title: Maryland Drug and Firearms Trafficker Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: Greenbelt, Maryland – Today, U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Thomas Emmanuel Williams, 52, of Laurel, Maryland, to 17 years in federal prison. On January 17, 2025, a federal jury convicted Williams on 12 federal charges related to drug-and-firearms trafficking. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). According to the evidence at trial, in January and February 2023, the defendant illegally sold 10 firearms, three machineguns, ammunition, and hundreds of oxycodone, codeine, and fentanyl pills to an undercover law-enforcement source. The defendant sold several privately made firearms that didn’t have serial numbers, and so-called “Glock switches,” designed to convert semi-automatic Glock-style pistols into fully automatic firearms. Williams arranged to sell the drugs and guns to the source on four different dates through FaceTime and phone calls. He met with the undercover source in shopping-center parking lots in Laurel and Hyattsville, Maryland, to sell guns, ammunition, and drugs in exchange for thousands of dollars in cash. The firearms sold included a Hi Point 45 ACP Pistol and 9mm Rifle, Taurus 85 Ultra Lite .38 Special Revolver, two AR-style 5.56mm pistols, a Glock 21 .45 Auto Pistol, and a Glock 43 9mm Pistol, along with three “Glock switches” which are classified as machineguns under federal law. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF — and its special agents Christopher Szakolczai and Katherine Rottman — for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darren S. Gardner and Dawn Williams who prosecuted the federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Sixteen charged in East Texas federal methamphetamine conspiracy

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

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas – A federal indictment in the Eastern District of Texas has resulted in the arrest of 16 individuals charged with various violations related to a wide-spread methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury on April 2, 2025, in the Eastern District of Texas, charges the defendants with federal drug and gun violations. A multi-agency law enforcement action was held on April 16, 2025, resulting in those arrests. Since the investigation began in November 2022, law enforcement has seized over 10 kilograms of methamphetamine and 14 firearms. Those in custody began making initial appearances in federal court on April 16, 2025, in Beaumont. According to information provided in court, the following individuals are alleged to have been involved in the methamphetamine conspiracy in the Angelina, Nacogdoches, and Polk counties area: • Albert Lopez, 39, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; • Adaryl Douglas, 45, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; • Hector Gomez, 40, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; • Oscar Padilla, 44, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; • Leanna Jean Busby, 45, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; • Amanda McBride, 43, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; • John Christopher Rios, 53, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; • Jose Pedro Guzman Jr., 34, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; • Lorene Michelle Baker, 44, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; • David Davis, Jr., 48, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; • Penny Ann King, 51, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; • Jodi Calvin Sparkman, 53, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; • Christopher Dewayne Harvey, 51, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; • Gary Mills, 65, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm; • Clifton Collin-Dakota Smith, 32, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; and • Corey Mullan, 39, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, defendants face from 10 years to life in federal prison. As part of the operation, Eduardo Barajas-Macias, 32, a close associate of the criminal conspiracy, was also arrested and charged with unlawful reentry by a removed or deported alien. 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 Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The case is being investigated by the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; FBI; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; Lufkin Police Department; Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office; Texas Department of Public Safety; and U.S. Marshals Service. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter. A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Brazilian Man Charged with Possessing a Firearm While Being Unlawfully in the United States

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Gabriel Lopes Da Silva Santos, 27, of Brazil, has been charged by criminal complaint with illegal possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully in the United States. On April 16, 2025, Santos appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Santos be detained during the pendency of this matter. According to court records, Santos illegally possessed an AR-15 style rifle on June 9, 2024, when law enforcement responded to an apartment complex in Ludlow, Vermont. A neighbor had reported that someone was shooting behind the complex. Law enforcement found Santos, who claimed ownership of the AR-15 style rifle and a shotgun that was also on scene. Law enforcement later discovered that Santos had overstayed his visa, which expired in September 2020. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Santos is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Santos faces up to 15 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the United States Border Patrol. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Santos is represented by Federal Public Defender’s Office for the District of Vermont. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 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: Man from Dominican Republic sentenced for transporting illegal aliens

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Luis Davis German Soriano, 32, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, who was convicted of transporting illegal aliens, was sentenced to time served (approximately 15 months) by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Soriano was then turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who is handling the case, stated that on January 3, 2024, Soriano aided co-defendant Silvestre German Andujar, an alien, in transporting three other individuals, who were not citizens or nationals of the United States. Soriano drove from New Jersey to an agreed upon location in Youngstown, NY, to pick-up Andujar and the others, who had traveled on a motorized raft vessel on the Niagara River from Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada. Andujar piloted the vessel across the United States-Canada border. U.S. Border Patrol Agents responded to the area as Andujar and the others got off the vessel, prompting them to flee. Simultaneously, law enforcement observed Soriano’s vehicle driving in the area near the vessel’s landing spot on the shoreline. Officers conducted a traffic stop. Soriano provided conflicting information as to the purpose of his travel but was released by officers. He then drove back to the pick-up location and picked up Andujar and the others inside the van. Subsequently, on January 4, 2024, U.S. Border Patrol Agents parked on the Niagara Scenic Parkway in Youngstown, NY, observed Soriano driving his vehicle with Andujar and the others inside. Agents stopped the vehicle in Ransomville, NY, at which time Soriano and the others were arrested and official immigration records checks were conducted. Silvestre German Andujar was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Martin B. Coombs, and the Lewiston Police Department, under the direction of Chief Frank Previte. # # # #


title: Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Returning to United States

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national has pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally reentering the United States. Jose Raul Falcon-Reyes, 36, plead guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to one count of unlawfully returning to the United States. Falcon-Reyes was previously convicted of improper entry by an alien in 2015 and was subsequently deported to Mexico that same year. On February 15, 2025, he was arrested in Pettis County, Mo., for having been convicted of felony possession of a controlled substance. Falcon-Reyes faces up to two years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes will impose sentencing on August 28, 2025. He has been and will remain in custody pending his sentencing hearing. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rudolph R. Rhodes IV. It was investigated by Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Enforcement & Removal Operations. Operation Take Back America This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Leader and Money Launderer for the KDY Drug Trafficking Crew Sentenced to 160 Months in Federal Prison

body_text: WASHINGTON – Kenneth Amedola Olugbenga, 29, a leader of and money launderer for the violent Kennedy Street Crew (KDY), was sentenced today to 160 months in federal prison for his role in a massive drug trafficking organization that operated open-air markets in Northwest Washington D.C. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Washington Division, Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter, of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Washington D.C. Field Office , and ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – Washington Field Division. Olugbenga, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty Sept. 20, 2024, to a two-count Superseding Information, charging him with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. In addition to the 160-month prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell ordered Olugbenga to serve four years of supervised release. Judge Howell also ordered Olugbenga to forfeit $374,598.00 as part of his sentence. KDY members operated open-air drug markets on an 11-block stretch of Kennedy Street in Northwest Washington, D.C., as well as surrounding streets. Like many drug trafficking organizations (DTOs), KDY armed itself with fire power to facilitate the drug trade defend its territory from rival crews and commit other violent crimes. Olugbenga was arrested in June 2023 as part of a coordinated arrest operation in this case and has remained in federal custody since his arrest. According to court documents, and by his own admission, Olugbenga served as an organizer and leader of the Kennedy Street Crew. Olugbenga was one of the originators of KDY’s drug trafficking operation via commercial flights from California. He served as the lead money launderer for the crew, establishing phony companies that included an auto detailing business to project an illusion of legitimacy for the crew’s drug trafficking. From 2019 until the date of his arrest, Olugbenga also used a local casino to launder $1.8 million in illegal proceeds from drug trafficking. In addition, Olugbenga used one of the phony businesses to apply for and receive a forgivable Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) from the Small Business Administration during the COVID-19 pandemic. He used the SBA funds to buy more bulk narcotics. Olugbenga took nearly six dozen roundtrip flights to the West Coast over the course of the four-year conspiracy and spent more than $21,000 on one-way airline tickets in one year alone. Olugbenga was a bulk supplier of cocaine, both powdered and crack, along with marijuana. He regularly referred customers to other KDY drug trafficking operations when they sought pills or other narcotics that he himself was unable to readily access. He tracked drug expenses and debts within the crew, pooling resources and noting law enforcement seizures over the course of the four-year conspiracy. He also engaged in drug activity on KDY turf. Within the open-air drug market in Kennedy Street territory, MPD officers conducted 15 controlled purchases from Olugbenga totaling 52.3 grams of cocaine base. On February 20, 2023, in the 500 block of Emerson Street NW, the MPD’s Fourth District Crime Suppression Team observed a Ford Econoline van driving recklessly as it swerved into oncoming traffic to pass a bicyclist. This van was the same vehicle that Olugbenga had been seen using around the open-air drug market on Kennedy Street since the beginning of the investigation. MPD officers attempted to stop the van, chasing it as it fled. The vehicle eventually stopped near the intersection of 7th and Longfellow Streets NW. Olugbenga abandoned the van and fled on foot. The van was subsequently searched, and law enforcement recovered distribution quantities of crack cocaine and marijuana, a loaded Glock handgun, a drug ledger, and a brochure for one of Olugbenga’s shell companies. On June 27, 2023, law enforcement arrested Olugbenga and served search warrants at two residences associated with him. At his residence in KDY territory, officers recovered five kilos of marijuana, nearly a kilo of cocaine, and various scales. Of the 17 KDY members charged in connection with the investigation, 16 have now been sentenced. Co-defendant Jovan Williams, aka Chewy, will be sentenced tomorrow, April 18. This investigation was conducted under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, the DEA’s Washington Division, the FBI's Washington Field Office Violent Crimes Task Force, the IRS Criminal Investigation Washington, D.C. Field Office, and ATF’s Washington Field Division. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey and Sitara Witanachchi, of the of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Offenses Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. KDY DEFENDANTS NAME AGE CHARGES/SENTENCES Kenneth Ademola Olugbenga 29 Sentenced March 17, 2025, to 160 Months in Prison after Pleading Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with the Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or more of Cocaine Base, and a Detectable Amount of Marijuana; and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. Khali Ahmed Brown, aka “Migo Lee” 24 Sentenced January 16, 2025, to 168 Months after Pleading Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana and 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl and Oxycodone; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense; and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. Keion Michael Brown 21 Sentenced January 16, 2025, to 147 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana and Oxycodone and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Miasiah Jamal Brown, aka “Michael Jamal Crawford” 23 Sentenced August 16, 2024, to Five Years for Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Tristan Miles Ware, aka “Greedy” 24 Sentenced December 13, 2024, to 120 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilos of Marijuana; and Possessing a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime. Jovan Williams, aka “Chewy” and “Choo” 20 Sentencing Scheduled for April 18, 2025. Pleaded Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana and Armed Carjacking. Herman Eric-Bibmin Signou, aka “Herman Signour” 25 Sentenced March 22, 2024, to 40 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 100 Kilograms of More of Marijuana Cameron Xavier Reid 28 Sentenced May 31, 2024, to 60 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms of More of Marijuana. Warren Lawrence Fields, III, aka B-Dub 26 Sentenced May 16, 2024, to 60 Months for Possessing a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Offense and for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Juwan Demetrius Clark, aka “Squirrel” 28 Sentenced January 10, 2025, to 37 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Aaron DeAndre Mercer, aka “Curby,” 34 Sentenced September 13, 2024, to 120 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl, Marijuana, and Cocaine Base. David Penn, aka “Turtle” 32 Sentenced November 15, 2024, to 220 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana, 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl, and a Mixture of Cocaine Base; and Two Counts of Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Offense. Ronald Lynn Dorsey, aka “Ron G” and “HBGeezy” 31 Sentenced September 13, 2024, to 30 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Antonio Reginald Bailey, aka “Boy Boy,” and “Fellow King” 24 Sentenced February 8, 2024, to 24 Months for Receiving a Firearm While Under Indictment. Anthony Trayon Bailey, aka “Fat Ant,” and “Bizzle” 29 Sentenced April 26, 2024, to 15 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute 100 Kilograms or More of Marijuana, 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl, and a Mixture and Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Cocaine Base. Angel Enrique Suncar, aka “Coqui” 31 Sentenced December 12, 2024, to 60 Months for Possessing a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime. Adebayo Adediji Green 31 Sentenced August 16, 2024, to 60 Months for Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Defendant Cameron Reid is from Falmouth, VA; all remaining defendants are from Washington, D.C. Kenneth Olugbenga photographed at the local casino where he laundered illicit drug proceeds. Olugbenga frequented the open-air drug market in the Kennedy Street Corridor, often with his panel van or one of several sedans he operated. At Olugbenga’s residence in KDY territory, officers recovered nearly five kilograms of marijuana, and nearly a kilogram of cocaine. 23cr202 ##


title: Afghan National Pleads Guilty to Obtaining Firearms in Connection with Plot to Conduct ISIS-Inspired Election Day Terrorist Attack

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Abdullah Haji Zada, 18, a native and citizen of Afghanistan and U.S. lawful permanent resident, pleaded guilty today to a criminal information charging him with knowingly receiving, attempting to receive, and conspiring to receive a firearm and ammunition to be used to commit a federal crime of terrorism. According to court documents, Zada and a co-conspirator received two AK-47-style rifles and 500 rounds of ammunition, knowing that the firearms and ammunition would be used in connection with a terrorist attack on Election Day in November 2024 on behalf the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Zada was arrested with co-conspirator Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi , 27, also a citizen of Afghanistan, in October 2024. Zada, who was 17 at the time of his arrest, entered his guilty plea as an adult and will be sentenced as an adult. At sentencing, Zada faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. As part of the plea agreement, Zada stipulated to the entry of a judicial order of removal from the United States to Afghanistan following his term of incarceration. Zada acknowledged that the order of removal would terminate his lawful permanent resident status. Zada also waived his right to appeal the conviction except in limited circumstances or seek any form of appeal or relief from his removal and deportation, including but not limited to, seeking asylum. Tawhedi is currently awaiting trial for conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and receiving, attempting to receive, or conspiring to receive a firearm to be used to commit a felony or a federal crime of terrorism, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, if convicted. An indictment is merely an allegation and Tawhedi is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma, and Assistant Director David J. Scott of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division made the announcement The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Marshals Service, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Edmond Police Department, the Moore Police Department, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Oklahoma City Community College Police Department, and the Oklahoma City University Police Department, is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Perry and Matt Dillon for the Western District of Oklahoma, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.


title: Union County man sentenced to federal prison for gun offenses

body_text: BENTON, Ill. – A federal district judge sentenced a Wolf Lake man to 150 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to possessing firearms as a felon. Kyle M. Bond, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm. Following imprisonment, Bond will serve three years of supervised release. “In an effort to protect the public and help keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals, convicted felons lose their right to legally possess firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “As this case demonstrates, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work to remove repeat criminal offenders who threaten the safety of our communities.” According to court documents, on January 5, 2023, deputies with the Union County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence in Union County in connection to an investigation and located nine firearms on his property—six rifles and three handguns. Four of the nine firearms Bond possessed had obliterated serial numbers. One of the firearms recovered by law enforcement was a short-barrel semi-automatic rifle, with an approximate barrel length of 12 ½ inches, that Bond did not register in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Prior to Bond’s indictment in 2023, he had been convicted of a felony offense in Missouri and therefore unable to legally possess firearms. “Mr. Bond showed blatant disregard of federal laws that have been put in place to assure public safety,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge, Bernard Hansen. “As we did in this case, we will continue to work with the Union County Sheriff’s Office to ensure that safety of our communities.” The Union County Sheriff’s Office and ATF contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. David Sanders prosecuted the case.


title: Lolo man sentenced to 20 years in prison for distributing child pornography

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MISSOULA – A Lolo man who received and distributed child pornography was sentenced today to 240 months in prison to be followed by lifetime supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Erik Robert Salazar, 29, pleaded guilty in November 2024 to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography. U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen presided. The government alleged in court documents that on September 13, 2023, Missoula County Sheriff's Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) detectives received a Cyber Tipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The report originated from Snapchat, who reported to NCMEC that a user, later identified as Salazar, had uploaded two images of child sexual abuse material to their servers on August 19, 2023. Through legal process, detectives determined the Snapchat account in question belonged to Salazar. Detectives received the remaining contents of Salazar’s Snapchat account and reviewed his communications with other parties. Salazar’s communications were replete with contact with minor females on dates ranging from September 2015 to October 31, 2023. Salazar consistently requested images and videos of those minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Some of the minors sent Salazar images and videos in response to his requests. Additionally, Salazar used Snapchat to send some of these minors images and videos depicting other minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. For example, beginning on August 4, 2023, Salazar began to communicate on Snapchat with a minor female (MV1) who was then 15 years old. In their communications, MV1 informed Salazar of her age, which Salazar indicated sexually excited him. Throughout the communications, Salazar solicited nude images of MV1, which she sent. MV1 also reported that Salazar sent her at least one video of a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. MV1 reported Salazar told her he wanted to have a baby with her and asked MV1 if she would allow him to perform similar acts on their future daughter. Salazar was arrested in Missoula, Montana, for a related offense on October 31, 2023, and was interviewed by detectives. He admitted the Snapchat account involved in the cyber tip belonged to him and that he received images depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct using the account. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case and the investigation was conducted by the FBI and Missoula County Sheriff’s Office. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . XXX


title: Cedar City Residents Sentenced to Prison After Providing Lethal Dose of Fentanyl

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: ST. GEORGE, Utah – Two Southern Utah residents were sentenced to a combined 27 years’ imprisonment for their role in the overdose death of a Utah woman who died after taking a lethal amount of fentanyl they provided. John Parry, 40, of Cedar City, Utah, was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment and Kimberly Dawn Hare, 34, of Cedar City was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment. The sentences, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Ann Marie McIff Allen, come after Parry and Hare pleaded guilty in November 2024 to distribution of fentanyl. At the time of sentencing, the court also ordered Parry and Hare to pay a joint restitution in the amount of $4,616.08 to the victim’s estate as reimbursement for costs associated with the victim’s funeral and related services. Following their terms of imprisonment, Parry and Hare will each have three years of supervised release. According to court documents and statements made at the defendants’ change of plea and sentencing hearings, Parry and Hare admitted that in April 2024, they provided fentanyl to the victim, which resulted in her death. On April 19, 2024, Parry drove from Cedar City to Salt Lake City to pick up fentanyl. He used Hare’s social media account to communicate with the victim about selling her fentanyl pills. On April 20, Parry returned to Cedar City with fentanyl pills. In Facebook messages, Parry agreed to sell the victim three pills. He then gave the pills to Hare, who delivered the pills to the victim at a Cedar City hotel. Within an hour, a third party found the victim dead from an overdose. Agents recovered two pills from the scene, which tested positive for fentanyl. A postmortem toxicology report indicated the victim had a lethal amount of fentanyl in her blood. The victim also had relatively lower amounts of amphetamine and methamphetamine in her blood. “Today, our hearts are with the loved ones of the victim,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah. “No amount of imprisonment will justify the loss of life in this tragedy, but it is our hope that the sentence imposed will help them find closure and deter others from distributing this deadly drug.” The case was investigated jointly by the Cedar City Police Department and the Iron/Garfield/Beaver Counties Narcotics Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Brady Wilson and Stephen P. Dent of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.


title: Armed drug trafficker going to prison

body_text: BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Erin Cameron, 33, of Buffalo, who was convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, 100 grams or more of heroin, and 10 grams or more of fentanyl, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, was sentenced to serve 132 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that between July 2018, and December 30, 2018, Cameron conspired with others to sell heroin and fentanyl. During the conspiracy, he supplied another co-conspirator with butyryl fentanyl for future sale. On October 22, 2018, investigators conducted a controlled purchase of suspected heroin or fentanyl from an associate of Cameron. On December 30, 2018, the defendant drove with others from Buffalo to Salamanca, NY to distribute narcotics in and around the Salamanca area. Cameron carried a pistol with six rounds of ammunition, as well as several packages of narcotics including acetyl fentanyl, crack cocaine, and oxycodone. The Salamanca Police stopped the vehicle in which Cameron was a passenger and recovered the firearm and the controlled substances on his person. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, the Southern Tier Drug Regional Task Force, under the direction of Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division, and the Salamanca Police Department, under the direction of Chief Jamie Deck. # # # #


title: Disbarred Attorney Sentenced to 30 Months for Defrauding Victims in Ponzi-Like Wire Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Somerset County, New Jersey, disbarred attorney was sentenced to 30 months in prison for a wire fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced. Lawrence Coven, 61, of Hillsborough, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Robert Kirsch in Trenton federal court to an Information charging him with one count of wire fraud. Judge Kirsch imposed the sentence. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Coven operated and controlled Sunrise Enterprises LLC, which purported to provide financial services to investors. In reality, Coven induced victim investors into sending him funds by falsely representing that he would invest their money through Sunrise in exchange for large profits by providing short-term loans to borrowers who could not obtain standard loans. He falsely guaranteed investors returns of between 10 to 15 percent on their investments and told investors that their investments were risk-free. But instead of investing the money as he promised, Coven diverted investor funds for personal expenses, including utilities, entertainment, real estate, credit card bills, and cash withdrawals. And when investors began asking questions, Coven provided them with false assurances that their money was safe and used money from existing investors to make payments to other investors in a Ponzi-like fashion. In addition to the prison term, Judge Kirsch sentenced Coven to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly in Newark, with the investigation leading to this sentence. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fatime Meka Cano and Olta Bejleri of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark. ### Defense counsel: Jeffrey Chiesa, Esq. coven.information.pdf


title: Repeat Offender Sentenced for Methamphetamine Possession

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Hannie Rice, 67, formerly of Oakland, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 16, 2025 in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Rice to 188 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Rice’s release from prison, he will begin a four-year term of supervised release. In January 2023, a Burt County sheriff’s deputy received information from arrested individuals that Rice was a meth distributor. On May 6, 2023, sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant at Rice’s home in Oakland. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Rice told a deputy that there was meth in his bedroom. Rice took the deputy to his bedroom, where the deputy found approximately 35 grams of meth inside of a lock box. Postal records showed that eight packages, weighing from four ounces up to four pounds seven ounces, were mailed from California to Rice’s residence since the fall of 2022. These postal records corroborated the information deputies received from the arrested individuals that Rice was receiving three-pound packages of meth through the mail from California. At sentencing, Rice’s advisory sentencing range was increased because of multiple California convictions involving possessing meth and marijuana for sale. This case was investigated by the Burt County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.


title: Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican national residing in Methuen pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. Florencio Antonio Nuñez Guerrero, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2025. In March 2025, Nuñez Guerrero was indicted by a federal grand jury. Nuñez Guerrero was deported from the United States on March 3, 2017, after serving a federal sentence for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin. According to the indictment, sometime after his March 2017 removal, Nuñez Guerrero illegally reentered the United States without permission. The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra Gonzalez Sanchez of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Guatemalan Man Indicted for Re-Entry of Removed Alien

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – FRAILYN ARGUETA-JERONIMO, a/k/a “Frailyn Argeta-Jeronimo,” (“ARGUETA-JERONIMO”) age 25, a native of Guatemala, was indicted on April 11, 2025, for re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. According to the indictment, ARGUETA-JERONIMO was found in the United States on March 27, 2025, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on February 6, 2020. ARGUETA-JERONIMO faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for re-entry of a removed alien. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Border Patrol in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Man Who Cyberstalked More Than a Half Dozen Women Over the Course of 16 Years Pleads Guilty

body_text: BOSTON – A Plymouth, Mass. man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to cyberstalking more than a half dozen Massachusetts women between 2008 and 2024. Two of the victims were minors when the defendant began cyberstalking them. The defendant preyed on women in his life, exploiting their relationships and going to great lengths to betray and terrorize them. James Florence Jr., 37, pleaded guilty to seven counts of cyberstalking and one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for July 23, 2025. Florence was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in September 2024 and has remained in custody since. Beginning as early as 2008, Florence engaged in elaborate, sustained online harassment campaigns that included hacking into victims’ personal accounts, creating more than 60 accounts across nearly 30 platforms which he used to disseminate thousands of doctored or AI-generated sexually explicit images. According to court filings , Florence targeted women he knew personally, as well as acquaintances, stealing photos from their accounts, digitally altering them to appear nude or engaged in sexual acts and then posting them publicly alongside their names, home addresses and other identifying details. For nearly all seven victims, Florence’s cyberstalking campaigns included: Creating “imposter” social media accounts designed to appear as if they were operated by the victims themselves; Posting sexually explicit, AI-generated or photoshopped images of victims, often tagging the victims’ real accounts to maximize exposure; Publishing victims’ personal information, including driver’s license photos, home addresses and professional affiliations, with messages urging others to humiliate and expose them; Using hacked and compromised personal accounts to surveil victims and gain access to additional private content; Attempting to sell doctored nude images of one victim online; and Setting up notifications to monitor any changes to victims’ online biographies. Florence often prompted strangers to contact the victims directly – with some unknown senders demanding that the victims produce real sexually explicit content under threat of distributing the doctored images to friends, family and professional contacts. For one of the victims, Florence used the name, image and other personal identifying information to program at least three AI-driven chatbots to interact with strangers across multiple platforms in sexually explicit conversations and disclose how to contact or find the victim. For another victim, he created a false online persona describing her sexual preferences, fabricated stories about sex toys and equipment in her home and posted her home address inviting strangers to contact her for sex. Florence also designed a collage of digitally altered images depicting one victim nude, which he posted to a website alongside her full personal information, encouraging viewers to “Post & Share Her Everywhere. Make The Whore Famous.” Many of Florence’s victims continue to receive harassing and threatening messages from unknown individuals who encountered the content he created and distributed online. Additionally, the following items were uncovered during a search of Florence’s residence in Plymouth in September 2024: Dozens of pairs of women’s underwear and socks stolen from his victims; A custom phone case featuring the image of one of the victims; At least 11 digital wallpapers of his victims stored on his phone; At least one photo of a victim taken when she was a minor; and 62 images and four videos of child sexual abuse material, depicting minor female victims between the ages of approximately eight and 15 years old. According to court filings, Florence has significant knowledge of computers having previously been employed at software companies as well as at an emerging technology organization where he performed work for the United States government. With this knowledge, he employed a variety of tactics to evade law enforcement – via VPN services, anonymous overseas “revenge porn” websites and encrypted foreign email providers that do not respond to U.S. legal process or retain identifying records. If you or someone you know is a victim of cyberstalking, please visit: Office for Victims of Crime | What can I do if I am a victim of stalking? The charge of stalking by electronic means provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. The Plymouth Police Department and Plymouth Fire Department provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Investment Firm Owner Admits Defrauding Approximately 47 Victim Investors Over Three Decades

body_text: TRENTON, NJ. – A New Jersey man admitted to a decades-long scheme to defraud approximately 47 victim investors out of more than $6.9 million, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced. Vincent Dispoto Jr., 67, formerly of Belmar, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi to an information charging him with one count of wire fraud. According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court: Dispoto owned and operated Giddeon Financial Services, a purported investment services firm, and Liberty Mortgage Services, an alleged mortgage company. Beginning in or around 1988, Dispoto raised money through these and other entities by falsely claiming to victims, many of whom were elderly, that he would invest their money in low-risk investment products with guaranteed rates of return, including municipal bonds and certificates of deposits. Dispoto also told some victims that he was using their investments to fund loans and mortgages for medical professionals, which would generate long-term returns through interest payments. To perpetuate his fraud, Dispoto mailed victims false and fraudulent financial statements that purported to show significant increases in the value of their investments. In reality, Dispoto did not invest the victims’ money as promised. Instead, he used it to make Ponzi-like payments to other victims, which he falsely claimed to be “returns” on investments. He also misappropriated victim money to fund his gambling and other personal expenses. Dispoto’s scheme collectively resulted in more than approximately $6,990,635.62 million in losses to victims. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross amount of gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for August 26, 2025. U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Kozar of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in Newark. ### Defense counsel: Areeb Salim, Esq. and John Yauch, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defenders, Newark dispoto.information.pdf


title: Violent Armed Drug Trafficker from Boise's North End Sentenced to 262 Months in Federal Prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: BOISE – Evan Nickolai Ernstson, 48, of Boise, was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today. Senior U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill also sentenced Ernstson to serve five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison sentence and pay a $2000 fine. According to court records, Ernstson, originally from San Francisco, California, led a drug trafficking organization that distributed methamphetamine and cocaine between October 2023 and March 2024 out of a residence and various other locations in Boise’s North End neighborhood. A lengthy investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which included a wiretap, culminated in the seizure of ten pounds of methamphetamine, a kilogram of cocaine, and four firearms. On March 20, 2024, Ernstson was arrested as he returned to Idaho after picking up a load of methamphetamine and cocaine from the Portland, Oregon area. He was armed with a loaded 9mm handgun. Law enforcement, while conducting the wiretap, learned that someone stole approximately $65,000 in drug proceeds from Ernstson while he was out of town. DEA Agents intercepted Ernstson’s calls and texts and learned Ernstson planned to kidnap two individuals, zip-tie them and torture them until the money was returned. Agents intervened and prevented the kidnapping and seized approximately $42,000 of the stolen drug proceeds. Ernstson is the third member of the drug trafficking organization to be sentenced to prison. Co-defendant Eva Spikes pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine and was sentenced to five years in prison on November 5, 2024. Co-defendant Leandru Stephens pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine and was sentenced to five years in prison on December 11, 2024. The remaining four co-defendants have pleaded guilty to various drug trafficking charges and will be sentenced in May 2025. The investigation into Ernstson’s drug trafficking organization also resulted in the conviction and sentence of three other individuals involved in drug trafficking. Dustin Wyatt Peymon, 53, of Boise, pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine and was sentenced to 33 months in prison on November 6, 2024. Kristine Marie Shern, 28, of Mountain Home, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony and was sentenced to three years’ probation on February 4, 2025. Brian Earl Polk, 26, of Boise, pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine and was sentenced to 77 months in prison and four years of supervised release on April 15, 2025. “Our federal and state partners work together tirelessly to ensure that drug traffickers, especially those who are violent or armed, find no safe harbor in Idaho,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott. “Mr. Ernstson led a drug trafficking ring that not only poisoned Idaho with large quantities of methamphetamine and other drugs, but was poised to kidnap and torture to further his criminal enterprise,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle. “This lengthy sentence ensures our community’s safety and demonstrates law enforcement’s steadfast resolve to protect our citizens from people like Mr. Ernstson.” Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Boise Police Department, the Nampa Police Special Investigations Unit, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, and the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin C. Blackadar and Christian S. Nafzger prosecuted the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. ###


title: Guatemalan Man Indicted for Illegal Re-Entry, Faces Enhanced Sentence for Prior Felony Conviction

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that NERI OSBELI ARGUETA-CHUN (“ ARGUETA-CHUN ”), age 42, was indicted on April 11, 2025 for illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) and Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(b)(1). According to the indictment, ARGUETA-CHUN , reentered the United States after being previously deported on October 31, 2018. If convicted, ARGUETA-CHUN faces up to two years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. However, because of his prior felony conviction, ARGUETA-CHUN also faces a sentencing enhancement of up to 10 years imprisonment. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson praised the work of the United States Border Patrol in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Mexican National Charged With Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Fraidi Perez-Bartolon, age 34, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted on April 16, 2025, by a federal grand jury on the charge of illegally reentering the United States after having previously been removed. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that Perez-Bartolon was previously removed from the United States on June 2, 2012, through Calexico, California, and it is alleged that he was subsequently found in the United States without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country. The indictment also alleges that on April 14, 2025, Perez-Bartolon was encountered in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 2 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a 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: Bridgeport Gang Member Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: JAHAZ LANGSTON, also known as “Haz,” 25, of Bridgeport, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 188 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for his participation in a violent Bridgeport street gang. Today’s announcement was made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District; Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter; Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, and Acting U.S. Marshal Lawrence Bobnick. According to court documents and statements made in court, the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police and Bridgeport Police have been investigating multiple Bridgeport-based gangs whose members are involved in narcotics trafficking, murder, and other acts of violence. Langston was a member of the Original North End (“O.N.E.”), a gang based in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport that committed acts of violence against rival gangs, including the East End gang, the East Side gang, and the PT Barnum gang. O.N.E. members also robbed drug dealers, customers, and others, sold narcotics, and stole cars from inside and outside Connecticut, often using the cars to commit crimes. They frequently used social media to promote and coordinate their criminal activities. Text messages and social media posts reviewed during the investigation confirmed that Langston possessed and sold narcotics and firearms, stole vehicles, and was involved in related violent criminal activity alongside other O.N.E. members and associates. The investigation also determined that Langston and fellow O.N.E. member Amire Newsome conspired to murder rival gang members and, on March 7, 2021, shot and severely injured the mother of two rival gang members as she drove her vehicle on I-95. O.N.E. members committed other violent crimes, including murder. Langston has been detained since his arrest on July 20, 2021. On September 13, 2023, he pleaded guilty to conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity. Approximately 47 members and associates of multiple Bridgeport-based gangs have been convicted of federal offenses stemming from this investigation, which has solved eight murders and approximately 20 attempted murders. Newsome pleaded guilty on August 16, 2023, and awaits sentencing. This investigation has been conducted by the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, Waterbury Police Department, and Naugatuck Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Stephanie T. Levick, and Rahul Kale. This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs. PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Project Longevity is a comprehensive initiative to reduce gun violence in Connecticut’s major cities. Through Project Longevity, community members and law enforcement directly engage with members of groups that are prone to commit violence and deliver a community message against violence, a law enforcement message about the consequences of further violence and an offer of help for those who want it. If a group member elects to engage in gun violence, the focused attention of federal, state and local law enforcement will be directed at that entire group. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Danville Man Sentenced to 30 Years In Prison for Fentanyl Conspiracy

body_text: WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Anthony D. Bressi, age 53, of Danville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 15, 2025, to 30 years’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, from 2016 through June 2019, Bressi manufactured over 150 kilograms of fentanyl at a lab in East Buffalo Township, Union County, PA. Bressi would then distribute fentanyl and fentanyl analogues to two distributors: Terry Harris, in Philadelphia, PA and Damonico Henderson, in the Cleveland, Ohio area. Bressi, Harris and Henderson developed their drug conspiracy in federal prison where Bressi had been serving a 20-year sentence for manufacturing methamphetamine and explosives. Bressi was convicted by a jury on November 4, 2024, after a week-long trial. Harris and Henderson previously pleaded guilty to their role in the conspiracy. Both Harris and Henderson were sentenced to 10 years in prison. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Geoffrey MacArthur, Jeffrey St. John, and Alisan Martin prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. # # #


title: Houston man sentenced to federal prison for Smith County ATM burglaries

body_text: TYLER, Texas – A Houston man has been sentenced to prison for federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. Julius Lawan Lockett, Jr., 30, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank theft and was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $243,540.85 and forfeiture of $79,850 by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on April 17, 2025. According to information presented in court, Lockett conspired with others to burglarize ATMs (automated teller machines) in the Smith County area. On March 28, 2021, Lockett and Jermone Christopher Mayes, Jr., drove from Houston to Tyler to steal U.S. currency from ATMs in the area. Using a Ford F-250 truck which had been stolen in Smith County, they attached chains to the truck and to an ATM at Chase Bank at South Southwest Loop 323 in Tyler. The ATM was pulled open and approximately $159,700 was stolen. On January 29, 2025, Mayes was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Tyler Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan R. Jackson. ###


title: Serial Bank Robber Sentenced to More than 11 Years in Prison

body_text: TOLEDO, Ohio - Hershel Winbush, 68, of Toledo, Ohio, was sentenced to prison by U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary after he pleaded guilty to four counts of bank robbery in Lucas County, Ohio, and for violating the conditions of his supervised release for a prior conviction. Imprisonment will be for a total term of 140 months (more than 11 years) for each count to run concurrently and pay $8,210 in restitution. Upon release from imprisonment, the defendant was also ordered to serve two years of supervised release. According to court documents and court records, Winbush entered several financial institutions in the Toledo, Ohio, area from 2019 through 2024 and threatened bank employees with violence by presenting notes such as “I have a gun, give me all the cash available,” and “This is a hold up. I have a gun.” Federally insured banking institutions that were affected included: Woodforest National Bank, Glendale Ave., Oct. 24, 2019 Woodforest National Bank, Glendale Ave., Nov. 5, 2019 Jeep Federal Credit Union, Manhattan Blvd., April 8, 2024 Key Bank, Secor Rd., April 22, 2024 During the investigation, authorities discovered that Winbush had a decades-long pattern of bank robberies and had multiple incarcerations and prior convictions for crimes of violence in Michigan. Winbush was classified as a Career-Offender by Judge Jack Zouhary. This case was investigated by the FBI Toledo Field Office and the Toledo Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Simko for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Belizean National Indicted for Felon in Possession of a Firearm

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on April 11, 2024, LUCINTO FUENTES (“FUENTES”) , age 21, a citizen of Belize, was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). According to court documents, on March 2, 2025, FUENTES did knowingly possess a firearm, having previously been convicted of a felony. Specifically, FUENTES is accused of possessing a Taurus nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, said firearm having been in and affecting interstate commerce. If convicted, FUENTES faces up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 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. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Former Owner of Collapsed Nursing Home Empire Sentenced to 36 Months’ Imprisonment For $38 Million Tax Fraud Scheme

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A New York man was sentenced to 36 months in prison for his role in a $38 million employment tax fraud scheme involving nursing homes he owned across the country, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced. Joseph Schwartz, 65, of Suffern, New York, previously pled guilty to two counts of an indictment charging him with willfully failing to pay over employment taxes withheld from employees of his company, and willfully failing to file an annual financial report (Form 5500) with the Department of Labor for the employee 401K Benefit Plan Schwartz sponsored, before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Schwartz, an insurance broker and operator of Skyline Management Group LLC (“Skyline”), with headquarters in New Jersey, willfully failed to pay employment taxes relating to numerous health care and rehabilitation facilities that Skyline operated in 11 states. According to the indictment, Schwartz was required to collect, truthfully account for, and pay over to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) trust fund taxes withheld from the pay of employees of Skyline and related companies. From October 2017 through May 2018, Schwartz caused taxes to be withheld from employees’ pay but failed to then pay over more than $38 million in employment taxes to the IRS. As an administrator of the Skyline 401K plan, Schwartz further had an obligation to file an annual Form 5500 financial report with the Secretary of Labor for calendar year 2018, but knowingly and willfully failed to file the report. U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer Piovesan in Newark; Investigators with the Department of Labor-Employee Benefits Security Administration, under the direction of Regional Director Mark Seidel in the New York Regional Office; special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly; and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz in the New York Regional Office, with the investigation that led to the sentencing in this case. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel H. Rosenblum and Kendall R. Randolph of the Criminal Division in Newark and Trial Attorney Shawn Noud of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. ### Defense counsel: Kevin H. Marino, Esq.


title: Federal Jury Convicts Fourth Member of Human Smuggling Conspiracy in Del Rio

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: DEL RIO, Texas – A federal jury in Del Rio convicted a Luling man for one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and one count of illegal alien transportation for profit. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Bryant Anthony Garcia, 19, was the passenger in a vehicle driven by co-defendant Juan Angel Soberanes, 18, of Luling, on Oct. 1, 2024. U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to a checkpoint near Del Rio instructed Soberanes to advance to secondary inspection when a second vehicle, driven by co-defendant Carlos Daniel Martinez, 25, of Fort Worth, arrived at the checkpoint. Martinez’s vehicle was occupied by a fourth defendant, Mexican national Joel Hernandez-Ortiz, 26, in the front passenger seat and two illegal aliens sitting in the rear passenger seats. The USBP agents learned that the two vehicles were traveling together. In an interview with the agents, Garcia stated that he and his high school friend, Soberanes, left Luling together the previous day. He admitted that the two had traveled to Eagle Pass to scout for law enforcement and facilitate the smuggling of two illegal aliens. Garcia state that he expected to receive $2,000 for his efforts. Co-defendants Hernandez-Ortiz and Martinez pleaded guilty on Jan. 13, 2025 to one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. Soberanes pleaded guilty to the same charge on Feb. 10, 2025. Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. USBP is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nallely Duarte and Matt Kass are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Fayette County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Phillip Gray, 41, of Oak Hill, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, Gray admitted to conspiring with other individuals to obtain methamphetamine and distribute it within the Southern District of West Virginia from on or about November 27, 2022, until on or about December 6, 2023. On November 27, 2022, Gray and a co-conspirator sold 446 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for $2,600 at an Oak Hill trailer park. On February 2, 2023, Gray and another individual sold 443 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at a trailer park near Oak Hill. As part of his guilty plea, Gray admitted to participating in both transactions. Gray is scheduled to be sentenced on August 8, 2025, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, and a $10 million fine. Gray is among four individuals indicted by a federal grand jury on charges alleging they participated in the drug trafficking conspiracy. Leondus Whittenburg, 43, of Beckley, pleaded guilty on March 3, 2025, to distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. John Gray, 39, of Oak Hill, pleaded guilty on September 24, 2024, to distribution of a quantity of methamphetamine. Whittenburg and John Gray await sentencing. The indictment against co-defendant Daemien Thompson, 39, of Oak Hill, is pending. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and the Central Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Isabell and Brian D. Parsons are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-31. ###


title: KC Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearms Trafficking

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to conspiring to traffic firearms to prohibited persons. Fedo A. Manning, 24, plead guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to the aforementioned charge. By pleading guilty today, Fedo Manning admitted that he knowingly and willfully joined in an agreement to sell firearms to individuals who were prohibited from possessing them under federal law. According to the plea agreement, the conspirators trafficked at least 22 firearms to persons who were known felons or they sold firearms that were converted into unregistered machineguns in violation of federal law. Fedo Manning agreed that his role in the conspiracy was to serve as a straw purchaser. He bought firearms from federal firearms licensees so that they could later be sold by co-conspirators to individuals who were prohibited from possessing firearms. Between May 11, 2022, and Jan. 13, 2023, investigators discovered that Fedo Manning purchased at least 40 firearms from federal firearms licensees. In the plea agreement, Fedo Manning acknowledged that at least seven of the firearms that he purchased were recovered during investigations of crimes in the Kansas City metropolitan area. One of the recovered firearms purchased by Fedo Manning was discovered at the scene of the shooting that occurred during the celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory on Feb. 14, 2024. The recovered firearm was an Anderson Manufacturing AM-15, .223-caliber pistol. The loaded pistol was found along the wall with a backpack next to two AR-15-style firearms and backpacks. Because the pistol was in the “fire” position and there were 26 live rounds in the magazine, which is capable of holding 30 rounds, several rounds may have been fired before it was discarded. Under federal statutes, Fedo Manning is subject to a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentence of the defendant will be determined by the court based upon the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Project Safe Neighborhoods This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Carthage Man Pleads Guilty to Burglary

component: Department of Justice

body_text: Jackson, MS – On April 17, 2025, a Leake County man pleaded guilty to burglarizing the Red Water Day Care located in the Red Water Community of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. According to court documents, in May of 2024, John Edward Tubby, Jr., 34, burglarized the day care, taking multiple electronic devices. Tubby was indicted by a federal grand jury in December of 2024. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi, made the announcement. The Choctaw Police Department investigated the case. Tubby is scheduled to be sentenced in July and faces a maximum penalty of seven years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian K. Burns and Kevin J. Payne prosecuted the case.


title: Mexican Man Indicted for Re-Entry of Removed Alien

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – JOSE GUADALUPE COCA-ESCALANTE, a/k/a “Lenin Romo”, a/k/a “Guadalupe Escalante,” (“COCA-ESCALANTE”) age 39, a native of Mexico, was indicted on April 11, 2025, for re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8 United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. According to the indictment, COCA-ESCALANTE was found in the United States on September 26, 2024, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on December 8, 2016. COCA-ESCALANTE faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for re-entry of a removed alien. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Three Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DES MOINES, Iowa – Three men were sentenced to federal prison for their role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. According to public court documents, three men were involved in fentanyl distribution in the Des Moines metro throughout 2024: Chuol Peter Mai, 32, of Des Moines, Rickey Raymone Hayes, also known as “Dee,” of Des Moines, formerly of Detroit, and Keith Holliday, 35, of Detroit. In 2024, law enforcement purchased fentanyl pills from Mai using a confidential informant. Mai introduced the confidential informant to Hayes, Mai’s drug source of supply. Hayes directed Holliday to distribute the fentanyl pills to the confidential informant. In June 2024, Hayes’ vehicle and Des Moines residence were searched and law enforcement located more than $21,000 in cash in his vehicle, and a firearm and more than 200 grams of fentanyl at his residence. Mai was sentenced on April 2, 2025 to 60 months in federal prison. After completing his term of imprisonment, Mai will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. Hayes was sentenced on March 28, 2025 to 150 months in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. Holliday was sentenced on April 17, 2025 to 60 months in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Des Moines Police Department.


title: Department of Justice Prevails in Landmark Antitrust Case Against Google

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: Today the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice prevailed in its second monopolization case against Google. In United States et al. v. Google, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia held that Google violated antitrust law by monopolizing open-web digital advertising markets. According to the Court, Google “harmed Google’s publishing customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web.” “This is a landmark victory in the ongoing fight to stop Google from monopolizing the digital public square,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will continue taking bold legal action to protect the American people from encroachments on free speech and free markets by tech companies.” “The Court’s ruling is clear: Google is a monopolist and has abused its monopoly power,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division. “Google’s unlawful dominance allows them to censor and even deplatform American voices. And at the same time, Google destroyed and hid information that exposed its illegal conduct. Today’s opinion confirms Google’s controlling hand over online advertising and, increasingly, the internet itself. I am extraordinarily proud of the dedicated public servants whose tireless efforts led to today’s decision.” Today’s decision follows a 15-day trial in September 2024 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. In January 2023, the Justice Department, along with Attorneys General of several states and the Commonwealth of Virginia, filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Google for monopolizing key digital advertising technologies, referred to as the “ad tech stack,” that website publishers depend on to buy and sell ads that reach millions of customers. As alleged in the complaint, through a series of acquisitions and anticompetitive auction manipulation, Google subverted competition for over 15 years. As a result of Google’s anticompetitive and exclusionary conduct, its ad tech competitors were neutralized or eliminated.


title: Duxbury Man Charged With Distribution of Child Pornography

body_text: BOSTON – A Duxbury man was arrested and charged on April 14, 2025 for distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Daniel Debreczeni, 34, was charged with one-count of distribution of child pornography. Debreczeni was arrested at his place of employment and made his initial appearance in federal court in Boston. He has been detained pending a detention hearing on April 23, 2025. According to the charging document between Nov. 29, 2023 and Dec. 12, 2023, Debreczeni distributed three videos containing child pornography by posting the videos on a file sharing site. The children in the three videos appeared to be between approximately two, three and eight years old. The charge of distribution of child pornography, provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and James Crowley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Duxbury and Quincy Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. CORRECTION: Defendant was charged with one count of distribution of child pornography, not possession of child pornography.


title: Kenton County Man Sentenced for   Transporting Child Pornography

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: COVINGTON, Ky. – An Independence, Ky., man, Ralph Britton, 55, was sentenced on Thursday to 84 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for transporting child pornography in interstate commerce using a computer or cell phone. According to his plea agreement, on December 28, 2023, law enforcement received a cybertip that 18 video files depicting child pornography were uploaded from a Synchronoss account, a cloud-based storage provider for Verizon Wireless users. Further investigation identified Britton as the account owner, and that there were at least 33 videos of child pornography uploaded from Britton’s account. On February 8, 2024, law enforcement arrested Britton on state charges and searched his cell phone, which contained an additional 896 images of child sexual abuse, along with evidence of a program often used to remove illicit files from electronic devices. Under federal law, Britton must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 15 years. Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Quincy Barnett, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Sheriff Les Hill, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Boone County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Winslow is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. This case was prosecuted 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 . – END –


title: Warren County Man Charged for Possession Of Videos and Images of Child Sexual Abuse

body_text: TRENTON, N.J. – A Warren County man was charged with possessing videos and images of child sexual abuse, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced. Marc Panchenko, 53, of Washington Township, New Jersey, was charged in a one-count complaint with possession of child pornography. He had an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rukhsanah L. Singh in Trenton federal court and was ordered detained. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Following Panchenko’s release from federal custody in November 2023 for a prior offense, Panchenko was placed on supervised release and a monitoring software was installed on his cellular telephone to detect any images of child sexual abuse materials (“CSAM”). On or about March 3, 2025, the software alerted the authorities to the existence of CSAM on Panchenko’s phone. A further examination of the contents of the phone revealed the presence of over 600 videos of varying length and over 12,000 digital photos, an ongoing review of which has revealed numerous images of CSAM, including images depicting prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct as further outlined in the complaint. The charge of possession of child pornography carries a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, but due to his prior conviction on a similar charge, Panchenko is also facing a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison. He is also facing a fine of up to $250,000. U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force—Newark Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, the Washington Township Police Department, Warren County, under the direction of Chief of Police Christopher M. Jones, and the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Prosecutor Jessica Cardone, with the investigation leading to the charge. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammi Malek of the Criminal Division in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ### Defense counsel: Candace Hom, Esq. panchenko.complaint.pdf


title: Liberty County man sentenced to federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in school zone

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas – A Liberty man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. Thomas James Lawson, 35, pleaded guilty to possession to distribute methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on April 17, 2025. According to information presented in court, in January 2024, law enforcement authorities received information that Lawson was involved in the distribution of methamphetamine and other narcotics. During the investigation, drugs were purchased from Lawson at his Liberty residence. On January 31, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Lawson’s residence resulting in the discovery of a backpack on his bed. Inside the backpack, investigators found multiple vacuum sealed bags containing crystal methamphetamine, a vacuum sealed bag containing marijuana, numerous clear baggies containing red/orange pills marked “AD-30”, two pill bottles labeled as Adderall, and numerous bottles of Xanax pills. Additionally, deputies found a digital scale and other drug paraphernalia in the backpack. A further search of Lawson’s bedroom revealed over $2000 in U.S. currency. While searching the kitchen, investigators located another large amount of crystal-like substance, which was determined to be methamphetamine. A total of 862.51 grams of actual methamphetamine was recovered. Lawson’s residence is within 1000 feet of the Liberty Elementary School and the school playground. A school zone sign is located on Lawson’s street and children were playing on the school playground while the search warrant was executed at his residence. This case was investigated by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn. ###


title: Brooklyn Resident Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIS

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Rasheedul Mowla, a U.S. citizen, pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support or resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a foreign terrorist organization. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly. When sentenced, Mowla faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment. John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the guilty plea. “Mowla sought to join a violent foreign terrorist organization that has conducted and inspired terrorist attacks worldwide, killing numerous innocent victims, including American citizens,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “Thanks to the diligent efforts of law enforcement, Mowla’s plan to join ISIS was thwarted. This Office remains steadfast in its efforts to pursue and bring to justice those who support terrorism.” Mr. Durham expressed his appreciation to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force for their outstanding work on the case. “Rasheedul Mowla made a concerted attempt to travel to Syria to join ISIS and expressed his willingness to actively support their extremist ideologies with physical violence. He sought to jeopardize the welfare of his own country to align with a foreign terrorist organization known for killing American soldiers and innocent civilians,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “This is evidence of the FBI’s enduring commitment to leveraging the NY JTTF to interdict any United States citizen seeking to participate in terrorist activities, and ensure they no longer pose a threat to this nation.” “Rasheedul Mowla wasn’t just planning to join ISIS—he was ready to kill and die for them,” said NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “That kind of threat demands a swift response, and thanks to the work of the NYPD and our federal partners, it was stopped before anyone got hurt. This case underscores the importance of constant vigilance and the critical role our investigators play in keeping New York and the entire country safe.” As detailed in publicly filed court documents, the defendant traveled to Saudi Arabia in June 2017, purportedly to celebrate an Islamic religious holiday. Upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia, the defendant attempted to travel to Syria to join ISIS. He was apprehended before entering Syria and, on August 29, 2017, was deported back to the United States. The defendant previously admitted to law enforcement authorities that, prior to traveling to the Middle East, he knew that ISIS was a terrorist organization that committed terrorist attacks and killed people. He further admitted that, had he successfully arrived in Syria to join ISIS, he was planning to shoot weapons and willing to die on behalf of ISIS. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith A. Arfa is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney John Cella of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. The Defendant : RASHEEDUL MOWLA Age: 28 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 18-CR-487 (AMD)