title: Decatur Siblings Sentenced to Multiple Decades in Prison for Kidnapping Local Businessman

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Two Decatur siblings, Ademeko Maclin-Carney, 26, and Ausarian Carney, 23, were sentenced on March 5, 2025, to thirty and twenty-four years in federal prison, respectively, to be followed by multi-year terms of supervised release, for kidnapping and seeking ransom for a Decatur businessman on March 24, 2022. During a five-day jury trial from October 7-11, 2024, the government presented evidence that Maclin-Carney lured a local businessman to an abandoned house in Decatur under the pretense of seeking a flooring estimate for the home. When the victim arrived to provide the flooring estimate, Maclin-Carney greeted him using an alias and led him inside, where she pepper-sprayed him in the eyes as he stood up from taking a measurement. As this was happening, her brother, Carney, entered from another room, pressed a firearm into the victim, and told him it was going to be a “very bad day” for him. After ordering the victim to the ground while holding him at gunpoint, Carney then zip-tied the victim’s hands, duct-taped his face, and put a bag over his head. The siblings instructed the victim that they wanted $400,000 for his release, otherwise they would kill him. The kidnappers moved the victim to various locations, at one point instructing him to make a ransom call to his wife at their family business. Though the victim instructed his wife not to call the police, she nonetheless called 911 and the Decatur Police Department responded and began their investigation. Maclin-Carney went to the victim’s business and saw members of the Decatur Police Department there, which spurred her and Carney to again move the victim and to eventually dump him, zip-tied with a bag over his head, in the back of an abandoned van. The victim, left alone on a bed of broken glass in the rain, eventually pried a hand free and escaped his zip ties. He ran to a local business, where the authorities were contacted and came to his aid. Meanwhile, the Decatur Police Department was conducting an extensive investigation and had located the victim’s car, which the defendants had dumped in an alleyway in Decatur. The defendants also had placed the victim’s belongings in the car, along with a notebook that listed the address of the home from which he had been abducted, the alias that had been used by Maclin-Carney, and traces of pepper spray that had been used against the victim. Ultimately, law enforcement discovered that the notebook contained the fingerprints of both defendants. Using this information, the Decatur Police were able to locate and search the home where the victim had been abducted and find more evidence implicating the two defendants. The victim identified Maclin-Carney before and during the trial as the kidnapper who lured him to the home for the flooring estimate. A variety of forensic evidence, including fingerprints, DNA, business video footage, trace fiber evidence, and cellular location data all demonstrated that the siblings perpetrated the kidnapping. The jury convicted both siblings of kidnapping on October 11, 2024. At the sentencing hearings before U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn on March 5, 2025, Judge McGlynn noted that the victim and his family would suffer long-lasting psychological trauma from the incident. Judge McGlynn also noted that neither defendant expressed remorse for the crime. In imposing the thirty-year sentence for Maclin-Carney, Judge McGlynn highlighted that she was the leader of the kidnapping, specifically noting her research about the victim, his family, and his business before the crime. The court also noted that Maclin-Carney had researched the penalty for “third-degree murder” in the leadup to the kidnapping. After her arrest, Maclin-Carney also took steps while in pretrial detention both to prevent the victims from testifying against her, and to manufacture an alibi through false testimony about her own and her brother’s whereabouts during the kidnapping. Maclin-Carney had two prior violent felony convictions, both for aggravated battery, prior to committing this kidnapping. In imposing the twenty-four-year sentence for Carney, Judge McGlynn noted that although Maclin-Carney was the mastermind of the operation and had a more serious criminal history, Carney was still the gunman and the muscle. Carney had been, in every way, a partner to his sister’s crime, had pressed the firearm into the victim multiple times to force his compliance, and like his sister, never expressed regret or remorse for his actions. “The defendants’ violent kidnapping of the victim in this case shows their avarice for ill-gotten gains at any cost, including the terror they inflicted on the victim and his family,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Gilmore. “The significant sentences here reflect the gravity of the defendants’ crimes. I want to thank our law enforcement partners – the Decatur Police Department, the FBI, and the U.S. Marshal’s Service – who all did excellent work investigating this crime.” “Kidnapping cases are incredibly traumatic, and this one was no different,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan D. Freres. “The husband and wife victims of this offense showed immense courage throughout this ordeal, including testifying at the trial. Throughout, I was deeply moved by their strength and faith. I am also deeply appreciative for all the hard work of law enforcement in investigating this case.” “This case is a testament to the outstanding dedication and collaboration between the Decatur Police Department, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in bringing these suspects to justice,” said Decatur Police Chief Shane Brandel. “The investigators worked tirelessly on this complex case, demonstrating exceptional skill and commitment to ensuring public safety. We are grateful for our strong partnerships and the unwavering pursuit of justice by the prosecutors who brought this case to a successful conclusion. Most importantly, our thoughts remain with the victim, and we hope this resolution brings them a measure of healing and justice.” “Quite often, successful investigative outcomes require resources from a variety of law enforcement partners,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Karen Marinos. “The Decatur Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and FBI Springfield brought their best to the table. Those efforts held the offenders accountable and led to justice for the victim.” The statutory penalty for kidnapping is up to life imprisonment, followed by up to five years of supervised release. The Decatur Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, investigated the case, with assistance from the U.S. Marshal’s Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan D. Freres and Douglas F. McMeyer represented the United States in the prosecution.


title: Wood County man sentenced for trafficking methamphetamine in East Texas

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

body_text: TYLER, Texas – A Mineola man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. Bobby Wayne Land, 48, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy Kernodle on March 7, 2025. According to information presented in court, on February 28, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search of Land’s residence in Van Zandt County which resulted in the discovery of approximately 205 grams of methamphetamine. Land admitted that the methamphetamine was his and possessed if for the purpose of distributing to others. Co-defendant, Preston Mitchell Wilson, was sentenced on January 17, 2025, to 120 months in federal prison. Danny Lynn Nabors was also sentenced on January 17, 2025, to 96 months in federal prison. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Grand Saline Police Department; the Canton Police Department; and the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson. ###


title: Defendants Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Violating Big Cat Public Safety Act

component: ENRD - Environmental Crimes Section

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced that Keidrick Damond Usifo and Deon Johnson, were sentenced to probation on Thursday, March 6, 2025, by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr. for violation of the Big Cat Public Safety Act . Judge Moody sentenced Usifo, 30, of Conway, Arkansas, to five years’ probation and a $5,000.00 fine, and Johnson, 29, of Little Rock, Arkansas, to 18 months’ probation, and a $1,000.00 fine. Usifo and Johnson were indicted by a federal grand jury on March 5, 2024. Usifo was indicted on one count of violation of the Big Cat Public Safety Act and Johnson was indicted on one count of misprision of a felony, which related to Johnson’s affirmative concealment of Usifo’s crime. On October 22, 2024, both Usifo and Johnson pled guilty to their counts in the indictment. An investigation revealed that Usifo purchased and transported a tiger cub around March 16-18, 2023, from a tiger broker in Dallas, Texas. On April 7, 2023, the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (AGFC) notified USFWS that they received a complaint of a tiger cub sighting in a residential neighborhood in Conway. On April 17, 2023, an agent with AGFC was notified that there was a man with a tiger in the backyard of a residence in Conway. There was also an anonymous tip posted on AGFC’s page about a tiger cub for sale in Conway. The Big Cat Public Safety Act makes it illegal to privately possess or breed big cats. A further investigation revealed that on April 19, 2023, a second complaint was made to AGFC about a tiger at a residence in Conway. On April 21, 2023, a traffic stop was conducted and Usifo was arrested on a felony state warrant. The Conway Police Department executed a search warrant at Usifo’s residence and although they did not locate the tiger, there was evidence in the residence indicating the presence of a tiger, as well as matching rooms from Usifo’s Instagram posts that displayed a tiger cub. While in the Pulaski County Detention Facility (PCDF), Usifo made several calls to Johnson. The investigation revealed that Johnson had knowledge of when Usifo was going to travel to Dallas to get the tiger and of Usifo’s possession of the tiger. Johnson also fed the tiger for Usifo during Usifo’s incarceration at PCDF. Johnson concealed any knowledge of the tiger when questioned by agents. The Big Cat Public Safety Act was enacted on December 20, 2022, to protect the public by putting an end to the private ownership of big cats, such as tigers and lions, as pets and by prohibiting exhibitors from allowing public contact with big cats, including tiger cubs. It has placed new restrictions on the commerce, breeding, possession, and use of certain big cat species. In order to legally possess privately owned big cats, the Act required individuals or entities to register any big cats before the date of enactment, that were in their possession with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The case was investigated by the USFWS, with assistance from AGFC, Conway Police Department, and the Little Rock Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Edward Walker with assistance from the United States Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Former CEO of Subprime Auto Lender Sentenced to Four Years in Prison in Connection With $67 Million Fraud Schemes

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: CHICAGO — The former Chief Executive Officer of a suburban Chicago subprime auto lending company has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for participating in a pair of fraud schemes that resulted in approximately $67 million in losses. JAMES COLLINS was the CEO of Evanston, Ill.-based Honor Finance LLC. From 2015 to 2018, Collins schemed with others to submit false information to a bank that had provided a $200 million warehouse line of credit to the company to fund its subprime loan portfolio. The false information allowed Collins to avoid posting additional collateral while maintaining funding from the line of credit that the company otherwise might have had to return to the bank. The false information also increased the amount of funding he received from a trust established by Honor and the bank to securitize thousands of loans in Honor’s portfolio and sell them as bonds to investors. Collins selected certain vehicle loans for the trust that he knew were delinquent and not eligible to be included in the portfolio because money had already been advanced to those borrowers through improper accounting entries. Collins hid the ineligibility of these loans from the bank, bond investors, and rating agencies. As a result of the false representations and omissions regarding the line of credit and the trust, the bank lost approximately $62 million. Collins also engaged in a separate fraud scheme that involved the misappropriation of approximately $5.3 million from Honor. Collins and his co-schemers established a shell company called LHS Solutions that they used as a middleman between Honor and a third-party supplier of GPS devices. Instead of Honor buying the devices directly from the supplier, as it had previously done, Collins had LHS Solutions purchase the devices before selling them to Honor Finance at inflated prices, with Collins and the co-schemers keeping and using the difference. Collins also diverted commissions from the sales of vehicle warranties that should have gone to Honor. Collins, 55, of Evanston, Ill., pleaded guilty in 2023 to a federal mail fraud charge and stipulated to bank fraud. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Franklin W. Valderrama imposed the prison sentence and ordered Collins to pay approximately $67 million in restitution. The sentence was announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Getter and Paige A. Nutini. A co-defendant, Honor Finance’s former Chief Operating Officer ROBERT DIMEO, of Park Ridge, Ill., pleaded guilty in 2022 to a mail fraud charge. DiMeo is awaiting sentencing.


title: Former Border Patrol Agent Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Violations

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Shane Millan, age 53, of Jefferson County New York, pled guilty today in federal court in Syracuse to two counts of deprivation of rights under color of law. Acting United States Attorney Daniel Hanlon and Vance Kuhner, Special Agent in Charge for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Professional Responsibility, New York, NY, made the announcement. In pleading guilty today, Millan admitted that, while acting under color of law as a Border Patrol Agent, he willfully deprived multiple victims of their constitutional right to be free from unreasonable searches when, during virtual processing concerning their admission to the United States, he commanded the victims to expose their bare chests to him via webcam. Millan further admitted that he told these women that his requests were for legitimate searches incident to admission into the United States, but he knew his demands to see the victims’ breasts were for his own gratification. Millan is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7, 2025, by United States Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks. At sentencing, he faces up to two years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $200,000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility Investigative Operations Directorate is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Perry and Michael D. Gadarian are prosecuting the case.


title: Nigerian National Extradited for Multi-Million Dollar Mortgage Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A resident of Abuja, Nigeria made his initial appearance in a federal court in Miami, where he is accused of playing a key role in a fraud scheme in which he fraudulently obtained loans in connection with the fraudulent purchases of approximately 20 residential properties in Florida. This plot resulted in the loss of about $8 million to U.S. financial institutions, the Justice Department announced today. Okechukwu Josiah Odunna, 60, faces charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution. Odunna was arrested on Sept. 24, 2024, by Nigerian authorities pursuant to a U.S. extradition request. Nigerian authorities extradited Odunna to the Southern District of Florida on March 6, after he waived extradition. He has remained incarcerated since his arrest. Odunna is scheduled to appear at his pretrial detention and arraignment hearings on March 11 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan Goodman. According to the indictment, between December 2005 to approximately May 2008, Odunna and his co-conspirators devised a scheme to defraud and to obtain money by making false representations and material omissions to U.S. banking institutions. As part of the scheme, Odunna and his co-conspirators would, among other things: submit false and fraudulent loan applications and documents to financial institutions relating to purchases of residential properties, resulting in lenders loaning out more money than they otherwise would. These false statements to the lenders included false names of the persons who would be borrowing the money to purchase the properties, falsely inflated sale prices that were much higher than the true prices and false details regarding the receipt and disbursement of funds in connection with the purchases of the properties. Odunna, who was a licensed attorney at the time, was also one of the directors of Direct Title and Escrow Services, Inc. (DTES). Odunna was the settlement agent in approximately 20 fraudulent closings of property purchases. To disguise the fraud, Odunna and his co-conspirators provided sellers and lenders with two different settlement statements, which included false information and omitted information regarding the sale price, the identity of the purchaser, and the receipt and the disbursement of funds. Odunna’s co-conspirators, charged in the same indictment, included Karl Oreste, Marie Lucie Tondreau and Kelly Augustin. Oreste pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 100 months in prison. Tondreau , who was the former Mayor of North Miami, was convicted at trial. She was sentenced to 65 months in prison. Augustin remains a fugitive. If convicted, Odunna faces up to 30 years in prison on the conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution charge and up to 30 years in prison on the wire fraud affecting a financial institution charge. Each count also carries the possibility of a fine and supervised release upon completion of any prison sentence. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office, and Commissioner Russell C. Weigel, III, of the Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR), made the announcement. The FBI Miami and OFR are investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Odunna. The United States also thanks the FBI International Operations Division, Africa Unit Legal Attaché Office, Abuja, Nigeria, Ministry of Justice, Central Authority Unit, Nigeria, and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigeria for their valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana Maria Martinez is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daren Grove is handling asset forfeiture. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 14-cr-20349. ###


title: Multiple Members of Transnational Criminal Organization ‘18th Street’ Sentenced for Roles in Various Violent Crimes Committed During Their Gang Involvement

body_text: WASHINGTON – Elvis Mauricio Maradiaga, 23, of Bladensburg, Maryland, was sentenced today to 108 months in federal prison for his participation in a violent, transnational criminal enterprise known as the 18th Street gang. Maradiaga was one of the last of 11 other defendants sentenced for crimes related to their involvement in 18th Street. His sentencing marks the conclusion of a sprawling, multi-year investigation into the gang’s criminal activities throughout DMV-area and abroad. In sum, in February 2023, a grand jury returned an indictment against 12 of the 18 th Street members, charging them with participating in a years’ long racketeering conspiracy as well as with murders, attempted murders, and kidnapping. Of the 12 charged defendants, six proceeded to trial in April and May 2024 before the Honorable Trevor N. McFadden, were found guilty by a jury of nearly every offense with which they were charged, and were each sentenced to life imprisonment. Five defendants pleaded guilty and received sentences ranging from 96 to 480 months in prison. The sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, ICE Deputy Director Russ Hott of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The 18th Street organization engages in a variety of criminal activities abroad and throughout the United States, including in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. Its activities include acts of murder, kidnapping, assault, robbery, witness intimidation, and firearms and narcotics trafficking to fuel the gang’s violent operations. The gang is active throughout Central and South America, particularly in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. It uses violence to maintain control over specific geographical areas. “The sentencing of these violent criminals should send a clear message: transnational gangs like 18th Street have no place in our communities and we will not tolerate the brutality, fear, and lawlessness they spread,” said U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. “Through relentless cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement, we are dismantling these dangerous organizations piece by piece. Our commitment to public safety is unwavering, and we will continue to pursue and prosecute those who threaten our neighborhoods with violence and crime.” According to court documents, members of 18th Street are required to commit acts of violence to further the interests of the gang and to maintain or increase their status within it. These violent acts are often directed against rival gang members, 18th Street members who violate gang rules or otherwise disrespect the gang, and persons who are suspected of cooperating with law enforcement. Additionally, 18th Street members sell and transport narcotics, weapons, and other contraband to generate money to support the gang and its criminal activities. Some of the proceeds of this criminal activity are wired to members of the gang’s leadership in other countries. 18th Street members control geographical areas and use violence to maintain their control. 18th Street – which was founded in Los Angeles and now includes up to 50,000 members – is organized into “cliques,” or smaller groups operating within specific cities or regions under the umbrella rules of 18th Street. Such cliques include the Tiny Locos Sureños (TLS), Los Crazy Brothers (LCB), and the Revolucionarios. This investigation began in 2019 and covered the full breadth of criminal activity 18th Street was involved in within the greater D.C. metropolitan area. Ultimately, numerous 18th Street gang members were arrested as part of the investigation and either pled guilty or were found guilty at trial in May 2024. Regarding these sentences in particular, the charges focused on the shooting and attempted murder of C.H. on May 21, 2021, within the 5700 block of 14th Street NW, Washington, DC; the kidnapping and execution of Carlos Ramos Martinez on July 14, 2021, in a wooded area off the side of I-95 in Elkton, MD; and the murder of Danis Alcides Salgado Mata on December 19, 2021, in Rockville, MD as well as the attempted murders of his mother and stepfather. The sentences also included defendants who pled guilty to participating in a racketeer influenced and corrupt organization (RICO) related to their involvement and knowledge of kidnappings, robberies, weapons trafficking, and narcotic trafficking committed at the behest of the gang. A final defendant, Milton Benjamin Guevara-Villatoro, has been extradited from El Salvador and is pending trial on two indictments related to his alleged involvement in a shooting at the Petworth Metro Station on September 17, 2019, and the murder of Carlos Ramos Martinez. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. The case was investigated by the Northern Virginia Safe Streets Task Force, the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement Removal Operations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and the Montgomery County, Maryland Police Department. The District of Columbia Department of Forensic Sciences, Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, and the Montgomery County, Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office provided valuable assistance. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jack F. Korba, Will Hart, and Sitara Witanachchi and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gilead Light and Christopher Marin. 18th STREET DEFENDANTS NAME AGE AKA CLIQUE CHARGES/SENTENCES Jose Santos Alvarado-Velasquez, Takoma Park, MD 24 “Vago” Los Crazy Brothers Sentenced November 21, 2024, to life in prison for conspiracy to participate in a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO-Conspiracy), Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (VICAR)- Murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death; and sentenced to 120 months for discharge of a firearm – crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm – illegal alien Gerlin Neptali Diaz-Lopez Washington, D.C. 23 “Sicario” Tiny Locos Sureños Sentenced October 11, 2024, to life in prison Imprisonment for RICO-conspiracy, VICAR-Murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death; and sentenced to 120 months for discharge of a firearm – crime of violence, and unlawful possession of a firearm – illegal alien Jose Anselmo Ibarra-Cristales Beltsville, MD 24 “Chemo” Los Crazy Brothers Sentenced September 27, 2024, to 20 years in prison for RICO-conspiracy; and life in prison for VICAR-murder, conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death Carlos Rolando Martinez-Mora Hyattsville, MD 25 “Crosty” Los Crazy Brothers Sentenced November 14, 2024, to two consecutive life sentences for RICO-conspiracy, VICAR-murder x2, conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in death, and kidnapping resulting in death Bradley Andree Martinez-Mora Hyattsville, MD 22 “Joker” Los Crazy Brothers Sentenced December 23, 2024, to 20 years in prison for RICO-conspiracy; and a life sentence for conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in death Jexon Madrid-Flores Boston, MA 23 “Spooky” Tiny Locos Sureños Sentenced October 11, 2024, to 20 years in prison for RICO-conspiracy; and life in prison for conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in death; also sentenced to 20 years for VICAR-assault with a dangerous weapon (ADW); 204 months for discharging a firearm during a crime of violence; 120 months for VICAR-attempted murder; and 80 months for aggravated assault while armed Bryan Delfino Vasquez-Izara Washington, DC 22 “Smokey” Tiny Locos Sureños Sentenced October 4, 2024, to 96 months for RICO-conspiracy; and 12 months for carrying a pistol without a license Elvis Mauricio Maradiaga Bladensburg, MD 23 “Smokey” Los Crazy Brothers Sentenced March 7, 2024, to 108 months for RICO-Conspiracy Carlos Giovani Linares Boteo Hyattsville, MD 28 “Tiny” Los Crazy Brothers Sentenced August 1, 2024, to 216 months imprisonment for RICO-conspiracy Cesar De la O Rodriguez Washington, DC 21 “Lunatico” Tiny Locos Sureños Sentenced January 21, 2025, to 40 years in prison for RICO-conspiracy; and 10 years for conspiracy to commit VICAR-murder Emerson Aguirre-Morales [1] Washington, DC 21 “Mota” Tiny Locos Sureños Sentenced February 3, 2025, to 102 months for VICAR-attempted murder [1] Aguirre-Morales was initially charged by Information in 22-cr-218 as a juvenile. As part of his guilty plea, he agreed to be charged as an adult. ### 23cr43 22cr190 22cr218 [1] Aguirre-Morales was initially charged by Information in 22-cr-218 as a juvenile. As part of his guilty plea, he agreed to be charged as an adult.


title: Marlborough Man Arrested for Possession of Four Kilograms of Cocaine

body_text: BOSTON – A Marlborough man has been arrested on cocaine trafficking charges. Ricardo Guzman, a/k/a “Killin” 38, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Guzman was arrested on March 5, 2025 and appeared in federal court on March 6, 2025. According to the charging documents, on Jan. 6, 20205, a source allegedly purchased 499 grams of cocaine from Guzman in Marlborough, Mass. This purchase was audio and video recorded. On March 5, 2025, the source allegedly arranged to purchase three kilograms of cocaine from Guzman in exchange for $75,000. It is alleged that Guzman was observed leaving the building where he resided with an unknown male carrying two large approximately five-gallon plaster buckets and placing them in a truck bed. The two men drove the truck a short distance when Guzman was observed getting out and entering his own vehicle, a red Volkswagen. Allegedly Guzman, alone in his vehicle, drove to a parking lot near the location where he planned to meet the source in Marlborough, Mass. Guzman’s vehicle was followed to this location by the truck. Once at the parking lot, Guzman was taken into custody and approximately half of a kilogram (500 grams) of suspected cocaine was found on his person. According to court documents, a search of the truck resulted in the seizure of approximately three and a half kilograms of suspected cocaine in the buckets in the truck bed. The charge of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and up to life and a fine of up to $1,000,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine provides for a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four of supervised release and up to life and a fine of up to $5,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division and the Hudson, Marlborough and Stoneham Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Mackenzie Duane of the Narcotics and Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former refugee admits to supporting ISIS

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 28-year-old former Iraqi refugee and legal permanent resident of Richmond has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Abdulrahman Mohammed Hafedh Alqaysi admitted to providing material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). From 2015 to 2020, Alqaysi provided his computer expertise to develop and post logos for a media arm of the ISIS group known as the Kalachnikov team. He further sent hacking videos and instructions to ISIS members in addition to stolen credit card information and fraudulently created identity documents. “The Department of Justice and the Southern District of Texas are committed to rooting out terror elements in our communities, wherever they may be,” said Ganjei. “If you’re working to subvert the United States through violence, you will be found and you will be punished.” U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett accepted the plea and has set sentencing for June 5. At that time, Alqaysi faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. The FBI Houston Joint Terrorism Task Force conducted the investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter is prosecuting the case along with NSD Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe.


title: San Bernardino Church Pastor and Ex-Political Candidate Arrested for Alleged Wire Fraud Schemes Targeting Friends, Nonprofit

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: RIVERSIDE, California – A pastor at a San Bernardino church and one-time political candidate for the San Bernardino City Council has been arrested on an 11-count federal grand jury indictment alleging he committed several con jobs targeting long-time friends and a nonprofit corporation tied to another church, swindling them out of a total of more than $230,000, the Justice Department announced today. Terrance Owens Elliott, 60, a.k.a. “Tony Elliott,” of Crestline, is charged with 11 counts of wire fraud. Elliott was arrested Thursday and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in Riverside. The Family Trust According to the indictment that a grand jury returned February 26, from October 2019 to February 2023, Elliott – representing himself as working in the San Bernardino city government and being involved with the San Bernardino Police Department – defrauded several long-time friends out of approximately $150,263 by convincing one friend – identified in the indictment as “M.C” – to put her inheritance money into a trust for her own benefit. Elliott convinced this victim to allow him to establish and administer that trust, claiming that she would lose her Medicare and Social Security benefits if she directly received the inheritance. Elliott prepared a trust agreement that appointed himself as a co-trustee. The trust provided that its money was to be used for the M.C.’s financial needs during her lifetime and permitted that her funeral expenses were to be paid from the trust with any remaining property being passed to her children upon her death. Elliott then opened a bank account in the trust’s name listing only himself as a trustee and gave the bank a fraudulently modified copy of the trust agreement that purported that he had the sole power to make payments from the trust’s bank account. He then wrote checks and made online transfers to a church – identified in the indictment as “Church A” – that weren’t permitted under the trust agreement. He also used the money from that trust’s bank account to purchase postal money orders that were used to pay the church’s rent. Elliott further used the account to pay for his personal expenses, including the repair of a Chevrolet truck, Nike sneakers, a piano, clothing, and an extended warranty for a motorcycle. Elliott also obtained access to M.C.’s account at a different bank to make approximately $27,164 in unauthorized transfers of some of her monthly Social Security payments to the church. When the victim’s family asked Elliott about the trust account or asked for bank statements, he lulled them into compliance by getting upset and telling them that everything was under control. When M.C. died, Elliott tricked another victim – identified as “W.H.” – into paying approximately $8,615 for the victim’s funeral expenses, falsely claiming that he needed authorization from a judge before money in the trust bank account could be released. Through this scheme, Elliott defrauded four victims – including M.C. and W.H. – out of at least approximately $150,263. The Corporation In a separate scheme, from June 2021 to February 2023, Elliott advised victim W.H. on selling a house when renters occupied the property. After W.H. sold the house, Elliott called him and suggested the victim’s corporation loan M.C.’s trust $65,000, falsely claiming this would help the victim to avoid having to pay a capital gains tax from the house’s sale. Elliott prepared a loan contract between a corporation W.H. had set up and M.C.’s trust, which they signed. Elliott told W.H. that Elliott would transfer $65,000 from the corporation to the trust account and that the trust would repay the loan with 10% annual interest. Elliott convinced the victim to give him several signed blank checks from the bank account of W.H.’s corporation. Instead of honoring the contract, Elliott used one of the blank checks to make an unauthorized transfer to Church A – without W.H.’s knowledge or consent. Although Elliott ultimately transferred $49,000 to the trust, he never repaid any part of the $65,000 loan. Instead, he spent the bulk of the money on his own personal expenses. Nonprofit Litigation Finally, from September 2018 to June 2021, Elliott used his relationships with Church B and its board of directors to help manage the church’s litigation expenses and other costs involving a different church – identified in the indictment as “Church B” and a nonprofit. Elliott lied to the nonprofit and Church B’s board of directors that the nonprofit owed money to W.H.’s corporation for services rendered related to litigation against them. He caused the nonprofit to issue approximately 32 checks to W.H.’s corporation, which Elliott later deposited in a corporation-related bank account that Elliott controlled. Elliott did not use the money from the checks for the nonprofit’s benefit and defrauded it out of approximately $23,300. In total, Elliott allegedly caused his victims approximately $238,563 in losses. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, Elliott would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each count. The FBI is investigating this matter. Based on evidence, investigators believe it is possible that Elliott has additional victims yet to be identified. If you have any information, please contact the FBI at (310) 477-6565 or tips.fbi.gov . Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin J. Weir of the Riverside Branch Office is prosecuting this case.


title: Two Sentenced to Life Plus 60 Years in Brutal Revenge Kidnappings and Murders That Occurred Three Days After Christmas 2017

body_text: WASHINGTON – Marcel Vines, 28, and Malique Lewis, 27, both members of the violent Clay Terrace crew, were sentenced today in U.S. District Court to life plus 60 years in prison for the kidnappings and murders of two innocent victims in retaliation for a slaying in which the victims were not involved. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince George’s County (MD) Police Department. Following a four-week trial Vines, aka “Baby Boy” or “B.Y.,” and Lewis, aka “Freak,” each were found guilty by a federal jury on August 19, 2024, of kidnapping resulting in death; conspiracy to commit kidnapping; unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon; two counts of kidnapping while armed; two counts of first degree murder while armed—felony murder with aggravating circumstances; first degree murder while armed (premeditated) with aggravating circumstances; and five counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. According to the government’s evidence at trial, Lewis and Vines conspired with a third co-defendant to kidnap and kill Armani Nico Coles and Kerrice Lewis, who has no relation to defendant Lewis, out of a desire for revenge. Earlier that day, a friend of Armani Coles and Kerrice Lewis had shot and killed the defendants’ friend, Ronzay Green. The defendants knew who killed Green and decided to retaliate against that man, travelling across the city to his neighborhood to look for him. At around 2 p.m., just three hours after Green’s death, they drove past a gas station where Kerrice Lewis was pumping gas into her blue Lexus. Vines recognized her and the defendants followed her as she drove away. At 2:45 p.m., at an AutoZone parking lot in the 900 block of Longfellow Street Northwest, the defendants kidnapped Kerrice Lewis. Armed with an assault rifle and a .45 caliber firearm, Lewis and Vines held Ms. Lewis in the backseat of her own vehicle at gunpoint to lure the man they believed had killed their friend. Unsuccessful, the defendants then used Ms. Lewis’ phone to lure Armani Coles to a location near First and Kennedy Streets Northwest, believing Mr. Coles could lead them to the man responsible for Green’s slaying. At approximately 6 p.m., the defendants kidnapped Nico Coles. They forced Mr. Coles into the backseat of Ms. Lewis’ car and forced Ms. Lewis into the trunk of her own car. As the defendants drove Ms. Lewis’ vehicle towards their Clay Terrace neighborhood, they encountered traffic on Interstate 295 in Maryland. When the defendants hit traffic on I-295, at approximately 6:20 p.m., Mr. Coles attempted to flee. The defendants shot him in the abdomen and the back—one gunshot wound from the .45 and one gunshot wound from the Draco—and then shoved his body out of the car, dragging his face along the highway asphalt as they continued to drive, ultimately pushing him onto the highway, and leaving him there to die. An hour later, the defendants drove Ms. Lewis’ vehicle, with Ms. Lewis still confined in her trunk, to an alley behind the 800 block of Adrian Street Southeast. The defendants then opened the trunk, shot Ms. Lewis at least 13 times, and set her remains and her vehicle on fire, before fleeing the scene. Analysis of the ballistic evidence from both scenes indicated that the same two firearms, a .45 caliber and a 7.62 mm caliber, were used to kill both victims. Additionally, law enforcement recovered fingerprints from an item that was pushed out of Ms. Lewis’ car along with Mr. Coles’ body. Analysis of those fingerprints identified two prints as belonging to Vines. The night after the murders, Lewis was captured on video at a McDonald’s drive-through, driving Mr. Coles’ missing vehicle. Shortly after the murders, Lewis also made statements, via text, bragging about them by sending news articles about the murders, and saying, “we ain’t done.” Lewis and Vines were both arrested on January 5, 2018, on unrelated charges. Shortly thereafter, Lewis was charged by Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office with the murder of Mr. Coles. In August 2018, Lewis and Vines were charged in D.C. Superior Court with both murders. The case was removed to federal court on May 23, 2019. Both defendants have been in custody since their arrest in January 2018. This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the Metropolitan Police Department, the Prince George’s County Police Department, with additional assistance provided by the United States Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberley Nielsen, George Eliopoulos, and Colleen Kukowski of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. 19cr166


title: LEFLORE COUNTY MAN SENTENCED FOR KNIFE ATTACK ON POSTAL CARRIER

component: USAO - Mississippi, Northern

body_text: Greenville, Mississippi – Chief U.S. District Court Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Cordero Moore, aged 36, of Greenwood, Mississippi to serve a 70-month jail sentence for an August 2024 knife attack on a U.S. Postal Carrier as the Carrier delivered mail in Greenwood. Judge Brown also sentenced Moore to post-incarceration court supervision for 3 years. On August 5, 2024, Moore chased down the Postal Carrier while waving a knife and forced the Carrier to enter a local business for her safety. Moore was later arrested in possession of two knives. “This defendant made a violent, cowardly attack on a female postal employee who was just hard at work performing her duties,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “It is ludicrous that this dedicated letter carrier should have to fear for her life while simply doing her job, and we appreciate the collaboration of our law enforcement partners in holding the line against such conduct.” “The safety and security of Postal Service employees is core to the mission of the Postal Inspection Service,” said Shameka Jackson, Acting Inspector-in-Charge of the Houston Division. “Today’s sentencing of Cordero Moore shows that the Judge has also taken the threat of physical violence against our Letter Carrier seriously. We extend our appreciation to the Greenwood Police Department that assisted with this investigation.” This case was investigated by the Greenwood, Mississippi Police Department and U.S. Postal Inspector Charlie Tutor. The case was prosecuted by AUSA Paul Roberts.


title: Attorney Charged With Providing Contraband to an Inmate at FDC Philadelphia

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Nelson S.T. Thayer, Jr., announced that Paul DiMaio, 56, of Turnersville, New Jersey, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with one count of providing contraband to a prison inmate and aiding and abetting. The criminal complaint alleges that on February 4, 2025, at 10:53 a.m., FDC surveillance video recorded the defendant, a practicing criminal defense attorney, entering the Federal Detention Center Philadelphia (FDC) with two “redweld” type folders. DiMaio then completed and signed a Bureau of Prisons form that warns against bringing prohibited objects, including drugs, intoxicants, telephones, and electronic devices, into the FDC. As alleged in the complaint, FDC surveillance video shows that DiMaio carried the two folders into a legal visitation room, where he met with an inmate, who is not one of his clients, for 18 minutes. Further, FDC surveillance video shows that, following this meeting, DiMaio left the room with just one folder. In addition, FDC surveillance video shows that the inmate did not carry any redweld folder into the meeting with DiMaio. However, the complaint alleges that, after the meeting between DiMaio and the inmate, FDC personnel observed the inmate carrying a redweld folder, stopped him, and searched the folder, which was found to contain a Motorola cell phone, a charging cord, 83 strips of suboxone, and 240 loose cigarettes. Suboxone is a Schedule III controlled substance. Tanya Culver, 55, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was also arrested and charged by criminal complaint with one count of providing contraband to a prison inmate and aiding and abetting. The complaint alleges that Culver, the mother of a different inmate, took part in acquiring contraband, communicated with DiMaio, and traveled with him to the FDC on February 4. If convicted, the defendants each face a sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Miller. An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Southern District of Texas charges more than 200 this week alone in relation to border enforcement efforts

body_text: HOUSTON – Nearly 200 new cases have been filed in the last week related to immigration and border security, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Of those, almost 100 are charged with illegally re-entering the country with the majority having felony convictions such as narcotics, violent crimes and prior immigration offenses. Over 80 face charges of illegally entering the country, 12 cases involve various instances of human smuggling, and the remainder relate to other immigration crimes. Relevant cases also featured this week include a new indictment charging a dozen illegal aliens with assaulting officers. All 12 men allegedly aided and abetted the assault of two corrections officers at the East Hidalgo Detention Center in La Villa. If convicted, they face up to eight years in federal prison. Also charged this week are two South Texas bakery owners who were indicted for harboring illegal aliens. At the time of a consensual worksite enforcement action Feb. 12 at Abby’s Bakery and Dulce’s Café, law enforcement allegedly identified several employees and others who were in the United States illegally or in the country under B1/B2 visas without having the right to work. The bakery owners were alleged to have housed these illegal alien workers in an adjacent room with six mattresses on the floor. Several individuals have also been sentenced for various border-related crimes against the United States, such as a leader of an organization who smuggled aliens through Corpus Christi and was ordered to forfeit $1 million. Marvin Reyes led the organization which was based out of Houston. The investigation revealed he and others were coordinating the movement of illegal aliens through the Border Patrol checkpoints located near Sarita and Falfurrias as well as by airplane. Reyes also arranged private flights for illegal aliens from Weslaco to Houston. He was ordered to serve 108 months in prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including how the conspiracy had stretched over three years with over 200 aliens transported. Another criminal will serve 69 months in prison after illegally smuggling dozens of people into the United States on two separate occasions. Joe Adam Escobedo drove a tractor trailer to the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint on two occasions in 2024 with a total of 49 illegal aliens from the countries of El Salvador, Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala and Honduras. A 27-year-old Los Fresnos man was also sentenced for attempting to smuggle an illegal alien further into the country after feeling from authorities. Carlos Del Angel Bocanegra approached the Border Patrol checkpoint near Kingsville driving a Chevy Tahoe with an adult passenger and four juveniles visibly present. When authorities discovered an illegal alien concealed under a passenger row seat, Bocanegra then immediately fled and led law enforcement on a chase down the highway. He will now serve 24 months in prison. Jesus Alberto Castro-Garza has prior felony convictions for injury to a child, assault family violence impeding breath, evading with a vehicle and human smuggling. He was first removed from the country in 2019 and has illegally returned three times. He was last removed Nov. 21, 2023. Caastro-Garza must now serve 106 months in federal prison for again illegally re-entering the United States. Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). 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 SDTX remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Former Refugee Pleads Guilty and Admits to Supporting ISIS

body_text: A former Iraqi refugee and legal permanent resident of Richmond, Texas, has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. Abdulrahman Mohammed Hafedh Alqaysi, 28, admitted to providing material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). From 2015 to 2020, Alqaysi provided his computer expertise to develop and post logos for a media arm of the ISIS group known as the Kalachnikov team. He further sent hacking videos and instructions to ISIS members in addition to stolen credit card information and fraudulently created identity documents. U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett accepted the plea and has set sentencing for June 5. Alqaysi faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. Alqaysi has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. The FBI Houston Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter for the Southern District of Texas is prosecuting the case with assistance from Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.


title: DOJ, HHS, ED, and GSA Announce Initial Cancelation of Grants and Contracts to Columbia University Worth $400 Million

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Today, the Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Education (ED), and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the immediate cancellation of approximately $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University due to the school’s continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students. These cancellations represent the first round of action and additional cancellations are expected to follow. The Task Force is continuing to review and coordinate across federal agencies to identify additional cancellations that could be made swiftly. DOJ, HHS, ED, and GSA are taking this action as members of the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism. Columbia University currently holds more than $5 billion in federal grant commitments. On March 3rd, the Task Force notified the Acting President of Columbia University that it would conduct a comprehensive review of the university’s federal contracts and grants in light of ongoing investigations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Chaos and anti-Semitic harassment have continued on and near campus in the days since. Columbia has not responded to the Task Force. "After the horrors of October 7th, Jewish students were shamefully targeted on American college campuses—including at Columbia University," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "Any university which fails to account for the discrimination of its students will not be tolerated. Comply with federal anti-discrimination laws and take action to protect students or expect consequences.” “Since October 7, Jewish students have faced relentless violence, intimidation, and anti-Semitic harassment on their campuses – only to be ignored by those who are supposed to protect them,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “Universities must comply with all federal antidiscrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding. For too long, Columbia has abandoned that obligation to Jewish students studying on its campus. Today, we demonstrate to Columbia and other universities that we will not tolerate their appalling inaction any longer.” President Trump has been clear that any college or university that allows illegal protests and repeatedly fails to protect students from anti-Semitic harassment on campus will be subject to the loss of federal funding. “Freezing the funds is one of the tools we are using to respond to this spike in anti-Semitism. This is only the beginning,” said Leo Terrell, Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and head of the DOJ Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism. “Cancelling these taxpayer funds is our strongest signal yet that the Federal Government is not going to be party to an educational institution like Columbia that does not protect Jewish students and staff.” The decisive action by the DOJ, HHS, ED, and GSA to cancel Columbia’s grants and contracts serves as a notice to every school and university that receives federal dollars that this Administration will use all the tools at its disposal to protect Jewish students and end anti-Semitism on college campuses. “Anti-Semitism is clearly inconsistent with the fundamental values that should inform liberal education,” said Sean Keveney, HHS Acting General Counsel and Task Force member. “Columbia University’s complacency is unacceptable.” GSA will assist HHS and ED in issuing stop-work orders on grants and contracts that Columbia holds with those agencies. These stop-work orders will immediately freeze the university’s access to these funds. Additionally, GSA will be assisting all agencies in issuing stop work orders and terminations for contracts held by Columbia University. “Doing business with the Federal Government is a privilege,” said Josh Gruenbaum, FAS Commissioner and Task Force member. “Columbia University, through their continued and shameful inaction to stop radical protestors from taking over buildings on campus and lack of response to the safety issues for Jewish students, and for that matter - all students - are not upholding the ideals of this Administration or the American people. Columbia cannot expect to retain the privilege of receiving federal taxpayer dollars if they will not fulfill their civil rights responsibilities to protect Jewish students from harassment and anti-Semitism.” For more information, read the HHS, ED, and GSA joint press release from Monday, March 3rd.


title: Portsmouth felon sentenced to 15 years in prison for federal drug-trafficking and firearms crimes

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Portsmouth man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, Steven Frederick James, 51, was a source of supply of firearms and narcotics in the Hampton Roads area. On Jan. 3, 2024, James was the source of two firearms sold from James’ vehicle during a controlled buy in an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). During the investigation, ATF learned that James was using three residences to traffic narcotics. In late February 2024, law enforcement used a confidential source to conduct a controlled purchase of an amount of cocaine from James through a third party. In early March 2024, law enforcement used a confidential source to conduct another controlled purchase of cocaine, this time directly from James. On March 29, 2024, law enforcement conducted searches of three residences associated with James. During a search of an apartment in Newport News, as well as James' 2012 BMW, investigators recovered two loaded handguns and two cellphones. At an apartment in Newtown Arch, investigators recovered a safe that belonged to James. From the safe and elsewhere in the apartment, law enforcement recovered a kilogram of cocaine, four bags containing 83.74 grams of cocaine, a bag containing 47 tablets of methamphetamine, a loaded handgun, and three digital scales. During a search of an apartment in Portsmouth, where James was staying at the time, investigators recovered two handguns, ammunition, firearms magazines, a digital scale, boxes of Narcan, and a safe containing $5,000. James was interviewed and taken into custody. James has previous felony convictions, including, among others, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, drug trafficking related offenses, eluding police, and failing to appear in court. Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Ramin Fatehi, Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr. The Chesapeake Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, Newport News Police Department, Virginia Beach Police Department, and Norfolk Police Department assisted in the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham M. Stolle, an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-118.


title: Rhode Island and Manchester Residents Plead Guilty in Connection with their Leadership Roles in a Drug Trafficking Organization

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – Two defendants have pleaded guilty in federal court in Concord for their roles as dispatchers in a drug conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces. Melissa Rey Ramos, 36, of Manchester, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, namely, fentanyl and cocaine. Antonio Aguasvivas, 29, of Rhode Island, pleaded guilty on February 27, 2025 to the same charge. U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott scheduled Aguasvivas’ sentencing for June 10, 2025, and Rey Ramos’ sentencing for June 25, 2025. On April 26, 2023, the defendants were both charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, along with 19 other defendants. To date, 13 defendants in this conspiracy have been convicted. According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, both defendants played a lead role in a Massachusetts-based drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in New Hampshire, particularly Manchester. The organization used a dispatch operation to sell drugs. Customers called a phone line to purchase narcotics and would speak to a dispatcher who would then put the customer in touch with a drug runner. The drug runner then delivered the narcotics to the customer. The defendants were dispatchers for the phone line. Rey Ramos was the lead dispatcher between June and September 2022. Aguasvivas took over in October 2022 and served as dispatcher until March 2023. During this timeframe, law enforcement observed and recorded five sales of fentanyl and cocaine in Manchester conducted by Rey Ramos, and nine sales of fentanyl and cocaine conducted by Aguasvivas. In total, law enforcement seized roughly 175 grams of fentanyl and roughly 75 grams of crack cocaine distributed or intended for distribution by the two defendants during the timeframe of the conspiracy. The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande is prosecuting the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . ###


title: Public Service Announcement: Victim Identification in New Hampshire Gift Card Scheme

body_text: CONCORD - Homeland Security Investigations, in conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, is seeking to identify potential victims of a sophisticated gift card fraud scheme for victim restitution purposes. In December 2023, Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the Concord, New Hampshire Police Department (CPD) began investigating a sophisticated gift card fraud scheme that is perpetuated by criminal organizations in China. This network has established a base of operations in New Hampshire due to the State’s tax-free retail environment and is responsible for millions of dollars in consumer losses. Co-conspirators identified in this region work together in a highly coordinated fashion to purchase high-end electronics utilizing stolen gift cards. These stolen gift cards are acquired though several fraudulent schemes, including elder-fraud, gift card tampering, and network intrusions. Once the electronics are purchased, they are re-packaged and shipped internationally where they are sold. For more information on this general fraud scheme, please visit: https://www.ice.gov/about-ice/hsi/news/hsi-insider/tackling-gift-card-fraud . Potential fraud victims who had gift card funds stolen or used without authorization between October 1, 2023 and January 11, 2024, especially if the stolen funds originated from Apple, Walmart, Target, and BestBuy gift cards, are asked to provide the gift card number(s) and receipt or proof of purchase to HSINewEnglandVictimAssistance@ice.dhs.gov . Please also include the victim’s name and contact phone number. The victim’s gift card number will be run against a database of known gift cards stolen in this conspiracy. If matched, the victim will be contacted for next steps in the restitution process. This filing period will be open until June 30, 2025. ###


title: Colorado Woman Sentenced to Nearly 23 Years in Federal Prison  for Conspiring to Distribute Huge Quantities of Methamphetamine in Pierre, Rapid City, and in Several Indian Reservations in South Dakota

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Denver, Colorado, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on March 5, 2025. Rikki Renee Barrowman, a/k/a Juree T Rials, age 34, was sentenced to 22 years and 11 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Barrowman was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in Febuary 2024. She pleaded guilty on December 5, 2024. The conviction stemmed from a drug conspiracy beginning in January 2021 and continuing until July 2022. Barrowman was involved in an extensive conspiracy with several other individuals to distribute methamphetamine in and around western and central South Dakota, including within the Pine Ridge Sioux Indian Reservation, the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation, and the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation, as well as in Rapid City and Pierre. This conspiracy involved approximately 65 kilograms of methamphetamine. Barrowman was the source of supply of methamphetamine in Denver. She would supply various individuals who would then transport the methamphetamine to South Dakota where it was further distributed. As part of the conspiracy firearms were traded for narcotics. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case. Barrowman was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Claremore Man Sentenced After Robbing and  Assaulting Elderly Woman

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Teddy Lee Martin, 63, for Robbery in Indian Country and Assault with Intent to Commit a Felony in Indian Country. Judge Russell ordered Martin to be sentenced to 78 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and to pay $6,000 in restitution. “Martin was a threat to our community, and behind bars is the best place for him,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “This case is an excellent example of law enforcement using technology and working with prosecutors towards the same goal. With their swift action, Martin was in custody and off the streets.” In August 2023, Creek County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a home in Sapulpa. Upon arrival, the 85-year-old victim told deputies that a masked man, later identified as Martin, entered the house with a handgun, demanded money, and threatened to kill the victim if she did not cooperate. Martin stole jewelry and physically assaulted the victim before leaving the home. Neighborhood video surveillance and FLOCK cameras show Martin fleeing in a vehicle from the area. Law enforcement shared the vehicle information that Martin was seen fleeing in. Tulsa Police officers pulled over the vehicle and confirmed with Creek County that the vehicle occupants matched the description of the suspects seen fleeing the home. Upon searching the vehicle, law enforcement found some of the jewelry taken from the home, the mask and the clothing seen on video footage. Investigators discovered that Morgan Turley was driving the vehicle away from the victim's home. In December, she pled guilty in State Court for conspiring to commit robbery with Martin and falsely impersonation when she gave officers the incorrect name. Martin is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and he will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The FBI, Creek County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Dunn prosecuted the case.


title: Minnesota Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine in Indian Reservations in South Dakota

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Mountain Lake, Minnesota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on February 24, 2025. Francisco Javier Mendez, age 40, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Victims Fund. Mendez was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in June 2024. He pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance on November 22, 2024. On June 18, 2023, Mendez was the passenger in a vehicle involved in a traffic stop in Thayer County, Nebraska. During the traffic stop, officers discovered Mendez had a bag containing approximately 1,359 grams of methamphetamine concealed on his person. Later, Mendez told law enforcement he and the driver of the vehicle were returning to South Dakota after having purchased the methamphetamine from a source of supply in Wichita, Kansas, and were intending to distribute it on the reservations in South Dakota. Mendez stated that he and the driver had made the same trip 2-3 weeks earlier, during which they had purchased an additional three pounds of methamphetamine. This case was investigated by the FBI. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case. Mendez was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Mission Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact With a Child

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child. The sentencing took place on March 4, 2025. David Paxton, age 72, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Paxton was indicted for by a federal grand jury in October 2022. He pleaded guilty on January 3, 2024. The conviction stemmed from conduct that occurred between August 24, 2017, and July 31, 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota. On at least one occasion during that period, Paxton sexually molested a child who was then between the ages of five and eight years old. The offense occurred within the Rosebud Indian Reservation. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case. Paxton was allowed to self-report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service by June 2, 2025.


title: Department of State Employee Charged for Conspiracy to Gather, Transmit, or Lose National Defense Information

body_text: View the complaint affidavit . Michael Charles Schena, 42, of Alexandria, Virginia, was arrested on criminal charges related to his alleged participation in a criminal conspiracy to gather, transmit, or lose national defense information. According to court documents, Schena is employed by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) working out of DOS Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Schena held a top secret security clearance and had access to information up to the secret level within his DOS workspace. Beginning in or about April 2022, Schena allegedly communicated with people he met online through various communication platforms and provided them with information they were not authorized to receive. In return, Schena received payments. On Feb. 27, Schena allegedly used a cellphone to take images of multiple documents, which were displayed on the monitor of his classified computer and marked as “SECRET.” Schena then allegedly left work and returned to his home in Alexandria, where the cellphone was seized. Schena is charged with conspiracy to gather, transmit, or lose national defense information and faces a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the FBI Richmond Field Office, the Department of Justice’s Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service Office of Counterintelligence. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Ben’Ary and Gavin R. Tisdale for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Maria Fedor of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: St. Francis Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Arson and Burglary of a Home

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced two St. Francis, South Dakota men in a case that involved charges of Arson and Third-Degree Burglary. Michael Valandra, Jr., age 28, and Donald Aquallo, Jr., age 26, were indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2024. On July 24, 2024, Valandra pleaded guilty to Arson. On October 29, 2024, Valandra was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. On December 2, 2024, Aquallo pleaded guilty to Third-Degree Burglary. On March 5, 2025, he was sentenced to one year and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crimes Victim Fund. On the evening of January 5, 2024, Valandra and Aquallo broke into an unoccupied residence in St. Francis. Valandra intentionally set multiple fires within the residence, with the intent to burn it down. The two men then fled the scene on foot. The owner of the residence noticed the fire and called 911, but the residence was completely destroyed. Multiple security cameras in the neighborhood recorded Valandra and Aquallo approaching the residence and then running away shortly before the fire was visible. The offense occurred within the Rosebud Indian Reservation. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case. Valandra and Aquallo were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusion of their individual sentencings.


title: Texas Man Convicted of Sabotaging his Employer’s Computer Systems and Deleting Data

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal jury in Cleveland convicted a Texas man today for writing and deploying malicious code on his former employer’s network. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Davis Lu, 55, of Houston, was employed as a software developer for the victim company headquartered in Beachwood, Ohio, from November 2007 to October 2019. Following a 2018 corporate realignment that reduced his responsibilities and system access, Lu began sabotaging his employer’s systems. By Aug. 4, 2019, he introduced malicious code that caused system crashes and prevented user logins. Specifically, he created “infinite loops” (in this case, code designed to exhaust Java threads by repeatedly creating new threads without proper termination and resulting in server crashes or hangs), deleted coworker profile files, and implemented a “kill switch” that would lock out all users if his credentials in the company’s active directory were disabled. The “kill switch” code — which Lu named “IsDLEnabledinAD”, abbreviating “Is Davis Lu enabled in Active Directory” — was automatically activated upon his termination on Sept. 9, 2019, and impacted thousands of company users globally. Lu named other code “Hakai,” a Japanese word meaning “destruction,” and “HunShui,” a Chinese word meaning “sleep” or “lethargy.” Additionally, on the day he was directed to turn in his company laptop, Lu deleted encrypted data. His internet search history revealed he had researched methods to escalate privileges, hide processes, and rapidly delete files, indicating an intent to obstruct efforts of his co-workers to resolve the system disruptions. Lu’s employer suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses as a result of Lu’s actions. The jury convicted Lu of causing intentional damage to protected computers, for which he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Supervisory Official Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik for the Northern District of Ohio, and Special Agent in Charge Gregory D. Nelsen of the FBI Cleveland Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Cleveland Field Office investigated the case. Senior Counsel Candina S. Heath of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Riedl and Brian S. Deckert for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.


title: Department of State employee charged for conspiracy to gather, transmit, or lose national defense information

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Michael Charles Schena, 42, of Alexandria, was arrested on criminal charges related to his alleged participation in a criminal conspiracy to gather, transmit, or lose national defense information. According to court documents, Schena is employed by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) working out of DOS Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Schena held a Top Secret security clearance and had access to information up to the Secret level within his DOS workspace. Beginning in or about April 2022, Schena allegedly communicated with people he met online through various communication platforms and provided them with information they were not authorized to receive. In return, Schena allegedly received payments. On Feb. 27, Schena allegedly used a cellphone to take images of multiple documents, which were displayed on the monitor of his classified computer and marked as “SECRET.” Schena then allegedly left work and returned to his home in Alexandria, where the cellphone was seized. Schena is charged with conspiracy to gather, transmit, or lose national defense information and faces a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the FBI Richmond Field Office, the Department of Justice’s Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service Office of Counterintelligence. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Ben’Ary and Gavin R. Tisdale for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Maria Fedor of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-mj-143. A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.


title: Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Misusing Identity of United States Citizen

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican national residing in Dorchester pleaded guilty yesterday to illegally using the personal identifying information of a United States citizen, which he used to obtain a driver’s license and United States passport. Luis Alison Roa Lara, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement in a U.S. passport application, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of misuse of a Social Security number. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for June 10, 2025. The defendant was arrested and charged in August 2024. For nearly a decade, Luis Alison Roa Lara has been using the personal identifying information of a Puerto Rican citizen of the United States. Luis Alison Roa Lara used the misappropriated identifying information to obtain a Massachusetts driver’s license and attempted to use it to obtain a United States passport. The charge of false statement in a passport application provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of misuse of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant will also be subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, Detroit Resident Office; the United States Postal Inspection Service; and the Lorain (Ohio) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed More than 100 Border-Related Cases This Week

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed more than 100 border-related cases this week, including charges of transportation of illegal aliens, reentering the U.S. after deportation, deported alien found in the United States, 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 representative sample of border-related arrests this week, includes: Mexican nationals Isay Edel Ramos-Chaparro and Omar Alvarado-Ignacio were arrested March 4, 2025, by El Centro-based U.S. Border Patrol agents and charged with crimes relating to their alleged attempt to cross illegally into the United States on motorcycles through a breach in the border fence in Mexicali. Both defendants had previously been deported after entering the United States illegally. On March 6, 2025, Jason Kristopher Lowe attempted to enter the United States from Mexico via the San Ysidro Port of Entry driving a BMW X5, bearing California plates. Lowe was arrested when two individuals, both of whom admitted to being citizens of China without lawful documents allowing them to enter the United States, were found inside a secret compartment in the undercarriage of the BMW. Fernando Medina Rodriguez, Gustavo Camacha Medina and Carlos Cardenas Medina – all drivers of separate tractor-trailers attempting to cross into the U.S. from Mexico at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry – were arrested on March 4, 2025, on drug importation charges. According to a federal complaint, all three were sent to secondary inspection around the same time, where Customs and Border Protection officials found hidden compartments containing a total of approximately 171 pounds of cocaine. Federal law enforcement has focused immigration prosecutions on undocumented aliens who are engaged in criminal activity in the U.S., including those who commit drug and firearms crimes, who have serious criminal records, or who have active warrants for their arrest. Federal authorities have also been prioritizing investigations and prosecutions against drug, firearm, and human smugglers and those who endanger and threaten the safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers who protect the community. 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: Former Wyoming County corrections officer going to prison for distributing child pornography

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that James D. Sutton, 40, of Depew, NY, who was convicted of distribution child pornography, was sentenced to serve 100 months in prison and 30 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig R. Gestring, who handled the case, stated that in October 2021, Sutton, a former Wyoming County Corrections Officer, used his cellular telephone to upload 22 video files containing child pornography, via the internet, to the social media platform Kik. The videos included prepubescent minors under the age of 12 years old, and depictions of violence. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. # # # #


title: Chesterfield cocaine trafficker sentenced to 10 years in prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Chesterfield man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. According to court documents, on May 18, 2023, Urain Alexander Robinson, 52, was contacted by a co-conspirator (CC1), who was seeking to purchase cocaine from Robinson. That night, Robinson transported multiple kilograms of cocaine from his residence to CC1’s house in Hopewell and distributed it to CC1. Shortly after Robinson distributed the cocaine to CC1, another co-conspirator (CC2) arrived at CC1’s house and picked up three kilograms of the cocaine that Robinson had just distributed to CC1. CC2 was stopped by police shortly after leaving CC1’s house. The cocaine was recovered by police. Law enforcement also seized $8,381 in drug-trafficking proceeds from Robinson’s residence on May 14, 2024. Robinson was convicted in 1992 in Virginia of possession with intent to distribute heroin, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and unlawful wounding; in 1993 in New Jersey of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; and in 2005 in the Eastern District of Virginia of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine hydrochloride. Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Ibrar A. Mian, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. The Chesterfield County Police Department assisted in the investigation of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Hubbard prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-117.


title: Registered sex offender going to prison for more than 15 years on new child pornography charge

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Christopher Rucker, 45, of Cheektowaga, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography with a prior sex offense, was sentenced to serve 188 months in prison and lifetime supervised release by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin M. Higgins, who handled the case, stated that in March 2022, the New York State Police (NYSP) conducted a search warrant at Rucker’s residence, during which they seized a laptop computer and a cell phone. The laptop and cell phone both contained images and videos of child pornography. Subsequent investigation determined that between October 1 and December 28, 2021, Rucker downloaded approximately 1300 images of child pornography. Some of the images depicted prepubescent minors, as well as violence against children and the sexual abuse of an infant or toddler. Rucker is a registered Level 2 sex offender, following two convictions in 2002 on Sodomy in the 2nd Degree and Using and Interstate Facility to Persuade/Induce a Child to Engage in Sexual Activity. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia, the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto.