title: Vermilion County Woman Fined and Sentenced to Probation for Voting Twice in Federal Election

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: URBANA, Ill. – A Hoopeston, Illinois, woman, Brenda Knuth, 61, was sentenced on June 26, 2026, to three years of probation and ordered to pay a $2,500 fine for voting twice in a federal election. On January 30, 2026, Knuth pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric I. Long in Urbana, Illinois, to voting more than once in a federal election. Knuth admitted that she voted early in the November 2024 general election and then voted on election day as well. Candidates for federal office were on the ballot in the 2024 general election. After Knuth voted on election day, she posted on Facebook that she “tested the system and it failed.” Knuth later admitted to a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation that she voted twice because she wanted to see if her early vote counted. She admitted that she did not speak with any election official about her prior vote, confirm with anyone whether her early vote counted, or notify the clerk’s office that she voted twice. She acknowledged that she knew that, by voting early, she was not allowed to vote a second time in the same election. At the sentencing hearing, it was determined that Knuth’s only prior conviction was in Vermilion County, Illinois, in 2025 for unlawful possession of an alligator. After hearing arguments from the parties, United States District Judge Colin S. Bruce sentenced Knuth to three years of probation and a $2,500 fine. “The right to vote is a fundamental part of our democracy,” said United States Attorney Gregory M. Gilmore. “Abuse of that right cannot be tolerated. Our office is committed to ensuring the integrity of our federal elections and preventing voter fraud.” “Protecting the integrity of federal elections is one of the FBI’s highest priorities. Every lawful vote has to be counted, and counted only once, for our system to function,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge Ryan Presley. “When individuals knowingly cast multiple ballots, they undermine confidence in the process and violate federal law. This case demonstrates that the FBI will investigate these violations wherever they occur and work with our partners to ensure accountability.” The statutory penalties for voting more than once in a federal election are up to five years of imprisonment or probation and a $10,000 fine. The case investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, with assistance from the Illinois State Police. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugene L. Miller represented the government at sentencing.


title: US Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Indiana Supports Area Veteran’s Groups  As part of the Department of Justice’s Hometown Heroes initiative

component: Department of Justice

body_text: HAMMOND, SOUTH BEND, AND FORT WAYNE- As part of the Hometown Heroes initiative celebrating the 250 th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, members of the Northern District of Indiana team conducted a gift-in-kind charity drive of clothing and household goods for area veteran’s charities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Indiana operates out of three separate branches in Fort Wayne, South Bend, and Hammond. The Fort Wayne Branch collected donations to benefit The Shepherd’s House, a transitional housing and clinical treatment center for homeless and formerly homeless veterans struggling with addiction and mental health challenges to help them rebuild their lives. For more information about the Shepherd’s House, please visit https://www.shepherdshouse.org/ . The South Bend Branch collected donations to benefit the Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center. The Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center team works with Veterans to provide opportunities for an array of supportive services to improve Veteran’s self-sufficiency, all based on the needs of each Veteran. For more information about the Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center, please visit https://www.cfh.net/mvc . The Hammond Branch collected donations to benefit AMVETS. AMVETS (American Veterans) is a non-partisan veterans service organization that advocates for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. They provide free VA disability claims assistance, career counseling, and community support programs, funded largely through household goods donations and thrift stores. For more information about AMVETS, please visit https://amvetspickup.com/ . “It is an honor for our team to support veterans as part of celebrating our nation’s 250 th birthday. Their sacrifices are a critical reason why we can enjoy our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred. ###


title: Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission Issue Call to Action to State Attorneys General to Follow Federal Enforcers in Investigating Antitrust and Consumer Protection Violations Causing High Gas Prices

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission warn lawbreaking companies that they are closely monitoring petroleum markets and gas prices and will take all appropriate measures to stop illegal conduct contributing to high gas prices. Today, the agencies sent a letter to State Attorneys General encouraging them to similarly conduct investigations and bring appropriate enforcement actions under their state antitrust and consumer protection laws. This call to action includes ensuring that companies manipulating retail prices or colluding with their competitors in petroleum markets are held accountable. The letter reinforces the importance of state engagement on potential price gouging and directs consumers to resources to report violations of antitrust laws. “Affordable energy is essential to a thriving American economy. The Antitrust Division is committed to working alongside state law enforcement partners to provide resources and support to protect consumers from anticompetitive behavior that raises the price of gas,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “The Antitrust Division will use all available tools to ensure that companies are held accountable for unlawfully manipulating the market.” Members of the public are also encouraged to potential violations of the antitrust laws to the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations . The Antitrust Division may also pay significant financial rewards to individuals who report antitrust crimes. For more information, see www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards . Anyone can also report suspected antitrust violations and unfair or deceptive practices to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov .


title: Former school district financial officer charged in $1M fraud scheme

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 50-year-old Tomball resident has been charged with wire fraud after allegedly stealing approximately $996,174 from Tomball Independent School District, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck. Kristi Williams is set to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard W. Bennett July 13 at 10 a.m. According to the criminal information, Williams was the manager of Property Tax Administration at Tomball ISD from January 2018 until November 2023 and oversaw the collection of local property taxes. The charges allege that when a taxpayer paid in cash, a tax office employee would place it inside an envelope and record the payment in specialized software as part of a batch. Once the amounts reached a certain threshold, either $15,000 or $20,000, the batch was closed and Williams was expected to deposit the money into Tomball ISD’s bank accounts, according to the allegations. Williams allegedly used the software to reverse the payments in the system and kept the funds for her own personal use. If convicted, Williams faces up to 20 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine. FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Lewis is prosecuting the case. A criminal information is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Twice Deported Ecuadorian National Previously Convicted of Sex Abuse, Other Offenses, Sentenced to 18 Months for Illegally Reentering U.S.

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOSE RAUL MAITA, 55, a citizen of Ecuador, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 18 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States. According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 1996, Maita was granted status as a legal permanent resident in the United States following approval of an application based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen. In February 1998, Maita was convicted in Westchester County Court in New York of sexual abuse first degree involving sexual contact by forcible compulsion. The victim of the offense was nine years old. Maita was sentenced to five years of probation and was required to register as a sex offender. In November 2000, Maita was convicted in New York of failure to register as a sex offender. In August 2001, he was convicted of driving while intoxicated and for violating his probation stemming from his sexual abuse conviction. Maita’s probation was revoked and he was sentenced to one year of incarceration. In October 2003, Maita was deported to Ecuador. Maita illegally reentered the U.S. and, in November 2006, he was convicted in Westchester County Court of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. In April 2007, he was convicted in New York of failure to register as a sex offender. In April 2008, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Maita and, in October 2008, he was convicted in the Southern District of New York of unlawful reentry. In August 2009, Maita was again removed to Ecuador. He subsequently unlawfully reentered the U.S. On September 20, 2025, Maita, who identified himself as “Jose P. Maita” and provided a false date of birth, was arrested by the Connecticut State Police in Southbury on charges of illegal operation of a motor vehicle without a license and illegal operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Maita was subsequently released on bond. On November 4, 2025, the U.S. District Court in New Haven issued a criminal complaint charging Maita with unlawful reentry. Maita was located and arrested by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations on March 18, 2026, in Waterbury. He pleaded guilty to the offense on April 8, 2026. Maita has been detained since his arrest. This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: South Dakota Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft and  Obtaining Drugs by Fraud

component: USAO - Delaware

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – Benjamin L. Wallace, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced today that a South Dakota man has pleaded guilty to ordering thousands of opioid pills by stealing the identity of medical professionals with whom he worked. U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Hall accepted the plea. According to court documents, Ty Mauldin, 35, used his access as a medical biller and credentialer—which allowed him to obtain medical professionals’ licensure information—to order himself thousands of opioid pills through wholesale pharmaceutical suppliers, all unbeknownst to the medical professionals who were the victims of his scheme. Mauldin also exploited this access to electronic medical records by falsifying his own health information so that he could pose as a cancer patient and thereby obtain pain management services, including the installation of an intrathecal pain pump and the prescription of opioids, all of which were paid for by his private health insurer. Additionally, Mauldin represented himself as a certified health professional to his colleagues and patients, including holding himself out as a licensed nurse. Based on these false representations, Mauldin convinced a Nurse Practitioner to allow him to perform Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy on patients and then submitted false claims to Medicaid for reimbursement for performing said therapy. Mauldin pleaded guilty to Aggravated Identify Theft and Obtaining Drugs (Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance) by Fraud. He faces a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison on the Aggravated Identity Theft charge, which would run consecutively to any term of imprisonment imposed on the Obtaining Drugs by Fraud charge.The maximum penalty for the Obtaining Drugs by Fraud Charge is 4 years of imprisonment. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for November 3, 2026. U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace, FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, and Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings made the announcement. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Delaware Department of Justice’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney M. David Tambussi Jr. is prosecuting the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 25-cr-147. ###


title: Crownpoint Couple Face Federal Charges After Child Killed in Alleged Drunk-Driving Crash

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Crownpoint couple is facing federal charges after allegedly driving intoxicated with three children, causing a crash that killed one child and injured two others. According to court records, on February 24, 2026, Urias Koll Pablo , 22, and Jamie Jaye Cook , 21, both enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, drove through Crownpoint, New Mexico, with three children after consuming alcohol throughout the day. The two allegedly purchased liquor, continued drinking while traveling, alternated as drivers, and ultimately crashed a borrowed pickup truck while none of the children were restrained. As a result of the crash, one child died from blunt head trauma, a second suffered critical injuries, and the third was also injured. Investigators found multiple empty alcohol containers at the scene. At the hospital, Cook ’s blood alcohol level was 0.20. Pablo ’s was 0.25. Both defendants were previously arrested in connection with a 2025 DUI-related incident. Cook was charged with child endangerment, while Pablo was charged with DUI and child endangerment. Pablo and Cook are federally charged with child abuse resulting in death, child abuse resulting in great bodily harm and child abuse. They will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, they face no less than 12 and up to 18 years in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allysa Gambarella is prosecuting the case. An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Fort Hall Drug Dealer Sentenced to 80 months in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Idaho

body_text: POCATELLO – Mariah Dawn Russell, 30, of Fort Hall, was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Bart Davis announced today. According to court records, between April and August 2024, Russell sold methamphetamine and fentanyl to another person on four occasions at locations in Bannock, Bingham, and Bonneville Counties. In early October 2024, police arrested Russell after she met with another individual to purchase 1,000 fentanyl pills, which she intended to distribute. In total, between April and October 2024, law enforcement purchased or seized approximately three grams of methamphetamine and more than 760 grams of fentanyl. Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Russell to serve five years of supervised release following her prison sentence. Russell pleaded guilty to the charge on December 16, 2024. Her co-defendant, Walker Cates was sentenced on May 21, 2025, to 84 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Davis commended the work of the BADGES Task Force, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Fort Hall Police Department. The BADGES Task Force is a HIDTA-funded task force that includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pocatello Police Department, the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, the Idaho State Police, and the Chubbuck Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoie Laggis prosecuted this case. These cases were investigated through the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multiagency drug enforcement initiatives, including the BADGES Task Force. The BADGES Task Force is a collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that focuses primarily on drug trafficking in Bannock County and throughout the region. This case was handled by the U.S. Attorney Office’s specially deputized Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA), funded by the Eastern Idaho Partnership (EIP) and the State of Idaho. The EIP is a coalition of local city and county officials in eastern Idaho as well as the Idaho Department of Correction. The EIP SAUSA program allows law enforcement to utilize the federal criminal justice system – through the EIP SAUSA – to prosecute, convict, and sentence violent, armed criminals and drug traffickers. These criminals often receive stiffer penalties than they might in state courts. This program was created in January 2016. Since that time, approximately 275 defendants have been indicted by the EIP SAUSA. Of these defendants, 197 have been indicted on drug trafficking charges. The defendants indicted under the program have been sentenced to 12,998 months (approximately 1,083.17 years) in federal prison, representing an average prison sentence of 51.99 months (4.33 years). Defendants indicted for drug trafficking offenses under this program, serve on average approximately 75.63 months (6.30 years) in federal prison. ###


title: United States Attorney Andrew S. Boutros Announces Results From Operation New Dawn: 179 Defendants Charged in Approximately Sixty Days as Part of First-of-Its-Kind Spring and Summer Anti-Violence Initiative in Chicago Area

body_text: CHICAGO — Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today announced that 179 individuals were charged across 140 newly-filed cases as part of the massively successful Operation New Dawn, a first-of-its-kind “badgeless” enforcement initiative in Chicagoland that focused on a single mission for roughly 60 days: to set aside barriers and focus exclusively on disrupting violence in the Chicago and Rockford areas by arresting the worst of the worst offenders, who would then face federal criminal prosecution. This Operation is described as “badgeless” because multiple federal agencies came together under the banner of the United States flag as opposed to the shield of any agency. Doing so created shared accountability and unified, mission-minded, anti-violence work in the Northern District of Illinois starting in the spring and continuing into the summer in special recognition of our nation’s 250th birthday. U.S. Attorney Boutros constructed Operation New Dawn using an innovative federal law enforcement approach to fighting violent crime that had not been done before in the District: eleven federal agencies worked arm-in-arm as one cohesive, unified partnership to arrest dangerous criminals responsible for serious offenses, including robberies, kidnapping, kidnapping resulting in death, firearms trafficking, firearm offenses, drug trafficking, immigration violations, child exploitation, and various other federal violent crimes. The results of this new approach exceeded all expectations: Since roughly May 1, 2026, 179 criminal defendants were charged in federal court across 140 newly-filed criminal cases; 305 fugitives were apprehended and brought into custody, many of whom had previously been charged with serious criminal offenses; and 24 children, many of whom were kidnapped, were located and safely returned home. “It is my view that to combat violence, federal law enforcement must move at the speed of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “The remarkable success of Operation New Dawn resoundingly proves that point. Chicago’s federal anti-violence apparatus united under one banner—the United States flag and not the shield, badge, banner, or logo of any agency—to make their presence felt on the streets of Chicago and make it known that they are a force to be reckoned with in the battle against violence. As the name New Dawn embodies, it’s the dawn of a new federal law enforcement era when it comes to combating violent crime in the Northern District of Illinois and being responsive to the people of the District, who want to be and feel safe. During Operation New Dawn, federal law enforcement engaged in rapid, targeted, and responsive interventions that interrupted violence in real time. Our law enforcement goal was singular: to tackle the scourge of violence that has gripped this incredible, American city for too long.” U.S. Attorney Boutros wishes to personally thank Robert Cekada, Director of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), who flew from Washington, D.C. to Chicago to jointly announce the tremendous results of Operation New Dawn. The ATF Chicago Field Division has been an extraordinary partner in the fight against violence in Chicago. In addition, U.S. Attorney Boutros also wishes to thank all eleven of the Special Agents in Charge (SACs), other law enforcement agency heads, and all their various leadership teams for their exceptional and strong partnership in this “whole of federal law enforcement” Operation. The leadership, resources, and energy they brought to Operation New Dawn were truly outstanding. Those thanks are extended to Christopher Amon of ATF; Todd C. Smith of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Douglas S. DePodesta of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Matthew Scarpino of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Diego Grimaldo of the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force (GLRFTF); Marta Grijalva of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS CI); Arturo E. Hernandez of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Central Field Office; LaDon Reynolds of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS); Nicholas Bucciarelli of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Mario Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and Frank Padula of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Chicago (ICE). The Chicago Police Department provided strong, sustained support and assistance throughout Operation New Dawn. “The significance of Operation New Dawn, in which eleven federal agencies agreed to come together with one common mission, is truly historic and a powerful and manifestly visible testament to how united the federal law enforcement community is in Chicago,” stated U.S. Attorney Boutros. “I couldn’t be prouder of the work of our Assistant U.S. Attorneys—many of whom I personally hired within the past year-plus—and our law enforcement partners who literally endured violent attacks and attempted robberies by criminals who apparently didn’t get the message that a new era of federal crime fighting in Chicago started more than a year ago when I became U.S. Attorney. Recognizing that crime doesn’t stop or operate at normal hours, federal prosecutors, agents, Office and agency leaders, and others, worked many long days, nights, weekends, and holidays to make Operation New Dawn a success. But it was worth it, because it’s our way to uniquely give back to the country in celebration of the 250th birthday of the greatest nation ever to be formed.” Although many notable cases could be singled out, a selection of significant charges from Operation New Dawn are highlighted in these “Top 5” reports from ATF , FBI , HSI , and DEA . These cases involve serious violent offenses, including murder, carjacking, fentanyl trafficking, firearms trafficking, and child sex offenses. The cases are representative of the type of significant federal arrests that were made and charges that were filed under Operation New Dawn to remove dangerous offenders from our neighborhoods. “Law enforcement has always been, and always will be, a team sport,” said Christopher Amon, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Chicago Field Division. “The success of Operation New Dawn reflects the leadership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the trust, commitment, and collaboration among our Chicago federal law enforcement partners. Together, we made a meaningful impact by removing shooters and other violent offenders from our streets making Chicago safer for all.” “Operation New Dawn demonstrates the power of coordinated law enforcement efforts to address the interconnected threats of violent crime and drug trafficking,” said Todd C. Smith, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Chicago Field Division. “Through the Homeland Security Task Force and in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies combined intelligence, resources and expertise to target individuals and criminal networks that threaten public safety. Reducing violent crime remains one of DEA’s top strategic priorities, and the significant drug seizures resulting from this operation underscore the close relationship between violence and drug trafficking activity. By working together to disrupt criminal organizations, remove dangerous drugs from our communities, and hold offenders accountable, we are enhancing public safety while advancing our commitment to a Fentanyl Free America.” “Operation New Dawn served as an opportunity for the public to see the relentless and talented work by the men and women of the FBI Chicago Field Office,” said Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Chicago Field Office. "These successes showcase the sophisticated and brave work done by the FBI every day. The FBI remains committed to keeping our communities safe, removing violent criminals from our streets, and disrupting the networks criminals use when attempting to harm the people law enforcement is sworn to serve and protect. The FBI’s operational period protecting this city knows no end date, and we are proud to continue to work with our partners and the public to ensure those who live and work in Chicago are free from threats or harm.” “Operation New Dawn is a testament to what can be achieved when law enforcement agencies unite to fight against violent crime,” said Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago office of HSI. “HSI is proud to have played a critical role in this unprecedented anti-violence initiative, leveraging our investigative expertise to disrupt violent criminal networks, dismantle drug trafficking organizations, and protect vulnerable children in the greater Chicago area. The results of this operation demonstrate the power of unified action and the dedication of HSI agents to safeguarding our communities. As we mark our nation’s 250th birthday, HSI remains steadfast in our mission to ensure the safety and security of every resident in our great city.” “Violent crime has no place in one of America’s greatest cities,” said Marta Grijalva, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation is proud to stand alongside our federal, state, and local partners to dismantle the criminal organizations that bring violence into our neighborhoods. By exposing the financial networks that fuel violent crime, we help dismantle the organizations that profit from fear and make our communities safer.” The public is reminded that charges are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


title: Guatemalan National Indicted for Illegal Re-Entry into the United States

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Guatemalan National was indicted by Grand Jury on June 30, 2026, for illegal re-entry into the United States after being previously deported. Julien Cristobal-Perez, 62, was indicted for an offense that occurred on May 25, 2026, in Barry County, Mo., related to his illegal re-entry after being previously deported from the United States. Under federal statute, illegally re-entering into the United States after being previously deported is in direct violation of existing federal immigration law and is subject to a sentence of up to two years imprisonment. The maximum statutory sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Monett, Missouri, Police Department. The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. Operation Take Back America This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Lehigh County Man Sentenced To Life In Prison For Distributing A Fatal Dose Of Fentanyl

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Dimitris Smith, Jr., age 48, of Whitehall, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 1, 2026, to life imprisonment by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for distributing fentanyl resulting in death. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Smith distributed a deadly dose of fentanyl on December 11, 2023, in East Stroudsburg, Monroe County. A 38 year old female died after ingesting the fentanyl. Between March 14, 2024, and April 1, 2024, Smith also distributed fentanyl and cocaine to an undercover law enforcement officer. During this time period Smith was on federal supervised release from a prior drug trafficking conviction. On January 26, 2026, Senior United States Judge Robert D. Mariani sentenced Smith to 2 years imprisonment, to be served consecutive to the sentence on this case, for the supervised release violation. This is Smith’s third federal drug trafficking conviction. During the five-day trial, prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office presented testimony of 32 witnesses, including experts in forensic pathology, forensic toxicology, serology DNA profiling, forensic chemistry and historical cell site data. Witness testimony, the victim’s cell phone data and text messages, DNA evidence seized at the crime scene, and CashApp payment records were among the evidence presented that proved Smith was the dealer who supplied the fentanyl that killed the victim. The FBI and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Jenny P. Roberts and Patrick Bannon 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 (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses. # # #


title: DACA Illegal Alien Who Previously Molested a Toddler Sentenced for Immigration Fraud

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Jeffry Jose De Pena, 39, an illegal alien born in the Dominican Republic, to 7 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. On March 11, 2026, De Pena pleaded guilty to immigration fraud. “We will not let child molester spiders take advantage of our society’s most precious treasures, our children.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “This DACA illegal alien will no longer cheat to prey on the citizens of Eastern North Carolina. He better stay out.” On February 20, 2023, in Wake County, North Carolina Superior Court, a grand jury returned three indictments against De Pena which collectively charged him with having committed five counts of indecent liberties with a child and seven counts of first-degree sex offense with a child by an adult from January 1, 2007, through January 1, 2012. On March 21, 2024, a jury convicted De Pena for the crimes of indecent liberty with a child and first-degree sex offense with a child by an adult. The victim was a 3-year-old toddler. He was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of between 25 and 35 years and ordered to register as a sex offender. De Pena confessed to knowingly making a materially false statement under penalty of perjury when he submitted his Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) in December of 2021. He responded “NO” to the question: “Have you EVER engaged in, ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in any of the following:…[a]ny kind of sexual contact or relations with any person who was being forced or threatened? CIS approved the application on January 5, 2022. Immigration officials did not know about his crimes prior to approving his application. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced the defendant. ICE ERO investigated the case as part of Operation False Haven - an ongoing initiative purpose-built to target child molesters and other egregious felons who fraudulently obtain immigration benefits. Upon completion of his prison sentence De Pena will be transferred to ICE custody for removal from the U.S. A copy of this press release is located on our website . Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-00288-FL.


title: DOJ and FTC Issue Fiscal Year 2025 Hart-Scott-Rodino Annual Report

body_text: The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Antitrust Division and Federal Trade Commission released their 48 th Annual Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Report . This report summarizes the agencies’ merger enforcement efforts and provides fiscal year 2025 data on the Premerger Notification Program, which alerts the agencies to transactions that may substantially lessen competition in violation of federal law. Enacted by Congress in 1976, the HSR Act gives the DOJ and the FTC the opportunity to investigate and challenge mergers that are likely to harm consumers before injury occurs. The report explains that in fiscal year 2025, companies notified the agencies of 2,006 transactions under the HSR Act, of which approximately 31.8% were valued at more than $1 billion. The DOJ and the FTC took 18 merger enforcement actions to maintain competition in critically important markets, including healthcare, technology, energy, defense, consumer goods and services, labor and manufacturing. The DOJ brought ten of these actions: two in which the DOJ initiated litigation, two were resolved by the DOJ filing settlement papers simultaneously with the complaints in U.S. district courts, two that the parties abandoned before litigation commenced as a result of antitrust concerns raised during the DOJ’s investigation, and four that were restructured after the DOJ raised concerns about the threat they posed to competition.


title: Former Louisiana Detention Officer Sentenced to Three Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Abuse of a Detainee

component: USAO - Louisiana, Western

body_text: LAFAYETTE – On June 26, 2026, David Courvelle , 56, a former Contract Detention Officer at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Basile, Louisiana, was sentenced to three years in federal prison after his December 29, 2025, plea to one count of Sexual Abuse of a Ward. “This three-year sentence reflects the seriousness of Mr. Courvelle’s conduct, which involved both a sexual relationship with a detainee and using other detainees to coordinate and cover up his crime,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Those entrusted with authority over detained persons must be held to the highest standards, and violations of that trust will be prosecuted.” According to court documents, Courvelle served as a Contract Detention Officer between January and July 2025, during which time he engaged in prohibited sexual contact with a female detainee at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center. Evidence shows Courvelle developed a relationship with the detainee and provided her with gifts, family photos, and other items. He also arranged for other detainees to act as lookouts during their sexual encounters to avoid detection. In a statement to investigators conducted pursuant to the Prison Rape Elimination Act, the victim explained that she felt pressured to perform sexual acts on Courvelle while they were together. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement. The investigation was conducted by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Myers P. Namie and Thomas A. Johnson with assistance from Legal Assistant Tanya Broussard. You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is 6:25-CR-00354. ### CONTACT: Public Affairs USALAW-News@usdoj.gov United States Attorney’s Office www.justice.gov/usao-wdla Western District of Louisiana Twitter @USAO_WDLA


title: Hacienda Employee Pleads Guilty to Bribery Conspiracy Involving Loss of $5 Million

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Today, Luis A. Jiménez-Guzmán, a Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (Departamento de Hacienda or “PRDT”) employee was charged and pleaded guilty to a bribery conspiracy involving the loss of approximately $5,000,000 in Puerto Rico tax revenue, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. According to the plea agreement in the case, Luis A. Jiménez-Guzmán, knowingly and willfully conspired to commit federal program bribery and wire fraud, as well as accepted bribe payments in exchange for his corrupt acts. From February 2019 through March 2023, Jiménez-Guzmán was an employee and agent of the PRDT with duties that included physically and electronically accessing and reviewing tax returns and documents related to invoicing and collection of owed taxes. The defendant had privileged access to the PRDT’s online platforms, the Puerto Rico Integrated Tax Administration System (PRITAS) and the Internal Revenue Unified System (GenTax/SURI) and was experienced and able to access, monitor, and modify taxpayer information, including creating taxpayer credits, modifying income tax, employee retention tax and sales tax information. As part of the bribery conspiracy, Jiménez-Guzmán corruptly accepted cash payments and other benefits, in exchange for submitting false information to the PRDT. The false information was submitted to the PRDT for the elimination of taxes owed, evasion of taxes, and theft of funds. For example, on August 16, 2021, Jiménez-Guzmán received a $10,000 bribe payment from Person H to erase and reduce a tax debt of one of Person H’s customers. The illicit payments were solicited and accepted by Jiménez-Guzmán, who illegally eliminated the PRDT tax liabilities and obtained illegal tax refunds for several individual and business taxpayers, with a total approximate loss to the PRDT of $5,000,000. “Together with our law enforcement partners, our office will continue to aggressively pursue corrupt individuals in the government who take advantage of the system to benefit a few in exchange for bribes,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. “This prosecution serves as a warning to other public employees involved in these types of schemes that they will be investigated and prosecuted, and that such violations will not be tolerated.” “The FBI remains committed to protecting the integrity of Puerto Rico’s public institutions,” said Carlos R. Goris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “Today’s proceedings reflect our continued efforts to investigate and expose schemes that compromise the fair administration of government programs and erode public trust. We will continue working closely with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure that those who abuse their positions for personal gain are held accountable.” Defendant Jiménez-Guzmán made his initial court appearance at the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico where he waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a one-count Information before United States District Judge Silvia L. Carreño-Coll. He faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison, a fine not to exceed two hundred fifty thousand dollars, and supervised release. A federal district court judge will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Christine Amy from the District of Puerto Rico’s Financial Fraud & Public Corruption Section is prosecuting the case. This case is part of an ongoing effort to combat public corruption and fraud committed by Puerto Rico Department of Treasury employees. In addition to the above matter, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico announced the indictment of twenty-six individuals and corporations in a similar bribery and wire fraud scheme in October 2025 . ###


title: Justice Department Rejects International Criminal Court Jurisdiction Over U.S. Persons

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: In a letter this week addressed to the President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche wrote that the Department of Justice rejects any assertion of jurisdiction by the ICC over Americans. The United States is not a party to the Rome Statute and has never consented to the ICC’s authority. As a matter of international law, a treaty cannot bind a non-consenting country. Accordingly, the ICC has no jurisdiction over Americans — anywhere in the world — and any attempt to assert such authority is illegitimate, unlawful, and a direct affront to the sovereignty of the United States. “The ICC has acted in an increasingly lawless and illegitimate manner,” writes Blanche in his letter to Judge Tomoko Akane, President of the International Criminal Court. “Its record of selective enforcement and credible allegations of internal misconduct raise serious doubts about the ICC’s impartiality, credibility, and legitimacy.” In 2002, Congress passed the American Servicemembers’ Protection Act which expressly repudiates ICC jurisdiction over U.S. persons, including U.S. servicemembers, government officials, and civilians. The statute prohibits cooperation with the ICC and authorizes the President to use all means necessary and appropriate to secure the release of any U.S. person detained pursuant to any ICC warrant or request. Going forward, the United States will not cooperate with any ICC investigation, inquiry, summons, or proceeding. This includes the extradition or transfer any U.S. person to the ICC. The Department will also oppose any effort by other countries to do so. “The Department of Justice is fully committed to defending our Nation’s sovereignty and protecting the rights of U.S. persons against unlawful international overreach,” the letter continues. “Our Constitution — the supreme law of the land — vests the judicial power of the United States in its own courts, and our legal system is the envy of the world. The United States will not subordinate the liberty and security of our people to a foreign tribunal in The Hague with no accountability to any electorate or fidelity to the Constitution.”


title: Hopkins County woman guilty of federal charges related to an unlicensed breeding facility in the Eastern District of Texas

body_text: TYLER, Texas – A Hopkins County woman has pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges following an animal welfare investigation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Kristine Michelle Hicks, 51, pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge John Love on July 1, 2026. According to information presented in court, Hicks was the sole owner and operator of an unlicensed dog breeding business called Giant German Shepherds in Hopkins County, Texas. Toward the end of the operation in December 2025, Hicks had as many as 131 German shepherds on her property. Hicks advertised her services online through a website and Facebook account she controlled. When she received inquiries about dogs that she had advertised for sale, she made representations and promises about the dogs, including that they were healthy, trained for specific services, that they had certain specified parentage, and that they were registered with the AKC. These representations were false. Instead of selling purebred, properly AKC registered, healthy animals, Hicks sometimes sold dogs that were a mix of breeds, were randomly sourced from other litters, and had diseases or were in an unhealthy state. Soil from Hicks’ property was contaminated with coccidia, an intestinal parasite. Hicks also created and fabricated false AKC documentation, and greatly inflated the sales prices for the dogs, often by thousands of dollars above the dogs’ real market value. “The depraved indifference to animal suffering we witnessed in this case was shocking,” said United States Attorney Jay R. Combs. “My office will continue to advocate for the victims who were defrauded by the defendant as well as the animals who suffered, and often died, in cruel conditions. The concerned citizens who brought this to light are to be commended along with the amazing animal rescue organizations who worked so hard to assist in caring for the animals, most especially Big Dog Ranch Rescue.” “This fraudulent, unlicensed dog breeder subjected dogs to grotesque cruelty, keeping a kill pit at her facility,” said U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General John Walk. “I am proud of the USDA OIG agents who rescued 143 dogs and brought swift justice to this unconscionable crime. Criminals should know that USDA OIG will continue working aggressively with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate crimes endangering animal welfare and protect public safety. I thank the FBI, APHIS Animal Care, SPCA of Texas, Tulsa SPCA, and Big Dog Ranch Rescue for their assistance in conducting the investigation and housing the rescued animals.” Hicks faces up to 20 years in federal prison. This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General and the FBI, with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Morris.


title: United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow Announces Resignation

component: USAO - Puerto Rico

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces his resignation as United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, effective July 7, 2026, and issues the following statement: It has been the honor of my professional life to serve the people of Puerto Rico and the United States as the United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. My resignation comes after having served the Department of Justice for over 37 years. I owe a debt of gratitude to the dedicated attorneys and professional staff in the U.S. Attorney’s Office -- I was truly blessed to have served with the finest men and women in the Department. I am so very proud of the great work that the office has accomplished and will continue to accomplish. I thank our brave and steadfast federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who risk their safety every day to make our communities safer. I also appreciate more than you can know the support of the community and the many of you who have expressed your appreciation to me over the years. I thank President Trump for nominating me for the position in 2019 and the Senate for my confirmation. I also thank President Biden for allowing me to remain in my position throughout his administration. During my tenure as United States Attorney, I have been guided by the firm belief that our pillars of government must stand as a City Upon a Hill. I have striven to abide by the Office Mission Statement: The first duty of society being justice – our mission shall be to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all. We shall enforce the law, ensure public safety, and defend the interests of the United States against all threats, foreign and domestic, while always adhering to the highest professional and ethical standards. As we approach the 250 th anniversary of our nation’s founding and the formal adoption of the Declaration of Independence, may God Bless the people of Puerto Rico and our wonderful country. # # #


title: A Second Leader of Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 96 Months for Fentanyl Analogue Distribution and Money Laundering Conspiracies

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County man and one of the leaders of a drug trafficking organization responsible for the importation and distribution of hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl analogues was sentenced yesterday to 96 months and 19 days in prison, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer and Assistant Attorney General A. Duva announced. “This sentence drives home a simple message: leaders of drug‑trafficking networks will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. For years, Action directed an operation that pumped deadly fentanyl analogues into neighborhoods across New Jersey, putting our citizens at risk. This result reflects the weight of that threat and this Office’s continued resolve to dismantle criminal enterprises that profit from endangering the public.” - U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer “Placing another defendant behind bars in this case reflects Homeland Security Investigations’ focus on stopping the flow of fentanyl and other harmful illicit drugs into our neighborhoods,” said HSI Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas. “Working alongside our federal, state, and local partners, HSI Newark not only dismantled a significant trafficking organization, but also disrupted the illicit financial networks that sustained it, including the money laundering scheme at its core. We will continue to pursue the criminal organizations responsible for America’s drug crisis, targeting both their distribution pipelines and their financial infrastructure, and ensuring every participant is held accountable.” Defendant Michael Action, 51, of Bloomfield, New Jersey previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to drug trafficking conspiracy and money laundering. Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence yesterday in Newark federal court. The other leader of the organization, Thomas Padovano, and co-conspirator William Panzera, were previously sentenced to 234 months and 144 months in prison, respectively. Six other co-conspirators have pleaded guilty in the case and are awaiting sentencing. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From approximately January 2014 through September 2020, Action, Padovano and other members of the drug trafficking organization agreed to import and distribute various controlled substances and controlled substance analogues, including fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, methylone, and ketamine. Action received packages and shipping barrels laden with drugs, which arrived through commercial package delivery services and air freight from China. Action distributed some of the drugs in bulk, and delivered some to Padovano for storage in a dilapidated trailer in Newark, where Padovano and one or more co-conspirators pressed the fentanyl analogues into counterfeit pharmaceutical pills and distributed them. Action additionally engaged in financial transactions that involved expenditure of the drug proceeds. In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Action to 5 years of supervised release on count one and 3 years supervised release on count two, to run concurrently. Additionally, the court ordered a $5 million forfeiture money judgment against Action. U.S. Attorney Frazer and Assistant Attorney General A. Duva made the announcement. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited the special agents of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) – Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas, with the investigation. He also thanked HSI in Philadelphia, the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Newark Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Newark Police Department, and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance. The government is represented by Senior National Security Counsel Sammi Malek and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Hasapidis-Sferra of the Criminal Division in Newark and Trial Attorney Stephen Sola, Chief of the Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture (MNF) Section. Financial Investigator Kathryn Montemorra of MNF supported the investigation. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Newark comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS and local law enforcement officers with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. ### Defense counsel: Ernesto Cerimele, Esq.


title: Statement on Federal Decertification of the New York Medicaid Fraud Control Unit

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) has formally denied the recertification of the New York State Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) and suspended its federal funding effective July 1, 2026. According to HHS-OIG’s findings, New York’s MFCU—despite receiving roughly $60 million in federal funding each year and employing more than 270 staff—has repeatedly produced the lowest levels of criminal Medicaid fraud enforcement among large states. In FY 2023 and 2025, the Unit secured only eight to nine criminal indictments annually, while other states of similar size produced results in the hundreds. Over that same period, the Unit obtained just four convictions involving patient abuse or neglect, despite receiving more than 2,000 such referrals each year. HHS-OIG also identified long-standing issues that contributed to these outcomes, including slow case progression, a significant backlog in investigations, and systemic referral and tracking deficiencies. In response to these persistent gaps, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York along with its partners in the Northern District of New York Healthcare Fraud Task Force have continued to expand its federal enforcement efforts involving Medicaid fraud, patient abuse, and related offenses to protect program integrity and ensure accountability. “Attorney General James’ apparent inability to explain the New York MFCU’s indefensible criminal enforcement performance is not a political distraction as she puts it,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “Instead, based on its own reported statistics, the New York MFCU—despite having a staff of 272 employees and a $60 million budget—has failed to address public benefits crime in any meaningful way. According to the data the unit is required to report to the HHS‑OIG for annual recertification, the New York MFCU averaged only nine criminal indictments per year from 2021 to 2025. Yet between 2016 and 2018—just prior to Ms. James taking office—the unit averaged more than 100 indictments per year.” Sarcone continued, “Public benefits fraud and Medicaid fraud did not abruptly stop in 2019. Instead, under the failed leadership of AG James, criminal Medicaid fraud in New York State has been ignored. Highlighting civil recovery data—figures that may or may not combine New York’s results with those of other states to create an impression of financial success—only serves to gloss over and obscure the unit’s dramatic failure to enforce criminal law. Rather than spending resources ‘assessing legal options,’ the New York MFCU would better fulfill its mandate by focusing on investigating and prosecuting crime, as it is both required and funded to do.”


title: Illegal alien sentenced for role in decades-long identity theft scheme

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: HOUSTON – A 63-year-old Mexican national illegally residing in Houston has been ordered to federal prison for theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck. Ana Silvia Garcia pleaded guilty April 14. U.S. District Judge Charles R. Eskridge has now ordered Garcia to serve 27 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, she is expected to face removal proceedings following her imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard testimony from the victim describing the emotional toll of the crime. In handing down the sentence, Judge Eskridge noted Garcia’s use of the victim’s identity was an ongoing crime that was intentionally done and therefore was not aberrant behavior despite her lack of prior criminal history. Garcia was further ordered to pay $278,385 in restitution to the Social Security Administration. Beginning in 1992, Garcia used a Social Security number belonging to a U.S. citizen. Using that identity, she submitted immigration petitions on behalf of family members and obtained disability and Medicare benefits. As a result of the scheme, Garcia unlawfully received more than $278,000 in benefits from 2013 through February 2026. She was not entitled to those funds. Garcia later admitted her true identity following her arrest in February. She has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The SSA - Office of Inspector General and Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service conducted the investigation with the assistance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Bauman prosecuted the case. The Department of Justice has created the National Fraud Enforcement Division . The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within federal benefit programs.


title: Federal Recidivist from Perry Pleads Guilty to New Drug Trafficking Crimes

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Tallahassee, Florida – Nicholas Michael Freeman, 48, of Perry, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of cocaine, crack cocaine, and 5 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This repeat offender clearly did not learn his lesson from his prior stint in federal prison, so my office will send him back behind bars to ensure he can’t continue to peddle deadly drugs on our streets. We will continue to aggressively prosecute any and all drug dealers operating in the Northern District of Florida to deliver on the promise of Operation Take Back America that our citizens deserve to live in safe, drug-free communities.” Court documents reflect that a Perry Police Department officer speaking with a group of individuals around a burn barrel observed the defendant manipulating a plastic jeweler’s baggie commonly used for street sales of narcotics, containing what the officer believed to be a pill. The officer handcuffed the defendant, removed the baggie from his pocket and determined that the suspected pill was actually a piece of crack cocaine. The defendant was arrested and officers searched the fanny pack he had been wearing, finding 57 small baggies containing methamphetamine, 99 small baggies containing crack and powder cocaine, and 25 small baggies and 9 large sandwich style bags containing synthetic cannabinoids. The defendant faces at least 10 years in prison and a maximum potential sentence of life imprisonment for his current charges. This represents an enhanced sentence because the defendant was previously convicted in 2013 of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Cocaine Base and sentenced to 84 months in federal prison. The case involved an investigation by the Perry Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain. Sentencing is scheduled for September 3, 2026, at 2:00 pm, in the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Former Charleston County Magistrate Pleads Guilty to Possessing, Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — James Benjamin Gosnell, Jr., 69, of Charleston, has pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).* In summer 2025, agents with Homeland Security Investigations received a CyberTip from PayPal that showed payments made from PayPal accounts belonging to James Benjamin Gosnell, Jr. to a known CSAM vendor. Based upon that information, Agents obtained a federal search warrant for Gosnell’s residence, which they executed on September 16, 2025. During the execution of the search warrant, Gosnell confessed to possessing CSAM, and gave agents a flash drive that he admitted contained hundreds of CSAM videos. Agents seized more than a dozen additional electronic devices and flash drives. Forensic analysis confirmed that Gosnell possessed thousands of CSAM files. Further investigation revealed that in December 2023, Gosnell began communicating with a man in Florida named John Thorpe via text message and encrypted apps. Gosnell and Thorpe discussed their shared sexual preference for minors, primarily the violent sexual abuse of infants and toddlers. In the summer of 2024, Gosnell traveled to Thorpe’s home in Florida, where Gosnell distributed and shared a flash drive containing CSAM. Gosnell left the thumb drive of CSAM with Thorpe, who later sent it back to Gosnell in Charleston via FedEx. “Gosnell, a public official and judicial officer, was a man entrusted with carrying out justice in the Charleston community yet was doing exactly the opposite,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Thank you to our partners at HSI for their tireless pursuit of accountability in this case. And thank you to our community who came forward with tips and information to assist in protecting our children.” “The evil actions uncovered in this case represent the worst form of criminal behavior—targeting the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Mark M. Zito, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Carolinas. “Homeland Security Investigations will relentlessly pursue those who engage in the exploitation of children, no matter their status or profession. Our commitment is unwavering: we will use every resource at our disposal to protect children, bring offenders to justice, and ensure they face the full consequences of their crimes.” Gosnell faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and up to a lifetime of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. He will be required to register as a sex offender for life. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Gosnell after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Orville and Emily Limehouse are prosecuting the case. ### * The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child.


title: Former Florida Resident Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Appraisal Fraud

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – Armando Martinez (51, Plano, TX) has been sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant, III, of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas to 20 years in federal prison for bank fraud. Martinez previously pleaded guilty. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents filed with the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Martinez, who had his Florida Appraiser’s license revoked, orchestrated and executed a bank fraud scheme directed at multiple financial institutions by taking over the identity and license number of a legitimate licensed appraiser. Martinez then purportedly conducted onsite appraisals for dozens of properties in Florida. In reality, Martinez paid others to go to the properties and take pictures for appraisals he completed. He then sent the appraisals to the victim lenders, using his computer after having fled the United States to the Dominican Republic. Based on the false and fraudulent appraisals, the financial institutions were fraudulently induced to approve and fund mortgage loans and pay Martinez appraisal fees. As a result of Martinez’s appraisal fraud, more than $65 million in mortgages are impaired or defective. These mortgages were either guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration or purchased and guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General and the United States Department of Housing and Development – Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.


title: Illegal Alien Romanian Brothers Plead Guilty to Multistate SNAP Benefit Fraud Scheme

body_text: Two Romanian brothers illegally in the United States appeared in federal court today and pleaded guilty to orchestrating a fraud scheme involving Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP) benefits affecting victims across multiple states, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. The case is part of the Department of Justice’s effort to combat fraud through the National Fraud Enforcement Division. Marian Ovidiu Dumitru, 37, and Catalin Dumitru, 39, both Romanian citizens residing unlawfully in various places throughout the United States, each pleaded guilty to wire fraud. “The Fraud Division will not tolerate anyone who steals from public benefits programs designed to support Americans in need,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “If you attempt to defraud these programs, we will come after you with the full force of federal law. We are committed to safeguarding America’s tax dollars and the programs they are meant to support.” “These individuals came to the United States illegally and preyed on some of our most vulnerable citizens—those receiving SNAP benefits,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “They stole benefits from those who actually need them and then resold products bought with those benefits for their own profit. We will use the full force of the federal government to hold accountable those who exploit taxpayer funded programs and victimize citizens on government assistance.” According to court records, between July 2024 and August 2025, the defendants were members of an identity theft ring that defrauded the SNAP programs in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and other states of more than $760,000. The defendants and their co-conspirators used skimming devices at ATMs, fuel pumps, and other locations, to steal the data from electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards used to distribute SNAP benefits. The stolen information was then loaded onto counterfeit bank cards, gift cards, and other access devices which the defendants then used at large membership warehouse clubs to buy thousands of dollars’ worth of bulk items including coffee, candy, energy drinks, and baby formula. For example, the defendants used counterfeit cards loaded with stolen information from SNAP EBT cards issued in Massachusetts and New Jersey to purchase over $15,600 in coffee, candy and other items from a warehouse club in Gastonia, North Carolina, and over $19,000 from another warehouse club in Pineville, North Carolina. The defendants then transported, resold, or intended to resell the items purchased with counterfeit cards. According to court records, the defendants’ scheme victimized more than 10 individuals, causing some substantial hardship. Court documents show that Catalin Dumitru and Marian Ovidiu Dumitru were also found to be in possession of 15 or more counterfeit and unauthorized bank cards with magnetic strips cloned with stolen SNAP EBT account information, as well as blank cards with magnetic strips. The defendants pleaded guilty to wire fraud. They each face a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date has not been set. In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Inspector General, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and their state and local partners for their work on the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Frick and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kinlaw of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Man Admits Guilt to Threatening the President and ICE

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Clarksburg, West Virginia man has admitted to making threats against President Donald J. Trump and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. Cody Lee Smith, 20, admitted to making threats to kill the President and to harm ICE agents. According to court statements, on January 17, 2026, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department reported that Smith had posted threats on social media, including threats to attack and kill ICE agents and President Trump. Homeland Security and ICE agents reviewed his Instagram posts and confirmed multiple threats against President Trump, his supporters, and federal law enforcement. That same day, Smith also sent a direct Instagram message to Donald J. Trump Jr. containing a sexually violent threat against President Trump. On January 18, 2026, Smith called the ICE tip line and threatened to kill ICE agents in Clarksburg, as well as the operator and the operator’s family. Smith faces up to 5 years for the presidential threat charge and faces up to 10 years in federal prison for the threats against ICE. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. Investigative agencies include Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration. U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided. ###


title: Iowa Man Waives $17.7M Discharge After USTP Investigation into Sham Loans

component: U.S. Trustee Program

body_text: Jeffrey Garth Ewing, of Iowa, agreed to waive his bankruptcy discharge of more than $17.7 million in debts after an investigation by the Department of Justice’s U.S. Trustee Program (USTP). The USTP’s investigation found that Ewing had transferred nearly $400,000 to companies he controlled to shield the funds from his creditors. On June 15, the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Iowa approved Ewing’s voluntary waiver. As a result, Ewing remains liable for his debts and creditors are free to pursue payment from him after the case is closed. “Debtors who seek to defraud their creditors also attack the integrity of the bankruptcy system. The USTP remains vigilant to keep the system strong and fair,” said Acting U.S. Trustee Mary Jensen of Region 12, which includes the Southern District of Iowa. Ewing developed housing communities for older adults throughout the Midwest. In March 2024, Ewing and his wife filed chapter 11 reorganization cases on behalf of themselves as well as several of their businesses, but the bankruptcy cases were dismissed a month later for failure to file required bankruptcy documents. In January 2025, Ewing and his wife filed a chapter 7 liquidation case. Ewing claimed that the couple had loaned nearly $400,000 to three of their businesses after the chapter 11 dismissals but before the chapter 7 filing. However, an investigation by the USTP’s Des Moines, Iowa, office found evidence that Ewing had transferred the funds to hide them from his creditors between the bankruptcy filings. The loans had no documentation except in one instance that relied on a promissory note that Ewing admitted to backdating. Ewing also asserted that the couple’s adult children owned two of the companies but the USTP’s investigation found that Ewing maintained control of the businesses’ finances. The USTP’s mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public. The USTP consists of 21 regions with 82 field offices nationwide and an Executive Office in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the USTP at www.justice.gov/ust .


title: Woburn Man Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison for Bank Fraud and Money Laundering

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Woburn man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for the theft of U.S. Treasury tax refund checks in Massachusetts. Nnamdi Opara, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper to 10 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Opara pleaded guilty in November 2025. In September 2025 , Opara was charged with two counts of bank fraud and five counts of money laundering. The defendant was previously arrested in June 2025 as part of an investigation into the theft of U.S. Treasury tax refund checks in Massachusetts. Opara wrongfully obtained two U.S. Treasury checks that were issued to a New York entity named AFGO Mechanical Services, Inc. After obtaining the checks, Opara established a company called AFGO Mechanical Services, Inc. in Massachusetts, for which he served as the President, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, Director and Registered Agent. Opara then deposited the U.S. Treasury check into an account he controlled, payable to the Massachusetts-based AFGO entity he had established when, in fact, the Massachusetts-based AFGO entity had never filed a federal tax return. As a result, Opara stole a total of $700,767 from the U.S. Treasury. In addition, Opara conducted multiple illegal monetary transactions designed to conceal the source of the funds from the stolen Treasury checks. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Jason Buckley, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: Florida Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Travelling Internationally to Sexually Exploit Minors

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Florida man was sentenced today to 30 years in prison and lifetime supervised release for the production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of victims as young as eight years old. According to court documents, Vincent Anthony Principe, 55, of Arcadia, travelled to the Philippines over the course of several years and sexually abused four minors, including one as young as eight. He sexually abused children and documented the abuse on video. He then published the videos on a website devoted to child exploitation. He also possessed over 100 images of child sexual abuse material, including those depicting the exploitation of pre-pubescent children. “The defendant’s vile acts not only caused serious harm through his sexual abuse of multiple minors, but he also inflicted added layers to that harm by memorializing the abuse and distributing it to other offenders,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “No child predator will find safe haven in the United States. The Department is committed to holding U.S. citizens accountable for harming children whether committed in the United States or internationally.” “The vile actions of this child predator who exploited children while traveling internationally is reprehensible,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, we remain committed to investigating and prosecuting those who prey on children.” “The Secret Service is committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society from exploitation and abuse,” said the Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Forrest of the U.S. Secret Service’s (USSS) Criminal Investigative Division. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s crimes and underscores our dedication to working with U.S. and international partners to ensure offenders are brought to justice, no matter where their crimes occur.” Principe pleaded guilty to the charges on April 30. The USSS conducted the investigation with support from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the Queensland Police Service, and Europol. Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Yolande Viacava for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Two High Ranking Members of the United Cartels Charged with Drug Trafficking, Providing Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, and Firearms Offenses As Part of Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) Initiative

body_text: Note: Please see a copy of the indictment here . A federal grand jury in the District of Columbia returned an indictment yesterday against Juan Jose “Juanjo” Farias Mendoza, 31, and Israel “Papo” Vega Farias, 37, both of Tepalcatepec, Michoacan, Mexico, and high-ranking members of the United Cartels. The Michoacan-based United Cartels is one of the world’s most significant methamphetamine producers, capable of manufacturing multiple tons every month. The organization controls a distribution network that spans the United States, with hubs in Dallas; Houston; Atlanta; Kansas City, Missouri; Sacramento, California; Los Angeles; Denver; and Chicago; and extends to Europe, Australia, and other regions. On Feb. 20, 2025 , the U.S. Department of State designated the United Cartels (also known as Cárteles Unidos), as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) pursuant to Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, as amended. In August 2025, the Department of Justice announced criminal charges by the Criminal Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) against several command-and-control elements of the United Cartels, including Juan Jose Farias Alvarez, also known as “Abuelo,” the cartel’s top leader, as part of a multi-agency effort to dismantle the United Cartels. “Juan Jose Farias Mendoza and Israel Vega Farias are charged with trafficking immense amounts of methamphetamine into the United States and supporting a foreign terrorist organization,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The two defendants indicted yesterday are close relatives of the United Cartels’ top leader Juan Jose Farias Alvarez, who was charged by the Criminal Division in 2024. This indictment demonstrates the systematic and focused effort of the Criminal Division to dismantle Mexican cartels by targeting their command-and-control elements, including those within cartel leaders’ closest circles.” “The investigation into the United Cartels began in the Eastern District of Tennessee, with a seizure of methamphetamine in a small town outside Knoxville, and a larger interdiction of over 950 kilograms of methamphetamine and fentanyl outside of Atlanta,” said U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee. “From Tennessee to Mexico, a whole-of-government investigation followed that partnered multiple federal law enforcement agencies with their critically important state and local counterparts, including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the 9th Judicial Task Force, and resulted in last August’s and today’s announcements of criminal charges against this Foreign Terrorist Organization’s leadership structure. With our Criminal Division partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee remains unwavering in its commitment to eliminate the cartels and prosecute their leaders, members, and supporters who endanger our communities with dangerous drugs and violence.” “This indictment is a testament to the relentless efforts of Homeland Security Investigations to dismantle the world’s most dangerous criminal organizations,” said Acting Executive Associate Director John Condon of HSI. “The United Cartels have fueled violence, addiction, and instability both in the United States and abroad. Through the Homeland Security Task Force’s whole-of-government approach, HSI is committed to identifying and investigating cartel leadership and their networks, wherever they operate. We will continue to leverage every available tool to protect our communities, disrupt transnational criminal enterprises, and ensure those who threaten our nation’s safety and security are brought to justice.” Farias Mendoza and Vega Farias are, respectively, Abuelo’s son and nephew. Both defendants are charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine for importation into the United States, providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and using, carrying and possessing firearms, including machine guns and destructive devices, during and in relation to the alleged drug trafficking crime charged in their indictment. If convicted, both defendants face maximum penalties of life in prison. HSI is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Kirk Handrich and Roger Polack of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Quencer for the Eastern District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case. MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations. MNF’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Unit investigates and prosecutes the top command and control elements of international drug cartels, drug trafficking organizations and related transnational criminal organizations. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Four Tampa Men Sentenced for Two Armed Robberies of Convenience Stores

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced four Tampa men for the armed robberies of two Tampa convenience stores. E’barous Harris (age 27) was sentenced to 14 years and 7 months in prison, Ronald Brown (age 25) to 15 years in prison, Jermaine Dawes (age 33) to 14 years and 10 months in prison, and Tra-Vontae Watson (age 32) to 20 years and 5 months in prison. Each previously pleaded guilty. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents and proceedings, in July 2024, the above-named individuals conspired together to rob the convenience stores. Harris, Watson, and Brown went inside the stores, while Dawes acted as the lookout and getaway driver. Watson and Brown carried firearms, which they utilized to steal cash from both locations. Law enforcement ultimately located the robbers at a motel in Tampa. Surveillance footage from the hotel showed the four men getting in and out of the vehicle used in the robberies, and the larger firearm, a rifle, could be seen being loaded into the vehicle as well. Search warrants for multiple hotel rooms associated with the individuals were executed and a rifle consistent with the one seen on video and used in the robberies was located. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. 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: Lexington Park Felon Indicted in Connection With Sales of Firearms and Fentanyl

body_text: Greenbelt, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced, today, that a grand jury issued a 13-count indictment against a Lexington Park drug trafficker, stemming from a federal drug-and-firearms investigation. Paul Dewayne Dorsey, 46, is charged with distribution of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. These charges are in connection with the sale of firearms and fentanyl across multiple counties in Maryland. 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); Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent, Maryland State Police (MSP); and Sheriff Steven A. Hall, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. According to the indictment, beginning in November 2025, and continuing into May 2026, Dorsey distributed 40 grams or more of fentanyl to an undercover officer on eight separate occasions. On three of these occasions, Dorsey sold one or more firearms, in addition to the controlled substance. Dorsey is prohibited from possessing any firearms due to at least one prior felony conviction. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. If convicted, Dorsey faces a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of up to 40 years in prison for distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl; a mandatory minimum of five years, consecutive to all other charges, and a maximum of up to life for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and a maximum of 15 years for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. 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. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF, MSP, and St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Brosh and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Duvall who are 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 . # # #