title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Relentless Justice

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: Sioux Falls, S.D. – The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes." “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.” “Operation Relentless Justice demonstrates the power of coordinated federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement working together to safeguard children,” said U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons for the District of South Dakota. “We’re grateful to Attorney General Bondi for leading this expansive effort to sweep up these worst of the worst child sex abuse offenders.” “We have no higher calling than protecting our children. The extraordinary efforts of Operation Relentless Justice underscore our tireless commitment to defending children from exploitation and abuse, particularly vulnerable children on tribal lands," said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “The FBI will continue to leverage our full strength, along with our federal, state, tribal, and local partners, to ensure heinous predators are punished, innocent victims are given justice, and all children can grow up in safety.” Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Those arrested include Donovan He Crow, a resident of the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, who is the subject of a superseding indictment filed in the District of South Dakota. He Crow is alleged to be a repeat sex offender who is most recently alleged to have committed Abusive Sexual Contact with a child in violation of federal law. If convicted, He Crow would face a mandatory minimum sentence of life in federal prison. Some of the other alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon. As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself. This effort follows two other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. The FBI's Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former United States Postal Carrier Pleads Guilty To Theft

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida –United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Delvenia Renee Mitchell (54, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to theft of government of property, over $1,000. Mitchell faces up to 10 years in prison and payment of restitution. No sentencing date has been set. According to court documents, in 2023, Mitchell worked as a postal carrier for the United States Postal Service (USPS). Investigation by the USPS – Office of Inspector General determined that Mitchell, using her assigned USPS gas card, made multiple gas purchases in Jacksonville and elsewhere that were outside of her delivery area and beyond the fuel capacity for her assigned USPS vehicles. Video evidence obtained in the investigation showed Mitchell using her assigned gas card to purchase gas for other vehicles. This case was investigated by United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 79 Border-Related Cases This Week

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 79 border-related cases this week, including charges of bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city). In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here . A sample of border-related arrests this week: On December 12, Sujey Velazquez and Sarah Joanne Cairo, U.S. citizens, were arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance as they tried to cross the border through the pedestrian lanes at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. According to a complaint, following an alert from a narcotics detection dog, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered the women had hidden fentanyl in body cavities. On December 18, Jacob Romero Ocampo, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Customs and Border Protection officers found 85 packages containing 38 pounds of methamphetamine and 22 pounds of fentanyl concealed in the firewall, doors, passenger floor, seats and rear bumper of Ocampo’s vehicle as he tried to cross into the U.S. at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. On December 18, Guadalupe Maria Ceja, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and charged with Transportation of Illegal Aliens. According to a complaint, Ceja failed to yield when Border Patrol agents activated lights and siren. Her vehicle came to a stop near the Pine Valley Bridge on Interstate 8 after agents deployed a vehicle immobilization device. There were two undocumented immigrants in her vehicle. On December 18, Joel Bernardo Trejo-Cazares, a Mexican citizen, was arrested and charged with Attempted Entry after Deportation. According to a complaint, Trejo-Cazares attempted to enter the U.S. illegally in the trunk of a car at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. The defendant had been removed from the United States the day before. Also recently, some defendants with criminal records were convicted by a jury or sentenced for border-related crimes such as illegally re-entering the U.S. after previous deportation. Here is one: On December 19, Ricardo Macario Vazquez, a Mexican national with six prior DUI convictions, two domestic violence convictions, and two prior convictions for illegal reentry, was sentenced in federal court to 21 months in custody for again entering the U.S. illegally. The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners. Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Charlton Woman Charged with Bank Fraud

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Charlton woman was arrested today for scheming to fraudulently obtain Social Security benefits and pension payments. Gina M. Cummings, 60, was charged with one count of bank fraud. Cummings was released on conditions following an initial appearance today before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jennifer C. Boal. According to the charging documents, from January 2020 through July 2025, Cummings fraudulently obtained approximately $111,853 in Social Security benefits, private pension payments and COVID Economic Impact Payments. Cummings is alleged to have had access to the checkbook of a Social Security beneficiary and pensioner who died in August 2019. She allegedly failed to report the beneficiary’s death to the Social Security Administration, the pension plan, or the bank where the funds were deposited. Instead, Cummings allegedly accessed the improperly paid funds by forging the deceased beneficiary’s name on 84 checks and regularly depleted the account funds through recurring bill payments. The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Mexican National from New Jersey Charged with Transporting Illegal Aliens from Canadian Border

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on December 18, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Carlos Nonoal-Cano, 26, a Mexican national from Lakewood, New Jersey, with transportation of illegal aliens on December 16, 2025. In related cases, the U.S. Attorney’s Office charged two of Nonoal-Cano’s passengers, Christopher Gonzales-Castillo (48, Mexico) and Aracely Ramos-Quina (27, Spain), with illegal entry into the United States. On December 18, 2025, Nonoal-Cano pled not guilty to the charge during an arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle detained Nonoal-Cano in a hearing on December 19, 2025. Also on December 18, 2025, Gonzales-Castillo appeared before Judge Doyle and was detained. Ramos-Quina appeared in court on December 18, 2025, pled guilty and was detained as a material witness. According to court records, on December 16, 2025, agents from U.S. Border Patrol received a notification of border crossing on the Vermont-Canada border and received an image of individuals crossing the snow-covered border on foot taken that evening. When Border Patrol agents conducted a search of the remote area near the Canadian border, they observed a black Honda Pilot with New Jersey license plates as it stopped in a wooded, unpopulated area and turned around. When they stopped the vehicle, Border Patrol agents found that Nonoal-Cano – the driver – was transporting two unrelated adults and two unaccompanied, and unrelated, juveniles with snow on their boots. Border patrol agents determined that Nonoal-Cano’s passengers did not have lawful status in the United States and were likely being smuggled for profit. In an interview with U.S. Border Patrol, Ramos-Quina, a Spanish national with dual citizenship in Ecuador, admitted to being present in the United States without lawful status. Ramos-Quina admitted to having agreed to pay $3,500 to a smuggler she found through social media. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment and complaint contain allegations only and that Nonoal-Cano and Gonzales-Castillo are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Nonoal-Cano faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. Gonzales-Castillo faces up to 6 months in prison if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of U.S. Border Patrol. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill. Nonoal-Cano is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender. Gonzales-Castillo is represented by Michael J. Straub, Esq. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Byfield Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking Ring

body_text: BOSTON – A Byfield man pleaded guilty today to his role in a conspiracy to distribute crystal methamphetamine. James Adams, a/k/a “Jimmy,” 43, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor, IV scheduled sentencing for March 20, 2026. Adams was one of four individuals charged in connection with a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking ring operating in Eastern Massachusetts by members and associates of the Unknown Bikers Motorcycle Club. In approximately October 2023, law enforcement received information about drug trafficking activities of a large-scale methamphetamine supplier in the Eastern Massachusetts area. Over the next several months, investigators identified Adams as a drug trafficker who distributed methamphetamine to customers throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Investigators also conducted controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Adams, as well as from his co-conspirators James Snow of Tewksbury, Danielle Steenbruggen of Peabody and Daniel Loughman of Wakefield. Approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine and four firearms were seized throughout the investigation from controlled purchases, motor vehicle stops and search warrants. Adams is the fourth defendant to plead guilty in the case. Steenbruggen pleaded guilty in August 2025 and, in November 2025, was sentenced to 93 months in prison. Snow pleaded guilty on Dec. 1, 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 5, 2026. Loughman pleaded guilty on Dec. 2, 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 10, 2026. The charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England; Nicholas Bucciarelli, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Chief Steven A. Skory of the Wakefield Police Department made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Newbury, Newburyport, Haverhill and Peabody Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Ocala Man Indicted For Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Justin Charles Brown (45, Ocala) with producing child sex abuse material (CSAM) and possessing CSAM. If convicted on all counts, Brown faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 60 years, in federal prison. In addition, he would be required to serve a minimum term of 5 years’ supervised release and register as a sex offender. The indictment also notifies Brown that the United States intends to forfeit a cellular phone, which was used in the offense. According to a previously issued criminal complaint, Brown came into contact with a child in California on social media around February 2024. Brown sent files of CSAM to the child and asked the child to produce child sex material for Brown. The child disclosed to the FBI that on one occasion she had broadcast herself being sexually abused by a friend of the family to Brown, at his request, via Facetime. On October 2025, the FBI executed a federal search warrant at Brown’s residence and seized his cellular phone. A review of the phone revealed that it contained CSAM, including a video of the child in California being sexually abused by the family friend in February 2024. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY - The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes." “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.” According to the criminal complaint, Van Laurence Barker, 33, was charged with one count of attempted online enticement of a minor and one count of distribution of child pornography. The defendant is scheduled for arraignment before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky on January 13, 2026. If convicted, Barker faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Yannelli, of the U.S. Attorney’s Louisville Branch Office, is prosecuting the case. “Barker’s arrest reflects the FBI’s exceptional work in protecting the most vulnerable victims of our communities—our children,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky. “This is work that the FBI prioritizes day-in-and-day-out, and is highlighted through the success of Operation Relentless Justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office stands shoulder to shoulder with the FBI and all of our law enforcement partners across the Commonwealth to ensure that people like Van Laurence Barker are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office stated, "FBI Louisville, along with our law enforcement partners throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky, will not stand by while the children of our state are preyed upon by predators. These child predators and the crimes they commit will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law. This effort, while highlighted under Operation Relentless Justice, remains a constant priority for the FBI and we will continue to hold these criminals accountable.” Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon. As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself. This effort follows two other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, including one from the Western District of Kentucky, and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders, including one from the Western District of Kentucky. The FBI's Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Jacksonville Man Sentenced To More Than 14 Years In Prison For Role In Drive-By Shooting On I-95

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Harvey Schlesinger has sentenced Briyhon Johnson (24, Jacksonville) to 14 years and 3 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute marijuana, aiding and abetting the commission of a drive-by shooting in furtherance of a major drug offense, and aiding and abetting the discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. Johnson entered a guilty plea in August 2025. According to court documents, Johnson served as an armed distributor for a Jacksonville-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) operated and led by Nathaniel Hatcher, III. Hatcher’s DTO trafficked bulk marijuana from northern California to Jacksonville by smuggling the drugs on commercial airlines, shipping it through the U.S. mail system, and transporting it by vehicle across state lines. Once the marijuana arrived in Jacksonville, Johnson and other DTO members transported the marijuana to various short-term rental homes throughout Jacksonville. Johnson and other members of the DTO carried and possessed firearms at these residences to protect themselves, their drugs, and their drug proceeds during the drug sales. In addition to trafficking, transporting, smuggling, and selling marijuana, Johnson was also responsible for carrying out violence on behalf of the DTO. On September 18, 2023, Hatcher, James Toney, and other DTO members arranged a drug transaction with subjects they had met that evening in Jacksonville. The drug transaction failed when the other subjects never provided the promised marijuana, and instead, stole approximately $45,000 in cash from Hatcher and Toney. After the failed drug transaction, Hatcher contacted a former police officer who illegally accessed law enforcement databases to provide Hatcher with the names and home addresses of the subjects who had stolen the money. For nearly a month, Johnson and other DTO members tracked, surveilled, and cyber-stalked the other subjects and their family members. On October 15, 2023, Johnson and Toney traveled to the Jacksonville International Airport, broke into a rental car lot, and stole two vehicles with the intention of using one in the planned retaliation. The theft had been coordinated by Johnson and Toney through text messages. Two days later, Toney traveled to the Duval County courthouse for a scheduled court date in an unrelated pending criminal matter. Toney and other DTO members knew that one of the subjects from the September 18 drug transaction also had court that day for a separate criminal matter. After court concluded, Hatcher and other DTO members surveilled as the subject exited the Duval County courthouse, accompanied by a female subject, and enter his vehicle. Toney traveled to meet with Johnson, who provided Toney with a firearm. Johnson, Toney, Hatcher, and Tavarius Blue were operating multiple vehicles, including a red sedan and a gray SUV, and followed the subject’s car from downtown Jacksonville to I-95. Darion Jerido was driving a separate sedan, acting as the lookout for the others and to keep pace of the subject’s sedan. Johnson was driving the red car, with Toney traveling in the passenger seat. Blue was driving the gray SUV, with Hatcher traveling in passenger seat. At approximately 11:20 a.m., during the pursuit along I-95 South, the red and the gray vehicles boxed the subject’s sedan into the left lane of traffic. Toney and Hatcher discharged dozens of rounds of 7.62 caliber ammunition at the subject’s sedan. According to witness interviews, Johnson and Toney were both wearing masks. Following the shooting, the red and gray vehicles fled the scene. Deputies from the St. Johns County Sheriffs’ Office and emergency medical personnel quickly arrived on scene. The driver of the sedan, who was the male subject from the courthouse, sustained one gunshot wound but survived and was air-lifted to a trauma unit. The passenger, the female subject from the courthouse, did not sustain any gunshot wounds but did suffer injuries from broken glass. She was transported to a nearby hospital. The sedan sustained gunshots to the passenger side, the rear, the front and hood, the front windshield, the interior, and the engine block. Deputies recovered approximately 25 spent 7.62 caliber shell casings. According to ballistics analysis, two different firearms were used during the shooting. In related court proceedings, Nathaniel Hatcher pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, conspiracy to commit money laundering, committing a drive-by shooting in furtherance of a major drug offense, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Hatcher faces a minimum penalty of 20 years, up to life plus 45 years, in prison. Hatcher has also agreed to forfeit over $2 million, which represents illicit proceeds derived from drug trafficking. See chart below for status of remaining co-conspirators. Status of Hatcher DTO Co-conspirators Name Status Al’Donta Easterling Sentenced to 10 years in federal prison Yaquasia DelCarmen Sentenced to 8 years in federal prison Desmond Maxwell Pleaded guilty to straw-purchasing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and faces up to 25 years in federal prison Javon Davis Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana and faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison Tavarius Blue Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, aiding and abetting the commission of a drive-by shooting in furtherance of a major drug offense, and aiding and abetting the discharging of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life plus 65 years, in federal prison Darion Jerido Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana and aiding and abetting the commission of a drive-by shooting in furtherance of a major drug offense and faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 65 years’ imprisonment James Toney Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, committing a drive-by shooting in furtherance of a major drug offense, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Toney faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison This was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Former State Senator Pleads Guilty to Obstruction of Justice

body_text: BOSTON – Former Massachusetts State Senator Dean Tran pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to attempting to cover up a sham job offer from his sister’s company. Tran, 50, of Fitchburg, pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of justice and one count of making a false statement before U.S. Senior District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled by the Court. In June 2024, Tran was indicted along with his sister, Tuyet T. Martin. Tran was convicted by a federal jury in September 2024 for fraudulent collection of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits and his willful omission of consulting and rental income from his tax returns in 2020, 2021 and 2022. He is currently serving an 18-month sentence in federal prison for those convictions. As part of an ongoing investigation into unemployment benefits and tax fraud schemes federal law enforcement interviewed Tran at his residence while executing a federal search warrant. During the interview, Tran was asked about a letter that he provided to unemployment agency officials when his benefits were briefly suspended and he was attempting to have benefits reinstated. Tran made material misrepresentations to the federal law enforcement agents about the letter, including that his sister and co-defendant, Tuyet Martin, had authored the letter when she was not the sole author of the letter and Tran had revised it before it was finalized and submitted to unemployment officials. Tran also told federal law enforcement agents that his sister’s signature appeared on the letter when in fact Tran had signed the letter, not his sister. The charge of obstruction of justice provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Labor Racketeering and Fraud, Northeast Region; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Mulcahy, Lauren Maynard and Dustin Chao of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


body_text: Tampa, FL – Earlier today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in more than 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes.” “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.” “Protecting our children is a top priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Gregory W. Kehoe. “We will work with our law enforcement partners to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who target, exploit, and violate our children. In addition to our enforcement efforts, our office will continue to engage and educate communities on specific strategies to prevent these heinous crimes.” “Protecting children and preventing exploitation are central to the FBI mission,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “The FBI is committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners every day to safeguard our communities and stop predators.” “Investigative operations like this are a testament to the work our special agents and analysts do day in and day out to protect the innocent from predators,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor. “Crimes against children are among the FBI’s highest priorities, and we will continue working relentlessly to identify the predators and rescue the victims.” Middle District of Florida Cases Fort Myers U.S. v. James Gregory Ford - Enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and transfer of obscene matter to a minor. U.S. v. Jeremiah Victor Jacobs - Distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material. Jacksonville U.S. v. Alec Lyle Higginbotham - Attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. U.S. v. Justin Charles Brown - Production and possession of child sexual abuse material. Orlando U.S. v. Chase Dean Suriano – Receipt and possession of child sex abuse material. Tampa U.S. v. Richard Plummer - Distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material and escape. U.S. v. Christopher Michael Barnes - Possession of child sexual abuse material. U.S. v. Justin Travis Garner - Possession of child sexual abuse material. U.S. v. Joel Reynolds – Production, distribution, and possession of child sex abuse material. U.S. v. Jeremiah Kelsene Smith – Attempted production of child sex abuse material and transfer of obscene material to a minor. Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material and online enticement of minors. This effort follows two other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. The FBI's Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office personnel recognized for outstanding performance

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – U.S. Attorney Gerace announced today awards for outstanding performance for employees of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in four categories. The awards include: Outstanding Performance by an Assistant U.S. Attorney – Kyle J. Healey and Adam Tieger Mr. Healey has spent most of his career in this district working difficult criminal cases involving sex trafficking of minors, coercion and enticement of minors, and child exploitation. Recent significant case examples include: U.S. v. Kelly Richards , in which the defendant gave cocaine to minors, kept them in his apartment, and sex trafficked them. Richards was convicted at trial and sentenced to 40 years in prison. U.S. v. William Scott Elam , who pretended to be a teenage boy online while coercing girls into creating nude images and videos that involved sexual conduct. Elam used self-harm as a means of coercion, even instructing one victim to engage in self-harm via cutting live on video. Elam was sentenced to 26 years in prison. U.S. v. Daveion Wright , a defendant who sexually exploited a toddler in SnapChat videos. Wright was sentenced in September to 29 years in prison. Mr. Tieger, a civil AUSA, demonstrated outstanding commitment to the district by playing a key role in civil asset forfeiture matters, litigating civil immigration matters on behalf of the United States, and achieving favorable judgments in defensive litigation on behalf of government agencies. Outstanding Performance by Staff – Brittany Ewing and Kristine Pfarrer Ms. Ewing is a docketing technician in Cincinnati. This past year, she has taken on additional duties including coordinating the grand jury in Cincinnati and helping with civil state foreclosure filings. Ms. Ewing has willingly taken on extra work this past year to enable the district to accomplish its mission even with staffing shortages. Ms. Pfarrer is a criminal paralegal in Dayton. She is a dedicated member of the Department of Justice who has demonstrated selflessness and initiative in the performance of her duties.. Her work is described as detailed, timely and efficient. As a professional, she is described as competent, pleasant and a team player. Ms. Pfarrer supports many attorneys across the district and coordinates the grand jury in Dayton. Outstanding Performance by a Litigative Team – Timothy D. Prichard, Emily Czerniejewski, Elizabeth A. Geraghty, Heather A. Hill, Kevin W. Kelley, Kim Robinson, Kelly Terry, Carolyn Delery, Deena Antoon, Alexis Williams, Brandon Harmon These individuals were recognized for their outstanding performance in 2025 due to their participation in one or more of the following three litigative teams. U.S. v. Washington et al This case charged 23 total defendants and involved narcotics and human trafficking conspiracies. A multi-agency law enforcement task force initially announced the case in July 2022 after a federal grand jury indicted 11 defendants for distributing bulk amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a Columbus elementary school. In October 2022, the government added 12 defendants and 28 new charges. Court documents detail that the drug trafficking organization brought large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, alprazolam and marijuana into Columbus. These drugs were sold or used to coerce individuals into sexual activity for some members of the drug ring and their profit. The case also involved the overdose death of at least one individual and the violent death of a second victim. U.S. v. Ricco Maye Ricco Maye was sentenced in October 2025 to life in prison for leading narcotics, sex trafficking and financial fraud conspiracies. The defendant caused an overdose death, coerced addicts into prostitution, and used threats, violence, and manipulation of drug dependencies to ensure individuals carried out his criminal schemes. Maye was found guilty on all counts following a three-week jury trial in November 2024. Court documents and trial testimony detail that Maye used individuals to buy and sell drugs, sell women for sex, and fraudulently apply online for COVID-19 relief funds. Proceeds from all the crimes went to the defendant. U.S. v. Larry Williams et al In July 2025, Larry Williams received multiple life sentences in prison for murdering three victims and directing others to dismember and bury two of the bodies. A total of 13 defendants were convicted and sentenced in this case. Williams was found guilty on all charges following a three-week trial in December 2024. Williams was sentenced to three consecutive life sentences plus an additional 60 consecutive months in prison for murdering three victims as part of a narcotics conspiracy to rob a local marijuana dealer of drugs and cash. The defendant, who was also sentenced to five other life sentences to run concurrently to all other counts, had others dismember and bury two of the bodies to dispose of evidence of his crimes. Extraordinary Individual Contribution to the Mission of the U.S. Attorney’s Office – Kelly Norris Ms. Norris served as Acting U.S. Attorney from February until August 2025 and as First Assistant U.S. Attorney from August 2025 to December 2025. In each role, she has served the Southern District of Ohio selflessly. Ms. Norris’s professional performance has been instrumental in the success that the district has experienced in carrying out the priorities of the Administration and Department of Justice. # # #


title: Bi-Coastal Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to 135 Months

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: WASHINGTON – Albert Anthony Rios, 32, of the District of Columbia and California, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 135 months in federal prison for trafficking large amounts of fentanyl that he had shipped to him from California, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Rios, who was responsible for 8.5 kilograms of fentanyl and more than a kilogram of cocaine, pleaded guilty on September 3 before Judge Dabney L. Friedrich to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl and cocaine. In addition to the 135-month prison term, Judge Friedrich ordered Rios to serve five years of supervised release. Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement were DEA Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis of the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division and FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office. According to court documents, on Dec. 13, 2022, two packages were shipped from a FedEx facility located in Monterrey Park, California and addressed to “Martes Benito,” on Congress Street, SE. FedEx deemed the packages as suspicious. The DEA recovered about 700 grams of fentanyl pills and 200 grams of cocaine from one of the packages. On Dec. 17, 2022, the second package was intercepted. Law enforcement obtained a state court warrant for the package, which was found to contain a kilogram of fentanyl pills. Through subpoenas to airlines, recovery of surveillance footage, and other evidence, agents identified two persons who regularly flew to Los Angeles and then returned within a few days to the Washington D.C. area. The same individuals routinely shipped packages from FedEx and UPS facilities in Monterrey Park, California to the Washington, D.C. area. Agents recovered several of these packages and all were found to contain fentanyl pills. Agents recovered additional narcotics, firearms, and large amounts cash in search warrants conducted at the residences of these individuals. FBI agents continued to investigate to determine the identity of the California supplier. They learned that, in July of 2023, in a separate and independent investigation, DEA agents arranged to purchase a large amount of fentanyl and cocaine from Albert Rios. In a search of Rios’ residence, those agents recovered a kilo of cocaine, a kilo of fentanyl, 15,000 fentanyl pills, and about $23,000 in cash. FBI agents linked Rios’ phone number to the individuals who had repeatedly mailed narcotics to the D.C. area. On Feb. 7, 2024, agents executed another search warrant at Rios’ California residence. They recovered additional narcotics, including approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills and an ounce of cocaine. Further, in a search of his cell phones, FBI agents found photos of large quantities of fentanyl pills and determined that Rios’ relevant conduct in this case included, at a minimum, 8.425 kilograms of fentanyl and 1.028 kilograms of cocaine. This case was investigated by the DEA and the FBI Washington Field Office, with valuable assistance from the Virginia State Police, Montgomery County Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Postal Inspection Service It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nihar Mohanty. 25cr064


title: East Lyme Business Owner Sentenced for Tax Offense

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ANALIA MOUNTZOURES, 49, of East Lyme, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to three years of probation for a tax offense. According to court documents and statements made in court, Mountzoures operated Mountzoures Cleaning, a business with approximately 10 employees that provided cleaning services to more than 200 commercial and residential clients in southeastern Connecticut. During the 2018 through 2023 tax years, Mountzoures often paid her employees in cash, did not report their wages to the state or federal government, did not file required IRS forms related to her employees, did not issue W-2 forms, did not withhold employee taxes as required, and did not pay federal employment taxes and withholding. She also provided her tax return preparer with false information that resulted in personal tax returns that significantly underreported her gross receipts, income, and taxes due and owing. As an example, Mountzoures’ 2023 tax return reported gross receipts of $12,095 and total taxes before credits as $1,450. In fact, Mountzoures’ gross receipts were approximately $628,072 and the tax due was approximately $96,650. Judge Dooley ordered Mountzoures to pay restitution of $380,167.60 to the IRS. On April 23, 2025, Mountzoures pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting a false tax return. This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.


title: Married Owners of Downtown L.A. Precious Metals Businesses Plead Guilty to Hiding from IRS Millions of Dollars in Cash Transactions

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – The husband-and-wife owners of precious metals businesses in the downtown Los Angeles Jewelry District and one of their companies pleaded guilty today to federal criminal charges for concealing millions of dollars’ worth of cash transactions from the United States government, failing to maintain an anti-money laundering program, and using the unreported cash at other family businesses, at a casino, and for other personal expenses. The following defendants pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy: Alex Nguyen, 50, of Irvine, who also pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return; Sam Nguyen, 52, also of Irvine, who is Alex Nguyen’s wife; and Newport Gold Post Inc., one of the companies they own. According to their plea agreements, from May 2013 to March 2022, Alex and Sam Nguyen owned several family businesses that bought and sold precious metals, including Newport Gold Post, Goldtech Assay Laboratory LLC (which did business as Infinity), Sam Bullion and Coin, and AAPS Bullion. These family businesses received millions of dollars in cash from their customers, requiring the Nguyens to file paperwork with the IRS. Alex and Sam Nguyen knowingly and repeatedly failed to file a Form 8300 with the IRS – as required by the Bank Secrecy Act – where they were supposed to report cash transactions over $10,000. For example, during a February 2020 transaction, a buyer asked for a receipt after buying 643 ounces (40.2 pounds or 18.2 kilograms) of silver for approximately $11,766, Alex Nguyen replied, “Not for cash” and did not ask the buyer to show any identification. As that year progressed, the buyer made multiple purchases of silver from Alex Nguyen, culminating in December 2020, when the buyer brought a suitcase containing $140,000 in cash – with half of the cash wrapped in heat-sealed packages. Alex Nguyen took the cash and provided 5,118 ounces (320 pounds or 145.1 kilograms) of silver. During all these transactions – four in total – Alex Nguyen knowingly and intentionally failed to file a Form 8300 with the IRS. While operating the family businesses, Alex Nguyen received $200,000 to $1 million in cash daily from customers. He used this cash to purchase other precious metals from other Jewelry District businesses, agreeing with other business operators to not file completed Form 8300s. In total, Alex Nguyen and his co-conspirators intentionally failed to file inaccurate or incomplete Form 8300s on more than 350 occasions for at least $127,446,066 in cash that was delivered to Nguyen family businesses. In her plea agreement, Sam Nguyen admitted to intentionally failing to file a Form 8300 for multiple precious metals transactions, including in July 2021, when a buyer purchased 50 one-ounce gold bars at Newport Gold for $100,000. The cash for that transaction was wrapped in heat-sealed, shrink wrapping. Sam Nguyen told the buyer that she preferred shrink-wrapped cash because sometimes she received cash that had been buried underground. Despite the suspicious packaging and her obligations to obtain customer information for the Form 8300, she did not ask for identification, did not inquire about the source of the cash, and intentionally did not file a Form 8300 for the transaction. The defendants further admitted to failing to develop, implement, and maintain an anti-money laundering program as required by federal law. IRS auditors advised Alex and Sam Nguyen multiple times to set up such a program for their businesses, but the defendants failed to do so. Further, Alex and Sam Nguyen admitted to lying to federal officials, including IRS auditors and the FBI. Alex Nguyen falsely said he did not accept cash payments and had not done so since the 1980s. Sam Nguyen lied to auditors and federal agents when she said she did not accept cash payments. Finally, from 2016 through 2020, Alex Nguyen knowingly and willfully filed under penalty of perjury false joint tax returns where he failed to report income from the Nguyen family businesses, failing to report $1,535,330 in 2019 alone. The Nguyens also took cash from their businesses to a casino then received checks totaling $1,048,450 from the casino, which they deposited into their bank accounts for personal use. The total tax due and owing for all five years in question is between $1,767,112 to $1,870,273, according to court documents. United States District Judge Michelle Williams Court scheduled June 5, 2026, sentencing hearings for the defendants. At the time of sentencing, Alex Nguyen will face up to eight years in federal prison, Sam Nguyen will face up to five years in federal prison, and Newport Gold Post will face a statutory maximum sentence of five years of probation and a $500,000 fine. IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea Norell of the Major Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Badger, Iowa, Volunteer Firefighter to Federal Prison for  Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Kenneth Brown, 60, from Badger, Iowa, was sentenced on December 19, 2025, to 4 years’ imprisonment. Brown pled guilty on July 22, 2025, to one count of possession of child pornography in a Sioux City federal court. Evidence in the case showed that from early May 2023, through April 3, 2024, Brown received and possessed child pornography. A CyberTip to law enforcement revealed 32 files of child pornography had been uploaded to the internet from Brown’s cell phone. Brown was a volunteer firefighter with Badger Fire and Rescue. During a forensic examination of Brown’s phone, 27 videos and 28 images of child pornography were found, some containing materials depicting sadistic and masochistic conduct as well as prepubescent children and toddlers. Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Brown was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment and must serve a 5-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Brown remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. Brown was also ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution to the victims in this case, as well as $1,100 in fines and assessments. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” The case was investigated by the Webster County Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-3013. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Ukrainian National Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Nefilim Ransomware to Attack Companies in the United States and Other Countries

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Ukrainian national pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit computer fraud for his role in a series of international ransomware attacks. According to court documents, Artem Aleksandrovych Stryzhak, 35, of Barcelona, Spain, conspired with others to deploy the Nefilim ransomware against victim computer networks in the United States and other countries, causing significant damage to victim computer systems. As part of the scheme, the conspirators generated a unique ransomware executable file for each victim, along with a corresponding decryption key and customized ransom note. If a victim paid the ransom demand, the perpetrators provided the decryption key, enabling the victim to decrypt files locked by the ransomware. In June 2021, Nefilim administrators gave Stryzhak access to the Nefilim ransomware code in exchange for 20 percent of his ransom proceeds. Stryzhak operated the ransomware through his account on the online Nefilim platform, known as the “panel.” Shortly after gaining access, Stryzhak asked a co‑conspirator whether he should choose a different username than one he used in other criminal activity, in case the panel “gets hacked into by the feds.” Nefilim administrators preferred to target companies located in the United States, Canada, or Australia with annual revenues exceeding $100 million. Stryzhak and others researched potential victims after gaining unauthorized access to their networks, including by using online databases to obtain information about the companies’ net worth, size, and contact information. In or about July 2021, a Nefilim administrator encouraged Stryzhak to target companies in those countries with more than $200 million dollars in annual revenue. As part of the extortion scheme, the conspirators threatened that unless victims agreed to pay the ransom, the stolen data would be published on publicly accessible “Corporate Leaks” websites maintained by Nefilim administrators. Stryzhak was arrested in Spain in June 2024 and extradited to the United States on April 30. Stryzhak pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud related to computers in connection with his Nefilim ransomware activities. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 6, 2026. The defendant faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The U.S. Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) Rewards Program has offered a reward of up to $11 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction or location of Stryzhak’s charged co-conspirator, Volodymyr Tymoshchuk. Anyone with information about Tymoshchuk should contact the FBI via phone at +1-917-242-1407, by email at TymoTips@fbi.gov , by contacting your local field office, if in the United States, or by contacting the nearest U.S. Embassy, if located overseas. More information about the TOC reward offer is located on the State Department website . The FBI Springfield Field Office in Illinois is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Brian Z. Mund of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander F. Mindlin and Ellen H. Sise for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Rebecca Roth of the Eastern District of New York. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, the FBI’s New York Field Office, and Spanish law enforcement authorities provided substantial assistance in this case. CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.


component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes.” “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.” John A. Sarcone III, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York, stated: “Operation Relentless Justice reflects our tireless commitment to keeping our children safe. I am proud of the work of the prosecutors in my Office and the men and women of the FBI, who are truly relentless in their pursuit of justice on behalf of the most vulnerable and precious members of our communities. We will remain steadfast in getting every single child predator off the streets and behind bars.” Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albany Field Office, stated: “Operation Relentless Justice was a huge success thanks to the strong partnerships on our Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force. Working together, we removed eight dangerous predators from our communities. Six were charged federally and two were charged by New York State. And we won’t stop there. The FBI will continue to leverage our law enforcement partners to use every resource at our disposal to identify, investigate, and bring to justice any predator seeking to harm our most vulnerable.” In the Northern District of New York, those arrested and charged, in separate cases, are: Thomas J. Meehan, age 36, of Valatie, New York, who is alleged to have been selling child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting victims less than 13 years old over the internet for at least two years. Numerous images and videos of CSAM were also found on the defendant’s cell phone. Meehan faces at least 5 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin S. Clark is prosecuting the case. David McMurray, age 42, of Utica, New York, who was previously convicted in federal court for distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison and a term of 20 years of post-release supervision. As alleged, on September 2, 2025, while McMurray was still on supervision for his prior conviction, the United States Probation Office conducted a search of McMurray’s residence in Utica, New York and recovered a cell phone McMurray was not authorized to possess. A subsequent search of the phone by FBI revealed that McMurray had used it to search for and access with intent to view CSAM online. McMurray faces at least 10 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Gadarian and Adrian S. LaRochelle are prosecuting the case. Vincent Lee Evans, age 45, of Rensselaer, New York, who allegedly possessed approximately 2,400 images and 150 videos of CSAM on a cell phone while on supervision in connection with his prior federal conviction for possession of child pornography. Evans faces at least 10 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey is prosecuting the case. David Wickham, age 37, of Blossvale, New York, who allegedly used various social media applications to distribute and receive CSAM and was a member of group chats dedicated to exchanging CSAM depicting very young children. CSAM files were also found on Wickham’s cell phone. Wickham faces at least 5 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is prosecuting the case. Mark Porto, age 58, of Albany, New York, who allegedly received CSAM depicting pre-pubescent minors via the Internet between October 2022 and February 2023. Porto faces at least 5 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey is prosecuting the case. James Winston III, age 27, of Utica, New York, who allegedly possessed a cell telephone that contained numerous CSAM files. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle is prosecuting the case. Those arrested throughout the country are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of CSAM; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing CSAM, as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon. As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself. This effort follows other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, including 8 from the Northern District of New York. The FBI’s Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. Indictments and complaints are merely allegations. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes." “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.” “My office and our partners at the FBI are working every day to unmask child predators, prosecute them to the fullest extent, and get justice for their victims,” said United States Attorney David Metcalf. “Protecting children from sexual exploitation will always be a top priority.” “The men and women of FBI Philadelphia work every day to protect and support children across the communities we serve,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Operation Relentless Justice underscores our unwavering commitment to combatting child exploitation, one of the most heinous offenses we investigate. Alongside our state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to pursue those who prey on our most vulnerable and bring them to justice.” In the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, two defendants have been charged under Operation Relentless Justice. Sean Gallagher, 31, of Warminster, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Derek Weaver, 29, of Ephrata, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt of child pornography. Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, Texas, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a police officer from Raleigh, North Carolina, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon. As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself. This effort follows two other successful nationwide operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. The FBI's Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. The charges and allegations contained in indictments and criminal complaints are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.


title: ‘764’ Extremist Group Leader Pleads Guilty to RICO, Child Exploitation Charges

body_text: A San Antonio-based member of the Nihilistic Violent Extremist (NVE) group 764 pleaded guilty today to racketeering activity and multiple acts relating to the sexual exploitation of children. “The FBI will not rest when it comes to identifying and holding accountable those who prey on children and other vulnerable individuals,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The court documents show the defendant coerced minors to commit heinous and cruel acts of self-harm. Today’s guilty plea is a major step in seeing justice served in this case and demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to protecting the nation’s youth.” "Chavez led a group of online predators whose ultimate purpose is to destroy our society. They tried to achieve that heinous goal by desensitizing innocent children to violence—coercing them to perform gruesome and harmful acts against themselves and animals—with the hope of encouraging further violence and spreading chaos," said Sue J. Bai, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for National Security. "The National Security Division will continue to relentlessly investigate and prosecute predators who seek to terrorize our society by targeting our most vulnerable." “764 members, like the defendant, use the Internet to prey on vulnerable minors, coercing them to mutilate themselves, produce child exploitation images of themselves, and attempt suicide," said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. "My office will do everything legally possible to prosecute and imprison members of this group for as long as the law allows." According to court documents, Alexis Aldair Chavez, also known as Zack and Zack8884, 19, was an administrator and online leader of the ‘8884’ network, which is a network related to 764. Both 8884 and 764 are NVEs who engage in criminal conduct within the United States and engage with other extremists abroad. These NVEs share accelerationist goals that include social unrest and the downfall of the current world order, including the U.S. Government. Members of 8884 work in concert with one another towards a common purpose of destroying civilized society through the corruption and exploitation of vulnerable populations, including minors. NVEs engage in criminal conduct within the United States and abroad, in furtherance of political, social, or religious goals that derive primarily from a hatred of society at large and a desire to bring about its collapse by sowing indiscriminate chaos, destruction, and social instability. NVEs demand, coerce, and extort victims to engage in variety of violent conduct, including self-mutilation, online and in-person sexual acts, harm to animals, sexual exploitation of siblings and others, acts of violence, threats of violence, suicide, and murder. In or about October 2023, Chavez and a co-conspirator attempted to have a minor female kill herself in a video chat by overdosing on pills. The two conspirators recorded the attempted suicide to obtain “content” that would allow them to maintain and increase their status in the 8884 enterprise. Approximately two months later, Chavez and the minor female victim worked together to coerce a female located overseas to get naked on camera, cut herself, and engage in sexual acts. They also extorted another female by forcing the victim to cut the name “Zack” into herself. On or about Dec. 29, 2023, Chavez and a co-conspirator coerced another minor female to cut her tongue as well as torture and kill a cat on a live video call. That same month, Chavez and another co-conspirator worked together to groom and extort several other minor females. In one instance, the two conspirators coerced a female victim to light her arm on fire and have the fire burn through her skin and deeper into her body, while on a recorded video chat within the ‘8884’ channel. They groomed another minor female victim, forcing her to drink her own urine and attempt to overdose on unknown pills. On or about Jan. 23, 2024, Chavez and a co-conspirator threatened and coerced a minor female victim to engage in sexually obscene activities and other egregious acts. Chavez pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. He faces up to 20 years in prison for each count, with a minimum of five years in prison for the distribution charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI San Antonio Field Office is investigating the case with assistance from FBI Washington Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the San Antonio Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Roomberg and Bill Harris for the Western District of Texas, and Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department remains vigilant against the threat of Nihilistic Violent Extremist (NVE) networks, like 764, that operate within the United States and around the globe. NVEs often target vulnerable individuals, including minors, using social media platforms to share CSAM and gore material, and groom victims toward committing acts of violence. Victims are often extorted, coerced, compelled, and blackmailed into complying with NVE demands, including self-mutilation, online and in-person sexual acts, harm to animals, sexual exploitation of siblings and others, acts of violence, threats of violence, suicide, and murder. For more information on how to protect children and others, read about the online risks here: Parents, Caregivers, Teachers — FBI and the FBI’s March 2025 public service announcement . This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: United States Files Forfeiture Action Against $1.2 Million Involved in Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud and Money Laundering

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – R. Matthew Price, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a civil forfeiture complaint has been filed in federal court against approximately $1.2 million in digital currency seized by the government in connection to a fraudulent online investment scheme. According to the complaint, the unidentified perpetrators identified potential victims using a “wrong number” scam, in which they sent unsolicited texts and social media messages to random individuals throughout the United States. Once the perpetrators developed a relationship, they introduced the victims to online investment opportunities that they promised would provide huge returns. The victims were persuaded to purchase cryptocurrency and transfer it to fake investment platforms called TMGM and NEEX. When the victims tried to withdraw their funds, they were met with various excuses and fraudulent demands. Law enforcement used blockchain analysis and other investigative techniques to determine that the cryptocurrency sought to be forfeited was tied to the scheme. The civil forfeiture complaint is merely a set of allegations. It is the government’s burden to prove forfeitability in a civil forfeiture proceeding. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Constance is representing the United States. Members of the public who believe they are victims of cryptocurrency investment fraud and other cyber-enabled crime should contact the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. 1_complaint_tmgm_2081-1435-6485_v.1_0.pdf


title: MS-13 Members Sentenced For Racketeering and Murder for Killing and Stabbing Five Victims, Including a 16-Year Old Girl

body_text: Wilson Arturo Constanza-Galdomez, also known as Humilde, also known as Marco Saravia, 26, of El Salvador, Edis Omar Valenzuela-Rodriguez, also known as Little Felon, 24, of Honduras, and Jonathan Pesquera-Puerto, also known as Truney, 24, of Honduras were each sentenced today to life in prison for their convictions at trial of Racketeering (RICO) Conspiracy involving murder and Racketeering Murder, all related to their association with La Mara Salvatrucha , commonly known as MS-13, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. “These defendants committed brutal violence — including murdering and stabbing young women and girls — to fuel their respective climbs up the MS-13 organization,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These acts, often carried out with machetes, spread fear and terror throughout the community. As today’s life sentences reflect, the Criminal Division will be relentless in its pursuit of MS-13 leaders, members and associates, to restore a sense of safety and security to neighborhoods throughout the United States.” “These ruthless individuals displayed a total lack of humanity and regard for life, including murdering a 16-year-old girl, all to advance their standing within a transnational criminal organization,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O Hayes for the District of Maryland. “Now they’ll spend the rest of their lives behind bars where they belong. We, along with our law-enforcement partners, are committed to dismantling the MS-13 gang, and other lawless organizations, and holding criminals accountable who thrive on committing murders and terrorizing our communities.” "The horrific acts of violence carried out by these MS-13 members are indefensible and demonstrates a complete disregard for human life," said Acting Assistant Director Rebecca Day of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to relentlessly pursue members and associates of MS-13 and obtain justice for the victims of their crimes." This case targeted the violent activities of MS-13, a transnational criminal organization that operates throughout Central America and the United States. MS-13 members are organized into “cliques,” smaller groups that operate in a specific city or region, including Maryland. The defendants, all MS-13 members and associates, were required to commit acts of violence to increase their status and rank within the gang. One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as “chavalas,” whenever possible. In Baltimore City and Baltimore County, MS-13 maintained a rivalry with the 18th Street Gang, among others. The investigation led to the conviction of six MS-13 members, including the three trial defendants. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on April 25, 2020, Constanza-Galdomez, Valenzuela-Rodriguez, and other members and associates of MS-13 assaulted a man whom they suspected of being a rival gang member by repeatedly striking him with machetes, resulting in significant injuries to the victim’s face and arm. Afterward, those involved reported the incident to MS-13 leadership in El Salvador to gain credit and increase their status. On May 29, 2020, Constanza-Galdomez, Valenzuela-Rodriguez, Pesquera-Puerto, and other members and associates of MS-13 lured a 16-year-old girl, whom they suspected of associating with rival gang members, to an area near Loch Raven Reservoir in Cockeysville, Maryland. There, they struck her with a machete and stabbed her multiple times, murdering her. They then reported it to MS-13 leadership. On June 5, 2020, Constanza-Galdomez, Valenzuela-Rodriguez and other MS-13 members and associates lured another female, whom they suspected was a rival gang member that cooperated with law enforcement, to an area near the CSX Bayview Train Yard in Baltimore, Maryland. There, the gang stabbed her 143 times, killing her and leaving her body near the train tracks. They again reported the murder to MS-13 leadership. On June 6, 2020, Constanza-Galdomez, Pesquera-Puerto, and other MS-13 members and associates confronted a man, who had had prior disputes with the gang, and his girlfriend, who was the sister of one of the prior murder victims. Constanza-Galdomez and other members and associates ordered younger MS-13 members to bring the female victim to the same train tracks where her sister had been murdered. There, the younger members stabbed her over 70 times. All three defendants stabbed the male victim multiple times. Both victims survived the attacks. The FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Baltimore County Police Department, the Baltimore City Police Department, and the U.S. Marshal’s Service investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Grace Bowen and Christopher Taylor of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney James Wallner for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement. The FBI and HSI both have nationwide tiplines that you can call to report what you know. You can reach the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.