title: Former Delaware Physician to Pay $180,000  to Resolve Allegations of Genetic Testing Fraud

component: USAO - Delaware

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – Dr. Shayasta S. Mufti, a physician and former resident of Newark, Delaware, has agreed to pay $180,000 to resolve allegations that she violated the False Claims Act by fraudulently ordering medically unnecessary genetic testing for over 100 Medicare beneficiaries. According to the United States, between April 2019 and November 2019, Dr. Mufti ordered medically unnecessary genetic tests for more than 100 Medicare patients. The United States alleges that Dr. Mufti had no established physician‑patient relationship with these patients, did not examine them, did not review or discuss the test results, and did not use the results to inform any course of treatment for any of the patients. In many instances, the orders were based solely on brief telemedicine consultations—and sometimes no consultation at all. The genetic tests Dr. Mufti ordered frequently cost Medicare thousands of dollars per patient. “Physicians who order unnecessary and expensive services, including genetic tests, drain critical resources from Medicare and other federal health care programs,” said U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace. “These schemes not only waste taxpayer dollars, they undermine the integrity of programs that millions of Americans rely on. Our office will continue to use data analytics and work closely with our law enforcement partners to identify providers who misuse federal funds and to hold them accountable.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Laksin and Auditor David Cheung handled the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. The settlement agreement is attached to this press release. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. No. 25-771-MN. The claims resolved by the settlement are merely allegations. There has been no determination of liability. ### cleaned-mufti-fully_executed_settlement_agreement_4.16.26_v.1.pdf


title: Houston men sentenced to lengthy federal prison terms as part of Homeland Security Task Force for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas – Five members of a Houston drug trafficking organization have been sentenced to lengthy terms in federal prison as part of the Homeland Security Task Force in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Salvador Abraham Gomez, also known as Chop and Chief, 45, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl and was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on April 16, 2026. Da Neang, 46, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison by Judge Crone on April 7, 2026. Fernando Adalberto Vazquez-Pardo, 33, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison by Judge Crone on March 4, 2026. Guillermo Alfredo Sisnados, 39, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl and was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison by Judge Crone on April 16, 2026. Ebony Barber, 35, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by Judge Crone on March 4, 2026. According to information presented in court, in 2021 federal agents began investigating a drug trafficking scheme in Louisiana and the Eastern District of Texas. The investigation led authorities to Gomez as the source of supply and his associates, Neang, Vazquez-Pardo, Sisnados, and Barber. Further investigation revealed a significant drug distribution network that spanned multiple states. Ultimately, Gomez was found to be responsible for coordinating the distribution of at least 7,805 grams of methamphetamine and 4,907 grams of a substance containing fentanyl. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Houston comprises agents and officers from the FBI; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations - Houston (ICE-HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI); and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern District of Texas with the prosecution being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas . This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Houston Division Office Texas Anti-Gang Enforcement Group 22; DEA New Orleans; Houston Police Department; Beaumont Police Department; Baytown Police Department; Harris County Precinct 5 Constable; Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 3; Harris County Sheriff’s Office; and Waller County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lee. ###


title: Buffalo, New York Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Traveling to Vermont to Sexually Abuse a 12-Year-Old Child

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on April 27, 2026, Ian Blochwitz, 34, of Buffalo, New York, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a term of 120 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 6-year term of supervised release. Judge William K. Sessions III also imposed $6,166.80 in restitution for the victims of Blochwitz’ criminal conduct. Blochwitz previously pleaded guilty to transporting a child in interstate commerce for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. According to court records, Blochwitz met the victim on an anonymous text/video platform. The victim told Blochwitz that she was 12. Blochwitz continued to communicate with the child and ultimately made arrangements to meet the child in person. On February 20, 2023, Blochwitz rented a car near his home in Buffalo, NY and traveled to Vermont. He picked up the 12-year-old child during morning hours, near her Vermont home and drove her to a short-term rental in Whitehall, New York. The child disclosed that while in NY she was sexually abused by Blochwitz. Additionally, the child described being intimidated to wear degrading items to fullfill Blochwitz’s sexual fantasies. Prior to returning the child to her residence in Vermont, Blochwitz attempted to delete all previous correspondence with the child from her phone. Despite Blochwitz’s attempts to dominate and control the child, she came forward and reported the abuse she experienced. On September 14, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Blochwitz’s apartment in Buffalo. Law enforcement recovered Blochwitz’s cell phone, which was later found to contain visual depictions of child sex abuse involving a second child. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and thanked the Vermont Department for Children and Families for their coordination and assistance. “Blochwitz intentionally targeted a child for abuse, drove over 300 miles to pick her up in Vermont, transported her to New York, and abused her for his own sexual gratification. His actions are the fodder for the nightmares of Vermont parents. I am extremely grateful for the dedication of the investigating HSI Special Agents, and want to recognize the resilience the victim has demonstrated throughout this process.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Banker prosecuted the case. Blochwitz was represented by Robert C. Singer, Esq., of Williamsville, New York. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC .


title: Missouri Man Sentenced to 29 Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse of Teen

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Cristian M. Stevens on Wednesday sentenced a Washington County, Missouri man to 29 years in prison for sexually abusing a girl and soliciting child sexual abuse material from her. William R. Murphy, 41, engaged in sexual contact with a juvenile when she was between the ages of 13 and 17. Sometimes Murphy threatened the victim to take sexually explicit photos of herself. Murphy pleaded guilty in January in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of production of child pornography and one count of coercion and enticement of a minor. “William Murphy’s abhorrent crimes were uncovered because a vigilant mother trusted her instincts and took action to protect her child,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “Child predators often rely on fear and manipulation to silence their victims. Parents must remain engaged; set clear expectations and monitor your child’s online activity to help keep them safe.” The Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Atlanta Hawks' Former Senior Vice President of Finance Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzlement

body_text: ATLANTA – A former Atlanta Hawks accounting executive, Lester T. Jones, Jr., has been sentenced to three years and five months in prison for embezzling approximately $3.7 million from the NBA team through fraudulent expense reimbursement requests and misuse of corporate credit cards. “Jones turned his dream job as a high-ranking executive for the Atlanta Hawks into an opportunity to steal the team’s funds, purchasing luxury apparel, jewelry, watches, and trips for himself,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “But, for Jones and others who abuse their employers’ trust to embezzle substantial funds, the gravy train’s final destination is federal prison.” “This case underscores the significant damage that can be caused by insider threats within an organization,” said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Jones abused his authority and access to embezzle millions, but schemes like this are not immune from detection. The FBI remains committed to investigating and disrupting financial crimes at every level.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Jones joined the Accounting and Finance Department of ATL Hawks, LLC (“the Hawks”) in 2016. Following his promotion to Senior Vice President of Finance in August 2021, Jones became the most senior accounting executive for the Hawks after the Chief Financial Officer. Beginning in early 2021, Jones became the sole administrator of the Hawks’ corporate credit card account with American Express. In this role, Jones supervised the Hawks’ corporate American Express credit card program; served as American Express’s sole contact with the Hawks in the event of payment issues, delays, and card suspensions; and determined when and to which employees corporate credit cards should be issued. Jones was the only Hawks employee with full visibility into the number of corporate credit cards, the identities of the cardholders, account balances, and other program details. Jones also began serving as administrator of the Hawks’ electronic reimbursement platform, supervising employees who handled expense reimbursements. From a date unknown and continuing through in or about June 2025, Jones used his position to defraud the Hawks out of approximately $3.7 million dollars. Jones accomplished his scheme in two ways: (1) by submitting or directing the submission of dozens of fraudulent expense reimbursement requests to cause the Hawks to reimburse him for fictitious business expenses; and (2) by charging personal expenses to corporate credit cards and covering it up through false representations to other Hawks employees, including to his subordinates in the Accounting and Finance Department. Those personal expenses included approximately $80,000 in overseas travel to the Bahamas and Thailand, $99,800 in apparel at Saks Fifth Avenue, a $115,795.01 diamond ring, $21,888.90 in Omega watches, and over $160,000 in tickets to concerts and other events. Lester Jones, Jr., 46, of Atlanta, Georgia, has been sentenced to three years, five months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,898,486.99. Jones pleaded guilty to wire fraud on December 16, 2025. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bernita Malloy prosecuted the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Indian National Pleads Guilty to Role in Illegal Gambling Ring

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – An Indian national pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday for his involvement in a multi-million-dollar illegal gambling conspiracy occurring at six locations in southwest Missouri. Rahulkumar D. Patel, 41, a citizen of India residing in the state of Washington, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., to one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Patel admitted that he and his co-conspirators obtained approximately $7,696,085 in gross proceeds from their wire fraud scheme and illegal gambling businesses and then conducted various financial transactions for the purpose of laundering the proceeds. On May 14, 2025, Patel was charged, along with eight other individuals, in a 72-count superseding indictment by a federal grand jury in Springfield. The federal indictment charges all nine defendants with one count each of participating in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, and operating illegal gambling businesses from July 1, 2022, to May 13, 2025. In addition to the conspiracy counts, all nine defendants were charged with at least one count of wire fraud, and eight defendants were charged with money laundering. Through Patel’s guilty plea, he admitted that he and his co-conspirators ran illegal gambling businesses under the guise of internet amusement arcade games, skill game arcades, and adult arcades. Patel and his co-conspirators hired local employees to work in their businesses, which operated contests of chance, gambling devices, and slot machines in violation of Missouri and Federal law. There were four locations that operated in Springfield: Big Win Arcade #1 at 1928 S. Glenstone Ave., Big Win Arcade #2 at 1135 E. Commercial St., Spin Hitters at 838-840 S. Glenstone Ave., and Vegas Arcade at 615 S. Scenic. They also opened Spin Zone at 2331 E. 7 th St. in Joplin, Mo., and Vegas City Arcade at 16585 Missouri Highway 13, Branson West. Under federal statutes, Patel is subject to a sentence of up to 20, five, and 20 years in federal prison without parole, respectively, for each count to which he pleaded guilty. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS-Criminal Investigations, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Joplin, Mo., Police Department, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the Missouri National Guard Counter Drug Unit, the Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center, the Greene County, Mo., Prosecuting Attorney, the Jasper County, Mo., Prosecuting Attorney, and the Johnson County, Mo., Prosecuting Attorney. Homeland Security Task Force This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Kansas City comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.


title: Two men charged in West Seattle drug rip-off that ended in homicide

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – Two men who traveled to Seattle from Texas to rob a marijuana dealer in November 2022, were indicted this week by the federal grand jury for additional federal felonies connected to the robbery and fatal shooting in West Seattle, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Carlton Pierre Mitchell, 30, and Aaron Thompson, 42, will be arraigned on the superseding indictment on May 7, 2026. The men are charged with conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute, conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and crime of violence. A third defendant, Samuel Solomon, was charged by Superseding Information with conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute, conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime. Solomon pleaded guilty to these crimes on April 27, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison when sentenced. According to records filed in the case, on November 2, 2022, Mitchell, Thompson, and Solomon, flew into Portland, Oregon, with a plan to rob the victim who had previously sold Solomon and Mitchell marijuana. The men rented cars and drove up to West Seattle where Mitchell had arranged for an Airbnb rental. At the Airbnb, all three men were armed with handguns. Thompson hid in one of the bedrooms so that the victim would not know he was there. During the marijuana deal, Thompson came out of the bedroom with a firearm and told the victim not to move. Shots were fired and the victim was fatally injured. Solomon fled the house and caught a flight home. Mitchell and Thompson took the victim’s marijuana, fled the house, and drove home. Seattle Police responded to 911 calls about the gunshots and found the victim lying injured and alone inside the Airbnb. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Solomon, Thompson, and Mitchell were originally indicted on March 12, 2025. Solomon and Thompson were arrested in March 2025. Mitchell made his initial appearance on the original indictment in September 2025. Conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute and conspiracy to commit robbery are both punishable by up to five years in prison. Robbery is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Because the firearm was discharged, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking or a crime of violence is punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison. The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department and the FBI, with valuable assistance provided by the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Todd Greenberg and Jessica Manca.


title: Six California Men Plead Guilty to Federal Charges Stemming from Violence Against CHP Officers Trapped Under Freeway Overpass

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Three California men pleaded guilty today to federal criminal charges for throwing rocks, fireworks, and ignited debris at California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers trapped underneath a downtown Los Angeles freeway overpass – with a CHP vehicle set ablaze – during anti-immigration law enforcement rioting last year. Federal prosecutors have secured a total of six guilty pleas stemming from violence that occurred at the Main Street overpass on the 101 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles during the evening of June 8, 2025, when rioters targeted law enforcement officers during a protest against enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Guilty pleas were taken today from the following defendants: Ismael Vega, 41, of Westlake, who pleaded guilty to one felony count of obstructing, impeding, and interfering with law enforcement during a civil disorder; Balton Montion, 25, of Watsonville but who was a Los Angeles County resident during last year’s attack, who also pleaded guilty to one felony count of obstructing, impeding, and interfering with law enforcement during a civil disorder; and Junior Roldan, 27, of Hollywood, who pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of simple assault on a person assisting a federal officer, On Monday, the following three defendants pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges stemming from the same incident: Adam Charles Palermo, 40, of Rampart Village, who pleaded guilty to one felony count of assaulting, resisting, and impeding persons assisting federal officers and employees with a deadly or dangerous weapon; Yachua Mauricio Flores, 23, of Lincoln Heights, who pleaded guilty to one felony count of obstructing, impeding, and interfering with law enforcement during a civil disorder; and Ronald Alexis Coreas, 23, of Westlake, who pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of simple assault on a person assisting a federal officer. According to court documents, the defendants were present at a civil disorder, a public disturbance involving acts of violence by an assemblage of more than three individuals that caused immediate danger and resulted in damage to property or person of another individual. Palermo, Vega, and Flores were part of a group of protestors who knowingly picked up debris – including cardboard and vegetation – and fireworks, lighting them on fire and dropping them over the railing of the freeway overpass aiming for a nearby CHP vehicle – which was within feet of CHP officers trapped under the overpass – and later caught fire. Flores poured a liquid increasing the size of the flames. Montion, Coreas, and Roldan threw rocks at law enforcement officers who attempted to clear the freeway overpass. United States District Judge John F. Walter scheduled sentencing hearings in the coming months for these defendants. Palermo faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Vega, Montion, and Flores will each face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. Roldan and Coreas will face a statutory maximum sentence of one year in federal prison. Palermo has been in federal custody since August 2025. The other defendants remain free on bond. Another defendant, Jesus Gonzalez Hernandez, Jr., 22, of Las Vegas, is scheduled to plead guilty on May 4 to one misdemeanor count of simple assault on a person assisting a federal officer. The FBI, with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles Police Department, investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Jenna W. Long of the National Security Division and Sebastian Bellm of the General Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.


title: South Texas man gets 120 months for leadership role in human smuggling organization that led to death

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 21-year-old Penitas resident has been ordered to federal prison for his role in bringing in and harboring illegal aliens, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck. Jesus Grimaldo aka Chuy pleaded guilty Oct. 22, 2025. U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Grimaldo to serve the maximum of 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. The court enhanced the sentence, finding Grimaldo responsible for smuggling more than 100 illegal aliens during the conspiracy, using or brandishing a firearm during the smuggling operations, recklessly placing smuggled aliens in danger of injury or death, kidnapping and leading the conspiracy by recruiting drivers and coordinating smuggling trips. Grimaldo was also held responsible for being a leader of the alien smuggling organization and conspiracy. In handing down the sentence, the court noted a death that occurred during the scheme, further commenting that it would not have happened but for Grimaldo’s role as the leader in the conspiracy. The investigation began May 8, 2024, when authorities responded to a report of a deceased man on the side of the road in Brooks County. Authorities later identified him as an illegal alien from Mexico who died from heat exposure. An analysis of the deceased man’s phone revealed multiple payments through CashApp and Zelle to Grimaldo. Further investigation revealed Grimaldo coordinated multiple smuggling events between June 2022 and April 2025 with drivers he recruited. He received illegal aliens after they crossed the U.S.-Mexico border and arranged trips from the Rio Grande Valley past Border Patrol checkpoints. Law enforcement discovered Grimaldo received substantial payments for leading the organization and arranging dangerous smuggling trips, including transporting the aliens in trunks of vehicles during extreme heat. Grimaldo will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Gould and Joseph Griffith prosecuted the case. The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: South Carolina Man Charged With Trafficking Firearms From South Carolina To New York City

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Michael Alfonso, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Task Enforcement Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Farhana Islam, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), Bryan DiGirolamo, and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging DARYL RUTHERFORD with firearms trafficking, the unlicensed dealing of firearms, interstate transportation and distribution of firearms, and possession of firearms and ammunition after a felony conviction for his involvement in illegally transporting over a dozen firearms, as well as ammunition, from South Carolina to New York City. RUTHERFORD was arrested earlier today in South Carolina and is expected to be presented tomorrow morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge William S. Brown in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. “Gun trafficking into New York fuels violent crime and New Yorkers want it stopped,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “As alleged, Daryl Rutherford contributed to the illegal flow of guns into New York City, endangering New Yorkers for nothing more than personal, financial gain. New Yorkers deserve to live in communities free from illegal firearms and those who use them to commit crimes. So, anyone who is thinking about trafficking firearms to New York should think again. We and our law enforcement partners are watching, and we will hold you accountable.” “As alleged, this defendant turned the South Carolina-to-New York City corridor into a freeway of illegal guns—smuggling semiautomatic pistols, rifles, and a high-capacity drum magazine through several states, and into the hands of an individual he believed was a criminal with bad intentions,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso. “This alleged reckless behavior arms criminals, endangers families, and fuels violence. Each illicit weapon intercepted in this case prevents potentially tragic shootings that can destroy families and children’s futures. HSI New York, together with HSI Greenville and our Homeland Security Task Force partners, will relentlessly target and dismantle gun pipelines that threaten the safety of all individuals residing in our communities.” “Illegal interstate firearm trafficking schemes are a significant driver of gun violence in New York City and put communities at risk,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo. “The conduct alleged—a convicted felon transporting and selling an array of illegal firearms for profit—demonstrates a clear disregard for public safety & had the potential to cause devastating harm. This case reflects the strength of coordinated law enforcement efforts—ATF NY Crime Gun Enforcement Team working with HSI, DEA, NYPD, and our prosecutorial partners—to disrupt these dangerous networks and hold offenders accountable.” “Gun violence has plagued our city streets, many times fueled by illegal firearms being funneled into New York City by individuals who operate with no regard for human life, driving violence, turmoil, and fear in our neighborhoods,” said DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “Today’s arrest and indictment of Daryl Rutherford expose a dangerous pipeline responsible for trafficking multiple semiautomatic pistols and rifles, and other illegal firearms from South Carolina to New York City. The DEA, along with our federal, state, and local partners, will continue to identify and target these criminal organizations at every level. Let our message be clear: whether you traffic guns or drugs into New York City, you will be held accountable and justice will be delivered. DEA New York’s Enforcement Division remains committed to protecting our communities and saving lives.” “The defendant allegedly transported a large cache of firearms—including semiautomatic rifles and a shotgun—along with ammunition across state lines and sold them illegally on our streets for profit,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Thanks to the work of our NYPD investigators, law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, this interstate gun trafficking pipeline has been shut down, dangerous firearms are off our streets, and this alleged criminal is being held accountable.” As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court and in public court proceedings: [1] From at least in or about December 2025 through at least in or about February 2026, RUTHERFORD, a convicted felon, illegally transported firearms and ammunition from South Carolina to New York City and sold them to a purchaser whom RUTHERFORD understood to be a prohibited person and an unlawful reseller of firearms. Specifically, in four transactions, RUTHERFORD illegally sold approximately 14 firearms to an undercover law enforcement agent. The firearms included multiple semiautomatic pistols, semiautomatic rifles, including one with a high-capacity drum magazine, as well as a 12-gauge shotgun. Firearms RUTHERFORD sold on December 12, 2025 Firearms RUTHERFORD sold on December 18, 2025 Firearms RUTHERFORD sold on February 17, 2026 Firearms RUTHERFORD sold on February 24, 2026 * * * RUTHERFORD, 51, of South Carolina, is charged with one count of firearms trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison; one count of unlicensed dealing of firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of illegally transporting and distributing firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of possession of firearms and ammunition after a felony conviction, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. The statutory maximum and minimum sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the HSI New York Field Office, ATF, DEA New York Division, the NYPD, HSI Greenville, the New York Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the Union Public Safety Department. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diarra M. Guthrie is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Las Vegas Homeland Security Task Force Hosts Cryptocurrency Panel

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – The Las Vegas Homeland Security Task Force held a panel discussion Monday on criminal charging and asset forfeiture involving cryptocurrency, as well as how digital currency continues to evolve. The panel brought together federal and local law enforcement partners to share information, discuss recent cases, and strengthen coordination in identifying and stopping criminal activity involving cryptocurrency. Panelists discussed trends in cryptocurrency-related crimes, tools used to investigate these cases, and the legal process for seizing digital assets. The group also talked about the challenges posed by transnational criminal organizations that use cryptocurrency to move and hide illegal proceeds, and ways agencies can continue working together to address those threats and recover funds for victims. “The Homeland Security Task Force underscores our shared commitment to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada Sigal Chattah. “Cryptocurrency is evolving, but our task force partners are using every available tool to disrupt money laundering and seize funds for victims.” “The FBI, along with its local, state, and federal partners have seen actors, across the full spectrum of threats that we investigate, to include criminal, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, and cyber threats, leverage the encryption and anonymity that virtual currency offers,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “For these actors, virtual currency is just another layering technique, used to obfuscate who the true beneficial owners are. We are committed to any tool and partner that assists us in tracing the money, which illuminates networks and identifies opportunities for asset forfeiture.” “Cryptocurrency can move quickly,” said Special Agent in Charge John Wester, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “ATF is happy to be a part of this panel and discussion. Technology is constantly evolving, and it is important that members of law enforcement stay knowledgeable about new technology/platforms that may be involved in federal investigations.” “Cryptocurrency is increasingly being adopted by Transnational Criminal Organizations, as it provides the capability to rapidly and safely transfer capital across borders through an encrypted blockchain,” said Brandon Lesky, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Las Vegas District Office. “We’ve seen this play out in some of our drug investigations. Mexican cartels and other global criminal networks, for example, trade bulk cash for cryptocurrency to facilitate global drug trafficking. Cryptocurrency has become a borderless financial tool. These new tools undoubtedly complicate detection. This is why we must align our efforts and pool resources. This symposium provided an opportunity for law enforcement to collaborate with federal prosecutors and improve their strategy for tracking and prosecuting financial crimes.” “As cryptocurrency has become an integral part of the global financial system, its mainstream presence unfortunately makes it an attractive vehicle for opportunistic criminals,” said IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Phoenix Field Office Assistant Special Agent in Charge Dave Lowe. “But at their core, all financial crimes have the same bones. This is why IRS-CI remains committed to our foundational strength: following the money. By combining our deep financial expertise with cross-agency collaboration, we are uniquely positioned to deconstruct even the most complex transactions to identify stolen funds and hold bad actors accountable.” Participants included representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, United States Marshals Service, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Law enforcement speak at Cryptocurrency Panel held at U.S. Attorney's Office. ###


title: Federal inmate gets additional time behind bars for exposing himself to female prison staff

component: USAO - Georgia, Southern

body_text: BRUNSWICK, Georgia: A federal inmate due for release from custody in July will instead spend two more years in prison for lewdly exposing himself to prison staff. Stephen M. Patterson, 37, an inmate at Federal Correctional Institution Jesup, was sentenced to 24 months in prison after being found guilty on three counts of Public Indecency in a bench trial before U.S. Magistrate Judge Benjamin W. Cheesbro, said Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. There is no parole in the federal system. “Staff members at our federal institutions are there to safeguard inmates and the public and unfortunately are too often subjected to assault and abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “This sentence demonstrates that we will not tolerate such loathsome behavior.” As described in court, Patterson was being held at FCI Jesup after a conviction in Kentucky on a federal charge of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. His criminal record, including the felonies which precluded him from legally possessing a firearm, consists of multiple convictions for assaults, drug distribution and domestic violence. While at FCI Jesup in December 2023, April 2024, and May 2024, Patterson “unlawfully performed a lewd act by exposing his sexual organ and appearing in a state of partial nudity in a public place,” exposing himself to three separate female prison staff members. Magistrate Judge Cheesbro ordered Patterson’s sentence to be served consecutively to his current sentence, which was set to end on July 3. Patterson also must serve three years of supervised release after completion of his sentence. “This investigation emphasizes the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ commitment to maintaining the safety and security of our facilities and holding individuals accountable for criminal activity, especially while housed at our BOP facility,” said William K. Marshall III, Director for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. “BOP will continue to work closely with law enforcement partners to ensure that our federal prisons remain a safe and secure environment for both staff and inmates.” The case was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey L. Scanlon and L. Alexander Hamner.


title: Hyde Park Man Arrested and Charged with Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Hyde Park man has been arrested and charged for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Nicholas J. McDonagh, 25, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of possession of child pornography. McDonagh was arrested on April 23, 2026 and remains in federal custody pending further order by the court. According to the charging documents, in June 2025, investigators with the Delaware State Police identified McDonagh as the potential suspect behind sexually explicit messages, photos and videos that had been sent to a 12-year-old Delaware girl via Snapchat earlier that year. It is alleged that McDonagh had been communicating with this girl over Snapchat from approximately January to March 2025, and that the two had engaged in “nude video chats.” During subsequent searches of McDonagh’s residence and person on Aug. 6, 2025, several cellphones were seized. It is alleged that the devices were found to contain approximately 24 video files depicting CSAM, including several videos depicting girls who appear to be younger than 12 years old. It is further alleged that one of the devices contained several Snapchat messages with the minor victim from Delaware. The defendant was arrested and charged by state authorities that same day, on Aug. 6, 2025, and later released on bail with pretrial conditions, including GPS monitoring, internet restrictions and refraining from any unsupervised contact with minors. Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274 or contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov . The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael A. Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Delaware State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Potapchuk of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Jury convicts illegal alien from Honduras for unlawfully possessing a firearm

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Honduran national today on charges of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, in 2016, law enforcement encountered Joel L. Ayala-Rivera, 22, near Hidalgo, Texas, after he unlawfully crossed the border as an unaccompanied juvenile. He was placed in removal proceedings and was released from custody to the care of his mother. In or about February of 2023, Ayala-Rivera was again encountered and taken into custody by Border Patrol in Texas. In May of 2023, an immigration judge adjudged him to be an alien present in the United States without being admitted or paroled. The judge released Ayala-Rivera from immigration detention on a cash bond. On April 15, 2024, at an apartment in Richmond, the FBI conducted a controlled purchase in which Ayala-Rivera sold a handgun. As an illegal alien, Ayala-Rivera cannot lawfully possess firearms. Ayala-Rivera faces up to 15 years in prison when sentenced on Aug. 25, and he remains subject to the prior order of removal. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI’s Richmond Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Richmond Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angela Mastandrea and Patrick J. McGorman are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-14.


title: Stamford Resident Charged with Child Exploitation, Destruction of Evidence Offenses

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment yesterday charging ADAM WOLFE, 27, of Stamford, with child exploitation and destruction of evidence offenses. As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in November 2023, HSI and Ridgefield Police began investigating Wolfe for possessing child sex abuse material. On November 22, 2023, investigators interviewed Wolfe at his former residence in Ridgefield and Wolfe gave consent for a search of his iPhone and laptop. Forensic analysis of the laptop revealed thousands of individual child sex abuse images that were recovered from the “recycle bin” of the laptop. Analysis of the iPhone revealed that Wolfe had deleted a TOR browser, which is often used to access child pornography on the dark web, during his interview with law enforcement on November 22, 2026. Wolfe was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on September 30, 2024. The indictment charges Wolfe with one count of receipt of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; one count of possession of child pornography, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and one count of destruction, alteration, or falsification of records, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Wolfe has been released on a $50,000 bond since his arrest. His arraignment is not yet scheduled. U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Ridgefield Police Department, and the Watertown Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Gordon through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com .


title: Governor Of Sinaloa And Nine Other Current And Former Mexican Officials Charged With Drug Trafficking And Weapons Offenses

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Terrance C. Cole, announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging RUBEN ROCHA MOYA, ENRIQUE INZUNZA CAZAREZ, ENRIQUE DIAZ VEGA, DAMASO CASTRO ZAAVEDRA, MARCO ANTONIO ALMANZA AVILES, ALBERTO JORGE CONTRERAS NUNEZ, a/k/a “Cholo,” GERARDO MERIDA SANCHEZ, JOSE ANTONIO DIONISIO HIPOLITO, a/k/a “Tornado,” JUAN DE DIOS GAMEZ MENDIVIL, and JUAN VALENZUELA MILLAN, a/k/a “Juanito,” with drug trafficking and related weapons offenses. MILLAN is additionally charged with offenses related to his participation in kidnappings of a DEA source and the source’s relative that resulted in their deaths. The defendants are all current or former high-ranking government and law enforcement officials in the Mexican State of Sinaloa (“Sinaloa”), including the current Governor of Sinaloa, RUBEN ROCHA MOYA, and are alleged to have partnered with the Sinaloa Cartel to distribute massive quantities of narcotics to the United States. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla. “The Sinaloa Cartel is a ruthless criminal organization that has flooded this community with dangerous drugs for decades,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “As the indictment lays bare, the Sinaloa Cartel, and other drug trafficking organizations like it, would not operate as freely or successfully without corrupt politicians and law enforcement officials on their payroll. The support of corrupt foreign officials for deadly trafficking of drugs must end. Let these charges send a clear message to all officials around the globe who work with narco-traffickers: no matter your title or position, we are committed to bringing you to justice.” “The Sinaloa Cartel is not just trafficking deadly drugs, it is a designated terrorist organization that relies on corruption and bribery to drive violence and profit,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “This indictment exposes a deliberate effort to undermine public institutions and put American lives at risk. The defendants allegedly used positions of trust to protect cartel operations, enabling a pipeline of deadly drugs into our country. No one is above the law. We are grateful for our U.S. and Mexican partners who choose integrity every day and stand with us to safeguard our communities. Together, we will continue to apply sustained pressure against the Sinaloa Cartel and the networks that support it to protect the American people and save lives.” According to the allegations contained in the Indictment, other court filings, and statements made during court proceedings: [1] The Sinaloa Cartel (the “Cartel”) is one of the most violent criminal organizations in the world and has transformed the Mexican State of Sinaloa into the geographic epicenter of the global narcotics trade. From its home base in Sinaloa, the Cartel has worked with criminal elements around the world—cocaine producers and distributors in Colombia and Venezuela, drug traffickers and corrupt politicians throughout Central and South America, and precursor chemical manufacturers in China and elsewhere—to distribute massive quantities of narcotics into the United States and inflict severe damage on communities throughout this country. The Cartel has also carried out rampant violence, including thousands of murders, throughout Mexico and elsewhere around the world, including in the United States. To protect and grow this drug trafficking empire, the Cartel has allegedly partnered with corrupt politicians and law enforcement officials, including the defendants, who have abused their authority in support of the Cartel, exposed and subjected victims to threats and violence, and sold out their offices in exchange for massive bribes. Indeed, certain police officials in Mexico, including, as alleged, certain of the defendants, have directly participated in the Cartel’s violence and retribution, including by murdering enemies of the Cartel and kidnapping individuals in Mexico suspected of cooperating with U.S. law enforcement in this investigation. The defendants charged in this Indictment are current and former government or law enforcement officials in Sinaloa. As alleged, each of the defendants has participated in a corrupt and violent drug trafficking conspiracy with the Cartel to import massive amounts of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States. The defendants have played a variety of essential roles for the Cartel: among other things, the defendants have allegedly shielded Cartel leaders from investigation, arrest, and prosecution; caused sensitive law enforcement and military information to be provided to members of the Cartel and allied drug traffickers to assist the Cartel’s criminal activities; directed members of state and local law enforcement agencies, such as the Sinaloa State Police, the Investigative Police for the Sinaloa State Attorney General’s Office, and the Culiacan Municipal Police, to protect drug loads stored in and transiting through Mexico to the United States; and allowed brutal drug-related violence to be committed by members of the Cartel without consequence. In exchange, the defendants have collectively received millions of dollars in drug money from the Cartel. As alleged, the defendants have been most closely aligned with the faction of the Cartel run by the sons of Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera, a/k/a “El Chapo,” the Cartel’s notorious former leader, who are themselves known collectively as the “Chapitos.” The defendants have operated at all levels of government and law enforcement in Sinaloa and each abused their positions of trust and authority to help facilitate the Chapitos’ operations. For example, ROCHA MOYA was elected Governor of Sinaloa, a position he has held since on or about November 1, 2021, after the Chapitos allegedly helped him get elected by, among other things, kidnapping and intimidating his rivals. In exchange, both before and after he became Governor, ROCHA MOYA allegedly attended meetings with the Chapitos, at which he promised to protect the Chapitos as they distributed massive quantities of drugs to the United States and, as Governor, ROCHA MOYA has allowed the Chapitos to operate with impunity in Sinaloa. Similarly, the other defendants have directly and repeatedly helped the Chapitos in exchange for massive drug-fueled bribes. For example, ZAAVEDRA, who is the Deputy Attorney General for the Sinaloa State Attorney General’s Office, has received approximately $11,000 U.S. dollars each month from the Chapitos and, in exchange, has protected Chapitos members from arrest and informed the Chapitos of planned U.S.-backed law enforcement operations. Certain of the defendants are also alleged to have themselves directly participated in the Cartel’s campaign of violence and retribution. For example, MILLAN, a high-level commander in the Culiacan Municipal Police, allegedly received more than approximately $1,600 U.S. dollars each month from the Chapitos. In exchange, MILLAN gave the Chapitos unfettered access to the Culiacan Municipal Police and used officers from the police force to help the Chapitos maintain their control over Culiacan, including through arrests, kidnappings, and murder. In or about October 2023, MILLAN allegedly helped the Chapitos kidnap a DEA confidential source and the source’s relative, who the Chapitos then had tortured and killed, because the source was suspected of providing information to the Government in connection with this investigation. * * * This Indictment is the latest in a series of indictments issued in this District since 2023, charging more than 30 members and associates of the Cartel, including members of the leadership of the Cartel, for their involvement in distributing massive quantities of narcotics into the United States and related crimes, which has resulted in a meaningful disruptive impact on the Cartel’s drug trafficking operations. A chart containing the charges and minimum and maximum penalties each defendant faces is below. All of the defendants are believed to currently reside in Mexico. The statutory minimum and maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit and the DEA offices in Mexico and Phoenix, as well as the assistance of the Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and the Government of Mexico. Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Northern District of Illinois and Southern District of California, and the Justice Department’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section. Mr. Clayton also thanked the Homeland Security Task Force, a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jane Y. Chong, Sarah L. Kushner, and David J. Robles are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force ("HSTF") initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Defendant Title Age Charges Minimum and Maximum Penalties RUBEN ROCHA MOYA Governor of Sinaloa 76 Narcotics importation conspiracy; Possession of machineguns and destructive devices; Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices Life in prison; mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison ENRIQUE INZUNZA CAZAREZ Mexican Senator; former Secretary General for Sinaloa 53 Narcotics importation conspiracy; Possession of machineguns and destructive devices; Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices Life in prison; mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison ENRIQUE DIAZ VEGA Former Secretary of Administration and Finance for Sinaloa 50 Narcotics importation conspiracy; Possession of machineguns and destructive devices; Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices Life in prison; mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison DAMASO CASTRO ZAAVEDRA Deputy Attorney General for the Sinaloa State Attorney General’s Office 54 Narcotics importation conspiracy; Possession of machineguns and destructive devices; Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices Life in prison; mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison MARCO ANTONIO ALMANZA AVILES Former head of the Investigative Police for the Sinaloa State Attorney General’s Office 54 Narcotics importation conspiracy; Possession of machineguns and destructive devices; Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices Life in prison; mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison ALBERTO JORGE CONTRERAS NUNEZ, a/k/a “Cholo” Former head of the Investigative Police for the Sinaloa State Attorney General’s Office 45 Narcotics importation conspiracy; Possession of machineguns and destructive devices; Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices Life in prison; mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison GERARDO MERIDA SANCHEZ Former Secretary of Public Security for Sinaloa 66 Narcotics importation conspiracy; Possession of machineguns and destructive devices; Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices Life in prison; mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison JOSE ANTONIO DIONISIO HIPOLITO, a/k/a “Tornado” Former Deputy Director of the Sinaloa State Police 55 Narcotics importation conspiracy; Possession of machineguns and destructive devices; Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices Life in prison; mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison JUAN DE DIOS GAMEZ MENDIVIL Mayor of Culiacan 41 Narcotics importation conspiracy; Possession of machineguns and destructive devices; Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices Life in prison; mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison JUAN VALENZUELA MILLAN, a/k/a “Juanito” Former high-level commander in the Culiacan Municipal Police 35 Narcotics importation conspiracy; Possession of machineguns and destructive devices; Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices; Kidnapping resulting in death; Conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in death Mandatory sentence of life in prison [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: California Man Convicted of Fentanyl Trafficking

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: COVINGTON, Ky.- A Carson, California, man, Genghis Stevenson, 48, was convicted on Wednesday by a federal jury in Covington of possession with intent to distribute an aggravated quantity of fentanyl. Stevenson was convicted following a 2-day trial. Law enforcement learned that Stevenson was a passenger on a flight from the Greater Cincinnati Airport to Los Angeles on March 28, 2024, and encountered Stevenson as he was about to board the plane. Over $15,000 in cash was seized from his carry-on bag along with 251 grams of fentanyl from his checked bag. Stevenson has a violent history, including felony convictions for second degree robbery and taking of a motor vehicle from possession of another by a means of force and fear (carjacking). “On National Fentanyl Awareness Day, we acknowledge the widespread presence of fentanyl infiltrating our communities, but this conviction makes it clear that those responsible for trafficking it will be held accountable. Trafficking this poison is not a victimless crime—it fuels addiction, devastates families, and puts lives at risk every single day,” said Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Our Office, alongside our law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in identifying, disrupting, and prosecuting those who choose to profit from this crisis. We will continue to hold offenders accountable and protect the public from the dangers of fentanyl.” Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Scott Schwartz, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, jointly announced the conviction. The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke. Stevenson will appear for sentencing on August 21, 2026. He faces a mandatory minimum 10-year term of imprisonment and could face up to life in prison. — END —


title: Justice Department Secures Settlement in Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Springfield, Missouri Landlord

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that the owners of residential rental properties in and around Springfield, Missouri have agreed to pay $250,000 to resolve a lawsuit alleging that the properties’ former owner and manager sexually harassed female tenants in violation of the Fair Housing Act. “A home should be a place of safety, not fear and exploitation,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to vigorously holding landlords accountable when they use their power to violate the rights of vulnerable tenants.” “No tenant should ever be forced to choose between their safety and keeping a roof over their head,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price for the Western District of Missouri. “Exploiting power for sexual coercion and retaliation is not only immoral, but it’s also illegal. The result of this case makes it clear that the Western District of Missouri will work tirelessly to hold accountable any landlord who violates a tenant’s rights.” “The Fair Housing Act protects against sex discrimination precisely to prohibit this kind of vile and predatory behavior against vulnerable women,” said Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Craig Trainor at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “When landlords sexually harass their female tenants, they are not only violating the law but undermining the sense of safety, privacy, and security that the home provides. The Trump Administration will always stand with victims and hold perpetrators accountable.” “Today’s settlement makes clear that landlords who abuse their position of power by exploiting tenants’ basic needs for housing will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Machelle Jindra with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General (OIG). “HUD OIG will not tolerate the use of housing as a tool for coercion, harassment, or abuse, and we will continue to work with our partners to hold offenders fully responsible.” The Department’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri in March 2024, alleges that for over a decade, Jimmie Bell sexually harassed and retaliated against female tenants of rental homes he owned and/or managed in and around Springfield. The suit alleges that Bell’s conduct included making unwelcome sexual comments and sexual advances to female tenants, exposing and touching his genitals in front of female tenants, touching and grabbing female tenants in a sexual manner without their consent, requesting sex or sex acts from female tenants in exchange for tangible housing benefits like excusing late or unpaid rent or the opportunity to rent another home, and taking adverse housing actions such as initiating evictions or refusing to make needed repairs against female tenants who refused his sexual advances. Under the settlement agreement, Defendants must pay $250,000 to former tenants who were harmed by Jimmie Bell’s harassment. Defendants must also make good faith efforts to have all retaliatory evictions against these tenants removed from public court records and credit reports; and Defendants must cease any ongoing efforts to obtain payments from former tenants who faced retaliatory evictions. Finally, the settlement agreement mandates training to prevent future discrimination, including sexual harassment, at Defendants’ residential rental properties. The Department’s lawsuit named Jimmie Bell as a Defendant, as well as Defendants Fourth Bell LLC and the trustee of Second Bell Trust, owners of rental properties that were managed by Jimmie Bell. Jimmie Bell died in February 2025 and his son, Mark Bell, was substituted as his successor Defendant. The case was referred to the Division after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development received a complaint, completed an investigation, and issued a charge of discrimination. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General also participated in the investigation and assisted in the litigation. If you are a victim of sexual harassment by another landlord or property manager or have suffered other forms of housing discrimination, call the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or submit a report online . More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt . This settlement is part of the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative . The initiative, which the Department launched in October 2017, seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers and other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the department has filed 52 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered approximately $19 million for victims of such harassment.


title: Alabama Man Sentenced to 30 Months’ Imprisonment for Romance Fraud While on Federal Supervised Release

body_text: Rutland, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Cedric Wormely, 59, of Birmingham, Alabama, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 30 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release for a multi-year romance fraud that victimized women in Vermont and elsewhere. Wormely previously pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud in connection with this scheme to defraud women he met via various online dating platforms to provide him with money. Judge Mary Kay Lanthier imposed restitution of $151,432.19 for the victims of the offense. Judge Mary Kay Lanthier also sentenced Wormely to a term of 14 months’ imprisonment, to run concurrently, for violating his conditions of supervised release which were imposed after Wormely’s convictions in the Northern District of Alabama for drug trafficking and counterfeiting offenses. According to court records, for years Wormely defrauded women who were seeking love. With limited exceptions, Wormely met his victims through various online dating platforms where he falsely presented himself as a man living in New England who had worked for a shipping company for decades, and who was looking to operate his own businesses in retirement. Wormely’s criminal lies caused substantial emotional and financial harm to women who were simply looking for someone with whom they could spend their lives. Wormely’s misrepresentations went beyond saying that he lived where he did not live. To legitimize himself, he detailed places he regularly visited in New England, sent photographs of himself in his work vest, and described the routes he took throughout Vermont. Wormely made false promises that the money his victims were giving to him was going to be used to support a shared future together, and when his victims questioned him, Wormely would turn the conversation around to make the victims feel that they were in the wrong. Wormely spent a portion of the fraudulently obtained funds gambling at various casinos around Robinsonville, Mississippi. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Secret Service and the assistance and coordination of the Berlin, Vermont, Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Arra. Wormely was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defenders Samuel Ansell and Steve Barth.


title: Illegal Alien Who Led Massive International Drug and Firearms Trafficking Ring from Behind Bars Sentenced to Federal Prison with 14 Others

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

body_text: ATLANTA – Servando Corona Penaloza, who is a Mexican illegal alien and Georgia state prison inmate, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for orchestrating the sale of more than 1,000 kilograms of methamphetamine and fentanyl and the purchase of over 200 military-style firearms that were transported to Mexico for use by Mexican cartels. Fourteen other members of Corona Penaloza’s organization have been convicted and sentenced, with two defendants awaiting sentencing in the coming months. “These defendants flooded our community with deadly drugs and used the proceeds of their drug deals to arm narco-terrorist Mexican cartels with high-powered weapons of war,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “As a result of the exceptional and dedicated work by our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners under the auspices of Atlanta’s Homeland Security Task Force, there are no more drugs coming in—or firearms going out—at Corona Penaloza’s direction.” “This investigation reflects strong coordination among agencies at every level. Through that collaboration, we disrupted a dangerous operation and enhanced the safety of our communities,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd. “This operation not only prevented a massive quantity of methamphetamine from reaching our streets but also took firearms out of the hands of individuals who pose a serious threat to public safety,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Every kilogram seized, and every weapon recovered, is a step toward safer communities.” “This case demonstrates Homeland Security Investigations’ determination to root out violent gangs and criminal cartels from our communities,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “By working side-by-side with our federal, state, and local partners, we have stopped the flow of deadly drugs and weapons and delivered a clear message: We will relentlessly pursue those who threaten the safety of American families.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: In March 2024, federal agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) identified numerous cash purchases of M249S firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers in the Atlanta area. M249S firearms are belt-fed, single shot, civilian versions of the U.S. Army’s Squad Automatic Weapon, with a retail cost of $10,000 to $12,000 per unit. Throughout its investigation, the ATF determined that numerous individuals were purchasing, or coordinating the purchase of, M249S firearms and other military-style weapons in the Atlanta area on behalf of Corona Penaloza, who organized the smuggling of those firearms to Mexico for use by Mexican narcoterrorists. In March 2024, while ATF investigated Corona Penaloza for firearms trafficking, the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) began investigating him for large-scale drug trafficking. During its investigation, the DEA learned that Corona Penaloza had brokered several large-scale cocaine and methamphetamine transactions and coordinated the importation and distribution of hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl and thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine on behalf of a large Mexican drug cartel. For instance, on October 23, 2024, the DEA identified and seized a shipment of over 1,000 kilograms of methamphetamine delivered to an auto mechanic shop in DeKalb County, Georgia. The investigation revealed that Corona Penaloza coordinated the drug and firearm sales by using a contraband cell phone while serving a 30-year state prison sentence. To source firearms, he worked with certain individuals who acted as firearms purchase coordinators. Those coordinators then instructed numerous other individuals to buy the firearms at various FFLs in the Atlanta area and deliver them to the coordinators. Some of the purchasers facilitated smuggling the firearms to Mexico by wrapping them in plastic bags and hiding them in trap compartments in vehicles, including in the gas tanks of a recreational vehicle. During the investigation, the ATF determined that Corona Penaloza and his conspirators organized the purchase and trafficking of at least 223 firearms to Mexico. The value of these firearms was over $700,000, and the vast majority of the firearms were purchased with cash obtained through the sale of narcotics. In the United States, agents seized 105 firearms purchased by members of the conspiracy. Mexican authorities recovered an additional 20 firearms in Mexico that were connected to this investigation. An M2 belt-fed .50 caliber rifle, a M240 7.62mm belt-fed rifle, eleven M249S belt-fed rifles, and a Barrett .50 caliber rifle were among the firearms recovered in the United States. An additional Barrett .50 caliber rifle and seven more M249S belt-fed rifles were recovered by Mexican authorities. Two illegal aliens, Teresa Gonzalez Hoopo and Berenice Macias Montes, laundered Corona Penaloza’s drug proceeds for him, exchanging money through CashApp and other applications, so they could provide funds to the firearms purchase coordinators and straw purchasers. Today, U.S. District Judge Mark H. Cohen sentenced Servando Corona Penaloza, a/k/a Armani, 38, of Mexico, to 25 years in prison—at least 15 years of which will be served consecutively to his state sentence—to be followed by ten years of supervised release. On November 13, 2025, Corona Penaloza pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms, conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, and conspiracy to engage in concealment money laundering. In addition to Corona Penaloza, the following defendants were previously sentenced in this case: Ulises Hernandez-Pineda, 38, of Suffolk, Virginia, was sentenced to 10 years, and one month in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms, and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Jared Thompson, 41, of Snellville, Georgia, was sentenced to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Carlos Sambrano, 29, of Rex, Georgia, was sentenced to nine years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Kevin Delrio-Oliva, 23, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, was sentenced to seven years, and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms and money laundering. Marlon Geovanie Chen, 33, of Belize, was sentenced to five years, and three months in prison, to be followed by deportation proceedings, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jairo Najera, 26, of Conyers, Georgia, was sentenced to four years, and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms. Teresa Gonzalez-Hoopo, 57, of Mexico, was sentenced to three years, and ten months in prison, to be followed by deportation proceedings, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to engage in concealment money laundering and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. Berenice Macias Montes, 32, of Mexico, was sentenced to three years, and ten months in prison, to be followed by deportation proceedings, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to engage in concealment money laundering and making false statements to a licensed firearms dealer. Torres Simmons, 28, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three years, and ten months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to making false statements to a licensed firearms dealer. Timothy Dennis, 30, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to three years, and five months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to making false statements to a licensed firearms dealer. Cameron Vick, 23, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was sentenced to three years, and five months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to making false statements to a licensed firearms dealer. Adalberto Alexander Avila Antuuez, 23, of Honduras, was sentenced to two years in prison, to be followed by deportation proceedings, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Jason Castillo, 22, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, was sentenced to one year, and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to making false statements to a licensed firearms dealer. Jessica Smith, 41, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to one year, and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to making false statements to a licensed firearms dealer. Additionally, two defendants are awaiting sentencing: Victor Mendoza-Ortiz, 25, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to making false statements to a licensed firearms dealer, and will be sentenced on May 19, 2026. Salvio Garcia, 25, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms, and money laundering, and will be sentenced on June 11, 2026. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations. Valuable assistance was provided by the Georgia Department of Corrections, DeKalb County Police Department, Gwinnett County Police Department, Atlanta Police Department, South Fulton Police Department, Lilburn Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Police Department, Lake Charles (LA) Police Department, and the Refugio County (TX) Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Calvin A. Leipold III, Dwayne A. Brown Jr., and Bethany L. Rupert prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Evert substantially assisted with the judicial forfeiture of the seized firearms and drug proceeds. These prosecutions are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Atlanta Wilhelm HSTF comprises agents and officers from ATF, CGIS, DEA, FBI, ICE-HSI, IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, DSS, USMS, USPIS, and USSS, as well as numerous state and local agencies, with the prosecution being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Alleged Illegal Alien Drug Trafficker from Mexico Indicted After Agents Seize Approximately 240,000 Fentanyl Pills Stashed Inside Wooden Furniture

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – An illegal alien from Mexico was ordered detained by a U.S. Magistrate Judge after he was indicted by a federal grand jury last week following the seizure of approximately 240,000 fentanyl pills hidden inside furniture panels. FBI According to court documents, Crisantos Javier Sotelo Valencia, 27, was residing illegally in West Valley City, Utah, and was arrested on March 3, 2026, during the execution of an arrest warrant for an earlier investigation in which the defendant was indicted in a separate federal drug case. During the execution of the arrest warrant, agents also seized several cell phones from Valencia. On those cell phones, agents found several videos of Valencia with large amounts of U.S. currency and narcotics, including fentanyl. The videos depicted composite wood in ready-to-build furniture where narcotics were concealed inside. Based on a review of body camera footage taken during Valencia’s arrest, agents suspected the furniture was at Valencia’s residence. On March 25, 2026, agents executed a search warrant at the residence where they located and seized bags filled with blue M30 pills, hidden inside wooden panels. The pills field-tested positive for fentanyl. The total weight of the fentanyl seized was 23,701.63 grams, nearly 24 kilos (approximately 240,000 fentanyl pills). Valencia was previously deported on October 30, 2025. FBI Valencia is charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. A jury trial is scheduled for July 6, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 3.4 before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. First Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assistant United States Attorney Seth Nielsen of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Illegal Alien from Romania Sentenced for Role in SNAP Benefits Fraud Conspiracy

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – An illegal alien, who is a citizen of Romania, will serve more than two years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Maria Roza Tomescu, 22, to 28 months in prison for her role in a Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits fraud conspiracy. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker, U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) Northeast Region; Chief Marc R. Yamada, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD); and Chief Gregory Der, Howard County Police Department (HCPD). SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, was a federally funded, national program established by the United States to alleviate hunger and malnutrition among lower income families. Each SNAP recipient receives an EBT authorization card that acts as a debit card and which electronically stores personal identifying information and other data concerning the applicant. According to her plea agreement, Tomescu participated in a conspiracy to defraud the United States and multiple recipients of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefits. In 2022, Tomescu and her co-conspirators obtained EBT information from victims throughout the U.S., including in Maryland, California, Kentucky, Tennessee, New York, and other states. They used skimming devices and other means to carry out the conspiracy. The co-conspirators played various roles in skimming operations, including acquiring skimming equipment, shipping equipment to co-conspirators, and installing or removing the equipment at the point of sale (POS) terminals at various commercial establishments. They also monitored the activity at POSs where skimming equipment was installed and duplicated victims’ EBT cards using the information collected from the skimming devices. Co-conspirators then fraudulently purchased large bulk items using cloned EBT cards containing numerous victims’ personal identifying information. On August 5, 2022, Tomescu and two co-conspirators entered two stores — a Columbia Wal-Mart and a Laurel 7-Eleven — and placed skimming device on the point-of-sale terminals at the front of the stores. At both stores, Tomescu served as the diversion as a co-conspirator installed the device. Then on August 27, Tomescu used a stolen Maryland EBT number and PIN to spend more than $900 of a victim’s benefits on Red Bull at a Severn, Maryland, Sam’s Club. In 2025, Baltimore County Police Department officers stopped a vehicle Tomescu was driving. She then presented officers with a false Italian driver’s license. After law enforcement discovered Tomescu’s identity, officers arrested her. Then through further investigation, law enforcement discovered Tomescu opened two bank accounts using the false identity. Tomescu used the bank accounts to deposit checks that parishioners issued to churches. Through her criminal activities, Tomescu obtained $7,457.50 in fraudulent funds. Due to the loss of their SNAP benefits, at least 15 victims were unable to obtain food items until after the replenishment of their funds the following month. The total loss attributed to the conspiracy in Maryland is approximately $343,756. Judge Rubin previously sentenced co-conspirator Fabritio Sardaru, 22, an illegal alien who is a citizen of Romania and Ireland, to two years in prison for his role in the conspiracy. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USDA-OIG, MCPD, and HCPD for their work in the investigation, along with the Maryland Department of Human Services, Office of Inspector General, for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Higgins who prosecuted the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud . # # #


title: Repeat Child Sex Offender Sentenced to 25 Years’ Imprisonment for Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A repeat child sex offender was sentenced to 300 months’ imprisonment after he produced sexually explicit images and videos of a seven-year-old victim with his cellphone. Andrew Craig Petersen, 36, of Salt Lake City, pleaded guilty on August 26, 2025, to production of child pornography. In addition to Petersen’s term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Jill N. Parrish, sentenced Petersen to a lifetime of supervised release. Mandatory restitution will be set at a later date. According to court documents and admissions made at Petersen’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, beginning on June 14, 2023, in the District of Utah, while Petersen was on Utah state court probation for attempted sexual exploitation of a child, he used his cell phone to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Specifically, he took pictures and videos of a seven-year-old female, the child of a woman with whom he was in a relationship. Petersen then uploaded the sexually explicit photos and videos to an online internet address he maintained. As a result, the national Center for Missing and Exploited Children received and relayed information that the defendant was uploading child sexual abuse material. “Petersen is a repeat child sex offender who preyed on a seven-year-old; he has proven again that he cannot be trusted around children,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah. “His 25-year sentence is appropriately severe and serves as a stern reminder that crimes against children will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” The case was investigated by the West Jordan Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Carl R. Hollan and Assistant United States Attorney Carol A. Dain of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC .