title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Relentless Justice

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: 205 Child Victims Located and 293 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in Nationwide Crackdown, Including One in the Western District of Oklahoma OKLAHOMA CITY – The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes." “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.” “Those who exploit children cause immeasurable damage to victims and families,” said United States Attorney Robert J. Troester. “These crimes inflict lasting trauma and undermine the safety of our communities. Through close collaboration with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, we remain committed to protecting children, supporting victims, and pursuing justice for those harmed by these offenses.” "The FBI in Oklahoma will continue to aggressively pursue those involved in exploiting our children," said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. "I am proud of our work, and the work of our partners to hold perpetrators of any crime against a child accountable. The work is not done. As long as there are criminals harming or exploiting children, the FBI will be there working to put them in prison where they belong." CHRISTIAN NATHANIEL RAFFORD , 40, of Midwest City, has been charged with possession of and accessing with intent to view material containing child pornography and receipt of child pornography. If found guilty, Rafford faces no less than five, and up to 40 years in federal prison, and fines of up to $250,000 for each charge. Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon. As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself. This effort follows Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, including two from the Western District of Oklahoma. The FBI's Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. attorneys’ offices and 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, visit justice.gov/psc. The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org. The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


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

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced its immigration enforcement statistics for this week. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies. In the two-week period ending December 19, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico: 96 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326) 6 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324) 112 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325) 54 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), violation of a military security regulation (50 U.S.C. 797) and Entering Military, Naval, or Coast Guard Property (18 U.S.C. 1382), arising from the newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico. Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1326 had prior criminal convictions for rape, abduction, drug trafficking, DUI, aggravated assault, and battery. In one significant case, eleven alleged members of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua were indicted this week on RICO charges as part of a coordinated DOJ operation across five federal districts. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. These statistics represent prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process. Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children. The District of New Mexico consists of 33 counties and shares 180 miles of international border with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Albuquerque and Las Cruces work directly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prosecute immigration-related and other federal offenses.


title: Yazoo City Woman Pleads Guilty to SNAP Benefits Fraud

component: Department of Justice

body_text: Jackson, MS – A woman from Yazoo City pleaded guilty today in federal court to stealing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits intended for low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food. According to court documents and statements made in court, Kizzie Hill, 47, of Yazoo City unlawfully acquired and used more than $405,900.38 in SNAP benefits from approximately January 2022 through November 2023, by virtue of her employment as a Customer Service Representative for Conduent. Conduent plays a key role in EBT processing by partnering directly with state governments to manage the distribution of benefits such as SNAP. Hill admitted to selling the benefits to others and using them for herself. SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federally funded, national benefit program to help qualifying low- and middle-income families buy food, thus reducing hunger. Hill pleaded guilty to Food Stamp Fraud and will be sentenced on March 27, 2026. Hill’s brother, Adrian Hill, pleaded guilty to the same crime in May 2025, and will be sentenced on February 11, 2026. Both defendants face a maximum penalty 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. United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Wilkins of the United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General made the announcement. The United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.


title: Federal Jury in Chicago Convicts Man of Laundering Money for Mexico-Based Drug Trafficking Organization

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: CHICAGO — A federal jury in Chicago has convicted a man of laundering illicit cash proceeds from a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization. DAVID BERGER, 41, of Chicago, was found guilty of all three counts against him, including two counts of money laundering and one count of illegally structuring financial transactions. The jury returned its verdicts on Monday after a week-long trial in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The convictions are punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso set sentencing for May 12, 2026. Evidence at trial revealed that from 2018 to 2021, the Mexico-based drug trafficking organization transported cocaine in wholesale quantities from Mexico to sell in various U.S. cities, including Chicago. Members of the organization then transported millions of dollars in drug proceeds to the U.S. border and into Mexico. One of the ways they transported the money was on privately chartered jets, which were booked and paid for on their behalf by intermediaries, including Berger. Berger received more than $300,000 in cash drug proceeds from the organization to pay for the bookings and cover his fee. Berger deposited the proceeds in automated teller machines in ways that were intended to avoid federal currency-reporting requirements. The conviction was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Shane R. Catone, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago, and Adam Jobes, Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew C. Erskine and Hanna Helwig.


title: Shooter Pleads Guilty to Killing 17-Year-Old in May

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Carlton Simon, 20, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty to the shooting death of 17-year-old Angel Dominguez in Northwest D.C. this Spring, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Simon entered a guilty plea to second degree murder while armed before Superior Court Associate Judge Todd Edelman on December 17, 2025. Simon confirmed that, in shooting the decedent, he was acting voluntarily, and that he was not acting in self-defense. Judge Edelman ordered that Simon continue to be held without bond pending sentencing. A sentencing hearing is scheduled to occur before Judge Edelman on February 20, 2026. According to court documents, Simon, a classmate of the victim Angel Dominguez, approached Dominguez on Florida Avenue with a loaded firearm in tow. As the victim walked away from him, Simon pointed a gun at Dominguez’s back, before restraining him and ultimately shooting him in the chest. Dominguez died as a result of his injuries shortly thereafter. This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rashmika Nedungadi.


title: Jackson Woman Sentenced in Federal Court for SNAP Benefits Fraud

body_text: Hattiesburg, MS – A Jackson woman was sentenced last week in federal court to five years’ probation for stealing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits intended for low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food. According to court documents and statements made in court, Nya Irving, also known as Nya Carter, 25, unlawfully acquired and used SNAP and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits in October and November 2023. Irving was a Customer Service Representative for Conduent from September 26, 2022, to November 20, 2023.Irving used her position to access and obtain SNAP and TANF benefits belonging to recipients throughout the United States, including Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York, and Tennessee without authorization. Irving also provided EBT card data to her friend, Velton Taylor Williams, Jr., who was sentenced in September to five years’ probation for his role in the scheme. Irving and Williams used the stolen SNAP and TANF benefits for their personal gain. Irving obtained $41,587.87 in SNAP and $975.19 in TANF benefits without authorization. TANF benefits are intended for low-income families with children under the age of 18. Williams and Irving were both ordered to pay restitution. United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and acting Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Wilkins of the United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General made the announcement. The United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie prosecuted the case.


title: Previously Deported Jamaican Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty in D.C. to Firearms Counts, Illegal Re-entry

body_text: WASHINGTON – Damion Alexander Peddie, a Jamaican citizen who previously was convicted of multiple drug trafficking offenses and has been removed from the United States on at least four prior occasions, pleaded guilty this morning in U.S. District Court in connection with possessing a cache of weapons and narcotics and for illegally re-entering the country, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Peddie, 54, pleaded guilty before Judge Timothy J. Kelly to a three-count information charging him with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, to alien in possession of a firearm, and to unlawful re-entry of a previously removed alien. Judge Kelly scheduled sentencing for March 20, 2026. Peddie faces a statutory maximum of 15 years imprisonment for each of his firearms offenses, and a statutory maximum of 20 years imprisonment for his unlawful re-entry offense. “This guy is the worst of the worst,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “He’s a repeat offender, a convicted cocaine trafficker, an illegal alien after being deported four times, who had an arsenal of firearms and possessed fentanyl and crack cocaine in distribution quantities at his house in Northwest Washington. I’m going to make certain that this time he’s going to be sent away for a long, long time.” Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office and DEA Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis of the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division. According to court documents, in the Summer of 2024, FBI agents initiated a long-term investigation of a drug trafficking conspiracy centered around the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE. Law enforcement had identified an alleged fentanyl and PCP trafficker with a stash house in the 2900 block of Knox Place. Over the course of their investigation into the trafficker’s narcotics suppliers, investigating agents determined that Peddie was conspiring with members of the drug trafficking operation (DTO) in the redistribution of fentanyl, amongst other narcotics. On August 26, 2025, FBI agents executed a search warrant at a home on the 400 block of Taylor Street NW as part of a coordinated arrest and search warrant operation in connection with the Knox Place DTO investigation. After entering the building, the agents encountered Peddie walking down the stairs from the second floor. In Peddie’s bedroom, agents found a “ghost gun,” that is, a privately manufactured black 9mm Polymer 80 pistol (PMF) with no serial number, and a .22 caliber handgun. Agents also recovered approximately seven pounds of marijuana, along with distribution quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine, all of which Peddie possessed with the intent to distribute. In the first floor of the home, agents found an H&R 32 S&W revolver, an AR-style ghost-gun, six ammunition magazines, various rounds of ammunition, and a High Point 9mm carbine rifle. This criminal case is Peddie’s fifth conviction in United States District Court for unlawful re-entry of a previously removed alien. Peddie has been convicted of the same offense on four prior occasions: in the District of Maryland in January 1996, as well as the District of Columbia in May 2004, October 2010, and October 2013. This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office, with assistance from the DEA Washington and Greenbelt Divisions and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey, John Parron, and John Crabb of the Violence Reduction and Narcotics Trafficking Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 25cr380


component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: KANSAS CITY, KAN. – The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes." “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.” In the District of Kansas, two individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes, including: • Diana V. Brown, 46, of Topeka was indicted on four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor – production of child pornography and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor – possession of child pornography. • Reese Connor Pack, 25, of Ohio and formerly of Ottawa, Kansas, was arrested on a fugitive warrant after being previously indicted on two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography, one count of coercion and enticement of a minor, one count of sexual exploitation of a child – receipt of child pornography, and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor – possession of child pornography. “We have to protect the most vulnerable in our society,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “We will not stop pursuing justice for our children and fighting to end the scourge of child exploitation. This work will continue to be a major priority of my office.” Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon. As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself. This effort follows two other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, including two from the District of Kansas and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders, including two from the District of Kansas. The FBI's Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. attorneys’ offices and 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, visit justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Department of Justice Files Statement of Interest Supporting Competition Among Real Estate Brokerages

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: Today, the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice filed a statement of interest in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in the case of Davis et al. v. Hanna Holdings Inc. The lawsuit, brought by homebuyers, alleges that real-estate brokerages and their trade association, the National Association of Realtors, entered into anticompetitive agreements that inflated broker commissions and raised home prices for Americans. The statement of interest explains that competition among real-estate brokerages is critical for protecting American homebuyers and that trade association rules are subject to antitrust scrutiny in a number of ways. “Purchasing a home is the single biggest purchase most Americans make in a lifetime,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Today’s soaring housing prices make competition in real estate brokerage more important than ever. Antitrust laws are key to safeguarding competition, which reduces prices and improves services for homebuyers.” Americans spend about a third of their budgets on housing and housing-related costs. Yet real-estate broker commissions in the United States have remained at 5% to 6% for decades — two to three times more than that in other developed economies. Trade association rules that artificially inflate broker commissions and increase the burden on American consumers must be closely scrutinized by antitrust laws. U.S. courts have long recognized that trade associations violate the antitrust laws when they unreasonably restrict competition among their members. While taking no position on the ultimate disposition of the case, the statement of interest explains that competition among real-estate brokerages is critical for protecting American homebuyers and that the antitrust laws provide a remedy when real-estate brokers agree to stop competing with one another — whatever form that agreement takes. When plaintiffs challenge trade association rules that embody an agreement among competitors, the rules are subject to a challenge under Section 1 of the Sherman Act. In addition, the statement of interest explains that association rules are not automatically exempt from the per se rule prohibiting horizontal price fixing. The Antitrust Division routinely files statements of interest and amicus briefs in federal court where doing so helps protect competition and consumers, including by encouraging the sound development of the antitrust laws.


title: Two National MS-13 Gang Leaders and Two Other MS-13 Members Convicted of Racketeering Charges and Murders in Queens and on Long Island

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Today a federal jury in Brooklyn returned guilty verdicts against national MS-13 leaders Edenilson Velasquez Larin, also known as “Agresor,” Saturno,” “Tiny,” and “Paco,”; Hugo Diaz Amaya, also known as “21”; Fulton Locos Salvatruchas (Fulton) clique leader Jose Espinoza Sanchez, also known as “Cable,” “Bleca,” and “Fantasma”; and Fulton member Jose Arevalao Iraheta, also known as “Splinter,” “Inesperado,” and “Daniel.” The four defendants were convicted on 24 counts of a third superseding indictment. The verdict followed a 10-week trial before United States District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall. When sentenced, each of the defendants face a mandatory term of life in prison. Specifically, Velasquez Larin was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, murder in-aid-of racketeering in connection with the fatal machete attack of 18-year-old Kenny Reyes, continuing criminal enterprise, murder in-aid-of racketeering in connection with the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Victor Alvarenga, attempted murder in-aid-of racketeering in connection with the shooting at an individual referred to in the indictment as John Doe 1, murder in-aid-of racketeering in connection with fatal shooting of 25-year-old Eric Monge, money laundering conspiracy, attempted murder in-aid-of racketeering in connection with the shooting of an individual referred to in the indictment as John Doe 2, and murder in-aid-of racketeering related to the fatal machete attack of 20-year-old Oswaldo Gutierrez Medrano, as well as additional murder conspiracies and firearms offenses. Diaz Amaya was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, murder, and conspiracy to commit murder in-aid-of racketeering related to the fatal machete attack of Gutierrez Medrano. Espinoza Sanchez was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, murder in-aid-of racketeering in connection with the fatal machete attack of Reyes, murder in-aid-of racketeering in connection with the fatal shooting of Alvarenga, attempted murder in-aid-of racketeering in connection with the shooting at John Doe 1, and murder in-aid-of racketeering in connection with fatal shooting of Monge, money laundering conspiracy, as well as additional murder conspiracies and firearms offenses. Arevalo Iraheta was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, attempted murder in-aid-of racketeering in connection with the shooting at John Doe 1, causing the death of Monge through use of a firearm, and murder in-aid-of racketeering related to the fatal machete attack of Gutierrez Medrano, as well as additional murder conspiracies and firearms offenses. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the verdict. “With today’s verdict, four extremely dangerous MS-13 members have been brought to justice for racketeering crimes including murder and now, deservedly, face mandatory life sentences,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Two of the defendants were national MS-13 leaders who were responsible for authorizing murders on behalf of the gang across the country and each of the defendants participated in heinous murders, including some in which victims were hacked to death and dismembered. The outstanding work of our prosecutors, along with members of the FBI, HSI and the NYPD, underscores this Office’s continuing efforts to make our communities safer by dismantling violent and bloodthirsty gangs, and we will not relent in our efforts until they are eradicated.” Mr. Nocella thanked the Nassau County Police Department and the Suffolk County Police Department for their investigative work. “Today, the bloody reign of four MS-13 members, including two national leaders, has come to an end. These defendants orchestrated and facilitated the cold-blooded murders of four perceived rivals to simply increase their own social standing,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “Their propensity for extreme violence and their depravity of human life threatened the safety of anyone who crossed their path. Alongside our federal, state, and local partners, the FBI maintains its resolute determination to eradicate all violent gangs terrorizing our communities with their callous lawlessness.” “Today’s convictions of Edenilson Velasquez Larin and Hugo Diaz Amaya—who directed MS-13’s brutal and ruthlessly savage violence —reflect the seriousness of their crimes and the terror they inflicted on our communities,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Patel. “By holding these individuals accountable, we have stripped them of the violent power and influence they once wielded. The eradication of gang violence on Long Island and throughout the state remains a top priority for HSI New York and our law enforcement partners, and these convictions mark significant progress toward dismantling these criminal organizations from the top down. No stone will be left unturned in our relentless pursuit of justice for the victims of MS-13.” “These verdicts send a clear message: The NYPD will stop at nothing to identify, dismantle, and hold accountable any street gang that terrorizes our neighborhoods with violence,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “These leaders and members of the notorious MS-13 crew carried out acts of extreme brutality — murdering their victims in cold blood and dismembering their bodies — and they are now facing justice. I am grateful to the NYPD investigators, as well as our law enforcement partners at HSI, the FBI, and the prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their meticulous work on this case.” The U.S. Program As proved at trial, MS-13 is a violent street gang operating through “cliques” or chapters in Queens, Long Island and communities across the United States, as well as El Salvador, Honduras, and other countries in the Americas and Europe. The gang primarily makes money through drug trafficking and extortion, and is known for its gruesome murders of perceived gang rivals and gang members and associates who have violated the gang’s rules. MS-13 has been responsible for dozens of murders in the Eastern District of New York alone. Since approximately 2021, virtually all MS-13 cliques in the United States have been united under a single hierarchy known as the “U.S. Program.” The U.S. Program is led by a group of senior gang leaders, most of whom are incarcerated, known as “La Mesa” or “The Table.” La Mesa, among other roles, authorizes and directs murders throughout the country, including in New York. Prior to, and at the time of, their arrests, Velasquez Larin and Diaz Amaya were two of the few members of La Mesa outside of prison — Velasquez Larin was living in Colorado and Diaz Amaya was living in Kansas — and were among the top leaders responsible for the gang’s operations on the East Coast. Murder of Kenny Reyes in Uniondale, Long Island In 2016, a member of the Hempstead Locos Salvatruchas (“Hempstead”) clique of MS-13 met and befriended Reyes, who had recently come to the United States from Honduras. This Hempstead member came to believe that Reyes was associated with the 18th Street gang, which is MS-13’s primary rival, and reported this to Velasquez Larin and Espinoza Sanchez. The three men then plotted to murder Reyes to increase their positions in the gang. On May 23, 2016, Velasquez Larin, Espinoza Sanchez and two Hempstead members lured Reyes to a wooded area behind Uniondale High School to smoke marijuana. Instead, once in the woods, Espinoza Sanchez struck Reyes with a machete. Velasquez Larin and the Hempstead members also struck Reyes repeatedly with a machete before the men buried Reyes’ body. For years after the murder, Velasquez Larin and Espinoza Sanchez bragged about their roles in the killing to other MS-13 members. Reyes’s body has never been recovered. Murder of Victor Alvarenga in Flushing, Queens In 2018, Alvarenga met multiple Fulton members and claimed to be a high-ranking member of the Hollywood Locos Salvatruchas (Hollywood) clique of MS-13. Velasquez Larin and Espinoza Sanchez investigated Alvarenga’s claims and determined that he was not who he claimed to be. Velasquez Larin and Espinoza Sanchez then ordered their underlings, Douglas Melgar-Suriano and Jairo Martinez-Garcia, to kill Alvarenga. Espinoza Sanchez provided Melgar-Suriano and Martinez-Garcia with guns for this purpose and waited in the getaway car to oversee the murder. In the early morning of November 4, 2018, Melgar-Suriano, Martinez-Garcia and Tito Martinez Alvarenga, a member of the Indios Locos Salvatruchas (Indios) MS-13 clique, laid in wait for Alvarenga. As Alvarenga was walking to his home, he was intercepted by Melgar-Suriano. After walking with him briefly, Melgar-Suriano shot Alvarenga multiple times in the head and body. As Alvarenga writhed on the pavement, Martinez-Garcia also shot him. Martinez Alvarenga stole Alvarenga’s cellphone to prevent law enforcement from recovering any evidence on the phone. Velasquez Larin promoted Melgar-Suriano and Martinez-Garcia within the gang for their participation in this murder. Melgar Suriano and Martinez Garcia pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Murder of Eric Monge in College Point, Queens In early 2020, Fulton member Oscar Hernandez Baires stole a shotgun from Monge, his former roommate. In response, Monge confronted Hernandez Baires and assaulted him. This assault was reported to Fulton leadership, including Velasquez Larin and Espinoza Sanchez, who then ordered that Monge be killed for attacking Hernandez Baires. Multiple Fulton members, including Velasquez Larin and Espinoza Sanchez conducted surveillance to locate Monge so that he could be killed. In the early morning hours of September 6, 2020, Fulton members Jose Guevara Aguilar and Hernandez Baires shot at and killed Monge while he was seated in his parked car near his home in Queens. Monge’s wife had just returned to the car after bringing their young children inside their residence when Hernandez Baires and Guevara Aguilar began shooting. After the murder, Guevara Aguilar and Hernandez Baires ran back to a car where another Fulton member was waiting to help them escape. As they fled to the car, Guevara Aguilar dropped his hat, which was later found to have his DNA on it. Guevara Aguilar and Hernandez Baires pleaded guilty to the murder and are awaiting sentencing. Murder of Oswaldo Gutierrez Medrano in Jericho, Long Island On January 31, 2022, a member of the Sailors Locos Salvatruchas (“Sailors”) MS-13 clique known as “Stocky” murdered two members of the Sureños gang in FCI Beaumont, a federal prison located in Texas. Because this murder was unauthorized, La Mesa sought to punish the Sailors clique. Gutierrez Medrano was a member of the Sailors clique in New York. The Sailors wanted to promote him to homeboy after he received a beating. Because there were no other Sailors present in New York, MS-13 members from other cliques would have to give Gutierez Medrano his beating. La Mesa, including Velasquez Larin and Diaz Amaya, used this as an opportunity to exact its revenge and ordered the murder of Gutierrez Medrano. Diaz Amaya also coordinated luring Gutierrez Medrano to meet other MS-13 members under the false pretense that he would be receiving his beating. On February 13, 2022 in Nassau County, Gutierrez Medrano met with those other MS-13 members, including Arevalo Iraheta, who hacked him to death with machetes, slit his throat with a knife, dismembered his body and buried the parts in a wooded area. * * * * * 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) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Today’s convictions are the latest in a series of federal prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York targeting members of MS-13. MS-13’s leadership was based in El Salvador and Honduras, but the gang has thousands of members across the United States. Since 2003, hundreds of MS-13 members, including dozens of clique leaders, have been convicted on federal felony charges in the Eastern District of New York. A majority of those MS-13 members have been convicted on federal racketeering charges for participating in murders, attempted murders, and assaults. Since 2010, this Office has obtained indictments charging MS-13 members with carrying out more than 75 murders in the district and has convicted dozens of MS-13 leaders and members in connection with those murders. These prosecutions are the product of investigations led by our law enforcement partners including HSI and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, comprising agents and officers of the FBI and NYPD. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Siegel, Nadie E. Moore, Anna L. Karamigios and Kam Ammari are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Timothy Migliaro and Danielle Barber. The Defendants: EDENILSON VELASQUEZ LARIN (also known as “Agresor,” “Saturno,” “Tiny,” and “Paco”) Age: 36 Thornton, Colorado JOSE AREVALO IRAHETA (also known as “Splinter,” “Inesperado,” and “Daniel”) Age: 28 Queens, New York HUGO DIAZ AMAYA (also known as “21”) Age: 37 Kansas City, Kansas JOSE ESPINOZA SANCHEZ (also known as “Cable,” “Bleca,” and “Fantasma”) Age: 27 Carrboro, North Carolina E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-228 (LDH)


title: MS-13 Members Sentenced to Mandatory Life for Racketeering, Two Murders, and Stabbing Five Victims, Including a 16-Year-Old Girl

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – Three men received life sentences, today, for federal conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise involving murders, attempted murders, and drug trafficking, as well as murder in aid of racketeering charges. Wilson Arturo “Humilde” “Marco Saravia” Constanza-Galdomez, 26, of El Salvador; Edis Omar “Little Felon” Valenzuela-Rodriguez, 24, of Honduras; and Jonathan “Truney” Pesquera-Puerto, 24, all received the mandatory sentence. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentences with Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti, Justice Department, Criminal Division; Acting Assistant Director Rebecca Day, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Criminal Investigative Division; and Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI – Baltimore Field Office. This case targeted the violent activities of MS-13, a transnational criminal organization composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from Central America, with members operating in Maryland and throughout the United States. MS-13 members are organized in “cliques,” smaller groups that operate in a specific city or region. The defendants, all MS-13 members and associates, were required to commit acts of violence to increase their status and rank within the gang. One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as “chavalas,” whenever possible. In Baltimore City and Baltimore County, MS-13 maintained a rivalry with the 18th Street Gang, among others. “These ruthless individuals displayed a total lack of humanity and regard for life, including murdering a 16-year-old girl, all to advance their standing within a transnational criminal organization. Now they’ll spend the rest of their lives behind bars where they belong,” Hayes said. “We, along with our law-enforcement partners, are committed to dismantling the MS-13 gang, and other lawless organizations, and holding criminals accountable who thrive on committing murders and terrorizing our communities.” “These defendants committed brutal violence — including murdering and stabbing young women and girls — to fuel their respective climbs up the MS-13 organization,” Galeotti said. “These acts, often carried out with machetes, spread fear and terror throughout the community. As today’s life sentences reflect, the Criminal Division will be relentless in its pursuit of MS-13 leaders, members and associates, to restore a sense of safety and security to neighborhoods throughout the United States.” "The horrific acts of violence carried out by these MS-13 members are indefensible and demonstrates a complete disregard for human life," Day said. “The FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to relentlessly pursue members and associates of MS-13 and obtain justice for the victims of their crimes." “No measure of justice will equal the weight of their crimes, but their life sentences mean these ruthless killers will never be free again,” Paul said. “I am thankful for the hard work and collaboration between the local police, federal investigators and prosecutors which ultimately brought about all three arrests and convictions for these brutal crimes.” Constanza-Galdomez and Pesquera-Puerto were members or associates of the Carlington Locos Salvatrucha (CALS) clique, and Valenzuela-Rodriguez was a member of the Huntington Criminales Locos Salvatrucha (HCLS) clique. From June 2019 through at least October 2021, the defendants participated in the racketeering activities of MS-13, including two murders, four attempted murders, and witness tampering. On April 25, 2020, Constanza-Galdomez, Valenzuela-Rodriguez, and other members and associates of MS-13 conspired to assault a man whom they suspected was a rival gang member. That same day, they assaulted the victim in Baltimore by striking him with machetes multiple times, causing injuries to the victim’s face and arm. Afterward, those involved reported the incident to MS-13 leadership in El Salvador to gain credit and increase their status. Then on May 29, 2020, Constanza-Galdomez, Valenzuela-Rodriguez, Pesquera-Puerto, and other members and associates of MS-13 lured a 16-year-old girl whom they suspected of associating with rival gang members, to an area near Loch Raven Reservoir in Cockeysville, Maryland. There they struck her with a machete and stabbed her multiple times, murdering her. After the murder, members and associates of MS-13 reported the murder to MS-13 leadership to get credit for participating in the murder and to increase their status within MS-13. On June 5, 2020, Constanza-Galdomez, Valenzuela-Rodriguez, and other MS-13 members and associates lured another female, whom they suspected was a rival gang member that cooperated with law enforcement, to an area near the CSX Bayview Train Yard in Baltimore, Maryland. There, the gang stabbed her 143 times, killing her and leaving her body near the train tracks. They again reported the murder to MS-13 leadership. Then on June 6, 2020, Constanza-Galdomez, Pesquera-Puerto, and other MS-13 members and associates confronted a man, who had prior confrontations with the gang, and his girlfriend, the sister of one of the prior murder victims. Constanza-Galdomez and other members and associates ordered younger members to bring the female victim to the same train tracks where her sister was murdered. The younger members stabbed her over 70 times. All three defendants stabbed the male victim multiple times. Both victims survived the attacks. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Baltimore County Police Department, Baltimore City Police Department, and United States Marshal’s Service for their work in the investigation, along with the offices of Ivan J. Bates, Baltimore City State’s Attorney, and Scott Shellenberger, Baltimore County State’s Attorney, for their valuable assistance with this case. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney James Wallner, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, and Trial Attorneys Grace Bowen and Chrisopher Taylor, Justice Department – Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, who are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Anyone with information about MS-13 is encouraged to provide their tips to law enforcement. The FBI and HSI both have nationwide tiplines that you can call to report what you know. You can reach the FBI at 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or call HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: District Man Pleads Guilty to Strangling Romantic Partner

body_text: WASHINGTON – A 31-year-old man, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to strangling his 26-year-old romantic partner and mother of his child, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. The man, who is not identified here to protect the privacy of the victim, pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to a charge of strangulation. According to the government’s evidence, on Thanksgiving Day (November 28, 2025), the defendant assaulted his romantic partner by placing her in a chokehold while she was holding their 1-year-old child. The assault caused the victim to urinate on herself and lose consciousness. The defendant was arrested the same day and has been in custody ever since. A Superior Court judge released the defendant today over the government’s objection pending sentencing, which is set for February 20, 2026. Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. The case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olivia B. Hinerfeld and Michael Weinberg of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.


title: Kingwood woman sentenced to federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine and firearms violation

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

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas –A Kingwood convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Ashley Nicole Ponce, 36, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on December 19, 2025. According to information presented in court, on October 30, 2024, law enforcement responded to a domestic disturbance call involving a man and a woman at a Corrigan convenience store. As a result, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle linked to the disturbance, and a search of the vehicle revealed drugs, including methamphetamine, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and a firearm. Ponce admitted to owning the drugs and firearm. Further investigation revealed Ponce was a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; and Corrigan Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston. ##


title: Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Narcotics Conspiracy, PPP and Unemployment Insurance Fraud

body_text: WASHINGTON – Teron Deandre McNeil, 35, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 120 months in federal prison for his role in a narcotics trafficking conspiracy that smuggled tens of thousands of fentanyl pills from California to the D.C. area, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. McNeil, aka “Wild Boy,” pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In addition to the 120-month prison term, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered McNeil to serve five years of supervised release. Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement were DEA Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Washington Division, Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood U.S. Postal Inspection Service Washington Division, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. The impetus for this investigation was the overdose death of Diamond Lynch, a young mother in Southeast D.C. In addition to investigating and prosecuting the death-resulting case, [1] law enforcement followed the evidence and uncovered a vast network of traffickers who transported fentanyl from Mexico to Los Angeles to the District of Columbia. Since then, investigators have seized more than 450,000 fentanyl pills, 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl powder, and 30 firearms. According to court documents, McNeil entered into the conspiracy after he was introduced to a Los Angeles-based drug trafficker, who was a distributor of fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills. McNeil traveled to Southern California to purchase the fake oxycodone from the L.A. supplier and returned to the District with the drugs. McNeil and his co-conspirators employed two primary methods to transport the pills to the District: they smuggled them in luggage or carry-on items on airline flights, or they shipped the pills utilizing the U.S. Postal Service and commercial mail carriers On December 7, 2021, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service intercepted a package mailed from Carson, California, addressed to John Turner in Southeast D.C. The parcel contained more than 1,000 blue pills, weighing approximately 122 grams in aggregate. The pills tested positive for fentanyl analogue. Payment records reveal that McNeil sent two payments to the L.A.-based drug trafficker via Apple Pay in the weeks preceding and following the interdiction. Further, call records for McNeil revealed that he called the L.A.-based drug trafficker about 30 times from December 5-8, 2021, including after the package was seized. When he would successfully transported fentanyl-laced pills back to the District, McNeil redistributed them for profit. After entering into the narcotics conspiracy, McNeil fraudulently applied for and unlawfully received $11,151 unemployment insurance funds from California and $33,236 in unemployment from Maryland. McNeil also fraudulently applied for and received a $20,833 forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. His co-conspirators received more than $83,300 in PPP loans. DEFENDANT AGE LOCATION CHARGES/SENTENCE Hector David Valdez, aka “Curl” 28 Santa Fe Springs, California Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; Conspiracy to commit international money laundering. Craig Eastman 22 Washington, D.C. Sentenced on Feb. 6, 2025, to 165 months for conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl. Charles Jeffrey Taylor 22 Washington, D.C. Sentenced July 25, 2025, to 98 months for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Raymond Nava, Jr. 21 Bell Gardens, California Sentenced Sep. 17, 2024, to 14 years for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Ulises Aldaz 29 Bell Gardens, California Sentenced June 28, 2024, to 95 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Max Alexander Carias Torres 28 Bell Gardens, California Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; Conspiracy to commit international money laundering Teron Deandre McNeil, aka “Wild Boy” 35 Washington, D.C. Sentenced Dec. 19, 2025 to 120 months for conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and for two counts of wire fraud. Marvin Anthony Bussie, aka “Money Marr” 23 Washington, D.C. Sentenced June 28, 2024, to 120 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Marcus Orlando Brown 30 Washington, D.C. Sentenced Oct. 3, 2024, to 108 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Columbian Thomas, aka "Cruddy Murda” 27 Washington, D.C. Sentenced Oct. 22, 2024, to 160 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Wayne Rodell Carr-Maiden 35 Washington, D.C. Sentenced April 29, 2024, to 45 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Andre Malik Edmond, aka “Draco” 24 Temple Hills, Maryland Sentenced July 22, 2024, to 130 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Treyveon James Johnson, aka “Treyski” 21 Alexandria, Virginia Sentenced Sept. 5, 2024, to 108 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Karon Olufemi Blalock, aka “Fat Bags” 31 Alexandria, Virginia Pleaded guilty Oct. 16, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Ronte Ricardo Greene, aka “Cardiddy” 30 Washington, D.C. Pleaded guilty Aug. 25, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Melvin Edward Allen, Jr., aka “21” 40 Washington, D.C. Pleaded guilty on Dec. 18, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Darius Quincy Hodges, aka “Brick” 35 Glen Allen, Virginia Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Lamin Sesay, aka “Rock Star” 29 Alexandria, Virginia Sentenced to 110 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Paul Alejandro Felix 26 Glendale, California Sentenced Nov. 12, 2024, to 164 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Omar Arana, aka “Frogs” 28 Cudahy, California Pleaded guilty May 2, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Edgar Balderas, Jr., aka “Nano” 27 San Diego, California Pleaded guilty Dec. 19, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Raul Pacheco Ramirez 31 Long Beach, California Sentenced Nov.26, 2024, to 95 months for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Giovani Alejandro Briones 31 Victorville, California Pleaded guilty Feb. 20, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Alfredo Rodriguez Gonzalez 27 Rosarito, Mexico Pleaded guilty Oct. 16, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. These prosecutions followed a joint investigation by the DEA Washington Division and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Washington Division, in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The investigation had additional support from the DEA’s Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside Field Divisions, the FBI Washington Field Office, and the Charles County, Maryland, Sheriff’s Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Central and Southern Districts of California, the Eastern District of Virginia, and the District of Maryland. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey, Solomon S. Eppel, and Iris McCranie of the Violence Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section. 23cr073 [1] https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/brother-and-sister-sentenced-drug-conspiracy-involving-fentanyl-sale


title: Angelina County felon sentenced to federal prison for firearms violation

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas –A Lufkin convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Jose Angel Capetillo, 23, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on December 19, 2025. According to information presented in court, on March 8, 2024, Capetillo was stopped for a traffic violation in Lufkin. A search of the vehicle revealed three firearms and suspected controlled substances. On April 12, 2024, Capetillo was stopped for a traffic violation in Hudson and admitted to having illegal drugs in the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed cocaine, marijuana, and Xanax, as well as two firearms. One of the firearms was a short-barreled shotgun. Further investigation revealed Capetillo had previously been convicted of a felony and as a convicted felon, prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Hudson Police Department; and Lufkin Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter. ##


title: Jefferson County man sentenced to federal prison for trafficking meth and cocaine

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas –A Groves man has been sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison for trafficking drugs in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Darrus Dugas, 42, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on December 19, 2025. According to information presented in court, in May 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Dugas’ Groves residence because of reported drug activity. The search resulted in the discovery of various illegal narcotics, including methamphetamine and cocaine, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and over $13k in cash. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Dugas and Alvaro Montrell Bethea . This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Port Arthur Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lee. ##


title: Second of pair of men operating massive stolen goods trafficking scheme pleads guilty

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 58-year-old Bellevue, Washington and Las Vegas, man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle for his role in a scheme to sell stolen goods on Amazon and eBay, announced U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Andrey A. Balun pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce. Balun and his co-defendant, Vitaliy F. Bobak, 53, of Federal Way, Washington, jointly owned MBA Trading LLC which did business at a Burien, Washington storefront operating as “We Buy Gold, Silver, and Electronics.” An extensive law enforcement investigation revealed that the storefront knowingly purchased goods that had been stolen from area retailers. The pair then sold the goods on Amazon or eBay for millions of dollars in profit. According to the plea agreement and other records filed in the case, Balun co-owned the business since 2018. In 2019 Bobak bought a 50 percent share of the business that once belonged to Balun’s original business partner. Balun trained Bobak on how to operate the business. Balun admits that the business purchased stolen goods from individual sellers knowing that the goods were stolen. The business bought primarily over the counter medications and health/beauty products. In many instances the goods still had anti-theft devices attached, and/or stickers saying for sale only at a particular retailer. The men bought the goods far below the retail price and then posted them for sale on two websites they operated on Amazon and eBay. The Amazon store was called “Medikus” and the eBay store was called “abcstore555.” Money from the online stores was traced to the men’s bank accounts. The funds were then used by the men to operate the scheme by paying cash to the “boosters” (people who stole the goods) and payroll to employees who were involved in posting and shipping the goods for sale. The remainder of the proceeds were funneled to the men who then withdrew money to pay themselves and for various personal expenses. Between 2021 and June of 2023, the operation brought in more than $4.5 million. Balun obtained proceeds of at least $1 million. Investigators traced some of that money to his purchase of a home in Las Vegas. The plea agreement details three items brought to the We Buy store as stolen goods that were then sold on Amazon and eBay: a Braun electric shaver, sold and shipped to Rhode Island, a Keurig coffee maker sold and shipped to Oregon and Sonicare and Rogaine products purchased from a “booster.” Bobak used a torch lighter and drill to remove the security devices on the products. The scale of the sales was huge and both national and international. An analysis of the sales of the two online stores reveals that between January 1, 2022, and November 28, 2023, there were over 150,000 sale transactions through the abcstore555 eBay and Medikus Amazon stores. When search warrants were served and merchandise seized on December 19, 2023, the conspirators possessed more than 74,000 items of stolen merchandise valued at approximately $2.4 million. After the seizure, the business shut down. In his plea agreement Balun agrees to forfeit $1,000,000 to the government as part of the resolution of his case. Conspiracy to transport stolen property is punishable by up to five years in prison. Bobak is scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge Tana Lin on January 14, 2026. Balun is scheduled for sentencing on March 11, 2026. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend that Balun serve no more than 57 months in prison. Judge Lin is not limited by the recommendation and can impose any sentence allowed by law. The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with significant assistance from the Renton Police Department, Seattle Police Department, and the IRS, and aided by investigators from numerous retailers. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean H. Waite and Asset Forfeiture Assistant United States Attorney Krista Bush.


title: Vancouver, Washington, tax preparer sentenced to 18-months in prison

body_text: Tacoma – A high-volume tax preparer in Vancouver, Washington, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 18 months in federal prison for sixteen counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false and fraudulent tax returns, to be followed by a 135-month concurrent sentence imposed by Clark County for his convictions on a state attempted murder charge announced U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Keith Altamirano, 52, operated Integrity Investments, LLC, doing business as “Servicios Latinos.” Between 2017 and 2021, Altamirano prepared at least 12,000 tax returns. A statistical sampling analysis reveals that his false entries on customer tax returns cost the U.S. Treasury more than $5 million in tax loss. At the sentencing hearing Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo said that tax preparer fraud impacts our government’s ability to “function properly” and that adequate “deterrence [was] necessary.” According to records filed in the case, Altamirano falsified clients’ income tax submissions by listing fake medical expenses, and charitable donations for deductions, listing fake cars for depreciation and expense deductions, and by listing fabricated and inflated business expenses. Altamirano concealed his fraud by omitting his name on his clients’ filed returns. The clients did not know Altamirano falsified their tax return to get them a larger refund. Altamirano’s fraud helped build his business as customers recommended him to others to get larger refunds. In asking for a five-year sentence, prosecutors noted that Altamirano’s customers were victimized by his actions. “Altamirano’s clients trusted him (and paid him) to maximize their deductions honestly and in accordance with the law. His clients were not tax literate, and they chose him as their trusted professional. Altamirano greatly abused this trust and put them at risk by creating fraudulent returns on their behalf. Many of his clients have been audited and risk penalties and back taxes. His clients believed they were hiring a professional to ensure their taxes were done correctly and many of them have had to deal with the stress of being embroiled in Altamirano’s criminal affairs.” The tax loss for the 16 counts he pleaded guilty to is $104,518. Altamirano agreed to pay that amount in restitution to the IRS. Chief Judge Estudillo ordered Altamirano to sell one of the four properties he owns to pay the restitution. In September 2025, Altamirano also pled guilty to attempted second degree murder and drug charges in Clark County Superior Court. Altamirano was sentenced to 135 months of imprisonment in his state case, which will run concurrently with his federal sentence according to the Clark County judgment. The tax fraud case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). The tax fraud case is being prosecuted by Amanda McDowell.


title: Butte County Man Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Child

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO , Calif. — Javier Robert Barraza, 44, of Oroville, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins to 21 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a child, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, Barraza paid multiple women to sexually abuse young boys during video calls with him for his own sexual gratification. Barraza recorded these video calls, adding them to his collection of more than 1,000 videos and images of child sexual abuse material that he maintained on his phones and tablet. Barraza also shared his child sexual abuse material on internet sharing platforms and in text messages to individuals. Barraza made multiple attempts to pay for the services of “a girl around age 10” to perform oral sex on him. This case was the product of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Redding Police Department, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Forest Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Veronica M.A. Alegría prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.


title: Activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office

component: USAO - Wyoming

body_text: Sex Offenses Grant Allen Fletcher , 47 of Arapahoe, Wyoming, was sentenced to three years’ probation for failing to register as a sex offender. According to court documents, Fletcher was previously sentenced to four years’ probation in November 2002 for aggravated sexual abuse. He is therefore a Tier III sex offender who must register for life under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Additionally, he must update his registration every 90 days, in-person. Fletcher last appeared and updated his registration with Wind River SORNA on September 3, 2024. He was required to update his registration, in-person, by Dec. 2 to remain compliant with his registration requirements. He failed to do so. Fletcher was indicted on March 20 and pleaded guilty on Oct. 2. The U.S. Marshal Service investigated this crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Dec. 19 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00051 Firearm Offenses Michael Brockmeier, 41, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on May 3, the Casper Police Department (CPD) responded to a house for a report of a man firing several shots into the air during a family fight. Witnesses indicated the defendant had fired multiple rounds, including several that he shot into the air while his significant other attempted to leave the house with two children. The defendant is a convicted felon, prohibiting him from possessing a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives and CPD investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case. Brockmeier was indicted on July 16 and pleaded guilty on Sept. 9. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Dec. 16 in Casper. Case No. 25-CR-00114 Drug Trafficking Gerald Edward White , 60, of Medicine Bow, Wyoming, was sentenced to 51 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, on Feb. 3, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of the defendant and seized approximately 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine from his vehicle. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and the Albany County Sheriff’s Office investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Vierbuchen and Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. White was indicted on March 20 and pleaded guilty on July 18. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Dec. 19 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00057 Illegal Re-Entry of a Previously Deported Alien Rigoberto Martinez-Ramos, 30, of Chihuahua, Mexico, was sentenced to time served—plus up to ten (10) days to allow for deportation proceedings—for illegal reentry into the U.S. after previously being deported. According to court documents, on Sept. 28, the defendant was encountered by the Casper Police Department (CPD) for a disturbance call. Due to a language barrier, CPD called the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office for assistance. Officials obtained the defendant’s fingerprints and determined that he had not applied for permission to reenter the U.S. after being formally removed in February 2015. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on Dec. 17 in Casper. Case No. 25-CR-00152 Juan Chilel-Lopez, 34, of San Marcos, Guatemala, was sentenced to time served—plus up to ten (10) days to allow for deportation proceedings—for illegal reentry into the U.S. after previously being deported. According to court documents, on Oct. 5, the defendant was stopped by the Cheyenne Police Department (CPD) for a traffic stop. The defendant admitted to being a citizen of Guatemala who had previously been deported. ICE officials obtained the defendant’s fingerprints and determined that he had not applied for permission to reenter the U.S. after being formally removed in 2012. ICE investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on Dec. 19 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00155 About the United States Attorney’s Office The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include: Project Safe Childhood Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious. Operation Take Back America Operation Take Back America is 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. It also streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Victim Witness Program The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect. To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime


title: Las Vegas Man Sentenced for Racketeering Related Violence and Drug Trafficking

component: Cyber Division (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Robert Padilla was sentenced to life in prison for orchestrating a retaliatory killing tied to a violent prison gang and for using violence and intimidation to protect an ongoing drug trafficking operation. There is no parole in the federal system. As a result, a sentence of lifetime incarceration is served without parole. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Padilla , 48, was an associate of the Syndicato de Nuevo Mexico (SNM), a prison-based gang whose members and associates engaged in murder, drug trafficking, intimidation, and retaliation against perceived informants to preserve the gang’s power, territory, and profits. SNM functioned as an ongoing criminal enterprise that affected interstate commerce and enforced loyalty through violence, including assaults and killings. The evidence showed that Padilla led a drug trafficking organization supplying cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances in and around Las Vegas, New Mexico. In July 2019, Padilla facilitated and participated in the killing of L.L., a former SNM leader who was cooperating with federal authorities and served as a witness in a racketeering prosecution. The murder was carried out to retaliate against L.L. for providing information to law enforcement and to maintain Padilla ’s position and standing related to the SNM enterprise. The killing occurred while Padilla was actively engaged in large scale drug trafficking. After the murder, Padilla continued efforts to obstruct justice and protect the enterprise. While incarcerated, Padilla disclosed details of the killing to another inmate and discussed plans to harm additional individuals he believed were cooperating with law enforcement. When that inmate attempted to cooperate with federal authorities, Padilla directed other inmates to assault him at a New Mexico correctional facility. Surveillance footage corroborated the coordinated attack. Padilla was charged in a third superseding indictment with multiple federal offenses, including Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering murder, retaliating against a witness or informant, killing while engaged in drug trafficking, firearm offenses resulting in death, witness tampering, drug trafficking conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possession of contraband in prison. The case proceeded to a jury trial in December 2023. After hearing the evidence, the jury convicted Padilla on all counts charged. Acting 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 FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office Violent Gang Task Force (VGTF) investigated this case with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Albuquerque District Office, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico Corrections Department, Las Vegas Police Department and Department of Public Safety’s State Laboratory. The Las Cruces Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case.


title: Two East Bay Men Plead Guilty For Their Roles In Multiple Armed Robberies Over A Three-Week Span In 2024

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – Jaray Washington, 44, of Oakland, pleaded guilty in federal court today to committing eight armed robberies throughout the East Bay over a three-week span in 2024, as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm. Deante Hunt, 27, of San Lorenzo, pleaded guilty on November 14, 2025, to one count of robbery affecting interstate commerce for his participation in two of the armed robberies. In pleading guilty, Washington admitted to robbing multiple gas stations and convenience of gas stations, convenience stores, and a fast-food restaurant between January 14, 2024, and February 2, 2024, including: On January 14, 2024, Washington, with a pistol in hand, robbed a gas station snack shop on Hesperian Boulevard in Hayward, during which he racked the pistol’s slide when he demanded money from the store clerk and demanded that the clerk provide money from the store’s safe. On January 22, 2024, Washington, carrying a pistol, robbed a gas station snack shop on Winston Avenue in Hayward and took by force money and cigarettes from the store clerk and jewelry, a wallet, and an iPhone from a store customer. On January 31, 2024, during a robbery of a gas station store on Castro Valley Boulevard in Castro Valley, Washington grabbed a store clerk from behind and held a pistol against the clerk’s body, while Hunt demanded money from the cash register and took money from the clerk’s pockets. The two men took approximately $1,500 in U.S. currency from the store’s two cash registers and approximately 10 cartons of cigarettes. On February 2, 2024, Washington and Hunt robbed a fast-food restaurant on Foothill Boulevard in Hayward, during which Washington used a pistol to force both female employees into a back office at gunpoint. Hunt took over $1,000 in cash. In addition, during a search of Washington’s residence on February 13, 2024, law enforcement found a loaded semiautomatic Glock model 19 pistol, which Washington admitted was the same firearm he used in the eight robberies. Washington possessed the firearm despite having previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses. United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement. Washington is currently in federal custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 6, 2026. Hunt is currently released on bail and is scheduled to be sentenced on February 20, 2026. Each defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of robbery affecting interstate commerce in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951(a). Washington also faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the count of felon in possession of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). Any sentence will be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonah Ross and Kelly Volkar are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Alycee Lane, Mark DiCenzo, and Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, Hayward Police Department, Fremont Police Department, Livermore Police Department, San Leandro Police Department, and Alameda County Sheriff’s Office.


title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Relentless Justice

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes.” “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.” “This operation highlights the tremendous collaboration of our federal, state, and local law enforcement to remove those who prey on children from our streets,” said United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould. “We are proud to work alongside these agents and officers in the pursuit of justice on behalf of the victims in our District.” “FBI Dallas has worked with our law enforcement partners this year to apprehend hundreds of suspected child predators through multiple arrest operations. Operation Relentless Justice is another example of our commitment to holding offenders accountable and protecting the most vulnerable in our communities,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. In the Northern District of Texas, five individuals were arrested and charged as part of Operation Relentless Justice, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould and FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. Those individuals include: Ruben Reyes Tijerina III, 26, of Levelland, Texas, arrested and charged with one count of Production of Child Pornography. If convicted, Tijerina faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison. The FBI Dallas Field Office (Lubbock RA), FBI St. Louis, St. Charles City (Missouri) Police Department, and Levelland Police Department handled the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam is prosecuting the case. James Childress, 40, of Chicago, Illinois, arrested and charged with one count of Attempted Enticement of a Minor, which carries a penalty of imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment; two counts of Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor, carrying a maximum of 10 years in federal prison; one count of Production and Attempted Production of Child Pornography, for which Childress faces a minimum of 15 years and maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment; one count of Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography, which carries a sentence of 5 years to 20 years’ imprisonment, and one count of Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor, with a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, if convicted. The investigation was handled by the FBI Dallas Field Office (Lubbock RA), FBI Chicago, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam is prosecuting the case. Marcus Xavier Anguiano, 30, and Maddie Rhea Anguiano, 28, of Lubbock, Texas, arrested and charged with one count of Conspiracy to Produce and Attempt to Produce Child Pornography; one count of Production and Attempted Production of Child Pornography; a second count charging only Marcus Anguiano of Production and Attempted Production of Child Pornography; and one count of Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography. The Anguianos face sentences ranging from 15 years to 30 years on all counts except the receipt charge, which carries a penalty of five to 20 years in federal prison, if convicted. The FBI Dallas Field Office (Lubbock RA), Air Force Office of Special Investigations (Mountain Home Air Force Base), Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, Lubbock Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Wolfforth Police Department handled the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam is prosecuting the case. Kai Isaiah Ranaglia-Nelson, 25, of Abilene, Texas, arrested and charged with Production of Child Pornography as a Registered Sex Offender. At the time of the offense, Ranaglia-Nelson was serving a probation sentence for a 2020 Arizona conviction for sexual exploitation of a minor. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 25 years and a maximum of 50 years in federal prison, in addition to a consecutive ten years’ imprisonment for committing the offense as a registered sex offender. FBI Dallas Field Office (Abilene RA), the Abilene Police Department, and the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office handled the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitney Ohlhausen is prosecuting the case. Like those charged in the Northern District of Texas, others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Lubbock, Texas, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as mentioned above, as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, North Carolina, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon. As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself. This effort follows two other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, including seven from the Northern District of Texas, and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. The FBI’s Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. attorneys’ offices and 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, visit justice.gov/psc. The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org. The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Wayne County man going to prison on child pornography charge

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Joseph Hudson, III, 26, of Williamson, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography following a previous conviction for the sexual abuse of a minor, was sentenced to serve 156 months in prison and 15 years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that on March 14, 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received information from Microsoft that an individual had uploaded nine files of suspected child pornography to a Microsoft platform. The tip was shared with the New York State Police, who traced the uploads to Hudson, a registered sex offender. Hudson was previously convicted of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree for engaging in sexual contact with a child less than 11 years old. A search warrant was executed at Hudson’s residence, during which investigators seized Hudson’s computer. A forensic examination recovered approximately 111 images and 112 videos of child pornography depicting the sexual abuse and exploitation of prepubescent minors, to include minors being subjected to violence. The sentencing is the result of of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. # # # #


title: Mexican national extradited from Mexico to the United States sentenced for  drug and money laundering conspiracy

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Gilberto Alarcon-Holguin a/k/a Beto, 57, a Mexican national, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, was sentenced to serve 168 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. According to court documents, on October 14, 2017, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seized 10 kilograms of cocaine from an identified co-conspirator. HSI obtained a phone number as a point of contact for the delivery of the cocaine, which was linked to co-conspirators of Alarcon-Holguin. On October 19, 2017, HSI conducted a controlled delivery of 10 bricks of “sham” cocaine, which had been wrapped in the same manner as the seized kilograms of cocaine, to a motel parking lot in Corfu, NY. The bag was given to co-conspirator Eduardo Valdez, who was on the phone with Alarcon-Holguin during the delivery. Following the controlled delivery, the New York State Police conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Valdez was riding in. HSI seized $259,960 in cash as a result of the controlled delivery. Subsequent investigation determined that Alarcon-Holguin had multiple communications with another co-conspirator, Edgar Pavia. Alarcon-Holguin provided instructions to Pavia about shipments of cocaine, packaging of money, and more, all of which was passed along to drug distributors supplied by Alarcon-Holguin in cities including Buffalo, and Louisville, KY. Alarcon-Holguin also passed information to Pavia that was separately conveyed to other co-conspirators, including those involved in the transportation of drugs. For example, on June 21, 2018, co-conspirator Adrian Goudelock received 40 kilograms of cocaine in Buffalo. Over the course of the conspiracy, Goudelock received multiple shipments of 10 kilograms of cocaine or more brokered by Pavia and supplied by Alarcon-Holguin. Alarcon-Holguin also provided instructions to Pavia on how Goudelock should wrap and mark money being sent back to Mexico. Specifically, Alarcon-Holguin told Pavia that Goudelock should wrap the money into 52 packages of $10,000 each. Other deliveries organized by Alarcon-Holguin during the investigation included: 17 kilograms of cocaine seized from a co-conspirator in West Seneca, NY, and shipments of 10, 15, 20, and 40 kilograms of cocaine to a co-conspirator in Kentucky. In addition, approximately $1,144,735 in cash was seized from a commercial truck driver in Chicago, Illinois. During the course of the investigation, investigators seized approximately $2,600,000. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; and Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, under the direction of Director Christopher Romosz. Additional assistance was provided by the New York National Guard and Homeland Security Investigations, El Paso, Texas. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Alarcon-Holguin. # # # #