title: U.S. Attorney announces immigration case updates  for the Eastern District of Virginia

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, announced today case updates on seven immigration cases in the district. On Jan. 20 the President signed executive orders addressing the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Protecting the American People Against Invasion recognized that enforcing our Nation’s immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States, and that it is the policy of the United States to faithfully execute the immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens, particularly those aliens who threaten the safety or security of the American people. The order tasked the Department of Justice with prioritizing the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the unauthorized entry or continued unauthorized presence of aliens in the United States. Securing Our Borders prioritizes the pursuit of criminal charges against illegal aliens who violate immigration laws and against those who facilitate their unlawful presence in the United States. Between Sept. 1, 2004, and April 29, 2015, Salvadoran national Wilber Alexander Andrade-Castellon, 45, was removed from the United States on three occasions, each time pursuant to a final order of removal. Following his third removal in 2015, Andrade-Castellon again illegally re-entered the country. On Aug. 9, 2024, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) learned Andrade-Castellon was unlawfully present in the United States when he was arrested and detained at the Fairfax County Detention Center. On May 14, Andrade-Castellon pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-cr-101 In 2018, Honduran national Daniel Alberto Urbina Romero, 28, was convicted in Virginia of abduction with intent to defile and aggravated sexual battery. Pursuant to a final order of removal, Urbina Romero was removed from the United States on Jan. 27, 2023. On March 19, ICE agents learned that Urbina Romero was illegally present in the United States following a traffic violation in Loudoun County. On July 31, Urbina Romero pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after removal for an aggravated felony conviction. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 1:25-cr-161 Salvadoran national Carlos Antonio Flores Monroy, 52, illegally entered the United States in 2001. On July 6, 2007, an Immigration Judge ordered Flores Monroy to be removed. On Feb. 14, 2024, Flores Monroy was arrested in Richmond for carrying a concealed weapon, for which he was convicted on July 19, 2024. He was removed on Oct. 3, 2024. On May 1, immigration officials encountered Flores Monroy in Richmond. On Aug. 5, Flores Monroy pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a prior removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 3:25-cr-83 After illegally entering the United States, Honduran national Maynor Dionicio Hernandez-Reyes was deported on Aug. 20, 2021, pursuant to a final order of removal. On April 10, ICE agents learned that Hernandez-Reyes had unlawfully reentered the United States when he was detained at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail in James City County. On Aug. 7, Hernandez-Reyes pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 4:25-cr-45 Pursuant to a final order of removal, Honduran national Jose Adoney Monge-Santos, 33, was removed from the United States in 2013, 2015, and 2016. He was first removed after he was arrested twice in 2013 for being drunk in public. On April 10, 2023, having illegally re-entered the United States following his third removal, he was arrested for public intoxication, assault and battery, and property damage after he grabbed a chair from behind a bar and struck a security guard on the head. On Nov. 11, 2024, Monge-Santos was arrested for felony malicious wounding by mob when he and others allegedly attacked a victim and forcibly tried to recruit him to their gang. On Nov. 15, 2024, ICE agents learned that Mr. Monge-Santos was back in the United States and had been detained at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. On June 9, Monge-Santos was arrested for public intoxication and trespass. On June 10, ICE officers arrested Monge-Santos and on Aug. 11 he pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a prior removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 1:25-cr-194 Salvadoran national Miguel Angel Alvarado Cordero, 23, was first removed from the United States on Feb. 11, 2022. On Feb. 19, ICE officers learned that Alvarado Cordero had unlawfully reentered the country following his detention in Fairfax County for two felony counts of possession of controlled substances, failure to appear on a felony offense, obstructing justice, disorderly conduct, property damage, and public intoxication. On May 9, Alvarado Cordero was arrested on a federal warrant and on Aug. 6 he pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 1:25-cr-159 On June 5, 2005, Honduran national Wilmer Roberto Lopez-Mejia, 46, illegally entered the United States. According to police reports, on July 11, 2008, Lopez-Mejia raped and repeatedly stabbed the mother of his two children, then left her to die. On March 26, 2009, following an extensive manhunt, Lopez-Mejia was apprehended and charged in Fairfax County with rape by force, threat, or intimidation; malicious wounding; and abduction with the intent to defile. On Sept. 28, 2009, Lopez-Mejia pled guilty to one count of unlawful wounding. Following his incarceration, Lopez-Mejia was removed from the United States, but Lopez-Mejia subsequently re-entered the United States illegally. On Feb. 26, Lopez-Mejia was arrested for the illegal re-entry. He pled guilty on April 24 and is awaiting sentencing. Lopez-Mejia remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-cr-78 Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for the case number provided above.


title: Federal Court Grants Justice Department’s Motion to Terminate 47-Year-Old Consent Decree Governing Employment by City of Norfolk’s Police and Fire Departments

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: This week, the Justice Department announced that the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia granted its motion to terminate a 1978 consent decree governing police and firefighter employment in Norfolk, Virginia. The consent decree settled the Department’s lawsuit, filed the same year, that alleged the City’s Police and Fire Departments unlawfully discriminated against blacks and females in its employment practices, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The City did not oppose the Justice Department’s motion. “Local communities must be able to choose firefighters and police officers based on skill and dedication to public safety – not to meet DEI quotas imposed by federal courts and the federal government,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Thanks to this Department of Justice, the City of Norfolk’s first responder hiring will finally be free from federal micromanagement for the first time in almost 50 years.” “Nearly half a century after it was entered, the Decree is no longer necessary or legally justifiable as a temporary measure to remedy employment discrimination that may have occurred long ago,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The City fully complied with the decree in its hiring, recruitment, and other employment matters, and the federal government should release supervision and return control to local authorities.” The full and fair enforcement of Title VII is a top priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt/ .


title: Centralia drug dealer sentenced to 17 years on meth and fentanyl charges

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a Centralia man to 204 months of federal imprisonment after he admitted to distributing pound quantities of meth and fentanyl. Jackie T. Scanlan, 54, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances: meth and fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance: meth. “This career offender built a life around selling dangerous narcotics and has a criminal history spanning over three decades of drug distribution,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “While he continued to make poor decisions following previous stints of incarceration, Scanlan’s 17-year federal prison sentence will help to protect the public from any further crimes.” According to court documents, law enforcement began investigating Scanlan for distributing meth and fentanyl from a motel room in February 2024. Initially, agents recovered 79 grams of meth, 24 fentanyl capsules and two scales in a traffic stop of Scanlan’s vehicle. “Our success in combating drug trafficking in southern Illinois is a direct result of the collaboration both within the FBI Springfield's Southern Illinois TOC-W Task Force and outside it with our dedicated partners,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. S. Johnson. “By combining our resources, we're able to effectively seize drugs and firearms, and arrest those who threaten the safety of our neighborhoods.” In March 2024, Scanlan admitted to driving from Centralia to St. Louis to purchase at least a pound of meth and more fentanyl capsules. In a subsequent traffic stop, law enforcement recovered 232 grams of meth and another bag of fentanyl capsules. Under federal sentencing guidelines, Scanlan qualified as a “career offender” for amassing several previous drug trafficking and other felony convictions. Career offenders are eligible for longer terms of federal imprisonment. Following imprisonment, Scanlan will serve four years of supervised release. The FBI Springfield Field Office TOC-West Task Force led the investigation with support from the Centralia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Reppert prosecuted the case.


title: Mexican Cartel Leader Servando Gomez-Martinez In U.S. Custody On Drug Importation Charge

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Frank A. Tarentino, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging SERVANDO GOMEZ-MARTINEZ, a/k/a “La Tuta,” with conspiring to import cocaine and methamphetamine into the U.S. GOMEZ-MARTINEZ was taken into U.S. custody from Mexico yesterday and will be presented on the charge contained in the Indictment today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl. “As alleged, Servando Gomez-Martinez was a leader, enforcer, drug trafficker, weapons supplier, and public spokesman for the violent drug trafficking organization, La Familia Michoacana, based in Mexico,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “La Familia Michoacana imported vast quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico and engaged in extensive violence in furtherance of its drug trafficking activities, including against those Mexican law enforcement officials who stood in its way. This Office and our partners in the DEA are committed to bankrupting the cartels and bringing their leaders to justice.” “The expulsion of Servando Gomez-Martinez marks a significant step in our fight against the world’s most violent and prolific drug trafficking organizations,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino. “For years, Gomez-Martinez allegedly fueled the cocaine and methamphetamine trade that devastated communities across the United States, and the DEA remains committed to bringing such ruthless cartel leaders to justice.” According to the allegations contained in the Indictment: [1] GOMEZ-MARTINEZ was the operational chief of La Familia Michoacana (“LFM”), a powerful, violent drug trafficking organization based in the state of Michoacan, in southwestern Mexico. LFM controlled drug manufacturing and distribution within and around the state of Michoacan, as well as a port that served as a key transshipment point for drug shipments. LFM imported vast quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico. In addition, LFM forbade the sale or use of methamphetamine in the areas under its control in Mexico, and instructed its members that its methamphetamine was solely for export to the United States. GOMEZ-MARTINEZ made public statements on behalf of LFM and was responsible for, among other things, ensuring that LFM’s drug trafficking activities were not impeded by law enforcement, and for acquiring weapons for use by LFM. Under the leadership of GOMEZ-MARTINEZ and others, LFM engaged in extensive violence, including assault, murder, and kidnapping to support its narcotics trafficking activities. On or about July 17, 2009, days after the bodies of 12 Mexican federal police officers believed to have been murdered by LFM were discovered in Michoacan, GOMEZ-MARTINEZ gave a recorded statement to a local television station in Michoacan. In the statement, GOMEZ-MARTINEZ publicly acknowledged that he was a member of LFM and, among other things, claimed that he was in charge of the port city of Lazaro Cardenas in Michoacan; that LFM was in a battle against the Mexican federal police and prosecutors; and that LFM kidnaps people who owe LFM money and those whose family members work in state and federal governments. GOMEZ-MARTINEZ was transferred on August 12, 2025, from Mexico to the United States pursuant to Mexico’s National Security law. He was among more than two dozen wanted fugitives facing a range of federal and state criminal charges from around the country, including charges relating to drug-trafficking, hostage-taking, kidnapping, illegal use of firearms, human smuggling, money laundering, the murder of a sheriff’s deputy, and other crimes. * * * GOMEZ-MARTINEZ, 59, a Mexican national, is charged with conspiring to import cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The mandatory minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s New York Field Division, Houston Field Division, and Mexico City Country Office, as well as the assistance of the Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Government of Mexico. This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel G. Nessim, Henry L. Ross, and Kyle A. Wirshba are in charge of the prosecution. The charge contained in the Indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. u.s._v._gomez_martinez_et_al_indictment.pdf [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Lead Defendant in Whittier-Based Quiet Village Racketeering Case Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges, Admits to 2022 Gun Murder

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: SANTA ANA, California – A shot caller in the Whittier-based Quiet Village (QV) street gang pleaded guilty today to federal charges, including shooting a woman to death while attempting to murder a law enforcement source in Commerce in March 2022 and the attempted murder of a rival gang member in El Monte earlier that year. Chase Carrillo, 36, a.k.a. “Sicko,” of Santa Fe Springs, the lead defendant in a 16-count superseding indictment targeting the gang, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and one count of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, resulting in death. He has been in federal custody since July 2023. According to his plea agreement, Carrillo participated in Quiet Village gang activities from at least 2014 until June 2023, including his assault of two California corrections officers while he was serving a sentence in state prison in September 2014. The plea agreement further outlines the history of QV and its close alliance with another street gang, Whittier Varrio Locos (WVL). On January 13, 2022, Carrillo got involved in an argument with a rival gang member in El Monte. That altercation ended with Carrillo and a co-conspirator shooting the rival gangster, who was struck eight to 10 times by bullets and was severely wounded. In early March 2022, a co-conspirator obtained a police report about the incident that named a victim identified in court documents as “J.P.” as a person who provided authorities information about the El Monte shooting, and asked an accomplice to distribute the report, stating it should go “to all the homies,” which was interpreted as a message to fellow gang members that J.P. should be murdered for cooperating with law enforcement. On March 5, 2022, two days after the police report began circulating among gang members, Carrillo and a co-conspirator – who were driving a car rented with a stolen credit card – encountered J.P. in Commerce. Carrillo got out of the rental car and fired at least two rounds into the vehicle J.P. was riding in with the intent to kill him. J.P. was not hit, but the driver of the vehicle – a woman identified in court documents as M.F. – was fatally wounded. Carrillo admitted in his plea agreement that his purpose in committing the murder was to maintain and increase his position in the QV enterprise by killing J.P., a person that he believed was cooperating with law enforcement. Carrillo further admitted that he caused at least $150,000 in losses and damages to the El Monte shooting victim and at least $150,000 in losses and damages to M.F.’s next of kin and heirs. United States District Judge Fred W. Slaughter scheduled a February 26, 2026, sentencing hearing, at which time Carrillo will face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison. The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force and involved agents and officers assigned to the Task Force from the FBI, the El Monte Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Pomona Police Department and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s Special Service Unit. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also participated in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Wilson Park and Kellye Ng of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Assistant United States Attorney Danbee Kim of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section are prosecuting this case.


title: ILLEGAL ALIEN SENTENCED FOR SMUGGLING ALIENS INTO THE UNITED STATES AND POSSESSION OF FIREARMS

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

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Pedro Cesar Ramos-Cruz, 33, of the country of Cuba, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for Conspiracy to Bring Aliens into the United States, Illegal Reentry by a Removed Alien, and Possession of a Firearm by an Alien. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said, “This case is another shining example of the great success of the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America and fulfills the promise of President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to stop the flow of illegal immigration into our country. This criminal alien not only repeatedly illegally entered our country, but he also endangered our communities by smuggling other illegal aliens into and throughout the United States, while in possession of stolen firearms. My office will aggressively prosecute these offenders to keep our communities safe.” Court records reflect that Ramos-Cruz was encountered by Florida Highway Patrol Troopers and found in possession of an alien smuggling ledger, 20 foreign passports, $13,709 in currency, narcotics, and stolen firearms. Homeland Security Investigations quickly determined that Ramos-Cruz, an alien in the United States and a citizen of Cuba, had been previously deported from the United States in 2019 and in 2020. Further investigation demonstrated that Ramos-Cruz was working with the Gulf Cartel and was actively smuggling aliens from Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Columbia into the United States. “This criminal illegal alien repeatedly violated our nations laws, possessed stolen firearms, narcotics, and smuggled people in and throughout the United States like a commodity, with no regard for their safety or wellbeing,” said Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “HSI Tallahassee, and our federal, state and local partners, will use every tool at our disposal to stop this kind of criminal conduct and keep our communities safe.” “What started as a simple traffic stop ended with the takedown of a Gulf Cartel-linked human smuggler who had been moving people across the southern border during the Biden administration and into Florida,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. “We don’t just make arrests—FDLE picks up the rock and looks at what’s crawling underneath. We run the long, protracted, multi-jurisdictional cases that follow the trail across state lines, across borders, and straight to the people fueling these criminal networks. I’m proud of our agents’ relentless work on this case and their commitment to keeping Florida safe.” An ICE detainer has been lodged against Ramos-Cruz, and he will begin deportation proceedings after he serves his federal prison term. The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement Removal Operations, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Florida Highway Patrol. Former Assistant United States Attorney Corey J. Smith and Assistant United States Attorney Jason R. Coody prosecuted 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 United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Long Island Resident Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Covid-19 Loan Fraud

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Niall Alli was sentenced by United States District Judge Gary R. Brown to 48 months in prison, in connection with a $1.7 million disaster relief fraud and wire fraud perpetrated during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the sentence, Alli was also ordered to pay $1.7 million in restitution to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and approximately $135,000 in forfeiture consisting of assets seized from corporate bank accounts and Ethereum from a corporate Coinbase wallet. Alli pleaded guilty in December 2023. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Daniel Brubaker, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division (USPIS) announced the sentence. “Alli saw the COVID-19 programs and the deadly pandemic as an avenue for stealing money from the government and taxpayers, to spend nearly $500,000 to purchase cryptocurrency, $140,000 on two wristwatches, a $36,000 stay at a luxury Manhattan hotel, and an $800 bottle of champagne and $600 bottle of Scotch at fine restaurants,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The defendant now knows the price of such conduct is the loss of his freedom and full restitution to the Small Business Administration. Today’s sentence should also put scammers like the defendant on notice that there is no free pass for those who take advantage of important relief programs.” Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the SBA for their partnership on the case. “Alli's compulsion for fraud resulted in government money intended to assist struggling businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, exploited for a short-lived lavish lifestyle. Today's sentencing is proof that Postal Inspectors will relentlessly pursue any individuals who take advantage of the U.S. Mail to defraud the government and steal taxpayer funds. I would like to thank the United States Attorney's Office, Eastern District of New York, and the Small Business Administration for their work on this investigation,” stated USPIS Inspector in Charge Brubaker. As set forth in court filings, Alli was associated with two corporate entities, Allicorp, Inc. and Oxypaper, Inc. Between approximately April 2020 and November 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alli engaged in a scheme to defraud the SBA and several financial institutions administering the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of federal COVID-19 emergency-relief funds meant for distressed small businesses. Alli fraudulently applied for, and received, four PPP loans, totaling over $1.7 million, on behalf of the two corporate entities he controlled. The applications contained false information, including bogus financial data and fabricated payrolls, which was designed to fraudulently induce the SBA and lenders administering the PPP programs to approve the loans. Once the loans were approved and disbursed, Alli filed fraudulent forgiveness applications supported by fictitious financial statements and false statements. Alli utilized the loan proceeds to enrich himself, including by discharging personal debts and making extravagant purchases. For example, he purchased two Patek Philippe wristwatches for $138,568; paid for private school tuition for his child; purchased nearly half a million dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency; and spent tens of thousands of dollars on luxury hotel stays. The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorney Charles P. Kelly is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Samantha Schroder and Ana Maria Tejada. The Defendant : NIALL ALLI Age: 52 Inwood, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-395 (S-1) (GRB)


title: Shiprock Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Shooting into Vehicle

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to 102 months in prison for a drive-by shooting that left a victim seriously injured. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on January 9, 2025, Larence Cambridge , 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was a passenger in his own car when he fired multiple shots at another vehicle carrying two victims along U.S. Highway 64 near Shiprock, New Mexico. Cambridge struck the vehicle several times, seriously injuring one occupant, then fled the scene. Upon his release from prison, Cambridge will be subject to five years of supervised release and over $13,000 in restitution. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Probasco prosecuted the case.


title: Mexican man pleads guilty to illegal reentry

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: MISSOULA – A man from Mexico accused of being in the United States illegally admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. The defendant, Daniel Yepez-Gaytan, 41, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien. Yepez-Gaytan faces 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen DeSoto presided. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for December 10, 2025. Yepez-Gaytan was detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that on April 23, 2025, Daniel Yepez-Gaytan, aka Daniel Guzman-Calderon, an alien and citizen of Mexico, who was last removed from the United States in November 2013, was found in Bozeman, Montana without having received express consent of the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States. On April 23, 2025, law enforcement stopped a pickup truck driven by Daniel Yepez-Gaytan. He provided law enforcement with a Washington State driver’s license. After querying government databases, law enforcement was able to determine that Yepez-Gaytan was a foreign national present in the United States illegally, with no claim to citizenship or documentation pending to support any claim to legal status. Yepez-Gaytan confirmed his identity, nationality, illegal entry, previous removals, and his lack of application to the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of Homeland Security for permission to re-enter after his removals. Yepez-Gaytan’s alien registration file shows he was originally deported on July 30, 2004, through El Paso, Texas. He has three subsequent removals with the last removal date of November 14, 2013, through Laredo, Texas. Additionally, Yepez-Gaytan has two prior criminal convictions from 2011 for illegal entry and illegal reentry. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Missouri River Drug Task Force conducted the investigation. 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). XXX


title: Duo Sentenced to Federal Prison for Armed Robbery of Speedway CVS

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Two Indianapolis men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in the armed robbery of a Speedway CVS in April 2024. John Rice, 29, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Robert Larue, 45, has been sentenced to eight years and one month in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to interference with commerce by robbery, possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to court documents, on April 13, 2024, Larue and Rice robbed a CVS pharmacy located on Cunningham Road in Speedway, Indiana. Armed with guns, the pair entered the store and passed a note to an employee that read, “Open the register and nobody has to get hurt.” They fled the scene in a blue Chevrolet Captiva, stealing an undisclosed amount of cash that, unbeknownst to them, included a GPS tracker. The Speedway Police Department was alerted immediately and, within thirty minutes, located the suspects driving the Captiva. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the pair fled and eventually abandoned the vehicle to run on foot. After a short pursuit, officers arrested both Larue and Rice. During a search, officers located a black Ruger semiautomatic pistol in Larue’s pants pocket and a teal Taurus semiautomatic pistol in a small backpack belonging to Rice. Officers also recovered $1,576 in cash and the GPS tracker. Larue has multiple prior felony convictions, including armed robbery in 2011, armed robbery in 2006, and auto theft in 2000. These prior felony convictions prohibit him from ever legally possessing a firearm again. “These armed criminals terrorized employees, putting innocent lives at risk for quick cash,” said Tom Wheeler, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Thanks to the quick action of Speedway Police and our federal partners, they were caught within minutes and will now spend years in prison. We will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure that those who use guns to commit violent crimes and intimidate the public are swiftly brought to justice.” "The ATF is proud of the successful outcome of this investigation and prosecution. Removing violent, armed offenders like Rice and Larue from our streets ensures they can no longer harm innocent people. These results are made possible by the strong, collaborative relationship we share with our local law enforcement partners," said ATF Special Agent in Charge, Thomas Greco. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Speedway Police Department investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon. U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Barloh, who prosecuted this 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: Cincinnati woman charged with stealing more than $148,000 from elderly or ill veterans

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – Federal agents arrested a Cincinnati woman today in Louisville, Kentucky, on charges alleging she misappropriated money that she was managing on behalf of four United States military veterans. Ishwanzya Rivers, 46, also allegedly made false statements to the federal government to cover up her theft. According to charging documents, Rivers stole more than $133,000 from one elderly, dying veteran who lived at the VA hospital in Cincinnati. Rivers allegedly misappropriated the victim’s money at least 45 times from June 2021 through November 2022. It is also alleged that she stole smaller amounts of money from three other elderly or infirm veterans totaling more than $15,000. Rivers allegedly used the money for shopping, restaurants and to travel to New Orleans, Montego Bay, Cancun, London, Panama, Zurich, Vienna and Maldives. Misappropriating funds as a fiduciary and making false statements are federal crimes each punishable by up to five years in prison. The case is being investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Central Field Office. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Landry is representing the United States in this case. A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. # # #


title: Two Men Arrested in Connection with Seizure of Approximately 73 Kilograms of Cocaine with an Estimated Value of Over $1 Million

body_text: BOSTON – Two Massachusetts men have been arrested and charged in connection with the seizure of approximately 73 kilos of cocaine in Revere, Mass. Noel Betances, 42, of Chelsea and Reylin Segura, 31, of Boston, were charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. The defendants made their initial appearances in federal court in Boston earlier today. According to court documents, in 2023 law enforcement began an investigation of packages sent from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts that were suspected to contain narcotics. Betances was identified as the individual allegedly picking up the packages and transporting them to locations around Chelsea, Revere and Boston, including 16 Rand Street, Revere. On Aug. 12, 2025, Betances was seen exiting 16 Rand Street with a box, which he allegedly transferred to Segura in exchange for a plastic bag. It is alleged that the box was later found to contain four kilograms of cocaine along with a bag containing bundled cash. According to court records, a subsequent search of 16 Rand Street resulted in the seizure of an additional 69 kilograms of cocaine and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash. The value of the cocaine seized is estimated at over $1 million. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and up to life and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Revere Police Department, Boston Police Department and the Worcester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: 18th Street Gang Associate from El Salvador Pleads Guilty to Dealing Fentanyl

body_text: BOSTON – A Salvadoran national associated with the transnational criminal organization 18th Street Gang pleaded guilty today to selling 1,000 fentanyl pills in and around the North Shore area of Boston. Orlando Mancia, a/k/a Intruso, 22, unlawfully residing in Everett, Mass. pleaded guilty today to distributing and possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams and more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Senior Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for Nov. 18, 2025. On Oct. 15, 2024, in Everett, Mancia sold approximately 500 pressed fentanyl pills to a cooperating witness. Later, on Oct. 23, 2024, Mancia again sold another 500 pressed fentanyl pills along with cocaine to the cooperating witness. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The defendant is subject to deportation proceedings 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; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement & Removal Operations; Suffolk County and Middlesex County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Falmouth, Lynn, Medford, Nantucket and Revere Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Moran and Fred Wyshak of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Maryland Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Fentanyl

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Court Judge Deborah L. Boardman sentenced Mikiyas Kefyalew, 27, of Silver Spring, Maryland, to eight years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a Bethesda, Maryland, minor in January 2022. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Acting Special Agent in Charge Shane Todd, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division; Chief Marc R. Yamada, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD); and Chief Jason West, Rockville City Police Department (RCPD). “This case is a heartbreaking example of the horrific impact fentanyl is having on our communities, especially our youth,” Hayes said. “Unfortunately, no sentence can undo the devastating loss suffered by this young victim’s family who will live with the consequences of this defendant’s ruthless actions for the rest of their lives. Our office and law enforcement partners remain firmly committed to seeking justice for victims of the fentanyl crisis and doing everything in our power to hold fentanyl dealers accountable.” “Illegal drugs kill people. Fentanyl kills people,” Todd said. “Criminals like Mr. Kefyalew destroy lots of families by selling deadly illicit drugs, many of which are laced with fentanyl. What’s even more concerning is that they prey on vulnerable individuals by misleading them into believing they are consuming something different. This sentence reflects our dedication to investigating and holding accountable those criminals responsible for perpetuating opioid addiction and fatal poisonings in our community. Our job is to ultimately protect the lives of our residents.” According to court documents, Kefyalew knowingly and intentionally distributed a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and 4-Anilino-N-phenethlpiperdine (“despropionyl fentanyl”) to Victim 1, resulting in Victim 1’s death. Kefyalew distributed the fentanyl in the form of circular, blue pills with “M 30” imprinted on them. This mimics the markings on legitimate pills that one receives from a manufacturer containing oxycodone hydrochloride. Kefyalew was subject to a higher sentence for knowingly misrepresenting fentanyl as another substance, and for distributing to a vulnerable victim. In addition to his prison sentence, Judge Boardman also ordered Kefyalew to forfeit funds he received from drug dealing, and to pay restitution. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA, MCPD, and RCPD for their work in the investigation, and the Metropolitan Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Department, and Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Wright and Joel Crespo who prosecuted this case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Rhode Island Man Indicted for Threats Against President Trump, Attorney General Bondi, and White House Chief of Staff Miller

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Rhode Island man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Rhode Island for allegedly threatening to take the life of President Trump and to kill or injure Attorney General Pamela Bondi and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, announced Acting Rhode Island United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. The indictment returned today charges Carl D. Montague, 37, with threats against the President and interstate communications of threats. Court documents filed previously allege that on June 27, 2025, Montague issued a profanity-laced posting on Truth Social threatening to shoot and kill President Trump, Attorney General Bondi, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Miller. A federal criminal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Montague, released with GPS monitoring following his initial appearance on a criminal complaint filed previously in this matter, will be arraigned on a later date. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dulce Donovan. The matter was investigated by the FBI, United States Secret Service, and the Providence Police Department. ###


title: Grand jury indicts illegal alien for sexually exploiting 12-year-old victim

body_text: CINCINNATI – A Mexican national was indicted by a federal grand jury today and charged with sexually exploiting a 12-year-old girl in the Southern District of Ohio. Victor Juarez, 26, allegedly created videos of his sexual abuse of the minor victim on at least 13 instances in October and November 2024. He is charged with 13 counts of sexual exploitation of children. In February 2025, Juarez was charged with rape in Hamilton County. The federal charges will now supersede his local ones. Sexually exploiting children is a federal crime punishable by at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison. The FBI’s Cincinnati Division and police departments in Cincinnati, Sharonville and Springdale are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Healey is representing the United States in this case. An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. # # #


title: Leaders Of Sinaloa Cartel Presented In Manhattan Federal Court

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Terrance C. Cole, announced that KEVIN GIL ACOSTA, a/k/a “El 200,” MARTIN ZAZUETA PEREZ, a/k/a “Piyi,” and LEOBARDO GARCIA CORRALES, a/k/a “Leo,” arrived from Mexico in the Southern District of New York last night. GIL ACOSTA, ZAZUETA PEREZ, and GARCIA CORRALES are charged with fentanyl trafficking and weapons offenses in connection with their roles working for the Sinaloa Cartel. The defendants were presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo and detained. “The illicit fentanyl trade continues to plague Americans and New Yorkers of all walks of life, and the Sinaloa Cartel, a vast, deadly, and corrupt enterprise, is at the center of the scourge,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The defendants allegedly held leading roles, using abhorrent violence to protect the Cartel. Their arrival yesterday in the United States to face justice in a U.S. courtroom is another major step in the partnership between our Office and the DEA to end the operations of the Sinaloa Cartel.” According to the allegations contained in the Indictments against GIL ACOSTA, ZAZUETA PEREZ, and GARCIA CORRALES, and other court filings: [1] The Sinaloa Cartel (the “Cartel”), based in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, operates in countries around the world and is one of the dominant drug trafficking organizations in the Western Hemisphere responsible for the massive influx of fentanyl into the United States, as well as the accompanying violence and deaths that have afflicted communities on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. To protect and further the Cartel’s fentanyl trafficking operations, the Cartel, and specifically, the sons of the Cartel’s notorious former leader, Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera, a/k/a “El Chapo,” known collectively as the “Chapitos,” have relied upon armed enforcers, known as sicarios . These sicarios comprise a security apparatus built to commit acts of violence to protect the Chapitos’ operation and its leaders, territory, labs, trafficking routes, and money. They regularly use military-grade weapons which are often smuggled from the United States, including machine guns, to perpetrate violence, including murder, torture, and kidnapping. GIL ACOSTA and ZAZUETA PEREZ were leaders of the Chapitos’ security apparatus. GIL ACOSTA served as the leader of a group of sicarios tasked with protecting the Chapitos’ fentanyl laboratories and fentanyl distribution routes, and personally trafficked fentanyl manufactured in labs controlled by the Chapitos. ZAZUETA PEREZ was responsible for providing security in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, including by protecting the Chapitos’ fentanyl operations through kidnapping, torture, and murder using machine guns and other weapons. On behalf of the Chapitos, GIL ACOSTA and ZAZUETA PEREZ participated in attacks against Mexican government and military officials, including during the Mexican authorities’ failed efforts in or about October 2019 to arrest one of the Chapitos. Specifically, during that operation, GIL ACOSTA led sicarios armed with AK-47s, M-16s, and AR-15s in attacks on Mexican government and military officials, and ZAZUETA PEREZ, armed with an AR-15 and grenade launcher, conducted attacks on Mexican government and military officials. GARCIA CORRALES is a fentanyl supplier who has worked closely with the Sinaloa Cartel and has produced fentanyl in ton quantities. He oversaw the importation of kilogram quantities of fentanyl into the United States and conspired with others to arrange the sale of fentanyl in exchange for military-grade weapons, including hundreds of automatic weapons and .50-caliber rifles and grenades, for the purpose of promoting and protecting his drug trafficking activities. In connection with those efforts, GARCIA CORRALES and his co-conspirators delivered approximately 33 kilograms of fentanyl to buyers in the United States as partial payment for the planned weapons deal. GIL ACOSTA, ZAZUETA PEREZ, and GARCIA CORRALES were transferred on August 12, 2025, from Mexico to the United States pursuant to Mexico’s National Security law. They were among more than two dozen wanted fugitives facing a range of federal and state criminal charges from around the country, including charges relating to drug trafficking, hostage-taking, kidnapping, illegal use of firearms, human smuggling, money laundering, the murder of a sheriff’s deputy, and other crimes. * * * GIL ACOSTA, 35; ZAZUETA PEREZ, 29; and GARCIA CORRALES, 55, all from Mexico, are each charged with one count of fentanyl importation conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of possession of machine guns and destructive devices, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; and one count of conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. GIL ACOSTA and ZAZUETA PEREZ are also each charged with one count of fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The mandatory minimum and maximum potential sentences in these cases are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit and the DEA offices in Mexico, as well as the assistance of the Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, the United States Marshals Service, and the Government of Mexico. This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas S. Bradley, Jane Y. Chong, Sarah L. Kushner, and David J. Robles are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. u.s._v._garcia_corrales_et_al_indictment.pdf u.s._v._zazueta_perez_indictment.pdf u.s._v._gil_acosta_indictment.pdf [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictments and the description of the Indictments set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Salvadoran nationals plead guilty in conspiracy to steal  and sell catalytic converters

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Two Salvadoran nationals pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in interstate transportation and sale of stolen goods. According to court documents, beginning in September 2024, Erick Alfaro Guevara, 46, and Jose Wilmer Ortiz Granados, 23, stole catalytic converters from cars in Virginia and sold them in Maryland. Alfaro Guevara and Ortiz Granados used their cellphones to communicate about stealing catalytic converters, which they typically did at night or in the early morning, and used saws to remove the catalytic converters from parked vehicles. On Dec. 18, 2024, Alfaro Guevara and Ortiz Granados traveled from Maryland to Arlington County where they burglarized multiple vehicles and stole catalytic converters. Later, law enforcement in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, responded to the scene of a single-car accident involving the vehicle Alfaro Guevara and Ortiz Granados had used. Alfaro Guevara and Ortiz Granados were gone by the time officers arrived at the scene. Investigators recovered 17 stolen catalytic converters as well as Alfaro Guevara’s cellphone. Ortiz Granados pled guilty on July 1 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 30. Alfaro Guevara pled guilty yesterday and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 28. They face up to five years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema accepted the plea. The Fairfax County Police Department, Arlington County Police Department, Richmond Police Department, Montgomery County Police Department, and Anne Arundel County Police Department provided significant assistance in the investigation of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine E. Rumbaugh and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca C. Fisher are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 1:25-cr-160 (Otiz Granados) and 1:25-cr-224 (Alfaro Guevara).


title: California Couple Sentenced for Unlawful Multimillion-Dollar Trafficking Scheme Across U.S.-Mexico Border

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: Otilio Rodriguez Toledo and Alicia Aispuro Hernandez, husband and wife from Thermal, California, were sentenced today for conspiring to smuggle and distribute Mexican pesticides and veterinary drugs that are not approved for use in the United States. Toledo was sentenced to five months in prison followed by 24 months of supervised release. Hernandez was sentenced to time served followed by 18 months of supervised release. Both were ordered to jointly pay $2.19 million in forfeiture. “This case reflects our commitment to defend our southern border against those who traffic in unlawful substances that jeopardize the health and safety of Americans,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “The Justice Department will hold accountable those who violate our environmental and customs laws, and we will ensure that they do not profit from their crimes.” “Selling illegal pesticides and veterinary drugs endangers people, animals, and the environment,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California. “Our office will continue to prosecute those individuals who disregard the dangerous consequences of their illegal smuggling.” “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the smuggling of unregistered pesticides. Defendants smuggled unregistered pesticides that are toxic to bees, and to humans,” said Deputy Assistant Administrator for Management Cecil Rodrigues of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Defendants deliberately put people at risk for their own profit and are now being held accountable for their egregious actions.” “The FDA regulates animal drugs as part of its mission to protect the public health, which includes ensuring that prescription animal drugs are lawfully distributed and dispensed pursuant to a valid prescription,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Wade Moon of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations, Kansas City Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who distribute prescription animal drugs unlawfully.” “There is a reason customs laws exist particularly when pesticides and chemicals are attempting to make their way into our country to potentially wreak havoc on our environment and potentially make people seriously ill,” said Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson for HSI San Diego. “Success of this investigation is directly attributed to the cooperation of multiple law enforcement agencies working together to ensure uncommon illegal substance don’t make their way into our nation causing irrecoverable damage.” According to filings and evidence presented in court, since at least December 2018, Toledo and Hernandez had engaged in smuggling pesticides and veterinary drugs from Mexico into the United States and then distributing them in the United States. The pesticides involved were primarily Taktic and Bovitraz, which are not registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in the United States. The smuggled veterinary drugs included Tetragent Aves, Metabolase, Terramicina, Cipio Vet, Baytril Max, Tylovet, Caterrol, Penicilina, and Tylosma, which are not approved by the FDA for use in the United States. The smuggled pesticides and veterinary drugs were brought into the United States through the Calexico Port of Entry in Imperial County, California, and placed in storage units near the border. Smugglers would then send photographs of the products at the storage units as proof of delivery. These defendants would then pick up the products from the storage units and distribute them to others within the United States. According to the EPA, the active ingredient in the pesticides Taktic and Bovitraz is amitraz, which is toxic to bees if released into hives, and then ultimately to humans when it ends up in honey, honeycomb, and beeswax. Misuse of amitraz-containing products in beehives can result in exposures that could cause neurological effects and possibly reproductive effects in humans from the consumption of contaminated honey. Signs of neurotoxicity from exposure to amitraz have been documented in multiple animal species and include central nervous system depression, decrease in pulse rate, and hypothermia. The EPA, FDA, and HSI investigated the case. Assistant Section Chief Stephen Da Ponte of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Van Demark for the Southern District of California prosecuted the case.


title: Federal Jury Convicts Man For Producing, Distributing, And Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Joshua Keith Davis (53, Jacksonville) guilty of five counts of production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), five counts of distribution of CSAM, and one count of possession of CSAM. Davis faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison for each production offense, a minimum of 5 years, up to 20 years’, imprisonment for each distribution offense, and up to 20 years in prison for the possession offense. His sentencing hearing is set for October 29, 2025. According to evidence presented at trial, between 2011 and 2013, Davis produced CSAM depicting infants. He distributed the material to several individuals online. Davis was also found in possession of CSAM in 2022. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman and Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: St. Louis County Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Sharing Child Pornography

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark on Monday sentenced a St. Louis County, Missouri man who shared child sexual abuse material with an undercover police officer to eight years in prison. Judge Clark also ordered James C. Astorian to pay $10,000 in restitution to the victims that have been identified in the images that he collected. Astorian was caught with 6,110 images and 728 videos containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) after an investigation that began after Astorian shared multiple images and videos containing CSAM with a St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officer via a peer-to-peer network. Astorian told investigators that he had been trafficking in CSAM for about two years, according to a government sentencing memorandum, which also says some of the images were “notably violent.” Astorian, 40, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in March to one count of possession of child pornography. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Pennsylvania Woman Convicted in Million-Dollar Government Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: MONTGOMERY, AL – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, with the IRS Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office, announced that a federal jury has convicted a York, Pennsylvania woman for her role in a conspiracy that defrauded the United States government of more than $1 million. On August 13, 2025, the jury found 44-year-old Queen Naja, also known as Renata Winifred Ince and Naja Talibah Zahir, guilty of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in April 2021, Naja contacted 42-year-old Quentin Diego Sturgeon of Montgomery, Alabama, through social media with a proposed scheme to illicitly obtain funds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The plan involved creating a legal trust, filing false documents with the IRS, and submitting a fraudulent check in order to trigger a payment to Sturgeon to which he was not entitled. Testimony at trial detailed the coordinated efforts of the two co-conspirators. First, Sturgeon, as directed by Naja, created a trust naming himself as trustee. The two then submitted multiple fraudulent documents to the IRS falsely reporting tax payments from the trust. Naja also submitted a payment voucher accompanied by a bogus check. Once that was done, Sturgeon filed paperwork claiming the trust had made an overpayment and requested a refund. As a result of these combined false submissions, the IRS issued a U.S. Treasury check for $1,010,561.26. Sturgeon pleaded guilty on November 25, 2024, to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and money laundering. During his plea hearing, Sturgeon admitted to his role in the scheme and acknowledged using proceeds to purchase high-value personal items, including a Mercedes-Benz automobile. Sentencing hearings for both defendants will be scheduled in the coming months. Naja and Sturgeon each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, substantial fines, and an order of restitution. There is no parole in the federal system. “This conviction is the result of outstanding cooperation between federal prosecutors, IRS Criminal Investigation, and local law enforcement,” stated Acting United States Attorney Davidson. “This verdict should send a clear warning that if you defraud the United States government, you will be held accountable. Our office will continue to protect taxpayer dollars and pursue those who seek to steal from the public treasury.” “The federal jury held Queen Naja accountable for their fraudulent methods to steal money from American taxpayers,” said Special Agent in Charge Hardeman. “Criminal prosecution and lengthy prison terms await those who defraud the tax system. IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are highly skilled at following the money to find those who defraud our tax system for personal gain.” Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) investigated this case with assistance from the Montgomery Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan A. Kirkpatrick and Melanie E. Corbett are prosecuting the case.


title: Cincinnati man allegedly involved in downtown brawl charged with federal gun crime

body_text: CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati man charged locally as part of the July 26 brawl in downtown Cincinnati now also faces a federal firearms charge. A federal grand jury today indicted Montanez Merriweather, 34, with illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. According to the indictment, on July 2, Merriweather illegally possessed a 9mm pistol. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms. “There is no place for violence in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Those who commit violent acts can expect to be scrutinized and they will be held accountable for violations of federal criminal law.” Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas A. Greco of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) stated: “Violence, in any form and under any circumstance, has no place in a civilized society. When warranted, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in close coordination with our law enforcement partners, will employ the full extent of our legal authority and resources to identify, apprehend, and remove violent offenders from our communities.” Merriweather, who has been identified as a participant in the July 26 brawl in downtown Cincinnati, is currently in state custody on local charges that include assault, felonious assault and aggravated riot. Possessing a firearm as a convicted felon is a federal crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Thomas A. Greco, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and Cincinnati Police Chief Theresa A. Theetge announced the new charge. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Brucato is representing the United States in this case. An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. # # #


title: Eighty Year Sentence for Former Candidate Who Orchestrated Shootings and Murder-for-Hire After Election Loss

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Solomon Peña was sentenced to 960 months in prison for orchestrating a politically motivated shooting spree and plotting to murder witnesses to obstruct justice. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Solomon Peña , 42, ran for District 14 of the New Mexico House of Representatives during the November 2022 midterm elections. After his electoral defeat, Peña falsely claimed the election was rigged and began pressuring members of the Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners not to certify the results. When they refused, Peña recruited Jose Trujillo and Demetrio Trujillo to carry out a series of shootings at the homes of several public officials. Peña provided cash, instructions, and addresses, and personally participated in one of the attacks. One of the shootings involved a fully automatic machine gun. Multiple rounds struck areas of the homes where children had recently been or were sleeping. Following his arrest, Peña attempted to have Jose and Demetrio Trujillo murdered to prevent them from testifying, offering fellow inmates money and a vehicle in exchange for their deaths. On March 23, 2025, a federal jury found Peña guilty of all counts of the indictment, including conspiracy, being a felon in possession of a firearm, four counts of intimidation and interference with federally protected activities, four counts of using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and three counts of solicitation to commit a crime of violence. “Violence and intimidation have no place in our elections,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “This sentence shows that through the tireless work of our agents and prosecutors we will protect our democracy and bring offenders to justice.” "The FBI is committed to protecting the American people and bringing justice to those who try to harm others and disrupt our democratic processes,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell. “We are grateful for our local and federal partners who worked tirelessly to ensure Solomon Peña is no longer a harm to the public." Upon his release from prison, Peña will be subject to three years of supervised release. The court also ordered him to pay restitution and a $250,000 fine. Jose Trujillo pleaded guilty to conspiracy, interference with federally protected activities, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, discharging said firearm, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 37 months in prison. Demetrio Trujillo pleaded guilty to conspiracy, two counts of interference with federally protected activities, one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and discharging said firearm and was sentenced to 180 months in prison. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office and the Albuquerque Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy Peña and Patrick E. Cordova for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorney William Gullotta of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section prosecuted the case.


title: Former city council member guilty of facilitating bribe payments

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas –A 47-year-old Edinburg resident has pleaded guilty to his role in a “pay-to-play” bribery scheme involving the Edinburg City Council, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Jorge “Coach” Salinas admitted that between June 2019 and March 2020, he participated in a scheme involving businesses seeking contracts with the city of Edinburg. Salinas, then a councilman, attended meetings where a business owner sought to reinstate a long-term contract that had expired and converted to month-to-month terms. The business operated in Edinburg and the surrounding area. The owner had sought both to secure new work agreements and maintain existing ones with the city. The owner spoke with Miguel Garza who outlined what would be needed to persuade the council to approve the deal. Garza claimed to know several council members, to include Salinas. He said that for a payment, he could deliver Salinas’ vote in favor of the contract and ensure a majority of council members supported it. Part of the money would go to certain members of the council who made up the majority. On July 23, 2019, Salinas met with Garza and the business owner to discuss the pending contract. The business owner gave Garza $3,000 at that time, because Garza had represented they had an agreement to secure the Edinburg City Council vote on behalf of the business owner’s company. By attending this meeting, Salinas aided and abetted Garza’s criminal scheme to have council members take official acts in exchange for monetary payment. “The public has a right to expect honesty and integrity from government officials,” said Ganjei. “If you participate in a pay-to-play scheme in the Southern District of Texas, you will definitely pay—the cost will be a federal indictment and prison term.” U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton will impose sentencing Nov. 5. At that time, Salinas faces a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Garza, 54, Edinburg, pleaded guilty May 2, 2023, and is also set for sentencing in November. The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arthur R. Jones and Robert L. Guerra are prosecuting the case.


title: Muldrow Resident Sentenced For Child Abuse

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that James Dean Bledsoe, age 32, of Muldrow, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for three counts of Child Abuse in Indian Country. The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Muldrow Police Department. On March 12, 2025, Bledsoe pleaded guilty to the charges. According to investigators, between January 1, 2024, and September 24, 2024, Bledsoe restrained and covered the faces of three children entrusted to his care, causing them to be unable to breathe. Bledsoe also punished the children by spraying them with cold water and withholding food. The crimes occurred in Sequoyah County, within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Bledsoe will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.


title: Mexican national sentenced to 96 months despite claim minor victim was his wife

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 22-year-old Mexican man has been ordered to prison for transportation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Edi Quinones pleaded guilty Nov. 8, 2024. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Quinones to serve a total of 96 months in prison. The court enhanced the sentence after finding Quinones produced child pornography found on his phone. The court also issued a finding that a sexual act occurred while the minor victim was in his custody and control. The defense attempted to argue that his sentence should be mitigated because he was married to the minor victim in Mexico. The court heard evidence to rebut this claim and found no legal marriage could exist because the minor victim was under the age of 18. Quinones will also be ordered to register as a sex offender and is expected to face removal proceedings following completion of his sentence. On Sept. 11, 2024, Quinones attempted to enter the United States through the Hidalgo Port of Entry with his family. When questioned, authorities were notified his “wife” was 16 years of age. During a review of his electronic device, authorities recovered numerous CSAM files depicting Quinones and the minor victim. Quinones admitted the minor victim was 15 years old at the time of the video production. Authorities discovered approximately 20 videos on the phone Quinones had filmed. The videos depicted two minor victims engaged in various illegal sexual acts. Quinones has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page .


title: Federal jury convicts Jamestown man of multiple drug and gun charges

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal jury convicted Trenton Grant, 31, of Jamestown, NY, of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, the charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johsua A. Violanti and Stacey Jacovetti, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that in May 2023, the Olean Police Department began an investigation into Grant’s drug trafficking activities. On July 25, 2023, Olean police officers executed search warrants on his vehicle and person and recovered approximately 71 grams of methamphetamine, five grams of cocaine, and approximately four grams of fentanyl. Officers also recovered a loaded firearm and ammunition from the trunk of Grant’s vehicle. The firearm was later identified as having been stolen. At the time of his arrest, Grant was on parole for a prior felony conviction in February 2016 of Assault, Intent to Cause Serious Injury with Weapon. As a result, he is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division, and the Olean Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ron Richardson. Sentencing is scheduled for February 4, 2026, before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr., who presided over the trial. # # # #


title: Convicted Killer Serving Life Is Sentenced to an Additional 46-Months for Possessing Contraband in Prison

body_text: WASHINGTON – Marcel Vines, 28, a convicted kidnapper and killer serving a life sentence in prison, was sentenced today to an additional 46-months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy that smuggled a knife, fentanyl, and cell phones into the Central Detention Facility while he was awaiting trial for the murders of two innocent victims, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Vines, a member of the violent Clay Terrace Crew, pleaded guilty July 29, 2025, to conspiracy to commit and offense against the United States, that is possession of contraband in prison. In addition to his current life sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy J. Kelly ordered Vines to serve an additional 46 months on the contraband charge. Joining in the announcement were Director Tom Faust of the D.C. Department of Corrections, FBI Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis of the Washington Field Office Criminal Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. Previously, on Aug. 19, 2024, a federal jury found Vines guilty in the brutal kidnapping and murder of Kerrice Lewis and Armani Coles who had each been abducted at gun point, forced into vehicles, driven around the city, and then killed. In the case of Ms. Coles, she was trapped in the trunk of a sedan for more than 90 minutes before Vines and his co-defendant, Malique Lewis, 27, opened the trunk and shot her numerous times before setting the car on fire with her inside. On March 7, 2025, Judge Dabney L. Friedrich sentenced Vines and Malique Lewis to life plus 60 years in prison for the kidnappings and murders. Vines will serve the 46-month sentence for possessing contraband consecutively to the previous sentence. According to court documents, Vines was incarcerated in the Central Detention Facility (CDF) of the D.C. Department of Corrections (DOC) where he was awaiting trial on the double-armed kidnapping and murder charges. Vines was housed with other detainees from the Clay Terrace neighborhood of the District. Beginning in February 2024—but likely much earlier—the Clay Terrace detainees sought to bring weapons and controlled substances into CDF. They recruited two correctional officers to assist in bringing the contraband into the jail. DOC Office of Investigative Services made two recoveries of contraband in this case. On Feb. 28, 2024, DOC officers intercepted a bag containing a switchblade knife; an Apple iPhone; a USB iPhone charger; two pairs of eyeglasses; a bundle of marijuana wrapped in clear plastic wrap; tobacco wrapped in clear plastic wrap; several sheets of white rolling papers; a pair of gambling dice; three white sheets of paper that were damp and contained MDMB4en-PINACA—a synthetic cannabinoid and Schedule I Controlled Substance; additional packages of marijuana; and five plastic wrapped packages containing approximately 100 cigarettes. On July 25, 2024, DOC staffers conducted two searches of the unit housing the Clay Terrace detainees for contraband. The DOC staff recovered 269 blue pills (including 120 from Vines’ cell), which tested positive for fentanyl; 60 cigarettes soaked in an unknown liquid (including 40 in Mr. Vines’ cell); 255 suboxone strips (170 in Vines’ cell); seven pieces of paper soaked in an unknown liquid substance; three cellular phones; and cigarettes. This case was investigated by the DOC Office of Investigative Services, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the FBI Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold and Sarah Santiago. 24cr0520


title: Mexican national, illegally living in Angelina County, guilty of unlawfully returning to the United States

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas –A Mexican national, illegally living in Diboll, has pleaded guilty to unlawfully returning to the United States, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Eduardo Barajas-Macias, 32, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry by a previously deported alien before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christine L. Stetson on August 13, 2025. According to information presented in court, Barajas-Macias was located in Diboll on March 26, 2024, after an investigation revealed he had been previously deported from the United States to Mexico in 2023. Barajas-Macias faces up to 2 years in federal prison and deportation at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office. 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 was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; FBI; and Angelina County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Carter.


title: Billings man sentenced to 12 years in prison for operating drug distribution ring

body_text: BILLINGS – A man who trafficked a significant amount of methamphetamine in the Billings area was sentenced today to 144 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Mario Baudelio Nava, 38, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The government alleged in court documents that on April 2, 2024, law enforcement officers received information from a confidential source regarding a female who was a source of supply for methamphetamine. The details provided by the confidential source were familiar to the officers, and they were aware from other investigations that Mario Nava just moved into the same residence. Surveillance was conducted on the residence and Nava was identified coming and going. Later on April 2, 2024, a female had contacted the confidential source and offered to meet and sell one ounce of methamphetamine for $350.00. Surveillance resumed on the residence and the female was observed walking from the residence to a prearranged meet location. Law enforcement contacted the female subject based on the belief she was in possession of methamphetamine. The female was then detained and admitted she was in possession of one ounce of meth. During an interview, the female subject said she received the ounce of meth from Mario Nava and she had sold approximately 9 to 10 ounces of methamphetamine for Nava over the last 12 months. She further advised she believed Nava was currently in possession of approximately one-half pound of methamphetamine. The female subject agreed to contact Nava for a ride and called him. Law enforcement followed Nava to the location of the original meet and took him into custody. Law enforcement searched Nava’s vehicle under the conditions of his parole. During the search, detectives located and seized approximately 1397.63 grams of a substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a large amount of US currency, and a stolen 9mm handgun. Detectives then applied for and obtained a search warrant for Nava’s residence, where they located additional methamphetamine, US currency, and drug paraphernalia. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich prosecuted the case. The Billings Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Eastern Montana HIDTA conducted the investigation. 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 . XXX


title: Mexican man pleads guilty to illegal re-entry

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jose Antonio Barcena-Ruiz, 41, a citizen and national of Mexico, pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. He was then sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the case, stated that on May 31, 2025, Barcena-Ruiz was found in Erie County, NY, by Homeland Security agents but did not have documentation that allowed him to be present in the United States legally. A records check determined that Barcena-Ruiz was physically removed from the United States in 2008, two times in 2009, and in 2010. 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. The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan and Immigration. # # # #


title: Jason A. Reding Quiñones Sworn in as United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: WASHINGTON – Following his nomination by President Donald J. Trump and confirmation by the United States Senate, Jason A. Reding Quiñones was sworn in today as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. The oath of office was administered by Attorney General Pam Bondi. The Honorable Reding Quiñones is the first confirmed U.S. Attorney of President Trump’s second administration. As United States Attorney, Reding Quiñones will lead the third-largest U.S. Attorney’s Office in the nation, overseeing the prosecution of a broad array of federal criminal offenses and the litigation of civil matters in which the United States has a legal interest. The Southern District of Florida spans more than 15,000 square miles, encompassing the counties of Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee, and Highlands, and stretching from Key West to Sebastian and west to Sebring. “As the son of a Cuban political refugee and a proud Miami native, I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence that President Trump, Attorney General Bondi, and the United States Senate have placed in me. As the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, I will work tirelessly to protect the American people, restore impartial justice, and defend the rule of law without fear or favor.” Prior to his appointment, Hon. Reding Quiñones served as a state court trial judge in Miami-Dade County presiding over civil and criminal domestic violence cases. He previously served as a national security official in the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, focusing on counterterrorism, and served as a federal prosecutor in both the Eastern District of Virginia and the Southern District of Florida. A decorated 22-year veteran of the United States military, Hon. Reding Quiñones has served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force as a cavalry scout, infantry officer, logistics officer, and judge advocate (military lawyer). He continues to serve as a reserve lieutenant colonel, providing legal counsel on national security and counterterrorism matters to the Commander, U.S. Central Command. The Honorable Reding Quiñones earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, with a minor in Military Sciences, from the University of Florida, and a Juris Doctor from Florida International University College of Law. He succeeds Hayden P. O’Byrne, a career prosecutor who has led the office since January 2025. “Mr. O’Byrne is a patriot who has faithfully served this community for many years. I thank him for his leadership and look forward to building on his successes,” said U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones. ###


title: Grand jury indicts man who allegedly made death threats against ICE agents

body_text: CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati man who was arrested in July after he allegedly made multiple threats online to shoot and kill ICE officers has now been indicted by a federal grand jury. Anthony Marcus Kelly, 38, is charged in a two-count indictment with making threats to assault or murder a United States official and with making threatening interstate communications. According to charging documents, from June 26 through July 17, Kelly allegedly used the social media username “Slab” and made multiple social media posts calling for the killing of ICE officers and detailing his acquisition of firearms to carry out that threat. In one of his alleged posts, Kelly wrote “Why even bother with these damn courts anymore. #Gestapedos don’t deserve anything but the smoke coming for them anyway. #RevolutionIsTheSolution #DestroyICE they’re rabid dogs that need to be put down. Including #KristiNoem #DogmeatWalking.” In another, he wrote, “You come here for me, you’re getting shot. And I’m not looking to disable […] I’m shooting for the kill. I won’t give a **** about your names, who you are, or anything else”. Kelly was arrested on July 22 and remains in federal custody. Threatening to assault or murder a United States official is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Making threatening interstate communications carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey and FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. Criminal Chief Christy L. Muncy is representing the United States in this case. An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. # # #