title: D.C. Man Gets More Than 14 Years in Prison for Killing Man Following a Fight Between Two High School Girls

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – David Pena, 49, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on February 27, 2026, for the shooting death of Maurice Robinson on June 12, 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. On November 25, 2025, a D.C. Superior Court jury convicted Pena on one count of voluntary manslaughter while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and related firearm offenses. Superior Court Associate Judge Danya Dayson sentenced Pena on Friday to 14 ½ years in prison. Pena had two prior gun convictions and faced a maximum sentence of 60 years. The government requested a 25-year prison sentence. According to the government’s evidence, on June 12, 2023, Pena’s daughter and her best friend agreed to fight each other to settle an argument they were having. Robinson was part of a larger group that had arrived to watch the fight. As the girls were fighting, Pena became angry and pulled a gun, shooting Robinson in the back four times as he was running away, killing him. A second victim was nearby but was not struck by the gunfire. Although Pena claimed he was acting in self-defense, no weapons were recovered from any of the victims. Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorneys Miles Janssen and Zach Horton, who prosecuted the case. 2023 CF2 003881


title: Miami Jury Convicts Pennsylvania Man of Attempted Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A Pennsylvania man was convicted by a federal jury on Feb. 11 of attempting to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM) involving a minor victim overseas. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Earl Richard Clouser, 55, of Burnham, Pennsylvania, engaged in months-long online communications with a 15-year-old victim in Cuba. Despite knowing her age, Clouser repeatedly solicited sexually explicit videos and directed her to produce CSAM, often in exchange for electronic payments he sent to her. “This defendant targeted a 15-year-old child, directed her to create sexually explicit material, and then traveled overseas to exploit her in person,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “The fact that the victim lived in another country did not put her beyond the protection of U.S. law. If you use the internet or international travel to exploit a child, we will find you, prosecute you, and seek the full measure of federal punishment.” In September 2025, Clouser traveled from the U.S. to Havana, Cuba, to meet the victim for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. Prior to the trip, the victim provided Clouser with identification confirming she was underage. Nevertheless, Clouser arranged for the victim to meet him in Havana, where she stayed overnight with him at his rental apartment. After returning to the U.S. through Miami International Airport on Sept. 19, 2025, Clouser was referred for secondary inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. During the inspection, officers discovered CSAM and communications between Clouser and the victim on three electronic devices in his possession, each containing sexually explicit material depicting the victim. Clouser was arrested. After a two-day trial, the jury convicted Clouser of attempted production of visual depictions involving the sexual exploitation of a minor. He faces up to 30 years in federal prison with a mandatory minimum of 15 years. 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 and Acting Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami made the announcement. HSI Miami investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Hannah and Anthony Reynolds tried the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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 . 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-20444. ###


title: D.C. Man Previously Convicted Under Youth Rehabilitation Act Gets 17 Years in Prison for Killing Man on South Capitol Street

body_text: WASHINGTON – Roy Jordan, 23, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced on Friday for the shooting death of Gary Love III on November 20, 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Jordan entered a guilty plea to voluntary manslaughter while armed before Superior Court Associate Judge Rainey Brandt on December 12, 2025. On February 27, 2026, Judge Brandt sentenced Jordan to 17 years of incarceration, the maximum recommended sentence under the D.C. Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines, to be followed by five years of supervised release. At the time of the offense, Jordan was on probation in Maryland for a July 2021 carjacking. He had also been previously sentenced under the Youth Rehabilitation Act in Washington D.C. in a gun possession case. According to the government’s evidence, on November 20, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Jordan walked into a store in the 4600 block of South Capitol Street, SW, to purchase some items. A few minutes later, Jordan ran out of the store and pointed a firearm at Mr. Love who was standing outside. A gunfight then ensued between the two men. Mr. Love was shot in the head and after all life-saving measures, he succumbed to his injuries the next morning. Jordan confirmed that, when he shot the victim, he was acting voluntarily and that he was not acting in self-defense. Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Miles Janssen who prosecuted the case. 2023 CF1 008881


title: One Fresno Resident Sentenced, One Pleads Guilty in Illegal Gun Possession Cases

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announces a sentencing and a guilty plea in Fresno for two cases as part of Operation Take Back America. Phatna Pich, 23, of Fresno, was sentenced Monday to three years and one month in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing machine guns. According to court documents, in October 2024, law enforcement officers were investigating Pich for trafficking illegal firearms. In November 2024, officers searched Pich’s home and seized a loaded firearm, several rounds of ammunition, and 12 auto-sears, which are devices used to convert firearms into automatic weapons. Pich has two prior firearm-related felony convictions, including a prior conviction involving an assault weapon and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. The Fresno Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple prosecuted the case. Thomas Carter Beasley, 21, of Fresno, pleaded guilty Monday to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, Beasley engaged in a high-speed chase when police attempted to pull him over. Beasley sped through stop signs, nearly hit bystanders, and finally came to a stop by crashing into a parked car. After crashing, he fled on foot through a nearby apartment complex and hid a loaded .40 caliber Glock 27 handgun he was carrying under a resident’s doormat. Beasley faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The Fresno Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cody S. Chapple and Robert Veneman-Hughes are prosecuting the case. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: 2 Cincinnati men involved in mass shooting now face federal charges

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – Two Cincinnati men previously arrested on local charges related to a shooting on March 1 at Riverfront Live now face federal charges. Franeek Cobb, 24, and Derrick Long, 29, are each charged federally with illegally possessing a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon. “Gun violence in Cincinnati must end,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Our top priority is protecting our communities and holding accountable those who threaten them. If you pull a trigger in an illegal act of violence or otherwise illegally possess a firearm or ammunition, rest assured we will do everything we can to send you to federal prison.” “I am pleased with the aggressive and expeditious manner in which this offense was investigated. The full force of law enforcement — including the Cincinnati Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, prosecutors, and the United States Attorney’s Office — worked in close partnership to bring these alleged violent criminals to justice,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jorge Rosendo. “This level of coordination and commitment is exactly what makes our communities safer for everyone.” According to charging documents, on March 1, Cincinnati police officers responded to Riverfront Live on Kellogg Avenue for a report of a shooting inside the night club and event venue. Nine individuals were wounded in the incident. Long and Cobb were identified as the two alleged shooters based on a review of surveillance footage from Riverfront Live. An affidavit details that Cobb observed Long in his immediate vicinity, pulled out a firearm and began firing shots towards Long, causing patrons to seek cover. Long fell to the ground, then allegedly brandished a firearm and began firing multiple gunshots in the direction of Cobb. Law enforcement seized a handgun that Cobb allegedly dropped at the bar while fleeing the scene. The ATF determined casings recovered from the area where Long was shooting were all fired from the same .45 caliber gun. National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) examination showed that only two firearms were discharged during the shooting. As previously convicted felons, Cobb and Long are prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Cobb has a 2022 felony conviction of having weapons while under disability. Long has several prior felony convictions, including two separate cases involving trafficking in heroin, trafficking in fentanyl, failure to comply, carrying concealed weapons, arson and receiving stolen property. Each defendant faces up to 15 years in prison. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Henni; and Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the charges. Members of the ATF & Cincinnati Police Department Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) participated in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Brucato is representing the United States in this case. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. A complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. # # #


title: Columbia Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun Charge Amidst Girlfriend’s Murder Investigation

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

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Anthony Demetrius Reese, 55, of Columbia, has pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on Aug. 31, 2025, Columbia Police Department officers were investigating the suspicious disappearance of Columbia woman Angela Fuller. Fuller, Reese’s girlfriend, had been reported missing by a relative and was last seen with Reese. Columbia Police officers spotted Reese’s vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but he instead fled and eventually crashed in Lexington. A loaded firearm was recovered from Reese’s vehicle. Reese has prior felony convictions for domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature, shoplifting 3 rd offense or above, burglary 2 nd degree, and assault and battery 2 nd degree. He is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Law enforcement later recovered Fuller’s body after an extensive search. Testing confirmed that the firearm recovered from Reese’s vehicle matched the murder weapon. Reese faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson Jr. accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Reese after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. Reese has pleaded not guilty to state charges of murder, unauthorized removal of a dead body, possession of a weapon during a violent crime, and possession of a stolen pistol. He remains innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt on those charges. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Major is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Texas man sentenced for monopolizing international transit industry, fixing prices, and extorting competitors

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 59-year-old resident of San Benito has been ordered to federal prison and must pay a substantial fine for his role in a long-running and violent conspiracy to monopolize the transmigrante forwarding agency industry in the Los Indios border region near Harlingen and Brownsville. Roberto Garcia Villarreal pleaded guilty Feb. 6, 2025, to conspiracy to illegally fix prices and allocate the market for transmigrante forwarding agency services, conspiracy to monopolize the transmigrante market, and conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion. U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks has now imposed a 30-month term of imprisonment. Villarreal must also pay a $50,000 criminal fine. He was ordered into custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Villarreal and others controlled the transmigrante industry through monopolization and by extorting competitors. “Roberto Garcia Villarreal chose to join a criminal enterprise that seized control of an industry through threats and violence, rigged prices against legitimate businesses, and laundered its proceeds—and now, he is headed to federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei of the Southern District of Texas. “Today’s sentence serves as proof that no participant of this conspiracy will walk away without consequence. Although, the conspiracy may be finished, the Southern District of Texas is just getting started.” “Antitrust criminals deserve lengthy sentences for the economic — and in this case physical — violence they sow. The Antitrust Division is proud to have worked with our law enforcement colleagues on this long-running investigation that will restore competition and punish violent criminals at the U.S.-Mexico border,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Daniel W. Glad of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “We will continue working to incarcerate antitrust criminals and hold accountable the remaining co-defendants in this scheme.” “The use of violence and intimidation to threaten and remove competition will not be tolerated,” said Acting Assistant Director Gregory Heeb of the FBI Criminal Division. “Today’s sentencing shows the FBI’s commitment to investigating and holding accountable those responsible for price fixing and extortion schemes.” “This case highlights the significant danger posed by transnational criminal organizations operating near our borders,” said acting Special Agent in Charge John A. Pasciucco of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, San Antonio. “As an accomplice in carrying out a violent operation that targeted small businesses for extortion, manipulated market prices, and concealed millions of dollars in illicit funds—undermining the security and fairness of lawful trade—HSI will relentlessly seek out those who harm legitimate industries through dishonest actions and intimidation. Our dedication to protecting our communities and economic stability remains firm.” Transmigrantes arrange for and transport used vehicles and other goods from the United States through Mexico for resale in Central America. There are only a few locations where Transmigrantes can cross from the United States into Mexico, one of those being the Los Indios Bridge. Transmigrante forwarding agencies are U.S.-based businesses that provide services to transmigrante clients, including helping those clients complete the customs paperwork required to export vehicles into Mexico. Villarreal and others fixed prices for transmigrante forwarding agency services and created a centralized entity known as the “Pool” to collect and divide revenues among the conspirators, limit competition from other agencies, and increase prices for their services. Forwarding agencies who were not part of the conspiracy had to join and pay into the Pool. Villarreal and other Pool members enforced the rules by monitoring whether forwarding agencies were charging the agreed-upon prices and making payments. Forwarding agencies were also required to pay other extortion fees, including a “piso” for every transaction processed in the industry. To date, eight others have been convicted, seven of whom have already been sentenced in the case, including the leader - Carlos Martinez, 39, McAllen , who received an 11-year prison term. Three others - Rigoberto Brown, Miguel Hipolito Caballero Aupart and Diego Ceballos-Soto were also charged in the superseding indictment and remain fugitives. ICE-HSI and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander L. Alum prosecuted the case along with Senior Litigation Attorney John Davis and Trial Attorneys Brittany E. McClure, Anne Veldhuis, and Michael G. Lepage of the Antitrust Division; and Trial Attorney Christina Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the HSI Tip Line at 866-347-2423; the FBI Tip Line at tips.fbi.gov or by contacting the FBI San Antonio Field Office at 210-225-6741; or the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations . Whistleblowers who voluntarily report original information about antitrust and related offenses that result in criminal fines or other recoveries of at least $1 million may be eligible to receive a whistleblower reward. Whistleblower awards can range from 15 to 30 percent of the money collected. For more information on the Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program, including a link to submit reports, visit https://www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards .


title: Española man sentenced for 2023 beating and strangulation of his dating partner

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Española man was sentenced to 46 months in prison for attacking and severely beating his dating partner in 2023, causing serious bodily injuries over her entire body. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records, in the early morning hours of September 21, 2023, Isiah Gutierrez-Arquero, 30, an enrolled member of the Santa Clara Pueblo, punched and kicked Jane Doe, threw her against a wall (causing a hole in the wall), sat on her chest, and strangled her with both hands during a beating that lasted several hours. As a result of the assault, Jane Doe sustained serious bodily injuries to her head, torso, and extremities. Gutierrez-Arquero pleaded guilty to assault by strangulation and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. The Court recommended Defendant complete the Residential Drug Abuse Program, the Bureau of Prisons’ most intensive treatment program. Upon his release from prison, Gutierrez-Arquero will be subject to three years of supervised release. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.


title: New Jersey Man Convicted for Driving Vehicle Towards Pedestrians near the Washington Monument

body_text: WASHINGTON – Jack Dessin, 43, of Mantua, NJ, was found guilty yesterday by a Superior Court jury for charges stemming from driving his SUV onto the sidewalk of the Washington Monument in July 2021, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Dessin was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon with a senior citizen enhancement. The Honorable Deborah Israel scheduled sentencing for May 15, 2026. According to the Government’s evidence on July 3, 2021, in broad daylight, Dessin drove his dark blue Ford Explorer truck onto the sidewalk of the Washington Monument grounds, where numerous pedestrians were walking and sightseeing. While the 68-year-old victim was walking, Dessin accelerated his vehicle and drove directly at the victim, who struggled to jump over the wall for protection and had to be pulled out of the way by a family member. Dessin was arrested by U.S. Park Police on July 3, 2021. He is now held pending sentencing. Joining in the announcement was Chief Scott Brecht of the U.S. Park Police. This case was investigated by U.S. Park Police and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emmanuel Hampton and Kraig Ahalt. 2024 CF1 010048


title: Mexican National Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Cocaine in New Haven

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MARTIN ONOFRE-MENDEZ, 50, a citizen of Mexico last residing in New Haven, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 20 months of imprisonment for a cocaine trafficking offense. According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the DEA New Haven District Office Task Force learned that Onofre-Mendez was distributing narcotics from a restaurant on Grand Avenue in New Haven. Between May and September 2024, investigators made multiple controlled purchases totaling approximately 600 grams of cocaine from Onofre-Mendez. Investigators observed Onofre-Mendez’s associate, Eygner Huezo, supplying him with cocaine immediately before two of the purchases. Onofre-Mendez was arrested on October 1, 2024. On that date, investigators seized 225 grams of cocaine from Onofre-Mendez and 480 grams of cocaine from a location he used to store drugs. Onofre-Mendez has been detained since his arrest. On September 19, 2025, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Onofre-Mendez will be removed to Mexico when he completes his prison term. Huezo, 36, a citizen of El Salvador last residing in New Haven, pleaded guilty to a related charge on November 10, 2025, and awaits sentencing. This matter has been investigated by the DEA New Haven District Office (NHDO) Task Force and the New Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe.


title: New Hampshire Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – An Atkinson, N.H. man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for possessing nearly 10 pounds of methamphetamine pills. Defendant led police on car chase at speeds in excess of 110 mph on Interstate 95. Walter Norton, 46, was sentenced on Feb. 25, 2026 by Senior U.S. District Judge William G. Young to 15 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. In May 2025, Norton was convicted by a jury of one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. On April 3, 2024, law enforcement conducting a large-scale money laundering investigation observed Norton arrive at the residence of co-defendant Jason Hunter in Revere. After Norton left the residence, law enforcement attempted to execute a traffic stop car on Interstate 95. Norton fled from at speeds in excess of 110 miles per hour, driving on the left shoulder of the highway. He hit the median and another vehicle, breaking the axel of his own car, which came to rest in the center lane of the highway facing the wrong direction. Norton then fled on foot carrying a bag of over 15,000 counterfeit Adderall pills containing methamphetamine, which weighed 4.4 kilograms. He was subsequently apprehended. Searches of Hunter’s residence and vehicle resulted in the seizure of over 16 kilograms of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine, thousands of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, additional pills containing oxycodone, over a kilogram of cocaine and multiple kilograms of marijuana as well as $100,000 in drug proceeds. On Jan. 8, 2026 , Hunter was sentenced to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Ferguson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alathea Porter of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.


title: Mexican Citizen Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A citizen of Mexico was sentenced in federal court to 30 months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Manuel Sebastian Valenzuela Olivas, 20. According to information presented to the Court, Olivas exploited a temporary visitor visa to traffic in fentanyl. Specifically, on or about August 10, 2025, Olivas traveled from the U.S./Mexico border to New York City to obtain fentanyl from a narcotics supplier located in the Bronx. Olivas was on his way to sell the fentanyl to a buyer in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, when Pennsylvania State Police stopped his vehicle on a traffic violation. During a search of Olivas’ vehicle, troopers discovered one kilogram of fentanyl under the driver’s seat. Olivas has been in custody since his arrest and will be returned to immigration custody following his imprisonment for his removal from the U.S., to which Olivas agreed as part of his plea and sentence. Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States. United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Drug Law Enforcement Division, Western SHIELD Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Olivas. 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), combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Suspect in Oglethorpe Mall shooting pleads guilty to illegal possession of machine gun

body_text: SAVANNAH, GEORGIA: One of the individuals identified in a July 2025 shootout at a crowded Savannah mall has pled guilty to illegally possessing a machine gun. Aujawan T. Hymon , 21, of Savannah, faces up to 10 years in prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release and substantial financial penalties after pleading guilty in U.S. District Court to Illegal Possession of a Machine Gun, said Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. There is no parole in the federal system. “This prosecution symbolizes our continued resolve to remove illegal firearms from our communities, and hold accountable those who would threaten the safety of law-abiding citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to make our streets and businesses safer.” As described in court and in the guilty plea, Savannah Police officers responded July 2, 2025, to the Oglethorpe Mall after gunshots were reported. Three people were wounded during the exchanges of gunfire, including Hymon, who was seen by witnesses and on surveillance cameras carrying a pistol. The footage also showed Hymon discarding a gun in a mall trash can where investigators later recovered the weapon, a .40-caliber Glock Model 22. Hymon did not appear to have fired the gun. Technicians from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) determined the pistol was equipped with a functional “Glock switch,” an illegal device that converted the weapon to fully automatic fire. In his plea, Hymon admitted possessing the weapon and knowing that it had been converted into a machine gun. Hymon also face state charges in the shooting, along with other defendants who were not determined to have violated federal law. Hymon remains in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. U.S. District Court Chief Judge R. Stan Baker will schedule sentencing upon completion of a presentence investigation by U.S. Probation Services. “The guilty plea in this case underscores our unwavering commitment to removing illegal firearms from our communities,” said Beau Kolodka, Assistance Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Division of the ATF. “Together with our local and state partners, we are dedicated to ensuring public safety and holding accountable those who endanger it.” The case is being investigated by the Savannah Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Makeia R. Jonese.


title: Indictment Charges Investment Advisor with Defrauding Financial Services Companies of $3.3. Million

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an 11-count indictment charging ANDREW M. KOMAROW, 36, of Avon, with offenses related to his alleged defrauding of three financial services companies of approximately $3.3 million. The indictment was returned on February 4, 2026. Komarow appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport, pleaded not guilty to the charges in the indictment, and was released on a $50,000 bond. As alleged in the indictment, Komarow, an investment advisor and broker-dealer who serviced a range of clients, defrauded three financial services companies by taking advantage of credit extended by the financial services companies and exploiting the delay in time from when he initiated Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) fund transfers, also known as electronic fund transfers or “EFTs,” between his personal bank accounts and his personal brokerage accounts, to the time when the transactions were posted and cleared by the financial services companies. Between approximately October 2022 and February 2023, Komarow initiated approximately $8.9 million in EFT/ACH transfers from his bank accounts to multiple, often newly opened, brokerage accounts despite having insufficient funds in his bank accounts to support the transfers. He then used the brokerage accounts to conduct high-risk, short-term options trading in an attempt to make immediate profits to cover his insufficient funds. Through this scheme, the three financial services companies suffered total losses of $3,352,407. The indictment charges Komarow with 10 counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count, and one count of securities fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.


title: Notary Pleads Guilty to Filing False Document in Orlando Immigration Court

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – Carlos Enrique Diaz Roque (29, Brooksville) has pleaded guilty to obstruction of official proceeding. Diaz Roque faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to the plea agreement, Diaz Roque, a licensed notary, agreed to prepare an immigration document for Client-1. Diaz Roque, however, has never been a licensed attorney. On February 3, 2025, Diaz Roque filed a motion to administratively close Client-1’s pending Orlando Immigration Court case. That same day, Diaz Roque also filed a document that was supposedly the Department of Homeland Security’s brief opposing Client-1’s motion. That brief said that the Department of Homeland Security “requests that the Court don’t deny the respondent’s motion to administratively close proceedings in the above-captioned case.” Diaz Roque signed the document in the name of the attorney for the Department of Homeland Security. In fact, as Diaz Roque well knew, the Department of Homeland Security’s attorney did not prepare, sign, file or authorize filing the brief with the Orlando Immigration Court in Client-1’s case. On June 30, 2025, Client-1 testified under oath in Orlando Immigration Court that he hired Diaz-Roque to prepare the motion for administrative closure. Client-1 denied ever seeing the opposition to it. On November 18, 2025, Diaz Roque admitted to two Homeland Security Investigations agents that he falsely signed the Department of Homeland Security’s brief and filed it. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison on Ammunition, Methamphetamine Trafficking, and Multiple Weapons Charges

body_text: NASHVILLE – Deanthony Moton, 26, of Nashville, was sentenced yesterday to ten years in federal prison on charges of possession of ammunition by a felon, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a felon, announced United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Braden H. Boucek. Moton previously pled guilty to the charges. “Violent offenses deserve swift and serious punishment,” said United States Attorney Braden H. Boucek. “This Office will continue to prioritize the public safety by prosecuting those who combine drugs and guns and flee at a high speed.” On August 29, 2021, at 1:40 a.m., the House of Legends Club on Jefferson Street in Nashville was full of patrons, many of whom had come outside to the parking lot in front of the club. A club security guard saw someone firing shots in the direction of the club, hitting five people, then fleeing in a blue sedan. The security guard returned fire. None of the victims knew who shot them or saw the shooter. Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (“MNPD”) officers arrived on the scene with members of their Crime Scene Unit which recovered 25 9mm shell casings, eight .40 caliber shell casings, and three projectiles. The shooting was captured on security cameras in the area, and detectives were ultimately able to identify the defendant as the person who shot into the crowd based on still photos from the video footage of the shooting, video which depicted the defendant’s attire in the club prior to the shooting, his nickname, videos from his YouTube channel, and his criminal history records. On September 24, 2021, a Mount Juliet Police Department (“MJPD”) officer stopped a car on I-40 after determining it was going 99 miles per hour in a 70-miles per hour speed zone. The defendant was the front seat passenger in the car. When the officer approached the car and asked the driver for the car’s registration, the driver opened the glove box. In plain view in the glove box was a black Glock Model 22 .40 caliber pistol. The officer immediately asked if there were any other firearms in the car besides the one on the glovebox. For officer safety, the officer told the driver and the defendant that he would temporarily remove the firearm during the traffic stop. They agreed, and the officer removed the firearm from the glove box to keep it away from them. Other MJPD officers arrived and, as they spoke with the driver and defendant, the defendant appeared nervous, was moving around excessively, and digging around under his seat. Officers repeatedly told the defendant not to reach around. The defendant failed to heed their instructions, and officers removed him from the car out of fear that there may be additional firearms in the car. When the defendant was removed from the car, he began to walk past officers, which they perceived as an attempt to flee. He wore very baggy pants which fell down as he walked away from officers. One officer observed a plastic bag containing white material fall from the defendant’s boxers into one of his pant legs. The baggie contained 146.11 grams of methamphetamine, according to a subsequent Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (“TBI”) Crime Lab analysis. The defendant also had $4,833 in two separate bundles of different denominations of cash at the time. As the defendant was being detained, an officer asked him, “Whose gun is that?” and he responded, “That’s my gun.” Direct comparison by the TBI confirmed that the firearm located in the glove box fired the .40 caliber shell casings from the House of Legends shooting. Before these events, on May 20, 2016, the defendant was convicted in the State of Michigan of Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer, Receiving Stolen Property, and Lying to Police. He received sentences of 1-5 years on the first two offenses and 1-2 years on the last offense. After his term of incarceration, the defendant will serve a term of four years of supervised release. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, and Mount Juliet Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Stephens prosecuted the case. # # # # #


title: Farmington Resident Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Farmington, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal laws regarding the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Nathan Fike, 41, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on or about October 4, 2023, Fike distributed videos of minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct to an undercover agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Further, on or about February 9, 2024, federal agents executing a search warrant at Fike’s residence found the defendant in possession of videos and still images depicting the sexual exploitation of minors, some of whom were prepubescent and under 12 years of age. Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for June 24, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than five years and up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Fike. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute 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: Springfield, Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine Base in Central Vermont While Fugitive

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on March 2, 2026, Justin Llano, 25, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of 120 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Justin Llano previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine base in Central Vermont in two separate cases. According to court records, over the course of multiple years, first in 2021-2022, and later in 2023-2024, Justin Llano operated a drug distribution operation in cooperation with his brother, Joseph Llano, his uncles, Tanashe Edwards and Edwin Davila, and numerous other co-conspirators, that trafficked cocaine base and fentanyl from Massachusetts to Central Vermont. The group distributed drugs to a large number of customers in Washington, Orange, and Lamoille counties. The defendant was initially arrested after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with federal drug crimes in May 2022. Prior to that arrest, law enforcement had conducted two controlled purchases directly from Justin Llano. During a controlled purchase on April 22, 2022, Justin Llano was wearing body armor and was armed with a handgun when he completed the drug sale, and additional firearms were present in the residence where the transaction occurred. The investigation determined that Justin Llano used his drug customers to obtain firearms in Vermont that he then trafficked to Massachusetts for profit. In September 2022, Justin Llano was arrested by Springfield, Massachusetts Police for unlawfully possessing a firearm. Thereafter, he failed to report to his pre-trial services officer for his Vermont federal case, and became a fugitive from justice. Beginning in 2023, the defendant resumed trafficking drugs to Vermont while still a fugitive. Justin Llano directed individuals from Massachusetts to travel to Vermont to distribute drugs (“runners”), and had other individuals courier those runners, drugs and proceeds from the sale of drugs between Massachusetts and Vermont. During the course of the conspiracy, the courier that the Llano brothers used to transport drugs made approximately 100 trips between the Springfield, Massachusetts area and Central Vermont. By late 2024, while the courier’s activities were being directed by Justin Llano he was making multiple trips each week. On each trip he brought between 50 and 60 grams of cocaine base to Vermont, and at times also brought wax folds of fentanyl. Justin Llano managed multiple runners to distribute drugs in Vermont to customers with whom the defendant arranged drug transactions via a popular social media messaging application. On one occasion in September 2024, when one of the runners reported to Justin Llano that drug proceeds were missing, an armed associate of Llano went to the residence where the runner was distributing drugs and threatened the residents and the runner with a firearm, demanding that they locate the missing money. A search warrant was later executed at that residence by ATF and DEA, resulting in the seizure of cocaine, cocaine base, and fentanyl. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, Barre Town Police Department, Barre City Police Department, Berlin Police Department, and Springfield, Massachusetts Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Turner. Justin Llano was represented by Allan Sullivan, Esq. 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: Former Office Manager Sentenced for Embezzling More Than $1.7 Million From Ocean City Home Builder

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – A former office manager learned her fate in federal court in connection with an embezzlement scheme. U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Tammy Barcus, 57, of Berlin, Maryland, to 48 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered her to pay $1,793,688.87 of restitution to a victim home builder, and $562,883 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and tax evasion. Additionally, the court imposed a forfeiture money judgment of $1,793,688.87. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington D.C. Field Office. According to court documents, from 2016 through 2024, Barcus, a former office manager and bookkeeper for an Ocean City-based home builder, embezzled approximately $1.79 million from her former employer. Barcus used her position of trust to embezzle funds from her employer by issuing more than 500 fraudulently authorized checks from the home builder’s business bank account. She forged the signature of one of the owners on the face of the business checks and deposited them into bank accounts she controlled. Barcus then used the money for vehicle payments, boat payments, mortgage payments, and her personal enrichment. Ownership granted Barcus, who worked with a high degree of independence, substantial control over business records and financial accounts. As part of her daily job duties, Barcus had access to payment systems and accounting records that belonged to the home builder. Barcus concealed the embezzlement from her employer and the IRS by making false entries into the business’ books and records. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended IRS-CI for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Murphy and Assistant U.S. Attorney Harry Gruber, who prosecuted the federal case, and recognized Paralegal Specialists Joanna B.N. Huber and Shelbe Mascaro, for their valuable assistance. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud . # # #


title: Illinois Man Charged With Production Of Child Pornography, Online Enticement, The Commission Of A Felony Sex Offense By An Individual Required To Register As A Sex Offender

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Stephen Dalton Fleming, Jr., age 49, of Creve Cour, Illinois, was indicted on February 24, 2026, by a federal grand jury for multiple criminal charges related to child exploitation, including the production of child pornography, online enticement, and the commission of a felony sex offense by an individual required to register as a sex offender. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that beginning on or about January 1, 2025 through on or about February 12, 2026, in Pike County, Pennsylvania, Fleming enticed at least one child to produce child pornography by engaging in sexually explicit conduct so that those acts could be memorialized and shared online. At the time Fleming engaged in these acts, he was on lifetime supervision for a prior federal felony offense involving a minor. The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Brazilian National Living in Yarmouth Sentenced for Selling Firearms without a License

body_text: BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully living in Yarmouth was sentenced today for conspiracy and engaging in the business of to sell firearms without a license. Lucas Nascimento-Silva, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley to time served (17.5 months in prison) to be followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is now subject to deportation. In July 2025 , Nascimento-Silva pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license. Between August 2024 and September 2024, Nascimento-Silva sold 12 firearms to a cooperating witness without the required license in exchange for cash. Nascimento-Silva also conspired with others to obtain the firearms in South Carolina and sell them in Massachusetts. In addition to firearms, Nascimento-Silva also sold ammunition and magazines, some of which were large capacity magazines. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Barnstable Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Crowley and John Reynolds of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition in the Deschutes National Forest

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: EUGENE, Ore.—A Bend, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition after officers responded to gunfire in the Deschutes National Forest. Cody Joe Hunt, 38, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. According to court documents, on Feb. 13, 2025, U.S. Forest Service law enforcement officers responded to gunfire in the Deschutes National Forest near China Hat Road. Officers arrived to find Hunt fleeing into the woods, leaving behind an assault rifle and shell casings. They tracked him through the snow and discovered ammunition in his pockets matching the assault rifle. He was arrested on separate charges. A search warrant for Hunt’s devices revealed additional evidence that he had possessed the rifle found in the woods in the preceding weeks after participating in its purchase at a local firearm dealer. Hunt is a convicted felon and is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. On Sept. 18, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a two-count superseding indictment charging Hunt with felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. On Nov. 18, 2025, Hunt pleaded guilty to counts one and two. The U.S. Forest Service investigated the case with support from the Deschutes County Digital Forensics Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren prosecuted the case.


title: Former Philadelphia Nonprofit Executive Pleads Guilty to Fraud and Money Laundering Charges involving $1.6 million

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that John A. Miller, 76, of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Kelly B. Hodge to one count of wire fraud and one count of engaging in a monetary transaction involving criminally derived property. Miller served as the executive director and treasurer of a Philadelphia-based religious nonprofit organization that provided financial assistance to the widows and orphans of deceased clergy members. From 2015 through 2022, he diverted money to himself by masking wires intended for beneficiaries with personal checks issued to himself. To conceal the payments, Miller made false and misleading records in the nonprofit’s internal accounting ledgers. In total, Miller misappropriated more than $1.6 million. According to court filings, after Miller diverted the nonprofit funds into his personal accounts, he used the proceeds for personal expenses, including luxury travel and the purchase of a luxury condominium in Philadelphia. After being made aware of the fraud investigation, Miller liquidated the proceeds by selling the property. Despite the sale, law enforcement agents seized the fraudulent proceeds as the transaction took place. Under the plea agreement, the defendant will pay $1,626,556 in restitution and forfeit $281,109.96 in fraud proceeds derived from the sale of the condominium. Miller faces a maximum possible sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for June 22, 2026. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alisa Shver and Alexander Bowerman.


title: Former Harford County Sheriff’s Office Detective Sentenced to 36 Years for Sexually Exploiting Two Children

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – A former Harford County Sheriff’s Office detective learned his fate in federal court today, in connection with child sex exploitation crimes. U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson sentenced Ryan Christopher Hall, 51, of Woodstock, Maryland, to 36 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for the sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child sexual abuse material. Hall, who pled guilty to these charges in December 2025, must also register as a sex offender for life. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Christopher R. Heck, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Carroll County State’s Attorney Haven N. Shoemaker, Jr.; Sheriff James T. DeWees, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office; and Sheriff Jeff Gahler, Harford County Sheriff’s Office. According to court documents, before May 2017, Hall, who served as a detective for almost 30 years, sexually abused two minor children for at least three years. By May 2017, and through October 2024, Hall sexually exploited the two minor children by capturing explicit images and videos of them by using a surreptitious camera that he installed. Hall is facing related charges for child sexual abuse in the Carroll County Circuit Court. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative, launched in May 2006, by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . Learn more about Internet safety education by clicking on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page. Know2Protect is a Department of Homeland Security national public awareness campaign to educate and empower children, teens, parents, trusted adults and policymakers to prevent and combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse ; explain how to report online enticement and victimization; and offer resources for victims and survivors and their supporters. Learn more about Know2Protect at www.dhs.gov/know2protect . U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI, the Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit, and Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Crimes Against Children Unit for their combined effort and work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn who prosecuted the federal case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOSE LUIS PAZ-BONILLA , age 47, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to the Bill of Information, JOSE LUIS PAZ-BONILLA reentered the United States on or about November 3, 2025, after having been previously removed on or about September 21, 2000. U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown sentenced JOSE LUIS PAZ-BONILLA to time served, 1-year of supervised release after imprisonment, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. JOSE LUIS PAZ-BONILLA also has an order for removal from the United States after his sentencing. U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Irene González in the General Crimes Unit.


title: Felon Sentenced to 21 Months for Illegal Possession of a Firearm While on Supervised Probation

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Terrance Kelly, 37, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court for illegally carrying a firearm while on supervised probation, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Kelly pleaded guilty on Dec. 4, 2025, to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the prison term, Judge Dabney L. Friedrich ordered Kelly to serve three years of supervised release. According to court documents, Special Police Officers (SPOs) detained Kelly on Aug. 28, 2025, for threatening one of the officers. During the encounter, Kelly voluntarily handed a small satchel he had been carrying to one of the SPOs. The satchel contained a loaded Glock 23 .40 caliber pistol with a 22-cartridge magazine. Kelly has been convicted eight times for prior offenses between 2006 and 2025, including three convictions for driving under the influence, two convictions for assault, two convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm and convictions for both resisting a public officer and assault of a police officer. He was on supervised probation for a felony when he was arrested with the pistol in his satchel. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Naseef. 25cr361


title: Mexican National With Prior Felony Convictions Sentenced To Prison For Illegally Reentering The United States

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Mexican national was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jennifer Dorsey to 15 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally reentering the United States after being removed on four prior occasions from the country. According to court documents and statements made during court proceedings, on February 6, 2025, Victor Manuel Navarro-Quesada was found in the United States after he was previously deported to Mexico on May 4, 2010; August 4, 2014; November 13, 2018; and June 10, 2019. On February 5, 2025, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police arrested Navarro-Quesada for Trafficking a Controlled Substance and four counts of Possess to Sell a Controlled Substance. Navarro-Quesada has previous felony convictions for Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell out of the Eighth Judicial District Court, Clark County, Nevada, and Illegal Reentry after Deportation out of the U.S. District Court, District of Colorado. Navarro-Quesada pleaded guilty to one count of Deported Alien Found in the United States. After serving his prison sentence he will be deported to Mexico for a fifth time. First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Levya Ruben made the announcement. The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case. Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form . ###


title: Three Sales Executives Plead Guilty to $500 Million Investment Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, the defendants Raymond John Pirrello, Jr. and Joseph Passalaqua pleaded guilty to all three counts of an indictment charging them with conspiracy to commit securities fraud, securities fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Co-defendant Robert Cassino pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy on February 18, 2026. The proceedings were held before United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto. When sentenced, Pirrello and Passalaqua face a maximum sentence of 45 years’ imprisonment and Cassino will face a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the guilty pleas. “For years, the defendants brazenly lied to investors all over the country about the fees associated with their investments,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The defendants diverted millions of dollars in undisclosed mark-up fees to pay themselves and their coconspirators. Our Office will vigorously prosecute those who lie to innocent investors and deprive them of their hard-earned money to benefit themselves.” Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), New York Regional Office for their work on the case. As detailed in the superseding indictment and other court filings, Pirrello, Passalaqua, Cassino and their coconspirators engaged in a scheme to defraud investors and prospective investors in securities offered by the company Late Stage Management, LLC (Late Stage). Late Stage was a New Jersey-based manager of investment funds that offered investors “no fee” opportunities to invest in “Pre IPO” stocks, i.e. , shares of stock in companies that anticipated an initial public offering (IPO) in the near term. Late Stage worked with several sales offices throughout New Jersey, New York and Florida to market the investments, including Prior2IPO and Pre IPO Marketing, Inc. Pirello, also known as “Ray John,” held no official title at Late Stage or any of the sales offices, but worked as a partner to the leadership of Late Stage. Due to his long disciplinary history with multiple regulators, which included a permanent bar issued against him by the SEC, Pirrello intentionally kept his name out of Late Stage’s business, purposefully withholding his identity from relevant documents and representations made to investors regarding the firm’s leadership. Passalaqua worked alongside Pirrello at Prior2IPO as the Chief Executive Officer. Cassino led operations at Pre IPO Marketing, Inc. Pirrello and his co-conspirators directed the heads of the sales offices on how to market Late Stage to investors. Pirrello, Passalaqua, Cassino and the other heads of the other sales offices then made material misrepresentations and omissions to investors and potential investors in Late Stage relating to, among other things, the existence and amount of fees paid by investors in stock offered by Late Stage and how the defendants would be compensated. For example, they claimed that the only time Late Stage profited was on exit, when the company made its IPO or sold to a larger company, in which case it would be entitled to a 20% share of the investor’s profits. In reality, however, Late Stage charged fees in the form of upfront markups ranging from 10-100% of each investment. The upfront revenue generated by the inclusion of these markups was then used to pay the principals of Late Stage, including Pirrello, Passalaqua, Cassino and the employees of the sales offices. In total, between approximately March 2019 and July 2022, sales offices working on behalf of Late Stage raised approximately $528 million from investors and diverted approximately $88 million in undisclosed upfront markups. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica K. Weigel and James R. Simmons are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Melina Piatti-Chayan and Liam McNett. The Defendants : RAYMOND JOHN PIRRELLO, Jr. (also known as “Ray John”) Age: 49 Sparta, New Jersey JOSEPH PASSALAQUA Age: 37 Sparta, New Jersey ROBERT CASSINO Age: 63 Long Beach, New York Co-Defendant Who Previously Pleaded Guilty : JOSEPH RIVERA Age: 45 Elmont, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-499 (KAM)


title: Hammond Man Guilty of Fentanyl, Heroin, Methamphetamine and Cocaine Distribution and Conspiracy

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – JOHN TICKLES JR. (“TICKLES JR.”) , age 30 of Hammond, Louisiana, plead guilty on February 26, 2026, to violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act before United States District Judge Barry Ashe, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. Specifically, TICKLES JR. plead guilty to Counts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 14 of the Superseding Indictment pending against him. Count One charges him with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, four hundred (400) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, and a quantity of a mixture an substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846. Counts Two and Eleven charge him with distribution of forty (40) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). Counts Three, Six, Nine, and Twelve charge him with knowingly and intentionally using a communication facility, to wit: a telephone, in committing, causing, and facilitating the commission of a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 843(b) and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2. Counts Five and Eight charge him with distribution of fifty (50) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). Count Fourteen charges him with possession with intent to distribute four hundred (400) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of Fentanyl and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, and a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of heroin, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(C). On Counts 1 and 2, TICKLES JR. faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release following imprisonment. On Counts 2, 5, 8, and 11, TICKLES JR. faces a mandatory minimum term of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release following imprisonment. On Counts 3, 6, 9, and 12, TICKLES JR. faces up to 4 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 1 year of supervised release following imprisonment. As to each count, TICKLES JR. also faces payment of a mandatory $100 mandatory special assessment fee. According to court records, TICKLES JR . conspired with co-defendants, to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin in the Eastern District of Louisiana. In a series of wire calls, TICKLES JR. discussed every aspect of his fentanyl business, including co-conspirators, prices, warnings about the location of law enforcement, and coordinated distribution to others. U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Hammond Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne the Narcotics Unit.


title: Illegal Alien Sentenced to Serve More Than Six Years in Federal Prison after Injuring ICE Officer While Fleeing from Traffic Stop

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSE MELGAR-RIVAS , 35, of Honduras, has been sentenced to serve 78 months in federal prison for assaulting, resisting, or impeding a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer resulting in bodily injury, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public records, on July 15, 2025, ICE officers conducted a traffic stop on NW 23rd Street in Oklahoma City. The driver, Melgar-Rivas, a Honduran national who had illegally entered the U.S., refused officers’ commands to exit the vehicle. As officers attempted to remove him, a struggle ensued. During the altercation, Melgar-Rivas placed the vehicle in drive and fled the scene. As the vehicle accelerated, an ICE officer became caught in the vehicle’s door and was dragged down the roadway. The officer was eventually able to free himself but sustained multiple, serious injuries. Melgar-Rivas fled but was arrested several hours later. “The defendant’s reckless decisions to resist, assault, and flee from law enforcement resulted in serious injury to an ICE officer,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “ Today’s sentence demonstrates that those who put law enforcement officers and the community at risk will be held accountable. I commend the coordinated efforts of our federal and local law enforcement partners and the prosecutors who worked to secure justice for the injured officer.” “This sentencing sends a clear message: Attacks on federal officers will not be tolerated. Our officer endured life-altering injuries simply for doing his job protecting our communities and enforcing the law. HSI stands resolute in defending our personnel and ensuring those who threaten their safety are held fully accountable,” said Travis Pickard, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas Special Agent in Charge. “We are grateful for the unwavering support of our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in securing justice for our colleague and his family.” “This defendant made a conscious decision to turn his vehicle into a weapon, a blatant act of contempt for human life and the rule of law,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “Today’s sentencing sends an indisputable message: the FBI stands firmly behind our law enforcement partners, and we will act decisively to defend them.” On August 5, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged Melgar-Rivas with assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal officer resulting in bodily injury. Melgar-Rivas pleaded guilty on September 30, 2025, and admitted he impeded and interfered with an ICE officer, resulting in bodily injury to the agent. At the sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones, II, sentenced Melgar-Rivas to serve 78 months in federal prison. In announcing his sentence, Judge Jones noted the harm caused to the victim and the danger Melgar-Rivas presented to himself and others as a result of his actions. After serving his sentence, Melgar-Rivas will be deported. This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Oklahoma City Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Byrd Gang Leader Sentenced to 360 Months for Rico Conspiracy, Heroin, Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy, and Firearms Possession Conspiracy

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – TIM JACKSON, a/k/a T-Maf,” “Maf,” 37 years old and of New Orleans, was sentenced on February 25, 2026, by United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo for a RICO conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, and firearms conspiracy. As part of a plea agreement, JACKSON was sentenced to 360 months imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and a $300.00 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. After four days of a trial against him, JACKSON pled guilty to a 30-year sentence to avoid a possible life sentence if convicted. JACKSON’s co-defendants, Terran Williams, Tyrone Bovia and Javonta Doleman, went to trial in the Spring of 2025, and all three were found guilty of various charges, including two counts of Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering (Murder), for which each faces a mandatory life sentence. JACKSON was a leader of the Byrd Gang, also known as M3RE, MagFischer, 315 and Piff Gang, which operated primarily out of the former Magnolia Housing Development, but also had ties to the Westbank. Daily, its members distributed drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine and marijuana, and always possessed a multitude of firearms. JACKSON participated in numerous drug trafficking activities and violent crimes for the Byrd Gang. Members of the enterprise, including JACKSON , participated in acts of violence, to include, but not limited to the July 18, 2016, murder of Kent Franklin; the September 3, 2016, murder of Javon Johnigan; the October 29, 2016, shooting of rival M.A.; the November 25, 2016, shooting of Ghost Gang member, D.A.; the December 20, 2016, shooting of rival M.A.; the December 30, 2016, shooting of Ghost Gang member, D.A.; the January 31, 2017, double murder of Ghost Gang member, Wynston Jackson, and Lawrence Williams, IV; the May 3, 2017, shooting at M.I.; and the August 25, 2017, shooting of Ghost Gang member T.H., that happened in a busy shopping corridor of Magazine Street. In both trials, the government’s evidence regarding the existence and nature of the enterprise came from the testimony of witnesses and cooperating informants, cooperating defendants, police searches and seizures, Title III wiretaps, historical arrests of members of the enterprise, including of JACKSON, among other sources. JACKSON , led the Byrd Gang and was the principal supplier of controlled substances for the enterprise, specifically heroin, while also acting as a gunman for the enterprise. JACKSON unlawfully and knowingly conspired with Byrd Gang members to conduct and participate, in the operation of the enterprise through committing racketeering activities including murders, in violation of Title 14, Louisiana Revised Statutes Sections 24 (Principals), 26 (Criminal Conspiracy), 27 (Attempt) and 30.1 (Second Degree Murder); as well as heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and marijuana trafficking, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846. As part of the conspiracy, JACKSON, and each co-defendant, agreed that a conspirator would commit at least two acts of racketeering for the benefit of the Byrd Gang. JACKSON himself participated in numerous such racketeering acts. Specifically, between 2014 and January 2017, when JACKSON was arrested on federal charges, for which he is still serving a sentence, JACKSON regularly purchased large quantities of heroin from R.L. During this period, JACKSON was the leader of the Byrd Gang and its most prolific drug dealer. JACKSON provided several drug stash houses from which Byrd Gang members would distribute drugs. During the trial, Evidence presented at trial showed numerous back-and-forth retaliatory shootings between the Byrd Gang and the Ghost Gang, some of which killed innocent bystanders, fueled largely by social media posts, rap music, and videos. During the investigation, dozens of firearms, most with large-capacity magazines, as well as hundreds of rounds of ammunition, were recovered from Byrd Gang members, including from JACKSON . U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera and Sarah Dawkins are in charge of the prosecution. 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . * * *


title: Philadelphia Man Sentenced To 78 Months For COVID Relief Fraud And International Money Laundering

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Adepoju Babtunde Salako, 34, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud conspiracy and one count of money laundering conspiracy. As part of the plea agreement, Salako also agreed to plead guilty to seven counts of wire fraud in the District of Alaska. The defendant was ordered to pay $2,581,002.50 in restitution to the victims of his crimes. According to the plea agreement, throughout most of the year 2021, Salako was part of a conspiracy that stole more than $5 million in funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, and 30 state unemployment programs through several complex schemes. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government launched the PPP and EIDL economic relief programs and provided federal funds to state unemployment programs. In one scheme, Salako and two co-conspirators used information of identity theft victims to fraudulently obtain PPP Loans and unemployment benefits and submitted fraudulent applications for EIDL Loans. In another scheme, co-conspirators, who were primarily located in Nigeria, used stolen identities and enlisted romance scam victims to obtain government money. Salako’s role was then to receive money from the romance scam victims and government agencies and to launder fraud proceeds, primarily to China and Nigeria, for a fee of approximately 25 percent. “Mr. Salako and his criminal associates exploited innocent people and stole millions of dollars from American taxpayers,” said United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Peter McNeilly. “We are committed to finding and prosecuting fraudsters and, as this sentence demonstrates, these criminals will pay a serious price for their actions.” “Salako was the point man in the U.S. for an international criminal organization that preyed on honest business owners and taxpayers, while also jeopardizing our national security,” said Amanda Prestegard, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-CI Denver Field Office. “Our special agents are experts at uncovering complex financial crimes and today’s sentence is an example of their great work, our relationships with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal and state law enforcement partners.” “The U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General is committed to upholding the integrity of the Postal Service and its workforce. Our office will continue to investigate those who choose to breach the public’s trust and engage in fraudulent activity. The sentence imposed on the defendant stands as a clear warning that serious consequences await anyone who exploits government resources to commit criminal acts,” said Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office. “USPS OIG is thankful for the great longstanding relationships we have developed with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to combat fraud.” United States District Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney presided over the sentencing. IRS Criminal Investigation, the Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment handled the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Craig Fansler handled the prosecution. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form Case Number: 25-cr-00162-CNS


title: Nearly Half Ton of Liquid Meth Seized at Otay Mesa Cargo Facility

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 944 pounds of liquid methamphetamine concealed inside the fuel tank of a 2019 Kenworth T680 commercial tractor-trailer at the Otay Mesa Import Cargo Facility yesterday. The driver, Oscar Alonzo Cesena Camacho, a Mexican citizen traveling on a business visa, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, on March 2 at approximately 11:20 a.m., a Customs and Border Protection officer observed a white, crystalline substance atop the passenger-side fuel tank. Further inspection of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of 29 buckets-worth of liquid concealed in the passenger-side fuel tank of the vehicle, with a total approximate weight of 428.60 kilograms (944.90 lbs.). A sample of the substance contained within the fuel tank field tested positive for the characteristics of methamphetamine. DEFENDANT Case Number 26mj1162 Oscar Alonzo Cesena Camacho Age: 26 City of Residence: Tijuana, BC SUMMARY OF CHARGES Importation of a Controlled Substance – Title 21, U.S.C., Section 952 and 960 Maximum penalty: Life in prison with mandatory minimum 10 years, $10 million fine INVESTIGATING AGENCY Homeland Security Investigations U.S. Customs and Border Protection *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. Further inspection of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of 29 buckets-worth of liquid concealed in the passenger-side fuel tank of the vehicle


title: Texas Man Sentenced for Monopolizing International Transit Industry, Fixing Prices and Extorting Competitors

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: The U.S. Department of Justice today announced that Roberto Garcia Villarreal, 59, of San Benito, Texas, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay a $50,000 criminal fine for his role in a long-running and violent conspiracy to monopolize the transmigrante forwarding agency industry in the Los Indios, Texas, border region, located near Harlingen and Brownsville, Texas. Villarreal and his co-defendants controlled the transmigrante industry through monopolization and by extorting competitors.The Court remanded Villareal into custody to begin his sentence immediately. “Antitrust criminals deserve lengthy sentences for the economic — and in this case physical — violence they sow,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Daniel W. Glad of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division is proud to have worked with our law enforcement colleagues on this long-running investigation that will restore competition and punish violent criminals at the U.S.-Mexico border. We will continue working to incarcerate antitrust criminals and hold accountable the remaining co-defendants in this scheme.” “Roberto Garcia chose to join a criminal enterprise that seized control of an industry through threats and violence, rigged prices against legitimate businesses, and laundered its proceeds — and now, he is headed to federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei of the Southern District of Texas. “Today’s sentence serves as proof that no participant of this conspiracy will walk away without consequence. Although, the conspiracy may be finished, the Southern District of Texas is just getting started.” “The use of violence and intimidation to threaten and remove competition will not be tolerated,” said Acting Assistant Director Gregory Heeb of the FBI Criminal Division. “Today’s sentencing shows the FBI’s commitment to investigating and holding accountable those responsible for price fixing and extortion schemes.” “This case highlights the significant danger posed by transnational criminal organizations operating near our borders,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge John A. Pasciucco of the HSI San Antonio Field Office. “As an accomplice in carrying out a violent operation that targeted small businesses for extortion, manipulated market prices, and concealed millions of dollars in illicit funds—undermining the security and fairness of lawful trade — HSI will relentlessly seek out those who harm legitimate industries through dishonest actions and intimidation. Our dedication to protecting our communities and economic stability remains firm.” Transmigrantes arrange for and transport used vehicles and other goods from the United States through Mexico for resale in Central America. There are only a few locations where transmigrantes can cross from the United States into Mexico, one of those being the Los Indios Bridge in Texas. Transmigrante forwarding agencies are U.S.-based businesses that provide services to transmigrante clients, including helping those clients complete the customs paperwork required to export vehicles into Mexico. According to court documents and statements made in court, Villarreal and his co-defendants fixed prices for transmigrante forwarding agency services and created a centralized entity known as the “Pool” to collect and divide revenues among the co-conspirators, limit competition from other agencies and increase prices for their services. Forwarding agencies who were not part of the conspiracy had to join and pay into the Pool. Villarreal and other Pool members enforced the rules of the Pool by monitoring whether forwarding agencies were charging the agreed-upon prices and making payments to the Pool. Forwarding agencies were also required to pay other extortion fees, including a “piso” for every transaction processed in the industry. Villarreal pleaded guilty to conspiracy to illegally fix prices and allocate the market for transmigrante forwarding agency services; conspiracy to monopolize the same market; and conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion. To date, eight others have been convicted, seven of whom have already been sentenced in the case, including the leader - Carlos Martinez, 39, McAllen , who received an 11-year prison term. Three others - Rigoberto Brown, Miguel Hipolito Caballero Aupart and Diego Ceballos-Soto were also charged in the superseding indictment and remain fugitives. Anyone with information about their whereabouts or with information in connection with this investigation is asked to contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations . Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI investigated the case. Senior Litigation Attorney John Davis and Trial Attorneys Brittany E. McClure, Anne Veldhuis and Michael G. Lepage of the Antitrust Division; Deputy Chief Kelly Pearson of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander L. Alum for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case. Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the HSI Tip Line at 866-347-2423; the FBI Tip Line at tips.fbi.gov or by contacting the FBI San Antonio Field Office at 210-225-6741; or the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations . Whistleblowers who voluntarily report original information about antitrust and related offenses that result in criminal fines or other recoveries of at least $1 million may be eligible to receive a whistleblower reward. Whistleblower awards can range from 15 to 30 percent of the money collected. For more information on the Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program, including a link to submit reports, visit https://www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards .


title: Four Deuce Oakland Crips Gang Member Sentenced to Twenty Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearms Charges

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

body_text: A multi-convicted felon who is a Crips gang member was sentenced to more than 20 years in federal prison for drug and gun charges, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould. In September 2025, Christopher Jamiel Love, 46, of Dallas, Texas, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance (cocaine and phencyclidine (PCP)) and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. On Monday, March 2, 2026, he was sentenced to 248 months in federal prison by United States District Judge David Godbey. Court records reflect that in January 2024, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF) agents initiated “Operation Blue Laces” to identify gang members who were engaged in criminal conduct along two main intersections within the Malcolm X Boulevard corridor of Dallas, Texas. According to court documents, “Operation Blue Laces” was initiated in part to address numerous complaints from residents living and working in the neighborhood that advised that Four Deuce Oakland Crip gang members had taken over the area and had created an environment of fear and lawlessness. Members and associates of the Four Deuce Oakland Crips wore jewelry and clothing that depicted the number “42” to show their allegiance to the gang, as depicted in the images below: ATF agents identified multiple storefronts within the area that were operated by gang members and used to store numerous firearms and distribute drugs to customers. Agents also identified a residential block (2800 block of Casey Street) that was used as an open-air drug market where drugs were sold twenty-four hours a day by gang members and became known as the “Dead End.” In court documents, Love admitted that throughout 2024, he and another Four Deuce gang member utilized a residence located on the 3600 block of Malcolm X Boulevard, Dallas, Texas, to store quantities of Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances that were later sold to customers on the “Dead End” by Love and others. On October 22, 2024, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at the residence and seized 210 grams of cocaine; 4.6 kilograms of phencyclidine (PCP); 9.8 grams of methamphetamine; 1.4 grams of heroin; one kilogram of K2; multiple kilograms of marijuana and four firearms used in furtherance of the drug conspiracy, depicted in the following images: To date, ten defendants linked to the Four Deuce Oakland Crips gang that were identified in “Operation Blue Laces” have pled guilty to federal offenses including drug conspiracy, firearms charges and carjacking. The investigation was conducted by ATF-Dallas Division and the Dallas Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Rick Calvert prosecuted the cases. This investigation 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 OCDETFs and Project Safe Neighborhoods .


title: Canadian national charged with assaulting detention center officer

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 26-year-old woman has been arrested for forcibly assaulting a federal officer, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Grace Kirkness has now made her initial appearance in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena H. Palermo. According to the criminal complaint filed March 2, Kirkness was being held at the Houston Contract Detention Facility in Houston pending her removal to Canada. On Jan. 21, Kirkness allegedly refused to follow orders from contract detention officers at the facility. When authorities attempted to place her in handcuffs, she allegedly punched, kicked, and bit an officer, according to the charges. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ganz is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.