title: Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to More Than 13 Years in Federal Prison After Firearm Incidents, Including a Shooting and Standoff

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – KENYETTA ROMELL BAUCOM , 45, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 166 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public records, between December 2024 and January 2025, Baucom had two interactions with the Oklahoma City Police Department. On December 21, 2024, OCPD officers responded to a two-vehicle accident. Officers found Baucom still inside his vehicle and determined he had rear-ended the vehicle in front of him and needed further medical evaluation. As Baucom was removed from the vehicle for treatment, a handgun fell from his pocket. Less than one month later, on January 13, 2025, officers responded to a reported shooting. The victim told police that Baucom had shot at them during a disagreement over an offer to buy a car. Officers attempted to execute a search warrant at Baucom’s home, but Baucom barricaded the door. After a standoff, Baucom was eventually arrested. Inside the house, officers recovered two more firearms. At a sentencing hearing on May 4, 2026, Chief U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Baucom to serve 166 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Palk noted the need to promote respect for the law and to protect the public from further crimes by this defendant. Public records reflect that Baucom has previous felony convictions including two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm while in the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm while on probation, attempting to elude while endangering others, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute in Cleveland County District Court case number CF-2007-1539. This case is the result of an investigation by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case. This case is part of “Shots Fired,” part of the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation 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. “Shots Fired” targets cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, such as drive-by shootings or when shots are fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other incidents. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Portsmouth man sentenced to over three years in prison for straw-purchasing firearms

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

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Portsmouth man was sentenced yesterday to three years and five months in prison for making false statements during the purchase of firearms. According to court documents, between June 8, 2023, and Feb. 26, 2025, Isaiah Sincere Wilson, 24, straw-purchased several firearms for, among others, his drug dealer. Three of the firearms were used in acts of violence that spanned multiple states. Several of the firearms remain unaccounted for. Wilson made these purchases from licensed dealers while knowingly making false statements to conceal that the firearms would be purchased for another person. Wilson and his drug dealer discussed Wilson signing up for a course to obtain a concealed-handgun permit, which would allow Wilson to carry a concealed firearm and purchase more than one handgun per month. They also discussed reducing the price of Wilson's marijuana purchases in exchange for straw-purchasing a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton D. LaForge, former Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Marek, and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc W. West prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-87.


title: Man Charged With Orchestrating $450 Million Stock Loan Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging VLADIMIR SKLAROV, a/k/a “Val Sklarov,” a/k/a “Gregory Mitchell,” a/k/a “Mark Simon Bentley,” with charges relating to his orchestration of an elaborate stock-backed lending scheme that defrauded a victim of at least approximately $450 million in valuable company shares. SKLAROV was arrested in Chicago and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge M. David Weisman in the Northern District of Illinois on Monday, May 4, 2026. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres in the Southern District of New York. “As alleged, Vladimir Sklarov represented his company to be affiliated with, and have the financial backing of the famed New York Astor family in order to burnish his brand,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “That was a complete lie. Sklarov used false prestige to gain control of hundreds of millions of dollars in stock and then liquidated those shares for his own benefit. We urge investors in all sectors of the market to beware of fast talkers and smooth talkers who hide behind prestigious labels and cosmetic signs of wealth and access. And refer fraudsters, pretenders, and cheats to the SEC, FINRA, the FBI, and the DOJ. Our Office will continue to protect the integrity of the markets by pursuing bad actors who abuse trust and exploit others.” “Vladimir Sklarov allegedly betrayed a trusting victim to steal more than $450 million in company shares,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “The FBI is committed to investigating fraudsters looking to selfishly profit.” As alleged in the Indictment: [1] From at least in or about 2021, up to and including at least in or about 2024, SKLAROV operated an entity called Astor Asset Group (“Astor”) that held itself out as a legitimate and experienced provider of stock-backed loans affiliated with the prominent Astor family. In reality, SKLAROV had no such affiliation, and instead ran a sham company designed to steal valuable stock through lies and misleading representations. SKLAROV used Astor to defraud a victim (“Victim-1”) of at least approximately $450 million through the operation of a purported stock-backed lending agreement (“SLA”). SKLAROV told several lies in order to induce Victim-1 to transfer valuable shares in a company owned by Victim-1 (the “Company Shares”) as collateral for the loan, including that the loan would be funded with capital from the Astor family. Victim-1 received no such loan. Instead, soon after Victim-1 transferred the Company Shares, SKLAROV sold them; used some of the proceeds from the sale of Victim-1’s own property to fund the purported loan; and kept the hundreds of millions of dollars in remaining proceeds for himself and other members of the conspiracy. At all times during the scheme, SKLAROV hid and lied about his true identity and instead claimed to be “Gregory Mitchell,” the “Managing Director” of Astor. Another individual acting at SKLAROV’s direction (“CC-1”) also used an alias and falsely claimed to be “Thomas Mellon,” the “CEO” of Astor. SKLAROV and his co-conspirators falsely claimed that their sham company was “[o]riginally set up on the foundations of the wealth of John Jacob Astor” and that they had various high-profile clients, including prestigious universities and investment funds. In addition to lying about his own identity and the identity, history, and intentions of Astor, SKLAROV and other members of the scheme falsely represented that Victim-1’s Company Shares would not be sold unless Victim-1 defaulted on the loan. Instead, shortly after liquidating Victim-1’s Shares, SKLAROV directed the proceeds through a complex web of domestic and international accounts associated with him, his co-conspirators, and his family members. * * * SKLAROV, 63, of Athens, Greece, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, all of which carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jackie Delligatti and Shaun Werbelow are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Sacramento Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gabriel Cabrera, 23, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to eight years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, on March 28, 2025, during a parole search of Cabrera’s home, agents discovered a firearm and some fentanyl that Cabrera had hidden in another resident’s bedroom. Agents also discovered drug paraphernalia and a drug sales ledger in Cabrera’s room. On Cabrera’s cellphone, officers discovered a video of Cabrera holding the same firearm and many messages between Cabrera and other individuals discussing Cabrera’s fentanyl sales. Cabrera is prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions for offenses including sale of a controlled substance, infliction of corporal injury on a spouse, and willfully discharging a firearm with gross negligence. Cabrera pleaded guilty on Sept. 9, 2025. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation with assistance from the Sacramento Couty Sheriff’s Office, the Sacramento Police Department, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Douglas Harman prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Justice Department Sues the City of Denver for Unconstitutional Weapons Bans

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Today, the Justice Department filed suit against the City of Denver, Colorado alleging that the City unconstitutionally bans certain constitutionally protected semi-automatic rifles. These laws unconstitutionally infringe on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms in common use for lawful purposes. As the complaint explains, the City enforces an ordinance that makes it a crime to possess so-called “assault weapons.” But that the City’s ban includes AR-15-style rifles, which are the most popular rifles in America. Law-abiding Americans own tens of millions of rifles like those banned by the City. “The Constitution is not a suggestion and the Second Amendment is not a second-class right,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Denver's ban on commonly owned semi-automatic rifles directly violates the right to bear arms. This Department of Justice will vigorously defend the liberties of law-abiding citizens nationwide.” “I have directed the Civil Rights Division , through our new Second Amendment Section , to defend law-abiding Americans from restrictions such as those we are challenging in these cases,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “Law-abiding Americans, regardless of what city or state they reside in, should not have to live under threat of criminal sanction just for exercising their Second Amendment right to possess arms which are owned by tens of millions of their fellow citizens.” In 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court, in its landmark decision District of Columbia v. Heller , held that the Second Amendment protects the right of law-abiding citizens to possess weapons that are in common use for lawful purposes. The Civil Rights Division’s Second Amendment Section enforces the Second Amendment . If you believe your right to keep and bear arms is being infringed, please submit a complaint through justice.gov/crt/second-amendment-section .


title: California Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing False Returns and Fraudulently Obtaining COVID Benefits; Caused More than $25 Million in Losses to the Government

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: A California tax preparer pleaded guilty yesterday to fraudulently including false information on federal income tax returns to get substantial refunds for his clients – and cause large tax losses to the U.S. Treasury – and COVID-19 business-relief loan applications to obtain money he used for unauthorized purposes. Kerwin Aldric Jordan, 71, of Castaic, California and formerly of Pebble Beach, California, pleaded guilty to four counts of aiding in the preparation of false federal income tax returns and one count of wire fraud. According to his plea agreement, Jordan was the president of The Jordan Corporation, a tax preparation business, and also owned and operated a business called Jordan and Jordan A Financial Conquest. Jordan held himself out as a tax attorney and certified public accountant, neither of which he was. Jordan prepared federal tax returns for his clients which fraudulently reduced his taxpayer-clients’ taxable income. Jordan falsely reported that the taxpayer-clients had one or more businesses, even though he knew the businesses did not exist. He also reported losses for these non-existent businesses and used those losses to reduce the taxpayer-clients’ taxable income. For example, Jordan reduced a married couple’s $2 million income with fraudulent expenses of more than $1 million for non-existent businesses, eliminating additional taxes the couple would have owed and generating a tax refund of almost $25,000. The couple paid Jordan nearly $28,000 for the preparation of their return. From 2018 to 2023, Jordan filed more than 1,370 federal tax returns for clients, which reported total business losses over $73 million. Prosecutors contend that the tax returns Jordan prepared resulted in more than $25 million in losses to the United States Treasury. Jordan also lied on loan applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), two programs Congress created in March 2020 to help businesses weather the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jordan applied for PPP loans for his companies and received a total of $188,667. He also applied for EIDL loans for Jordan and Jordan; Euphrates Wealth Asset Management, of which he was the owner; and Lifestyles of the Rich in Faith Church, a non-profit organization of which he was the principal, receiving a total of $276,600. To obtain these loans, Jordan falsely reported that the companies had employees when, in fact, they had none. U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson for the Central District of California scheduled an Oct. 5 sentencing hearing, at which time Jordan will face a maximum sentence of 32 years in prison. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ranee A. Katzenstein for the Central District of California and Matthew R. Hoffman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Tax Section, are prosecuting this case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Illegal Alien from England Pleads Guilty to Entering the US Without Inspection

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A citizen of the United Kingdom pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to entering the United States without inspection. According to court records, Ibrahim Ayyub Khan , 27, and three other men walked through the heavily wooded border between Quebec and Somerset County during the pre-dawn hours of April 3, 2026. Their point of entry was within a few hundred yards of the Saint Zacharie, Maine port of entry that was manned by agents of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (“OFO”). Upon exiting the woods, Khan and his companions began walking down the Golden Road heading east. Passersby in the area reported to an OFO agent seeing the four men walking east on the Golden Road. The OFO agent reported the sighting to the U.S. Border Patrol (“USBP”) station in Jackman. A USBP agent and an OFO agent responded to the area of the sighting, located the four men and took them into custody without incident. When questioned about their citizenship, Khan and his three companions stated they were citizens of the United Kingdom. The four were subsequently transported back to the Jackman Border Patrol station. Khan faces up to six months in prison and a $5,000 fine. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. USBP, OFO, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI investigated the case. 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: Somerset Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl and Heroin Distribution

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: TRENTON, N.J. – A Somerset man admitted to distributing fentanyl and heroin that led to the death of a victim, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. Thomas Kane Miller, 41, of Somerset, New Jersey pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton federal court to a superseding information charging him with three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: In October 2022, in Somerset County, Miller distributed a substance containing fentanyl and heroin to a person who died as a result of using the substance. He also distributed fentanyl and heroin in Somerset County and Middlesex County on two other occasions in December 2022 and January 2023. “Trafficking fentanyl and heroin can have deadly consequences and remains among the most serious crimes we prosecute. This defendant chose to traffic in deadly drugs, and that choice cost a life—today’s guilty plea reflects our commitment to hold accountable those who bring this poison into our communities and to pursue justice for the victims and families left behind.” - U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer Each of the three counts of drug distribution carries a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison. The sentences on each count may run consecutively. Each count also carries a potential fine of $1 million, and the defendant must be sentenced to a term of supervised release after any term of imprisonment imposed. Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2026. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the DEA Strike Force, New York Task Force Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts, and members of the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor John P. McDonald, and members of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine M. Romano, Co-Chief of the General Crimes Unit, and Benjamin Levin, Chief of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark. ### Defense counsel: Aidan P. O’Connor, Esq. miller.information.pdf


title: Onondaga County Man Charged with Receiving and Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Alden Fuller, age 50, of Syracuse, New York, appeared in federal court on April 24, 2026, on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography. On April 27, 2026, Fuller was ordered detained pending trial. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement. According to the criminal complaint, on April 23, 2026, Fuller, who is a previously convicted sex offender, was found in possession of a cellular telephone with a large volume of child pornography. Fuller had purchased the child pornography from another user of an online social media messaging application. The material Fuller purchased included videos of children as young as six years old being sexually abused. First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “As alleged, this defendant was so eager to obtain videos of children being sexually abused that he was willing to pay for it. This is not only reprehensible, but it also helped fuel the online market for material depicting the sexual abuse of children. This is all despite a prior conviction and 6-year state prison sentence. Now, this defendant faces decades in federal prison if convicted, which is exactly where every brazen repeat sexual offender belongs.” HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan stated: “As a previously convicted sex offender, Alden Fuller’s alleged crimes highlight the ongoing threat posed by individuals who prey on children. This arrest underscores the critical importance of HSI’s partnerships with federal, state, and local counterparts to safeguard neighborhoods and hold criminals accountable. HSI Syracuse, together with the law enforcement community, will never stop fighting for children and other at-risk victims, and will relentlessly pursue anyone who seeks to exploit them.” The charge of receiving child pornography filed against Fuller carries a mandatory minimum term of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum of 40 years. The charge of possessing child pornography carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years. Both charges carry a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release between five years and life. Fuller will also be required to continue registering as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. HSI is investigating the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle is prosecuting the case as a part of Project Safe Childhood. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Grand Rapids Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Exploiting Minors

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Anthony Spetoskey, age 35, of Grand Rapids. was sentenced to 360 months for sexual exploitation of a child. During sentencing, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Jonker described his conduct as “about as egregious as I have seen.” U.S. Attorney VerHey said, “Spetosky is an internet predator based in Grand Rapids who trolled for underage girls around the world to psychologically coerce them into doing themselves psychological and physical harm. He did this to make money, but also because he considered it fun. But while he was hunting for his victims, we were hunting for him. No one will see Spetosky on our streets for the next 30 years because he will be in prison, where he belongs, thanks to the hard work of federal law enforcement. Others like Spetosky should take note—we are coming for you too.” In October 2024, HSI London advised HSI Grand Rapids that a subject involved in the sextortion of minor girls and the distribution of child pornography may be located in West Michigan. As a result of extensive investigative work, HSI Grand Rapids agents ultimately identified Spetoskey as that subject, despite his methodical attempts to conceal his identity online, evade detection, and obscure his location. Spetoskey operated online under the identifier “NoLimits” and used a number of other names across various accounts. He ran a Telegram group used to coerce victims, including underage girls, into producing exploitative material, some of which involved self-harm. He bragged about his actions to online users and claimed responsibility for more than 250 victims over a five-year period. Spetoskey’s victims were located in the U.S. and overseas. “This sentencing demonstrates the steadfast commitment of HSI to protect children from exploitation, no matter where offenders operate or how they attempt to conceal their crimes,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “This investigation is a testament to the power of international collaboration, with HSI Grand Rapids, HSI London and foreign law enforcement working side-by-side to identify and apprehend a predator who targeted vulnerable victims both in the United States and abroad.” HSI Grand Rapids and HSI London investigated this case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Constance Turnbull prosecuted it. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/PSC .


title: Mexican National Sentenced to 10 years for Drug-Trafficking

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican National was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a drug-trafficking conspiracy. Francisco Lopez-Sanchez, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 10 years in prison without parole for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. According to court documents, in 2019 law enforcement began an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of a co-defendant. The investigation identified the co-defendant as a primary organizer of a drug trafficking organization responsible for methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine distribution. Members of the organization included Lopez-Sanchez, and several others. On April 16, 2021, surveillance observed Lopez-Sanchez arriving at a residence in Belton, Mo., in a black 2015 GMC Yukon with Texas license plates. Lopez-Sanchez had arrived prior to an arranged controlled drug purchase by a confidential human source. Lopez-Sanchez was observed carrying a blue bag into the residence. Later that day, the Missouri State Highway Patrol stopped the black Yukon as it was travelling westbound on Interstate 44 near the Oklahoma state line. Inside the Yukon, law enforcement recovered 995 grams of cocaine and $58,601.00. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI, the Jackson County Drug Task Force and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Homeland Security Task Force This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Kansas City comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.


title: Local banker indicted for bank fraud conspiracy involving millions

body_text: HOUSTON – A Houston area man has been taken into custody for allegedly acting as a loan officer on millions of dollars in fraudulent loans as part of a large-scale bank fraud scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck. Siupo Ernest Mo has now made his initial appearance in Houston federal court. According to the indictment returned April 29, from at least 2018 through 2022, Mo conspired with others in a scheme to obtain money from federally insured financial institutions through fraudulent loan applications. The charges allege he worked as a loan officer and assisted in preparing and submitting loan applications containing false and fraudulent information. The scheme allegedly included fake equipment invoices, fraudulent income tax returns and falsified financial and bank statements. Mo recruited others to prepare false tax returns and used those documents to support loan applications, according to the allegations. The Federal Housing Finance Agency - Office of Inspector General, IRS Criminal Investigation, FBI and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - OIG conducted the investigation along with valuable assistance from the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek is prosecuting the case. The Department of Justice has created the National Fraud Enforcement Division . The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within federal benefit programs. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Jury Finds Maryland Man Guilty of Murder After a Bar Fight

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Robert Lowe, 42, of Montgomery Village, MD, was found guilty by a Superior Court jury today for the April 2024 murder of 43-year-old Kenneth Goins at a D.C. bar in Northwest, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Lowe was found guilty on one count each of second-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm (prior felony conviction). According to the expected sentencing guidelines range, Lowe faces a potential maximum sentence of 33 years in prison for these crimes. Sentencing is scheduled for July 17, 2026, before the Honorable Todd Edelman. According to the government’s evidence presented at trial, at approximately 1:10 a.m. on April 27, 2024, Lowe and the victim were inside of Desperados Burger and Bar, located at 1342 U Street, NW. The defendant went to the bar. Once there, he came up behind Mr. Goins and struck him in the head with a bottle. The two began to fight. In the ensuing fight, Mr. Goins started to get the best of the defendant and the defendant shot the victim multiple times, striking him once in the abdomen. The defendant then fled the bar, got on his motorcycle, and drove away. Members of MPD’s Third District were in the area and heard the gunshots. Body camera footage shows a person getting onto a motorcycle in the alley and a person in front of the bar pointing towards the man on the motorcycle yelling “hey, him.” The motorcycles took off and officers followed in their cruisers but lost them during pursuit. Officers attempted to render aid to the victim until EMS arrived on scene. Unfortunately, Mr. Goins died from his injuries. Lowe was arrested on May 22, 2024, and has been in custody since. Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie Dinan and Tamara Rubb. 2024 CF1 004974


title: Aurora Man Sentenced To 16 Years For Robbery, Brandishing A Firearm

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Euriah Hymes, 23, of Aurora, Colorado, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. According to the plea agreement, between January 17 and February 14, 2024, Hymes committed 12 armed robberies of convenience stores in three different counties across the Denver Metro area. In each of these robberies, workers in the convenience stores were threatened with a gun as Hymes demanded cash and stole tobacco products. “Euriah Hymes’s robbery spree spanned three counties and victimized more than a dozen people,” said United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Peter McNeilly. “This strong sentence will keep a violent criminal off of our streets for a significant time.” “Those who commit brazen, violent crimes targeting our community will be identified, pursued, and held accountable,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Amanda Koldjeski. “Clerks in 12 convenience stores were held at gunpoint and traumatized. Partnerships like the Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force continue to be a force multiplier in our work and our success in crushing violent crime.” United States District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher presided over the sentencing. The case was investigated by the FBI Denver Field Office, the Safe Streets Task Force, Broomfield Police Department, Westminster Police Department, Federal Heights Police Department, Thornton Police Department, Denver Police Department, and Aurora Police Department. The prosecution was handled by the Violent Crime and Immigration Enforcement Section of the United States Attorney’s Office. 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. Case Number: 25-cr-00204-GPG


title: Eugene Man Charged with Assault on a Federal Officer

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: EUGENE, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Ryan Bruce Gaither Jr., 37, with assault on a federal employee involving physical contact and aggravated assault on a federal employee causing bodily injury. According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 27, 2026, Gaither spit on a U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Special Response Team officer and bit a second officer. Gaither made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on October 5, 2026. If convicted, Gaither faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement. Federal Protective Service is investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Charlotte County Coach Sentenced to 60 Years for Child Sexual Abuse Offenses

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – Dagoberto Miguel Pena (37, Punta Gorda) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to 60 years in federal prison for producing, receiving, possessing, and accessing with intent to view images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Pena was also sentenced to a life term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. Pena pleaded guilty on January 23, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, from October 2024 through February 2026, Pena used and persuaded two minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of their sexual abuse. In April 2025, law enforcement launched an investigation into Pena, a physical education teacher and a coach, after a parent discovered his inappropriate communications with a minor. Search warrants executed on Pena’s cellphone and online storage account revealed text messages with minors. In some text messages, Pena received images of a minor nude and engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Additionally, images and videos that Pena had taken during his sexual abuse of two minors were located. The investigation further identified a third minor that Pena possessed images and videos of engaging in sexually explicit conduct. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, and with assistance from the Punta Gorda Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Registered Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Attempted Enticement of a Minor

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Tallahassee, Florida – Dawaun Shunard Jackson, 40, of Tallahassee, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of attempted enticement of a minor and one count of penalties for registered sex offenders. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I deeply appreciate the excellent investigative work of our local and federal law enforcement partners to catch this sexual predator before he could victimize and sexually exploit a child. Keeping our kids safe, both online and in our communities, remains a top priority for my office. We will continue to aggressively prosecute the sick individuals who seek to prey upon innocent children to ensure they remain locked away in prison where they belong.” Court documents reflect that between November 20-22, 2025, the Tallahassee Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other state and federal law enforcement agencies, conducted an undercover operation focused on identifying individuals using the internet to sexually exploit children. During the operation, an undercover officer posed as a 15-year-old girl and posted an ad on a website known for the solicitation of escorts. Court records show that the defendant responded to the ad and believed that he was communicating with a minor. Court records also show that the defendant offered the girl money in exchange for sex and arranged to meet her in Tallahassee. An investigation revealed that the defendant was a registered sex offender. After the defendant was arrested, his cell phone was seized as evidence, and a subsequent search of the device confirmed that he communicated with the undercover officer who posed as a 15-year-old girl. Jackson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment, followed by up to a lifetime of supervision upon release, for the attempted enticement of a minor count. For the penalties for sex offenders count, Jackson also faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence imposed. Sentencing is scheduled for July 13, 2026, at 11:00 am, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tallahassee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Williamsville man arrested, charged by complaint in multi-million dollar fraud scheme

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Richard Teplitsky, 71, of Williamsville, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with mail and wire fraud, which carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. According to the criminal complaint, Teplitsky served as the president of Woodhill Capital Corporation, located in Williamsville, NY. As president, he and other Woodhill personnel solicited funds from investors within the Western District of New York and elsewhere. Teplitsky claimed the funds would be used to finance loans to businesses that were seeking to borrow money to acquire commercial equipment. When investors provided funds to Woodhill, Teplitsky provided them with copies of equipment financing agreements and repayment schedules of the borrowers. According to Teplitsky, investors would receive payments, typically by check of electronic transfers, from Woodhill based on these repayment schedules. For instance, the complaint states that Victim 1 has had approximately 15 investment loans with Woodhill since 2018. Between 2018 and February 2026, Victim 1 received monthly payments from Woodhill. However, in March 2026, Victim 1 did not receive a payment. He attempted to reach Teplitsky but was unsuccessful. Victim 1 then reached out to other investors and learned that they also had not received payment in March. Victim 1 then sent a certified letter to the borrowers of his loans directing them to pay him instead of Woodhill. Approximately 3-4 borrowers responded, claiming that they did not have a loan with Woodhill, that the amount of the loan was incorrect, or that it was not their signature on the equipment financing agreement. The investigation has identified more than 100 victims with estimated losses in excess of 10,000,000. Teplitsky made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on home confinement with electronic monitoring. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno. The complaint is the result of an investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: HSTF: Jury Convicts Bahamian National in South Florida Cocaine Trafficking and Alien Smuggling Conspiracy

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A jury in Fort Lauderdale convicted a Bahamian national for his role in a multi-vessel smuggling operation that transported hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and dozens of unauthorized migrants from the Bahamas to South Florida. Terrance Wallace, 32, was found guilty of conspiracy to import cocaine, importing cocaine, and alien smuggling offenses following a jury trial. “This defendant helped operate a transnational smuggling pipeline that brought both cocaine and unlawful migrants into South Florida by boat,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “That combination of narcotics trafficking and human smuggling poses a direct threat to public safety and the integrity of our borders. The jury’s verdict makes clear that those who work with criminal smuggling organizations to move drugs and people into this country will be prosecuted and held accountable.” “Combatting transnational criminal organizations involved in narcotics and alien smuggling is a significant priority for HSI and the Homeland Security Task Force,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jose R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami. “Working alongside our HSTF federal, state, and local partners, HSI will utilize every resource at our disposal to pursue and dismantle these criminal organizations to protect our communities and defend our borders. This verdict sends a clear message: HSI will continue to pursue and hold traffickers accountable for endangering lives and threatening public safety.” Five co-defendants — Malik Delancy, 23; Fiero Cooper, 33; Darren Sears, 25; Ivan Curry, 52; and Jeremiah Russell, 19 — previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and are scheduled to be sentenced on June 8. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on Aug. 30, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations, working alongside a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) cutter, detected three go-fast vessels traveling from the Bahamas toward South Florida. Once the vessels entered U.S. waters, CBP, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and USCG units moved to intercept. Officers activated emergency lights and sirens and ordered the drivers to stop. One vessel ignored multiple commands, prompting officers to fire warning shots before disabling the boat. Upon boarding, officers encountered Delancy, Cooper, Sears, Ivan Curry, and Russell. Law enforcement discovered approximately 168 kilograms of cocaine and 31 Chinese nationals on board, none of whom were authorized to enter the U.S. Separately, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents observed Wallace and Teshawn Curry conducting counter-surveillance near the Fort Pierce Inlet on behalf of the drug trafficking and alien smuggling organization. The investigation also revealed that Wallace participated in at least two prior successful drug smuggling ventures at the same location, bringing his involvement to more than 500 kilograms of cocaine. Text messages and videos recovered from Wallace’s cellphone showed him acting as a lookout during all three operations. Wallace faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones, Acting Special Agent in Charge Figueroa, and Special Agent in Charge Miles Aley of the DEA, Miami Field Division, and made the announcement. DEA West Palm Beach District Office and HSI West Palm Beach investigated the case, with assistance from CBP, USCG, the 7th Coast Guard District, the Davie Police Department, and the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Ustynoski, Ajay Alexander, and Catherine Koontz are prosecuting the case. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Miami comprises of agents and officers from the DEA, HSI, CBP, USCG, the Davie Police Department, and the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 25-cr-60233. ###


title: Trumbull County Man Sentenced to Prison in Connection with Convenience Store Shooting

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

body_text: YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A 32-year-old Trumbull County man has been sentenced to prison for his role in a convenience store shooting in Warren, Ohio. The Aug. 3, 2025, shooting left one person dead. Jumal Ellis Rowe, of Warren, was sentenced to 92 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Dan Aaron Polster after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; he was previously convicted of trafficking cocaine in 2013 and possession of cocaine in 2020. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment. On Aug. 3, 2025, the Warren Police Department and the Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunshots and of an individual who was shot at a Convenient Food Mart in Warren. According to court documents, investigators determined that around 5 a.m., several individuals were seen loitering and playing a dice game on the walkway just outside the main door. A fight then broke out and escalated into a mass shooting incident in the parking lot involving multiple individuals. One individual was later pronounced dead and another injured as a result. Two other defendants involved in the incident, Sean King, 37, and Rayjon Ray McElroy, 25, were charged separately. King is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition. McElroy was sentenced to 25 months in prison after pleading guilty to Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person. This investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Youngstown Field Office, the Warren Police Department, and the Trumbull County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin E. Bringman for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Iron Pursuit In One Month, Over 200 Child Victims Identified and More than 350 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in Nationwide Crackdown

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT — The Department of Justice today announced the results of Operation Iron Pursuit, a one-month, nationwide enforcement effort to find child victims of sex abuse and arrest child sex predators. More than 200 child victims were located and over 350 child sexual abuse offenders were arrested. All 56 FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys' offices around the country participated in the coordinated takedown effort. Eight individuals were arrested in the Eastern District of Michigan. The operation commenced April 1 and ended April 30. The Administration for Children and Families recognizes April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. “This operation puts every child predator on notice: we are coming for you,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The sexual exploitation of minors is an abomination with no place in our society. We will hunt down these offenders, hold them fully accountable under the law, and deliver justice for victims.” “Every single day this FBI is working 24/7 to break networks of child abusers all across this country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Last year we joined our partners delivering a record year, identifying and rescuing over 6,300 missing children, and today’s announcement of Operation Iron Pursuit is just the latest success in that work — with over 200 victims located and over 350 offenders arrested. Let this be a message to criminal actors who seek to target America’s children: you will be pursued, and you will be brought to justice.” “Creeps work in the shadows to hurt our children. But we work harder with our partners to find those creeps, bring them to light, and prosecute them. We do it to protect American children,” said United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. “Our participation in Operation Iron Pursuit is another example of the work we do every day in Michigan to protect children and hold predators accountable,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “I am grateful for the dedicated efforts of our FBI Bay City, Flint, and Grand Rapids Resident Agencies, alongside the FBI Detroit Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force, whose work continues to safeguard our communities and protect children from those who seek to harm them.” Victims recovered include a 10-year-old from Utah who was flown from Cuba to home and the child’s biological mother. The child was supposed to be on a camping trip with a transgender parent, partner, and another child. The group instead flew from Canada to Mexico and then to Cuba; concerns existed that the 10-year-old child was taken to Cuba for gender reassignment surgery. FBI Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted with the recovery of the children, providing crisis support and stabilization. Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, abuse, kidnapping, and possessing, distributing, or receiving child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Some of the alleged offenders include: • A Columbus, Ohio, man who pleaded guilty to creating AI-generated obscene material of adults and children and to cyberstalking exes; • A District of Columbia man charged with producing child pornography; • A New York man charged with sexually exploiting a child; and • A Pennsylvania man and former felon charged with sexually exploiting a child and illegally possessing a gun. • A Michigan man was indicted on charges of transporting a minor for criminal sexual activity and coercion and enticement This effort follows three other successful operations last year. Operation Relentless Justice, concluded in December 2025, resulted in the rescue of 205 children and arrests of 293 offenders. Operation Enduring Justice, concluded in August 2025, resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. And Operation Restore Justice, concluded in May 2025, resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders. The FBI’s VSD assisted victims during Operation Iron Pursuit and provided services such as forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org. The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: FBI Undercover Operation Results in Three Men Charged After Travelling for the Purpose of Engaging in Illicit Sexual Conduct with Minors

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – RICHARD JACKSON WHITE , age 46, from Purvis, Mississippi, NICHOLAS JOHN ENGOLIA , age 32, from Slidell, Louisiana, and DUSTIN LEE SEITZ , age 40, from Gulfport, Mississippi, were charged between March 27, 2026 and April 28, 2026, as the result of an Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) undercover operation concerning individuals seeking to engage in illicit sexual conduct with minors, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. All three men were previously charged at the time of their apprehension by criminal complaints. According to one indictment, beginning on or about January 28, 2026, until on or about March 3, 2026, ENGOLIA corresponded online with an individual he believed to be a fifteen-year-old female for the purpose of attempting to persuade the fifteen-year-old to engage in criminal sexual activity. The correspondence culminated with ENGOLIA traveling by car from Slidell, Louisiana, to Covington, Louisiana, to engage in sexual conduct with someone he believed to be a fifteen-year-old female. During the correspondence, ENGOLIA attempted to transfer obscene matter to the person he believed to be a minor. ENGOLIA was charged in a two-count indictment with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b) (Count 1), and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1470 (Count 2). According to a bill of information, on or about February 24, 2026, WHITE travelled from Mississippi to Louisiana for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with an individual he believed to be a fifteen-year-old female. WHITE has been charged with travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(b). According to a bill of information, beginning on or about March 2, 2026, and culminating on or about March 4, 2026, SEITZ travelled from Gulfport, Mississippi, to Mandeville, Louisiana, by car to engage in sexual conduct with an individual SEITZ believed to be a fifteen-year-old female. SEITZ has been charged with travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(b). If convicted, ENGOLIA faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years up to life in prison as to Count 1 and up to ten (10) years in prison as to Count 2. SEITZ and WHITE each face a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than thirty (30) years. Each defendant also faces at least five (5) years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee per count. Additionally, each defendant may also be required to register as a sex offender. U. S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that indictments and bills of information are merely charges and that the guilt of each defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Special Assistant United States Attorney Mary Anne Flippo is in charge of the prosecution of ENGOLIA, Assistant United States Attorney Tracey Knight is in charge of the prosecution of WHITE , and Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn McHugh is in charge of the prosecution of SEITZ . * * *


title: Violent Felon Sentenced for Gun Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Martinsburg, West Virginia man with a violent criminal past was sentenced for a firearms conviction, West Virginia, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. Ryan Dontrez Lynn, 37, of Martinsburg, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for the unlawful possession of a firearm. Officers received a domestic dispute complaint at Lynn’s home. When Berkeley County Sheriff’s Deputies responded, Lynn sped away in his vehicle. Officers conducted a traffic stop and found a firearm in the car, along with drugs and $860. The firearm had an obliterated serial number. Lynn has a criminal history that includes robbery, assault, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Lynn was on supervised release for a firearms conviction at the time of this offense. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office investigated. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and to repel the invasion of illegal immigration. U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.


title: Fentanyl Distributors Sentenced to 33 Years in Prison

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Four men who sold fentanyl in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia were sentenced to a combined 33 and half years in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. Kentrel Anthony Rollins, 33, of Baltimore, Maryland, was sentenced to 138 months in federal prison for possessing fentanyl and a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Rollins, also known as “T-Rock,” was the leader of a drug trafficking organization that spanned from Baltimore to Hampshire County, West Virginia. Investigators seized fentanyl, two firearms, rounds of various ammunition, and more than $17,000. Eleven other defendants in this case were convicted and sentenced to a combined 40 years in prison. Read more about the case here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/baltimore-fentanyl-organizations-shut-down-federal-indictments Jwan Martine Smith, 40, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced to 120 months in prison. Matthew James Elsea, 43, of Stephenson, Virginia, was sentenced to 87 months. Smith and Elsea were a part of a drug trafficking operation, led by Delano Butler, that distributed large amounts of fentanyl in the Eastern Panhandle. Investigators watched Smith, Elsea, and others transfer items from a stash apartment into vehicles. Officers conducted multiple traffic stops and seized 14 firearms and 30,000-40,000 pressed fentanyl pills. Subsequent searches of other vehicles and properties yielded more fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and drug paraphernalia. Total drug weight is nearly 8 pounds of fentanyl and 4.5 grams of methamphetamine. Smith has prior drug and home invasion convictions and was under parole supervision for several prior offenses during the commission of this crime. Butler was convicted of his role in April 2026. He is awaiting sentencing. Read more about this case: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/twenty-five-charged-drug-trafficking-eastern-panhandle Tyler Lantz Gordon, 34, of Rawlings, Maryland, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for selling fentanyl near a protected location. Gordon sold fentanyl-laced capsules near West Virginia University Potomac State College. The fentanyl totaled 37 grams, equaling more than 18,000 potentially deadly doses. Gordon has prior drug convictions. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Kyle Kane prosecuted the cases on behalf of the United States. Investigative agencies include the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force and the Potomac Highlands Drug Task Force, both HIDTA-funded initiatives, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Fentanyl has been designated by President Donald Trump as a weapon of mass destruction due to its extreme lethality which poses a grave threat to public safety, even in trace amounts. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration. U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.


title: Texas man sentenced for trafficking eagles

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: MISSOULA – A Texas man who trafficked bald and golden eagles was sentenced today to five years of probation and restitution in the amount of $77,500.00, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said. John Patrick Butler, 71, pleaded guilty in December 2025 to one count of conspiracy, two counts of unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles, and one count of purchasing eagles and eagle parts that had been killed illegally, in violation of the Lacey Act. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The government alleged in court documents that law enforcement uncovered messages from co-defendant Travis John Branson and others describing the illegal taking of eagles by stating, “[O]ut [here] committing felonies,” and telling buyers he was “on a killing spree” to obtain eagle tail feathers for future sales. Co-defendant Simon Paul, Branson, and others, hunted and killed eagles on the Flathead Indian Reservation and elsewhere. In total, approximately 3,600 birds were killed, including eagles. They then illegally sold the eagles on the black market for significant sums of cash across the United States and elsewhere. The killing of eagles is fueled by individuals willing to purchase the eagles on the black market. Butler was one of those purchasers and he requested the killing of specific types of eagles. For example, Butler inquired of Branson, “Did u ever see any crispy ones yet?” Butler would then purchase eagles from co-defendants by transferring money through PayPal and other forms of online payment. In return, the co-defendants sent the eagles, including their parts, through the mail from Montana to Humble, Texas, where Butler resides. Postal records and text messages confirm Butler received the eagles, hawks, and their parts. From November 2020 until March 2021, Butler purchased eagles shot in Montana and elsewhere, including: On December 14, 2020, Butler paid Branson $450 through PayPal for two tail feather sets—a golden eagle tail set and a bald eagle tail set. On December 17, 2020, Branson sent a text message to Butler with a photo of a golden eagle tail set. On the same date, Butler paid Branson $300 through a PayPal purchase for the golden eagle tail set. On December 28, 2020, Butler sent Branson $750 for the purchase of two golden eagle tails. Branson mailed the package filled with the two golden eagle tails through the United States Postal Service and Butler confirmed he received the package on January 4, 2021. On January 7, 2021, Butler purchased two golden eagle tail sets from Branson. On the same date, Butler sent Branson $900. On March 1, 2021, Butler purchased two golden eagle sets from Branson after Branson sent pictures of the tail sets to Butler. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted the investigation. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act was enacted in 1940 to protect the bald eagle, recognizing that the bald eagle is not merely a bird of biological interest, but this country’s national symbol, which reflects America’s ideals of freedom. In 1962, Congress extended the Act to also protect golden eagles. XXX


title: Former Postal Employee Admits Stealing Checks from St. Louis Mail

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A former U.S. Postal Service supervisor on Monday admitted stealing 89 checks from the mail. Benita D. Randle, 43, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of theft of mail by a U.S. Postal Service employee. John W. Harrison, 26, of Black Jack, Missouri, pleaded guilty on Feb. 10, 2026, to one count of possession of stolen mail matter. Randle was a supervisor at the St. Louis Processing and Distribution Center, which processes, sorts and distributes all non-parcel mail for the St. Louis metropolitan areas. She had access to all the mail at the center. Between September and October of 2023, Randle stole mail containing checks and gave that mail to Harrison, who opened the mail and removed the checks. Randle’s crime was uncovered when her leased Nissan Juke was repossessed for her failure to maintain insurance. The car dealership found Harrison’s backpack, which contained an AR-style handgun, cocaine, fentanyl and loose checks, and called the St. Charles Police Department. After officers arrived at the dealership, so did Randle, who falsely claimed that she did not handle mail in her job. She later lied to investigators with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General that she never drove the Juke and did not have access to mail. Investigators determined that Randle had stolen 89 checks from mail that belonged to dozens of victims. They also found one counterfeit check that bore the same bank account and payor information as one of the stolen checks. The total face value of the 90 checks was $369,248. Randle is scheduled to be sentenced on August 20 and Harrison on June 3. They face a penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both prison and a fine. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and the St. Charles Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow is prosecuting the case.


title: Man Sentenced To 37.5 Years In Prison For Shooting And Killing An Innocent Bystander – A 69-Year-Old Woman – On A Street In East Harlem

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that FAISIL McCANTS was sentenced today to 37.5 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff for possessing a machine gun in connection with an August 27, 2025, midday armed robbery and shooting in which McCANTS fired 15 rounds on a public street in East Harlem, striking and killing a 69-year-old bystander who was resting on her walker on the sidewalk. “Faisil McCants, a repeat violent offender, unloaded 15 bullets in a matter of seconds in the middle of the day on the street in East Harlem, killing Robin Wright, a 69-year-old, wholly innocent woman and forever destroying a family,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “It is an unspeakable tragedy, born of wanton violence that outrages all New Yorkers and all Americans. New York City families expect and deserve to be free from purveyors of violence. To deliver for the good people of New York, we must get gun-toting criminals off our streets. New Yorkers have been clear: if someone commits a federal gun crime on our streets, New Yorkers want them prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. McCants is now where he should be, serving a 37.5-year prison sentence.” As alleged in public court filings, statements in public court proceedings, and the charging documents in the case: On August 27, 2025, shortly before 12:30 p.m., McCANTS and two co-conspirators (“CC-1” and “CC-2”) robbed a drug dealer (“Individual-1”) near East 109th Street and Madison Avenue in Manhattan. During the robbery, McCANTS and his co-conspirators got into a physical altercation with Individual-1 before both McCANTS and CC-1 grabbed backpacks from Individual-1—which contained marijuana—and then fled north on Madison Avenue, turning onto East 110th Street. McCANTS pulled a black firearm—equipped with a machine-gun conversion device—out of his right sweatshirt pocket and discharged 15 shots in quick succession in the general direction of Individual-1. A photograph of McCants firing the machine gun is below: A 69-year-old woman, Robin Wright, was standing with a walker on the northwest corner of East 110th Street and Madison Avenue—in the direction that McCANTS shot the firearm—when she was struck by gunfire. The Victim was transported to the hospital, where she died. Multiple members of the Victim’s family submitted letters to the Court describing the Victim as a loving parent and grandmother who was simply enjoying her afternoon when she fell victim to McCants’ crime. * * * In addition to the prison term, McCANTS, 19, of New York, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Police Department. He also thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, and the New York State Board of Parole. This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra S. Messiter, Kathryn Wheelock, and Brandon D. Harper are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Florida Man Sentenced for Threatening to Kill Newspaper Reporter, Muslims, and Politicians

body_text: Gainesville, Florida – Peter Daniel Ring, 31, of Bell, Florida, was sentenced to 27 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to sending multiple threatening interstate communications to kill or cause physical injuries. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “With threats and acts of violence directed at public figures becoming alarmingly more frequent, my office is committed to aggressively prosecuting cases like this to send a clear message: we have zero-tolerance for criminality in the Northern District of Florida. Threats of violence by deranged individuals can quickly lead to actual violence. Vigilant investigative work by our federal law enforcement partners and aggressive prosecutions can prevent tragedy from striking.” Court documents reveal that in June 2025 the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) received a complaint that a threat to kill a reporter had been received. The defendant was identified as the source of the threat, and when contacted by the FBI he said he would not make any more threats. However, two months later, the FBI received another tip that the defendant was posting religiously and politically motivated threats of violence against Muslim people, members of the media, and prominent politicians. Between May and September 2025, the defendant made threats to kill or cause physical injury to at least fourteen victims. “Threats of violence are never taken lightly,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “This person’s actions caused fear and disruption, and the sentencing reflects the serious consequences of threatening to take innocent lives. The FBI will not tolerate individuals who use intimidation to terrorize our communities.” The conviction and sentence were the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Miami Beach Man Charged with Making Online Death Threats Against President Trump and Senior US Officials

body_text: MIAMI – A Miami Beach man appeared in federal court Monday after allegedly posting repeated threats on social media to assassinate the President of the United States and other officials. According to court records, from at least January through April 2026, Nathaniel Sanders II, 32, of Miami Beach, used X and Instagram to make numerous posts threatening the lives of President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of State and Acting National Security Advisor Marco Rubio, and former Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Threats against public officials are not political speech,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “They are serious federal crimes that endanger public safety and the rule of law. The complaint alleges that this defendant repeatedly threatened to assassinate the President of the United States and other senior officials. Those allegations will now be tested in court. Our Office will continue working with the U.S. Secret Service and our law enforcement partners to investigate threats, protect public officials, and ensure that those who violate federal law are held accountable. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.” “Making threats against the President of the United States is a federal crime, and we treat it with the seriousness it deserves every time,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Townsend of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Miami Field Office. “It does not matter where the threat is made or what platform is used, our agents will identify you, investigate you, and work alongside our federal and local partners to bring charges when appropriate. We remain relentless in our mission to protect the President and to act swiftly against anyone who puts others at risk.” Sanders is charged with threatening the President of the United States and transmitting threats in interstate commerce. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones and Special Agent in Charge Townsend made the announcement. The USSS Miami Field Office is investigating the case with valuable assistance from the U.S. Capitol Police, U.S. Diplomatic Security Service, and Miami Beach Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Meckler Silverberg is prosecuting the case. A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 26-mj-02772. ###


title: Florida Certified Public Accountant and Attorney Indicted for Embezzling More than $890,000

body_text: Tampa, Florida – Melissia Gauthreaux has been charged by federal indictment with six counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Gauthreaux faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Gauthreaux that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of $894,274.26, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to the indictment, Gauthreaux was the founder, president, and managing member of Accounting Resources and Management Services, LLC. From 2017 through 2021, Gauthreaux used her business to steal more than $890,000 from one of her clients, a public figure who lived in the Middle District of Florida. Gauthreaux had signatory authority on her client’s bank accounts and was able to remove the funds without the client’s knowledge or consent. 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer. Indictment


title: Justice Department Announces Results Of Operation Iron Pursuit

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Acting Attorney General for the United States, Todd Blanche, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Kash Patel, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the FBI, James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced today the results of Operation Iron Pursuit, a one-month, nationwide enforcement effort to find child victims of sex abuse and arrest child sex predators. More than 200 child victims were located and over 350 child sexual abuse offenders were arrested. All 56 FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country participated in the coordinated takedown effort. The operation commenced April 1 and ended April 30. The Administration for Children and Families recognizes April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month . “Every New Yorker wants, and every American wants, those who sexually exploit children and traffic in child pornography to be brought to justice and to be removed from our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The Department of Justice is committed to that mission, and under the leadership of Acting Attorney General Blanche we are delivering with a coordinated, all-hands-on-deck effort to identify, charge, and convict sexual predators. The unified message we’re sending is clear: if you think you can get away with targeting children—you’re wrong.” “This operation puts every child predator on notice: we are coming for you,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The sexual exploitation of minors is an abomination with no place in our society. We will hunt down these offenders, hold them fully accountable under the law, and deliver justice for victims.” “Every single day this FBI is working 24/7 to break networks of child abusers all across this country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Last year we joined our partners delivering a record year, identifying and rescuing over 6,300 missing children, and today’s announcement of Operation Iron Pursuit is just the latest success in that work—with over 200 victims located and over 350 offenders arrested. Let this be a message to criminal actors who seek to target America’s children: you will be pursued, and you will be brought to justice.” “Removing dangerous child sex predators from our streets—such as the arrest of a Rockland County man for his alleged sexual exploitation of a minor—protects some of our most innocent and vulnerable members of society,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “We will never take our foot off the gas in the crimes against children fight. May today’s announcement emphasize FBI New York’s commitment to holding accountable those who commit this horrific abuse.” Victims recovered include a 10-year-old from Utah who was flown from Cuba to home and the child’s biological mother. The child was supposed to be on a camping trip with a transgender parent, partner, and another child. The group instead flew from Canada to Mexico and then to Cuba; concerns existed that the 10-year-old child was taken to Cuba for gender reassignment surgery. FBI Victim Services Division (“VSD”) assisted with the recovery of the children, providing crisis support and stabilization. Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, abuse, kidnapping, and possessing, distributing, or receiving child sexual abuse materials. Some of the alleged offenders include: A Columbus, Ohio, man who pleaded guilty to creating AI-generated obscene material of adults and children and to cyberstalking exes; A District of Columbia man charged with producing child pornography; A New York man charged with sexually exploiting a child; and A Pennsylvania man and former felon charged with sexually exploiting a child and illegally possessing a gun. This effort follows three other successful operations last year. Operation Relentless Justice , concluded in December 2025, resulted in the rescue of 205 children and arrests of 293 offenders. Operation Enduring Justice, concluded in August 2025, resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. And Operation Restore Justice , concluded in May 2025, resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders. The FBI’s VSD assisted victims during Operation Iron Pursuit and provided services such as forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. The Department of Justice partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Norwich Man Sentenced to 24 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearm

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAMEL PIRES, 28, of Norwich, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for unlawfully possessing a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 26, 2024, a Groton City Police officer attempted to stop Pires who was driving his vehicle erratically. Pires increased his speed before turning into the driveway of a residence. The officer approached Pires and determined he was intoxicated. A search of Pires revealed that he possessed marijuana packaged for distribution, and a search of his vehicle revealed a loaded 9mm Canik TP9 Elite SC handgun. Pires was arrested on state charges at that time. Pires’ criminal history includes a conviction for a firearm possession offense stemming from an incident in 2020 when he shot at an individual during a fight, and a conviction for assaulting a police officer. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. On January 12, 2026, Pires pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. He has been detained since his state arrest. This matter was investigated by the Groton City Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Iron Pursuit

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Department of Justice today announced the results of Operation Iron Pursuit, a one-month, nationwide enforcement effort to find child victims of sex abuse and arrest child sex predators. More than 200 child victims were located and over 350 child sexual abuse offenders were arrested. All 56 FBI field offices and U.S. Attorneys' offices around the country participated in the coordinated takedown effort. The operation commenced April 1 and ended April 30. The Administration for Children and Families recognizes April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month . “This operation puts every child predator on notice: we are coming for you,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The sexual exploitation of minors is an abomination with no place in our society. We will hunt down these offenders, hold them fully accountable under the law, and deliver justice for victims.” “Every single day this FBI is working 24/7 to break networks of child abusers all across this country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Last year we joined our partners delivering a record year, identifying and rescuing over 6,300 missing children, and today’s announcement of Operation Iron Pursuit is just the latest success in that work — with over 200 victims located and over 350 offenders arrested. Let this be a message to criminal actors who seek to target America’s children: you will be pursued, and you will be brought to justice.” “There is no greater priority in the District of Utah than protecting and pursuing justice for our children,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah. “As with this administration, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue vigorously to combat crimes against children and hold offenders accountable.” “Every child matters and deserves the opportunity to grow up free from harm,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The FBI and our partners will continue working tirelessly to stop those who prey on our most vulnerable and hold them accountable.” Victims recovered include a 10-year-old from Utah who was flown from Cuba to home and the child’s biological mother. The child was supposed to be on a camping trip with a transgender parent, partner, and another child. The group instead flew from Canada to Mexico and then to Cuba; concerns existed that the 10-year-old child was taken to Cuba for gender reassignment surgery. FBI Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted with the recovery of the children, providing crisis support and stabilization. Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, abuse, kidnapping, and possessing, distributing, or receiving child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Some of the alleged offenders include: A Columbus, Ohio, man who pleaded guilty to creating AI-generated obscene material of adults and children and to cyberstalking exes; A District of Columbia man charged with producing child pornography; A New York man charged with sexually exploiting a child; and A Pennsylvania man and former felon charged with sexually exploiting a child and illegally possessing a gun. This effort follows three other successful operations last year. Operation Relentless Justice , concluded in December 2025, resulted in the rescue of 205 children and arrests of 293 offenders. Operation Enduring Justice, concluded in August 2025, resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. And Operation Restore Justice , concluded in May 2025, resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders. The FBI’s VSD assisted victims during Operation Iron Pursuit and provided services such as forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Eugene Man Charged with Damaging Federal Property

body_text: EUGENE, Ore.—A Eugene, Oregon, man made his first appearance in federal court today after allegedly destroying federal property while attempting to breach the Eugene federal building. Soren Emery Polzin, 18, has been charged by criminal complaint with depredation of federal property. “The harm in this case goes beyond the thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to the federal building on January 30, 2026,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “Federal employees were trapped inside, terrified of what would happen if the building were fully breached. This was a riot, not a lawful protest.” “This arrest marks a huge step forward in our investigation of the damage to the Eugene federal building on January 30, 2026,” said FBI Portland Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson. “Violence and destruction of property jeopardize the rights and safety of all citizens. The FBI will continue to pursue individuals who exploit a situation to pursue violent, extremist agendas—anarchists and other agitators who set out to sow discord and upheaval.” According to court documents, on the evening of January 30, 2026, a group of individuals, including Polzin, damaged the exterior windows and doors and attempted to gain access to the Eugene federal building while federal civilian employees were inside. Polzin repeatedly banged on and kicked the lobby window, eventually shattering the window with his lower body. Polzin made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was ordered released pending further court proceedings. U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement. The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Protective Service are investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.