title: PANAMA CITY FELON SENTENCED TO TWELVE YEARS FOR FEDERAL DRUG TRAFFICKING AND ILLEGAL FIREARMS CHARGES

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Jarrel Daniel Rivaz, 35, of Panama City, Florida was sentenced to twelve years in federal prison after a federal jury verdict convicted him for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Outstanding work by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners to dismantle this drug trafficking operation and get this repeat felon off our streets and back in prison where he belongs. My office stands ready to aggressively prosecute these drug traffickers to the fullest extent of the law, and we will not rest until the Northern District of Florida is drug-free and safe.” Trial evidence established that on December 21, 2023, during a search warrant executed at the defendant’s house in Panama City, law enforcement found and seized over 900 grams of cocaine, over 10 kilograms of marijuana, two firearms, and ammunition. One of the firearms was found loaded in a locked shed in the same bag as some of the marijuana. The defendant had previously been convicted of a felony drug trafficking offense in New York under the name “Gerald Walker.” The verdict was the result of a joint investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Walter Narramore and Alicia Forbes. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: MAN WHO ATTEMPTED INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TO EXPLOIT A CHILD SENTENCED TO ELEVEN YEARS IN PRISON

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Austin Keith Hibbert, 25, of Tallahassee, FL, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison after having pleaded guilty to charges of attempting to entice or persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity, attempting to travel for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct, and transferring obscene material to a person less than 16 years of age. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case was the result of incredible collaboration between our local, federal and international law enforcement partners to identify this sexual predator and stop him before he could victimize the minor child he was seeking to exploit. I am proud of the work of my office to build this successful prosecution and hold this offender accountable for his disgusting crimes.” Court documents reflect that between May 2023, and August 2024, the defendant communicated almost daily through multiple social media platforms with a 13-year-old child from Estonia, a country in Northern Europe. The defendant met the child through a popular Internet game. The communications between the defendant and the child quickly became sexual in nature. The defendant told the child that he intended to travel to Estonia to meet and to engage in sexual activity. Additionally, the defendant sent the child more than twelve explicit videos. In August 2024, law enforcement officials learned that the defendant had applied for a U.S. passport and had booked an international flight from Tallahassee to Estonia. On August 12, 2024, law enforcement officials intercepted the defendant as he attempted to board his flight at the Tallahassee International Airport. A search of the defendant’s person and carry-on bags revealed items indicative of his intent to travel to meet with the child, including his U.S. passport, a bracelet, and a box of condoms. A later search of the defendant’s electronic devices confirmed the defendant’s communications with the child, his travel plans, and showed that he reserved lodging near where the child lived. “This case demonstrates the FBI’s global reach and unwavering commitment to protecting children everywhere,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “Through partnerships with our domestic and international counterparts, we were able to identify and stop Hibbert from crossing borders to sexually exploit a young child.” “Estonian Police and Border Guard Board is grateful to the FBI and the Northern District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office for great cooperation in this grave case,” said Rait Pikaro, Head of Crime Bureau, North Prefecture for the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board. “We strive to act as preventively as possible in Estonia and thanks to our U.S. colleagues, no [hands on] crime was committed in Estonia. This great example of cooperation shows that the fight against child sexual exploitation is truly global. We believe strongly that this is the way we can succeed in tackling this phenomenon.” The sentence was the result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tallahassee Police Department, with assistance from the Estonian Police and Border Guard Agency. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked closely with Estonian authorities to provide significant assistance. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen. 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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: MARIANNA MAN SENTENCED FOR POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Erik Gammons, 42, of Marianna, Florida was sentenced to eight years in prison after previously pleading guilty to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This substantial drug seizure by our state law enforcement partners, with support from the Drug Enforcement Administration, ensured these deadly narcotics were kept off our streets, and the successful prosecution by my office should send a firm message that federal prison time awaits anyone who tries to peddle this poison in the Northern District of Florida. This is yet another step toward fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the drug traffickers who have flooded our communities with deadly drugs for far too long.” According to court records, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on May 5, 2025. After the vehicle stopped, the defendant exited from the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle and told law enforcement to arrest him. Later, as law enforcement was obtaining gloves to search the vehicle, the defendant stated to go ahead and take him to jail and that there were drugs in the vehicle. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and located a garbage bag, which was found to contain two other bags with large amounts of crystal methamphetamine, a bag containing a large amount of suspected powder cocaine, three digital scales, one of which contained suspected cocaine residue, a box of opened clear plastic bags used to package drugs for resale, documents addressed to the defendant including pay stubs, and an opened vacuum sealed bag identical to the ones that contained crystal methamphetamine. The defendant was also found to be in possession of two cellular telephones and approximately $2,761.00 in numerous denominations. The narcotics were later tested, weighed, and confirmed to be 899.1 grams of methamphetamine with 98% purity, equal to 881.1 grams of pure methamphetamine, per bag. The seized cocaine weighed 568.8 grams. “I’m proud of the great work our agents and law enforcement partners did in bringing this investigation to a close,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “Removing methamphetamine—especially this purity level—will go a long way in making Panhandle communities safer.” “We are working every day to keep drugs out of our community,” said Sheriff Edenfield. “When people choose to profit off poison, there are consequences. We’ll continue standing up for what’s right and working to protect the citizens of Jackson County.” The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Etherton and Eric Welch. This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Convicted Felon From Fall River Charged With Firearm and Drug Offenses

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Fall River man has been arrested and charged for allegedly possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and distributing cocaine. Carlos Perez, 40, has been charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and one count of distributing a controlled substance. Perez was arrested on Nov. 13, 2025 and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for Nov. 19, 2025. According to charging documents, on May 5, 2025, Perez sold cocaine as well as a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition to a cooperating witness. It is further alleged that, Perez sold a Sig Sauer, P230 SL, .380 caliber pistol and ammunition on June 2, 2025 as well as a Ruger, Max 9, 9mm pistol and ammunition on June 30, 2025. Perez is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due multiple prior convictions. According to the charging documents, Perez has 61 adult charges on his record and over 15 criminal convictions, including a 2015 state conviction for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Class A Substance, for which he served two years in the house of corrections, as well as two separate convictions for Assault and Battery Dangerous Weapon in 2008, for which he received a two-year suspended sentence and six months in the house of corrections. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of distributing a controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Fall River and New Bedford Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Reynolds III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood. 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: Two Additional Defendants Sentenced for Roles in Pennsylvania/Ohio Drug Trafficking Ring

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: This release was issued following the 43-day government shutdown during which the sentencings occurred. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Two individuals from Ohio were sentenced in federal court on their convictions of violating federal narcotics laws in connection with a cross-state drug trafficking ring, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced. The defendants were among 27 individuals charged through a Superseding Indictment unsealed in March 2023 for their participation in a cross-state narcotics conspiracy involving substantial quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, crack, and heroin. The sentences imposed by United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan were: Defendant Age Residence Sentence Date Sentence Raheem Hurst 27 Garfield Heights, Ohio October 15 Five months of imprisonment, to be followed by two years of supervised release Torrence Lyde 36 Cleveland, Ohio November 6 132 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release According to information presented to the Court, from in and around December 2022 to March 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Hurst conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture of cocaine and crack. From in and around August 2018 to March 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Lyde conspired with others to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of a mixture of cocaine, and a quantity of a mixture of cocaine base. The defendants were intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that they distributed to others. With these sentencings, 24 of the 27 defendants charged in the Superseding Indictment now have been sentenced in the case, following guilty pleas from 26 of the defendants. Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency; Homeland Security Investigations; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation; United States Postal Inspection Service; and other local law enforcement agencies for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of the defendants.


title: Lafayette Parish Couple Involved in Distributing Child Pornography Each Sentenced to a Decade or More in Prison

body_text: LAFAYETTE, La. – United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller announces that Brad William Blanchard , 45, has been sentenced for attempted receipt and attempted distribution of child pornography. United States District Judge David C. Joseph sentenced Blanchard to 150 months in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release for these offenses. According to information presented in court, law enforcement agents involved in an undercover investigation began communicating with an individual, later identified as Blanchard, on an internet-based fetish forum wherein Blanchard expressed his sexual interest in underage children. Blanchard sent an undercover agent images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) which depicted a minor victim. Following this exchange, agents were able to obtain and execute search and arrest warrants for Blanchard’s person, residence, and electronic devices. At the time the warrants were executed, Blanchard admitted to law enforcement that he had sent the CSAM images and that his girlfriend, Amy Kraft, had assisted in sending him CSAM for his sexual gratification. Kraft was subsequently arrested and admitted her involvement in sending the CSAM images to Blanchard to fulfill his sexual fantasies and gratification. Amy Kraft, 49, the co-defendant and girlfriend of Blanchard, pled guilty to attempted distribution of child pornography and was sentenced on October 1, 2025, to 120 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $12,000 in restitution to the victims. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Danny Siefker is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . To report suspected human trafficking or to obtain resources for victims, please call 1-888-373-7888; text “BeFree” (233733), or live chat at HumanTraffickingHotline.org. The toll-free phone, SMS text lines, and online chat function are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Help is available in English, Spanish, Creole, or in more than 200 additional languages. The National Hotline is not managed by law enforcement, immigration, or an investigative agency. Correspondence with the National Hotline is confidential, and you may request assistance or report a tip anonymously. To report online child sexual exploitation, use the electronic Cyber Tip Line or call 1-800-843-5678. The Cyber Tip Line is operated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in partnership with the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To learn more about the National Resource Hotline, visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org . To learn more about the U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking, visit www.justice.gov/humantrafficking . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer , under Case Number 6:25-cr-00037-DCJ-DJA. # # #


title: Chicopee Man Arrested for Child Pornography Offense

body_text: BOSTON – A Chicopee man was arrested on Nov. 12, 2025 for allegedly distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Thomas Selby, 46, of Chicopee, Mass., was charged by criminal complaint with one count of distribution of child pornography. Selby was arrested on Nov. 12, 2025 and made an initial appearance in federal court in Springfield later that day. He was subsequently released on conditions following a detention hearing held on Nov. 14, 2025. According to the charging documents, in early 2024, Selby was identified as an active member of a group dedicated to CSAM on an internet-based messaging and social-media application. On Nov. 12, 2025, searches of Selby’s person and residence allegedly resulted in the recovery of various electronic devices – including smart phones. It is alleged that an initial forensic examination of Selby’s phone revealed multiple files consistent with CSAM and his active participation in multiple groups dedicated to the viewing and sharing of CSAM. Further review of Selby’s devices remains on-going. Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274 or contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov . The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations New England made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Barnico, Jr. of the Springfield Branch Office is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. 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 . 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: Indonesian Jewelry Company, Co-Owner, and Two Other Employees Charged in Large-Scale Duty and Tariff Evasion Scheme

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, NJ. – An Indonesian jewelry company, its Indonesian co-owner, and two other Indonesian and Italian employees were charged last week with engaging in a scheme to illegally evade more than $86 million in customs duties and tariffs on more than $1.2 billion in jewelry imports into the United States, Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba announced. Icha Anastasia, 37, of Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, and Claudio Fogale, 51, of Mussolente, Italy were arrested and charged last week by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. They appeared on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark, III in Newark federal court and were detained. Michael Yahya, who was also charged, remains in Indonesia and has not yet been arrested. “As the complaint alleges, the defendants conspired to evade duties and tariffs for imports into the United States on an enormous scale. These charges demonstrate that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our agency partners are dedicated to rooting out efforts by foreign companies and individuals to defraud the United States and undercut American businesses.” - Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba “Perpetrating a years-long scheme to evade paying millions of dollars of customs duties and tariffs is a serious criminal offense. Michael Yahya, Icha Anastasia, Claudio Fogale, and others are alleged to have used a foreign company to import over $1.2 billion of jewelry and illegally defraud the United States out of more than $86 million in customs duties and tariffs,” stated Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, IRS Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office. “IRS-CI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate fraud against the United States and foster confidence in the legal system.” “This case underscores HSI’s unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of U.S. trade and ensuring that those who attempt to evade lawful duties or circumvent U.S. laws are held accountable,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy. “As alleged, the defendants engaged in a complex, multi-year scheme to evade more than $86 million in duties and tariffs—defrauding the U.S. government and undermining legitimate American businesses. HSI, in partnership with our federal law enforcement colleagues, will continue to investigate and dismantle schemes that threaten the nation’s economic security and the rule of law.” “This case underscores CBP’s role in safeguarding the U.S. economy by enforcing trade laws and holding suspected bad actors accountable,” said CBP’s New York Field Office Director of Field Operations Francis J. Russo. “Our officers and import specialists used data-driven targeting and meticulous examinations to help disrupt this suspected duty-evasion scheme while facilitating legitimate commerce.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: PT Untung Bersama Sejahtera, a/k/a “UBS Gold” (“UBS Gold”), Yahya, Anastasia, Fogale, and others have been involved in a large-scale customs duty and tariff evasion scheme. UBS Gold is a major jewelry company headquartered in Indonesia that ships jewelry around the globe, including to the United States. Yahya, an Indonesian national, is a co-owner of UBS Gold and its Export Marketing Head; Anastasia, an Indonesian national, served as a Senior Account Executive for UBS Gold who serviced customers in the United States; and Fogale, an Italian national, was also a UBS Gold employee who serviced customers in the United States. UBS Gold—through its employees, agents, and representatives Yahya, Anastasia, Fogale, and others—engaged in a conspiracy to evade lawful duties and tariffs for shipments of jewelry to the United States. To evade tariffs and duties, the defendants engaged in at least two related and overlapping schemes. For years until in or around the end of 2020, Indonesia had duty-free treatment with the United States through the Generalized System of Preferences (“GSP”) program. The GSP program expired on or about December 31, 2020, and was not reauthorized by Congress. Therefore, from on or about January 1, 2021, through the present, the United States has imposed a duty on jewelry imported from Indonesia to the United States. UBS Gold and its co-conspirators evaded these duties by making jewelry in Indonesia and then shipping it to Jordan, which had a Free Trade Agreement with the United States, before sending it to the United States. The defendants then falsely claimed that UBS Gold jewelry had been manufactured in Jordan, which avoided the duty that would otherwise apply. Starting earlier this year, the United States imposed tariffs for the importation of goods into the United States from many different countries, including Indonesia and Jordan. To avoid those tariffs, the defendants and co-conspirators began shipping scrap gold from the United States to Jordan, which they falsely claimed was gold jewelry that simply needed to be assembled or finished in Jordan. Instead, the defendants and co-conspirators swapped the scrap gold for UBS Gold jewelry made in Indonesia, which they then shipped from Jordan to the United States. The defendants and co-conspirators falsely claimed that the jewelry had been manufactured in the United States, so they could avoid paying the tariffs that would otherwise apply. Through these schemes, from in or around 2021 through in or around October 2025, the defendants caused UBS Gold and its customers to avoid more than approximately $86,477,705.72 in duties and tariffs on more than $1.2 billion in jewelry shipments to the United States, including to New Jersey. The wire fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of either $250,000 for the individual defendants or $500,000 for the corporate entity or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greater. Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Habba credited special agents and task force officers of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer Piovesan in Newark; special agents with Homeland Security Investigations in Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy; and officers and specialists of U.S. Customs and Border Protection at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Francis J. Russo. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olta Bejleri of the Economic Crimes Unit, Peter Laserna of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit, and Marko Pesce, Deputy Chief of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ### Defense Counsel for Icha Anastasia: Jerry Ballarotto, Hamilton Defense Counsel for Claudio Fogale: Joseph Amsel, Newark sejahteraetal.complaint.pdf


title: Indictment Charges Shelton Woman with Fraud Offenses Stemming from Alleged $700K Embezzlement Scheme

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a five-count indictment charging PAMELA AGUILAR, 65, of Shelton, with fraud offenses stemming from an alleged embezzlement scheme that defrauded a Connecticut company of approximately $700,000. As alleged in the indictment, Aguilar was employed as Chief Financial Officer of a Connecticut software company, identified in court documents as “Company A.” Between approximately 2018 and 2025, Aguilar defrauded Company A’s by making ACH and wire transfers from Company A’s account to personal bank accounts, writing checks and making cash withdrawals from Company A’s account, and by making PayPal and credit card payments from Company A’s account for her own benefit. It is alleged that through this scheme, Aguila stole approximately $700,000 from Company A. Aguilar attempted to cover up her criminal behavior by providing false weekly cash reports and false monthly financial statements to Company A’s Chief Executive Officer. The indictment was returned on October 15, 2025. On October 22, Aguilar appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and was released on a $50,000 bond. U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.


title: Columbia Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Offense

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Lajuan Marquis Martin, 31, was charged by complaint on Oct. 16, 2025, with possession of a firearm after a prior felony conviction. An indictment containing the same charge was returned by a grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Oct. 28, 2025. On Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, Martin appeared before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps in Jefferson City, Mo., and pleaded guilty to the single-count indictment. According to the affidavit associated with the original complaint, Martin was arrested by Columbia police officers for driving while his license was suspended. When he was brought to the Columbia Police Department for fingerprinting and processing, he was searched. Pills and bags of white powder began to fall out of his pant legs, and a Taurus, model PT 738, .380 caliber firearm was discovered in Martin’s shoe. Martin is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions, including a prior conviction in federal court for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Under federal law, Martin is facing up to 15 years imprisonment, in addition to a term of supervised release. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Kummerer. It was investigated by the Columbia, Missouri Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Operation Take Back America This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: United States Attorney’s Office Announces Appointment of Andrew B. Benson as U.S Attorney

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Andrew B. Benson has taken the oath of office to become the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine. U.S. Attorney Benson was nominated for the position of United States Attorney for the District of Maine by President Donald J. Trump on September 30, 2025. Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed him U.S. Attorney effective October 22, 2025, pending Senate confirmation of his presidential nomination, and he was sworn in on the same date by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Lance E. Walker. U.S. Attorney Benson is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the District of Maine. He oversees a staff of 45 employees and contractors located in Portland and Bangor, including 21 attorneys, 21 non-attorney support personnel and three contractors. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States. U.S. Attorney Benson was born in western Maine and grew up in Bethel, attending local schools. After high school, he attended the University of Maine at Orono and received an honors degree in German literature. He then attended the University of Maine School of Law and received his Juris Doctorate in 1988. A veteran prosecutor, Benson worked for a district attorney’s office in central Maine, trying serious and violent felonies. In 1999, he was appointed one of three senior homicide prosecutors for the Maine Attorney General’s Office by Maine Attorney General Andrew Ketterer and was assigned with the responsibility of overseeing and trying homicide cases throughout the state. During his fifteen-year tenure in the Attorney General’s Office, he dealt with over 100 murder and manslaughter cases. In 2014, he was nominated to the bench of the Maine District Court by Governor Paul LePage. He was renominated by Governor Janet Mills in 2021. After each nomination he was unanimously confirmed by the Maine State Senate. While a member of the district court bench, he presided over hundreds of trials, including dozens of serious criminal jury trials. He resigned from his judicial position in order to accept the position of United States Attorney for the District of Maine. Editor’s Note: This matter occurred on the date indicated, but the press release was not published at that time due to the federal government shutdown. The release was posted and made available following the return to normal operations. ###


title: U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones Attends Grand Opening of Osvaldo N. Soto Miami-Dade Justice Center

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones joined federal, state, and local leaders on Nov. 10 for the ceremonial opening of the Osvaldo N. Soto Miami-Dade Justice Center, a new courthouse facility designed to expand access to justice and serve the growing needs of Miami-Dade County. For U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones—who previously served as a state court judge in Miami-Dade County—the courthouse’s opening holds special significance. The new courthouse reflects both the county’s evolving needs and its enduring commitment to a fair, accessible, and well-resourced justice system. “This courthouse reflects who we are as a community: resilient, forward-looking, and committed to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones. “It also stands as a proud tribute to Osvaldo N. Soto, a Cuban exile, Bay of Pigs veteran, and trailblazing attorney who spent his life defending liberty. I sat on the state bench just a few blocks from here, and I know how much this building will mean for the people we serve. Miami-Dade is investing in its future, and we’re honored to stand with our state and local partners as we continue the work of protecting our community and defending the rule of law.” Named in honor of Osvaldo N. Soto, a Cuban-American lawyer and civil rights pioneer, the courthouse will house multiple judicial operations and provide modern, secure, and technologically advanced courtrooms, improved public services, and additional space for justice partners. Before his presidential appointment and Senate confirmation, U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones served as a state court trial judge presiding over civil and criminal domestic violence cases in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit in and for Miami-Dade County. ###


title: Former Border Patrol Agent Sentenced to 6 ½ Years in Prison for Bribery Scheme

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Jorge J. Jimenez, 54, of Nogales, Arizona, was sentenced on October 30, 2025, by United States District Judge Rosemary Marquez to 78 months of custody, with a fine of $15,000, and a $100 Special Assessment. Jimenez was previously convicted by a jury of Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Wire Fraud. “Law enforcement officers who aid cartels for their own profit betray their oaths and the United States” said United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “While this is the rare exception, border corruption allows dangerous drugs into the country and decreases public trust in the many outstanding men and women serving in law enforcement. This sentence demonstrates that anyone, regardless of authority, will be held accountable if they seek to profit from drug trafficking. I am proud of the District of Arizona and the many United States Border Patrol Agents who protect our southern border everyday.” “U.S. Border Patrol officers take an oath to protect our Homeland Security. Today’s sentencing makes a clear statement that corruption within those ranks will be identified, and those individuals will be held accountable. We are grateful for the cooperation from our law enforcement partners,” said DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D. "When an officer shrugs off his sworn oath and harms those they promised to protect, he betrays not only the people of his community, but those who also wear the badge," said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke. "The FBI remains committed to working with our partners and investigate such cases to protect the American people and preserve public trust in law enforcement.” Jimenez was employed as a United States Border Patrol Agent since 2010. At trial, the government showed that, between June 2024 and early October 2024, Jimenez was assigned to the I-19 Checkpoint, and conspired with at least two individuals located in Mexico, to allow previously agreed-upon “load” vehicles to pass through his designated checkpoint lane without inspection. The individuals in Mexico handled arrangements and the receipt of payment, and Jimenez allowed the vehicles to pass through his assigned lane and provided information about activities at the checkpoint to his coordinators. Jimenez expected to be paid approximately $20,000, with the money exchanged in Mexico. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: 4:24-cr-08599-RM-JR RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-159_Jimenez # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Guilty Plea in the Vicious 2023 Stabbing of a Man in Northeast

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON –Stephen Herring, 26, of Southeast Washington, D.C. pleaded guilty to viciously stabbing and killing 32-year-old Marcus Thurman in August 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Herring pleaded guilty on November 7, 2025, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of second-degree murder while armed. Sentencing is scheduled for January 30, 2026, before the Honorable Dayna Dayson. According to the government’s evidence, at approximately at 5:10 am, on August 22, 2023, Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) received a call for a stabbing in front of 140 M Street, NE. Upon their arrival, the victim, who was later identified as Marcus Thurman, was found unconscious and unresponsive, suffering from an apparent stab wound to the upper chest. The first responding officer and later DC FEMS conducted life saving measures as well as CPR. The victim was transported to Washington Hospital Center (WHC) where on September 4, 2023, he died from his injuries. Based on surveillance video evidence which captured the defendant stabbing the victim coupled with multiple eyewitness interviews on the scene, Stephen Herring was identified as a suspect. Later in the day on August 22, 2023, the defendant was located and initially arrested for assault with intent to kill while armed. The charges were later upgraded to second degree murder while armed after the victim’s death on September 4, 2023. Meanwhile, the homicide investigation continued and according to multiple witnesses and surveillance video footages, on the day of the incident Herring was involved in an altercation with a female eyewitness that led to the defendant physically assaulting the witness. Upon seeing this, Marcus Thurman tried to intervene and protect the female victim. The female victim was also with her infant son who was in a baby stroller nearby. The defendant—obviously unhappy and enraged by Mr. Thurman’s attempt to protect the young woman—left the area and returned to the scene shortly thereafter armed with a knife. The surveillance footage reveals that the defendant directly sought Mr. Thurman and in one swift and vicious move, stabbed the victim in the heart. While the victim lay bleeding and the female victim and strangers rendered help, the defendant fled the scene. After a thorough investigation, on May 5, 2024, a D.C. Superior Court Grand Jury returned an indictment against the Stephen Herring for first degree premeditated murder and carrying a dangerous weapon. The defendant was arraigned on these charges on June 10, 2024. The defendant was apprehended on August 22, 2023 and has been in custody ever since. Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nebiyu Feleke. Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.


title: Bay Area Man Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in Prison for Stealing Trade Secret Technology Designed for Missile Launch Detection

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A San Francisco Bay Area man and former engineer at a Southern California company was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison for stealing trade secret technologies developed for use by the United States government to detect nuclear missile launches, track ballistic and hypersonic missiles, and to allow U.S. fighter planes to detect and evade heat-seeking missiles. Chenguang Gong, 59, of San Jose, was sentenced by United States District Judge John F. Walter, who also ordered him to pay $77,408 in restitution and fined him $100,000. Gong pleaded guilty on July 21 to one count of theft of trade secrets. A dual citizen of the United States and China, Gong transferred more than 3,600 files from a Los Angeles-area research and development company where he worked – identified in court documents as the victim company – to personal storage devices during his brief tenure with the company in 2023. The files Gong transferred include blueprints for sophisticated infrared sensors designed for use in space-based systems to detect nuclear missile launches and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles, as well as blueprints for sensors designed to enable U.S. military aircraft to detect incoming heat-seeking missiles and take countermeasures, including by jamming the missiles’ infrared tracking ability. Some of these files were later found on storage devices seized from Gong’s temporary residence in Thousand Oaks. In January 2023, the victim company hired Gong as an application-specific integrated circuit design manager responsible for the design, development and verification of its infrared sensors. Beginning on approximately March 30, 2023, and continuing until his termination on April 26, 2023, Gong transferred thousands of files from his work laptop to three personal storage devices, including more than 1,800 files after he had accepted a job at one of the victim company’s main competitors. Many of the files Gong transferred contained proprietary and trade secret information related to the development and design of a readout integrated circuit that allows space-based systems to detect missile launches and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles and a readout integrated circuit that allows aircraft to track incoming threats in low visibility environments. Gong also transferred files containing trade secrets relating to the development of “next generation” sensors capable of detecting low observable targets while demonstrating increased survivability in space, as well as the blueprints for the mechanical assemblies used to house and cryogenically cool the victim company’s sensors. This information was among the victim company’s most important trade secrets that are worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Many of the files had been marked “[VICTIM COMPANY] PROPRIETARY,” “FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY,” “PROPRIETARY INFORMATION,” and “EXPORT CONTROLLED.” Law enforcement also discovered that, between approximately 2014 and 2022, while employed at several major technology companies in the United States, Gong submitted numerous applications to ‘Talent Programs’ administered by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) government. The PRC government has established these talent programs to identify individuals who have expert skills, abilities, and knowledge of advanced sciences and technologies in order to access and utilize those skills and knowledge in transforming the PRC’s economy, including its military capabilities. In 2014, while employed at a U.S. information technology company headquartered in Dallas, Gong sent a business proposal to a contact at a high-tech research institute in China focused on both military and civilian products. In his proposal, translated from Chinese, Gong described a plan to produce high-performance analog-to-digital converters like those produced by his employer. In another Talent Program application from September 2020, Gong proposed to develop “low light/night vision” image sensors for use in military night vision goggles and civilian applications. Gong’s proposal included a video presentation that contained the model number of a sensor developed by an international defense, aerospace, and security company where Gong worked from 2015 to 2019. Gong also travelled to China to seek Talent Program funding in order to develop sophisticated analog-to-digital converters. In his Talent Program applications, Gong underscored that the high-performance analog-to-digital converters he proposed to develop in China had military applications, explaining that they “directly determine the accuracy and range of radar systems” and that “[m]issile navigation systems also often use radar front-end systems.” In a 2019 email, translated from Chinese, Gong remarked that he “took a risk” by traveling to China to participate in the Talent Programs “because [he] worked for…an American military industry company” and thought he could “do something” to contribute to China’s “high-end military integrated circuits.” “[Gong’s] conduct is particularly egregious because his deliberate and systematic theft of [the victim company’s] trade secrets is not an isolated incident; it represents the culmination of a long pattern of stealing proprietary technology from U.S. companies to benefit the [People Republic of China’s] military,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. The FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office through the Counterintelligence Task Force in partnership with the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service and Homeland Security Investigations investigated this matter. The FBI’s San Francisco Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California also provided substantial assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys David C. Lachman of the National Security Division and Nisha Chandran of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case, with valuable assistance from Department of Justice Trial Attorney Brendan P. Geary of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.


title: Social Media Child Predator Sentenced To Life In Prison

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Charles William Maitski (60, St. Cloud) to life in federal prison for producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and enticing children to engage in sexual activity. Maitski pleaded guilty on July 8, 2025. According to court documents, after following up on a tip in June 2024, law enforcement discovered that Maitski had been sexually exploiting children using the internet since at least 2012. Through a series of search warrants and victim interviews, law enforcement learned that Maitski hid behind an online persona of a 14-year-old boy named “Chuck.” He met his young victims online and then groomed them using the social media platforms Instagram and Discord. To build trust with his victims, Maitski sent his victims hundreds of messages a day, including explicit images and videos of the young teenaged boy he had adopted as his persona. In return, Maitski demanded that his victims perform for him on video calls and record and send him increasingly graphic and degrading CSAM. Maitski also attempted to convince a victim to molest children she was babysitting. Between 2023 and 2024, Maitski exchanged more than 50,000 messages with his victims, contacted nearly 300 minors and suspected minors on Instagram and Discord, and sent, received, or directed the production of hundreds of images and videos of CSAM. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the St. Cloud Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Altoona Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Possessing and Distributing Images of Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct

body_text: This release was issued following the 43-day government shutdown during which the sentencing occurred. JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Altoona, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on October 21, 2025, to charges of violating federal sex offense laws and was sentenced to 108 months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced. Jonathan Hunt, 44, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on or about February 16, 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Hunt distributed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct using materials that were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Further, on or about October 19, 2021, Hunt possessed images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, which were produced using prepubescent minors. Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hunt. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Eagle Butte Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man from Eagle Butte, South Dakota, convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on October 8, 2025. Cecil Addison, age 27, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Addison was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2024. He pleaded guilty on July 10, 2025. On April 14, 2024, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle in which Addison was a passenger. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a handgun with an extended magazine with Addison’s name written in red letters on it. Addison had two small baggies of marijuana and a methamphetamine pipe on his person when arrested. Addison is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his unlawful use of marijuana and methamphetamine. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Addison was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Clarkston Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine, Illegally Possessing Firearms

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Clarkston, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that Loyal Otis Dickson, III, age 40, of Clarkston, Washington was sentenced on firearm and drug trafficking charges. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Dickson to 15 years in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised released. Based on court documents and argument presented through the pendency of the case, a search warrant was executed on Dickson’s residence on November 6, 2024 based on prior observations of distributions of drugs and possession of large amounts of methamphetamine. At the residence, law enforcement located in total approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine shards, along with multiple firearms, including the components of a AR-style semiautomatic rifle consistent with a “ghost gun” which lacked markings or a serial number. Dickson was initially arrested and then subsequently released on state charges. Following his federal indictment, local law enforcement in Clarkston attempted to contact Dickson. Dickson fled into Idaho and engaged in a short foot pursuit with officers before being arrested. United States Attorney Pete Serrano said fighting the drug epidemic is an important part of building a safe and strong foundation for Eastern Washington: “We are working tirelessly to combat the plague of controlled substances. We appreciate the work of our law enforcement partners who work to arrest and prosecute those, like Mr. Dickson, who are introducing these deadly substances into our communities.” "Loyal Dickson helped fuel the addiction crisis and violence that has devastated too many lives," said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. "When meth traffickers arm themselves with illegal firearms and try to run from law enforcement, they put everyone in danger. This sentence underscores the FBI and our partners' commitment to keeping our communities safe." This case was investigated by the FBI and the Quad Cities Drug Task Force. The Quad Cities Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdiction task force involving the numerous law enforcement agencies including the Lewiston Idaho Police Department, Clarkston Washington Police Department, and the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca R. Perez. 2:24-cr-167-TOR


title: Department of Justice Releases 2025 Annual Report to Congress on Efforts to Combat Elder Fraud and Abuse

component: Civil Division

body_text: Today, the Department of Justice released the 2025 Annual Report to Congress on Department of Justice Activities to Combat Elder Fraud and Abuse , which details the Department’s progress in protecting older Americans and holding perpetrators of elder fraud accountable. Over the reporting period, criminal and civil litigators across the Department pursued more than 280 enforcement actions against over 600 defendants — including many in the United States illegally or located overseas and extradited to be charged in U.S. courts. These offenders, both domestic and transnational, attempted to steal, or did steal, more than $2 billion from more than one million older Americans. The Department also successfully held multiple nursing home operators accountable for providing grossly substandard care to vulnerable Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. To strengthen its response to elder fraud and abuse, the Department continued to invest in capacity building for law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges. It held the first National Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Team Summit, which brought together nearly 400 elder abuse multidisciplinary team members from around the country to share best practices for coordinated enforcement and improved services for older Americans. Department reporting confirms that older adults lose billions of dollars every year to elder fraud schemes. During the reporting period, the Department recovered or froze millions of dollars stolen from older victims. The Department — through Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) formula grants to states — also supported more than 4,000 victim assistance organizations, which provided services to nearly 200,000 older victims nationwide. Additionally, the Department supported the first National Elder Abuse Victim Services Needs Assessment, a resource that will enable the Department and others to address and close identified gaps in services for older victims in the years ahead. Recognizing the devastating consequences of elder fraud and abuse, all components within the Department engaged in some form of public awareness to promote prevention. In total, the Department held nearly 1,200 elder-focused public awareness and training events, reaching nearly 15 million Americans with information about prevention, intervention, and available resources. The Department is committed to using every tool available — enforcement, victim services, capacity building, and public outreach — to combat the scourge of elder fraud and abuse, and it will continue to prioritize elder justice in the year ahead, building on these accomplishments. For more information on elder fraud and abuse, visit the Department’s Elder Justice Initiative website. If you or someone you know has been the victim elder fraud, please call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833–FRAUD–11or or 833–372–8311.


title: Convicted Rapist Sentenced to 30 Months of Incarceration for Unlawful Reentry After Deportation

body_text: Pasco, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on October 2, 2025, District Court Judge United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke, sentenced Jose Luis Cruz-Agustin, age 37, of Pasco, Washington, Washington, to 30 months of imprisonment for illegally entering the United States after multiple prior deportations. Judge Dimke also ordered Cruz-Agustin be subject to a three year term of supervised release following his term of imprisonment due to his history of unlawfully returning to the United States. According to court documents, Cruz-Agustin was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and booked into the Franklin County jail in March of 2025. Thereafter, Immigration and Customs Officers discovered that Cruz-Agustin, a citizen and national of Mexico, had prior convictions for Rape in the Third Degree, Assault in the Third Degree with Substantial Pain, and Furnishing Liquor to a Minor, in Washington state. These convictions stemmed from Cruz-Agustin’s rape of two 15 year old girls after he provided them with alcohol in 2015. Cruz-Agustin was sentenced in a Washington state superior court to 15 months in prison and, as an unlawful alien, was deported to Mexico. ICE officers also learned that in 2014, Cruz-Agustin was convicted of various domestic violence offenses stemming from Cruz-Agustin chasing his then girlfriend in a vehicle while her young child was in her car. During that incident, Cruz-Agustin blocked the roadway with his vehicle, forcing his girlfriend to stop. Cruz-Agustin then dragged her from her vehicle and punched her in her abdomen, ribs and face. Cruz-Agustin then attempted to sexually assault his girlfriend while her young child remained in the vehicle nearby. Cruz-Agustin returned to the United States in September of 2016 and was apprehended in Arizona. He was charged with Unlawful Reentry After Deportation, convicted and sentenced to a 21 month term of imprisonment. Cruz-Agustin was deported in March of 2018, after serving his sentence, but returned to the United States on or before March of 2025. The 30 month sentence imposed by Judge Dimke was the maximum sentence under the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the sentence argued for by the United States. During the sentencing hearing, Judge Dimke stated that the sentence was warranted due to Cruz-Agustin’s history of violence against young girls and women in the Eastern District of Washington, and his penchant for unlawfully returning to the United States. United States Attorney Pete Serrano said “While unlawfully present in the United States, Jose Luis Cruz-Agustin has terrorized and assaulted multiple minors and young women in the Eastern District of Washington. His conduct is unconscionable, as reflected by his sentence. I hope this sentence sends a message with similar intentions: do not conduct yourself this way in Eastern Washington; such behavior is not tolerated here.” “Unlawful reentry after removal is a federal offense, and Cruz’s sentence reflects the seriousness of that crime,” said ICE ERO Seattle acting Field Office Director Laura Hermosillo. “This criminal illegal alien and convicted rapist is exactly the kind of public-safety threat we prioritize in our daily immigration enforcement actions —the worst of the worst. He remains in custody and is facing removal, and ICE will keep working to protect the American people and uphold the rule of law.” The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laurel J. Holland. 4:25-CR-6011-MKD


title: Lower Brule Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for  Assaulting and Resisting a Tribal Corrections Officer

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man from Lower Brule, South Dakota, convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on October 9, 2025. Leighton Laroche, Jr., age 42, was sentenced to five months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Laroche was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2024. He pleaded guilty on July 9, 2025. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on January 19, 2024, when Laroche was in custody at the Lower Brule Detention Center. Laroche engaged in a physical struggle with a Bureau of Indian Affairs correctional officer after he refused to return to his cell as directed. This case was investigated by Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services - Lower Brule Agency. Laroche was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Forcibly Resisting Arrest

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican national pleaded guilty on Nov. 13, 2025 to resisting federal officers during an immigration arrest. Eddy Rafael Matos-Lara, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with federal officers engaged in the performance of official duties. United States District Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Dec. 15, 2025. Matos-Lara is subjection to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. The defendant was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2025. Matos-Lara unlawfully entered the United States on Jan. 5, 2024, at Nogales, Arizona. He was identified and fingerprinted by border officials and released into the community. On or about June 15, 2025, Matos-Lara was arrested in Boston by local authorities and charged with two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Immigration authorities were dispatched on June 16, 2025, to take Matos-Lara into custody at his arraignment at Roxbury District Court. At the courthouse, two federal law enforcement officers approached Matos-Lara, identified themselves and informed Matos-Lara that he was under arrest for being unlawfully present in the United States. Matos-Lara resisted arrest, assaulted both federal officers and attempted to flee. After several minutes of resistance, Matos-Lara was placed in custody. Both officers received medical attention for injuries sustained during the arrest. The charge of forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with federal officers engaged in the performance of official duties provides for a sentence of up to eight years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Brazilian National Pleads Guilty to Selling Nearly a Dozen Firearms

body_text: BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully residing in Marlborough pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to trafficking firearms. Guilherme Fernandes-Tavares, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of dealing firearms without a license. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Feb. 26, 2026. Fernandes-Tavares was charged by criminal complaint in March 2025 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2025 . Between December 2023 and May 2024, Fernandes-Tavares sold 11 firearms and ammunition across 10 different dates and offered others for sale. Specifically, the firearms Fernandes-Tavares sold were pistols, some of which were privately manufactured firearms without serial numbers and one of which had an obliterated serial number. One of the firearms was sold with a large capacity magazine that could hold 28 rounds of ammunition. In addition, a package intended for Fernandes-Tavares sent from Florida was intercepted and found to contain an additional firearm. The charge of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Massachusetts State Police; and the Westborough Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Reynolds III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Moses Lake Man Sentenced to an Additional 10 Years in Prison for Dealing Drugs From Federal Prison

body_text: Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on November 13, 2025, Chief District Court Judge United States District Judge Stanely Bastain, sentenced Joshua Isaac Stine, age 40, of Moses Lake, Washington, to 120 months of incarceration following his guilty plea to Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Judge Bastain ordered Stine’s sentence to commence after he finishes serving his current 20-year federal prison sentence, which was imposed for his previous for significant drug trafficking in the Moses Lake area. Stine will be on 8 years of supervised release upon his release from this sentence. Evidence shows that Stine engaged in this conduct to facilitate the criminal activities of a national prison gang called “La Nuestra Familia” or “NF”. NF is attempting a targeted push to bring their “hardcore” principles and teachings to Washington State. NF doctrine dates back to the late 1960s and is encapsulated in multiple written documents, including an NF “constitution”. The rules of this criminal organization are mandatory and non-negotiable. NF leadership asserts they are engaged in this struggle for the betterment of Norteños – better known as “La Causa” or the “NF Movement”. Many individuals who have left the gang stated that La Causa is a ruse as its just about making money to perpetuate the criminal organization, which does not hesitate to use violence to achieve their objectives. This persistent prison gang is purposely targeting minors to recruit into the gang and then indoctrinates them into their myopic way of life. These children are taught that if they are worthy Norteños, they will commit crimes and will end up in prison – so they need to follow the NF rules to be in “good standing” to comfortably serve their inevitable prison sentence. To advance further, these children will “owe a body” to advance their lifelong “careers”. Stine’s conduct shows his clear desire to be selected by NF for membership. Stine is a member of the Moses Lake Norteño set East Side Familia. His criminal history dates back to 2000 and this is his 3rd federal conviction. In 2012, Stine was sentenced to 20 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm while on Washington State Department of Corrections supervision. Following his term of incarceration, Stine was on federal supervised release, and he participated in the STEP Program, which is intensive supervision to help drug addicts gain and maintain their sobriety. Shortly after his completed the program, Stine engaged in significant drug trafficking activity in the greater Moses Lake area in 2018-2019. He was ultimately sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his conduct in 2021. (Case No: 2:19-CR-111-WFN-2). While serving this federal prison sentence at FCI Forrest City (Arkansas), Stine did not change course. In an effort to ingratiate himself to NF, he was vocal and proactive about identifying and reporting individuals he believes to be violating NF’s code of conduct by fellow Norteños. He specifically inserted himself into investigations into who may have been acting as confidential informants for law enforcement against Norteños, especially those suspected in the Moses Lake and Tri-Cities areas. Stine utilized a contraband cell phone to communicate with the “streets” and research these individuals. There were even multiple photos of suspected informants with red “X”s through their faces located on his phone. Stine also used his contraband phone or organize the distribution of drugs both inside of prison and on the “streets”. He was actively distributing large amount of fentanyl through the mails to Norteños in the Moses Lake area (for distribution into the community) as well as the distribution of large quantities of K2, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in prison facilities. He also actively advised others of his status as a Norteño and his further intent to be NF and would send people photographs of himself with his “homies” as proof of his desires. "Stine on Lower Right with His “Homies” Stine engaged in these activities to enrich himself and to help fund NF through the payment of ‘taxes’ on his profits from his various illicit ventures, including his drug trafficking schemes. While it is clear Stine did not report all of his income to NF leadership (i.e. he was “freelancing”), he consistently paid the mandatory taxes on the amounts he did disclose as money is the only way this criminal enterprise survives. In imposing this sentence, Judge Bastain noted Stine’s recidivism and unwillingness to change his behavior even after receiving a significant sentence. United States Attorney Pete Serrano stated, “The Defendant is the epitome of recidivism. He has made his choice, despite multiple attempts to persuade him to a different life trajectory. Stine is not repentant. This sentence sends a strong message to those who wish to follow in his footsteps.” ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric Jackson commented, “Fentanyl devastates our communities, and Mr. Stine’s trafficking of this poison threatened countless lives in the Moses Lake area, showing an utter disregard for human life. Fortunately, our ATF Special Agents are steadfast in their dedication to protecting our communities from those who seek to profit from dealing illegal and dangerous narcotics in our neighborhoods. This case is a prime example of ATF’s commitment to combatting violent criminals and gangs, like NF, which are a scourge on our society’s peace and safety.” Dave Sands, the Chief of the Moses Lake Police Department noted this case was possible due to the continued and productive partnership between MLPD, ATF and DEA in pursuit of our community’s safety. Together, our work has directly resulted in multiple arrests and significant seizures of illicit drugs and firearms. We intend to continue this important partnership to continue to fight the gang violence and drug crimes in our area. This case is being investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) Violent Crime Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), the United States Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”) National Gang Unit, the Moses Lake Police Department (“MLPD”), Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”), the Yakima Police Department (“YPD”), and the Washington State Department of Corrections (“DOC”). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin Baunsgard and Benjamin Seal. 1:24-CR-2027-SAB-29


title: Career Offender Convicted of Sex Trafficking, Drug Trafficking, and Unlawful Possession of Firearms

body_text: Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that James Anthony Stinson, age 55, of Spokane, Washington was convicted following a 3-day jury trial of 11 felonies pertaining to Sex Trafficking, Drug Trafficking, and Unlawful Possession of Firearms. Based on evidence presented during the jury trial, the investigation into Mr. Stinson began in 2021 following a series of controlled purchases of crack cocaine. Some of those purchases occurred from Mr. Stinson’s hotel room in the Spokane Valley. Based on that, law enforcement with the FBI, Spokane Police Department, and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on Mr. Stinson’s hotel rooms. They located distribution quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl pills, along with multiple illegally-possessed firearms as well as evidence consistent with sex trafficking. Further investigation into Mr. Stinson’s phones and other digital evidence revealed videos of Mr. Stinson threatening and violently beating a commercial sex worker. Messages on Mr. Stinson’s phones revealed his ongoing use of force, fraud, and coercion, described as an atmosphere of fear to force multiple victims to engage in sex work, as well as significant financial gains from his human trafficking and drug trafficking operations. Mr. Stinson was previously convicted in Washington State Superior Court for Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine), for which he served 132 months and was released in 2011. In 2012, Mr. Stinson was convicted in federal court in the Eastern District of Washington for Addict and Unlawful User of a Controlled Substance in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition, for which he served 120 months in prison. At the time of his arrest in 2021, Mr. Stinson was on federal supervised release. United States Attorney Pete Serrano stated the following: “The United States takes very seriously the safety of our neighborhoods. Crimes involving drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession are devastating to our communities. Mr. Stinson not only engaged in the distribution of controlled substances, but he also exploited multiple vulnerable women to engage in sex work. He took advantage of their addiction and other vulnerabilities for his own benefit. Mr. Stinson is a violent predator with a lengthy criminal history, and I am grateful for the work of many law enforcement partners whose efforts led to Mr. Stinson being taken off the streets.” “As this investigation into Mr. Stinson progressed, it revealed even more crimes, all of them harmful to the public,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Unfortunately, he did not seem to learn his lesson from prior convictions and returned to criminal activity, including distribution of dangerous drugs, illegal possession of firearms, and even sex trafficking through force and coercion. This case highlights the importance of the FBI’s Spokane Child Exploitation/Human Trafficking Task Force, which was instrumental in bringing Mr. Stinson to justice and is an effective asset in keeping our Eastern Washington communities safe.” This case was a multi-jurisdiction investigation conducted by the FBI Spokane Child Exploitation/Human Trafficking Task Force, which is a partnership between the FBI, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and Spokane Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca R. Perez and Lisa Cartier-Giroux. 2:23-cr-162-TOR


title: Yakima Woman Sentenced to 151 months in Jail for Trafficking Methamphetamine with Firearm

body_text: Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on October 9, 2025, United States District Judge Rebecca L. Pennell, sentenced Allicianna Lynnzie Clark, age 31, of Yakima, Washington, Washington, to 151 months imprisonment for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Judge Pennell also ordered that, following her sentence, Clark be on supervised release for a period of five years. According to court documents, on August 5, 2024, two Yakima police officers were in a marked unit when they observed a vehicle with expired tags. The officers observed that the driver was a female and was the only person in the vehicle. The officers initiated a traffic stop and the driver sped away into a neighborhood. A few minutes later the officers found the vehicle abandoned in an alleyway. The officers found Clark a short distance away, identified her as the driver of the vehicle, and arrested her. Inside a bag Clark possessed police found approximately 120 grams of actual meth and 25 grams of fentanyl. Also inside the bag was a Glock model 19, 9mm pistol. Clark had previously served long prison sentences for assault, robbery, and illegal firearm possession. “Repeat offenders engaged in drug trafficking while armed pose a direct threat to our communities.” Said United States Attorney Pete Serrano. “Through the diligent efforts of our local law enforcement along with their DEA partners, they were able to bring this offender to justice and make our community safer.” “All too often, the evil trinity of meth, fentanyl, and firearms lead to violence and death, but in this case, it led Ms. Clark back to prison for a very long time,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division. “DEA and our partners work tirelessly to keep our communities safe from repeat offenders like Ms. Clark, who continue to threaten our communities with drugs and guns despite their previous incarceration.” The case was investigated by the Yakima Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin D. Seal. 1:24-CR-2073-RLP


title: Rapid City Man Sentenced to Over 3 Years in Federal Prison  for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a man from Rapid City, South Dakota, convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on October 1, 2025. Bradley Makes Room For Them, age 40, was sentenced to three years and two months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Makes Room For Them was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2025. He pleaded guilty on July 7, 2025. Makes Room For Them was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse in September 2003. Consequently, he is required to register as a sex offender and update his registration within three business days of relocation or changing employment or student status. Makes Room For Them was convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2023. In November 2024, Makes Room For Them was released from prison and began a period of supervised release, but failed to update his sex offender registration. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued, and on December 13, 2024, Makes Room For Them was arrested in Rapid City. This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case. Makes Room For Them was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: United States Seeks Civil Forfeiture of $70,000 and Two Rolex Watches as Proceeds of Construction and Elder Fraud

body_text: BOSTON – The United States Attorney’s Office filed a civil forfeiture action to recover $70,000, in United States currency and two Rolex watches alleged to be proceeds of wire fraud and involved in money laundering. Law enforcement seized these items on Jan. 20, 2024, following a traffic stop of Michael McInerney and Crystel O’Reilly, neither of whom had a driver’s license. McInerney and O’Reilly are Irish nationals and were not legally present in the United States. While inventorying their vehicle, officers found a white trash bag that contained $30,000 in one white sock and $40,000 inside a second sock and the two Rolex watches. At the time of the traffic stop, law enforcement recognized McInerney as a suspected member of a transnational organized crime group that conducted construction, paving and roofing fraud schemes in the United States. The fraud schemes generally involved foreign nationals who pose as licensed contractors to induce homeowners, who were often elderly, to allow them to work on their homes. The foreign nationals often failed to pull required permits; performed unnecessary work; overcharged the homeowners; and disappeared when the homeowners discovered the fraud, expressed displeasure with the work, or threatened to report them to law enforcement. The foreign nationals bought jewelry and watches with the fraud proceeds in order to evade currency reporting requirements. Following the stop, investigators obtained financial records and interviewed elderly homeowners in Somerville and Cambridge, Mass. who had written checks to McInerney, who is not legally authorized to work in the United States, for construction work. The Somerville homeowner, who was 75 years old, withdrew money from his retirement account to pay for the work and told investigators that the work was not completed and that he could not get in touch with the company after he paid them $199,500. The Cambridge homeowner, who was 78 years old years old, reported being charged $80,000 for work that should have cost no more than $30,000. Investigators also learned that a homeowner in Washington, D.C., had obtained a default judgment against McInerney and an associate named Terrence Connors after writing checks totaling $60,000 to McInerney in August 2023. McInerney and Connors represented themselves to the homeowner as working for a legitimate roofing and masonry company. When the homeowner learned that the company was not legitimate, he confronted Connors, who threatened to tear up the roofing job if the homeowner did not pay an additional $20,000. The homeowner never saw Connors or McInerney again. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Quincy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Annapurna Balakrishna of the Asset Recovery Unit is prosecuting the case. The accusations in the complaint, and the description of the complaint, constitute allegations that certain property is subject to forfeiture. The United States must prove, by a standard of preponderance of the evidence, that the property is subject to forfeiture.


title: Yakima Woman Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison Following Probation Violation

body_text: Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on October 21, 2025, Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian, sentenced Susen Ann Gorst, 37, of Yakima, Washington, Washington, to 57 months incarceration following violation of her terms of probation. Chief Judge Bastian also ordered that, following her sentence of incarceration, Gorst be required to complete 3 years of supervised release. According to court documents, on April 30, 2024, Gorst was sentenced to thirty-six months of probation following a guilty plea for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Gorst incurred multiple violations of the terms and conditions of probation imposed by the Court, resulting in the Court revoking Gorst’s probation and re-sentencing her to 57 months imprisonment. On August 15, 2024, Gorst failed to report to her probation officer as directed. She was also found to have previously consumed controlled substances and failed to submit to random drug testing. Gorst was arrested on July 7, 2025, by the Toppenish Police Department and on July 9, 2025, she was discovered in possession of controlled substances while in detention pending her probation revocation proceedings. Following evidentiary hearings on August 12, 2025, and October 6, 2025, Chief Judge Bastian sentenced Gorst on October 21, 2025. “Methamphetamine traffickers like Ms. Gorst threaten the health and safety of our communities, but despite these concerns, she was given another opportunity to lead a productive life,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “She forfeited her second chance by once again ignoring our community’s values and now must pay the price.” United States Attorney Pete Serrano noted that this sentence reflects efforts to hold individuals accountable who refuse to comply with conditions of probation. “Ms. Gorst was given a unique opportunity with a probationary sentence on a serious drug charge. Instead of capitalizing on it, instead, she violated community and the Court’s trust, the seriousness of which is reflected in the significant term of confinement Chief Judge Bastian sentenced her to.” The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy. 1:22-CR-2084-SAB


title: St. Peters man sentenced to 15+ years for kidnapping his pregnant girlfriend with a firearm to force her to get an abortion

component: USAO - Illinois, Southern

body_text: EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a man from St. Peters, Missouri, to 188 months in federal prison after he admitted to kidnapping his pregnant girlfriend at gun point and driving to Fairview Heights to force her into obtaining an abortion. Kevin L. Smith, 42, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping. In addition to imprisonment, he will serve three years of supervised release. He was sentenced on Oct. 1. “It is not easy to shock law enforcement officials because we have pretty much seen it all—but then someone like Kevin Smith comes along. It is difficult to find words adequate to describe someone who would kidnap his pregnant girlfriend to force her to have an abortion at gunpoint and then continue to threaten her from jail,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “This vile crime terrorized the victim and threatened the life of her unborn child. Smith deserves every minute of that prison sentence.” According to court documents, Smith kidnapped his pregnant girlfriend from her job in St. Charles, Missouri, and drove her to Planned Parenthood in Fairview Heights to force her to obtain an abortion on Dec. 7, 2022. During the car ride, he used a loaded firearm to intimidate and threaten to kill the victim by shooting her in the head. “This case represents a disturbing act of violence and abuse,” said Steve Johnson, Chief of the Fairview Heights Police Department. “Kevin Smith kidnapped his girlfriend at gunpoint and drove her across state lines against her will in an attempt to make her obtain an abortion. His actions were those of a dangerous and manipulative individual. Our investigators worked tirelessly to bring the facts forward, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office ensured Smith was held accountable in federal court. This sentencing sends a clear message that acts of violence will not be tolerated in our community.” Court documents explain Smith faced higher sentencing penalties, because he repeatedly harassed the victim and continued to threaten her from jail. The Fairview Heights Police Department led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Trippi prosecuted the case.


title: Yakima Man Sentenced to 240 Months in Prison for Attempted Production of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography

body_text: Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on October 7, 2025, Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian, sentenced J’LOVFONTE JEROME JOE, 31, of Yakima, Washington, Washington, to 240 months incarceration for Attempted Production of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography. Chief Judge Bastian also ordered that, following his sentence of incarceration, Joe be required to complete 5 years of supervised release. In addition, Chief Judge Bastian required that Joe pay $3,000 in restitution to victims of the child pornography he possessed. According to court documents, Joe posted images of a minor child who was in his care to a message board dedicated to child sexual abuse on the dark web on January 22, 2021. In addition to images of the child, including images where the child’s clothes were pulled down and Joe’s tongue was pictured extending between the sleeping child’s buttocks, Joe made statements to other persons on the message board that he was considering drugging the child in order to complete a sexual assault. On February 2, 2021, Homeland Security Investigations agents and task force officers executed a search warrant on Joe’s residence. Electronic devices seized from that residence and linked to Joe contained over fifty digital files of Child Sexual Abuse Material in addition to images taken of the child taken at his residence. Those other digital files of Child Sexual Abuse Material included images of pre-pubescent children being sexually assaulted by adults. Joe pleaded guilty without benefit of a plea agreement on December 3, 2024, after several violations of conditions of pre-trial release, including cutting off his ankle monitor. At sentencing, prosecutors requested a term of imprisonment of 320 months (26 years, 8 months) to be followed by ten years of supervised release. Defendant requested a sentence of the statutory mandatory minimum of 180 months (15 years) imprisonment to be followed by ten years of supervised release. United States Attorney Pete Serrano emphasized the importance of these investigations and prosecutions, “predators who victimize our children must be removed for our communities. This Defendant is an example of the worst kind of sexual predator, someone who victimizes children he is entrusted to care for and then attempts to drug and further exploit them in a sick and twisted online community. I commend our law enforcement partners and the AUSAs in my office to facing this disturbing material and going after these offenders.” “Predators like Joe who exploit the innocent will face the full justice of the law - we will find you and hold you fully accountable,” said Homeland Security Investigations acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “Joe’s sentence reflects HSI’s relentless work to safeguard victims, dismantle networks of predators and prosecute offenders of this heinous crime.” The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and additional investigation regarding the physical sexual contact with the child was conducted by the Yakima Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Letitia Sikes and Michael Murphy. 1:22-CR-2095-SAB