title: Maryland Man Indicted on Unlawful Transmission and Retention of Classified National Defense Information Charges

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Today, a federal grand jury indicted a Laurel, Maryland man on five counts of unlawfully transmitting and one count of unlawfully retaining classified national defense information, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 793(e). "Illegally disclosing classified defense information is a grave crime against America that puts both our national security and the lives of our military heroes at risk," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "This Department of Justice will remain ever-vigilant in protecting the integrity of America's classified intelligence." “Perez-Lugones allegedly printed and removed classified documents from his workplace on multiple occasions, took them home, and later passed them to a reporter who used the information in news articles,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Protecting our country’s secrets is essential to the safety of our most sensitive intelligence, military, and law enforcement operations. The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate everyone who seeks to undermine our national security and hold them accountable.” “The indictment charges that Perez-Lugones willfully transmitted national defense information to a news reporter, placing our national security at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “Protecting sensitive national security information is a core responsibility of the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will pursue accountability when that trust is violated. Putting it simply, risking our national security cannot and will not be tolerated.” “Today’s indictment sends a clear message to all clearance holders that the FBI and our partners will spare no resource to immediately identify and hold accountable those who violate the law by disclosing classified information without authorization,” said Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “This alleged brazen betrayal posed the threat of exceptionally grave damage to national security, including endangering our warfighters and ongoing military operations.” Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones, 61, a long-time holder of a Top-Secret security clearance who has worked as a government contractor for the past two decades, is charged with the unauthorized transmission and retention of national defense information. Since at least 2002, Perez-Lugones has worked as a system engineer and information technology specialist for a government contractor. In that role, Perez-Lugones worked on contracts for the U.S. Intelligence Community. Perez-Lugones was previously charged by criminal complaint on January 9, 2026, with the unlawful retention of national defense information. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland, and Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s Washington Field Office announced the indictment. According to the indictment, between October 2025 and January 2026, Perez-Lugones repeatedly accessed classified reports, printed or copied the information in these classified reports, and then removed this classified information from the sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) where he worked. Thereafter, Perez-Lugones transmitted the classified national defense information to a reporter (referred to as “Reporter 1” in the indictment), who was not authorized to receive it. In turn, Reporter 1 co-authored and contributed to at least five articles that contained classified information Perez-Lugones provided, resulting in the dissemination of the information to the public. Perez-Lugones was arrested on Jan. 8, 2026. During the execution of a court-authorized search warrant for his mobile phone, investigators reviewed messages between Perez-Lugones and Reporter 1 discussing the classified information that Perez-Lugones had provided. These messages also showed Perez-Lugones transmitting to Reporter 1 two documents that contained classified national defense information. After sending one such document, Perez-Lugones sent a message stating, “I’m going quiet for a bit . . . just to see if anyone starts asking questions.” Additionally, during the execution of a court-authorized search warrant for Perez-Lugones’s vehicle, investigators recovered a hard-copy document classified at the SECRET level. If convicted, Perez-Lugones faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for each count of retention and transmission of national defense information. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia McLane and Thomas Sullivan of the District of Maryland and Trial Attorneys Menno Goedman and Brendan Geary of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. The FBI’s Washington Field Office is investigating. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Three-Time Sex Offender Sentenced to More Than 20 Years for Transporting Child Pornography

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Stephen Hans Jenkins, a.k.a. BMO, 40, Trempealeau, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 246 months in federal prison for transporting child pornography. The prison term will be followed by a lifetime-period of supervised release. Jenkins pleaded guilty to this offense on October 28, 2025. Jenkins was a long-time family friend of Minors A, B, and C. Eventually, Jenkins began sexually assaulting Minor A. One-night, Minor A was looking at Jenkins’s iPad and found explicit images of Minor B and Minor C. Minor A then reached out to family members for help. Agents ultimately executed a search warrant at Jenkins’s home in Trempealeau County and an analyst found hundreds of sexually explicit images of minors. At sentencing, Judge Conley noted that the defendant was in a position of trust for all his victims and used the position to “groom” and exploit them. Judge Conley called the defendant a serial predator who was calculated, manipulative, and a danger to minors. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, it is common for producers of child pornography to groom victims or cultivate a relationship with a child and gradually sexualize the contact over time. The grooming process fosters a false sense of trust and authority over a child to desensitize or break down a child´s resistance to sexual abuse. “Jenkins is a repeat child sex offender who represents a profound ongoing danger to children,” said Interim U.S. Attorney Elgersma. “Our office is dedicated to prosecuting anyone who creates and circulate depictions of child sexual exploitation and violence.” Prior to assaulting Minors A, B, and C, Jenkins was convicted of groping a 10-year-old boy and convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy. In announcing the sentence, Interim U.S. Attorney Elgersma commended the outstanding efforts and coordination of the FBI, Trempealeau Police Department, Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, and the Ogden, Utah, Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case. This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. 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.


body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted a Laurel, Maryland, man today, for allegedly mishandling classified information. Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones, 61, is charged with five counts of unlawfully transmitting and one count of unlawfully retaining classified national defense information. Perez-Lugones was previously charged by criminal complaint with retention of national defense information. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Attorney General Pamela Bondi; FBI Director Kash Patel; Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg; and Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox, FBI – Washington Field Office. Between October 2025 and January 2026, Perez-Lugones repeatedly accessed classified reports, printed or otherwise copied the information in these classified reports, and removed the printouts and information from the sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) where he worked. He then transmitted the classified national defense information to a reporter (Reporter 1), who is not authorized to receive it. In turn, Reporter 1 co-authored and contributed to at least five articles that contained classified information Perez-Lugones provided, resulting in the dissemination of the information to the public. On October 31, 2025, November 11, 2025, December 8, 2025, January 6, 2026, and January 9, 2026, Reporter 1 co-authored articles containing classified information from these reports. "Illegally disclosing classified defense information is a grave crime against America that puts both our national security and the lives of our military heroes at risk," Bondi said. "This Department of Justice will remain ever-vigilant in protecting the integrity of America's classified intelligence." “Perez-Lugones allegedly printed and removed classified documents from his workplace on multiple occasions, took them home, and later passed them to a reporter who used the information in news articles,” Patel said. “Protecting our country’s secrets is essential to the safety of our most sensitive intelligence, military, and law enforcement operations. The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate everyone who seeks to undermine our national security and hold them accountable.” “The indictment charges that Perez-Lugones willfully transmitted national defense information to a news reporter, placing our national security at risk,” Hayes said. “Protecting sensitive national security information is a core responsibility of the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will pursue accountability when that trust is violated. Putting it simply, risking our national security cannot and will not be tolerated.” “Today’s indictment sends a clear message to all clearance holders that the FBI and our partners will spare no resource to immediately identify and hold accountable those who violate the law by disclosing classified information without authorization,” Cox said. “This alleged brazen betrayal posed the threat of exceptionally grave damage to national security, including endangering our warfighters and ongoing military operations.” On January 8, 2026, a federal court authorized search warrants for Perez-Lugones’s Laurel residence and vehicle, along with other locations. During the search, investigators uncovered multiple documents marked as “SECRET.” They also found a lunch box in his car containing a document marked as “SECRET.” Additionally, while searching Perez-Lugones’s residence, investigators located a document in the basement of the residence also marked as “SECRET.” One or more of these documents are related to national defense. On several occasions, since at least October 2025, Perez-Lugones navigated and searched databases or repositories containing classified information without authorization, including classified intelligence reports or summaries. Specifically, Perez-Lugones accessed classified intelligence reports, some of which are related to a foreign country, and classified as Top Secret. He took screenshots of the reports and pasted them in Microsoft Word documents and other applications to obscure his unauthorized review and access of this information. Then on January 8, authorities observed Perez-Lugones looking at national defense information and printing it in his cubicle at his workplace. Agents later found that Perez-Lugones removed his name from headers on documents prior to leaving his workplace. According to the indictment, the search also revealed that on January 8, Perez-Lugones transmitted photographs of classified documents. Perez-Lugones then wrote to Reporter 1, “I’m going quiet for a bit . . . just to see if anyone starts asking questions,” via an encrypted messaging application. Since 2002, Perez-Lugones worked as a government contractor in various capacities. Perez-Lugones was working as a systems engineer and information technology specialist for a government contracting company. He possesses a Top-Secret security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information as long as it is essential for performing his job. The Government entrusted Perez-Lugones with access to classified and national defense information since he held a security clearance as a member of the U.S. Navy and as a government contractor. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. If convicted, Perez-Lugones faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for each count of retention and transmission of national defense information. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI Washington Field Office for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia McLane and Thomas Sullivan, along with Trial Attorneys Menno Goedman and Brendan Geary, National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, who are prosecuting the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Middlesex County Man Sentenced to 180 Months In Prison for Receiving and Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: TRENTON, N.J. – Today, a Middlesex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced to 15 years in prison and 15 years of supervised release for receiving and possessing images and videos depicting child pornography, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced. Jeremy Greenwald, 47, of South Amboy, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court to a two-count information charging him with receipt and possession of child pornography. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From May 2022 through February 2023, Greenwald used an online chat application to communicate with a minor victim located outside of New Jersey. Greenwald persuaded the minor victim to create and send Greenwald images and videos of her engaging in sexually explicit conduct. On multiple occasions, Greenwald directed the minor victim to perform certain sexual acts using items Greenwald had purchased and sent the minor victim to use during the videos, including sex toys and costumes, and Greenwald paid the minor victim a nominal amount for these images and videos. A search of Greenwald’s electronic devices revealed additional videos and images of child pornography, including depictions of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts. Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, specifically those working on the FBI Newark Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, with the investigation. 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 Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Agnew of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton. ### Defense counsel: Michael Chazen, Esq., Freehold, New Jersey


title: Paterson Doctor Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Opioids

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Paterson, New Jersey, doctor was sentenced to a term of 87 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to distribute opioids without a legitimate medical reason, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced. “Physicians are entrusted with extraordinary power over the lives and health of their patients. When a physician abandons that duty and instead fuels opioid addiction for profit, the damage ripples far beyond a single exam room and into entire communities. This sentence reflects the seriousness of that breach of trust and sends a clear message: medical licenses are not shields for criminal conduct, and doctors who help drive the opioid epidemic will be held accountable.” - Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello Lisa Ferraro, 67, of Hillsdale, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to one count of knowingly and intentionally conspiring and agreeing with others, to distribute oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, outside the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From January 2019 to September 23, 2023, Ferraro, who practiced internal medicine in Paterson until her arrest in October 2023, participated in a conspiracy to prescribe oxycodone, an opioid pain medication, to individuals who posed as patients, but whom Ferraro never physically examined or questioned about symptoms to determine whether there was a legitimate medical need for prescribing oxycodone. Over the course of the conspiracy, Ferraro wrote prescriptions for tens of thousands of 30mg oxycodone pills. Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents and members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, with the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron L. Webman, Deputy Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark. ### Defense counsel: Linda George, Hackensack, NJ


title: Former Des Moines Superintendent Pleads Guilty to Firearm and False Statement Charges

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

body_text: DES MOINES, Iowa – The former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent pleaded guilty today to both charges against him. Ian Andre Roberts, 55, entered guilty pleas to False Statement for Employment and Illegal Alien in Possession of a Firearm. According to public court documents, Roberts falsely stated that he was a United States citizen on employment paperwork related to his position at the Des Moines Public Schools in June 2023. Roberts was not and has never been a United States citizen. On September 26, 2025, Roberts knowingly possessed a loaded Glock pistol in his vehicle while knowing that he was unlawfully present in the United States. On the same day, Roberts also possessed three additional firearms at his residence, including a loaded pistol, a loaded rifle, and a shotgun. Roberts is scheduled to be sentenced on May 29, 2026, and faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison on the firearms charge and up to five years in prison on the false statements charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, investigated this case, with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. roberts_plea_agreement.pdf


title: Southwest Georgia Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Meth Distribution

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ALBANY, Ga. – A Lee County man, a major methamphetamine distributor connected to two federal drug investigations in Southwest Georgia and a Georgia prison, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison. Luis Jose Vanga, 49, of Leesburg, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 300 months in prison to be followed by six years of supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on Aug. 5, 2025. There is no parole in the federal system. “Luis Vanga and his associates have been key figures in distributing methamphetamine in Leesburg. With his conviction, a major drug network that fueled addiction and caused death has been dismantled,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Armed drug traffickers in Southwest Georgia and throughout the Middle District of Georgia should be aware that local, state and federal law enforcement are working to find you and ensure you are held accountable for crimes that harm our communities.” “This 25-year sentence reflects the seriousness of methamphetamine trafficking tied to armed criminal activity,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “When individuals choose to flood our communities with dangerous drugs and use violence to protect their profits, they will be held fully accountable. DEA remains committed to dismantling these networks and removing those who pose a direct threat to public safety.” “This sentence sends a clear message that methamphetamine trafficking and the violence that results will not be tolerated in Georgia,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “The GBI remains committed to working alongside our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to dismantle drug networks that endanger our communities. We will hold those responsible fully accountable, whether they operate on the streets or attempt to continue their crimes from behind prison walls.” “This sentencing marks the conclusion of multiple investigations into the bulk distribution of controlled substances by several individuals operating throughout the greater Lee County area, which have resulted in lengthy federal prison sentences for every defendant involved,” said Lee County Sheriff Reggie Rachals. “Let these sentences serve as a warning to anyone foolish enough to consider following in their footsteps. We encourage anyone engaged in criminal activity to stay out of, or get out of, Lee County.” According to court documents and statements referenced in court, Vanga was taken into custody for distributing methamphetamine by the GBI on May 19, 2022, as part of a multi-agency investigation into armed drug trafficking in Lee County, which resulted in the conviction of Shaun Anthony Akins, of Leesburg, who is currently serving a 12-year federal sentence for distributing methamphetamine. For more information about Akins’ federal case, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/lee-county-man-sentenced-12-years-prison-distributing-meth . Vanga was convicted of distributing illegal drugs at the state level. While Vanga was incarcerated in a Georgia prison, law enforcement learned that he continued to distribute kilogram quantities of methamphetamine in coordination with Larry Roger Sparks, Jr., of Albany. As a result of this investigation in this prison-based drug distribution network, Sparks, Jr. was convicted and sentenced to serve 40 years in prison. For more information about Sparks, Jr.’s federal case, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/georgia-man-sentenced-40-years-prison-armed-fentanyl-trafficking . On May 21, 2025, the DEA and Lee County Sheriff’s Office executed a federal court-authorized search warrant at Vanga’s Leesburg residence. In plain view throughout the home, law enforcement saw methamphetamine, multiple boxes of flip and fold bags used for drug distribution, digital scales and a loaded semiautomatic pistol. Vanga has a lengthy criminal history with prior convictions for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine and possession of hydrocodone. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the GBI and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Criminal Chief Leah McEwen prosecuted the case for the Government.


title: Dow City Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation  and Child Pornography Charges

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Bryce White, 42, from Dow City, Iowa, pled guilty January 21, 2026, in federal court in Sioux City, to one count of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of receipt of child pornography. At the plea hearing, White admitted that between August 1, 2023, and August 2024, he coerced minor females into sending him depictions of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct. White used Snapchat to pose as a minor and solicited and received nude images and videos of minor females from across the United States and overseas. In September 2023, a Midland, Michigan, law enforcement agency began investigating White based on a complaint from a minor female’s parents. The parents discovered inappropriate messages on Snapchat between their daughter and White. Law enforcement traced the Snapchat account back to White in Dow City. Agents in Iowa obtained and executed search warrants for White’s electronics. Forensic examination revealed 14 videos, 180 images of child sexual abuse material, and over 20,000 images of child erotica in White’s possession. The images and videos involved material that portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct as well as prepubescent children and toddlers. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. White remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. White faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 50 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Midland County Michigan Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-4079. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Iowa Woman to Federal Prison for Meth Conspiracy

body_text: Starr Ledford, 43, from Manson and Atlantic, Iowa, was sentenced on January 21, 2026, to 60 months’ imprisonment. Ledford pled guilty July 22, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from January 2024 through May 2024, Ledford and others were involved in a conspiracy that distributed at least three pounds of pure methamphetamine in the Fort Dodge, Iowa, area. Evidence further showed that on two occasions in April 2024, Ledford distributed a total of more than 300 grams of pure methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. In May 2024, law enforcement conducted surveillance of Ledford as she traveled to Omaha, Nebraska and it was later determined she obtained about ½ pound of methamphetamine from her source of supply in Omaha. Ledford obtained methamphetamine multiple times from her source in Omaha to re-distribute in and around Fort Dodge. United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Ledford to 60 months’ imprisonment. Ledford must serve a three-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Ledford remains in the custody of the United States Marshal until she can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Fort Dodge Police Department, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Council Bluffs Police Department, and the Iowa DCI Laboratory. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-3006. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Japanese National Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Export Firearm Components and Tactical Accessories to Japan

component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Shota Yamamoto, 29, of Tokyo, Japan, pled guilty today in federal court to conspiring to violate the Export Control Reform Act. Sentencing is set for June 1, 2026, before United States District Judge Micah W.J. Smith. According to court records, from approximately March 2024 through July 2025, Yamamoto conspired with another person to export firearm components and tactical accessories from the United States to Japan without the required licenses. Yamamoto intended to use those items to retrofit airsoft equipment for sale to airsoft enthusiasts in Japan seeking highly realistic equipment. Airsoft is a recreational activity in which participants use replica firearms to engage in simulated combat scenarios using non-metallic pellets. Yamamoto used an address in Hawaii to receive shipments from U.S. firearms components and accessories dealers, and then arranged for their export to Japan, either by carrying them in checked luggage or by shipping them through a commercial shipping company. Yamamoto admitted that he exported or attempted to export over 900 firearms components and accessories, including AR-15 lower receiver parts kits, upper receivers, magazines, and similar components, each of which required a license to export that Yamamoto did not have. Yamamoto faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and a period of supervised release of up to three years. Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Department of Commerce – Bureau of Industry and Security investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Albanese is prosecuting the case.


title: Mexican National Sentenced to 15 years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine Charge

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Alberto Ayala-Ordonez, 44, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was sentenced on January 9, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Ayala-Ordonez to 180 months’ imprisonment. Ayala-Ordonez also forfeited to the government $7,924 in U.S. currency that was seized during the investigation. There is no parole in the federal system. After completing his term of imprisonment, Ayala-Ordonez will serve a five-year term of supervised release. Ayala-Ordonez was indicted based on his involvement with a Mexico source of supply of methamphetamine known to supply the Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa areas with the drug via a local network of couriers. Ayala-Ordonez was a local courier operating in Nebraska and Iowa who distributed the Mexican source’s drugs. On October 2, 2023, law enforcement conducted a controlled buy of one pound of methamphetamine from Ayala-Ordonez at an Omaha location. After the buy, surveillance officers observed Ayala- Ordonez meet with other co-conspirators who were found in possession of one pound of methamphetamine when stopped shortly after the meet. On January 19, 2024, a search warrant was conducted on Ayala- Ordonez’s South Omaha residence where approximately 1,140 grams of methamphetamine and $7,924.00 in U.S. Currency were seized. In a post-Miranda interview Ayala- Ordonez admitted to his involvement in drug distribution for a Mexican source. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.


title: Man Sentenced for Escape from Custody

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Dylan Michael Joseph Hoffman, 34, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced on January 7, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for escape from custody. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Hoffman to 18 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Hoffman’s release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release. In August 2021, Hoffman was sentenced to serve 63 months’ imprisonment in the custody of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa following his conviction for prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. In February 2025, while serving that custodial sentence, BOP transferred Hoffman to Dismas Charities Residential Reentry Center (Dismas) in Omaha, Nebraska. Dismas assigned Hoffman to home confinement at an area residence, but, after Hoffman was ordered to return to Dismas on May 4, 2025, he failed to do so. Hoffman was given multiple opportunities to return to Dismas as directed, but he failed to return and ultimately disabled his BOP electronic location monitoring system. Several days later, the United States Marshals Service was able to locate Hoffman in Council Bluffs and return him to custody. This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced for Selling Fentanyl and Firearms

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Doob Tut, 32, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 7, 2026, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl analogue and being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Tut to 137 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Tut’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. Beginning in October 2023, a Federal Bureau of Investigation task force began investigating Tut for distributing fentanyl pills in Omaha. Individuals cooperating with law enforcement purchased fentanyl pills from Tut 11 times over a span of nine months. Tut would receive fentanyl pills from other dealers and then immediately sell them to the cooperators. Tut also twice sold firearms: an AR style rifle and a revolver. Tut was prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law because of a previous felony conviction for robbery in Lancaster County District Court in 2013. During the investigation, the task force arrested three individuals who were supplying Tut with fentanyl pills. All three pleaded guilty to federal drug and firearm offenses, each receiving sentences between 235- and 300-months’ imprisonment. This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Lamar Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Federal Prison for Drug Dealing

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Kenneth Johnston, Jr., 46, of Lamar, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 8, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for Distribution of at Least 50 Grams of Actual Methamphetamine. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Johnston to 151 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Johnston’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. Johnston was arrested following an investigation by the Nebraska State Patrol and CODE Drug Task Force. In the course of that investigation, Johnston sold a half pound of methamphetamine to a cooperating individual at a gas station in Big Springs, Nebraska, on two separate occasions in July of 2023. Subsequent testing by the Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab confirmed that the substance was in fact methamphetamine, with a purity of 100%. At the time of the sales, Johnston was out on bond on a state case for simple possession of methamphetamine. This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol and CODE Task Forces which is made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22-county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska and includes the North Platte Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Ogallala Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations.


title: Hastings Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and a Related Firearm Charge

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Andrew Juarez, 38, of Hastings, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 8, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska for one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and one count of using, carrying, or possessing a firearm during and relation to a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Juarez to a total of 230 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Juarez’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. Between January 24, 2024, and March 23, 2024, CODE and TRIDENT task forces coordinated eight controlled buys of methamphetamine from Sonia Martinez and Andrew Juarez. Four of the controlled buys also involved purchasing six firearms. The buys were coordinated by a confidential informant and by an undercover officer. The Nebraska State Patrol Crime Lab confirmed at least 470 grams of methamphetamine actual and at least 450 grams of methamphetamine mixture from the eight controlled buys in total. Co-defendant Martinez is currently set for sentencing on March 12, 2026, before United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis. This case was investigated by the TRIDENT and CODE Task Forces which is made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22-county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska and includes the North Platte Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Ogallala Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations.


title: Grand Island Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Attempting Malicious Damage to Federal Property Using Explosive Materials and Destruction of Government Property

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Eulisis Martin, 35, of Grand Island, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 8, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for one count of attempting malicious damage to federal property using explosive materials and one count of destruction of government property over $1,000. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Martin to a total of 60 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Martin’s release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release. Additionally, Martin will have to pay $1,841.65 in restitution. On or about June 9, 2025, at approximately 1:15 a.m., Martin spray-painted “KILL ICE” on the front window of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office located in Grand Island. Martin then proceeded to the rear of the building, where he took a homemade Molotov cocktail, lit it, and threw it at the ICE office building. However, the Molotov cocktail did not fully function. A Molotov cocktail is a homemade explosive device which is used to start fires and/or cause explosions. On June 14, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m., Martin returned to the location of the ICE office and punctured tires on seven different vehicles owned by the United States Department of Agriculture which were parked behind the ICE office. An officer with Grand Island Police Department observed Martin at the location before he fled the scene. On June 16, 2025, a search warrant for Martin’s residence was executed. In his bedroom, law enforcement found two additional Molotov cocktails that matched the same design as the ones found at the ICE office, notes discussing what items to purchase to make a Molotov cocktail, and notes discussing how to properly use a Molotov cocktail. On June 17, 2025, a search warrant for Martin’s vehicle was executed. Law enforcement found men’s boots that matched a boot print found at the ICE office, white spray paint, dark clothing, and a knife. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Grand Island Police Department.


title: Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Dale Patrick Grant, 37, originally from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced on January 9, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for failure to register as a sex offender. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Grant to 21 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Grant’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. In January 2020, Grant was convicted in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska of sexual abuse of a minor, for which he was sentenced to a term of 48 months’ imprisonment. Because of the 2020 conviction, Grant is required to register as a sex offender, including updating his residential address to reflect any changes, which he acknowledged in writing on his release from federal prison in March 2024 onto supervised release. Despite his duty to register, beginning in late June 2025, Grant failed to update his registered address after leaving his registered residence in Omaha. Grant was later located by law enforcement in August 2025 in Grand Island and taken into custody. This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.


title: Venezuelan National Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison

body_text: SOUTH BEND – On January 22, 2026, Guillermo Zarate-Martinez, 29 years old, of Venezuela, residing in Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Zarate-Martinez was sentenced to 30 months in prison. According to documents in the case, Zarate-Martinez is a citizen of Venezuela who was in the United States illegally in August 2024 when he was found in possession of three firearms in Mishawaka, Indiana. Zarate-Martinez had the firearms when he and several other individuals went to a local business and threatened the owner in an attempt to recover an alleged debt of money. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Mishawaka Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Katelan McKenzie Doyle and Luke N. Reilander. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Warsaw Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison

body_text: SOUTH BEND – On January 22, 2026, Gary Schmucker, 47 years old, of Warsaw, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after a jury found him guilty of possessing a firearm as an unlawful drug user, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Schmucker was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, in the months leading up to late April 2024, Schmucker regularly and repeatedly used methamphetamine and marijuana. During this time, he also possessed at least three firearms, including a semi-automatic rifle modified to fire rapidly. Law enforcement was called to his property on the morning of April 28, 2024, after he had used methamphetamine throughout the previous day and night while armed. Schmucker refused to leave his house and engaged in a standoff with law enforcement for several hours before he was finally detained. “This case is an example of how collaboration between state, local, and federal law enforcement can achieve the most effective available response to drug and gun offenses. We thank Kosciusko County Prosecuting Attorney J. Brad Voelz and his office, along with the agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Nappanee Police Department, and Warsaw Police Department for partnering with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to help make Hoosiers safer to live, work, and raise their families,” said United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. The case was prosecuted by Acting Criminal Division Chief Joseph P. Falvey and Assistant United States Attorney Jerome W. McKeever. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 300 Months in Prison

body_text: FORT WAYNE – Jason L. Pea, 32 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Children and Distributing Child Pornography, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Pea was sentenced to 300 months in prison followed by lifetime supervision and ordered to pay $12,000 restitution. Pea was ordered to pay a special assessment of $5,000 pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018. According to documents in the case, in the fall of 2024, Pea began communicating via social media with a thirteen-year-old female in Missouri. Pea offered to pay the child for sexually explicit photos and videos. After the child complied, Pea threatened to publish the photos and videos if the child did not return the money or provide him the names and contact information for her friends. The child returned a portion of the money; however, Pea distributed a sexually explicit video of the minor to another minor child. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Allen County Sheriff’s Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a search warrant at Pea’s residence in Allen County, Indiana, and found the communication devices that Pea used to commit the offenses. Pea was a registered sex offender, having been convicted of sexual misconduct with a minor in 2016. “Jason Pea reached out through the internet to inflict devastating abuse on an innocent girl living hundreds of miles away,” said U.S. Attorney Mildred. “He compounded this heinous crime by threatening to distribute the products of that abuse to blackmail the minor victim into providing access to her friends. And as a final twist, he ignored the minor victim’s compliance with that blackmail and distributed the abusive materials to another minor anyway. He did all this despite having already once been convicted and punished for a sexual offense. Thankfully, the excellent work of our law enforcement and prosecutorial teams resulted in a long prison sentence and a lifetime of court-ordered supervision that will stop this repeat sex offender from preying on our children for the rest of his life. I would like to thank each and every one of them for their efforts.” “Every image and video of child sexual abuse represents a real child who has been harmed and demands a decisive law-enforcement response,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “This 300-month sentence reflects the seriousness of the harm caused and sends a clear message that those who prey on children and distribute this material will be aggressively pursued and held fully accountable.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Allen County Sheriff’s Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: Former Bank Employee Pleads Guilty To Laundering Embezzled Funds

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Madelyn Simone Johnson, age 22, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Property Derived from Specified Unlawful Activity, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Indictment alleged that on May 2, 2025, Johnson, while a bank employee, knowingly engaged in a monetary transaction involving property of a value greater than $10,000, which she embezzled from the bank. The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Johnson will remain out on bond with conditions of release pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob R. Parker and Erin Cornell represented the United States.


title: Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty To Unlawful Reentry

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jorge Alberto Mejia Rodriguez, a/k/a Alberto Mejia, a/k/a Jorge Mejia, age 44, a Mexican national unlawfully present/residing in Bryan County, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than two years, and a fine of not more than $250,000.00. The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The Indictment alleged that on November 17, 2025, Rodriguez, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on August 23, 2014, and on September 27, 2018. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Rodriguez will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edith A. Singer and Jacob R. Parker represented the United States.


title: Stromsburg Man Sentenced for Attempted Production of Child Pornography

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Clinton Epp, 34, of Stromsburg, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 22, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for two counts of attempted production of child pornography. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Epp to 210 months’ imprisonment on both counts, to be run concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. After Epp’s release from prison, he will begin an 8-year term of supervised release. Cybertips were reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that described a user who had been uploading child pornography to a Google account. The investigation revealed the person responsible was Clinton Epp. A search warrant was executed at Epp’s residence, and 13 electronic devices were seized. Along with locating both images and videos of child pornography, investigators also located videos created by Epp on a Canon Camera and on his Samsung cell phone of two minor children in various stages of undress. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.


title: Honduran Citizen Indicted On Illegal Re-Entry After Aggravated Felony Conviction And Removal Charge

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury indicted a citizen and national of Honduras, on an illegal re-entry after aggravated felony conviction and removal charge. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE-ERO) – Baltimore Field Office. Carlos Amador Lopez, 29, is charged with illegally re-entering the U.S. after he was convicted for committing an aggravated felony and being removed. According to the indictment, law enforcement encountered Lopez in the District of Maryland again in December 2025. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. Lopez faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for illegal re-entry after an aggravated felony conviction. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended ICE-ERO for its work in the investigation. U.S. Attorney Hayes also thanked Jared M. Beim who is prosecuting the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Middle District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects More Than  $47.8 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2025

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa ― U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced today that the Middle District of Florida (MDFL) collected $47,802,832.17 related to local criminal and civil matters in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025 (FY 2025). Of this amount, $35,353,280.69 was collected in criminal cases and $12,449,551.48 was collected in civil actions. The MDFL’s Civil Division, led by Civil Chief Randy Harwell, recovered a total of $163,931,176.51 on behalf of federal agencies and programs in affirmative civil enforcement cases during the last fiscal year. This amount has two components. In addition to civil recoveries in local cases noted above, the District’s Civil Division also joins forces with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and with the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section to address fraud schemes and illegal practices extending beyond district boundaries. The MDFL’s Civil Division recovered an additional $151,481,625.03 in FY 2025 in these jointly handled cases. “The Middle District of Florida has a proud record of achievement in the recovery of losses suffered by crime victims and federal programs damaged by white collar fraud schemes,” said U.S. Attorney Kehoe. “The substantial criminal and civil penalties collected in the past fiscal year is tangible evidence of our commitment to this vitally important part of our district’s mission.” U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigation divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. 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. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. The MDFL’s Asset Recovery Division, led by Acting Chief Nicole Andrejko, recovered a total of $35,393,845.89. This amount has two components―criminal monetary penalties and forfeiture. First, in addition to the $35,353,280.69 in criminal monetary penalties collected in cases prosecuted by the District, the Asset Recovery Division worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $40,565.20 in criminal monetary penalties in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Additionally, the District’s Asset Recovery Division, working with partner agencies, forfeited $28,968,242 from criminal and civil asset forfeiture actions in FY 2025. For instance, in FY 2025, $22,441,475 forfeited in the MDFL was returned to victims of the criminal offenses, and more than $2,203,808 was shared with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. Significant Affirmative Civil Enforcement Cases United States ex rel. Novak v. Walgreens Boots Alliance Case no. 1:15-cv-5452 (N.D. Ill.) Four independent qui tam whistleblowers filed lawsuits under the False Claims Act in various districts around the country, including one in the Middle District of Florida captioned United States ex rel. K&V Group v. Walgreens Boots Alliance, et al., case no. 8:19-cv-2736-MSS-CPT (M.D. Fla.). Each whistleblower alleged that Walgreens had engaged in a nationwide scheme to defraud federal and state healthcare programs by dispensing dangerous opioid medications pursuant to facially illegitimate prescriptions. Working jointly with the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section and Federal Programs Branch, as well as with a number of other U.S. Attorneys’ Offices around the country, the Middle District of Florida investigated these claims and corroborated the allegation that Walgreens had ignored “red flags” associated with opioid prescriptions on a nationwide basis, and falsely billed government programs for having dispensed those medications. The United States transferred the qui tam cases to the Northern District of Illinois where Walgreens is headquartered and filed a complaint in January 2025. In April 2025, the United States announced a settlement of these allegations in return for $350 million, in what is the largest civil Controlled Substances Act settlement in MDFL history. Press release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/walgreens-agrees-pay-350m-illegally-filling-unlawful-opioid-prescriptions-and-submitting United States ex rel. Kane v. Semler Scientific, Inc. Case no. 3:16-cv-1516 (M.D. Fla.) A whistleblower filed a complaint in the Jacksonville Division of the Middle District of Florida alleging that Semler Scientific, a manufacturer of a device used for non-invasive vascular testing services, conspired with a distributor of the device (C.R. Bard, Inc.), to defraud Medicare through a scheme that falsely billed federal healthcare programs for testing services used in assessing certain arterial diseases. Working jointly with the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section, the MDFL Civil Division corroborated the allegation that these defendants caused false billings to the Medicare program for services that did not meet the program’s reimbursement requirements. On September 26, 2025, the United States announced settlements with Semler Scientific and Bard to resolve these claims for $29.75 million and $7.2 million, respectively. Press release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/semler-scientific-inc-and-bard-peripheral-vascular-inc-pay-nearly-37m-resolve-false-claims United States ex rel. Stuckmeyer et al. v. LiveCare Health Case no. 8:22-cv-1880 (M.D. Fla.) In August 2022, a whistleblower filed a lawsuit under the False Claims Act in the Middle District of Florida alleging that LiveCare had entered into an agreement with a marketing company that violated the federal anti-kickback statute. In July 2023, LiveCare made a voluntary disclosure of an agreement that paid a marketing company a flat rate for lead generation services. LiveCare cooperated with the government’s investigation and in December 2024, agreed to pay the United States $4.9 million to resolve the claims in full. Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/livecare-inc-agrees-pay-49-million-resolve-false-claims-act-allegations United States v. Mahir Taneja Case No. 8:21-cv-2102 (M.D. Fla.) The United States filed a civil suit in the Middle District of Florida in January 2021 alleging that a Tampa investor, Mahir Taneja, had conspired with Larry Smith and Smith’s pharmacy, Oldsmar Pharmacy, LLC, as well as with a marketing company, Centurion, Inc., to defraud the TriCare health program through a kickback scheme associated with compounded pain creams. Smith resolved the civil claims against him through an ability to pay agreement that paid the government $600,000. After four years of litigation, the United States announced a settlement that paid $2 million in resolution of its claims with Taneja. Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/tampa-man-agrees-pay-us-government-2-million-his-role-medical-kickback-scheme Brandon Eye Associates, LLC and Pinellas Eye Care, P.A. Working jointly with the DOJ Civil Frauds Section, the Middle District of Florida’s Civil Division investigated allegations that two Tampa Bay area ophthalmology practices, Brandon Eye Associates and Pinellas Eye Care, had defrauded the Medicare and Medicaid programs by submitting false claims for reimbursement of ultrasound procedures that were medically unnecessary, premised upon false diagnoses, and arose from unlawful kickback arrangements. The allegations were corroborated, and ultimately the government’s claims under the False Claims Act were resolved in two separate agreements, with Brandon Eye and Pinellas Eye Care for $1.3 million and $615,000, respectively. Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/florida-ophthalmology-practice-agrees-pay-615000-resolve-allegations-fraudulent-claims https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/florida-ophthalmology-practice-agrees-pay-13m-resolve-allegations-fraudulent-claims New Horizons Computer Learning Center. The Middle District of Florida’s Civil Division participated in a national investigation into allegations that franchises of a federally subsidized provider of computer technology training had defrauded the Veterans Administration’s subsidy program in various ways, notably by paying improper incentives to recruiters for the program and by defying program rules governing the numbers of veterans who could participate in the program on a subsidized basis at any given time. The government’s claims against the Jacksonville franchise of New Horizons were resolved pre-suit for $500,000. Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/new-horizons-computer-learning-center-jacksonville-and-owner-resolve-gi-bill


title: U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE COLLECTS NEARLY $1.4 MILLION IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL ACTIONS IN FISCAL YEAR 2025

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: U.S. Attorney Kurt L. Wall announced that the Middle District of Louisiana collected $1,392,488.86 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2025. Of this amount, $1,240,255.48 was collected in criminal actions, and $152,233.38 was collected in civil actions. Additionally, the Middle District of Louisiana worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect a further $2,065,487.31 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $11,350.00 was collected in criminal actions, and $2,054,137.31 was collected in civil actions. U.S. Attorney Wall stated, “Our mission in representing the United States is to hold everyone accountable who violates our laws, whether it is criminal or civil. We will use every tool available to obtain justice. Sometimes that might result in prison, or the enforcement of monetary judgments, or even the execution of asset forfeitures. Criminals and fraudsters can be certain that we will aggressively pursue all available options.” In August 2025, the Middle District of Louisiana recovered $189,490 as part of a forfeiture in United States v. $189,490.00 in U.S. Currency , Case No. 23-CV-665-BAJ-SDJ. During a traffic stop on Interstate 12 near the Millerville Road exit in Baton Rouge, the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration seized $189,490 in cash hidden in the vehicle that were the proceeds of drug trafficking activity. This cash was rubber-banded in seven bundles and hidden in the liners of two suitcases in the vehicle. The United States initiated a civil forfeiture action against these funds, and on August 25, 2025, U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson ordered them forfeited to the United States. In May 2024, Adolphus Obioha pled guilty in the Middle District of Louisiana to theft of government funds for a scheme involving Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) proceeds. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to pay $472,191.60 in restitution to the Small Business Administration. During Fiscal Year 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office collected $249,909.09 on this debt, including $136,000 seized through asset forfeiture and an additional $107,234.09 lump-sum payment. United States v. Adolphus A. Obioha , Case No. 23-CR-00025-BAJ-SDJ. 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 U.S. 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. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of Louisiana, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $1,916,630 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2025. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.


title: Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Recent Prosecutions in Connection With DOJ Take Back America Initiative

body_text: Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes announced today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland’s recent prosecutions in connection with the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America . Hayes announced the superseding indictment and sentences with Acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE-ERO) – Baltimore Field Office. U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow recently sentenced Edwin Armando Sanchez-Montiel, 32, a national of El Salvador residing in Silver Spring, Maryland, to 16 1/2 months in federal prison for re-entry of an alien removed after being convicted of accessory after the fact to first degree murder in Montgomery County, Maryland, an aggravated felony. Additionally, U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman recently sentenced Cesar Odilo Contreras-Lopez, 27, a Guatemalan national residing in Hyattsville, Maryland, to 63 days in federal prison for re-entry of an illegal alien after a prior removal. In addition, a federal grand jury recently indicted Willians Elenilson Beltran-Quintanilla, 39, of El Salvador, charging him with illegally re-entering the United States after two prior removals. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended ICE-ERO for its work in these investigations. Ms. Hayes also thanked the Assistant U.S. Attorneys who prosecuted these federal cases. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: PANAMA CITY FELON INDICTED FOR UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – John D. Ford, 50, of Panama City, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge. Ford appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for February 23, 2026, at 8:30 am before District Court Judge Mark E. Walker in Tallahassee, Florida. Ford faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment if convicted. The case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. 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, human and drug trafficking. As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Three Pinehill Men Charged in Fatal Assault

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Three men are charged by federal authorities in connection with an incident in which one person was killed and another was seriously injured. According to court records, on January 5, 2026, brothers Sullivan Jake Jr. , 25, Braxton Jake , 18, and Juanillo Lee Jake , 23, all enrolled members of the Ramah-Navajo Indian Tribe, allegedly assaulted John Doe 1 and John Doe 2 at a residence in Pinehill, New Mexico. John Doe 1 was pronounced deceased at the scene. John Doe 2 was transported to Gallup Indian Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries. The defendants allegedly arrived together in a blue truck and assaulted John Doe 1 using wooden sticks, metal poles, rocks, and other blunt objects. When John Doe 2 attempted to intervene, the defendants allegedly assaulted him as well. John Doe 2 sustained a broken arm, severe head and facial injuries, partial loss of an ear, and bleeding in the brain. The defendants are charged with second degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. They will remain in third party custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, all three defendants face up to life in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Ramah-Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case. View the Criminal Complaint (Jake).pdf An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Warwick Man Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl-Laced Pills

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Warwick man has been sentenced in federal court in Rhode Island for selling fentanyl-laced pills disguised as Percocet, announced United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda Preston Quintanilha, 23, was sentenced on January 20, 2026, by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 36 months of incarceration to be followed by four years of supervised release. Quintanilha pleaded guilty on June 25, 2025, to charges of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and attempt to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Quintanilha has been detained in federal custody since his arrest on May 28, 2024. According to court documents, in August 2023, during a joint federal and local law enforcement investigation into the defendant’s drug trafficking activities, the DEA made two controlled purchases of fentanyl-laced pills from Quintanilha. On September 28, 2023, law enforcement executed multiple court-authorized search warrants and seized 999 fentanyl-laced pills (107.5 grams), a bag of suspected crack cocaine, and $5,830 in cash from his residence; 1,003 fentanyl-laced pills (109.9 grams) from a Pawtucket apartment which Quintanilha used to store narcotic drugs; and $4,232 in cash from his person, proceeds Quintanilha admitted were from his drug trafficking activities. Additionally, on April 16, 2024, United States Postal Service employees intercepted a package addressed to Quintanilha to be delivered to a relative’s residence. A certified K-9 dog positively alerted for the presence of a narcotic odor. A court-authorized search of the package revealed 9,998 fentanyl-laced pills (1,085.8 grams). Quintanilha admitted that he had the package shipped to a relative’s house under the guise of it being a gift for his girlfriend. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White. The matter was investigated by the DEA, Warwick, Pawtucket, and Newport Police Departments, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.


title: FORMER POSTAL WORKER AND ACCOMPLICE FEDERALLY INDICTED FOR MAIL THEFT, BANK FRAUD & AGGRAVATED IDENTITY THEFT

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jaheed Anthony Lloyd Williams, 25, and Taija Avion Smith, 26, both of Tallahassee, Florida, have been indicted in federal court. Williams has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail theft, unlawful possession of a mail key, theft of mail, bank fraud conspiracy, 15 counts of bank fraud, and three counts of aggravated identity theft. Smith has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail theft, theft of a mail key, bank fraud conspiracy, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges. Williams and Smith appeared in federal court for their arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for February 24, 2026, before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Tallahassee, Florida. Williams and Smith face the following penalties, if convicted: Conspiracy to Commit Mail Theft: maximum of five years’ imprisonment, followed by a maximum of three years’ supervised release. Unlawful Possession or Theft of a Mail Key: maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by a maximum of three years supervised release. Theft of Mail: maximum of five years’ imprisonment, followed by a maximum of three years supervised release. Bank Fraud Conspiracy: maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment, followed by a five years’ supervised release. Bank Fraud: maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment, followed by a five years’ supervised release. Aggravated Identity Theft: mandatory consecutive term of two years’ imprisonment, followed by one-year supervised release. This case was jointly investigated by the Tallahassee Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: 19-Year-Old Philadelphia Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography, Including Videos He Recorded While Sexually Abusing Two Young Children

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Isaiah Smith, 19, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Judge Mary Kay Costello on possession of child pornography. As detailed in the indictment and admitted to by the defendant, Smith maintained a collection of child pornography images and videos of prepubescent minors, including videos that the defendant recorded as he sexually abused two different child victims: a six-year-old girl, and a nonverbal three-year-old boy, on multiple occasions. The child sexual abuse material was discovered after a friend of the defendant walked in on Smith orally raping one of the child victims. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on May 6 and faces a maximum possible term of 20 years’ imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum of five years up to lifetime supervised release, mandatory financial penalties, and mandatory registration as a sex offender under SORNA and Megan’s Law. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit projectsafechildhood.gov . The case was investigated by the FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department’s Special Victims Unit and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rotella.


title: Fallcatcher Principal Who Defrauded Investors Out of Approximately $5 Million Sentenced to Five and a Half Years in Prison

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Henry Ford, also known as Cleothus “Lefty” Jackson, 51, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, was sentenced today to 66 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and $2,095,480 in restitution by United States District Judge Joel H. Slomsky, for defrauding investors out of approximately $5 million. Ford was charged by indictment in March 2023 and pleaded guilty in May of last year to one count of securities fraud and seven counts of wire fraud. According to court documents and statements made in court, Ford founded and operated a business named Fallcatcher, the stated goal of which was to develop and market an electronic system designed to track use of medication by addiction recovery patients to prevent relapse. In May 2018, Ford was seeking additional investors in Fallcatcher, which had been running out of funding. At this time, Ford used an acquaintance in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania who had access to a network of investors to raise funds from these investors. Ford provided his acquaintance false and misleading information about the Fallcatcher investment proposal, so that the acquaintance would agree to send the information to his investor network. Additionally, Ford made presentations in person to potential investors, who were part of this acquaintance’s network, at locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. During these presentations, Ford made false and misleading statements regarding the proposed investment opportunity and showed investors a fraudulent letter of interest, which falsely stated that a major insurance company had agreed to conduct a pilot program using Fallcatcher’s system. Ford caused his acquaintance to distribute further false and misleading statements after these presentations. As a result of these deceptive fundraising efforts, Ford caused approximately 60 investors to invest about $5 million in total in Fallcatcher. In 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) began to investigate Ford’s acquaintance, which resulted in a request for documents from Fallcatcher. During the SEC investigation, in the fall of 2018 and the first half of 2019, Ford took various actions to conceal his fraud upon the investors in Fallcatcher. For example, Ford, through his counsel, produced to the SEC an email purporting to show that the fraudulent letter of interest described above was legitimate. In fact, the email produced to the SEC, like the letter of interest, was also shown to be false and fabricated. This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick J. Murray and Francis A. Weber. The SEC’s New York Regional Office investigated and litigated the civil securities fraud charges, which formed the basis of a portion of the criminal prosecution.


title: Montgomery County Man Who Fraudulently Obtained More Than $240,000 in Disability Benefits From the VA Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Victor Milbourne, 52, of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison, three years of supervised release, $241,690 in restitution, a $20,000 fine, and a $1,000 special assessment by United States District Judge Paul S. Diamond for defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) out of approximately $241,260 in benefits. The defendant was charged by indictment in August 2022 and pleaded guilty in September of last year to 10 counts of theft of government funds. As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, from December 1, 2013, through December 1, 2022, Milbourne knowingly defrauded the VA by claiming that he was severely disabled and unable to work due to service-connected injuries, in order to receive disability benefits to which he was not entitled. In reality, the defendant led a very active lifestyle, including international travel, running his own business, and doing intensive physical workouts multiple times a week. Milbourne used the funds he stole from the VA to support his preferred lifestyle, including frequent dinners out and luxury vacations. This case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and FBI Philadelphia’s Fort Washington Resident Agency and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Laura Bradbury and Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony Scicchitano and MaryTeresa Soltis.


title: MEXICAN NATIONAL SENTENCED TO SIXTEEN MONTHS IN PRISON FOLLOWING ARMED STANDOFF WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT

body_text: GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Camerino Perez Perez, a/k/a “Squirrel,” 42, of Mexico, was sentenced to sixteen months in prison after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by an alien unlawfully in the United States. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case demonstrates the remarkable danger our law enforcement officers face on a daily basis, and I applaud the skill and professionalism with which they acted to incapacitate this violent, armed illegal alien. My office will continue to deliver successful prosecutions like this one to fulfill the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the violent criminal aliens who have illegally entered our country and who threaten the safety of our communities.” Court documents reflect that on May 25, 2025, the defendant was holding a loaded rifle when law enforcement responded to a residence in Levy County for a domestic disturbance call. The defendant had to be tased after he refused to comply with law enforcement’s instructions in English and Spanish to drop the firearm and then flipped a table towards the law enforcement on scene. After the defendant was detained, law enforcement found an additional twenty-four rounds of ammunition in his pocket. The defendant, a citizen and national of Mexico, is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition because he entered the United States illegally and was not authorized to remain in the United States. The defendant will be held for deportation proceedings at the conclusion of serving his federal sentence. The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Levy County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner. 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, human and drug trafficking. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


body_text: Twelve Guilty in Macon’s “Operation Mobile Order” Targeting Drugs, Guns Trap House Operated in Shifts Distributing Cocaine; 26 Firearms, Including Machinegun, Seized MACON, Ga. – Twelve defendants have admitted guilt for their roles in an armed drug trafficking organization exposed by Operation Mobile Order, a two-year FBI-led investigation centered in Macon that dismantled a major criminal network responsible for distributing kilograms of cocaine and led to the seizure of 26 firearms, including a machinegun. “Operation Mobile Order broke up an active armed drug ring operating in Macon and Central Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Through strategic coordination and joint action, we are shutting down criminal enterprises threatening the safety of our communities.” “Operation Mobile Order dismantled a violent drug trafficking organization that treated a Macon neighborhood like a retail storefront for cocaine, backed by an arsenal of firearms,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This investigation shows the FBI’s commitment to targeting criminal networks that fuel addiction, violence and fear in our communities. We will continue to work should-to-shoulder with our partners to make Central Georgia a safer place to live.” The following defendants have pleaded guilty: Eddie Reese, 53, of Atlanta, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on June 18, 2025, and faces a maximum of 40 years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release and a maximum $5 million fine; Roddreckious Williams, 33, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of cocaine base and one count of distribution of cocaine on Jan. 21, and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a maximum $1 million fine per count; Antonyo Daniels, aka “Tony,” 30, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Jan. 8, and faces a maximum of 40 years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release and a maximum $5 million fine; Alton Oliver, aka “Alo,” aka “Lo,” 43, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on Jan. 8, and faces a maximum of life in prison; Devonta Jackson, 31, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Dec. 2, 2025, and faces a maximum of 40 years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release and a maximum $5 million fine; Trayvon Simmons, aka “Abo,” 28, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Jan. 6, and faces a maximum of 40 years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release and a maximum $5 million fine; Marvin Huff, aka “Black,” 50, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Jan. 8, and faces a maximum of 40 years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release and a maximum $5 million fine; Roosevelt Cole, aka “Froball,” 52, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Jan. 6, and faces a maximum of 40 years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release and a maximum $5 million fine; Ladarrious King, 31, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Dec. 2, 2025, and faces a maximum of 40 years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release and a maximum $5 million fine; Laderion Jacobs, aka “Johnny,” aka “Johnny Cain,” 30, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Dec. 2, 2025, and faces a maximum of 40 years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release and a maximum $5 million fine; Leroy Mintz, aka “Booman,” 29, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances on Nov. 20, 2025, and faces a maximum of 40 years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release and a maximum $5 million fine; and Tanya Card, 51, of Macon, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base on Dec. 2, 2025, and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. Sentencing dates will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents and statements in court, in 2022 and 2023, the FBI conducted Operation Mobile Order, a Macon-centered investigation targeting an armed drug trafficking organization led by Reese. During the investigation, the FBI ran nine controlled purchases of cocaine and crack cocaine, and intercepted phone calls and text messages, detailing transactions involving kilograms of cocaine from an Atlanta supplier. The primary “trap house,” or drug distribution site, was on Richard Street in Macon, a busy location that operated like a restaurant, with members of Reese’s drug organization working shifts to distribute drugs. In a series of recorded calls, Reese discussed drug overdoses in the community and said that if the drugs came from his Richard Street trap house, “everyone in Macon would be dead.” Reese worked with an Atlanta supplier and was recorded ordering kilograms of cocaine from the supplier and making plans to meet with the supplier to purchase the drugs in October and November of 2023, referring to cocaine as “Tylenol,” “charcoal,” or acres of land. He began working with a new supplier in November 2023 and was recorded discussing the purchase of five kilograms of cocaine with the new supplier. Reese’s leadership over the drug organization was evident, with many recorded interactions of him directing co-conspirators, for example, ordering one co-conspirator to “do your job” or reminding one co-conspirator, “That's what I pay you for, man. Make you get my money, make you handle the business, man. Get the money, handle the business.” The FBI executed 11 federal search warrants in Macon, Warner Robins and Atlanta on Nov. 20, 2023, including at the Richards Street trap house, seizing cocaine, 26 firearms and $93,247. The machinegun was seized at co-conspirator Oliver’s home on Williamson Road in Macon. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The FBI and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. U.S. Attorney Will Keyes is prosecuting the case for the Government.