title: St. Francois County Man Admits Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material Involving Two Victims

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Francois County, Missouri on Monday admitted producing child sexual abuse material involving two underage girls. Richard James Miller, 41, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to two counts of production of child pornography. On more than five occasions, Miller recorded his sexual abuse of the two juveniles. One victim told investigators that Miller began engaging in sex acts with her when she was 15. The other said she began spending time in his apartment when she was 8 or 9 years old. Homeland Security Investigations learned of Miller in 2024, when the court-approved search of a New Jersey man’s home uncovered Kik messenger chats with Miller that included images constituting child sexual abuse material. Investigators then spoke with Miller, who admitted engaging in sex acts with young girls at his home in the past, including the older victim. He also admitted exchanging sexually explicit photos with that victim. Miller is scheduled to be sentenced on May 4. The production of child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum prison term of 15 years, with a maximum of 30 years. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Bateman is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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: Southern Utah Man Admits to Wire Fraud in an $89M Investment Scheme with Over 200 Victims

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ST. GEORGE, Utah – Today, a Washington County, Utah man admitted to his role in a fraudulent investment scheme that resulted in over 200 victims investing over $89 million, with an outstanding loss of over $77 million. Matthew Shane Perkins, 47, of Washington County, pleaded guilty to wire fraud. According to court documents and admissions made at Perkins’s change of plea hearing, between August 2023 and November 2025, Perkins fraudulently claimed he was a successful day trader with a track record of success. He operated Forged Oak LLC and established a business arrangement with the principal of RentDue Capital LLC. RentDue Capital recruited investors to three separate funds through social media, the company’s website, and meetings with investors. When RentDue Capital received investors’ money, the principal sent the funds to Perkins to day trade. Perkins made repeated false representations regarding the funds’ performance and balance. This included providing records to RentDue Capital that falsified daily trading performance and altering brokerage statements to inflate the funds’ balance. In early November 2025, for example, Perkins provided RentDue Capital with an altered brokerage statement representing that over $133 million were in the funds. At that time, however, the funds had less than $13 million. Unbeknownst to investors, Perkins lost tens of millions of dollars in day trading. He also misappropriated millions of dollars from investors for personal expenses, for a down payment on a home, and to purchase a cabin, luxury vehicles, and an airplane, among other things. In the plea agreement, Perkins agreed to restitution of $77,683,091.96. He also agreed to forfeit money and assets traceable to fraud, including over $13 million, a cabin, an airplane, and multiple vehicles. Perkins is scheduled to be sentenced July 8, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. before a U.S. District Court Judge in courtroom 2B of the courthouse located at 206 West Tabernacle Street, St. George, Utah 84470. The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, St. George Resident Agency and IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen P. Dent, Joseph M. Hood, and Travis K. Elder of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.


title: Cleveland Career Criminal Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison

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

body_text: CLEVELAND – A Cleveland-area career offender has been sentenced to prison for his role involving the distribution of controlled substances while he was out on parole for a previous offense. Lamont Johnson, 43, was sentenced to 210 months (17.5 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams after pleading guilty last October to the following charges in an indictment: Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance; these included fentanyl, cocaine, and xylazine. Felon in Possession of a Firearm; prior convictions include Drug Trafficking in 2022 and 2012. He was also ordered to serve eight years of supervised release after imprisonment. Johnson received a significant sentencing enhancement as a career offender. His criminal history dates back to 2001 and he was previously convicted of a number of drug and violent felonies. He also consistently failed to follow the conditions of his supervised release after previous imprisonments. According to court documents, on Nov. 15, 2023, agents observed suspected drug activity at a gas station on East 55 th Street in Cleveland, involving a black Mercedes SUV driven by Johnson. Upon seeing this activity, agents attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle Johnson was driving. As the agents approached, Johnson put the vehicle in reverse but then fled on foot and was later apprehended. During the investigation, agents observed a handgun in plain view on the driver’s seat of Johnson’s vehicle, cash on the center console, and a clear plastic bag with suspected controlled substances. A second bag with suspected marijuana was located on the ground at the gas station where Johnson fled on foot. During a search of the vehicle, the agents recovered the firearm they saw on the driver’s seat, which was a loaded Glock, 9 mm caliber pistol. The clear plastic bag contained multiple baggies with powdery substances. Agents also located a box of sandwich bags, a digital scale, and $53 cash. The powder substances were submitted for lab analysis and were confirmed to be fentanyl, xylazine, and cocaine. This case was investigated by the Agents of Ohio Investigative Unit, assigned as Task Force Officers to the ATF Crime Gun Intelligence Center. Task Force Officers work violent crime reduction initiatives Statewide. These initiatives target violent high crime areas as well as armed violent offenders and drug traffickers. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott Zarzycki for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Justice Department Seeks to Denaturalize Convicted Rapist

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: BROOKLYN, NY — Today, the United States filed a denaturalization action in the Eastern District of New York against Gurmeet Singh, a native of India, who, according to the Department of Justice’s Complaint, concealed and misrepresented in his naturalization application that he had previously kidnapped and sexual assaulted a female passenger of his taxicab. After his passenger fell asleep in the backseat, he drove her to a side street and the passenger awoke to find Singh on top of her with a knife to her throat, telling her to stop resisting if she wanted to live. Singh then bound and gagged her, blindfolded her, removed her clothes, and raped her. Singh concealed these acts throughout his naturalization proceedings and naturalized as a U.S. citizen on Oct. 19, 2011. After naturalizing, Singh was convicted in May 2014 in New York of Rape in the First Degree and Kidnapping in the Second Degree as a Sexually Motivated Felony and sentenced to 20 years in prison. United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi; Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; and Brett A. Shumate, Assistant Attorney General, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division announced the filing of the civil complaint. “This Department of Justice will continue to strip citizenship from those who commit heinous crimes and conceal them during the naturalization process,” stated Attorney General Bondi. “American citizenship is a great and sacred privilege that must be earned honestly. “The defendant in this case secured U.S. citizenship through deceit, and on the heels of committing the heinous crimes of rape and kidnapping,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This case, brought to strip the defendant of citizenship that he did not earn and to which he was not entitled, demonstrates our Office’s commitment to protecting the American people and defending the sanctity of U.S. citizenship.” “This individual’s vile acts prove that he should not have been granted U.S. citizenship,” stated Assistant Attorney General Shumate. “Singh entered our country through family-based immigration laws, then committed horrible crimes before lying about them to become a U.S. citizen. We will now correct this injustice.” Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a naturalized U.S. citizen’s citizenship may be revoked, and his certificate of naturalization canceled, if the naturalization was illegally procured or procured by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation. This case was investigated by the Civil Division’s Office of Immigration Litigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. The litigation is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Layaliza Soloveichik of the Eastern District of New York with Trial Attorney Christopher Lyerla and reviewed by John Inkeles, Chief of the Affirmative Litigation Unit of the Office of Immigration Litigation. The claims made in the complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Webster Man Charged with Unlawfully Selling Firearms

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Webster man has been charged by criminal complaint for unlicensed dealing in firearms. Anthony Pietrowski, 24, a.ka. AJ, was charged with one count of dealing in firearms without a license. Pietrowski made an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester on Jan. 30, 2026. According to the charging documents, in the summer of 2025, an investigation began into Pietrowski. It is alleged that Pietrowski sold numerous firearms, including a machinegun conversion device, on four occasions in Webster, Mass. to an undercover agent. The charge of unlicensed dealing in firearms provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by United States Postal Inspection Service, Warwick (RI) Police Department, Webster Police Department, Massachusetts State Police and the Worcester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Stendig of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: Detroit-Area Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Maliciously Setting Fires to Commercial Truck Trailers

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – A Michigan man was sentenced Thursday to 120 months in federal prison for maliciously setting fires to three semi-trailers belonging to a major commercial trucking company, announced U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. Viorel Pricop, 67, of Allen Park, Michigan, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John C. Hinderaker. At the conclusion of an 8-day trial, a jury found Pricop guilty of three counts of Arson of a Vehicle or Property in Interstate Commerce on Aug. 21, 2024. “This defendant left a nation-wide path of destruction that threatened lives, property, and critical infrastructure,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “Thanks to the dedicated work of federal prosecutors and ATF agents, the DoJ brought him to justice. This case is proof that the federal government will bring its full weight to bear in order to stop dangerous and destructive criminals.” "The ten-year sentence handed down to Pricop marks the culmination of a multi-year, multi-state investigation into a dangerous campaign of targeted arson,” said Shawn Stallo, ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge for the Phoenix Field Division. "This successful outcome was made possible through the exhaustive use of ATF resources, including our K-9 units, the Fire Research Laboratory, and the technical expertise of our Certified Fire Investigators who methodically linked these fires across the country. By leveraging these specialized tools to hold this serial arsonist accountable, we have ensured that he can no longer threaten the lives of drivers or the safety of our nation's interstate commerce.” Pricop set fire to three semi-truck trailers belonging to Swift Transportation, a Phoenix-based commercial trucking company, as part of a larger pattern of arsons targeting Swift. Two of the arsons occurred in Willcox, Arizona, and one occurred in Holbrook, Arizona. Pricop set at least 16 additional Swift Transportation semi-trailers on fire in multiple states between October 2021 and September 2022. These arsons occurred at locations spanning from Barstow, California, to McCalla, Alabama, with most occurring along Interstate 10 and Interstate 40. Federal criminal charges associated with some of the fires were filed against Pricop in several districts and were the basis of a 2024 criminal trial in the Central District of California, where Pricop was found guilty of six arsons. Pricop was convicted in 2018 in the Eastern District of Michigan for a tax offense and transportation of stolen goods, charges stemming from an investigation conducted by Swift. Pricop was sentenced to time served in that case, amounting to approximately 26 months’ imprisonment. His term of supervised release ended in June 2019, approximately two years before the arsons in this case began. The Albuquerque Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Phoenix Field Division, led the investigation in this case, with significant assistance from the ATF Fire Research and Forensic Laboratories, ATF Certified Fire Investigators, and Special Agents from the ATF National Cellular Analytics Program. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. Willcox, AZ fires. CASE NUMBER: 22-CR-02747-JCH-EJM RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-015_Pricop # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Federal Jury Convicts Two Brothers and a Public Official Who Orchestrated Elaborate Fraud and Bribery Conspiracy

body_text: CLEVELAND – A federal jury has convicted two brothers and a public official for their roles in a multi-layered, elaborate fraud and bribery conspiracy that spanned across multiple states and countries. After a more than two-week-long trial in front of U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent, Zubair Al Zubair, aka Zubair Mehmet Abdur Razzaq, 42, recently of Bratenahl, Ohio; his brother Muzzammil Al Zubair, aka Muzzammil Ibn Muhammad, 31, recently of Pepper Pike, Ohio; and their associate Michael Leon Smedley, 56, of Cleveland, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, and Hobbs Act conspiracy. The Al Zubair brothers were also both found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, multiple counts of wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, several counts of money laundering, theft of government funds, and aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. Zubair Al Zubair was also found guilty of willful failure to file tax returns. According to court documents and evidence presented in court before the jury, from June 2020 through August 2023, the Al Zubair brothers used several deceptive strategies to obtain money and property from victims. Their schemes involved investment fraud, a fraudulent Small Business Administration COVID emergency business loan, cryptocurrency mining investments, and commercial and residential real estate transactions. The Al Zubair brothers’ ill-gotten proceeds allowed them to acquire a trove of jewelry, luxury timepieces and vehicles, as well as more than 80 firearms including a custom made, gold-plated AK-47 style rifle. Luxury vehicles they acquired with the proceeds of their illegal activity included a Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, Porsche, Mercedes, and Range Rover. Domestic and international travel to multiple places—such as Aspen, Miami, London, Bucharest, and Madrid—included the use of private jets, staying at high-end hotels, and going on shopping sprees. Zubair Al Zubair also leased a residential property in an upscale neighborhood in Bratenahl, Ohio, before being evicted in August 2023. The two brothers made exorbitant claims about their extraordinary wealth and government connections. Zubair Al Zubair claimed to be married to a United Arab Emirates princess. His brother, Muzzammil, claimed to be a hedge fund manager even though his only education on hedge funds was the result of watching YouTube videos. Under the illusion of being extremely educated, successful, and well-connected, the brothers befriended Smedley, a public official employed with the city of East Cleveland. As the chief of staff to the mayor of East Cleveland, Smedley used his position to benefit the Al Zubair brothers. To reward and influence Smedley, the Al Zubair brothers bribed him with suite tickets to Cleveland Browns games, cigars, prized Japanese wagyu beef, and meals at high-end restaurants, as well as offers of future employment. There was also evidence presented at trial that the Al Zubair brothers were paying Smedley. In return, Smedley helped the Al Zubair brothers by attempting to secure state funding for their business; securing official letters on the city’s letterhead; having Zubair Al Zubair appointed as an International Economic Advisor to the city and obtaining business cards in his name; and providing the brothers with official police badges from the city of East Cleveland. Sentencing is scheduled for May 5. The defendants face the maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison for each of the most serious offenses. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division and the IRS−Criminal Investigation. The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Joseph H. Walsh for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Michigan Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Federal Drug Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Aaron Dequawn Hardy, also known as “Detroit J” and “John,” 30, of Pontiac, Michigan, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for attempted possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 10, 2023, law enforcement officers conducted a controlled delivery of a package to its mailing address in Huntington. Officers found the package had contained 2.2 kilograms of methamphetamine and removed the methamphetamine before the controlled delivery. Officers arrested Hardy when he showed up at the mailing address to retrieve the package. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-49. ###


title: Cincinnati woman admits to stealing more than $158,000 from elderly or ill veterans

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court here today to misappropriating money that she was managing on behalf of four United States military veterans. Ishwanzya Rivers, 46, was charged federally and arrested in August 2025. According to court documents, Rivers stole more than $135,000 from one elderly, dying veteran who lived at the VA hospital in Cincinnati. Rivers admitted she misappropriated the victim’s money at least 45 times from June 2021 through November 2022. Rivers stole smaller amounts of money from three other elderly or infirm veterans totaling more than $23,000. The defendant 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 is a federal crime punishable by up to five years in prison. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland. 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. # # #


title: Last of Eight Defendants Sentenced in $7.7 Million Pandemic Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT– Timothy Boyle, the last of eight defendants in a $7.7 million pandemic fraud scheme targeting the Small Business Administration and numerous state unemployment programs, was sentenced today, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Michigan Division, Megan Howell, Special Agent in Charge United States Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Great Lakes Region, and Acting Special Agent-in Charge, Michelle Blank, Small Business Administration-Office of Inspector General. The eight defendants in this case all pleaded guilty to various wire fraud and identity theft offenses before Judge Judith E. Levy. The ringleader of the fraud scheme, DeAngelo Jackson-Portwood, 42, of Detroit, was sentenced to 61 months imprisonment. Anton Greenwood, 39, also of Detroit, and Adartha Tillman, 42, of Roseville, were sentenced to 42 and 40 months of incarceration, respectively. Maurice Brown-Portwood, 35, of Clinton Township received a 22 month sentence, and Taurean Davis, 44, of Detroit a sentence of 12 months imprisonment. Defendant Christopher Lindsay, 38, of Detroit received a sentence of three years of probation, as did Tyrone Boyle, 58, and his twin brother Timothy Boyle, both of Los Angeles, California. The eight defendants will pay a total of $7,703,549 in restitution to the SBA and various state workforce agencies. According to court records, between early 2020 and approximately May 2021, DeAngelo Jackson-Portwood orchestrated a scheme to defraud state workforce agencies by illegally obtaining millions of dollars in pandemic unemployment assistance funds. Jackson-Portwood, aided by his seven-codefendants, obtained the names, social security numbers, and other personal identifying information of numerous unsuspecting individuals. Without those individuals’ knowledge or consent, Jackson-Portwood and his co-conspirators used their names to file over 1,000 claims for pandemic unemployment assistance across 17 states and territory of Guam. The co-conspirators obtained over $5.6 million on these bogus unemployment claims, with most of the losses being borne by the Michigan and California workforce agencies. DeAngelo Jackson-Portwood’s scheme also targeted pandemic loan assistance programs managed by the SBA. The co-conspirators filed over 575 fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans in the names of various businesses. The loan applications contained all manner of false statements. In some instances, the businesses did not exist. In others, the supposed proprietors of the businesses were in fact identity theft victims. Jackson-Portwood and his co-conspirators obtained approximately $2.1 million from their fraudulent applications targeting these pandemic loan assistance programs. United States Attorney Gorgon stated, “Today’s sentence concludes one of the largest pandemic fraud cases in our state. Jackson-Portwood fleeced the American taxpayer through a brazen fraud scheme. And we thank our partners at the FBI, Department of Labor, and Small Business Administration for uncovering this crime.” “The sentencing of the final defendant in this multimillion-dollar pandemic fraud scheme brings long-overdue justice to more than 900 victims whose lives were disrupted by greed and deception,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Among those victims was a nurse working 12-plus hour shifts on the front lines during COVID-19, who then had to fight to clear her name after her identity was stolen. These defendants did not just steal money; they stole peace of mind from hardworking Americans during a national crisis. This outcome was made possible through the relentless work of members from the FBI Detroit Area Corruption Task Force, alongside our federal partners at the U.S. Department of Labor – OIG and the Small Business Administration – OIG. Our office will continue to pursue those who exploit national emergencies for personal gain and ensure they are held fully responsible under the law.” “The defendants stole from unemployment insurance programs that exist to help American workers during a once-in-a-generation global pandemic,” said Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor. “That kind of fraud directly harms workers and taxpayers alike. Our team will relentlessly protect the integrity of these critical benefit programs and pursue accountability for anyone who tries to game the system for personal gain. I thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan and our law-enforcement partners for their strong collaboration and commitment to justice.” “This sentencing serves as a reminder that fraud is not a victimless crime, and it has no place in SBA lending programs,” said SBA-OIG Acting Special Agent-in Charge, Michelle Blank. “SBA-OIG will continue working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and pursue those who use stolen personal information to obtain disaster and relief funds.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John K. Neal and Alyse Wu.


title: Huntington Woman Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Madison Grant Sergent, 27, of Huntington, was sentenced today to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 23, 2024, Sergent directed another individual to distribute approximately 24 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in exchange for $180 in Huntington. As part of her plea agreement, Sergent admitted to arranging the transaction after the confidential informant contacted her seeking to buy methamphetamine. Co-defendant Rakai Travall Hawkins, also known as “G,” 31, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced on November 3, 2025, to eight years and one month in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Co-defendant Jeremiah Telmon-Isaiah Hand, also known as “Joey,” 30, of Inkster, Michigan, was sentenced on December 15, 2025, to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney prosecuted the case. This case was prosecuted as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), an enforcement surge that has sought to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas. This case is also part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-51. ###


title: Trayvon Kisling Sentenced to 120 Months for Drug and Firearm Crimes

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on February 2, 2026, Trayvon Kisling, 21 years old, formerly of Staten Island, NY, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of 120 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 4-year term of supervised release. Trayvon Kisling previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court records, between February 2023 and March 2023, Trayvon Kisling conspired with others to distribute cocaine base and fentanyl in Vermont. During the conspiracy, Kisling possessed large quantities of drugs. Some of those drugs were seized on February 25, 2023, when police in Winooski searched an apartment where Kisling had been staying and recovered 134.43 grams of individually packaged fentanyl; 74 grams of bulk fentanyl; 179.4 grams of crack cocaine; and 398.3 grams of powder cocaine. On March 15, 2023, police encountered Kisling during a motor vehicle stop in Brandon and recovered more drugs from his car, specifically, approximately 450 bags of fentanyl and 40.8 grams of cocaine base. During the conspiracy, Kisling possessed firearms to protect his drugs and drug proceeds. Two of those firearms were recovered from his car during the March 2023 vehicle stop. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the investigating agencies in this case: the FBI, the Vermont State Police, the Rutland City Police Department, the New York City Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Winooski Vermont Police Department, Winooski Fire Department and the St. Michaels Fire Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy L. Fuller. Kisling was represented by Richard C. Bothfeld, Esq.


title: Florida Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal Prison for Threatening to Assassinate President Trump

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – Christopher Davies (32, Cape Coral) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri P. Chappell to 27 months in federal prison for making a threat to assassinate the President of the United States. Davies pleaded guilty on October 29, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, Davies wrote a letter to an official at the Charlotte Correctional Institution stating that he had “orchestrated the most daring Presidential assassination that this country has ever seen,” and that “Donald J. Trump must perish.” During questioning by agent from the U.S. Secret Service, Davies admitted to writing the letter and explained that he wanted to kill the President. When asked hypothetically what he would do if President Trump was near him, Davies claimed that he would attempt to kill President Trump with his bare hands. This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey.


title: Ohio Couple Sentenced for Arson in Profit Scheme to Fraudulently Collect Millions in Insurance Payouts

body_text: AKRON, Ohio – A husband and wife from Willoughby Hills, Ohio, have been sentenced for devising a scheme to collect more than $2 million dollars in insurance money by conspiring to set insured houses on fire. Lonnie White, 48, was sentenced to 53 months (4 years, 4 months) in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Sara Lioi after pleading guilty in August to the following charges as outlined in the indictment: Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering Offenses Conspiracy to use Fire in Commission of a Felony He was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,375,861 in restitution. Chief Judge Lioi imposed the sentence Jan. 23. White’s spouse, Lisa Ogletree, 48, was sentenced to five years of probation and 810 days of location-monitored home confinement after she pleaded guilty last August to Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud. Chief Judge Lioi imposed the sentence Jan. 28. “It’s traumatic for people to see a house in their neighborhood go up in flames, and these defendants shamelessly utilized devastating fires just to line their pockets with money,” said United States Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “Additionally, insurance companies paid out millions in claims—in good faith—only to learn that they were deceived by these fraudsters. We commend the outstanding efforts of the ATF agents on the case and their regional partners who spent countless hours connecting the dots which eventually led to justice being served.” According to the indictment, White and Ogletree, either personally or through others, bought houses on the east side of Cleveland, transferred the properties to nominal owners with fake renters, insured the property for hundreds of thousands of dollars, arranged to set the house on fire, and submitted fraudulent insurance claims on the destroyed property. White arranged to intentionally set these houses ablaze to make them appear as if the fires were accidental. After receiving the insurance payments for the fire damage, nominal owners distributed the funds to White and Ogletree, who then transferred the money to other bank accounts for their own benefit and to further their scheme. According to court filings, the scheme involved at least six fires and more than $2.3 million in fraudulent claims from 2013 to 2019. The investigation leading to the indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Cleveland Field Office. The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam J. Joines and Brian M. McDonough for the Northern District of Ohio. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio would like to acknowledge and thank the Cleveland Fire Investigation Unit; the Cuyahoga County Fusion Center; the Ohio State Fire Marshal; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations; the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Office of the Inspector General for their assistance with this case. ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating fires and crimes of arson. Anyone who has information about an incidence of arson should contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (888-283- 8477). Individuals may also email ATFTips@atf.gov , or contact ATF through its website at www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips .


title: Windermere Attorney Sentenced to Over Four Years for Wire and Bank Fraud

body_text: Orlando, Florida – Amaris Delapena (50, Windermere) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron to four years and six months in federal prison for committing wire fraud and bank fraud. As part of her sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $194,060.09, the proceeds Delapena obtained from the fraud scheme. Delapena was found guilty by a federal jury on June 20, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, Delapena embezzled funds from an Orlando law firm while employed there as a paralegal. Delapena re-routed checks addressed to and from the law firm’s clients and vendors into accounts that she controlled and transferred client payments from the law firm’s account to accounts that she controlled. Between the time Delapena committed the offenses and her trial, she earned a law degree and became a licensed attorney in Florida. This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole M. Andrejko.


title: St. Cloud Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempting to Smuggle Firearms on Flight to Ecuador

body_text: Orlando, Florida – Jack James Molina (39, St. Cloud) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge John Antoon II to four years and nine months in federal prison for attempted smuggling of goods from the United States. The court also ordered Molina to forfeit the 11 firearms that he attempted to smuggle. Molina pleaded guilty on October 16, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, on May 9, 2025, Molina attempted to bring 11 broken‑down Glock semi-automatic pistols and 20 firearm magazines onto a flight from Orlando to Ecuador. The firearm parts and magazines were concealed inside a towel in one checked bag and inside a shirt in another checked bag. “Weapons smuggling poses a serious threat to public safety both here and abroad,” said Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville and Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy Hemker. “Illegally exported firearms often end up fueling violence, increases crime rates, and destabilizes other countries, including Ecuador. We are committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting those who attempt to illegally export firearms from the United States. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to disrupt these dangerous schemes and hold offenders accountable.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Michele Harrington.


title: Illegal Immigrant from Mexico Sentenced to Over 11 Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—Bertoldo Alcaraz-Ortuno, who was previously convicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, will spend the next 136 months in federal prison after being convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr. On December 3, 2024, Alcaraz-Ortuno, 37, of Guerrero, Mexico, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a four-count Indictment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, felon in possession of a firearm, and illegal reentry of a previously deported alien. On August 7, 2025, Alcaraz-Ortuno pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Judge Moody also sentenced Alcaraz-Ortuno to five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. An investigation revealed that after receiving a tip that Alcaraz-Ortuno was a source of supply, law enforcement officers went to his known residence and spoke with Alcaraz-Ortuno. He stated that he had a kilogram of methamphetamine in the shed. Officers obtained a search warrant for the property and located 1,726 grams of methamphetamine, a .40 caliber firearm in the shed, a 9mm firearm, and $10,445 in Alcaraz-Ortuno’s wallet. Immigration officials confirmed that Alcaraz-Ortuno was not in the United States legally and had been previously deported on May 18 & 27, 2015; June 18, 2015; and July 31, 2020. Alcaraz-Ortuno’s criminal history includes a October 3, 2019, federal drug conviction where he received a sentence of 48 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. At the time of his arrest in this case, Alcaraz-Ortuno was on supervised release for the 2019 federal conviction. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Little Rock Police Department with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacy Williams. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Lennox Woman Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine in the Sioux Falls Area

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Lennox, South Dakota woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on January 26, 2026. Ashley Mortimer, 39, was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, fine, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Mortimer was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in November 2024. She pleaded guilty on October 14, 2025. For several months in early 2024, Mortimer operated as a sub-distributor for a California-based drug trafficking organization operating in the Sioux Falls area. Mortimer purchased large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl from the organization, which she then re-sold. At sentencing, Mortimer was attributed to distributing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. This case was investigated by the DEA, the. U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Mortimer was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


body_text: Illinois Man Pleads Guilty for Role in International Fraudulent Market Survey Conspiracy CONCORD – An Illinois man pleaded guilty today for participating in an international scheme to sell fabricated market survey data, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Frank Hayden, 58, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled sentencing for May 12, 2026. According to the public record, Op4G and Slice were market research companies based in New Hampshire and Illinois, respectively. Clients would hire the companies to conduct market research surveys. As part of their business model, Op4G and Slice maintained “panels” consisting of individuals potentially eligible to take surveys. Hayden initially worked for Op4G before moving over to Slice. In 2014, Hayden and several conspirators decided to increase company revenues by generating fabricated survey data. To execute the scheme, the conspirators recruited “ants,” who pretended to be legitimate survey takers but instead were paid a nominal fee for completing surveys that produced false market research data. Some of the conspirators even served as “ants” and fraudulently took large quantities of surveys themselves, receiving significant payments. To evade detection, the conspirators exchanged instructions with each other and the “ants.” These instructions included directions on how to answer survey screener questions, provided parameters on how long “ants” should remain on surveys, and encouraged the use of virtual private network (VPN) services to conceal real IP addresses. The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. 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. The FBI led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.


title: Rapid City Woman Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison  for Obstructing Justice by Retaliating Against Witness

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, woman convicted of Obstructing Justice by Retaliation Against a Witness. The sentencing took place on January 30, 2026. Vanessa Highpipe, 31, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Highpipe was indicted for Obstructing Justice by Retaliation Against a Witness by a federal grand jury in May 2025. She pleaded guilty on November 10, 2025. Highpipe assaulted the victim in April 2025 with a closed fist causing minor injuries after encountering the victim in Rapid City. Highpipe’s victim previously testified in a federal jury trial where Highpipe’s romantic partner was convicted of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death in March 2025. Following the assault, Highpipe made statements to others admitting that she assaulted the victim because of the trial testimony. This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET). UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward C. Tarbay prosecuted the case. Highpipe was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: SDTX recovers nearly $150 million for victims and the American taxpayer in 2025

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A total of $148,149,674.47 has been collected in combined criminal, civil and asset forfeiture actions in calendar year 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Across all criminal matters, the Southern District of Texas collected $21,572,847.34 in restitution for crime victims and recovered an additional $85,932,764.13 through civil enforcement actions for the American taxpayer. Working with partner agencies and divisions, the Southern District also collected $40,644,063 through asset forfeiture. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice’s Asset Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. “The Southern District of Texas’ mission is not only to protect the physical safety of our fellow citizens, but also to safeguard the taxpayer from fraud and abuse. Over the past year, my office has pursued an aggressive enforcement strategy to recover debts owed to crime victims and the American people. Those efforts have proven successful. The funds we recovered represent the delivery of justice and concrete results for taxpayers,” said Ganjei. “By imposing considerable financial penalties on offenders, my office will continue to make crime more costly and less profitable. Our case results send a loud and unequivocal message to would-be offenders: crime doesn’t pay.” One matter that has led to some of the significant collections includes the case against Emylee Thai. She allegedly owned and operated a lab which submitted claims to Medicare for genetic testing that were medically unnecessary, induced by kickbacks and included false statements as to dates of service and diagnosis codes, all designed to improperly inflate reimbursements. She fled the country, which paused the criminal prosecution. However, the Southern District of Texas filed a civil forfeiture action seeking approximately $5 million in real property tied to the scheme. The court entered a default judgment, and the properties were successfully forfeited. The case is being prosecuted in partnership with the Criminal Division’s Texas Health Care Fraud Strike Force. The district has ongoing proceedings and is also seeking forfeiture in other significant matters to include a Medicare fraud scheme involving $90 million in fraudulent billing. A podiatrist and self-proclaimed CEO of a local medical clinic, David Jenson and Nestor Rafael Romero Magallanes , both of Spring, allegedly conspired to fraudulently bill Medicare for skin substitute products for patients who did not have qualifying wounds – or any wounds at all – and falsified medical records to support these fraudulent claims. SDTX has seized approximately $83 million in alleged fraud proceeds, with nearly $70 million of it in cryptocurrency, and is seeking forfeiture of those monies as part of the prosecution and parallel civil forfeiture matter. A case out of South Texas charging two family members with illicit oil importation, money laundering and material support to a Mexican cartel designated as a foreign terrorist organization, has also led to significant forfeiture seizures and restraints. Maxwell Sterling Jensen, Draper, Utah, and James Lael Jensen, Sandy, Utah, allegedly funneled U.S. currency to the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion and facilitated illicit crude oil shipments into the United States. The pending criminal case seeks the imposition of an estimated $300 million money judgment as well as the forfeiture of funds, vehicles, oil barges and real properties. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the federal government and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. Restitution is paid to the victim; criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which then distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and assistance programs. The Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes.


title: Hensley Mother Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison After Being Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl Resulting in Death

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—April Adams will spend 20 years in federal prison after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr. On April 2, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Adams, 62, and her daughter, Amber Church, 38, both of Hensley. Both women were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death. In addition to the 20-year federal sentence for the fentanyl conspiracy, Judge Moody sentenced Adams to 20 years in federal prison for her conviction for distribution of methamphetamine. Both federal sentences will be served concurrently. Judge Moody sentenced Adams to serve three years’ supervised release following the completion of her federal sentence. There is no parole in the federal system. The evidence presented at trial showed that on April 16, 2023, law enforcement officers from the Saline County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence on Crab Apple Circle in reference to multiple overdoses. Once law enforcement officers arrived, they located four individuals who overdosed. After medical personnel administered Narcan, three individuals survived, but one individual died at the scene. During the trial, two witnesses who survived overdoses testified that after arriving at the residence on Crab Apple Circle, Adams offered methamphetamine, to the witnesses, Church, and the victim who died. After smoking the methamphetamine, Church asked Adams if she could provide to the group what Church said was the “cocaine” that Adams had in her room. Church then got the substance from Adams’ room and provided it to the group, using some herself. The substance was in fact fentanyl. Nearly immediately after ingesting the fentanyl the four individuals who used the drug began passing out, including Church. Adams, who did not use the substance that caused the other four individuals to overdose, waited approximately 45 minutes before notifying anyone about the overdoses, and then called a friend rather than emergency services. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Little Rock comprises agents and officers from Saline County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas. The investigation was conducted by the Saline County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Edward Walker and Jordan Crews prosecuted the case. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter


title: Tennessee Man Sentenced to Five Years for Wire Fraud, Money Laundering,  and Making a False Claim to the IRS

body_text: Ocala, Florida – Clarence Christofer Ward, a/k/a Khaled Yaqud Mansur-El, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to five years in federal prison for 1 count of wire fraud, 10 counts of money laundering, and 1 count of making a false claim to the IRS. As part of the sentence, the court ordered Ward to forfeit $4,197,981.28 in proceeds derived from his wire fraud offense. The court also ordered the forfeiture of Ward’s interest in four residential properties in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which were purchased with approximately $1,584,300 in fraud proceeds and were involved in money laundering. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. A federal grand jury indicted Ward on April 30, 2024. He subsequently was found guilty of all charges after a two-day jury trial in September 2025. According to the evidence presented at trial, in November 2020, Ward electronically filed a tax return on behalf of a trust in his name in which he falsely claimed on the return that his trust had paid over $7 million in taxes to the IRS in 2019. Ward claimed on the tax return that he needed a $4.1 million refund from the IRS. Despite Ward’s claim, IRS records show Ward’s trust has never paid any federal taxes. Before the IRS realized that Ward’s claim was untrue, however, the agency issued a $4.1 million refund. Ward immediately spent the money, purchasing four residential properties and a luxury automobile. He also invested some of the money in brokerage accounts. “Ward may have been able to fool the IRS into releasing a tax refund through his bogus tax claims,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “However, tax fraud carries significant criminal penalties, and Ward was justifiably sentenced to prison for his crimes. This case was investigated by the IRS - Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Harrington.


title: Guatemalan nationals extradited to the Eastern District of Texas to face international drug trafficking charges

component: Criminal - Office of International Affairs

body_text: SHERMAN, Texas – Three Guatemalan nationals have been extradited to the United States to face drug trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Adelfo Federico Valdez Santos, aka “Lico Valdez,” 43; Pedro Pablo Oliva Catalan, aka “Peke,” and “Peques,” 36; and Kelvin David Beron Ramirez, aka “Catracho,” and “Crunchi,” 37, were extradited from Guatemala to the United States on January 30, 2026, after being named in separate federal indictments in the Eastern District of Texas charging them with drug trafficking violations. The indictments allege that Valdez, Oliva, and Beron conspired with and assisted other international drug traffickers to manufacture, distribute, and transport significant quantities of cocaine into the United States for further distribution. These cases are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. If convicted, Valdez, Oliva, and Beron each face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison. These cases are being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Dallas Field Division in conjunction with DEA Guatemala City Country Office; DEA Bogota Country Office; DEA Cartagena Resident Office; DEA Panama Country Office and DEA San Jose Country Office. The Justice Department extends its gratitude to the Government of Guatemala and its prosecutorial and law enforcement authorities for making the extradition possible. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala provided significant assistance in securing the defendants’ arrests and extraditions from Guatemala. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Rattan. A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Colorado Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Creation and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces Justin Welsh, 32, of Peyton, Colorado, was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography. Additionally, Welsh will serve a 20-year-term of supervised release and is ordered to pay a $10,000 special assessment pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act (AVAA). According to the plea agreement, the defendant came to the attention of law enforcement after an internet service provider submitted a Cyber Tipline Report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in July 2024. The resulting investigation revealed that the defendant had created sexually explicit pictures and videos of a three-year-old minor victim and distributed the content he created to another individual. According to the plea agreement, the defendant also memorialized sexual contact he engaged in with a second minor and distributed that content as well. “This defendant committed horrific crimes against young people in his care. This sentence puts him exactly where he belongs for the next several decades,” said United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Peter McNeilly. United States District Judge Daniel D. Domenico presided over the sentencing. This case was investigated by the Colorado Springs Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Alecia L. Riewerts and Dustin André-Vandenberg handled the prosecution of the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Florida Man Sentenced to 327 Months in Prison for Sex Trafficking Two Women

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Delon Richard Smith, 47, of Daytona, Florida, was sentenced Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida to 327 months in prison after pleading guilty in October 2025 to two charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and one count of conspiracy to commit the same. Smith was ordered to pay the two victims $4800 in restitution. “This sentence reflects the abhorrent acts of violence the defendant used to exploit the victims for his own personal profit,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Commercial sex trafficking depends on the systematic dehumanization of its victims and debasing victims by treating them as commodities. The Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section will prosecute those who, like Smith, use people like disposable products for an illegal business and violate them in endless ways when doing so.” “The manipulation and brutality used by the defendant in this case against his victims was egregious and reprehensible,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Due to the hard work and diligence of our local and federal law enforcement partners, and courage of the victims, this criminal was brought to justice.” “Sex trafficking is a violent crime, not a business,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley of the FBI Jacksonville Field Office. “This defendant deliberately used force and coercion to control and exploit vulnerable women to line his own pockets. Crimes like this are not victimless. They cause lasting trauma and undermine the safety of our communities. The FBI will continue working with our partners to investigate those who use violence and exploitation to profit and ensure they are held fully accountable for their actions.” According to court documents, Smith used threats and physical violence to compel the two victims to engage in commercial sex in the Daytona Beach area. Smith recruited the two victims separately in 2021 and 2022 by offering them narcotics and an opportunity to make money. He posted online commercial sex advertisements featuring one of the victims’ photographs. He then transported the victims to various locations to meet commercial sex buyers. Smith kept all the money or payments for the commercial sex acts and would routinely force the victims to continue engaging in commercial sex for his profit by inflicting severe physical harm on the victims. Smith would regularly punch and choke the victims, while talking about his gang membership in the Bloods, to threaten and coerce them. On one occasion, to punish the victim for not bringing in enough money, he discharged a firearm and held the hot barrel of the weapon to the victim’s face. In another instance, when one victim left the hotel room without Smith’s explicit permission, he hit one of the victims in the head with the butt of a gun and dragged her into his car by her hair. The FBI Jacksonville Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Daytona Police Department. Trial Attorney Leah Branch of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Testerman and Kaley Austin-Aronson for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org . Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking .


title: Previously Removed Undocumented Mexican National Indicted for $1M Ponzi Scheme that Defrauded Approximately 30 Investors in Utah

number: Defendant used investor funds to pay other investors and for his own personal benefit

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – An indictment was unsealed and an undocumented Mexican national living in Utah was taken into custody after he allegedly collected approximately $1 million from approximately 30 investors in a securities fraud scheme, when he was not licensed to sell securities. Christian Montiel-Caleit, 45, of Mexico, was living in West Valley City, Utah, when authorities took him into custody on January 29, 2026, following a federal grand jury indictment a day prior. According to the allegations in court documents, beginning about 2021 and continuing to about December 2024, Montiel-Caleit, fraudulently obtained money by deceiving investors into thinking he was licensed to sell securities and successful at making large returns. For example, to secure investments, Montiel-Caleit would lie to investors by promising 100% returns in 12 months, when in fact he did not generate returns as represented; payments made to investors were derived from other investors instead of actual returns, and on a routine basis for years, investors did not timely receive their principal and investment returns as promised. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Montiel-Caleit is in the United States illegally and was previously removed on March 2, 2006. Montiel-Caleit is charged with securities fraud, wire fraud, money laundering and illegal reentry of a previously removed alien. His initial appearance on the indictment was January 30, 2026. A 10-day jury trial is scheduled for April 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom 7.3 before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated jointly by the Utah Division of Securities, FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Woolf and Jacob Strain of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: D.C. Public Schools Employee Charged with Distributing Child Pornography

body_text: WASHINGTON – Dandre Eric Davis, 31, a Maryland resident and employee at Luke C. Moore Opportunities Academy in Washington, D.C., was charged with distribution of child pornography in a complaint unsealed today, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. According to court documents, starting on January 12, 2026, Davis communicated with a user on an online dating application regarding his sexual interest in children. Over the week, Davis stated that he was a “kinky perv,” and that he was interested in children between 7-15 years old. Davis eventually moved the communications over to Telegram, an encrypted messaging application where Davis distributed two videos depicting sexual acts involving prepubescent boys. Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office. This case is being investigated by FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Kelley. This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . Charges in a complaint are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Founder of Punjabi Devils Motorcycle Club Stockton Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Dealing in Firearms and Possessing a Machine Gun

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: Jashanpreet Singh, 27, of Lodi, pleaded guilty today to unlawfully dealing firearms and unlawfully possessing a machine gun, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, Singh was the founder of the “Punjabi Devils” Motorcycle Club, a Stockton-based outlaw motorcycle gang associated with the Hells Angels. On June 6, 2025, Singh attempted to sell several weapons to an undercover officer, including a short-barreled rifle, three assault weapons, three machine gun conversion devices, and a revolver. A search of Singh’s residence resulted in the discovery of additional firearms, including a machine gun, another machine gun conversion device, and a silencer. Firearms (including machine guns and a short-barreled rifle), firearms parts (including a silencer and high-capacity drum magazines), and other items seized from Singh’s vehicle and residence on June 6, 2025 . Officers also discovered a single “pineapple”-style capped and fused hand grenade, as well as what law enforcement believed was a military electronic capped “claymore” mine. The Explosives Ordinance Detail of the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department bomb team destroyed these items at the scene. Singh initially faced state charges in San Joaquin County related to these offenses. On July 21, 2025, he failed to appear in court, and the state court issued a bench warrant for his arrest. On July 23, 2025, the FBI received an alert from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that Singh had booked a ticket to India and was scheduled to depart from the San Francisco International Airport on July 26, 2025. On that date, officers located and arrested Singh at the airport before he could flee. Singh remains in federal custody. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; Enforcement and Removal Operations; Homeland Security Investigations; the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office; the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office Explosive Ordinance Detail; the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit; the Stockton Police Department; and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex Cárdenas and Adrian Kinsella are prosecuting the case. Singh is scheduled to be sentenced on May 11, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd. For his conviction for unlawfully dealing in firearms, Singh faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. For his conviction for unlawfully possessing a machine gun, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Federal Inmate, who smuggled heroin into the FDC resulting in fatal overdose, sentenced to ten years in prison

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Tacoma – A 38-year-old Grays Harbor County, Washington, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to ten years in prison for two counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Gabriel Armas was on federal supervised release for a prior conviction for heroin and methamphetamine trafficking when he was arrested for again distributing narcotics. After he was incarcerated at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac, he again distributed heroin, resulting in the overdose death of another inmate. At the sentencing hearing today U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle said, “There can hardly be any offenses more serious than one that resulted in the death of (the victim), which happened here. And it happened in what was supposed to be a safe environment. The FDC is supposed to be safe, but it wasn’t safe for (the victim) because you made the decision to introduce drugs into this environment and as a result someone who was loved by his family died.” “A federal arrest and incarceration can be the first step towards getting clean and sober, but not when other inmates scheme to deal drugs while imprisoned,” said U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “In this case a family was touched by tragedy when their son died of an overdose caused by this defendant. It is a priority for our office to prosecute cases of contraband in jails and prisons.” According to records in the case, on November 14, 2023, Armas was found slumped over the wheel of a car in a parking lot in Ocean Shores, Washington. When an officer knocked on the window, Armas drove away at a high rate of speed. Law enforcement stopped the pursuit due to Armas’ reckless driving. The car Armas was driving got stuck on a bridge that had not been designed for vehicle traffic and the bridge collapsed. Armas left the area, but a drug detecting dog found things he had abandoned in the area such as baggies containing fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, and crystal methamphetamine. They also found identity cards in Armas’ name. A few days later, Armas was found in the area where the car was abandoned and was booked into the Federal Detention Center. Initially he was booked for violating conditions of his federal supervision for a 2014 drug trafficking conviction. Armas was housed in the Special Housing Unit (SHU) on the night of November 19, 2023. On the morning of November 20, 2023, the person sharing the cell with Armas was found unresponsive and died despite lifesaving efforts. An autopsy revealed the man died from acute heroin, olanzapine, and mirtazapine intoxication. On November 23, 2023, authorities found heroin hidden in Armas’ cell. It was wrapped in a jailhouse note offering heroin for sale to inmates. A few weeks later more heroin was found in the top of a pill bottle in Armas’ cell. On January 25, 2024, Armas admitted to another inmate that he made money selling heroin to other inmates and that his cellmate overdosed and died from the heroin. Armas said he swallowed some of the heroin to hide it from staff after his cellmate’s overdose. “In the space of just over a week, Mr. Armas’s series of reckless actions contributed to his cellmate’s overdose death; endangered the community by fleeing law enforcement at high speed; and collapsed a bridge not designed for vehicles during that pursuit,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “He has clearly not learned his lesson from his last drug trafficking conviction, as he was also found to have fentanyl and heroin in his vehicle and prison cell. This sentence holds Mr. Armas accountable for his dangerous conduct and sends a message to all would-be drug traffickers: the FBI and our partners take these crimes seriously.” In asking for a ten-year sentence prosecutors wrote to the court, “By selling drugs in the FDC, Armas demonstrated a complete disregard for the safety of other incarcerated individuals, many of whom have significant addiction issues that have contributed to their being detained. By aiming to provide drugs to other inmates, Armas took advantage of a captive clientele of drug users, many of whom were likely in the process of withdrawal due to their incarceration, rendering them more vulnerable to the harmful effects of opioids.” Armas was ordered to be on supervised release for eight years following prison. The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Ocean Shores Police Department and Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Max Shiner.


title: One leader of violent home invasion robbery crew pleads guilty to racketeering conspiracy involving robbery, kidnapping, and murder

body_text: Seattle – One of the leaders of an armed robbery crew that carried out a series of home invasion robberies in 2022, today pleaded guilty to racketeering and conspiracy to commit RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act), announced U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Christopher Johnson, 24, faces up to life in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lauren King on May 6, 2026. Under the terms of the plea agreement, both the prosecution and defense will recommend a 25-year prison term. According to the plea agreement, Johnson admits he was involved in a pattern of violent crimes allegedly committed by codefendant Kevin Thissel, 29, and their co-conspirators. The plea agreement describes how in the summer of 2022, the men targeted certain families for robberies. To create a climate of fear, the robbery crew burst into homes in the middle of the night, dressed in black, claiming to be police, and with guns drawn. They wore masks and used zip-ties to restrain the victims – including children as young as nine. They would steal any valuables they could ransack from these homes. Tragically, they shot and killed one young mother as her 7-year-old child lay next to her in bed. Each member of the robbery crew had a certain job: identifying potential victims based on social media posts about their wealth or collections; surveilling the target homes; serving as a driver; kicking in the door; corralling the family; holding the victims at gunpoint; and ransacking the homes for valuables. Some of those participating in this violent robbery scheme were juveniles. The crimes admitted in the Johnson plea agreement include: May 24, 2022, the armed robbery of a family in Mount Vernon, Washington. May 24, 2022, the kidnapping of a young boy in connection with the Mount Vernon robbery. May 24, 2022, attempted robbery on Mercer Island – one robber fired a gun but did not hit one of three victims inside the house. May 27, 2022, burglary of an unoccupied Kent, Washington residence. June 19, 2022, the attempted burglary of an occupied residence in Kent. One of the residents fired at the robbery crew causing them to flee July 14, 2022, the armed robbery of a couple in Burien, Washington. July 28, 2022, the armed robbery of a woman in Kent, Washington. July 28,2022, the abduction of the victim in the Kent robbery to force her to obtain cash from ATMs. August 12, 2022, the robbery of two Kent residents who were locked in a closet while their home was ransacked. August 19, 2022, the Everett armed robbery of a couple and their child. August 19, 2022, the murder of one of the Everett robbery victims. Some of the criminal acts described in the plea agreement have not been formally charged. They can be considered by the judge in determining the sentence and for purposes of restitution. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Johnson will plead guilty to second degree murder in Snohomish County Superior Court for the August 19, 2022, fatal shooting of Irah Marcello Sok. Both sides will also recommend a 25-year sentence to run concurrent with the federal sentence. Johnson is asking that the judge recommend he serve his sentence in the Washington State Prison system. However, Judge King can decide whether or not to make that recommendation. The case is being investigated by the FBI with significant assistance from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, the Mount Vernon Police Department, the Kent Police Department, and the King County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Todd Greenberg and Brian Wynne are prosecuting the case. Former Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen Hobbs and Michael Lang worked closely with the Snohomish County Prosecutors Office on investigating and charging this case.


title: Grand jury indicts Buffalo man for attacking postal carrier

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Jacob D. Ortiz, 34, of Buffalo, NY, with assaulting a federal employee, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, on September 9, 2025, a United States Postal Service (USPS) Letter Carrier, dressed in full uniform, approached the mailbox of a residence on Columbus Avenue in South Buffalo. Ortiz exited the residence. The Letter Carrier believed he was a resident coming to get his mail. However, without warning or provocation, Ortiz lunged toward the Letter Carrier and began punching him in the face and head with his fists. The Letter Carrier suffered cuts, bumps and bruises to his face, behind his left ear, on the back of his head, on his left elbow and below his right knee. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Nicholas J. Bucciarelli. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Chilean National Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Prison for Knowingly Enticing Teenage California Girl to Engage in Sexual Activity

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Chilean national was sentenced today to 135 months in federal prison for enticing a 14-year-old girl he met online – and traveled to Southern California to meet in person – to engage in criminal sexual activity and for possessing sexually explicit images of the victim on his cell phone. Daniel Andrés Aravena Oliva, 22, of Santiago, Chile, was sentenced by United States District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald, who ordered him to pay $3,000 in restitution. Aravena pleaded guilty in March 2025 to one count of enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity and one count of possession of child pornography. Aravena has been in federal custody since his arrest at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in August 2024. According to court documents, from December 2023 to May 2024, Aravena used internet platforms such as Zoom, FaceTime, a virtual-reality gaming platform Roblox to knowingly entice the victim, a 14-year-old girl, to engage in criminal sexual activity. Aravena’s written messages to the victim often were sexual in nature. Through those messages, Aravena persuaded the victim to have sex with him and to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting herself for him. In April 2024, the victim’s family discovered the communications, blocked the victim’s ability to communicate with Aravena, and reported the incident to law enforcement. In August 2024, Aravena flew from Santiago, Chile to Los Angeles to meet and have sex with the victim. Law enforcement was alerted to his travel plans. Upon his arrival – and arrest – at LAX, Aravena knowingly possessed on his Apple iPhone – in the “deleted photos” portion of his phone – approximately 50 images of CSAM depicting the victim. Homeland Security Investigations investigated this matter with assistance from the Glendora Police Department. The Major Crimes Section prosecuted this case.


title: Former anesthesiology resident sentenced for stealing and using narcotic pain medicine while on duty

body_text: Seattle – A 36-year-old former anesthesiology resident at Seattle Children’s Hospital and Harborview and University of Washington Medical Centers was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to one year of supervised release including 200 hours of community service for diverting narcotic pain medication to his own use while treating patients, announced U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Andrew Voegel-Podadera, of Seattle, was arrested in June 2025 and charged with obtaining controlled substances by fraud. Voegel-Podadera pleaded guilty in October 2025, admitting he secretly took fentanyl, hydromorphone, and other medications over the course of a year while working in the UW Medicine system. He sometimes used the diverted substances while still at the hospital, meaning he was under the influence of potent narcotics while treating patients. At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson said, “This was a serious offense… the consequences of which could have been more serious and tragic.” “This defendant was entrusted with caring for patients, including young and vulnerable patients,” said U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “It is chilling to think that he took powerful narcotics while a tiny baby needed his full and unimpaired attention. This case should serve as a message that nobody is above the law and healthcare professionals will be held accountable when they divert narcotics and put patients in harm’s way.” According to records filed in the case, between 2022 and 2024, Voegel-Podadera worked as a resident anesthesiologist. He did rotations at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Harborview Medical Center, and the UW Medical Center. On December 27, 2024, Voegel-Podadera saw three patients at Children’s – the youngest was just 11-days old. From the beginning of his shift, Voegel-Podadera began stealing and using pain medications that were meant for patients. He consumed fentanyl and hydromorphone and then returned the vials to the pharmacy with saline in them, claiming it was “wastage.” Fortunately, the attending physician found his behavior odd and reported it to others at Children’s. Ultimately, Voegel-Podadera admitted stealing and taking drugs while on duty as far back as January 2024. In asking that Voegel-Podadera do prison time, prosecutors wrote to the court, “Anesthesiologists administer precise doses of potent medications and perform delicate procedures like intubations…. Voegel-Podadera’s behavior put [his patients] at risk. An intoxicated doctor is far more likely to make mistakes, and mistakes in this setting can be costly.” “Dr. Voegel-Podadera selfishly diverted powerful pain medication away from patients, including young children and infants, while he worked as an anesthesiologist at Seattle Children’s Hospital,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Dr. Voegel-Podadera violated both his oath and the law. We are proud that DEA and our partners could stop him from endangering young patients. DEA remains unwavering in our commitment to saving American lives.” “The diversion of controlled substances by medical professionals is a serious breach of public trust and patient safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Iwanicki, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Los Angeles Field Office. “The defendant’s actions not only violated federal law but also placed vulnerable pediatric patients at risk. The FDA is committed to protecting the integrity of our healthcare system and ensuring that patients receive the safe and effective medications they deserve.” Voegel-Podadera’s attorney said the consequences for the former physician have been significant: he was terminated from the anesthesiology training program, had to surrender his DEA registration that allowed him to prescribe medications, and has had his medical license surrendered for at least five years. Speaking to the court Voegel-Podadera said he wished he had sought help for his addiction earlier. He has been speaking to groups of medical residents about the danger of addiction. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Food and Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Philip Kopczynski and Amanda McDowell.


title: Drone Operator Charged With Violating Temporary Flight Restrictions In Area Surrounding Levi’s Stadium During NFL Game

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN JOSE – A San Francisco man was charged in a federal criminal complaint for flying a drone within restricted airspace surrounding Levi’s Stadium during a National Football League (NFL) game in violation of a temporary flight restriction (TFR) imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to the criminal complaint and court documents filed today, Junwei Guo, 27, operated a drone within the airspace surrounding Levi’s Stadium on Nov. 9, 2025, during a game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams. As court documents describe, the FAA has issued a TFR that prohibits all aircraft, including drones, from operating within a three nautical mile radius of any stadium with a seating capacity of 30,000 or more people during, among other events, regular or post-season NFL games. The “stadium TFR” classifies the airspace defined in the restriction as “National Defense Airspace” and remains in effect for a specified time period before, during, and after the qualifying event. The complaint alleges that Guo flew the drone as high as approximately 2,300 feet above ground level, an altitude that raises significant concerns for public safety and the potential disruption air traffic control in the area. Guo allegedly did not register the drone with the FAA, obtain a remote pilot’s certificate with the FAA, obtain FAA authorization to fly the drone in national defense airspace, or comply with the requirements of the FAA’s recreational use exception. United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement. Defendant is scheduled to appear in federal court in San Jose on Feb. 27, 2026, for an initial appearance. A complaint merely alleges that a crime has been committed, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine for the charged violation of national defense airspace under 49 U.S.C. § 46307. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina Liu is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Natachiana Burney. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, the Federal Air Marshal Service, and the Santa Clara Police Department. * * * The FAA, in coordination with the FBI, has established a “No Drone Zone” for Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Feb. 8, 2026, with additional drone restrictions surrounding Levi’s Stadium and in downtown San Francisco during the days leading up to the event. For more information, please visit: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-and-fbi-announce-strict-no-drone-zones-super-bowl-lx .


title: Remembering FBI Special Agents Alfin and Schwartzenberger on the Fifth Anniversary of their Line-of-Duty Deaths

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida stood shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement family at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Miami Field Office to honor the lives and service of Special Agents Daniel Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger, who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty five years ago while protecting our community. The ceremony was held beside a flourishing memorial tree and bench bearing a commemorative plaque first presented in prior years. An invocation was offered by FBI Chaplain Rabbi Claudio Kogan, followed by heartfelt remembrances from Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles, who shared personal stories of Dan and Laura at the Academy, in the field, and at home. Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel attended the ceremony and delivered remarks of compassion for the families and the FBI community. Director Patel spoke of his personal commitment to remember Dan and Laura each day, honoring their dedication to the FBI mission, their resolve to protect the public, and their enduring example that justice will overcome evil. He also announced his approval of a permanent memorial so their sacrifice will be remembered every day. On February 2, 2021, Special Agents Alfin and Schwartzenberger were executing a court-ordered federal search warrant in Sunrise as part of a violent crimes against children investigation when they were ambushed. Three other agents were wounded in the attack. Their courage exemplified the highest traditions of federal service and the core values of the FBI. “Five years later, the loss of Dan Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger is still felt across our law enforcement family,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “They ran toward danger to protect the most vulnerable, and they paid the ultimate price in service to others. Today we honor their courage, stand with their families and colleagues, and recommit ourselves to the mission they lived every day, protecting our community and upholding the rule of law.” We are grateful to stand with our FBI family on this solemn day of remembrance. We honor the memory of Special Agents Daniel Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger, and we will never forget their sacrifice. ###