos con unas gomitas,” translated in English as “we knocked her out with some gummies.” Co-conspirators Ana Laura Bryand, 47, Dallas; her niece Kayla Marie Bryand, 20, Jose Eduardo Bryand, 43, and Nancy Guadalupe Bryand, 44, all of Laredo; and Lizeth Esmeralda Bryand Arredondo, 32, Mexico, previously pleaded guilty and have all already been sentenced to federal prison. ICE-HSI conducted the investigation with Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations and assistance from Border Patrol, Laredo Police Department, Department of Health and Human Services - Office of the Inspector General and FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Makens and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Terence A. Check Jr. prosecuted the case.


title: Felon Indicted for Illegal Possession of a Firearm Following Arrest in Northwest D.C.

body_text: WASHINGTON – David Oday Smith, 39, of the District of Columbia, has been charged in an indictment, unsealed today in U.S. District Court, on a federal firearms charge as part of the “Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful” initiative. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Smith is charged federally with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. According to court documents, on July 14, 2025, members of the MPD’s Fourth District Crime Suppression Team were on patrol on the 5700 block of Georgia Avenue Northwest, when they noticed Smith hiding behind a bus stop with a black satchel. As officers approached, Smith immediately fled and eventually discarded his black satchel. Officers searched the satchel and discovered a Glock 27 .40 caliber pistol, containing one .40 caliber round loaded in the chamber and 14 additional rounds in the magazine. Smith is prohibited from possession of a firearm and ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions, including a 2009 second degree murder conviction in Prince George’s County, Maryland. This case is being prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative. Make D.C. Safe Again is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful. Make D.C. Safe Again aims to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenses, and seek detention for federal firearms violators. The case is being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Liss is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 25cr207


title: Local man gets over 10 years after picking up and delivering “aparatos”

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A 25-year-old Laredo resident has been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Fernando Tadeo Cerda, 25, pleaded guilty July 19, 2023. U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison has now ordered Cerda to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release for the drug trafficking conviction. At the hearing, the court considered Cerda was subject to a mandatory 10 years in prison due to being previously convicted of smuggling aliens. Cerda had also admitted he violated his term of supervised release and received another nine months to be served consecutively for a total 129-month-term of imprisonment. The investigation revealed Cerda had conspired with his uncle, Jesus Garza, to coordinate delivery of large amounts of cocaine. On Nov. 27, 2020, Cerda met with Garza and provided him a duffle bag containing the drugs. As Garza departed the location in Laredo, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and discovered the bag with five bricks which contained over 5,000 grams of cocaine. Cerda later admitted Garza had instructed him to pick up and deliver “aparatos” (kilograms of cocaine). He further stated he made a total of four deliveries and was paid $1,000. He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Garza, 63, Laredo, had also pleaded guilty and later sentenced to 48 months in prison. Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Scott Bowling prosecuted the case.


title: 11 Venezuelan Nationals and One Columbian National Indicted for Financial Fraud in the District of Utah

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – An indictment was unsealed today charging a dozen foreign nationals of bank fraud and engaging in transactions involving criminally derived property. The defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2025 at the U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City. Eleven Venezuelan nationals and one Colombian national are accused of committing financial fraud crimes after they allegedly participated in a scheme to defraud banks in Utah and elsewhere. According to court documents, between January 2023 and June 2023, the defendants were involved in a scheme to defraud financial institutions by opening accounts and presenting fraudulent cashier’s checks to be deposited to those accounts. In some instances, defendants deposited multiple counterfeit checks at different branches on the same day. Defendants then laundered the funds by check, cashier’s check, and cash withdrawal. Defendants are residents of Salt Lake County: 1. Gilberto Emiro Andrade-Romero, 36, of Venezuela 2. Felipe Enrique Linares-Lobo aka Carlos M. Hidalgo Noguera, 32, of Venezuela 3. Alexis Jose Calixto-Bracho, 25, of Venezuela 4. Daniel Jose Fuenmayor-leal, aka Enais Inciarte-Urdaneta, 34, of Venezuela 5. Yeritza Astrid Cuello-Plata, 40, of Venezuela 6. Federico Javier Gutierrez-Pirela, 36, of Venezuela 7. Hendry Ricardo Martinez-Concho, 42, of Venezuela 8. Cristina Paola Nava-Yoris, 24, of Venezuela 9. Patricia Del Carmen Orozco-Cuello, 37, of Colombia 10. Ismael Norberto Rodriguez-Moreno, 47, of Venezuela 11. Jorge Luis Urribarri-Vento, 32, of Venezuela 12. Rayner Jose Delgado-Quiroz, 24, of Venezuela Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and a HSI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Brent L. Andrus and Carl D. Lesueur of the District of Utah are prosecuting the case. This is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former Madera School Executive Charged with Stealing Federal Funds from Charter School for Disadvantaged K – 8th Graders

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: On July 17, 2025, a federal grand jury returned a sealed indictment charging Nicholas M. Retana, 67, of Madera, with one count of embezzling money from a program that received federal funding, Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez announced. On Monday the indictment was unsealed and Retana was arraigned. According to court documents, Retana was the founder and executive director of a kindergarten through 8th grade charter school in Madera County until early 2020. As executive director, Retana used school funds on improper personal expenses for himself, his family, and associates. He concealed the misused funds by mislabeling the expenses in school accounting records and misrepresenting the expenses when asked. For example, Retana purchased new Ford F-150 Raptor pickup trucks for his two sons using school funds. He also had a personal relationship with a self-proclaimed sex worker turned relationship coach whom he paid $12,000 using school funds. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey A. Spivak and Cody S. Chapple are prosecuting the case. If convicted, Retana faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Three Phoenix-Area Men Sentenced to Prison for Telemarketing Fraud Scheme

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Brian Hopkins, 62, of Chandler, Arizona, was sentenced on July 16, by Senior United States District Court Judge David G. Campbell to 21 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $1.8 million in restitution. Hopkins previously pleaded guilty to mail fraud, conspiring to defraud the United States, and false statement on a tax return. Hopkins is the third co-conspirator to be sentenced in connection with a telemarketing fraud scheme that stole millions of dollars from more than a thousand victims across the country. Two of Hopkins’ co-conspirators were also sentenced over the last year. Richard Kuhlmann, Jr., 58, of Tempe, Arizona, was sentenced on May 30, 2025, by United States District Court Judge Susan M. Brnovich, to 42 months in prison and ordered to pay $2,140,231 in restitution. Kuhlmann previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States, mail fraud, and transactional money laundering. David Bartlett, 54, of Scottsdale, Arizona, was sentenced on November 24, 2024, by United States District Court Judge Michael T. Liburdi to 24 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $500,000 in restitution. Barlettt previously pleaded guilty to Mail Fraud. Kuhlmann and Hopkins owned and operated an Arizona-based telemarketing company that went by various names, including GTT Financial. GTT Financial called potential customers, offering to help reduce their credit card interest rates. Individuals who used GTT Financial’s services to successfully lower their interest rates were then targeted by the fraud scheme. GTT Financial employees, including Bartlett, told victim-customers they could purchase a “sales lead” for $1 and that each “sales lead” represented another potential customer for GTT Financial’s credit card debt service. Victim-customers were promised a portion of any fees paid to GTT from each sales lead and told they would receive a significant return on their investment. In reality, there was no “sales lead” investment opportunity and money from the victim-customers went to the co-conspirators and other employees of GTT Financial. In total, between 2014 and 2019, the co-conspirators raised more than $10 million for the fictious “sales lead” investment from more than a thousand victim-customers across the United States. The IRS Criminal Investigation Phoenix Field Office conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Raymond Woo and Matthew Doyle, District of Arizona, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBERS: CR-22-00221-PHX-DGC; CR-22-00276-PHX-SMB; CR-22-00562-PHX-MTL RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-125_Hopkins # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Man sentenced to over 11 years for importing nearly $8 million in methamphetamine

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 26-year-old U.S. citizen residing in Camargo, Mexico, has been sentenced to federal prison for importing more than 100 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Cesar Alejandro Saavedra-Garcia pleaded guilty Feb. 28. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Saavedra to serve 135 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Saavedra-Garcia played an integral role in smuggling illegal narcotics into the United States. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the large amount of meth found in Saavedra-Garcia’s vehicle and the fact that he had admitted to transporting narcotics previously. On Dec. 17, 2024, Saavedra-Garcia arrived at the Sarita Border Patrol Checkpoint and claimed he had no illegal drugs in his vehicle. However, at secondary inspection, a K-9 alerted to the odor of narcotics. A subsequent search revealed 112 bricks of methamphetamine hidden in compartments near the vehicle’s cargo bed. The drugs weighed approximately 109 kilograms and had an estimated street value of nearly $7.7 million. At the time of his plea, Saavedra-Garcia admitted he knew he was smuggling narcotics into the United States. Saavedra-Garcia will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Theodore Parran and Avery Benitez prosecuted the case.


title: California man gets maximum sentence for laundering proceeds from email fraud scheme

body_text: HOUSTON – A San Fernando, California, man has been ordered to federal prison for operating an illegal money transmitting business, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Victor Rubio Jr. 28, pleaded guilty Feb. 6. U.S. District Judge George Hanks has now ordered Rubio to serve the maximum 60 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court considered additional evidence about other frauds Rubio committed while on bond in imposing the sentencing, assessing extra points for obstruction of justice. In handing down the sentence, Judge Hanks noted Rubio had committed obstruction after writing his letter to the judge asking for leniency and apologizing for his first crime. Rubio admitted that from 2021 to 2022, he operated an unlicensed money transmitting business that received and transmitted funds from a business email compromise (BEC) scheme. Rubio ran the unlicensed money transmitting business by using shell companies that existed only on paper. As part of the plea, Rubio acknowledged opening and maintaining bank accounts to collect money from at least two victims in a BEC scheme, including a healthcare liability insurance company headquartered in Georgia and a township in New Jersey. Then, for a fee, he transmitted the fraud proceeds to co-conspirators. In response to fraudulent wire instructions from spoofed email accounts, victims sent interstate wire transfers for payment to Rubio instead of to the true creditors to whom the victims owed money. More than 45 people in multiple states, including Rubio and seven others in the Southern District of Texas, have been charged in separate business email compromise schemes that affected numerous victims. Previously released on bond, Rubio was taken into custody where he will remain pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The FBI - Bryan Resident Agency and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek is prosecuting the case.


title: Laredo man with prior murder conviction sentenced to 30 years for smuggling methamphetamine

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A 31-year-old resident of Laredo has been sentenced for illegally importing over 836 kilograms of methamphetamine into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Cornelio Aguilar pleaded guilty July 9, 2024. U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison ordered him to serve the 30-year sentence to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard about Aguilar’s violent criminal history, including prior convictions for murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. In imposing the sentence, Judge Ellison noted that this was a serious offense. The investigation revealed Aguilar imported two loads of methamphetamine into the United States using tractor trailers between January and June 2022. Hidden inside the bags of charcoal he was hauling were bundles of methamphetamine. Aguilar has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility in the near future. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Chamberlin prosecuted the case. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage .


title: Illegal alien pleads guilty to leading smuggling organization involving transportation of over 100 persons

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 40-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Houston has admitted to an alien smuggling conspiracy and illegal reentry into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The investigation revealed Edgar Ruiz-Briones arranged transportation and coordinating trips for illegal aliens coming over the southern border with Mexico. Ruiz-Briones was the leader of the smuggling organization, recruiting drivers from as far away as Kansas to come to the Rio Grande Valley. Drivers would communicate directly with Ruiz-Briones to set up the trips, give updates on progress and set meeting spots for drop-offs in Houston after successful smuggling operations. They would pick up illegal aliens from different stash houses and transport them to Houston, where they met with Ruiz-Briones before going further into the United States. Ruiz-Briones handled payments from the aliens to come into the United States and payments to the drivers he recruited. Over the course of the 18-month conspiracy, Ruiz-Briones arranged for over 100 aliens to enter, remain and be transported further into the United States. An illegal alien himself, having been removed from the United States on multiple occasions, he also pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States from Mexico and remaining here in violation of the law. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will impose sentencing Oct. 30. At that time. Ruiz-Briones faces up to 10 years in federal prison for the alien smuggling conspiracy and 20 years for illegally re-entering the United States. Ruiz-Briones has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith 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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood .


title: New York Man Charged For Making And Attempting To Use Improvised Explosive Devices In Manhattan

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton; Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christopher G. Raia; and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today charges against MICHAEL GANN alleging that he manufactured at least seven improvised explosive devices (“IEDs”) using precursor chemicals—chemicals that can be combined to create an explosive mixture—that he had ordered on the internet, stored at least five IEDs and shotgun shells on adjoining rooftops of residential apartment buildings in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan, threw at least one IED onto the subway tracks of the Williamsburg Bridge, and subsequently lied to law enforcement about having disposed of his explosives and supplies in a dumpster. This case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Dale E. Ho. “The safety of New Yorkers is paramount,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “As alleged, Michael Gann built explosive devices, stored them on a rooftop in SoHo, and threw one onto the subway tracks—putting countless lives at risk. Thanks to swift work by our law enforcement partners, no one was harmed. That vigilance assuredly prevented a tragedy in New York.” “Michael Gann allegedly produced multiple improvised explosive devices intended for use in Manhattan,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “Due to the successful partnership of law enforcement agencies in New York, Gann was swiftly brought to justice before he could harm innocent civilians shortly after his dangerous actions became known. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is enduring in its commitment and determination to protect the homeland.” “This defendant allegedly stockpiled homemade explosives and traveled to New York City with these deadly devices,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “He threw one of these devices onto an active subway track and stored others on the rooftop of a residential building, but because of the skilled investigative work and swift response from the NYPD and our partners, we were able to intervene before he caused any harm. I am grateful to the members of the NYPD, FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for all the work they do every day to keep New Yorkers safe.” As alleged in the Complaint, Indictment, and public court filings: [1] In or about May 2025, GANN ordered approximately two pounds of potassium perchlorate and approximately one pound of aluminum powder—precursor chemicals—online, along with over 200 cardboard tubes and over 50-feet worth of fuses. In or about early June 2025, GANN received his packages containing the precursor chemicals and other supplies, mixed the precursor chemicals together, applied a flame to the mixture, and caused an explosion. GANN subsequently assembled at least seven IEDs using the precursor chemicals, cardboard tubes, and fuses. GANN stored the precursor chemicals and at least five IEDs, pictured below, on the rooftops of residential apartment buildings in SoHo. The pictured black device contained approximately 30 grams of explosive powder—approximately 600 times the legal limit for consumer fireworks. GANN also stored at least four shotgun shells on the same rooftops, which he intended to combine with one or more of the IEDs. GANN threw a sixth IED onto the subway tracks on the Williamsburg Bridge, as pictured below. On or about June 5, 2025, law enforcement agents arrested GANN in SoHo, incident to which they recovered a seventh IED from GANN’s person. Following GANN’s arrest, GANN falsely told law enforcement, in substance and in part, that he had disposed of the precursor chemicals and the shotgun shells in a dumpster in Manhattan. In or about May and June 2025, GANN conducted internet searches related to explosives and firearms, including: “will i pass a background check,” “gun background check test,” “can i buy a gun in any state without ffl [federal firearms license],” “3D gun printing,” “gun stores,” “clorine bomb,” “how to make flash powder from household items,” “what to mix with potassium perchlorate to make flash powder,” “alluminum powder,” “black powder nearby,” “quarter stick m1000 firecracker,” “1/2 stick dynamite,” and “rechargeable nail gun to shoot into steal.” On or about June 5, 2025, just hours before GANN was arrested with an IED on his person, GANN posted to Instagram, “Who wants me to go out to play like no tomorrow?” * * * GANN, 55, of Inwood, New York, is charged with one count of attempted destruction of property by means of explosives, which carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of transportation of explosive materials, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and one count of unlawful possession of destructive devices, which also 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 defendant 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, NYPD, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Nassau County Police Department; and the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority. This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan L. Bodansky, Michael D. Lockard, and Chelsea L. Scism, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Isaacson, are in charge of the prosecution. u.s._v._gann_indictment.pdf [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the charging instruments and other public filings to date constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.


title: Three Syracuse Men Plead Guilty to Possessing and Selling Firearms

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: UTICA, NEW YORK – Erik Burch, age 30, Khalid Richardson, age 30, and Lamar Stanford, age 33, each of Syracuse, have each pled guilty for their respective roles in a firearms trafficking operation. Burch pled guilty last week to the unlawful sale of a firearm to a prohibited person; Richardson pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person on June 4, 2025; and Stanford pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person on April 30, 2025. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement. Richardson admitted that he sold firearms to an individual whom he knew to be a felon on four separate occasions in 2022. He further admitted that he obtained firearms on two of those occasions from his co-defendants, Stanford and Burch. Stanford and Burch each admitted to possessing firearms on the dates of the firearm sales that they engaged in with Richardson. Stanford and Burch were each prohibited from possessing firearms based on prior felony convictions. Acting United States Attorney John Sarcone stated, “If you sell firearms to felons, be ready to spend a long time in federal prison. We will not tolerate felons buying, selling, or possessing firearms in the Northern District of New York. We will use all of the tools at our disposal to make sure these people are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller stated: “This case underscores the serious threat that illegal firearms trafficking pose to our communities. These defendants — including two convicted felons — were involved in trafficking firearms, a crime that puts lives at risk and undermines the safety of our communities. Thanks to the diligent work of ATF NY Syracuse, in coordination with the Syracuse Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, we were able to disrupt this operation and hold these individuals accountable. We remain committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to stem schemes that fuel violent crime.” The charges filed against Burch, Richardson, and Stanford carry a maximum term of 15 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Burch is scheduled to be sentenced on November 12, 2025; Richardson is scheduled to be sentenced on October 15, 2025; and Stanford is scheduled to be sentenced on August 27, 2025. The defendants will appear for sentencing before Senior United States District Judge David N. Hurd. ATF investigated the case with assistance from the Syracuse Police Department’s Intelligence Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn .


title: DRUG TRAFFICKER SENTENCED TO 120 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR ROLE IN DRUG TRAFFICKING GANG

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: St. Thomas, VI – Acting United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Kai James, 37, of St. Croix, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and six years of supervised release by District Judge Mark A. Kearney. He pleaded guilty on January 23, 2025, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy led by James and his brother, Ivan James. Other members in the James gang, Ivan James, Joh Williams, Malachi Benjamin, Ariel Petersen, Jahkiebo Joseph, Tillisa Ceaser, and Luis Ortiz, Jr., all of St. Croix, were previously sentenced by Judge Kearney for their roles in the drug trafficking conspiracy. According to court documents and evidence introduced at the trial of Ivan James and Joh Williams and other hearings, the investigation into the James drug trafficking organization began in January 2013 after Bureau of Corrections officers at the Golden Grove Correctional Facility seized an iPhone from then-inmate Joh Williams. A search of the cell phone seized from Williams revealed text messages related to smuggling and distribution of controlled substances in the prison. Thereafter, Drug Enforcement Administration obtained authorization to intercept calls from a second cell phone used by Williams while incarcerated. The wire investigation revealed evidence of distribution of controlled substances within the facility by Williams, supplied by Ivan James. The investigation further revealed that Vivian Ford, a former corrections officer, was a member of James’ organization who smuggled narcotics into Golden Grove in food containers for distribution by Williams. Members of the gang who worked at the Henry Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix used their secured access to smuggle multiple kilograms of cocaine per week onboard commercial aircrafts destined for the continental United States. Testimony revealed that Ivan and Kai James recruited couriers to deliver bricks of cocaine as passengers on board commercial flights. As a manager/supervisor in the drug trafficking gang, Kai James used as many as 10 couriers to travel to New York, North Carolina, and Florida with 2 to 3 kilograms of cocaine per trip in this broad and brazen drug trafficking operation. In addition, a search warrant was executed on the family home of Ivan and Kai James. Law enforcement recovered marijuana, cocaine, and marijuana cultivation equipment. In a field adjacent to the property, agents seized over 1,000 marijuana plants. A federal jury found Ivan James guilty on drug conspiracy, possession of 1,000 marijuana plants, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug conspiracy and possession of firearms resulting in the death of Levar Pogson. On his conviction, Judge Kearney sentenced James to 420 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. Joh Williams was also found guilty on the drug conspiracy charge and was sentenced to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by seven years of supervised release. Ariel Petersen and Jahkiebo Joseph pleaded guilty to possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug conspiracy and importation of firearms. Petersen was sentenced to 93 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and Joseph was sentenced to 68 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Malachi Benjamin pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug conspiracy and was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Tillisa Ceaser and Luis Ortiz, Jr. both pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy. Ceaser was sentenced to 62 months of imprisonment, and Ortiz was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment. “Due to the tremendous work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Patrol, the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of Corrections, the members of this drug trafficking organization have received just and lengthy sentences for their involvement in these crimes,” said Acting United States Attorney Adam Sleeper. “This sentence sends a clear message, and it is credited to the extensive collaboration between federal and local law enforcement partners. Our joint efforts are essential in the U.S. Virgin Islands towards combatting drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and the myriads of other illicit activities of transnational criminal organizations in our area of responsibility,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos. “The guilty plea of Kai James represents a decisive blow against the violent narcotics conspiracy that plagued the people of St. Croix for far too long,” stated DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Miranda. “This case underscores the unwavering commitment of the DEA and our law enforcement partners to dismantle criminal organizations that threaten the safety and well-being of our communities. We are proud to have worked alongside the USAO, HSI, FBI, CBP, and ATF to bring justice to those impacted by these crimes. Let this serve as a clear message: we will not relent in our fight to protect the Caribbean from the scourge of drug trafficking and violence.” This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Patrol, Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of Corrections. It was prosecuted by former United States Attorney Delia Smith, Acting Assistant United States Attorney Adam Sleeper, and lead OCDETF attorney Kyle Payne.


title: Drug Trafficker sentenced to 120 Months' Imprisonment for Role in Drug Trafficking Gang

body_text: St. Thomas, VI – Acting United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Kai James, 37, of St. Croix, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and six years of supervised release by District Judge Mark A. Kearney. He pleaded guilty on January 23, 2025, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy led by James and his brother, Ivan James. Other members in the James gang, Ivan James, Joh Williams, Malachi Benjamin, Ariel Petersen, Jahkiebo Joseph, Tillisa Ceaser, and Luis Ortiz, Jr., all of St. Croix, were previously sentenced by Judge Kearney for their roles in the drug trafficking conspiracy. According to court documents and evidence introduced at the trial of Ivan James and Joh Williams and other hearings, the investigation into the James drug trafficking organization began in January 2013 after Bureau of Corrections officers at the Golden Grove Correctional Facility seized an iPhone from then-inmate Joh Williams. A search of the cell phone seized from Williams revealed text messages related to smuggling and distribution of controlled substances in the prison. Thereafter, Drug Enforcement Administration obtained authorization to intercept calls from a second cell phone used by Williams while incarcerated. The wire investigation revealed evidence of distribution of controlled substances within the facility by Williams, supplied by Ivan James. The investigation further revealed that Vivian Ford, a former corrections officer, was a member of James’ organization who smuggled narcotics into Golden Grove in food containers for distribution by Williams. Members of the gang who worked at the Henry Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix used their secured access to smuggle multiple kilograms of cocaine per week onboard commercial aircrafts destined for the continental United States. Testimony revealed that Ivan and Kai James recruited couriers to deliver bricks of cocaine as passengers on board commercial flights. As a manager/supervisor in the drug trafficking gang, Kai James used as many as 10 couriers to travel to New York, North Carolina, and Florida with 2 to 3 kilograms of cocaine per trip in this broad and brazen drug trafficking operation. In addition, a search warrant was executed on the family home of Ivan and Kai James. Law enforcement recovered marijuana, cocaine, and marijuana cultivation equipment. In a field adjacent to the property, agents seized over 1,000 marijuana plants. A federal jury found Ivan James guilty on drug conspiracy, possession of 1,000 marijuana plants, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug conspiracy and possession of firearms resulting in the death of Levar Pogson. On his conviction, Judge Kearney sentenced James to 420 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. Joh Williams was also found guilty on the drug conspiracy charge and was sentenced to 90 months of imprisonment, followed by seven years of supervised release. Ariel Petersen and Jahkiebo Joseph pleaded guilty to possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug conspiracy and importation of firearms. Petersen was sentenced to 93 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and Joseph was sentenced to 68 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Malachi Benjamin pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug conspiracy and was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Tillisa Ceaser and Luis Ortiz, Jr. both pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy. Ceaser was sentenced to 62 months of imprisonment, and Ortiz was sentenced to 60 months of imprisonment. “Due to the tremendous work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Patrol, the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of Corrections, the members of this drug trafficking organization have received just and lengthy sentences for their involvement in these crimes,” said Acting United States Attorney Adam Sleeper. “This sentence sends a clear message, and it is credited to the extensive collaboration between federal and local law enforcement partners. Our joint efforts are essential in the U.S. Virgin Islands towards combatting drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and the myriads of other illicit activities of transnational criminal organizations in our area of responsibility,” said Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Gonzalez-Ramos. “The guilty plea of Kai James represents a decisive blow against the violent narcotics conspiracy that plagued the people of St. Croix for far too long,” stated DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge Michael A. Miranda. “This case underscores the unwavering commitment of the DEA and our law enforcement partners to dismantle criminal organizations that threaten the safety and well-being of our communities. We are proud to have worked alongside the USAO, HSI, FBI, CBP, and ATF to bring justice to those impacted by these crimes. Let this serve as a clear message: we will not relent in our fight to protect the Caribbean from the scourge of drug trafficking and violence.” This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Patrol, Virgin Islands Police Department and the Bureau of Corrections. It was prosecuted by former United States Attorney Delia Smith, Acting Assistant United States Attorney Adam Sleeper, and lead OCDETF attorney Kyle Payne. ###


title: Keokuk Men Sentenced to 240 Months in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – Two Keokuk men were sentenced to federal prison for Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine. According to public court documents and evidence presented at trial, between at least April and July 2024, Ronald Dickey Mason, 75, and Ronald Kieth Mason, 43, father and son, conspired to sell large amounts of methamphetamine in Keokuk, Burlington, Riverside, Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids. In July 2024, law enforcement located 28 pounds of methamphetamine in the trunk and a pistol in the center console of Ronald Dickey Mason’s car. In February of 2025 Ronald Kieth Mason plead guilty as charged and Ronald Dickey Mason plead guilty to conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In March 2025, a jury convicted Ronald Dickey Mason of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. On July 22, 2025, the Court sentenced him to 22 years in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. Ronald Keith Mason was sentenced on June 25, 2025, to 20 years in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by Lee County Narcotics Task Force, the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Keokuk Police Department.


title: Former Bank Officer Sentenced For Embezzlement

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Edward Jenkinson (47, Trinity) to 11 months in federal prison for theft, embezzlement, or misapplication of funds by a bank officer. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $122,000, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. Jenkinson pleaded guilty on April 8, 2025. According to court documents, Jenkinson was employed as a bank officer at a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured institution. As a bank officer, Jenkinson was responsible for managing a financial center located in Tampa. One of Jenkinson’s duties was to oversee the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and teller cash drawers at the financial center. Between March and November 2024, Jenkinson embezzled FDIC-insured funds. As part of his embezzlement scheme, Jenkinson redeemed certificates of deposit without customers’ knowledge or consent. He then prepared deposit tickets and deposited the redeemed funds in customer checking accounts. Subsequently, Jenkinson embezzled the funds from the victim customers’ accounts and drafted cashiers’ checks payable to himself, which he deposited into his own bank accounts. Jenkinson depleted most of the embezzled funds through cash withdrawals. Jenkinson also embezzled $52,000 from the ATM at the financial center he managed and spent the funds on gambling, paying off debts, and retail purchases. This case was investigated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.