title: Former California Department Of Corrections And Rehabilitation Employee Pleads Guilty To Possession With Intent To Distribute Over 300 Grams Of Methamphetamine To Inmates At San Quentin Rehabilitation Center

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – Former California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation employee, Keith Reindeer Randle, pleaded guilty in federal court today to possession with intent to distribute over 300 grams of methamphetamine to inmates at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, formerly known as San Quentin State Prison. Randle, 56, of Vallejo, California, was charged by Information on March 20, 2025, with one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. In pleading guilty, Randle admitted to soliciting and accepting bribery payments in exchange for smuggling and distributing prison contraband, including methamphetamine, marijuana, and tobacco, to inmates at San Quentin. The scheme went on for years, dating back to at least January 2019 and continuing through August 15, 2024. Randle charged inmates and their associates approximately $1,000 per item he smuggled into the prison and initially received payments directly from inmates. However, fearing law enforcement might uncover his contraband and drug distribution scheme, Randle began to solicit and accept bribery payments from the associates of inmates rather than inmates themselves. On August 15, 2024, Randle was caught inside San Quentin with a hollowed out peanut butter jar containing 301 grams of methamphetamine, as well as marijuana. The peanut butter jar was painted brown and glued shut to appear full and unopened. Randle profited significantly from his years-long bribery and drug distribution scheme. For example, from January 2019 through April 2020, Randle was paid $31,000 from associates of inmates to his PayPal account in exchange for smuggling contraband into the prison. As another example, from July 2021 through August 2022, Randle received approximately $40,926 via Cash App from an inmate’s wife in exchange for smuggling contraband to her husband at San Quentin. In 2023 and 2024, Randle primarily only accepted bribery payments in cash. On October 1, 2024, federal law enforcement seized $55,210 in cash from Randle’s two residences, all of which Randle admitted were proceeds from his bribery and drug distribution scheme. In total, Randle admitted to soliciting and accepting over $100,000 in bribery payments from inmates and their associates. With the illicit proceeds, Randle admitted to making numerous purchases, such as buying cars, motorcycles, and other assets. United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Cobo made the announcement. Randle’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 21, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Susan Illston. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years’ imprisonment and a $5,000,000 fine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)(viii), possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Any sentence will be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin K. Kleinman is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James, Analisse Iniguez, and Veronica Hernandez. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI.


title: Wasilla men sentenced for running illegal guide-outfitter out of Kodiak

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Two Wasilla men were sentenced Tuesday for running an illegal guide-outfitter business out of Kodiak that resulted in the harvest of Sitka black-tailed deer and black bears in violation of the Lacey Act. One defendant received a six-month prison sentence and $20,000 fine for a felony conviction, and the other received a four-year probationary sentence and $30,000 fine for a misdemeanor conviction. According to court documents, in March 2021, Theodore Turgeon, 29, and his co-defendant, Charles Emmi, 29, created a business called “The Rock Outfitters LLC” to provide “coastal and great lakes passenger transportation.” Turgeon and Emmi attempted to obtain a transporter license from the Alaska Department of Commerce Big Game Commercial Services Board but were denied because of Turgeon’s 2018 federal conviction for violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act. In June 2022, within months of the Big Game Board’s denial, Emmi obtained a transporter license under the guise of a new business, “The Rock Kodiak,” which did not list Turgeon as an owner. Emmi and Turgeon also jointly owned a boat, the M/V Sound Choice , that they used to facilitate the illegal guide service. Neither defendant ever held a big game guide-outfitter license in the State of Alaska. On Nov. 9, 2022, Turgeon and Emmi collected $16,000 from a four-person hunting party to provide transporter services to hunt waterfowl and Sitka black-tailed deer out of Kodiak. This trip took place sometime between Nov. 17 and 22, 2022. During the trip, Turgeon illegally provided one client, who was a resident of Texas, with guide services when he outfitted the client with his personal rifle, sighted the scope on his rifle, accompanied the client into the field and spotted two deer for the client. Turgeon further assisted the client in the field with quartering and packing the doe and buck out of the field, all in violation of Alaska law. Turgeon and Emmi transported this client to port, and the client took the harvested meat and other animal parts to Texas. United States Attorney's Office, District of Alaska; U.S. v. Emmi et al., Case #: 3:25-cr-00038 In addition to illegal guiding on this trip, Emmi and Turgeon also submitted false records to the Big Game Board. Alaska law requires transporters to submit a Transporter Activity Report (TAR) to the Big Game Board. A TAR documents who was transported, to where, and what type of game and weight was harvested. The TAR that they submitted for the November 2022 hunt listed only two of the four transported clients and under-reported the harvested game by at least two deer. In May 2024, Emmi and Turgeon contracted with three clients, who were residents of Arizona, South Carolina and Oregon, and collected $13,500 from the clients to provide transportation services out of Cordova to hunt black bear. Emmi and Turgeon illegally guided all three clients by assisting with spotting black bear from the M/V Sound Choice , directing the clients where to offload from the skiff and stalk black bear, and remaining in the field. All three clients successfully harvested black bear with Emmi and Turgeon’s illegal guiding services. United States Attorney's Office, District of Alaska; U.S. v. Emmi et al., Case #: 3:25-cr-00038 United States Attorney's Office, District of Alaska; U.S. v. Emmi et al., Case #: 3:25-cr-00038 During the May 2024 trip, Turgeon admitted to clients that he illegally guided them during the hunt, and stated, “f[***] the State of Alaska’s regulations.” On Dec. 9, 2026, Emmi pleaded guilty to four misdemeanor counts of Lacey Act violations, commercial activity in illegally taken wildlife and Turgeon pleaded guilty to four felony counts of Lacey Act violations, commercial activity in illegally taken wildlife. Turgeon’s full sentence, as handed down by the Court, is as follows: Six months in federal prison; Three years on supervised release following his prison sentence; $20,000 fine; Forfeit $14,982.61 in lieu of forfeiting the M/V Sound Choice and forfeit the rifle and scope used in November 2022 illegal hunt; And a worldwide hunting and fishing ban, and barred from obtaining a transporter or guide license for his period of supervised release. Emmi’s full sentence, as handed down by the Court, is as follows: Four years on federal probation; $30,000 fine; Forfeit $14,982.61 in lieu of forfeiting the M/V Sound Choice ; 100 hours of community service; And a worldwide hunting and fishing ban, barred from obtaining a transporter or guide license for his period of probation. In handing down the sentence the Court emphasized the importance of abiding by State of Alaska’s wildlife regulations to safeguard the wildlife population for the enjoyment of future generations. “Mr. Turgeon expressed complete disdain and blatantly disregarded the laws protecting our natural resources,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Guide outfitting is an important part of Alaska’s outdoor community and ensuring it is done lawfully to protect future resources is paramount. This case should serve as a reminder that committing Lacey Act violations in Alaska could result in federal criminal convictions and hefty penalties.” “The Lacey Act is critical to protecting America's wildlife resources from exploitation and depletion,” said Assistant Director Doug Ault, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “Illegal guided hunts threaten Alaska's natural resources and disadvantage ethical hunters and guides who operate lawfully. This sentencing sends a clear message that those who violate federal wildlife laws will be held accountable.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ainsley McNerney prosecuted the case. ###


title: Johnstown Felon Indicted on Numerous Firearm Charges, Including Possession of Machinegun and Unlicensed Manufacturing/Dealing of Firearms

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The six-count Indictment named Louie Guadalupe, 34, as the sole defendant. “Gun violence—and, particularly, the increasing rate of that violence involving machinegun conversion devices such as Glock switches and drop-in auto sears—poses a serious threat to the safety of our citizens and to law enforcement,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “The Indictment unsealed today reflects the collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local law enforcement partners aimed at reducing this threat to our communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partner federal agencies remain committed to working closely with our state and local counterparts to disrupt the cycle of gun violence and hold accountable those who put dangerous and illegal firearms on our streets.” “Selling illegal firearms, and switches that transform guns into a fully automatic weapon, means deadlier shootings, more chaotic crime scenes, and increased danger to innocent bystanders,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. “Trafficking these devices quickly becomes a critical public safety issue. The FBI and our Safe Streets Task Force partners will use every resource at our disposal to get these extraordinarily dangerous devices out of our communities.” “Firearms trafficking puts guns in the hands of the criminals who threaten our communities,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “That those firearms included very dangerous machinegun conversation devices makes this case particularly severe. Thanks to our close cooperation with our law enforcement partners, we exposed this criminal enterprise that endangered the Johnstown area.” “In light of the recent, senseless acts in our community, the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office is committed to facilitating efforts that prevent gun violence before it occurs through collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies,” said Cambria County District Attorney Jessica Aurandt. “The indictment of Louie Guadalupe is a manifestation of those collaborative efforts—the result of which removed several firearms and Glock switches from the streets of Johnstown. The DA’s Office would like to express our gratitude to the Johnstown Police Department, Cambria County Detective Bureau, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their incredible diligence and hard work throughout this investigation.” According to the Indictment, from on or about March 12, 2026, and continuing thereafter until around April 15, 2026, Guadalupe willfully engaged in the business of manufacturing and dealing in firearms without a license. The Indictment further alleges that, on three dates during March of 2026, Guadalupe unlawfully possessed a firearm after previously having been convicted of a felony. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Lastly, on or about April 1, 2026, and April 15, 2026, Guadalupe is alleged to knowingly and unlawfully have possessed and transferred a machinegun. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Five Members of New Jersey and Philadelphia Drug Trafficking Organization—including Two Jamaican Nationals—Arrested in NJ-Homeland Security Task Force Operation

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – Five members and associates of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in southern New Jersey and Philadelphia—including two Jamaican citizens—were arrested this week and charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. “As alleged, this drug trafficking organization distributed large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine throughout southern New Jersey and Philadelphia while operating across state and national borders. Working through the Homeland Security Task Force and alongside our federal, state, and local partners, this Office is committed to dismantling transnational drug trafficking networks that flood our communities with deadly narcotics and fuel violence and addiction.” - U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer “This investigation dismantled a drug trafficking organization responsible for flooding communities across southern New Jersey and Philadelphia with dangerous quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine,” said DEA New Jersey Field Division Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James. “The seizures in this case represent lives potentially saved from the devastating impact of these deadly narcotics. DEA and our law enforcement partners remain committed to targeting transnational criminal organizations that profit from addiction and violence, and we will continue using every investigative tool available to identify, disrupt, and dismantle these networks operating in our communities.” This week’s charges are the result of a long-term wiretap investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Agency New Jersey Field Division’s Atlantic County HIDTA Task Force and the New Jersey State Police’s Gangs and Organized Crime South Unit. Andrew Davis, a/k/a “Flip Mogella,” a/k/a “Floss King,” 47, a Jamaican citizen living in East Nottingham Township, Pennsylvania; Clifford Brown, 52, a Jamaican citizen living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Damion Jones, 44, of Millville, New Jersey; James McBride, 53, of Marlton, New Jersey; and Jule Stubbs, 51, of Millville, New Jersey, all had their initial court appearances earlier this week before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ann Marie Donio in Camden federal court and were detained. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: In order to take down this DTO, law enforcement obtained wire-tap orders for Davis’s phones, conducted controlled drug purchases with a confidential source, performed physical and electronic surveillance, and executed search warrants. The investigation showed that the DTO distributed large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl/fentanyl analogue, and cocaine. The DTO obtained the drugs from packages sent to addresses the DTO controlled in southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia area. The complaint describes some of the drugs seized by law enforcement as part of the investigation, including more than 38 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, more than 7.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine, and almost 1 kilogram of fentanyl/fentanyl analogue. The count charging conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute carries a maximum potential penalty of life imprisonment, a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $10 million. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents and task force officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James, and personnel with the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Jeanne Hengemuhle, with the investigation leading to the charges in this case. U.S. Attorney Frazer also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, under the direction of U.S. Attorney David Metcalf, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Andy Johns, and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw, for their assistance in the investigation. These arrests are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Atlantic City comprises agents and officers from DEA, FBI, and HSI with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Bender and Dak Cohen of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden. The charges and allegations contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ### Defense counsel: Davis: Edward F. Borden, Jr., Esq., Cherry Hill, New Jersey Brown: Ikram Ally, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Camden, New Jersey McBride: Jonathan Sobel, Esq., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Jones: Jordan Zeitz, Esq., Haddonfield, New Jersey Stubbs: Gina Amoriello, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania stubbs.complaint.pdf


title: Oklahoma City Trio Charged with Drug Trafficking Conspiracy after Seizure of Nearly 180 Pounds of Methamphetamine by Law Enforcement

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – ELTRAMANE NEAL , 47, WILLIE JEFFERSON , JR. , 43, and DONTE PARKER , 44, all of Oklahoma City, have been charged for their roles in a conspiracy to possess and distribute nearly 180 pounds of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to court documents, on May 14, 2026, law enforcement was conducting surveillance on Jefferson and Parker and observed them meeting at a residence in northeast Oklahoma City. A short time later, agents observed Neal arrive at the residence, where Neal and Parker loaded a black tote into Neal’s vehicle. After Neal left the residence, a traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 99 pounds of methamphetamine, most of which was contained inside the black tote. While waiting for a search warrant for the residence, officers conducted a traffic stop on Jefferson and found a key to the residence and a large amount of U.S. currency. While executing the search warrant at the residence, law enforcement recovered approximately 80 more pounds of methamphetamine. Today, Neal, Jefferson, and Parker were each charged by Complaint with conspiracy to possess 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Each appeared in federal court this afternoon. If found guilty, they face up to life in federal prison and fines of up to $10,000,000. The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Anderson is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Chinese National Guilty of Violating Federal Controlled Substances Act

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ZIHANG ZENG (“ZENG”) , age 24, a resident of China, pled guilty on May 13, 2026, before United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, a mixture and substance containing one hundred (100) kilograms or more of a detectable amount of marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846, announced the U.S. Attorney's Office. According to court documents, on April 14, 2025, DEA Special Agents observed Yilei Zhou pick up Hanjie Wu, a known marijuana distributor, from an airport in Houston, Texas and drive him to a residence in Katy, Texas, where they picked up ZENG, then drove to Denham Springs, Louisiana. The following day, two other individuals, Wei Bin Chen and Like Chen, left the Denham Springs residence and traveled to a nearby storage facility where they retrieved multiple large trash bags from a storage unit before driving to another storage facility in Slidell, Louisiana. Zhou and Wu then drove to same facility in Slidell where they all met with an individual identified as Aaron Steele. Wei Bin and Like Chen then loaded the large trash bags into Steele’s vehicle and all parties left the storage facility. Forrest County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop of Chen’s vehicle on Interstate 59 headed towards Hattiesburg, Mississippi. A consensual search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 43.5 kilograms of marijuana. Mississippi Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop of Steele’s vehicle on Interstate 59 in Picayune, Mississippi. A consensual search of his vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 22.7 kilograms of marijuana. Based on the seizures that occurred in Slidell and Mississippi, Livingston Parish officers obtained search warrants for the residence and storage facility in Denham Springs. When the officers arrived at the residence, ZENG ran from the residence and was arrested. Inside the residence, officers located $1,552.00 in currency, hundreds of rubber bands, a vacuum sealer and a money counter. From the storage unit, officers seized 38.5 kilograms of marijuana. On the drug conspiracy count, ZENG faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years, a maximum term of imprisonment of forty (40) years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, at least four (4) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, Forrest County Mississippi Sheriff’s Office, and the Picayune, Mississippi Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys André Jones and Nolan D. Paige of the Narcotics Unit. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Orleans comprises agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.


title: Former Machias Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Pornography

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A former Machias man pleaded guilty on May 14 in U.S. District Court in Bangor to one count of possessing child pornography. According to court records, in May and June of 2025, Ryan Gatcomb , 19, possessed images and videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The minors lived in other states, and Gatcomb had received the depictions using the internet while he was in the state of Maine. Investigators recovered the images from Gatcomb’s computer and phone. He admitted that he had attempted to delete items from those devices on the morning of June 4, 2025, after being contacted by local law enforcement. Gatcomb faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI investigated the case. To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678 . If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741 . Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc . ###


title: Two Morgantown Residents Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking Large Amounts of Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two West Virginia residents have been sentenced for their roles in a drug trafficking organization that sold large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine in North Central West Virginia, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. Jeffrey Marsh, 47, of Morgantown, was sentenced to 78 months in prison. Bobbie Jo Phillips, 39, also of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced to time served after serving 22 months in federal prison. Phillips and Marsh worked within the drug trafficking operation, led by Rodney Johnson, in the Morgantown, West Virginia, area. Phillips’ residence was searched during the investigation, and officers seized a handgun, cash, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia. Johnson was sentenced to 188 months in prison in March 2025. Of the 25 defendants in this case, 23, including Johnson, Phillips, and Marsh, have been sentenced to a combined 196 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. This case was investigated by the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force consists of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia State Police; the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office; the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; the Morgantown Police Department; the WVU Police Department; the Granville Police Department; and the Star City Police Department. Fentanyl has been designated by President Donald Trump as a weapon of mass destruction due to its extreme lethality which poses a grave threat to public safety, even in trace amounts. 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 (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.


title: Knoxville Man Charged In Federal Court With Fentanyl And Firearms Offenses

body_text: KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On May 15, 2026, Seayon Weston, 39, of Knoxville, TN, was charged via criminal complaint with fentanyl and firearms offenses in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. The complaint charges Weston with possessing with the intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of 18 U.S.C. 924(c), and being a felon in possession of firearms in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). The Honorable Jill E. McCook, United States Magistrate Judge, authorized the complaint. According to the affidavit of DEA Special Agent Jason Klingler filed in support of the complaint, law enforcement’s investigation into Weston’s activities culminated in a search warrant execution at Weston’s Knoxville residence on May 14, 2026. The affidavit details certain aspects of the search warrant execution, including the seizure of approximately 471 grams of suspected fentanyl, drug processing and packaging materials, including dozens of used rubber gloves, cash, and three firearms. One of the firearms was a mini-Draco 7.62 semi-automatic pistol, according to the affidavit. The affidavit included photographs of some of the seized evidence. The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by elements of the Knoxville Police Department, including KPD’s Special Operation Squad, Organized Crime Unit, and Drug Related Death Task Force. The Drug Enforcement Administration assisted with the investigation and search warrant execution and is the lead agency in this federal prosecution. 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. This case is part of “Operation Knoxville Thunder” in furtherance of DEA’s Fentanyl Free America initiative, which is a comprehensive enforcement initiative and public awareness campaign designed to combat the synthetic opioid crisis. On December 15, 2025, the President issued an Executive Order designating fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Quencer and Alan Kirk will represent the United States in this prosecution. ###


title: D.C. Man Sentenced to 13.5 Years in Prison for Burglary and Robbery Charges including Stealing the Victim’s Dog

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Jeffrey Birth, 45, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 13 and a half years in prison in connection with the January 3, 2025, robbery of a victim in Northwest, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Following a jury trial, Birth was found guilty on March 10, 2026, on six counts, including burglary, robbery, assault with intent to commit robbery, unlawful possession of ammunition, and contempt. On March 31, 2026, Birth pleaded guilty to three additional counts of possession of a controlled substance, contempt, and a violation of the Bail Reform Act for failing to appear in court. In the early morning of January 3, 2025, Birth, who was barred from the apartment building, knocked on the door of a resident inside 1221 M St. NW. When the occupant opened the door, the defendant pushed his way inside and threatened to kill the occupant. Birth demanded money and, when the occupant did not give him money, Birth took phones, a wallet, an iPad, and the occupant’s dog before leaving. Several hours later, MPD officers located the dog in an apartment linked to Birth. A search of the apartment revealed several debit cards in the occupant’s name and two mobile phones belonging to the occupant. When Birth was arrested, he was found in possession of bullets for an unlicensed handgun. Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). They acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Nickolas Reck and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kraig Ahalt, who prosecuted the case. 2025 CF3 002621


title: U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico Weekly Immigration and Border Crimes Report

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced its immigration enforcement statistics for this week. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies. In the two-week period ending May 15, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico: 90 individuals were charged with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326) 12 individuals were charged with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324) 75 individuals were charged with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325) 69 individuals were charged with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), violation of a military security regulation (50 U.S.C. 797) and Entering Military, Naval, or Coast Guard Property (18 U.S.C. 1382), arising from the newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico. Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1326 had prior criminal convictions for battery resulting in injury, assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, possession of narcotics, DUI, theft, drug trafficking, alien smuggling, resulting in injury, DUI, alien smuggling, and prior immigration offenses. Protecting law enforcement officers is a key part of border security. During this time period, while detained on suspicion of alien smuggling by Border Patrol, Caleb Brown shoved and then punched an agent in the face. A second agent intervened and was also struck by Brown. Brown was eventually subdued and arrested. In a second incident, agents responded to a sensor activation near the border and began searching for the suspected illegal aliens. One agent eventually located Edel Hernandez-Altamirano , a Mexican national illegally present in the United States. When the agent attempted to detain him, Hernandez-Altamirano rushed at the agent with a glass liquor bottle and struck him in the head. The agent ultimately took Hernandez-Altamirano to the ground, however, Hernandez-Altamirano began grabbing rocks and attempting to strike the agent and even bit him on the forearm. So far, in Fiscal Year 2026, 23 El Paso Sector Border Patrol Agents have been assaulted, following 88 assaults in Fiscal Year 2025. U.S. Border Patrol is collaborating closely with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office to ensure that those who assault federal officers are brought to justice. This interagency cooperation is crucial in protecting the men and women who serve on the frontlines of our nation's border security efforts and in deterring future attacks on law enforcement personnel. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. These statistics represent prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process. Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children. The District of New Mexico consists of 33 counties and shares 180 miles of international border with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Albuquerque and Las Cruces work directly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prosecute immigration-related and other federal offenses.


title: Jamaican national sentenced to prison for lottery scam that devastated southwest Washington retiree

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Tacoma – A Jamaican citizen was sentenced late yesterday in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to three years in prison for wire fraud for his lottery scheme that cost an elderly victim more than $600,000, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Roshard Andrew Carty, 34, was arrested in Jamaica on August 21, 2025, and arrived in the Western District of Washington for arraignment on October 23, 2025. He pleaded guilty in February 2026. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright said, “Even as (the victim) hesitated and tried to resist,” Carty persisted in contacting her through a variety of means. “This defendant was relentless in defrauding a vulnerable victim,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “At every turn when she tried to end the contact, he persisted playing on her isolation and her fear of losing the money she had already lost. He stole the money she was counting on to survive in retirement, so that he could buy luxuries and live large in Jamacia. It is despicable conduct deserving of this punishment.” According to records filed in the case, Carty first contacted the 73-year-old southwest Washington victim in 2020. He posed as an employee of Publisher’s Clearinghouse and claimed the victim won $22 million and a car in the lottery, but that she needed to pay taxes and fees to access her winnings. He convinced the victim that the FBI was recording the call and told her she was not to tell anyone about the big win. Between August 2020 and February 2024, he convinced the victim to send more than $600,000 to various money couriers throughout the United States, who ultimately sent the money to Carty in Jamaica. Carty’s requests for cash started small and grew over time. He directed the victim to remove small amounts of cash from her accounts and send them to U.S. locations via FedEx. Carty told the victim the money was lost or stolen and demanded more. Carty told the victim to borrow against her home so she could send more money. Carty convinced the victim to sell her home to cover additional “costs and fees” to claim her prize. In all, Carty stole more than $600,000 from the victim by having her mail the money to various couriers in the U.S. Carty was relentless in contacting the victim using various phone numbers and texting programs. He contacted her thousands of times throughout the fraud. When she tried to cut off contact, he tried sending tow trucks, and pizza deliveries, and asked her landlord for a welfare check to try to get back in touch with the victim. “Mr. Carty relentlessly and cruelly manipulated and intimidated his elderly victim to deprive her of her life savings for his own profit," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "His lies in pursuit of her money even went so far as to abuse the trust and credibility of law enforcement by claiming the FBI was recording a call. Ultimately, the victim lost her home without receiving any of the fictitious prize money Mr. Carty had promised. We hope this case sends a message to would-be lottery scammers that the FBI will work just as relentlessly with our partners to hold fraudsters accountable, even when they reside beyond the borders of the United States.” The southwest Washington victim was not the only one uncovered by law enforcement, and investigators fear Carty may return to fraud after his prison term. As the government pointed out in its sentencing memorandum, “Carty’s conduct here shows he is relentless, callous, and has an aptitude for deception—he is unlikely to be deterred by the reality that his conduct left people like Victim 1 destitute. Carty knew Victim 1, Victim 2, and likely others were insolvent because of him, and yet he persisted in his scam. And unlike with U.S.-based defendants, the U.S. Probation Office cannot effectively monitor Carty when he returns home.” Carty was indicted in November 2024. Following his August 2025 arrest in Jamaica, Carty consented to extradition to the United States. He pleaded guilty in February 2026. The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica has a page devoted to lottery scams based in that country. Find it here . The bottom line: You never should pay to receive a prize and any request for advance fees is a scam. The case was investigated by the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Watts Staniar and David T. Martin. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Government of Jamaica to secure the arrest and extradition of Carty.


title: Fraud Division Announces Massive Crackdown for Second Straight Week — Over $1 BILLION in Nationwide Fraud Enforcement Actions

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: The Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division announced numerous enforcement actions in the past week, as prosecutors across the country pursued the criminals stealing American taxpayer dollars. Notably, a jury in the Southern District of Florida found the founder and owner of HealthSplash guilty for his role in operating a platform that generated false doctors’ orders and prescriptions to defraud Medicare and other federal health care benefit programs, billing more than $1 billion for unnecessary equipment. "In the past week, prosecutors throughout the Department secured trial convictions of multiple defendants who ran fraud schemes totaling over a billion dollars,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “I am proud of the fearless men and women of the Fraud Division who are fighting to protect the American people and hold fraudsters accountable.” Other top highlights from the fight against fraud this week include the following enforcement actions. Benefits Program Fraud A federal jury found a tax preparer guilty for operating an unemployment insurance fraud scheme to defraud the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program out of over $11 million in fraudulent unemployment benefits. A former employee of the U.S. Department of Labor pleaded guilty in Boston to fraudulently obtaining over $40,000 in pandemic unemployment assistance benefits. In Massachusetts, a woman pleaded guilty to fraudulently receiving Social Security disability benefits after failing to notify Social Security that her husband, whose income exceeded the program’s limits, became part of the household. A judge in the Middle District of Florida sentenced a defendant to 63 months in federal prison for submitting a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application. The court ordered forfeiture in the amount of $739,582. A grand jury returned an indictment charging a defendant with wire fraud and theft of government money for concealing the death of her aunt in order to obtain Social Security benefits and City of New York pension benefits that did not belong to her. The indictment seeks forfeiture of more than $75,000. Health Care Fraud A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a podiatrist and two nurses for allegedly submitting fraudulent claims to Mediare for skin substitute services, resulting in Medicare paying $29 million in claims. Government Fraud A Danish researcher—and HHS-OIG top ten most wanted fugitive—was arraigned on wire fraud and money laundering charges. The defendant allegedly stole more than $1 million of CDC grant money by submitting fraudulent documents to the Danish government and a Danish hospital where scientists performed research under the CDC grant. Tax Fraud A founder and CEO of a Hong Kong financial services firm pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States by helping high-value U.S. taxpayer-clients conceal more than $60 million in income and assets held in offshore bank accounts and evade U.S. taxes. In the Middle District of Tennessee, a licensed attorney pleaded guilty to filing false tax returns that failed to report millions of dollars in income from cryptocurrency sales and from his consulting business. In total, the defendant caused a tax loss of more than $550,000. * * * * On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Tallahassee Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Methamphetamine & Cocaine

body_text: Tallahassee, Florida – Tedrick Childs, 46, of Tallahassee, Florida, has pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of cocaine and distribution of methamphetamine. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Ridding our streets of the drug traffickers like this defendant peddling deadly narcotics has been a principal objective of Operation Take Back America , and I am incredibly proud to deliver yet another successful prosecution under this DOJ initiative. The citizens of the Northern District of Florida deserve to live in drug-free, safe communities, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute the criminals standing in the way of that objective.” Court records indicate that the defendant was identified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a poly-drug trafficker in the Tallahassee area. During an undercover operation, DEA purchased cocaine and methamphetamine from the defendant between November and December 2025. In 2017, Childs was convicted in federal court for distribution of cocaine, and he was serving a term of supervised release as part of his sentence in that case when he sold drugs in 2025. Childs faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment on the distribution of cocaine count, and not less than 15 years’ imprisonment up to Life imprisonment on the distribution of methamphetamine count. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin. Sentencing is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Brazilian National Guilty of Reentry of Deported Alien

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA –WALYSTTON HENRIQUE DE SOUZA (“DE SOUZA”) , age 32, a native of Brazil, plead guilty and was sentenced on May 7, 2026, for reentry of removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to court documents, DE SOUZA , an illegal alien, was found in St. Tammany Parish on March 31, 2026 by agents of the United States Customs and Border Patrol. DE SOUZA had previously been removed to Brazil by the United States Department of Homeland Security on July 2, 2021. United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon sentenced DE SOUZA to time served, then transferred DE SOUZA into ICE Custody for deportation proceedings, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. 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). U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Customs and Border Patrol in investigating this matter. Special Assistant United States Attorney Rick Veters, of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.


title: Romanian National Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S.

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that IOAN ROSTAS, 36, a citizen of Romania, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with illegally reentering the United States after being deported. As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in March 2023, Rostas, who was in immigration removal proceedings in New York and placed into the Alternative to Detention (“ATD”) program, absconded from the ATD program. In September 2023, an immigration judge ordered Rostas removed from the U.S. to Romania in absentia. In October 2023, law enforcement in Berkeley County, West Virginia, arrested Rostas, who was using a false identity, and charged him with obstructing an officer. On October 25, 2023, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Pennsylvania arrested Rostas pursuant to a previously lodged ICE detainer. He was removed from the U.S. on November 17, 2023. It is further alleged that on April 26, 2026, police in Manchester, Connecticut, encountered Rostas sitting in a parked vehicle that law enforcement in Georgia had been seeking in connection to group that had been committing retail thefts along the east coast of the U.S. Rostas initially provided an officer with a forged international license bearing someone else’s name, and a search of the vehicle revealed a second forged international license with another person’s name, a large amount of new clothing with tags and security devices still attached, and 10 bottles of perfume with “tester” stickers attached. Rostas was arrested and charged with state forgery, larceny, interfering with an officer, and criminal impersonation offenses. He was later released on bond and turned over to ICE in Hartford pursuant to an ICE detainer. Rostas, who has been detained since his arrest, appeared yesterday in Hartford federal court. If convicted of the charge of unlawful reentry, Rostas faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years. U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Man Sentenced to 30 years in Prison and 15 Years of Supervised Release for Child Exploitation

component: USAO - Puerto Rico

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On May 14, 2026, United States District Court Judge Aida Delgado Colón sentenced Luis Ángel Domenech‑Acabá to 360 months (30 years) in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release for child exploitation. On February 25, 2026, after a three-day jury trial, Luis Ángel Domenech‑Acabá, 35, from San Juan, was found guilty of production and possession of child pornography. This sentence was imposed consecutively with a state sentence of six years for lewd acts in a separate case. According to the evidence presented at trial and reviewed by the jury, from September 2017 to September 2018, Domenech‑Acabá sexually exploited a female minor, who was 15 years old at the time. The evidence showed that he used a cellular phone and internet messaging services to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce the minor to engage in sexual activity for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct. During trial, the government presented testimony and digital evidence establishing that, using cellphones and other devices, Domenech‑Acabá produced images and videos depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He also possessed images and videos of the minor and of other minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, which he kept in a secured folder on his cellular phone. U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico and Yariel Ramos, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daynelle Álvarez‑Lora and Emelina Agrait Barreto of the Crimes Against Children, Human Trafficking, and Immigration Unit prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. ###


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Recognizes National Police Week, May 10-16, 2026

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—In honor of National Police Week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. This year’s commemoration is observed from Sunday, May 10, through Saturday, May 16, 2026. “National Police Week is about gratitude for and remembrance of those men and woman who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We are grateful for our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners and their families for their daily service, sacrifice, and commitment to keeping our community safe,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The names of 363 officers killed in the line of duty were added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. These names were read on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the 38 th Annual Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C. Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe. To learn more about National Police Week, please visit www.policeweek.org .


title: Liberty County felon sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after taking firearm from law enforcement officers during courtroom scuffle

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

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas – A Liberty convicted felon has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Allen Joe Fregia, Sr., 48, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on May 14, 2026. According to information presented in court, on April 29, 2025, Fregia was a defendant in a Liberty County courtroom where he had just been sentenced to prison by a State District Judge. As he was being escorted out of the courtroom by several law enforcement officers, Fregia became enraged and noncompliant, and a scuffle ensued. During the altercation, Fregia removed a firearm from an officer’s gun holster. The officer was able to retrieve the firearm as other officers were able to subdue Fregia. During the altercation, an officer suffered injuries that required medical attention. Fregia, a previously convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing the firearm. 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. This case was investigated by the Texas Rangers, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy Coleman. ###


title: Jamestown man sentenced for his role in narcotics conspiracy

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Curtis Snyder, 53, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Snyder was an associate and co-conspirator of Rocco Beardsley, who sold large quantities of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances in the Jamestown area. On April 9, 2019, an individual identified as J.A. was discovered deceased from an apparent overdose at a residence in Jamestown and Beardsley was believed to be involved in the overdose. About a month after J.A.’s overdose death, Beardsley sent Snyder to the residence of another individual to force this individual to make a video regarding Beardsley’s lack of involvement with J.A.’s overdose death. In exchange, Snyder would receive a “bundle” of heroin/fentanyl. The individual complied and made the video, stating that Beardsley was not present at J.A. residence the date of J.A.’s overdose death. Rocco Beardsley was previously convicted and sentenced. This case was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Jeffrey E. Intravatola. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone. # # # #


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 108 Border-Related Cases This Week

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 108 border-related cases this week, including charges of bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city). In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here . A sample of border-related arrests this week: On May 9, Moises Quintana Luna and Alma Beltran Ponce, Mexican citizens, were arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 151 pounds of methamphetamine concealed throughout the defendants’ vehicle as they tried to cross the border at the Tecate Port of Entry. On May 11, Banucio Balderas-Ladino, a Mexican citizen, was arrested and charged with Deported Alien Found in the United States. According to a complaint, Border Patrol agents found Balderas-Ladino, an unauthorized alien who was previously deported in 2019 through Arizona, hiding in bushes north of the border, about two miles east of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. On May 14, Rene Marquez, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and charged with Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain. According to a complaint, Customs and Border Protection officers found two Vietnamese nationals concealed in a non-factory compartment in the rear of the defendant’s vehicle. One of the unauthorized aliens said she felt scared, hot and was doused in gasoline while being transported to the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Marquez has four prior drug-importation convictions in the Southern District of California. The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners. Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Georgia Woman Who Faked Identity of Pregnant Teen to Target Adoptive Parents Sentenced on Cyberstalking and Threat Offenses

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Georgia woman was sentenced today to 20 months in prison and three years of supervised release for cyberstalking, transmitting threats to kidnap or injure in interstate commerce and identity theft. “Gabryele Watson, an adult woman, stole a pregnant teenager’s identity and cruelly led on couples seeking to adopt a baby, only to later emotionally abuse them, including threatening to terminate the pregnancy and mocking adoptive mothers for not being able to conceive,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “She preyed on would-be parents desperately seeking to adopt a child to add to their family. Her sentence today accounts for the real-world devastation her unrelenting online harassment caused her victims.” “This defendant, for her own selfish and evil reasons, preyed on the hopes and dreams of a young couple who simply wanted to be parents,” said U.S. Attorney Braden Boucek for the Middle District of Tennessee. “This kind of fraud is devastating to those it affects, it cannot be tolerated, and today’s punishment shows that we will hold those who commit it accountable for their actions.” “Gabryele Watson’s deliberate actions instilled fear in caring people who longed to adopt a child,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “Cyberstalking not only causes panic and anxiety but also leaves victims feeling constantly unsafe and vulnerable. The FBI prioritizes cases involving threats of violence and will always investigate and bring to justice those who use digital platforms to threaten others.” According to court documents, from May to June 2023, Gabryele Watson, 30, of Athens, Georgia, cyberstalked a married couple living in the Middle District of Tennessee who had been trying to adopt a baby for eight years. To do so, she assumed the identity of a teenager in Pennsylvania who was pregnant (Minor Victim 1), obtaining accurate details about Minor Victim 1 and her pregnancy from Minor Victim 1’s social media posts. Over the next several months, as Minor Victim 1 posted new content on her social media accounts, Watson copied that new content for continued use in her scheme. Posing as Minor Victim 1, Watson contacted the couple online, initially through her social media adoption page and then later using text spoofing services and other tools and techniques to hide her true identity. In their early conversations, the defendant claimed that she was a teenager facing an unplanned pregnancy and wanted to give her baby up for adoption. She shared detailed information about Minor Victim 1’s life and elicited similar personal information from the couple. Over time, Watson began to demand that the couple be available at all hours to respond to her frequent communications and that they purchase baby-related gear and maternity clothing. Watson also repeatedly threatened to cancel the adoption and claimed that her baby suffered from various life-threatening health emergencies. Watson further threatened to abort or injure the unborn baby, to commit suicide while pregnant, and to kill the couple. According to court documents, Watson engaged in the same disturbing conduct with another married couple living in the Middle District of Tennessee when she pretended to be a pregnant 18-year-old living in Arkansas. This time, Watson pretended to be pregnant with high-risk twins. She also communicated on speakerphone with the couple’s two young sons and encouraged them to be excited about the adoption. She eventually threatened to kill the couple and their children. On July 25, 2025, Watson pleaded guilty to cyberstalking, communicating threats to injure in interstate commerce, and unlawful use of a means of identification. This case was investigated by the FBI Nashville Field Office. The Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica R. Morrison are prosecuting the case. Former Senior Trial Attorney Mona Sedky provided substantial contributions to the prosecution. CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cyber and IP criminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.


title: St. Mary’s man sentenced to 3 years for illegal wildlife guiding scheme

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A St. Mary’s man was sentenced last week to three years in prison and is required to pay over $64,000 in restitution for running illegal guiding services and collecting thousands in fraudulent proceeds from the scheme. According to court documents, in October 2021, Michael Beans, 36, began openly advertising guide-outfitter and transporter services for the 2022, 2023 and 2024 bull moose hunting seasons on specific social media hunting forums. At all times relevant to the case, Beans was not licensed by the state of Alaska as a big game guide-outfitter nor transporter. Beans contacted prospective hunters by text, phone or social media messaging platform, and communicated that he would reduce the hunting rates if hunters paid in full early or assisted Beans by advancing fees months before the hunt occurred. In some messages, Beans conveyed costs of the hunt and then received deposits to formalize the booking through mobile money transferring applications or other electronic financial services. Between October 2021 to December 2022, Beans fraudulently collected more than $59,000 in deposits, advanced payments and other funds from roughly 37 non-Alaska resident hunters for guide-outfitted and/or big game transporter services for bull moose hunts when not licensed to do so by the state of Alaska. On Sept. 1, 2022, the first group of hunters arrived in St. Mary’s from across the country. Beans cancelled all contracted hunts without meeting any of the hunters in person. Beans did not refund any hunters for the cancelled hunts, except for $700 returned to one hunter. From Sept. 19 to Sept. 24, 2022, three hunters arrived in St. Mary’s to hunt with Beans. The defendant tried to cancel the hunt, but the hunters located Beans in St. Mary’s and he took them on the hunt consistent with their agreement. Acting as the guide-outfitter or transporter, Beans assisted the hunters in killing three bull moose, even though he was not licensed to do so. On Oct. 1, 2024, Beans pleaded guilty to one count of Lacey Act violations and one count of wire fraud. In handing down the sentence, the Court also ordered Beans to serve three years on supervised release upon completion of his prison sentence. Beans is also required to pay $64,110 in restitution that will be broken out to each victim in this case. “Mr. Beans egregiously exploited unsuspecting hunters and orchestrated a hunt that resulted in the illegal killing of three bull moose,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “His actions not only violate the law but are also an affront to the law-abiding guide-outfitters who respect Alaska’s wildlife community. My office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners statewide to ensure that the regulations governing hunting in Alaska are enforced and upheld, and those who flagrantly violate them are brought to justice.” “Alaska's guide and transporter licensing requirements exist to protect wildlife resources, ensure lawful hunting practices, and maintain a level playing field for licensed operators who follow the law," said Assistant Director Doug Ault, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. "Illegal guided hunts for bull moose and other species undermine those safeguards and threaten public trust in Alaska's world-renowned hunting system. In this case, Mr. Beans not only operated without proper licensure but also deceived dozens of hunters, collecting substantial payments for hunts he largely failed to deliver and leaving many victims without refunds. This sentencing reflects our commitment to aggressively investigating wildlife crimes and holding violators accountable.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and the Alaska Wildlife Troopers investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ainsley McNerney prosecuted the case. ###


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Participates in Special Naturalization Ceremony Celebrating 250th Birthday of the United States

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - This morning, members of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania gathered with the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, staff members with the Court and the Clerk’s Office, and members of the community at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall to participate in a Special Naturalization Ceremony in observance and celebration of the United States of America’s 250th birthday. Sponsored by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the ceremony saw 70 individuals from 27 countries naturalized as United States citizens and included several current and former members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office among its participants. Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Skirtich presented the motion to the Court for the grant of citizenship that led to the administration of the Oath of Allegiance by Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. United States Attorney Troy Rivetti provided brief remarks on the history of Western Pennsylvania during colonial times, and the region’s role in the formation of the United States. Former Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt sang both the national anthem and “America the Beautiful.” “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is honored to have been a part of this historic ceremony in recognition of our nation’s 250th birthday,” said United States Attorney Troy Rivetti. “Any naturalization ceremony is, of course, memorable for those being naturalized as well as for all participating, but today’s event was a particularly special one and served as a wonderful reminder of the United States’ rich history and the wonderful and intricate background of our citizens that forms the fabric of our nation.”


title: Former Federal Prison Employee Convicted of Sexually Abusing Two Inmates

component: Office of the Inspector General

body_text: ROCKFORD — A federal jury in Rockford has convicted a former employee of the Federal Correctional Institute in Thomson, Ill. of sexually abusing two male inmates. After a three-day trial, the jury in U.S. District Court in Rockford on Wednesday found DANNY L. SPYKER, 42, guilty of two counts of knowingly engaging in sexual acts with two inmates. Each count is punishable by up to 15 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Sunil R. Harjani set sentencing for Sept. 14, 2026. According to evidence presented at trial, Spyker worked as a cook supervisor in March 2024 when he knowingly engaged in sexual acts with two inmates. At the time, both victims were in official detention in the prison and under the custodial, supervisory, and disciplinary authority of prison employees, including Spyker. The conviction was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Matt Loux, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Midwest Regional Office of the Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan S. Kim and Andrew M. Rosati.


title: Iraqi National Arrested And Charged With Providing Material Support To Iranian-Backed Terrorist Organizations And Directing Attacks Targeting U.S. Citizens And Interests

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Acting Attorney General for the United States, Todd Blanche, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, John A. Eisenberg, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Kash Patel, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the FBI, James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge of the Washington Field Office of the FBI, Darren Cox, and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today the arrest of MOHAMMAD BAQER SAAD DAWOOD AL-SAADI, an Iraqi national and senior member of Kata’ib Hizballah, a U.S. designated foreign terrorist organization (“FTO”). AL-SAADI was charged by Complaint with six counts of terrorism-related offenses for his activities as an operative of Kata’ib Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (“IRGC”), including his involvement in nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks throughout Europe and the United States. AL-SAADI was arrested on the charges contained in the Complaint, which was unsealed today, transferred into U.S. custody overseas, and transported to the United States. AL-SAADI was presented earlier today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in Manhattan federal court and ordered detained pending trial. “Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, a commander for the terrorist organization, Kata’ib Hizballah, faces serious charges for his role in numerous attacks against U.S. interests across the globe, including his efforts to kill on U.S. soil,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “As alleged, for years, Al-Saadi committed himself to furthering the terrorist goals of Kata’ib Hizballah and the IRGC, two terrorist organizations dedicated to harming the United States and its allies. More recently, Al-Saadi attempted to carry out attacks in the United States, including in New York City. Al-Saadi attempted to disrupt American society through intimidation and violence. In a righteous and just contrast, his prosecution will highlight the best of our country. Those who engage in or support terrorism against Americans and on U.S. soil should take note: the whole of the federal government is committed to dismantling terrorist organizations and bringing their members to justice. I commend our law enforcement partners for their outstanding investigative work resulting in the arrest of Al-Saadi, who will now face justice in a U.S. court.” “Thanks to the dedication and vigilance of law enforcement, this alleged terrorist commander is now in U.S. custody,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “As alleged in the complaint, Al-Saadi directed and urged others to attack U.S. and Israeli interests and to kill Americans and Jews in the U.S. and abroad, and in doing so advance the terrorist goals of Kata’ib Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. These charges show American law enforcement will never let such evil go unchecked, and will use all tools to disrupt and dismantle foreign terrorist organizations and their leaders.” ”As alleged, Al-Saadi coordinated a wave of attacks across Europe, including bombings, arson, and assaults targeting American communities and interests,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “The complaint further alleges that Al-Saadi discussed attacking locations in New York, California, and Arizona and presented a serious threat to our national security. We will continue to work closely with international partners to hold terrorists accountable in U.S. courts.” “The FBI’s successful FTOC of Mohammad Al-Saadi, another high-value target responsible for mass global terrorism, is just the latest success in this administration’s historic work to bring terrorists to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This was a righteous mission executed brilliantly by our agents, investigators, CIRG tactical units and interagency partners who delivered yet again. We are greatly appreciative of the work of our allies around the world—especially to Ambassador Tom Barrack, who led this joint sequenced operation and has been instrumental in bringing this successful mission home to the United States.” “In the span of just three months, Mohammad Al-Saadi allegedly directed 18 terrorist attacks throughout Europe—including against United States citizens and interests—and planned to conduct a similar attack here in our country,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “The FBI New York’s Joint Terrorism Task Force maintains its unwavering resolve to hold accountable leaders of foreign terrorist organizations who utilize mass fear and suffering to further their anti-American agenda.” "As a senior member of a designated foreign terrorist organization, al-Saadi allegedly directed the planning and coordination of 18 terrorist attacks and attempted terrorist attacks targeting U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world," said Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Darren Cox. "Thanks to the FBI's diligence, the defendant will face justice on American soil. The FBI and our partners remain steadfast in our pursuit of all terrorists who threaten our country and our allies." “This case puts into stark relief the global threats posed by the Iranian regime and its proxies like Kata’ib Hizballah—Foreign Terrorist Organizations that have repeatedly targeted Jewish communities across Europe and the United States since the war began,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we disrupted a plot against a Manhattan synagogue, and in partnership with the synagogue’s leadership, ensured its security when the threat was elevated. The NYPD’s work in this case, from officers assigned to the JTTF, to intelligence analysis provided through our international liaison program, helped protect the streets of our city. The NYPD has the most robust municipal counterterrorism and intelligence capacity of any city in the world, which is only strengthened by our partnership with federal agencies on cases like this one.” According to the allegations contained in the Complaint, and statements made during court proceedings: [1] AL-SAADI is a commander for Kata’ib Hizballah, a U.S. designated FTO operating in Iraq that is closely aligned with the IRGC. The IRGC, which is also a U.S. designated FTO, is an Iranian military and counterintelligence agency that operates under the authority of Iran’s Supreme Leader. The IRGC has publicly stated its desire and intention to conduct operations targeting those perceived to be enemies of the Iranian regime, and it has plotted and conducted attack operations targeting, among others, U.S. citizens residing abroad and in the United States, including attacks that resulted in the deaths of U.S. citizens. Iran and the IRGC use other terrorist and paramilitary proxies in the region to take lethal action and to carry out operations against the United States and its allies. These proxies include Kata’ib Hizballah, which has received extensive training, funding, logistical support, weapons, and intelligence from the IRGC’s external operations force, the IRGC Qods Force (“IRGC-QF”). As alleged in the Complaint, AL-SAADI worked closely with Qasem Soleimani, the longtime commander of the IRGC-QF who was killed during a U.S. airstrike in or about 2020, as well as Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was the leader of Kata’ib Hizballah until he was killed in the same airstrike that killed Soleimani. Below are photographs from one of AL-SAADI’s social media accounts of AL-SAADI with Soleimani, including at a military-related facility: In addition, as alleged, AL-SAADI has called on others to attack and kill Americans, including in retribution for Soleimani’s and al-Muhandis’s deaths. On or about July 2, 2020, for example, AL-SAADI published on one of his social media accounts the following image of the U.S. capitol in rubbles projected against the faces of Soleimani and al-Muhandis, with the text “our revenge for the martyred leaders is ongoing. No negotiations with the occupier.” In recent months, AL-SAADI has also allegedly directed and urged others to attack U.S. and Israeli interests, including by killing Americans and Jews, to further the terrorist goals of Kata’ib Hizballah and the IRGC. In or about February 2026, for example, AL-SAADI posted on one of his social media accounts a message in Arabic, which read in part, “Do not abandon the blood of your Imam of the time, oh Shiites of Iraq. Kill everyone who supports America and Israel. Do not leave any of them remaining. Civil and military targets, as well as voices of discord, kill them everywhere.” As alleged, over the last several months, AL-SAADI and his associates have planned, coordinated, and claimed responsibility for at least 18 terrorist attacks in Europe (the “European Terrorist Attacks”), as well as two additional attacks in Canada, in the name of Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, a component of Kata’ib Hizballah. On or about March 9, 2026—the day of the first of the European Terrorist Attacks—AL-SAADI posted on one of his social media accounts a message calling on “warriors of Islam” to engage in “jihad,” or violent holy war. From that point on, AL-SAADI and his associates allegedly have carried out attacks against U.S. interests. AL-SAADI and Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya have also published videos of the attacks. For example, on or about March 15, 2026, individuals carried out an attack involving explosives against the Bank of New York Mellon, an American bank, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The next day, on or about March 16, 2026, AL-SAADI posted a propaganda video of the attack, in which Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya claimed responsibility for the attack. The video also showed aspects of the attack planning, including maps of the location of where the attack would be and a message which read: “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful This is the Final Warning[.] To all the peoples of the world, especially in the European Union, Immediately distance yourselves [] from all American and Zionist interests, facilities, and what is affiliated with them.” Similar attacks continued in or about March and April 2026, accompanied by videos allegedly published by AL-SAADI in which Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya claimed responsibility for the attacks. In one such attack, on or about April 12, 2026, an arson was allegedly committed against a synagogue in Skopje, North Macedonia. On or about April 16, 2026, AL-SAADI posted a video showing the site of that attack with a red target symbol and surveillance footage of the synagogue on fire, as depicted in the screenshots below with the logo of Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya in the upper right corner of the images (circled in red): In another attack, on or about April 29, 2026, two Jewish men—including a dual U.S.-British citizen—were stabbed and seriously injured in London, United Kingdom. In addition, in or about April and May 2026, AL-SAADI, on behalf of Kata’ib Hizballah and the IRGC, allegedly attempted to coordinate and carry out terrorist attacks to kill individuals in the United States, including by targeting Jewish institutions in New York, New York, and elsewhere. On or about April 3, 2026, AL-SAADI spoke to an undercover law enforcement officer (“UC-1”) whom AL-SAADI believed could carry out attacks in the United States. That day, AL-SAADI texted UC-1 photographs and maps showing the exact location of a prominent Jewish synagogue located in New York, New York (the “New York Synagogue”), as well as two additional U.S.-based Jewish institutions in Los Angeles, California, and Scottsdale, Arizona, respectively, and directed UC-1 to carry out terrorist attacks against those targets. AL-SAADI also spoke on the phone with UC-1, and discussed with UC-1, with respect to the New York Synagogue, whether UC-1 would use an improvised explosive device or “set the place on fire.” Fortunately, no such attacks occurred at the time. * * * AL-SAADI, 32, of Iraq, has been charged with: (i) conspiring to provide material support to Kata’ib Hizballah, a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (ii) conspiring to provide material support to the IRGC, a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (iii) conspiring to provide material support for acts of terrorism of attempting and conspiring to murder nationals of the United States, and bombing and conspiring to bomb a place of public use, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison; (iv) providing material support for acts of terrorism, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison; (v) conspiring to bomb a place of public use, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison; and (vi) attempted destruction of property by means of fire or explosive, which carries a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The statutory maximum and mandatory minimum penalties are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the NYPD, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, and the FBI Washington Field Office, Counterterrorism Division, as well as the assistance of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section, the Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the NYPD, and the New York State Police. Mr. Clayton also offered particular thanks to the U.S. Department of State, and in particular Ambassador Thomas Barrack and Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun. This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey W. Coyle and Sarah L. Kushner are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Paul Casey and James Donnelly of the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.