title: Cleveland Drug Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

body_text: CLEVELAND – A Cuyahoga County man has been sentenced to prison for his role in a drug conspiracy to sell fentanyl, methamphetamine and crack cocaine throughout the Greater Cleveland region. Murray Foster, 39, of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker after pleading guilty in April to the following charges: Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance Foster was also ordered to serve four years of supervised release after imprisonment. According to court documents, from about April 1 to July 12, 2023, Foster and a co-conspirator intentionally conspired to distribute 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, 400 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl, 500 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine, and 500 grams or more of a mixture containing cocaine base (crack). Among the items that federal agents seized during a search warrant execution of several residences related to the conspiracy were more than 500 fentanyl pills, five pounds of methamphetamine, one kilogram of fentanyl analogues, one kilogram of cocaine, 28 grams of crack cocaine, five handguns, a rifle, a shotgun, more than $19,000 in cash, and a motorcycle. Miscellaneous packaging, drug paraphernalia, and cutting agents were also seized. Co-defendant Deion Thompson, 29, of Cleveland, Ohio, pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy in July and is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 5, 2026. This case was investigated by the Southeast Area Law Enforcement Task Force and the FBI Cleveland Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Payum Doroodian for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Former Employee Pleads Guilty to Security Violation at Philadelphia International Airport

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Tiriq Henson, 33, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty before United States District Judge Gail A. Weilheimer yesterday to one count of entering an airport area in violation of security requirements. The defendant was charged by information in May of this year. As detailed in court filings, on March 9, 2024, Henson, then employed as a wheelchair assistant at the Philadelphia International Airport, aided and abetted the entry of Person #1 into a secure airport area in violation of security requirements, by permitting Person #1 to use the defendant’s airport-issued Secure Identification Display Area badge to gain access to the secured and sterile area of the airport. Henson is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16 and faces a maximum possible term of 10 years’ imprisonment. The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Priya De Souza.


title: Gloucester Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Gloucester man was arrested and charged yesterday with sexual exploitation of a minor. Robert Burnham, 44, is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor. Burnham was arrested yesterday and made his initial appearance in federal court in Boston. He has been detained pending a hearing on Sept. 8, 2025. According to the charging documents, from on or about June 11, 2024 to Oct 4, 2024, Burnham allegedly persuaded and coerced a 13-year-old minor female to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing pictures and videos of such conduct and transmitting the pictures and videos to him via social media. Specifically, it is alleged that Burnham met the minor victim on Snapchat and told her he was in her grade. Burnham then allegedly started asking the minor victim about people that she knew and sent her a picture of her father’s Facebook account. It is alleged that Burnham claimed he had sexually explicit photos of the minor victim, that he knew her father and that he would send the pictures to her father if she did not send him sexually explicit pictures and videos of herself. Burnham then allegedly told the minor victim to make an account on JusTalk, a China-based messaging application, and moved their conversation to that application. Over the course of four months, Burnham allegedly coerced the minor victim into creating and sending numerous sexually explicit videos and pictures. It is alleged that Burnham would give the minor victim detailed instructions about what to do in each video or picture and, when she did not comply or respond right away, he would threaten her. Specifically, Burnham allegedly told the minor victim that he was “going to put f*****g hands on [her]” and that he was going to rape her. It is further alleged that Burnham communicated with other minors on Snapchat to whom he similarly suggested that he had nude images of them that he would send to the minors’ families if they did not do what he asked. Burnham allegedly exchanged messages with two different users who told him that they were 12 years old. The charge of sexual exploitation of a minor provides for a sentence of at least 15 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. 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 . United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Harper County Sheriff’s Office, FBI Kansas City and the Gloucester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. 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: Taylor County Farmer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Crop Insurance Fraud

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Bowling Green, KY – A Taylor County, Kentucky, man was sentenced on August 26, 2025, to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison for crop insurance fraud. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Miles Davis of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General made the announcement. According to court documents, Robert “Robbie” Thomas Hunt, 61, of Campbellsville, Kentucky, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for committing crop insurance fraud from 2014 through 2021. Hunt was also ordered to pay restitution of $1,686,002 and was fined $250,000. Hunt pleaded guilty to crop insurance fraud on March 27, 2025. Between 2014 and 2021, Hunt sold crops under the names of other people and significantly underreported his true production on crop insurance claim forms, resulting in over $1.6 million in fraudulent insurance overpayments. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General, and Risk Management Agency, Special Investigations Staff. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Weiser prosecuted the case. ###


title: Venezuelan National Sentenced For Unlawful Possession Of A Firearm Used In Multiple Robberies

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Alvis Alexander Briceno-Yajures (24, Venezuela) to eight years and nine months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States. Briceno-Yajures pleaded guilty on May 8, 2025. According to court documents, in the early morning hours of July 30, 2024, Briceno-Yajures robbed a victim of her personal possessions at gunpoint in a Daytona Beach motel room. He then dragged the victim by her hair down a flight of stairs and attempted to force her into a vehicle with two of his accomplices. A bystander intervened and helped pull the victim away as Briceno-Yajures discharged the firearm. Within a few hours of that incident, Briceno-Yajures and his accomplices drove to an apartment complex in Holly Hill, where Briceno-Yajures and an accomplice pointed firearms at another victim and her friend as they took the victim’s car. Briceno-Yajures was arrested shortly thereafter by officers from the Daytona Beach Police Department, who recovered a loaded firearm concealed in Briceno-Yajures’ underwear. This case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the Daytona Beach Police Department, and the Holly Hill Police Department. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Louisville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Methamphetamine

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced on August 27, 2025, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. According to court documents, Tremell Smith, 34, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 6 years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it. Mr. Smith’s conviction stems from two instances in which he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant. On March 11, 2024, Smith sold 460 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Again, on March 19, 2024, Smith sold 231 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Each methamphetamine transaction was audio and video recorded. The total amount of methamphetamine from both of the controlled purchases was 691 grams. The methamphetamine was tested at the DEA laboratory, where it was confirmed to be methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the ATF, with assistance from the DEA Louisville Field Division and the Louisville Metro Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts prosecuted the case. This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Tangipahoa Parish Man Guilty of Paycheck Protection Program Fraud, Drug Trafficking, and Money Laundering Conspiracy

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that, DEQUARIUS HAMLER (“HAMLER”) , age 38, of Tangipahoa Parish, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Guidry on August 19, 2025, to all six (6) counts of the superseding indictment pending against him. Judge Guidry scheduled sentencing for December 9, 2025. Count 1 charged HAMLER with Conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, over 500 grams of cocaine and a quantity of marijuana, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), § 841(b)(1)(B), § 841(b)(1)(C), and 846. At sentencing, HAMLER faces up to forty (40) years imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum sentence of five (5) years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four (4) years of supervised release. Counts 2 and 4 both charged distribution of a quantity of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and § 841(b)(1)(C). At sentencing, HAMLER faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three (3) years of supervised release. Count 3 charged him with distribution of 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and § 841(b)(1)(A). The penalty HAMLER may receive as to Count 3 is a mandatory minimum ten (10) years and up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five (5) years of supervised release. Count 5 charged HAMLER with making false statements to the Small Business Administration, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. §1001. At sentencing, HAMLER faces up to five (5) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and at least three (3) years of supervised release. Finally, Count 6 charged him with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C. §1956(h). At sentencing, HAMLER faces up to twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of up to $500,000, and up to three (3) years of supervised release. As to each count, he also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. According to court documents, in 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration began a drug trafficking investigation into HAMLER . On three separate occasions in 2023, HAMLER sold a quantity of cocaine and over 50 grams of methamphetamine to an individual he thought was a legitimate buyer. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement officials began to suspect HAMLER was having his girlfriend, Latijeria Martin, deposit his illegal drug trafficking proceeds into a local bank to launder this drug money as legitimate funds. Bank records and financial documents showed that between January 1, 2021, and September 9, 2023, Martin and HAMLER made numerous cash deposits totaling $454,589.10 through seven different bank accounts. Martin’s deposits to and from bank accounts operating under her name totaled $328,159.10 while deposits to and from back accounts operating under HAMLER’S name totaled $126,430. Martin made these bank deposits and withdrawals at the direction of HAMLER . Martin knew HAMLER to be a drug dealer and that his drug dealing was the source of these funds. Employees at the banks confirmed Martin visited the bank numerous times, sometimes multiple times a day, to make cash deposits and withdrawals. Oftentimes, the cash Martin deposited had the strong odor of marijuana. One bank employee informed Martin that these the deposit and withdrawal actions amounted to criminal structuring and the bank would no longer allow Martin to make these deposits. Martin was also advised by another bank, that her actions amounted to money laundering. Despite this warning and notice of their actions being criminal, HAMLER continued to instruct Martin to continue laundering his drug proceeds through their bank accounts. The amount of cash that Martin and HAMLER deposited and withdrew greatly exceeded any legitimate income that they reported on their tax returns. Martin made these cash deposits and withdrawals to conceal and disguise their true nature as proceeds of HAMLER’S illegal drug distribution. When a search warrant was executed on HAMLER’S residence, large amounts of illegal narcotics and financial documents were located. HAMLER also confessed to distributing kilogram amounts of cocaine and marijuana over the past decade. A review of HAMLER’S bank records revealed that during the Covid-19 pandemic, HAMLER submitted fraudulent IRS records to the Small Business Administration in an attempt to obtain a Paycheck Protection Program loan. Through these fraudulent documents, HAMLER ultimately obtained over $19,000 for a small business he claimed to operate but in fact did not exist. HAMLER simply shared this money with Martin, without using any of the it for business expenses. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at http://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Louisville Man Sentenced to 7 years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy and Distribution of Methamphetamine

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced on August 28, 2025, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. According to court documents, Joseph Cook , 46, was sentenced to 7 years in prison, followed by 6 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it. Between August 20, 2024, and August 22, 2024, Cook conspired with other persons to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Cook supplied 111.35 grams of methamphetamine to codefendant, John Jecker , on August 20, 2024. Again, on August 20, 2024, Cook possessed 111.35 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it and supplied the 111.35 grams of methamphetamine to codefendant, Jecker . Finally, on August 22, 2024, Cook possessed 799 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it. The methamphetamine was stored in a safe in Cook ’s apartment. The total amount of methamphetamine from both the conspiracy and possessed by Cook was 910.35 grams. The methamphetamine was tested at the DEA laboratory, where it was confirmed to be methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the ATF, with assistance from the DEA Louisville Field Division, and the Louisville Metro Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts prosecuted the case. This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Louisville Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Louisville, Kentucky man was sentenced on August 21, 2025, to 14 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and distribution of over 50 grams of methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. Antonio O’Neal, 40, admitted as part of an open plea on May 21, 2025, to one count of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine from January 1, 2021, through August 16, 2023, and five counts of distribution of methamphetamine on April 1, April 24, May 1, May 8, and May 10, 2023. Specifically, O’Neal was held responsible for distributing 960 grams of methamphetamine which was purchased through law enforcement-controlled purchases. Based on this conduct and his criminal history, the Court imposed a sentence of 14 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. The FBI and LMPD investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Porter and Frank Dahl III prosecuted the case with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic. This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Two in Gold Bar Scam Conspiracy that Targeted Senior Victims

body_text: Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on August 5, 2025, charging a man and woman for their roles in a “gold bar scam” conspiracy that impacted senior victims in Kentucky and across the United States. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd, Cincinnati Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement. According to court documents, Antonio Peña , 39, who has ties to both Florida and New York, and Brandi Durst , 43, of Florida, were charged with one count each of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. Specifically, the indictment alleges that between April 2024 and July 2025, both Peña and Durst traveled around the United States and collected gold bars from victims who were convinced to liquidate their retirement funds and buy gold. Unindicted co-conspirators would deceive victims into believing that they were victims of a prior identity theft scam, and that purchasing gold would help protect their assets. Peña , Durst , and others posed as Federal Reserve agents or other government officials, supposedly picking up the gold for safekeeping, only to steal victims’ savings and launder the proceeds. On August 14, 2025, Peña and Durst were arraigned before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, each defendant could face a maximum of up to 40 years in prison, in addition to owing fines and victim restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. “As alleged in the indictment, these defendants preyed upon folks who were simply trying to secure their retirement nest egg,” said U.S. Attorney Bumgarner. “They will be held accountable to the maximum extent of the law.” There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by IRS-CI and FBI with assistance from HSI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne E. Keel is prosecuting the case. This case was investigated and prosecuted as part of the National Elder Justice Task Force and the Kentucky Elder Justice Task Force. The Department of Justice’s mission of its Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department’s enforcement and programmatic efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial fraud and scams that target our nation’s older adults. Kentucky’s task force is comprised of investigators, prosecutors, and others at the local, state, and federal level with a common objective of protecting seniors across Kentucky. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Previously Convicted Murderer is Re-Arrested and Arraigned for the Killing of an Elderly Man

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Randall Cornell Mack, 42, of Washington, D.C., was arrested September 2, 2025 and arraigned yesterday on an indictment charging him with conspiracy, robbery while armed, first-degree murder while armed (felony murder), possession of a firearm during crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm (prior conviction), stemming from the May 2, 2025, killing of Steven Stewart, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Mack, along with his co-defendant Phillip Palmer were indicted on August 6, 2025. Co-defendant Palmer was previously arrested on this indictment on August 21, 2025. Mack appeared September 3, 2025, before Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman where he pleaded not guilty. A detention hearing is set for September 19, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. for both Mack and Palmer. According to the government’s evidence, on May 2, 2025, at approximately 12:44 p.m., Mack and Palmer are alleged to have entered 61-year-old Steven Stewart’s apartment inside 633 21 st Street NE, robbed him and then shot him multiple times at close range. Mr. Stewart was a vulnerable victim who had to use a wheelchair and/or walker for trips beyond his apartment. Mack has a previous murder conviction from 2010, where his probation was revoked in 2011, and he was sentenced to 12-36 years. Mack was paroled for the murder in 2019, and his parole was revoked in 2024, but he was later released on parole again allowing him the opportunity to kill Mr. Stewart. Mack was to be supervised on parole through 2037. Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Dinan. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Eight Men Charged with Smuggling High-End Vehicles Overseas

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT - An indictment was unsealed today charging eight Southeast Michigan men with running a sophisticated car theft and international smuggling operation, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. The charges stem from an investigation initiated by the Dearborn Police Department and involving U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from Customs and Border Protection and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Detroit; Marty C. Raybon, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Reuben Coleman Acting Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division; Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Chief Issa Shahin, Dearborn Police Department. Charged were Haydar Al Haydari, 41, of Garden City; Karar Alnakash, 43, of Detroit; Abbas Al Othman, 42; of Dearborn Heights; Mohammed Al Hilo, 36, of Detroit; Moustapha Al Fetlawi, 46, of Dearborn Heights; Terrill Davis, 33, of Detroit; David Roshinsky Williams, 32, of Harper Woods; and Mohammed Al Abboodi, 35, of Detroit. All defendants face one count of conspiracy to transport stolen vehicles, and each also faces one or more counts of transportation of a stolen vehicle. According to the 12-count indictment, beginning in July 2023 and continuing through August 2025, the defendants conspired with each other and others to receive stolen vehicles at one of four commercial/industrial lots. Conspirators would then pack two or more vehicles at the lots into shipping containers and cause the containers’ transportation to port cities via freight or rail. From the port cities, if law enforcement had not already interdicted the containers, the containers with cars would ship overseas. If convicted on the charge of conspiracy, the defendants each face a maximum penalty of no more than five years in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000. If convicted on the charge of transportation of stolen motor vehicles, the defendants each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. “Stolen cars have no place in interstate commerce and foreign trade,” said United States Attorney Gorgon. “I very much appreciate the diligent work of our many law-enforcement partners in recovering countless vehicles and putting an end to this criminal scheme. Our work to secure justice for the conspirators and their victims continues.” “Our efforts have led to the recovery of over 350 stolen vehicles and behind every one of those stolen cars is a victim” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz. “This case hits even closer to home in a state like Michigan, where auto theft doesn’t just hurt our wallets, but our culture. Our HSI special agents and law enforcement partners will continue to do the work necessary to take down these operations that harm everyday Americans.” “This indictment underscores the importance of law enforcement collaboration to ensure those who exploit our borders through unlawful commercial vehicle smuggling operations are brought to justice,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The FBI in Michigan is proud to work alongside our local, state, and federal partners in disrupting both domestic and international trafficking networks. We remain committed to protecting our community and safeguarding the integrity of our infrastructure.” "This case demonstrates the strength of partnerships between local and federal law enforcement,” said Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin. “I want to thank our partners in the Southeast Michigan Auto Crimes Consortium (SMACC), whose collaboration was instrumental in this case. I also want to acknowledge the critical funding and support provided by Auto Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA), which makes this type of proactive investigation possible. Together, we are protecting victims, safeguarding our communities, and holding criminals accountable." “In light of efforts by transnational criminal organizations to victimize the America people and our businesses through illicit vehicle trade, we aim to counter their methods with every available resource at our disposal,” said CBP Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon. “We will continue to work alongside our regional law enforcement partners to ensure we put the brakes on vehicle smuggling through the Motor City and beyond.” An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was investigated by agents of ICE HSI with significant assistance from CBP, FBI, IRS-CI, Bureau of Industry and Security, Dearborn Police, Dearborn Heights Police, Livonia Police, Garden City Police, Detroit Police, CSX Police, Norfolk Southern Police, HSI Newark, HSI Norfolk, CBP Norfolk and CBP Newark and task-force officers affiliated with the Southeast Michigan Auto Crimes Consortium. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Louie Meizlish, Hank Moon, and Catherine Morris. Anyone with information relevant to this case is asked to contact HSI at HSIDetroit_StolenAuto_Tipline@hsi.dhs.gov


title: Jamaican National Sentenced To Federal Prison For Illegal Reentry

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed has sentenced Garville Gary Gayle (37, Jamaica) to one year and six months in federal prison for illegal reentry by a deported alien. Gayle pleaded guilty on June 3, 2025. According to court documents, Gayle is a citizen and national of Jamaica. He was previously deported from the United States on November 19, 2009, and May 26, 2016, following two felony convictions. Prior to his 2009 deportation, Gayle was convicted of possession of marijuana with intent to sell. Prior to his 2016 deportation, he was convicted of illegal reentry. On April 29, 2024, Gayle was found to be voluntarily back in the United States when he was arrested by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for possession of cocaine. He was subsequently convicted of that offense. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO). It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Kenyan National Charged with International Money Laundering  in Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – Ahmednaji Maalim Aftin Sheikh, 28, a resident of Kenya, was indicted today with Conspiracy to Commit International Money Laundering for his role in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. Sheikh is the 74 th defendant charged in this scheme, the largest Covid fraud scheme in the country. “I share the outrage of my fellow Minnesotans at seeing money meant to feed hungry children converted into fortunes half a world away,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Sheikh’s indictment shows yet again what we are up against. It is another window into the many fraud schemes that have seeped into every corner of our state. But we cannot shrink from confronting this crisis. We must come together as Minnesotans and demand that the frauds stop now. We must protect the future of our children and our state.” Sheikh is a Kenyan national who helped launder and send abroad millions of dollars in Feeding Our Future fraud proceeds for his brother, Abdiaziz Farah. Abdiaziz Farah was the leader of the “Empire” group and the lead defendant in the first Feeding Our Future trial. Earlier this month, United States District Judge Nancy E. Brasel sentenced Abdiaziz Farah to 28 years in prison for his role in the fraud scheme. Abdiaziz Farah is pending sentencing in the juror bribery case before United States District Judge David S. Doty. As set forth in the indictment, from 2020 to 2022, Abdiaziz Farah and others carried out a massive scheme to defraud the federal child nutrition program, a program designed to provide free meals to children in need. Abdiaziz Farah and his co-conspirators obtained, misappropriated, and laundered more than $40 million in federal child nutrition program funds that were intended to serve hungry children. Defendant Ahmednaji Sheikh is a citizen and resident of Kenya. Sheikh helped his brother, Abdiaziz Farah, launder and hide his fraud proceeds abroad, beyond the reach of federal law enforcement. Abdiaziz Farah sent millions of dollars in fraud proceeds abroad, including to Sheikh. Sheikh received those funds and helped his brother conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the fraud proceeds by investing them in Kenyan real estate through a series of sham corporate entities and bulk cash smuggling. Sheikh helped Abdiaziz Farah use fraud proceeds to purchase a 20 percent stake in a Kenyan real estate company. For example, in April 2021, Abdiaziz Farah purchased an apartment building in the South C neighborhood of Nairobi, located adjacent to Nairobi National Park. Defendant Sheikh also helped Abdiaziz Farah use proceeds to purchase land in Mandera Town, a city located in Kenya, on the boarder with Somalia and Ethiopia. Defendant Sheikh and Abdiaziz Farah regularly exchanged text message about their ill-gotten wealth. For example, on July 3, 2021, Abdiaziz Farah texted Sheikh, “You are gonna be the richest 25 year old InshaAllah.” Sheikh responded, “I love you so much.” Abdiaziz Farah and Sheikh also exchanged messages and photos of the cash that was sent from Farah in the United States to Sheikh in Kenya. For example, on August 29, 2021, Sheikh sent Abdiaziz Farah a photo of $138,000 in cash. On December 9, 2021, Sheikh sent Abdiaziz Farah a photo of banker’s boxes filled with $270,000 in cash that Farah sent to Sheikh. On December 16, 2021, Sheikh sent Abdiaziz Farah photos of a receipt documenting a $300,000 money transfer from Abdiaziz Farah in Minneapolis to Sheikh in Kenya. Abdiaziz Farah reported the transfer purpose as “family support” and the source of the income as his “salary.” On December 27, 2021, Sheikh sent a text message explaining that he had received $1,287,000 from Abdiaziz Farah in the prior days. As the indictment notes, Individual S.D. is Abdiaziz Farah’s sister-in-law; she is the sister of Abdiaziz Farah’s wife. Individual S.D. is a naturalized U.S. citizen who lives in Minnesota. She worked at one of the companies that sponsored Abdiaziz Farah’s fraudulent participation in the federal child nutrition program. In October 2021, Abdiaziz Farah purchased a townhome in Burnsville, Minnesota for $575,000 using the proceeds of his fraud scheme. Individual S.D. then moved into that townhome. On December 30, 2021, Sheikh married Individual S.D., in Nairobi, Kenya. Individual S.D. flew to Nairobi on December 21, 2021 and returned to the United States on January 11, 2022. On June 9, 2023, Individual S.D. filed a petition for alien relative seeking to sponsor Sheikh’s immigration to and permanent residency in the United States. On the petition, Individual S.D. identified Sheikh as her husband. On November 7, 2024, Sheikh applied to enter the 2026 Diversity Immigrant Visa lottery. The Diversity Immigrant Visa program, also known as the “green card lottery,” is an annual immigration lottery run by the United States Department of State. The program seeks to diversify the immigrant population of the United States by selecting applicants from countries with low number of immigrants. Each year, the State Department issues immigrant visas followed by permanent resident cards (or “green cards”) to approximately 55,000 winners of the green card lottery. On his application, Sheikh stated that he was unmarried. “The federal child nutrition program was designed to provide meals to children in need,” said FBI Minneapolis SAC Alvin M. Winston, Sr. “According to the indictment, Ahmednaji Maalim Aftin Sheikh saw this instead as an opportunity to steal from taxpayers and from hungry children. The indictment alleges Sheikh and his co-conspirators laundered more than $40 million in federal funds. Sheikh allegedly used the proceeds of his fraud to invest in an upper-class Kenyan real estate company. The FBI will use every resource to stop this shameful theft, and to ensure that taxpayer resources are used appropriately for their intended purpose.” These cases result from an investigation conducted by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs and Daniel W. Bobier are prosecuting these cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Underwear-clad illegal alien sentenced after assaulting federal agent who was trying to assist him

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A 21-year-old Mexican citizen has been ordered to federal prison for assaulting a Border Patrol agent and inflicting bodily injury, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Marco Cupil-Hernandez, an illegal alien from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, pleaded guilty April 28, admitting he struck the agent’s body and face repeatedly while attempting to flee. U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen has now ordered him to serve 15 months in prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Cupil-Hernandez is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. He asked for leniency, telling the court he only wanted to escape and did not intend to injure the agent. In handing down the sentence, Judge Kazen said Cupil-Hernandez did more than push the agent away and appeared to have planned to fight, which left the agent with knee and back injuries. On the evening of Jan. 23, Cupil-Hernandez illegally entered the United Stated by wading across the Rio Grande. Authorities immediately took him into custody. However, Cupil-Hernandez complained of injuries to his knees, and law enforcement then transported him to a local hospital for emergency care. Medical personnel soon cleared him for release, though he walked with a limp. As the agent attempted to assist him into a vehicle, Cupil-Hernandez forcefully pushed him away and attempted to flee. A struggle ensued on the concrete. Each time the agent grasped an article of Cupil-Hernandez’s clothing, he removed it. Cupil-Hernandez then elbowed the agent’s face which caused him to lose his hold, at which time Cupil-Hernandez jumped to his feet and fled wearing only his underwear and shoes. Authorities took him into custody a short time later after discovering him hiding under the covered parking spaces of a nearby gym. Cupil-Hernandez will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood .


title: Brownsville resident sentenced to 46 months for facilitating export of firearms to Mexico

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 19-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison for attempting to illegally export firearms to Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Kenji Daniel Juarez pleaded guilty April 23 to receiving, concealing, buying, selling and facilitating the transportation, concealment and sale of firearms and ammunition magazines prior to exportation. U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. has now ordered Juarez to serve 46 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court reviewed additional evidence, including a photograph showing the weapons involved in the offense. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the weapons were highly dangerous and could have been used by the cartel for criminal purposes. On Nov. 16, 2024, law enforcement observed Juarez receive multiple firearms from several people on two occasions at a gun show in McAllen. He later went to a residence in Brownsville, where authorities approached him. A search of the home revealed seven handguns, eight semi-automatic rifles and 22 ammunition magazines in his bedroom. He admitted the firearms and magazines were intended for export to Mexico. He further acknowledged he had previously smuggled firearms and ammunition across the border. Juarez has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel Castro prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: United States Sues Southern California Edison Co., Seeking Tens of Millions of Dollars in Damages for Eaton and Fairview Fires

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – The United States filed two lawsuits today seeking tens of millions of dollars in damages against Southern California Edison Co. (SCE), alleging the company’s negligence caused the deadly Eaton and Fairview fires, which burned tens of thousands of acres of National Forest System lands, killed a total of 21 people, and destroyed thousands of buildings. “The lawsuits filed today allege a troubling pattern of negligence resulting in death, destruction, and tens of millions of federal taxpayer dollars spent to clean up one utility company’s mistakes,” said Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “We hope that today’s filings are the first step in causing the beginnings of a culture change at Southern California Edison, one that will make it a responsible, conscientious company that helps – not harms – our community. Hardworking Californians should not pick up the tab for Edison’s negligence.” Eaton Fire On January 7, 2025, the Eaton Fire ignited on or near National Forest Systems lands within the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County. The fire ignited from faulty power infrastructure owned, maintained, and operated by SCE. The Eaton Fire burned nearly 8,000 acres of land in the Angeles National Forest, destroying or damaging Forest Service roads, trails, campgrounds, and other facilities. Miles of recreational trails visited by hundreds of thousands of people per year were closed because of the fire, which also impacted water quality in the burn area and beyond. In addition to the national forest, the Eaton Fire killed 18 people and burned more than 10,000 structures. SCE stated that it operates transmission towers in the Eaton Canyon area where the fire appears to have ignited. SCE admitted that it detected a “fault” on one of its transmission lines around the time that the Eaton Fire started, according to the lawsuit. SCE negligently failed to properly maintain its power and transmission lines and infrastructure in the area where the Eaton Fire ignited. In a July 31 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, SCE reported that it was “not aware of evidence pointing to another possible source of ignition.” The United States Forest Service incurred millions of dollars in costs to suppress the Eaton Fire. The United States seeks more than $40 million in damages. Those damages include, but are not limited to fire suppression costs, rehabilitation of burned areas, and other environmental damages. Fairview Fire On September 5, 2022, a sagging power line owned, maintained and operated by SoCal Edison came into contact with a Frontier communications messenger cable, creating sparks that ignited vegetation below the lines in Hemet. The Fairview Fire burned nearly 14,000 acres within the San Bernardino National Forest. Forest Service roads were destroyed or damaged by the fire. The roads also were put at risk from falling rocks, debris slides, debris flows, and hyper-concentrated floods. The Red Mountain Lookout, a facility used for fire detection in the forest’s remote areas was destroyed. The fire’s effects have been, and will continue to be, detrimental to wildlife and habitats, including federally protected threatened and endangered species. In addition to the damage caused to the national forest, the fire burned 44 structures, claimed two lives, and injured three people – including two firefighters. The lawsuit alleges that SCE failed to properly maintain its power and transmission lines in or around the area where the Fairview Fire ignited. It also failed to ensure the minimum clearance between its power lines and the Frontier Communications messenger cable in the area where the fire ignited. The United States is seeking to recover approximately $37 million in damages incurred by the Forest Service, including approximately $20 million in fire suppression costs. Assistant United States Attorney Paul Bart Green of the Complex and Defensive Litigation Section is handling the Eaton Fire lawsuit. Assistant United States Attorney Margaret M. Chen, also of the Complex and Defensive Litigation Section, is handling the Fairview Fire lawsuit.


title: Mexican Citizen Guilty Of  Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JOSE DAVID MORALES-VAZQUEZ (“MORALES-VAZQUEZ”) , age 29, a native of Mexico, pleaded guilty on September 2, 2025 to illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a). According to court documents, MORALES-VAZQUEZ was previously removed from the United States on November 19, 2018, and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter. United States District Judge Brandon S. Long set sentencing for November 4, 2025. MORALES-VAZQUEZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two (2) years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Border Patrol in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans of the General Crimes Unit is prosecuting the matter. 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: Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to 34 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Multiple Children

body_text: CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been sentenced to 34 years in federal prison for enticing multiple children to produce sexually explicit images of themselves. RICHARD BARNETT falsely claimed to be 12 or 13 years old when he contacted young girls online and requested—and sometimes demanded—that they send him sexually explicit images of themselves. Many of the girls were nine to 13 years old when Barnett enticed them into sending him the images. Barnett threatened some of his victims with physical harm, including telling one girl that he would kidnap, assault, and murder her if she did not comply with his demands. Barnett, 46, of Aurora, Ill., and previously of Rochester, N.Y., has been in law enforcement custody since 2017. Earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to federal child pornography charges. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey imposed the 34-year prison sentence and ordered that it be followed by a lifetime of court-supervised release. The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the New Orleans, La. Field Office of the FBI, the Buffalo, N.Y. Field Office of the FBI, the Jacksonville, Fla. Sheriff’s Office, and the Ouachita Parish, La. Sheriff’s Office. “Barnett remorselessly used these girls as objects to be employed in furtherance of his sexual gratification, inflicting trauma that will forever impact his victims’ lives,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Chapman argued in the government’s sentencing recommendation. “He threatened his victims, humiliated them, degraded them, and viciously attacked any sense of self-esteem or confidence that stood in his way.” If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to https://www.missingkids.org or calling 1-800-843-5678. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced For Federal Drug Trafficking and Weapons Violations

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –DARNELL DOUCET (“DOUCET”) , age 27, was sentenced on August 28, 2025 by U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier to 106 months in prison followed by (4) four years of supervised release, along with a $400 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, tapentadol, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846; possession with intent to distribute cocaine, tapentadol, and marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D); possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to court documents, in the fall of 2024 DOUCET was observed selling narcotics through his Instagram account. On September 24, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at DOUCET ’s residence and recovered cocaine, marijuana, tapentadol pills, digital scales, baggies, over $20,000 in cash, and four firearms loaded with extended magazines: a Zastava Model ZPAP92, 7.62 caliber semi-automatic pistol; a Palmetto State Armory Model PA-15, multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol; a Glock Model 27, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol; and a Glock Model 48, nine-millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol. 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. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit. ###


title: Baltimore Man Facing Federal Charges for Carjacking and Firearms Violations

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

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Ron Wardlow, 26, of Baltimore, Maryland, with carjacking, using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD). According to the three-count indictment, on February 27, 2025, Wardlow committed a carjacking and used, carried, and brandished a Glock 9mm handgun during the crime. If convicted, Wardlow faces a maximum life sentence in federal prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. This case is possible because of investigative leads generated from the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. It is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information about NIBIN, visit atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin. Additionally, 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. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and BPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Levin who is prosecuting the federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Former Delaware County Teacher Sentenced to 327 Months in Federal Prison for Coercing, Transporting, and Sexually Abusing Students

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Paul Geer, age 58, of Hancock, New York, was sentenced today to 327 months (27 years and 3 months) in federal prison for two counts of coercing and enticing two children to travel across state lines to engage in unlawful sexual activity and two counts of transporting the children across state lines with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity with those children. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. Geer was found guilty on March 3, 2025, following a two-week trial . The evidence proved that, while Geer was a teacher at the Family Foundation School in Hancock, New York, from 1994 through 2001 he imposed disciplinary sanctions on students that were tantamount to torture. The sanctions included depriving children of food or forcing them to eat food that had been regurgitated, binding children in rugs and leaving them in isolated rooms for extended periods of time, and forcing children to perform physical labor. The evidence at trial further proved that Geer used his position of authority and his ability to impose these brutal sanctions to coerce two students to travel with him, on separate occasions, to Maine and Toronto, Canada, respectively. The jury found that Geer transported those students across state lines with the intent to engage in unlawful sexual activity with them. While on those trips, Geer raped and otherwise sexually abused each of the two children. In addition to the term of imprisonment, United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino imposed a 3-year term of supervised release to follow Geer’s release from prison. Geer will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Paul Geer was a monster. As a teacher, Geer was supposed to help his students become better versions of themselves. Instead, Geer used his position of power to torture these children physically, emotionally, and psychologically. When Geer believed his tactics had been sufficiently effective in breaking these children and scaring them into silence, he proceeded to sexually abuse them. These children deserved to be protected, to be cared for, and to be helped, but Geer viewed these children only as a means to his sadistic and predatory end. Geer is now paying the price for his heinous conduct and will spend the next 27 years where he deserves to be, in a cage.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “The depth of Mr. Geer’s sexual, physical, and psychological abuse is so depraved it’s truly hard to comprehend. He was entrusted to care for the students at the Family Foundation school but instead tortured them for years. Now he’s being held accountable for those actions and heading to federal prison. Nothing was more important than delivering justice to those students. Today, our thoughts are with them – and their peers who never got to tell their stories – as they continue to process the unimaginable impact his abhorrent behavior had on their young lives.” The case was investigated by the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force with assistance from the Colonie Police Department and New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica N. Carbone, Adrian S. LaRochelle, and Michael D. Gadarian prosecuted the case as a part of Project Safe Childhood. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced For Federal Weapons Violation

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –KEVIN STURGIS (“STURGIS”) , age 26, was sentenced on August 27, 2025 by U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance to 37 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, along with a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to court documents, on November 23, 2023, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers conducting surveillance observed STURGIS standing outside a residence in Hollygrove holding an AR-15 pistol and a handgun while wearing a ski mask and gloves. Officers later arrested STURGIS who had a Glock Model 21, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol loaded with 12 rounds concealed in his waistband. On the porch, officers recovered an Anderson Manufacturing Model AM-15, multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 19 rounds of ammunition. Prior to possessing these firearms, STURGIS had been convicted of several felony offenses in Orleans Parish. 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. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit. ###


title: Massachusetts Tax Preparer Sentenced for Filing False Returns for Clients

component: Tax Division

body_text: Note, the release has been updated with minor factual corrections and that Isidor was ordered to serve one year of supervised release. A Massachusetts tax return preparer was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for filing false tax returns for clients. The following is according to court documents and evidence presented at trial: Yves Isidor, of Somerville, Massachusetts, owned and operated Tax Realty Pro, a tax preparation service located in Malden, Massachusetts. From 2012 to 2019, Isidor prepared over 1,500 returns for taxpayers. During that time, Isidor falsified returns for clients by preparing fraudulent schedules that claimed inappropriate expenses or deductions. On multiple occasions, Isidor inflated clients’ total itemized deductions by fabricating medical expenses, charitable contributions, employment expenses, and taxes. Additionally, on a few occasions, Isidor inflated expense deductions when clients were self-employed or owned rental properties. These activities reduced his clients’ tax liabilities and generated fraudulent refunds. At trial, clients testified that Isidor falsified their individual tax returns without request or consent. Isidor caused a loss to the United States of $443,000. In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Judge William G. Young for the District of Massachusetts ordered Isidor to serve one year of supervised release. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorney Christina M. Grimes of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor A. Wild for the District of Massachusetts prosecuted the case.


title: Man Pleads Guilty to the Sextortion of at least 68 Children Via Social Media and Sex Trafficking at least Five of those Children

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Ryan Austin Lauless, 31, of, Colorado, has pleaded guilty to 21 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child, 5 counts of Sex Trafficking of a Minor, 2 counts of Noticing and Advertising Child Sexual Abuse Material and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material. According to court documents, between late 2019, and May 19, 2023, Ryan Lauless used social media applications such as Instagram, Snapchat, Discord, Yubo, Purp, and others, to coerce, sexually exploit and threaten at least 68 minor victims into producing thousands of images and videos of sexually explicit conduct. The victims ranged in age from 13 to 16 at the time of the offenses and lived in nearly every state in the United States and in at least five foreign countries. Using the above social media applications, and others, Lauless misrepresented his identity, and falsely represented to minors that he was “Cason Fredrickson,” purporting to be a teenager from New York or other cities. In reality, Lauless was in his late 20’s, unemployed, and living in various hotels and motels in Texas and Colorado. To conceal his identity, Lauless accessed the public Instagram page of Individual A, and without Individual A’s knowledge or consent, saved their images and videos to falsely claim that he (Lauless) was Individual A, posing as “Cason Fredrickson.” Lauless’ criminal tradecraft included misrepresenting his age, identity, background, and likeness, to groom minor children, and provide a false sense of safety in their online communications. Lauless’ tradecraft further included the use of voice modulators and third-party image and video applications to edit images and videos to make them appear as though they were taken live through social medial applications, such as Snapchat. Lauless also feigned interest in his victims, told his victims that they were attractive, and pretended as though they were in an online romantic relationship. He purchased items for many of the minor victims over Amazon, including fishnet stockings, sexual devices, and unique t-shirts that he instructed minor victims to wear when producing sexually explicit images and videos, and shipped those items either directly to victims, or to a designated Amazon locker for pickup. As part of Lauless’ efforts to avoid detection and continue the sexual exploitation of minor victims for a prolonged period, he threatened many of the minor victims with dissemination of their images and videos if they failed to comply with his demands, or if they intended to seek help from parents or law enforcement. At least one minor victim told Lauless that she was contemplating suicide. Further, Lauless sex trafficked at least five different minor victims by forcing them to them engage in oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse with adult males, and producing numerous videos of the commercial sex acts. Some victims were forced to engage in sadomasochistic abuse at Lauless’ direction. Once Lauless received images and videos from his victims, he advertised the sexually explicit material he enticed them to produce for sale on social media applications such as Discord, Instagram, Telegram, and MEGA. He engaged in at least 141 transactions in which he sold the child sex abuse material for payment via Venmo, PayPal, Bitcoin, and CashApp. Lauless admits that his collection of child pornography included images and videos depicting prepubescent children in sexually explicit conduct, as well as children engaged in bestiality and sadomasochistic behavior. “Thanks to the courage of these victims and the dedication of our law enforcement partners, we are one step closer to justice. Exploiting children is one of the most reprehensible crimes, often going unnoticed by those closest to the victims,” said First Assistant United States Attorney John E. Childress. “In today’s digital age, predators use sophisticated tactics to target our kids and manipulate them into feeling trapped and ashamed. I urge parents and caregivers to have open, honest conversations with children in their lives to help stop this abuse before it starts.” "Protecting children from online predators is a responsibility we all share,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy O’Malley. “Crimes that target and exploit children are among the most egregious we investigate, and they too often remain unseen until it is too late. We urge parents to stay engaged, talk with their children, and remain vigilant. The FBI’s mission is clear: we will relentlessly pursue those who prey on children, hold them accountable, and stand with victims every step of the way.” "Today’s guilty plea is a stark reminder of the dangers our children face online. This defendant exploited the trust and vulnerability of children through social media, committing acts of unimaginable cruelty, said Boone County Prosecutor, Kent Eastwood, on behalf of the C.A.S.E Task Force. “We will continue to pursue these cases relentlessly, and we remain committed to supporting survivors and holding predators fully accountable.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Boone County Child Abuse and Sexual Exploitation (CASE) Task Force investigated this case, with valuable assistance provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Lauless faces up to life in federal prison and will be sentenced by a U.S. District Judge later. The Child Abuse and Sexual Exploitation, or CASE, Task Force was established in 2023 to support the investigatory and prosecution efforts of Boone County law enforcement as they pursue persons who use the internet to sexually exploit or entice children. The task force is made up of law enforcement personnel from the following Boone County agencies; the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office, the Lebanon Police Department, the Whitestown Police Department, and the Zionsville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Preston and Carolyn Haney are prosecuting this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood , a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. If you are a victim of child sexual exploitation, please contact your local police department. Resources for victims of child exploitation can be found on our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/project-safe-childhood . ###


title: Thibodaux Man Guilty of Federal Controlled Substances Act Violations

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson announced today that LINEZ GREEN, (“GREEN”) , age 31, of Thibodaux, Louisiana, pled guilty on September 2, 2025, before Judge Brandon S. Long to all five counts of a superseding bill of information pending against him. Judge Long scheduled sentencing for December 16, 2025. GREEN pled guilty to Count 1, Conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1); § 841(b)(1)(B), and 846. At sentencing, GREEN faces a minimum of 5 years and up to 40 years imprisonment, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least 4 years of supervised release following imprisonment. GREEN pled guilty to Counts 2, 4, and 5 for Distribution of a quantity of a mixture of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and § 841(b)(1)(C). At sentencing, GREEN faces up to twenty years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years supervised release following imprisonment. GREEN pled guilty to Count 3 for illegal use of communications facility, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. §843(b) and Title 18, U.S.C. §2. At sentencing, GREEN faces up to 4 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years supervised release following imprisonment. As to each count, GREEN also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. According to the superseding bill of information, beginning at a time unknown, but continuing until at least May 4, 2024, GREEN conspired with several individuals to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamine throughout the Lafourche and Terrebonne Parish region of the Eastern District of Louisiana. The conspiracy involved obtaining narcotics from Houston, Texas and transporting them to Thibodaux, Louisiana. The conspiracy was carried out through wire and electronic communications. On numerous occasions, GREEN used his cell phone to further this conspiracy and distributed methamphetamine to numerous customers in Thibodaux. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at http://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . Acting United States Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisiana State Police, the Thibodaux Police Department, the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Boston Man Sentenced to Prison for Extortion Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced yesterday for his role in a conspiracy to give bribes to former Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Sergeant Gary Cederquist, in exchange for Cederquist giving false passing scores to certain Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) applicants who had failed or had taken only partial CDL skills tests. Eric Mathison, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The government recommended a sentence of 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. In January 2024, Mathison was charged in a 74-count indictment along with five others, including Cederquist and other former troopers who worked in MSP’s CDL Unit, which was led by Cederquist. Mathison pleaded guilty in March 2025. Cederquist was convicted by a jury in May and awaits sentencing. Mathison worked for a water company that employed drivers who needed CDLs to drive their delivery vehicles. Cederquist gave passing scores to multiple applicants from the water company who actually failed the CDL skills test, as well as others who took only a partial test, in exchange for bribes of free inventory from the water company, such as cases of bottled Fiji, VOSS and Essentia water, cases of bottled Arizona Iced Tea, coffee and tea products, energy drinks, and Twizzlers and Swedish Fish candy, all of which Mathison delivered to an office trailer at the CDL test site in Stoughton, Mass. Mathison admitted to his communications with Cederquist about particular CDL applicants and their performance on the skills test as well as inventory from the water company that Cederquist requested and that Mathison delivered. For example, Mathison received texts from Cederquist describing one water company applicant as “an idiot,” who had “no idea what he’s doing,” and “should have failed about 10 times already.” Cederquist then gave this applicant a passing score. On another occasion, Mathison asked Cederquist, “Hows the trailer holding,” to which Cederquist responded, “In desperate need of restocking,” along with a specific request for, among other things, premium bottled water, tea, energy drinks and a “truckload of large water.” United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Brian C. Gallagher, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Wichers and Adam W. Deitch of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Honduran National Sentenced For Firearm Possession

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JHOSMY JOSUE PEREZ-ALVAREZ (“PEREZ-ALVAREZ”) , age 24, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on August 26, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(5)(A) and 924(a)(8). According to court documents, on or about January 2, 2025, PEREZ-ALVAREZ , an individual unlawfully present in the United States, was found in possession of a Glock nine-millimeter handgun and was arrested by authorities. PEREZ-ALVAREZ admitted that he was unlawfully present at the time of the offense and due to his status, was prohibited from possessing a firearm. PEREZ-ALVAREZ was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment, followed by (2) two years of supervised release, and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Upon completion of his prison sentence, he will be transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation to Honduras. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations and the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) for their roles in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution. * * *


title: Mexican man sentenced for illegal reentry

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: GREAT FALLS – A Mexican man who entered the United States illegally was sentenced yesterday to a sentence of time served and remanded to U.S. Border Patrol upon release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Enrique Hernandez-Rodriguez, 51, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to illegal reentry. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The government alleged in court documents that on July 26, 2025, Enrique Hernandez-Rodriguez, an alien and citizen of Mexico, who was last removed from the United States in January 2021, was found near Chinook, Montana without having received permission to reenter the country. Hernandez-Rodriguez’s alien registration file shows a history of criminal and immigration violations dating to 2007, including a conviction for negligent driving in Washington, driving with a revoked license in North Dakota, and two prior removals from the United States. In this case, Hernandez-Rodriguez was stopped by the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) on July 26, 2025, east of Chinook, Montana. MHP requested assistance from Border Patrol agents who later arrived at the location. Record checks revealed Hernandez-Rodriguez had no pending or legal immigration documents that would allow him to be in the United States. He also admitted to being a Mexican citizen and acknowledged he was in United States without any immigration documents. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The U.S. Border Patrol and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation. 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). XXX


title: Box Elder man sentenced to over 2 years in prison for illegally possessing firearm on Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation

body_text: GREAT FALLS – A Box Elder man who illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation was sentenced yesterday to 32 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Franklin Troy Caplette, 40, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The government alleged in court documents that on October 12, 2024, Caplette possessed a 9mm semi-automatic pistol in a chest holster during his arrest for violating his federal supervised release. Because he attempted to run from law enforcement prior to his arrest, a responding officer had to discharge his taser twice before Caplette was arrested. In June 2013, Caplette was sentenced in federal court to 62 months of imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. His supervised release was revoked five times in that case. In February 2021, Caplette was sentenced to 42 months of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in a different case, again in federal court. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The ATF, Hill County Sheriff’s Office, Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement Services, and U.S. Probation Office conducted the investigation. 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . XXX


title: Grand jury indicts Hilliard man for distributing fentanyl resulting in overdose death

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Hilliard man is charged with trafficking in fentanyl that caused at least one overdose death. A second superseding indictment against Raymond A. McGhee, 37, was returned today. In addition to being charged with distributing fentanyl resulting in death – a crime punishable by at least 20 years and up to life in prison – McGhee is also charged with five other drug counts and two firearms crimes. According to charging documents, McGhee, who is also known as “Red” and “Draco,” distributed the fatal fentanyl on Feb. 22. McGhee was previously charged by criminal complaint in April after patrol officers with the Columbus Division of Police stopped McGhee for two traffic violations. They discovered a pistol and a sock filled with baggies of fentanyl and cocaine hidden under the carpet of the passenger side floorboard. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Thomas A. Greco, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys Noah R. Litton and Jennifer M. Rausch are representing the United States in this case. An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. # # #


title: East Helena man convicted of illegal possession of guns and ammunition

body_text: GREAT FALLS – An East Helena man who possessed guns and ammunition illegally was found guilty by a federal jury yesterday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Following a two-day trial, Justin Curtis Huckaby, 43, was found guilty of two counts of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Huckaby faces 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for January 8, 2026. Huckaby will remain in custody pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents and at trial that Huckaby was convicted of a felony in the Montana Thirteenth Judicial District on June 5, 2019. He was sentenced to a period of custody of up to 15 years, with 5 years suspended, followed by a period of supervision with the Department of Corrections. Huckaby’s judgment set out the conditions of his supervision, which included a prohibition of “using, owning, possession, transferring, or controlling any firearm, [or] ammunition….” That condition was also read to Huckaby in open court. On June 13, 2023, Huckaby signed the Firearms and Voting Regulations form, which states: I further understand that my right to possess or own firearms or ammunition is suspended while under supervision. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing or receiving firearms or ammunition [Title 18, United States Code Section 922(g)(1)]. Therefore, I understand I could be prosecuted for a violation of Federal law. I also understand that I could be punished for violating my conditions of supervision AND federally prosecuted. That same day, Huckaby signed his conditions of probation and parole. Condition 15 states: “Weapons: I will not use, own, possess, transfer, or be in control of any firearms, ammunition (including black powder), or weapons.” On August 5, 2024, around 4 a.m., law enforcement officers responded to a casino in East Helena, Montana. Officers were informed Huckaby was at the casino and had drugs and a firearm in his vehicle. Upon arrival, law enforcement contacted Huckaby who was in the driver’s seat of his white Chevrolet pickup parked outside the casino. Huckaby confirmed he was on parole but denied there was anything his truck that would violate his parole. During contact with Huckaby, law enforcement saw a glass pipe with burnt residue on the center console. The pipe later field tested positive for methamphetamine. A probation search was then authorized and performed on the vehicle. During the search, a loaded 9mm handgun was located under the driver’s rear passenger seat. It was loaded with 9mm caliber ammunition. A box of 9mm caliber ammunition was also located in a backpack. Huckaby later admitted to touching and handling the firearm earlier that day. Huckaby also threatened to shoot an individual after he suspected the individual took his 8-ball of methamphetamine and money that he won at other casinos that evening. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and State of Montana Probation and Parole. 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). XXX


title: Justice Department Opens Investigation into Rainsville, Alabama for Disability and Religious Liberty Discrimination

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Today, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division launched an investigation into the City of Rainsville, Alabama, to determine whether the City violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA), and the Fair Housing Act (FHA) by denying a faith-based organization’s application to operate an addiction-recovery facility in the City. The Department opened this investigation after receiving a complaint alleging that the City denied a Christian recovery organization the ability to establish a Christian discipleship program, motivated by a desire to keep away “drug addicts.” The program was intended to rehabilitate men with drug and alcohol dependency, and other life-controlling problems. “The ADA affords every individual, including those on the path to recovery, the dignity and opportunity to fully participate in society,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division stands guard to protect not only the rights of Americans with disabilities, but also the rights of religious institutions to minister to those recovering from substance abuse.” The ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability by public entities. People in recovery from substance use disorders who are not currently engaging in illegal drug use are protected by the ADA. The ADA prohibits public entities from discriminating against people with disabilities on that basis. The FHA further prohibits such discrimination by municipalities in making housing unavailable to people with disabilities. RLUIPA is a federal law that guards religious institutions from unduly burdensome, unequal, or discriminatory land use regulations. More information about RLUIPA and the department’s work can be found on the Place to Worship Initiative’s webpage . If you believe you have been a victim of disability discrimination, please file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division online at https://www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint/ , or by calling the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 (1-833-610-1264 (TTY)). For more information on the ADA and the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.ada.gov or www.justice.gov/crt . And individuals who believe they have been subjected to discrimination in land use or zoning decisions may contact the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section at (833) 591-0291 or may submit a complaint through the RLUIPA complaint portal . More information about RLUIPA, including questions and answers about the law and other documents, may be found at www.justice.gov/crt/about/hce/rluipaexplain.php .


title: Saugus Man Convicted of Trafficking Methamphetamine

body_text: BOSTON – A Saugus man pleaded guilty yesterday to federal drug offenses involving methamphetamine laced pills. Marcus Holder, a/k/a “Heartless,” 30, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for Dec. 11, 2025. Holder was an Asian Boyz gang member who participated in an extensive trafficking network with other gang members and associates. The gang had access to a plentiful supply of homemade methamphetamine pills marketed as the pharmaceutical product, Adderall. These pills were similar in shape, size and appearance to genuine Adderall. On two dates in September and October 2022, Holder delivered 1,000“Adderall” pills to fellow Asian Boyz gang member, Bill Phim, a/k/a “Bonez,” for re-sale to an undercover officer. Chemical testing confirmed that the pills were not actually Adderall but rather a dangerous compound of methamphetamine and caffeine. In May 2025 , Phim was sentenced to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. The charge of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of no less thanfive years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Superintendent Gregory C. Hudon of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Billerica, Haverhill, North Andover and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/PSN . This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Guatemalan National Sentenced for  Illegal Re-entry into the United States,  Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – A Guatemalan national convicted and sentenced in Rhode Island state court in 2014 for second degree sexual assault and subsequently deported, was sentenced today in federal court for reentering the United States illegally and for failing to register as a sex offender, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. Court records reflect that after being deported in May 2014, Nelson Leonel Yocute Samayoa, 34, a/k/a Marvin Gomez, reentered the United States illegally, and lived and worked in Newport for approximately nine years. He failed to comply with the obligation that he register as a sex offender, as mandated by his 2014 sentence. Yocute, detained in federal custody since June 23, 2025, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to time served and five years of supervised release. He continues to be held in federal custody while awaiting deportation proceedings. The case was prosecuted in U.S. District Court by Assistant United States Attorney Denise M. Barton. The matter was investigated by the Newport Police Department, with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Marshals Service. 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). ###