title: Colombian Woman Sentenced for Illegal Reentry into U.S. After Two Previous Removals

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Colombia pleaded guilty to a charge of illegal reentry of a removed alien and was sentenced to time served on her conviction, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Heyder Molina Prieto, 38. According to information presented to the Court, on November 7, 2024, Prieto was charged by the Monroeville Police Department with access device fraud and theft-related crimes for conduct that occurred on October 22, 2024. Two days later, the Upper St. Clair Police Department charged Prieto for similar conduct that also occurred on the same date. Following these encounters with law enforcement, immigration authorities determined that Prieto was illegally present in the United States, after having been previously removed from the country in June of 2020 and again in March of 2022. Prieto has been in custody since her November arrest and will be returned to immigration custody pending her departure from the United States. Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations as well as the Monroeville and Upper St. Clair police departments for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Prieto. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Louisiana felon sentenced to federal prison for Shelby County firearms violation

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

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas –A Bourg, Louisiana man has been sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Brad Michael Broussard, 44, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 1, 2025. According to information presented in court, on January 1, 2024, Broussard was stopped by law enforcement in Shelby County after he struck several construction barrels while traveling down the highway. The smell of marijuana was evident during the traffic stop prompting a search of the vehicle. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of four firearms, including a pistol equipped with a homemade silencer. Broussard was also in possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms, marijuana, numerous prescription pills, a methamphetamine pipe, and assorted other drug paraphernalia. Further investigation revealed Broussard has five felony convictions, all for burglary. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter. ###


title: Romanian Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Access Device Fraud

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that DORU ADAMESC , a/k/a “Petru Golban,” (“ADAMESC”) , age 33, a Romanian national, was sentenced on June 26, 2025, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1029(b)(2). According to court documents, on May 19, 2024, and May 20, 2024, ADAMESC, and a co-conspirator, purchased items at retail establishments so that they could approach the credit card reading machines. ADAMESC’s co-conspirator then distracted the cashiers while ADAMESC covertly installed card skimmers on the credit card reading machines. ADAMESC was arrested on June 5, 2024, when he returned to one of the stores to attempt to retrieve a skimming device. A search of his vehicle resulted in the seizure of two large magnets, commonly used to activate the Bluetooth capabilities on skimming devices. ADAMESC’s cellular phones also were seized; one phone contained a photo of approximately 60 gift cards spread out on a counter. Such gift cards are typically re-encoded with stolen card numbers in order to make fraudulent purchases or withdrawals. Additionally, law enforcement officers seized six credit card skimmers before ADAMESC was able to retrieve them. These skimmers captured approximately 421 credit, debit, and Electronic Benefit Transfer (“EBT”) card numbers. “We appreciate the collaboration with our law enforcement partners for their hard work on this investigation. Those who are involved in fraud regarding USDA taxpayer funded programs will be investigated by our office and brought to justice to protect the integrity of those programs,” said USDA-OIG Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Wilkins. “This case is an excellent example of law enforcement professionals on the federal, state and local levels working together,” St. Tammany Sheriff Randy Smith said. “Thanks to the hard work of the detectives with the STPSO Financial Crimes Unit and the partnerships they have built with our federal, state and local partners, we were able to identify and arrest this individual, who is now being brought to justice. Installing skimming devices to steal innocent people’s financial information is not only illegal — it’s a violation of trust. I’m proud of the relentless effort our team put in to protect the people of St. Tammany Parish and beyond.” U.S. District Judge Nannette J. Brown sentenced ADAMESC to serve 27 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Judge Brown further imposed a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General; the United States Secret Service; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office; the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office; the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office; and the New Orleans Police Department, in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni of the Financial Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution. * * *


title: Sabine County woman sentenced to federal prison for credit union theft, ordered to pay over $330,000 in restitution

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas – A Milam woman has been sentenced to federal prison and ordered to pay restitution for stealing from her employer in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Haley Maxine Snodgrass, 29, pleaded guilty to credit union theft and was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 1, 2025. Judge Crone also ordered Snodgrass to pay restitution in the amount of $330,351.39. According to information presented in court, in April 2023, an auditor with Doches Credit Union requested a sample of loans from the Hemphill branch for review. The review showed missing paperwork and unusual transactions on loans that were approved by Haley Maxine Snodgrass. Snodgrass had been employed by the Doches Credit Union since 2016, first as a teller and then as a branch manager. An investigation conducted by a third party revealed that Snodgrass used a variety of schemes to take money from the credit union for personal gain. This included creating fraudulent loans, refinancing legitimate loans without the consent of the credit union member, misappropriating loan payments, and conducting unauthorized transactions on member accounts. As part of her plea, Snodgrass admitted that she embezzled and willfully misapplied approximately $281,097.97 in money, funds, and assets belonging to Doches Credit Union with the intent to defraud the credit union. She also admitted that the amount of restitution owed was $330,351.39. This case was investigated by FBI’s Lufkin Field Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston. ###


title: Stockton Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Nationwide Sexual Exploitation of Minors Using Social Media

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: Elmer Yusay Ngo, 29, of Stockton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kimberly J. Mueller to 20 years in prison, to be followed by 50 years of supervised release for child exploitation, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. According to court records, Ngo utilized social media to sexually exploit female minors nationwide. This sexual exploitation included attempting to coerce, entice, and persuade the minors to produce child pornography of themselves at Ngo’s direction. Ngo persistently sought out minor females and engaged in similar patterns of behavior, which included befriending the minor on social media, obtaining at least one nude or partially nude image of the minor, using that image as leverage to demand the minors engage in video calls while nude, and ordering the minors to perform various sexual acts on themselves while on video. Ngo would keep his end of the video call blacked out so that the minors could not see his face. This case was the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internet Against Crimes Against Children Task Force, with assistance from state and local police departments nationwide. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin F. Scott prosecuted the case. 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . Click on the “resources” tab for information about Internet safety education.


title: Mexican National Involved in Hartford-Based Drug Ring Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HUGO IVAN RAMIREZ-BELLOZO, 35, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 60 months of imprisonment for a fentanyl trafficking offense. According to court documents and statements made in court, this matter stems from a DEA Hartford Task Force investigation of a Hartford-based drug trafficking organization involved in the distribution of a large amount of fentanyl and other narcotics, and the transportation and laundering of cash proceeds from their drug trafficking activity. In January 2022, law enforcement coordinated a motor vehicle stop of a minivan and seized $92,000 from a hidden compartment. The investigation revealed that Harold Luis Del Orbe, also known as “Jaro,” was directing the operators of the minivan to conduct narcotics-related transactions on his behalf. On November 16, 2022, investigators executed a court-authorized search warrant at an apartment on Putnam Heights in Hartford and seized approximately 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl, items used to process and package narcotics, and a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Ramirez-Bellozo, Del Orbe, and others were present in the apartment at the time of the search. Ramirez-Bellozo has been detained since his arrest on November 16, 2022. On November 21, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Ramirez-Bellozo faces removal proceedings when he completes his prison term. Del Orbe pleaded guilty to related charges and, on May 6, 2025, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment. This investigation has been conducted by the DEA’s Hartford Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, Middletown, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone and Robert S. Dearington through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Four Family Members Charged in Multimillion-Dollar Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

component: Tax Division

body_text: A federal grand jury in Fort Worth, Texas, returned an indictment on June 11, unsealed yesterday, charging four family members with conspiracy to defraud the United States by filing tax returns that sought millions of dollars in false refunds. The following is according to the indictment: beginning in 2016, David Hunt, of Arlington, Texas, his twin sons Brandon Hunt and Baylon Hunt, also of Arlington, and Brandon and Baylon’s half-brother Corey Burt, of Mississippi, allegedly conspired to file false tax returns in the name of purported trusts that sought over $8.5 million in tax refunds that the trusts were not entitled to receive. Brandon Hunt also filed a false return in his own name. Collectively, the defendants allegedly received over $1 million from the IRS based on those false tax returns. Brandon and Baylon Hunt also allegedly submitted additional fake documents to the IRS as part of their scheme, including falsified financial instruments and altered money orders. The indictment further alleges that they shared in the proceeds of their fraud by transferring money between themselves. The defendants also allegedly used the refunds to purchase luxury goods, cryptocurrency, and real estate. Each defendant was charged with conspiracy as well as aiding and assisting in the preparation of tax returns. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on the conspiracy charge and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. The defendants also face a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Criminal Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson of the Northern District of Texas made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Melissa Siskind and Daniel Lipkowitz of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Weybrecht for the Northern District of Texas are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Leader of Large-Scale Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Concord in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine in New Hampshire, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces. Juan Ramon Soto Baez, 55, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 100 months in federal prison. In February, Soto Baez plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, namely, cocaine and fentanyl. He was charged along with 20 other defendants in April 2023. To date, 15 defendants involved in the conspiracy have been convicted. “The defendant led a major drug trafficking organization in our region, pumping deadly narcotics into our communities and profiting off of addiction,” said U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “Today’s sentence ensures that he can no longer fuel the devastation cause by methamphetamine and fentanyl. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to disrupt these organizations and combat the spread of these narcotics before they claim more lives in the Granite State.” “As the leader of a large-scale drug trafficking organization, Juan Ramon Soto Baez pumped poison into Granite State neighborhoods for over four years, trafficking fentanyl and cocaine from Massachusetts into New Hampshire at a time when the number of drug related deaths in the state was at an all-time high,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “This lengthy prison sentence removes this career criminal from the streets and highlights the FBI’s ongoing commitment to identify and disrupt those seeking to bring dangerous narcotics into our communities.” According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, the defendant was the leader of a Massachusetts-based drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in New Hampshire, particularly Manchester, between September of 2019 and April of 2023. The organization was run like a business, operating “dispatch” telephone lines where customers could call in to order narcotics. The defendant or a trusted member of the conspiracy working for him would take customer orders on the phone, and then he would either deliver the order himself or send a runner to conduct the drug sale at an arranged meeting location. During the timeframe of the conspiracy, law enforcement agents observed and recorded the defendant and his co-conspirators selling fentanyl and cocaine on nineteen occasions. On the day of the defendant’s arrest, a search of a residence associated with the conspiracy yielded $15,000 and drug ledgers. A search of a vehicle used by the drug trafficking organization yielded roughly 94 grams of fentanyl and 196 grams of cocaine packaged in small baggies for distribution. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kennedy prosecuted the case. This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Four-Years in Prison for Prior Felon on Supervised Release Found in Possession of a Glock

body_text: WASHINGTON – Robert Varez Williams, 28, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 48 months in federal prison for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a loaded Glock 23, a semiautomatic pistol fitted with an extended capacity magazine, while he was on supervised release for a prior violent firearm offense, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Williams pleaded guilty March 25 before the Honorable Dabney L. Friedrich to being a felon in unlawful possession of a firearm. In addition to the 48-month prison term, Judge Friedrich ordered Williams to serve three years of supervised release. According to court documents, on Jan. 10, 2024, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Robbery Suppression Unit were on patrol when they spotted Williams driving erratically in a silver Volkswagen. Williams fled as the officers attempted a traffic stop. A short while later the officers located the VW on the 900 block of R Street, NW. Williams jumped out of the car and sprinted away on foot. An officer caught Williams in an alley off R Street. Another officer who remained with the car, saw a gun on the front driver’s seat where Williams had been sitting. Police later identified the firearm as a Glock, Model 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol loaded with 21 rounds of ammunition. An additional officer pulled a passenger from the car as another conducted a search of the vehicle. That officer found a second Glock pistol outfitted with a machine gun conversion device, under a coat on the front passenger seat, 44 pills that tested positive for MDMA, suspected PCP in a vial, additional rounds of ammunition, and a bottle of alcohol on the car’s center consol. At the time he was arrested in this case, Williams was on supervised release in the District for attempted assault with a deadly weapon and an unlawful possession of a firearm. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shehzad Akhtar and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Haley M. Pennington of the District of Columbia. Investigators recovered a Glock 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 21 rounds, from Williams’ car. An officer found a second Glock pistol outfitted with a machine gun conversion in Williams’ Volkswagen under a coat. 25cr23


title: Man’s United States Citizenship Revoked for Naturalization Fraud

component: Department of Justice

body_text: GULFPORT, MS – A Mexican national was sentenced to three months in prison and had his U.S. Citizenship revoked for Naturalization Fraud. According to court documents, Felix Aguilar-Matias, age 51, was convicted of Naturalization Fraud after pleading guilty on February 18, 2025. In August 2014, Aguilar-Matias submitted an Application for Naturalization to U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) and, in March 2015, he was sworn in as a US citizen. However, in October 2019, he was arrested by the Bay St. Louis Police Department in Hancock, County. He subsequently pleaded guilty and was convicted of two felony offenses and admitted that his criminal acts took place between August 2010 and December 2010. He was sentenced to 20 years in custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections, and currently is serving that state sentence. Agents determined that Aguilar-Matias knowingly and intentionally made fraudulent representations on his Application for Naturalization to conceal his felony conduct that occurred during a time period prior to his application for US citizenship. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Patrick A. Lemon and Brian Acuna, Acting Field Office Director of ICE/ERO in New Orleans, made the announcement. The U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Enforcement & Removal Operations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris prosecuted the case. This case is an example of cases being prosecuted under “Operation Take Back America” ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ). Operation Take Bake America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Former Federal Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to  Engaging in a Sexual Act with a Federal Prisoner

body_text: JACKSON, MS – A former Federal Bureau of Prisons Correctional Officer pled guilty to Engaging in a Sexual Act with a Federal Prisoner at the Federal Correctional Complex in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Parker M. Triplett, age 25, was immediately taken into federal custody of the United States Marshal Service until her sentencing, which is scheduled for September 24, 2025. She faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement. The Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kabah S. Ealy is prosecuting the case.


title: JACKSON MAN SENTENCED TO 103 MONTHS FOR BEING A FELON IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM

body_text: JACKSON, MS – A Jackson, Mississippi man was sentenced on Monday, June 23rd to 103 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm to be served consecutively to 11 years remaining on a state sentence for armed robbery. According to court documents, Romelo Walker, 27, was found by Capitol Police officers to be in possession of a firearm on August 9, 2024, in Hinds County. Court records indicate that Walker fled a traffic stop in his vehicle at a high rate of speed through a neighborhood before being arrested after a foot chase. Walker had previous state convictions for armed robbery and domestic violence as recently as 2022. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Walker was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 6, 2024. He pleaded guilty on February 24, 2025. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi; and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement. The ATF investigated the case with the assistance of the Capitol Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Two Counts of Attempted Production of Child Pornography

body_text: Jackson, MS – On June 26, 2025, a Hinds County man pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to produce of child pornography images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. According to court documents, beginning in February of 2023, and continuing through December 2023, Joe Lewis, 54, attempted to persuade, induct, entice, and coerce minors into Face Timing him as the minors exposed their nude private area to him, thereby engaging in sexually explicit conduct for Lewis’ live viewing and recording. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The Jackson Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Lewis is scheduled to be sentenced on October 23, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of thirty years per count in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda R. Haynes prosecuted the case.


title: National Health Care Fraud Takedown Results in 324 Defendants Charged in Fraud Scheme Totaling Over $14.6 Billion

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Today, Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced criminal charges against four defendants in connection with alleged schemes to defraud Medicare and other government programs. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. “The charges announced yesterday reinforce the combined missions of the Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, and our law enforcement partners,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. “Our office, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of fraud, and seek justice for those impacted by Health Care Fraud schemes.” “This record-setting Health Care Fraud Takedown delivers justice to criminal actors who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens and steal from hardworking American taxpayers,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Make no mistake – this administration will not tolerate criminals who line their pockets with taxpayer dollars while endangering the health and safety of our communities.” The charges announced today by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and illegal drug diversion schemes that involved the submission of over $14.6 billion in alleged false billings and over 15 million pills of illegally diverted controlled substances. The defendants allegedly defrauded programs entrusted for the care of the elderly and disabled, to line their own pockets. The Government, in connection with the 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown, seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, and other assets. The following individuals were charged in the Eastern District of Louisiana: Leland Roberts , 46, of Tifton, Georgia, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with a scheme to bill Medicare for over $30 million for medically unnecessary genetic testing, and to pay and receive kickbacks. As alleged in the indictment, Roberts, co-owner, chief executive officer of, and (later) consultant to Luminus Diagnostics, a diagnostic laboratory located in Tifton, Georgia, conspired with others to procure orders for genetic testing in exchange for kickbacks, including orders acquired through purported telemedicine. To ensure the false and fraudulent claims would be paid, Roberts and his co-conspirators allegedly designed the genetic testing order forms to be “dummy proof”—with prepopulated diagnosis codes and check-the-box panels—and frequently billed the tests through another laboratory where co-conspirators thought the claims were more likely to be approved, which they concealed via a sham contract. Roberts and his co-conspirators caused the submission of over $30 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for genetic testing, and Medicare paid approximately $4.4 million based on those claims. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses of the Eastern District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters of the Gulf Coast Strike Force. Dr. Marion Lee , 61, of Cordelle, Georgia, was charged by information with conspiracy to defraud the United States in connection with a scheme to bill Medicare approximately $24 million for medically unnecessary genetic testing, and to pay and receive kickbacks. As alleged in the information, Dr. Lee, co-owner of and medical advisor to Luminus Diagnostics, a diagnostic laboratory located in Tifton, Georgia, conspired with others to procure orders for genetic testing in exchange for kickbacks, including orders acquired through purported telemedicine. To ensure the false and fraudulent claims would be paid, Lee and his co-conspirators allegedly designed the genetic testing order forms to be “dummy proof”—with prepopulated diagnosis codes and check-the-box panels—and frequently billed the tests through another laboratory where co-conspirators thought the claims were more likely to be approved, which they concealed via a sham contract, among other deceptive means. Dr. Lee and his co-conspirators caused the submission of over $24 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for genetic testing, and Medicare paid approximately $4 million based on those claims. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses of the Eastern District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters of the Gulf Coast Strike Force. Steven D. Peyroux , 56, of Canton, Georgia, was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and two counts of health care fraud in connection with a scheme to bill Medicare approximately $12.1 million for over-the-counter (“OTC”) COVID-19 tests that were not requested and ineligible for reimbursement. As alleged in the indictment, Peyroux, a chiropractor and purported health care consultant, conspired with others to pay kickbacks in exchange for Medicare beneficiary information nationwide, including names, Medicare identification numbers, and clearly fabricated recordings of individuals posing as beneficiaries and requesting OTC COVID-19 tests, which they used to bill Medicare for OTC COVID-19 tests that were not requested. In an attempt to avoid Medicare scrutiny, the indictment alleged that Peyroux and co-conspirators solicited multiple providers to join the scheme, who they directed to enter into sham agreements and make false statements in response to Medicare audits, to conceal the misconduct. Peyroux and his co-conspirators caused the submission of approximately $12.1 million in false and fraudulent claims, of which Medicare paid approximately $11 million. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses of the Eastern District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters of the Gulf Coast Strike Force. Zoe Francis , 46, of New Orleans, Louisiana, was charged by information with theft concerning programs receiving federal funds in connection with her role in embezzling funds from the Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies (“IWES”), a non-profit organization based in New Orleans that received grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and other federal funds. As alleged in the information, Francis, as the chief operating officer of IWES, embezzled the funds for the benefit of herself and family members, including unauthorized expenditures for personal events and Amazon purchases. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas D. Moses of the Eastern District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Gary A. Crosby II of the Gulf Coast Strike Force. “The scale of this Takedown is unprecedented, and so is the harm we’re confronting. Individuals who attempt to steal from the federal health care system and put vulnerable patients at risk will be held accountable,” said HHS-OIG Acting Inspector General Juliet T. Hodgkins. “Our agents at HHS-OIG work relentlessly to detect, investigate, and dismantle these fraud schemes. We are proud to stand with our law enforcement partners in protecting taxpayer dollars and safeguarding patient care.” "The FBI will continue working side by side with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana to bring these individuals to justice for their actions," said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. The Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, and Texas Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Arizona, Central District of California, Northern District of California, Southern District of California, District of Columbia, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle, District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Middle, District of Georgia, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern District of Kentucky, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Maine, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Northern District of Mississippi, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nevada, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Western District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, District of North Dakota, Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, District of South Carolina, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Washington, and Northern District of West Virginia; and State Attorney Generals’ Offices for Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are prosecuting the cases in the National Health Care Fraud Takedown, with assistance from the Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team. Descriptions of each EDLA case and others involved in yesterday’s enforcement action are available at website . The Eastern District of Louisiana, in particular, worked with the Department’s Criminal Division and the following law enforcement organizations to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the enforcement period: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the United States Secret Service; and the United States Postal Inspection Service. An information or indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. *Updated August 21, 2025 ###


title: Kemper County woman pleads guilty to Production of child pornography

body_text: JACKSON, MS – On June 27, 2025, a Kemper County woman pleaded guilty to production of child pornography. According to court documents, in July 2020, Adreoinna Latoria Hickman, age 25, video recorded herself engaging in sexually explicit conduct with a minor. She faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenda R. Haynes is prosecuting the case.


title: Pearl River Community Man Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Habitual Domestic Violence

body_text: Jackson, MS – A Pearl River Community man was sentenced to 37 months in prison for habitual domestic violence. According to court documents, Eric Shane Dan, 48, using his fist, struck his spouse causing a laceration to her face which required medical treatment. Dan was previously convicted of domestic assault on two separate occasions. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Choctaw Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bert Carraway prosecuted the case.


title: Raleigh County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Brian K. Trent, 30, of Bradley, was sentenced today to two years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on September 12, 2023, law enforcement officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the Stanaford area of Raleigh County and found Trent and another individual passed out in the vehicle. Officers also saw a firearm between the driver’s seat and the center console of the vehicle. Officers determined that the vehicle was reported stolen in South Carolina, and that Trent was wanted on an active misdemeanor warrant and a parole violation. Officers searched Trent and the vehicle and seized a Taurus model G2 9mm pistol, a North American .22-caliber magnum revolver, a Marlin model 60 .22-caliber rifle, a Noble model 60H 12-gauge shotgun, a Taurus .32-caliber revolver, and approximately 27.7 grams of fentanyl. Officers later determined that one of the seized firearms had been reported stolen in Fayette County. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Trent knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for destruction of property in Raleigh County Circuit Court on November 29, 2016. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-58. ###


title: Billings man pleads guilty to child pornography charges

body_text: BILLINGS - A Billings man accused of distributing child pornography admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. The defendant, Kole David Kuntz, 41, pleaded guilty to 2 counts of distribution of child pornography. With respect to each count, Kuntz faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years to 20 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a $35,000 special assessment, a $5,000 special assessment, and 5 years to a lifetime of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. U.S. District Court Judge Susan P. Watters will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing will be set at a later date. Kuntz was released on conditions pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that on November 16, 2024, law enforcement created an undercover online persona on a social media site posing as an adult male with a minor daughter. Soon after establishing the account, another account, later attributed to the defendant, reached out and inquired about the fictious daughter. The conversations became increasingly sexual and, for example, when the defendant learned the “daughter” was 12 years of age, he indicated that he “could have a lot of fun with her.” On November 21, 2024, the defendant recommended they switch to a more secure application and both parties did so. Then, to ensure that he was “serious,” the defendant sent a roughly 45-second video of a female, aged between 12 and 14 years of age, removing her swimsuit and exposing her vagina to the camera. Then, on November 22, 2024, and after additional communications during which the defendant indicated that “6-14 is the money range I think,” he distributed a roughly 56-second video of a minor female performing oral sex on an adult. Law enforcement connected the communication to the defendant and a search warrant for his residence in Billings was executed. A subsequent review of his electronic media led to the discovery of the communications referenced above. The defendant was interviewed by law enforcement and admitted that he was the individual referenced in the communications above and that he previously shared images and videos. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The FBI conducted the investigation. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . XXX


title: San Antonio Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Transporting 25 Illegal Aliens Inside Tanker Trailer

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: DEL RIO, Texas – A San Antonio man was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio today to 120 months in prison for one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. According to court documents, on Nov. 18, 2024, Richard Rindeikis, 44, was driving a truck connected to a tanker trailer when he was subjected to inspection at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint near Carrizo Springs. He claimed the tanker was empty and, when he couldn’t locate his driver’s license, was referred to secondary inspection. USBP agents observed that the hatches on top of the tanker trailer were closed and completely secured. When they opened the hatches, they discovered numerous people sitting inside the tanker. A total of 25 illegal aliens from Ecuador, Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico, were removed and Rindeikis was placed under arrest. He was indicted for two counts and pleaded guilty to count one on Feb. 5, 2025. “This district has seen far too many instances of human smuggling like this one end in tragedy. If not for the excellent work by the U.S. Border Patrol in this case, we may have seen another,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “My office will continue to pursue, prosecute, and seek to punish those who selfishly value profit over human life.” “This sentencing is a grim reminder of the extreme measures smugglers will take for profit, endangering the lives of vulnerable individuals in the process,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “Smuggling human beings inside a tanker trailer is not only illegal, but also inhumane. Thanks to the swift work of law enforcement, the victims were rescued before tragedy struck. HSI remains relentless in our mission to dismantle smuggling networks and protect human life at every turn.” HSI and USBP investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Duarte II prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). ###


title: Two Shelbyville, Kentucky Men Found Guilty of Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – On June 27, 2025, following a five-day trial, a federal jury convicted two Shelbyville, Kentucky men of possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possessing firearms as convicted felons. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, U.S. Marshal Gary B. Burman of the of the U.S. Marshal Service for the Western District of Kentucky, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on December 15, 2022, Benjamin Quintero Martinez , 31, and Rodolfo Reyes Martinez , 27, aided and abetted by each other and others, possessed with intent to distribute over 1 kilogram of fentanyl, including possessing a pill press used to manufacture illicit pills containing fentanyl, over 200 grams of methamphetamine, and over 200 grams of cocaine. The defendants also possessed 7 firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Both defendants were prohibited from possessing firearms because they had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On July 7, 2014, in Shelby Circuit Court, Quintero Martinez was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, cocaine, less than 4 grams, 1st degree, 1st offense, and tampering with physical evidence . On January 4, 2016, in Henry Circuit Court, Quintero Martinez was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense (two counts). On May 22, 2017, in Shelby Circuit Court, Quintero Martinez was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, 1st degree, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of handgun by a convicted felon, tampering with physical evidence, and trafficking in a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm . On June 29, 2017, in Shelby Circuit Court, Quintero Martinez, was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, methamphetamine, less than 2 grams, 1st degree, 1st offense. On February 28, 2019, in Marshall Circuit Court, Reyes Martinez was convicted of complicity to escape, 2nd degree. On July 19, 2022, in Shelby Circuit Court, Reyes Martinez, was convicted of convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Both are scheduled for sentencing on September 25, 2025, before a United States District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky. Quintero Martinez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years, Reyes Martinez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, and both face 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. There is no parole in the federal system. The ATF, USMS, and LMPD investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Dahl and Josh Porter are prosecuting the case with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic. This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Three more sentenced in wide-ranging scheme to monopolize international transit industry

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – Three Texas residents have been sentenced in connection with a long-running and violent conspiracy to monopolize the transmigrante forwarding agency industry in the Los Indios border region, located near Harlingen and Brownsville, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. They and others controlled the transmigrate industry through fear, monopolization and extortion of competitors and laundered proceeds from the conspiracies. Pedro Antonio Calvillo Hernandez, 50, McAllen, and Mireya Miranda, 59, San Antonio, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to illegally fix prices and allocate the market for transmigrante forwarding agency services and conspiracy to monopolize the transmigrante market. Hernandez also admitted to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion and received 37 months, while Miranda was ordered to serve 10 months on home detention. Jose de Jesus Tapia Fernandez, 47, Brownsville, was sentenced to 31 months in prison after pleading guilty to a money laundering conspiracy through which extortion proceeds were laundered. Hernandez and Miranda must also pay a $75,000 fine, while Fernandez was ordered to pay $50,000. Restitution will be determined at a later date. “Price fixing is an attempt to distort the market in favor of the fixer and to the detriment of basically everyone else. Although such market manipulation is bad enough, it is even worse when brought about through threats and violence,” said Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas will work tirelessly to prosecute such criminal syndicates and to ensure markets along the Texas-Mexico border remain free, fair, and open.” “The danger and the harm to the American people by the use of violence and extortion to fix prices and monopolize the market for an essential service in the Texas border region cannot be understated,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Today’s sentences demonstrate the Antitrust Division’s commitment to pursuing incarceration for both white-collar and violent criminals who seek to exploit America’s free markets.” “The FBI remains committed to combatting the use of threats, violence and corrupt business practices such as price-fixing that harm honest business owners and undermine fair competition,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we will leverage each other’s expertise and capabilities to dismantle every facet of transnational criminal organizations.” “These sentencings reaffirm our unwavering commitment to safeguarding economic integrity at our nation’s borders,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) San Antonio. “By dismantling an enterprise that thrived on extortion and price fixing, we are ensuring that honest businesses can compete on a level playing field. This case exemplifies how corruption in niche industries can have far-reaching effects, and HSI will continue to pursue those who abuse the system for profit.” Transmigrantes transport used vehicles and goods from the United States through Mexico for resale in Central America. Only a few U.S. border crossings, including the Los Indios Bridge, allow transmigrantes to enter Mexico. Transmigrante forwarding agencies are U.S.-based businesses that help clients complete customs paperwork to export vehicles into Mexico. Co-conspirators fixed prices for forwarding services and created a centralized entity, known as the “pool,” to collect and divide revenue among conspirators. They used the pool to eliminate competition and raise prices. Some also conspired to force forwarding agencies to pay money to the pool and to pay other extortion fees including a “piso” for every transaction processed in the industry as well as a fine for operating in the market outside of rules. The conspirators perpetrated acts of intimidation, coercion and violence in furtherance of the antitrust and extortion conspiracies. To date, five others have been convicted, four of whom have already been sentenced in the case, including the leader - Carlos Martinez, 39, McAllen , who received an 11-year prison term. Three others - Rigoberto Brown, Miguel Hipolito Caballero Aupart and Diego Ceballos-Soto were also charged in the superseding indictment and remain fugitives. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations . The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS), U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, ICE-HSI and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander L. Alum prosecuted the case along with Trial Attorneys Anne Veldhuis, Brittany E. McClure and Michael G. Lepage and Senior Litigation Counsel John Davis of the Antitrust Division and VCRS Trial Attorney Christina Taylor. Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations .


title: Three Defendants Sentenced in Wide-Ranging Scheme to Monopolize International Transit Industry, Fix Prices, Extort Competitors, and Launder Money

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: The U.S. Department of Justice today announced that three additional defendants were sentenced in connection with a long-running and violent conspiracy to monopolize the transmigrante forwarding agency industry in the Los Indios, Texas, border region, located near Harlingen and Brownsville, Texas. The defendants controlled the transmigrate industry through fear, monopolization, and extortion of competitors, and laundered proceeds from the conspiracies. Pedro Antonio Calvillo Hernandez, age 50 of McAllen, Texas, was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, and a $50,000 fine after pleading guilty to conspiracy to illegally fix prices and allocate the market for transmigrante forwarding agency services, conspiracy to monopolize the transmigrante market, and conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion. Jose de Jesus Tapia Fernandez, age 47 of Brownsville, Texas was sentenced to time served, or 31 months in prison, and a three-year term of supervised release after pleading guilty to a money laundering conspiracy through which extortion proceeds were laundered. Mireya Miranda, age 59 of San Antonio, Texas, was sentenced to 10 months of home detention, and a $75,000 fine after pleading guilty to conspiracy to illegally fix prices and allocate the market for transmigrante forwarding agency services; and conspiracy to monopolize the transmigrante market. “The danger and the harm to the American people by the use of violence and extortion to fix prices and monopolize the market for an essential service in the Texas border region cannot be understated,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Today’s sentences demonstrate the Antitrust Division’s commitment to pursuing incarceration for both white-collar and violent criminals who seek to exploit America’s free markets.” “Price fixing is an attempt to distort the market in favor of the fixer and to the detriment of basically everyone else. Although such market manipulation is bad enough, it is even worse when brought about through threats and violence,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas. “The Southern District of Texas will work tirelessly to prosecute such criminal syndicates and to ensure markets along the Texas-Mexico border remain free, fair, and open.” “The FBI is proud of the hard work and collaboration with partners that led to today’s sentencing,” said Assistant Director Joe Perez of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “We remain absolutely committed to thwarting criminal enterprises that function without regard for the rule of law and whose practices of market manipulation include the use of violence and intimidation.” “These sentencings reaffirm our unwavering commitment to safeguarding economic integrity at our nation’s borders,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio. “By dismantling an enterprise that thrived on extortion and price fixing, we are ensuring that honest businesses can compete on a level playing field. This case exemplifies how corruption in niche industries can have far-reaching effects, and HSI will continue to pursue those who abuse the system for profit.” Transmigrantes transport used vehicles and other goods from the United States through Mexico for resale in Central America. There are only a few locations where transmigrantes can legally cross from the United States into Mexico, one of those being the Los Indios Bridge in Texas. Transmigrante forwarding agencies are U.S.-based businesses that provide services to transmigrante clients, including helping those clients complete the customs paperwork required to export vehicles into Mexico. According to court documents and statements made in court, the co-defendants fixed prices for transmigrante forwarding agency services and created a centralized entity known as the “Pool” to collect and divide revenues among the conspirators, limit competition from other agencies, and increase prices for their services. Some co-defendants also conspired to force forwarding agencies to pay money to the Pool and to pay other extortion fees, including a “piso” for every transaction processed in the industry as well as a “fine” for operating in the market outside of Pool rules. The conspirators perpetrated acts of intimidation, coercion, and violence in furtherance of the antitrust and extortion conspiracies. Co-defendants Carlos Martinez and Tapia also conspired to launder the extortion proceeds. Calvillo, Tapia, and Miranda must also pay restitution to the victims of the conspiracies. The Court will determine the final restitution amount owed to victims of the conspiracies at a hearing set for Sept. 3. Four co-defendants have previously been sentenced in this case. One other co-defendant has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing. Three other defendants, Rigoberto Brown, Miguel Hipolito Caballero Aupart, and Diego Ceballos-Soto were also charged in the superseding indictment and remain fugitives. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations . The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Anne Veldhuis, Brittany E. McClure, and Michael G. Lepage and Senior Litigation Counsel John Davis of the Antitrust Division; Trial Attorney Christina Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS); and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander L. Alum for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case. Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations .


title: Mexican National Guilty of Re-Entry of a Removed Alien

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that LUIS A. GAMA (“GAMA”) , age 38, a native of Mexico, pled guilty on June 26, 2025, to re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a). According to court documents, GAMA , a Mexican national, was found in Tangipahoa Parish on or around April 10, 2025. He had previously been deported to Mexico on September 10, 2019. At the sentencing hearing scheduled for July 23, 2025, before United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, GAMA faces a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.


title: Former D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services Employee Found Guilty Of Sexually Abusing a 17-Year-Old Ward

body_text: WASHINGTON—Kelvin Powell, 63, of Temple Hills, Maryland, was found guilty on all counts by a D.C. Superior Court jury today in connection with the sexual abuse of a 17-year-old minor who was in the custody of the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. The jury deliberated for one day following an eight-day trial, and found Powell guilty of sixteen counts, that is, committing four counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a ward, four counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a minor, four counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a ward, and four counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor. D.C. Superior Court Associate Judge Rainey Brandt scheduled sentencing for September 5, 2025. According to evidence presented over the course of the trial, Powell served as a Youth Development Representative (YDR) at the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS)’s Youth Services Center (YSC). DYRS is the District of Columbia government agency responsible for the supervision, custody, and care of young people detained while pending charges for a delinquent act. As a YDR, Powell was responsible for the care, custody, and control of the juvenile residents being detained at YSC. “The Defendant used his position of authority to repeatedly sexually abuse a minor who was in his care and more than four decades younger than him,” said United States Attorney Pirro. “The power imbalance allowed him to repeatedly victimize a young girl who was under his protection. These crimes were reprehensible. As shown here, prosecutors in my office and our partners at the FBI and MPD will go to every length to uncover such acts, prove them in court, and hold the offenders accountable.” “Powell used his position of trust to prey upon a minor who counted on him for care and protection," said Assistant Director in Charge Steven Jensen of the FBI's Washington Field Office. "Today’s verdict is the next step in bringing the full measure of justice to those who would abuse their authority to harm vulnerable children.” Between December 2021 through February 2022, Powell used his position and his authority to repeatedly sexually abuse a then-seventeen-year-old minor ward residing at YSC. During that time, Powell repeatedly isolated the minor in areas of YSC that were not covered by video surveillance cameras. In those areas, Powell repeatedly sexually abused the minor by committing sexual acts and sexual contacts to her. In an incident captured by surveillance cameras, Powell sexually abused the minor by groping her clothed buttocks in a hallway at YSC. Powell faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years for first degree sexual abuse of a minor, seven and ½ years for second degree sexual abuse of a minor, 10 years for first degree sexual abuse of a ward, and five years for second degree sexual abuse of a ward. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office with valuable assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tim Visser, Jessica Wash, and Niki Holmes. Former Assistant United States Attorneys Risa Berkower and Cara Gardner provided critical assistance.


title: Ghanaian National Extradited to the United States for Participating in Fraud Scheme Targeting the Elderly

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – On June 26, 2025, Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, also known as, “Dada Joe Remix,” a citizen of Ghana, was extradited to the United States to face charges related to a romance and inheritance scheme targeting the elderly. A federal grand jury in Tucson indicted Boateng in May 2023 with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Boateng was arrested in Ghana on an extradition warrant on May 27, 2025. Boateng had his initial appearance in the District Court of Arizona today. The indictment alleges that from 2013 through March 2023, Boateng and his co-conspirators engaged in a romance and inheritance fraud scheme that targeted the elderly around the world, to include victims in Arizona and throughout the United States. As part of the scheme, the co-conspirators pretended to be romantically involved with the victims. The co-conspirators also falsely represented that they had gold and jewels and that to release such items to the victims, those individuals had to pay taxes and other costs. Convictions for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The FBI Phoenix Division’s Sierra Vista office conducted the investigation in this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson is handling the prosecution. The following partners provided essential assistance in securing the arrest and extradition: FBI Legal Attaché in Accra, Ghana; the Office of Attorney General and Ministry of Justice; the Republic of Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office, Ghana Police Services – INTERPOL, and the Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs. CASE NUMBER: CR-23-00695-TUC-AMM-LCK RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-108_Boateng # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in Wyoming Case to Defend Documentary Proof of Citizenship Requirement for Voter Registration

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a Statement of Interest in the lawsuit Equality State Policy Center v. Chuck Gray , defending Wyoming’s legitimate interest securing its voting process from fraud by requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. Longstanding Supreme Court precedent recognizes that states have a significant interest in preventing fraud and safeguarding voter confidence in the election process. Wyoming’s documentary proof of citizenship law is a mechanism to enforce laws that prohibit non-citizen voting and ensure that only eligible voters cast ballots. “It is a crime for non-citizens to vote in federal elections, and it is important that the American people have confidence in the integrity of our elections.” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Gates of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Requiring documentary proof of citizenship is common sense and ensures that only citizens vote.” The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the integrity of the vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.


title: Four Defendants Charged with Various Offenses Including Arson, Assaulting a Federal Officer, and Depredation of Federal Property During Protests Near Local ICE Office

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—Four defendants made their first appearances in federal court Monday after committing various offenses—including arson and willful depredation of government property—during ongoing protest gatherings near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland. Nadya Malinowska, 33, of Portland, has been charged by information with the misdemeanor offense of failing to obey a lawful order. David Pearl, 35, also of Portland, has been charged by information with the misdemeanor offenses of failing to obey a lawful order and creating a disturbance. August Dean Gordon, 31, of Beaverton, Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with the misdemeanor offenses of willful depredation of government property and assaulting a federal officer. Trenten Edward Barker, 34, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offenses of arson of federal property and depredation against federal property. According to court documents and information shared in court, on June 29, 2025, several individuals gathered near an ICE office in South Portland where, for weeks, individuals have repeatedly targeted the building and federal law enforcement officers. At approximately 3:14am, federal officers observed an individual, later identified as Gordon, pulling a proximity card reader from a stanchion located on the ICE facility’s driveway. During his arrest, Gordon kicked and grabbed the officers, injuring five officers as they placed him into custody. Later that evening, after federal officers directed the crowd to disperse, Malinowska refused to leave the premises. Malinowska was also charged with failing to comply with an officer’s orders to leave the premises on June 17, 2025, and on June 21, 2025. The same evening, while officers were arresting an individual, Pearl attempted to interfere with the officers as they placed the individual into custody. On June 11, 2025, during related gatherings at the ICE office, federal officers observed a group of individuals attempting to construct a barricade against the vehicle gate of the ICE building using a range of materials. At approximately 9:51pm, federal officers observed an individual, later identified as Barker, retrieve a flare from his backpack which he lit and tossed onto the pile of materials stacked against the vehicle gate, igniting the materials. Officers observed other individuals adding items to the pile of materials as the flames grew. The officers fully extinguished the fire within minutes. Barker was arrested on June 27, 2025. All four defendants made their first appearances in federal court Monday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. They were released on conditions pending future court proceedings. Felony arson of federal property is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years. Misdemeanor assault of a federal officer and misdemeanor willful depredation of government property are punishable by up to one year in federal prison. Failure to obey a lawful order and creating a disturbance are Class C misdemeanors and carry a maximum penalty of 30 days in prison. These cases were investigated by the FBI, Federal Protective Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. They are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. A criminal complaint and an information are only accusations of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Statement On The Verdict In U.S. V. Sean Combs

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Ricky J. Patel, on the verdict in U.S. v. Sean Combs: Sex crimes deeply scar victims, and the disturbing reality is that sex crimes are all too present in many aspects of our society. Victims endure gut-wrenching physical and mental abuse, leading to lasting trauma. New Yorkers and all Americans want this scourge stopped and perpetrators brought to justice. Prosecuting sex crimes requires brave victims to come forward and tell their harrowing stories. We and our law enforcement partners recognize the hardships victims endure and have prioritized a victim-centered approach to investigating and prosecuting these cases. Today we recognize the important work of the SDNY’s Civil Rights Unit as well as the tireless efforts of the women and men at HSI who are devoted to combatting human trafficking. We thank the Special Agents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of New York, Digital Forensic Unit and the Complex Analytics and Social Media Enhancement (CASE) Team at the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. We would also like to thank our partners at the NYPD for their assistance in this matter and for sharing our victim-centered approach to combatting sex crimes.


title: A Federal Felon Arrested for Possession of Firearms, Ammunition and Machinegun

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Jeffrey Omar Delgado-López with possession of a machinegun and with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is in charge of the investigation under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Devin J. Kowalski. According to the Government’s allegations, on June 1, 2025, Delgado-López possessed a Glock pistol model 19 loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition and an additional 42 rounds of 9mm ammunition, as a convicted felon. The indictment also alleges that Delgado-López possessed a machinegun, specifically a Glock pistol model 19 modified to fire automatically more than one shot without manually reloading by a single function of the trigger. “Fighting gun violence remains a top priority for our office and the Justice Department and, as this case shows, we are steadfast in our commitment to prosecute those who violate federal firearms laws,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Jeffrey Omar Delgado-López was under federal supervised release, and he chose to break the law again--arming himself illegally in the streets of Mayagüez. This is unacceptable,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “Crushing violent crimes also means preventing them. We will not allow armed felons to operate in our communities.” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlos J. Romo-Aledo and Alberto R. Lopez Rocafort, Chief of the Gang Section, are in charge of the prosecution of the case. If convicted, the defendant faces a sentence of up to fifteen years in prison. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Affirms 45-Year Sentence for Memphis Man Convicted of Fentanyl and Firearm Offenses

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed the 540-month federal prison sentence handed down to Kendrick Watson, 44 , following his conviction on drug and firearm offenses at a February 2024 jury trial in the Western District of Tennessee. Interim United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr. announced the sentence today. On appeal, Watson raised multiple issues regarding the denial of his motions to suppress and to dismiss, the sufficiency of the jury instructions, the sufficiency of the evidence presented at trial, and the reasonableness of his sentence. On June 16, 2024, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed his convictions and sentence in all respects. According to the opinion, United States Postal Inspectors intercepted a parcel arriving in Memphis, Tennessee, opened it pursuant to a search warrant, and seized one kilogram of cocaine. Investigators then delivered the parcel to an address in Memphis, where Watson took the parcel inside. A SWAT team entered the address pursuant to a second search warrant and located the parcel (unopened), five firearms, ammunition, approximately $52,000 in cash, fentanyl, methamphetamine, a handpress with fentanyl residue on it, digital scales, multiple cell phones, a book titled “I.C.E. Eye See Everything the True Life of Kendrick Watson: All Facts No Fiction,” and paperwork in Watson’s name. Watson filed multiple pre-trial motions, including two motions to suppress, three motions to dismiss, and two motions to exclude seized evidence. The Sixth Circuit affirmed the denial of the motions to suppress, stating that there was a substantial basis for the issuing judge to have found probable cause. The Court also affirmed the denial of the motions to dismiss, noting that Watson’s arguments were speculative and lacked evidentiary and legal support. The Sixth Circuit further upheld the 540-month sentence, which included a 25-year mandatory term of imprisonment due to a prior federal conviction for possessing a gun during a crime of violence, as procedurally and substantively reasonable. The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory Allen and Naya Bedini prosecuted this case and handled the appeal on behalf of the government. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: West Tennessee Gang Member Sentenced for Possession of a Machinegun

body_text: Jackson, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Mekevin Woods, 23 , of Bolivar, Tennessee, to 38 months in federal prison for possessing a machinegun conversion device, also known as a “switch.” Interim U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr. announced the sentence today. According to evidence presented in court, on December 23, 2023, an officer with the Bolivar Police Department (BPD) attempted a traffic stop of a gray 2022 Infiniti Q60. When the driver refused to stop, he led the BPD officer on a high-speed pursuit reaching speeds of 80 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hour zone. Finally, Woods, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, traveled into oncoming traffic, jumped from the vehicle, and fled on foot. While fleeing, the officer observed Woods with a firearm in his right hand. Officers with the Bolivar Police Department ultimately arrested Woods with the assistance of a K-9 unit and located a Glock handgun loaded with 32 rounds in an extended magazine with a machinegun conversion device attached to the firearm. Officers also determined the vehicle was stolen out of Memphis. Woods was identified as a member of the TMO 45 gang, a hybrid street gang comprised of both adult and juvenile members, that is involved in firearms and narcotics trafficking and is responsible for several shooting incidents in the Fayette and Hardeman County area. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Jackson Resident Agency; and the Bolivar Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Christie Hopper prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Felon Indicted for Illegal Possession of a Firearm Following Arrest in Northeast

body_text: WASHINGTON – Ronald Aiken, 48, of the District of Columbia, has been charged in an indictment, unsealed today in U.S. District Court, on a federal firearms charge as part of the "Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful" initiative. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Aiken is charged federally with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. According to court documents, on June 10, 2025, members of the MPD’s Fifth District Crime Suppression Team were on patrol following two shootings in the area. As officers drove on the 1700 block of D Street NE, they observed a gray Audi sedan without a front registration plate driving the wrong way down a one-way street. Officers stopped the Audi on the 1700 block of Gales Street NE, and approached the driver, later identified as Ronald Aiken. Through the window, officers observed an open can of beer in an unzipped backpack on the rear passenger seat. Officers searched the backpack and discovered a live round of ammunition. During a further search of the vehicle, officers discovered a firearm wedged behind the rear driver-side seat. Officers identified the firearm as a black Taurus G3 9x19 pistol, loaded with one round in the chamber and three additional rounds in the magazine. Aiken is prohibited from possession a firearm and ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions, including a 2024 Arlington County, Virginia Circuit Court conviction for the possession/transport of a firearm by a convicted felon. This case is being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Sussler and Brendan Horan are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Hayward Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Nathanial Johnson, 34, Hayward, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 7 years in federal prison for possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution. On August 5, 2024, law enforcement found Johnson in his camper with multiple drug customers there to purchase methamphetamine. Johnson tripped upon exiting the camper in an unsuccessful attempt to flee and dropped a bag of drugs near his foot. The individuals inside admitted they were at Johnson’s camper to purchase drugs from him. In addition to over 329 grams of methamphetamine, law enforcement found a digital scale, over $1,400 in U.S. currency, and other items consistent with drug distribution. Law enforcement also found 5 bindles of drugs packaged for distribution that contained fentanyl and found additional bags of fentanyl in his camper, making the total weight of fentanyl found approximately 15 grams. At sentencing, Judge Peterson expressed concern over Johnson’s past criminal history and his repeated failures when placed on supervision within the community. Judge Peterson found that Johnson posed an increased risk to the community when he escalated to pound-level drug dealing in this case. Judge Peterson said that protection of the public was paramount given Johnson’s practice of frequently returning to drug use and fleeing law enforcement. The charge against Johnson was the result of an investigation conducted by U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office, City of Hayward Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala prosecuted this case.


title: Sacramento County Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Child

body_text: Mark Sigl, 63, of Antelope, pleaded guilty today to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. According to court documents, in March 2024, Sigl communicated with an individual he believed to be the father of a 10-year-old girl, but who was in fact an undercover officer. Sigl communicated his desire to perform sex acts on the child and planned to meet the undercover officer and child at a designated site to do so. When Sigl came to the designated site, he was arrested by law enforcement officers. Several sex items were recovered from his vehicle parked outside. This case is the product of an investigation by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and the Sacramento Valley High Tech Crimes Taskforce. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zulkar Khan is prosecuting the case. Sigl is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez on Oct. 7, 2025. Sigl faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. This case 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.


title: Browning man sentenced to prison for death on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

body_text: GREAT FALLS – A Browning man who caused a death on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 18 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Douglas Dean McDonald, 29, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to one count of involuntary manslaughter. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The government alleged in court documents that on the afternoon of June 9, 2024, Douglas Dean McDonald was driving a sedan with his family at 118mph before he changed lanes and struck and killed John Doe, who was operating a motorcycle. Doe’s wife was a passenger on the motorcycle but was not seriously injured. Doe and his wife were riding their motorcycle about five miles outside of Browning heading east toward Cut Bank to see the bison herd. There were none, so they decided to turn around. As Doe was executing the U-turn, McDonald, who was traveling at a high rate of speed, went into the westbound lane and struck the motorcycle. The accident severed Doe’s leg, and he died at the scene. A witness came upon the crash shortly after it occurred. The witness reported that McDonald and his wife flagged the witness down and wanted a ride to Browning. She reported that there were other individuals at the scene telling McDonald he needed to stay at the scene. When law enforcement arrived, McDonald admitted to consuming twisted teas the night before and smoking a bowl of marijuana at noon that day. He gave a PBT at the scene that was positive for alcohol with a BAC of .02. McDonald consented to a blood draw. Law enforcement drove him to the hospital for the blood draw. During this interaction, the officer could detect the smell of alcoholic beverages emitting from his person. At the hospital, McDonald attempted to run away from law enforcement, fleeing through the emergency doors and had to be chased down in the parking lot. Montana Highway Patrol conducted the crash investigation. They mapped the scene and analyzed the electronic data from McDonald’s vehicle. Five seconds before the deployment event (collision) McDonald was going 118mph. The data showed that the vehicle slowed to 114mph two seconds before the deployment event, and then slowed to 99mph one second before. The speedometer of the vehicle was frozen at 98mph after the crash. MHP determined that if McDonald had been going the posted speed limit of 70mph, Doe would have been able to successfully execute the U-turn. The toxicology report indicated that in addition to alcohol and marijuana, McDonald had fentanyl, methamphetamine, norfentanyl, amphetamine, and gabapentin in his system. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, and Montana Highway Patrol. XXX


title: Prior sex offender going to prison for more than 38 years for raping a 14-year-old

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kelvin Hunt, 48, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of production of child pornography following a prior conviction, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, was sentenced to serve 465 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who handled the case, stated that in March 1995, Hunt was convicted in Monroe County Court of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and sentenced to 2 to 6 years in prison. On February 2, 2024, he entered the home of a 14-year-old minor victim in Rochester, and forcibly raped her. Hunt then took the minor victim’s cell phone and took sexually explicit photos of her. After producing the pornographic images, Hunt forced the minor victim to another location, where he forcibly raped her again. On February 4, 2024, law enforcement located Hunt, took him into custody, and executed a search warrant on the hotel room he was staying in. Investigators seized a loaded semi-automatic handgun, and approximately 71 grams of heroin. The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Smith, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm, and the United States Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina.


title: Jamestown man arrested, charged with threatening to kill a Homeland Security Agent

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Matthew White, 43, of Jamestown, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with communicating interstate threats, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on April 30, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations in Buffalo learned that an “X” account, believed to be operated by White, was engaged in publicly posting threats to federal immigration agents and administrators employed by the Department of Homeland Security. On June 4, 2025, White voluntarily spoke with investigators and allowed them to extract and copy the contents of his phone. Investigators recovered a number of threatening posts on “X” including: On April 18, 2025, White posted, “Kill them all, ICE is the new age gestapo, stop them.” On April 29, 2025, White shared a video clip of Border Czar Tom Homan posted by an “X” user “America,” and commented, “Then understand that if your ICE agents don’t show proof of identity and a signed warrant, we will kill them.” In late April, 2025, White posted multiple threatening and violent public comments in response to coverage of several ICE arrest operations, including an ICE arrest operation inside a Virginia courthouse that occurred in April 2025. White posted, “I can’t wait to put a bullet into this guy’s brain, but first his children.” White made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was released on conditions. The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Former Rochester area teacher pleads guilty to child pornography charge

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kevin Burns, 45, of Irondequoit, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn M. Hartford, who is handling the case, stated that on November 5, 2024, the New York State Police executed a search warrant at the Burns’ residence in Irondequoit, because of a child pornography file he uploaded to Bing Image. During the search, electronic devices were seized, including a computer. More than 450 images of child pornography were found on the computer. Some of the images depicted violence against children and the sexual exploitation of an infant or toddler. The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm. Sentencing is scheduled for October 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Vacca. # # # #