title: Kansas City man sentenced for trafficking fentanyl and cocaine

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 46 months in prison for drug trafficking stemming from an investigation into multiple fentanyl overdoses. According to court documents, Rayvon Porter, 33, of Kansas City, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. While investigating the supplier in several fentanyl-related overdoses, Porter was identified as a suspect and law enforcement began to conduct surveillance. Investigators took him into custody while he was inside of a business. During a search of his car, they found a loaded Glock handgun, 1.32 grams of cocaine, 9.7 grams of fentanyl, and digital scales. “Illegal fentanyl is a blight on our community that causes death and destruction,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Our office will do everything in its power to help eliminate it and stop its distribution.” “This sentencing represents the hard work and dedication by USPS OIG Special Agents working with the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring charges on this significant narcotics investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennus Bishop, U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Central Area Field Office. “The OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, remains committed to safeguarding the U.S. Mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.” The Kansas City, Kansas Police Department and the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan J. Huschka and David P. Zabel prosecuted the case. ###


title: Citrus Heights Couple Sentenced for $1 Million Unemployment Insurance Benefits Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: Citrus Heights residents Deshawn Oshaea Campbell, 38, and Rochelle Pasley, 35, were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta to seven years and three months and five years and five months respectively and ordered to pay $1,157,000 in restitution, Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez announced. According to court documents, between June 2020 and December 2020, Campbell and Pasley conspired to defraud by filing fraudulent unemployment insurance claims with the California Employment Development Department (EDD) seeking Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits under the CARES Act. During the conspiracy, the defendants obtained the identifying information of other individuals and used their identities to submit dozens of fraudulent claims. The claims represented, among other things, that the claimants had recently lost employment or were unable to find employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These claims were fraudulent because, for instance, many of the individuals whose identities were used did not reside in California and were thus ineligible for benefits from EDD. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has been committed to combatting fraud that abuses the provisions of the CARES Act,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sanchez. “We will continue to prosecute fraud arising out of the pandemic and bring offenders to justice.” In the applications, the defendants used mailing addresses that were under their control, or under the control of their family and friends. EDD approved more than 50 of the fraudulent claims and authorized Bank of America to mail out EDD debit cards containing benefits. The defendants then obtained these debit cards and used them to withdraw the benefits at ATMs throughout California and to make direct purchases, all for their own benefit. The scheme resulted in EDD paying out more than $1 million. “These defendants stole from our nation’s unemployment insurance program by fraudulently filing for UI benefits in the names of individuals who were not entitled to such benefits. They took advantage of the UI program at a time when so many deserving American workers were suffering from pandemic-related economic challenges. The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General remains committed to combating UI fraud and holding individuals accountable for their fraudulent schemes. I would like to acknowledge the outstanding investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the California Employment Development Department-Investigations Division, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California in this collaborative investigative effort,” said Quentin Heiden, Special Agent-in-Charge, Western Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. In addition to the mail fraud scheme, Campbell pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony. This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, and the EDD – Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Delaney and Justin Lee prosecuted the case. This effort is part of a California COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force operation, one of five interagency COVID-19 fraud strike force teams established by the U.S. Department of Justice. The California Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources in the Eastern and Central Districts of California and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces use prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.


title: Alameda County Man Charged in Federal Complaint with Stealing Rare and Historical Chinese Manuscripts from University Library

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A San Francisco Bay Area man has been charged in a federal criminal complaint with stealing approximately $216,000 worth of rare and historical Chinese manuscripts from a university’s library system, the Justice Department announced today. Jeffrey Ying, 38, a.k.a. “Jason Wang,” “Alan Fujimori,” and “Austin Chen,” of Fremont, is charged with theft of major artwork, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison. Ying, who is in state custody, is expected to make his initial appearance in United States District Court in Los Angeles in the coming days. According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, from December 2024 to July 2025, Ying stole the rare manuscripts from the university’s library. Ying rented the manuscripts, brought them home for days at a time, then returned a dummy manuscript instead of the authentic one. He typically then traveled to and from China within several days of the thefts. The library noticed that several rare Chinese manuscripts were missing, and an initial investigation revealed the books were last viewed by a visitor who identified himself as “Alan Fujimori.” Due to the rarity and value of the books, they are not in regular circulation in the library and must be reserved and checked out. Law enforcement searched Ying’s Brentwood hotel room and found blank manuscripts and paperwork in the style and manner of the books that Ying had checked out from the university. Law enforcement also found pre-made labels known as asset tags associated with the same manuscripts that could be used to create “dummy” books to return to the library in place of the original books. Upon Ying’s arrest on Monday, they found a fraudulent California identification card in the name of “Austin Chen” along with two library cards in the names of “Austin Chen” and “Jason Wang.” A criminal complaint contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The FBI’s Art Crime Team is investigating this matter with valuable assistance from the UCLA Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Williams of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Career Offender Receives Significant Sentence for Firearm Possession and Distribution of Marijuana

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – A Memphis man has been sentenced to 180 months of imprisonment for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute in Memphis, Tennessee. Joseph C. Murphy, Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. According to information presented in court, in June 2022, detectives with the Western District of Tennessee Multi-Agency Gang Unit (MGU), assisted by special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), began investigating Robert Ingram , 39 , who was selling marijuana out of an apartment in the 6500 block of S. Country Oaks Circle in Memphis, Tennessee. Based on information linking Ingram and his apartment to the storage and distribution of large amounts of marijuana, MGU and ATF executed a search warrant on the apartment on June 28, 2022. Ingram was detained by detectives without incident when they entered the apartment. Once inside, detectives discovered more than 10 kilograms of raw marijuana bundled in various increments and two loaded pistols: a Glock 9mm and a stolen Smith & Wesson 9mm. Ingram was indicted in February 2023 on possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm charges. On January 15, 2025, Ingram entered a guilty plea to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. At the time of sentencing, Ingram was determined to be a career offender under the United States Sentencing Guidelines. On August 5, 2025, United States District Court Judge Jon Phipps McCalla sentenced Ingram to 180 months of incarceration with a three-year period of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system. “This individual persistently violates the law by illegally possessing firearms and distributing narcotics,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Matthew Belew, ATF Nashville Field Division. “The ATF will continue to work collaboratively with our local, state, and federal partners to combat violent crime and hold these criminals accountable.” This case was investigated by the Western District of Tennessee Multi-Agency Gang Unit and the Memphis Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The Drug Enforcement Administration's Nashville laboratory assisted in this investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Bryce H. Phillips and William Crow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Trial Victory Secured in Largest Single Fentanyl Pill Bust in DEA History

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A federal jury convicted an Albuquerque man for his role in a multi-state fentanyl trafficking organization, following an operation that resulted in the largest single fentanyl pill seizure in DEA history. The verdict came after a six-day trial and approximately eight hours of deliberation. The conviction of Alex Anthony Martinez , 38, represents the first trial victory in the ongoing federal case against the multi-state fentanyl trafficking network led by Heriberto Salazar Amaya. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Martinez served as a “regional manager” within a multi-state drug trafficking organization led by Salazar Amaya, directing and supplying local distributors in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Hobbs between July 2024 and April 2025. The investigation into Martinez and Bruce Sedillo, another regional manager for Salazar Amaya, included coordinated enforcement actions between the DEA and the Lea County Drug Task Force. Those efforts also took down a high-volume fentanyl dealer operating in Hobbs and southern New Mexico, Jose Marquez. In November 2024, agents executed a search warrant at a stash house in northeast Albuquerque connected to both Sedillo and Martinez . During the search, approximately 150,000 fentanyl pills, $72,000 in U.S. currency, and multiple firearms were seized. Guns and drugs seized in November 2024 Sedillo was subsequently arrested and charged with drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Following Sedillo’s arrest, Martinez took over operations and attempted to expand them to introduce narcotics into the Cibola County Correctional Center. On July 16, 2025, a federal grand jury returned a second superseding indictment charging Martinez and 15 co-defendants with drug trafficking and firearms offenses, charges that violated the terms of his pretrial release from a separate case in which he was charged as a felon in possession of a firearm. On May 2, 2025, federal agents arrested Martinez at his residence in northwest Albuquerque during a coordinated, multi-state operation that resulted in the largest single seizure of fentanyl pills in DEA’s history . “This conviction marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to dismantle the criminal organizations responsible for poisoning our communities with fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “Thanks to outstanding collaboration among federal, state, tribal, and local agencies, we are taking apart the network that brought addiction and violence to New Mexico and neighboring states. We will not stop until every member is held fully accountable.” “Drug trafficking networks are going to find the long arm of the DEA wherever they attempt to venture,” said Omar Arellano, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division. “This successful outcome is one of many more to come in this historic, record, multi-state operation. Stay tuned for more.” Martinez was convicted of Conspiracy and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. Following the verdict, the Court ordered that Martinez remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Martinez faces up to life in prison. On July 1, 2025, Jose Marquez pled guilty to Conspiracy to Commit a Drug Trafficking Offense and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. At sentencing, Marquez faces not less than 10 years and up to life in prison. On July 2, 2025, Bruce Sedillo pled guilty to Conspiracy, Distribution of Fentanyl, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, and Possession a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug trafficking Crime. At sentencing, Sedillo also faces not less than 15 years and up to life in prison. To date, five other co-defendants have pleaded guilty to federal charges. They are David Anesi, Cesar Acuna Moreno, Francisco Garcia, Phillip Lovato, and Brian Sanchez. The remaining defendants, including Heriberto Salazar Amaya, are scheduled for trial on October 21, 2025. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Omar Arellano, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division, made the announcement today. The DEA’s El Paso Division investigated this case with assistance from the IRS Criminal Investigation. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elaine Ramirez and Matthew McGinley, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Blake Nichols and Raquel Ruiz-Velez are prosecuting the case as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: Las Vegas Woman Sentenced To Prison For Stealing Firearms From Federal Firearms Licensee

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas resident who has a prior felony conviction was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 30 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for her role in stealing 38 firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee business in Overton, Nevada, then illegally selling at least 20 of those firearms. The government recommended a prison sentence of 108 months. Alexis Breanna Worrell pleaded guilty to one-count of theft of firearms from a licensee and one-count of possession of stolen firearms. Co-defendant Dennis James Caputo, of Las Vegas, was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to one-count of theft of firearms from a licensee and one-count of possession of stolen firearms. According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 24, 2023, Worrell, Caputo, and another individual drove from Las Vegas to Overton. After the FFL business was closed, Caputo climbed onto the roof and used tools to open a hole in the roof of the building. He directed Worrell to wait for his call at a gas and convenience store. Caputo reached down through the ceiling and pulled up an AK-47 pattern semiautomatic rifle. He then dropped down inside the store, silenced the motion-sensor alarm, and began to pull various firearms from displays. He placed firearms on a bed sheet that he had brought with him and into a rifle case he found in the store. He also filled two five-gallon buckets with other firearms. Worrell admitted that she helped Caputo put the rifle and other firearms into the cab of the vehicle. From July 25, 2023, to about September 5, 2023, Worrell and Caputo sold and transferred some of the stolen firearms to other individuals. To date, nine of those stolen firearms have been recovered by law enforcement from five prohibited persons who were engaged in criminal activities in the Las Vegas area. Four of the firearms remain outstanding. Worrell has previously been convicted of trafficking methamphetamine in Clark County, Nevada. Caputo has previously been convicted of felony drug crimes in Douglas County, Clackamas County, and Coos County, Oregon; and burglary in Cowlitz County, Washington. Acting United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case. ###


title: Oceanside Man Charged with Investment Fraud Scheme  that Funded Gambling Habit and Luxury Cars

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Sang Phuoc Do Le of Oceanside was charged in federal court today with defrauding investors who unwittingly funded the defendant’s gambling habit and luxury car purchases rather than supposedly-profitable Apple reseller businesses. According to a complaint, Le told investors he owned two businesses, MobileSky and MobileSky2 (collectively, the “MobileSky Companies”), that purchased bulk supplies of Apple iPhones and sold them overseas for profit. However, the MobileSky Companies conducted no such business. Rather, Le used the “MobileSky” business name, which belonged to a person he knew in Northern California, to further his investment scheme. Le, also known as “Andy Le,” was arrested July 23, 2025, after the FBI learned Le had returned to Oceanside from a recent casino stay in Arizona. He was charged via complaint and then indictment by a federal grand jury. He was arraigned today on five counts of wire and mail fraud. According to charging documents, it was a Ponzi-like scheme in which some investors were paid small returns from the investments of others; but many never received any of their promised profit or their original investment back. The indictment alleges that Le convinced his victims to invest by making false representations, including that the MobileSky Companies operated an overseas iPhone business in foreign countries such as China; that he held a legitimate Apple Reseller Agreement to purchase and sell iPhones overseas; that investor money would be used to fund wholesale purchase orders of Apple products, including iPhones; and that the MobileSky Companies had substantial purchase orders for large quantities of cell phones. The indictment further alleges that Le provided investors with falsified receipts—purportedly from Apple for iPhone purchases—to create the appearance of legitimate business activity by the MobileSky Companies. For example, he allegedly assured investors of the MobileSky Companies’ ongoing viability by falsely claiming there was an outstanding purchase order from Apple for iPhones worth more than $1 million. Instead of using investor funds for the MobileSky Companies, the indictment contends that Le diverted the money for his own personal use, spending it on gambling, luxury cars, and luxury items. He also used the money to make Ponzi-like payments to other investors. As a result of his investment fraud, Le induced investors to part with more than $2 million by wiring and mailing him the funds. The complaint said FBI agents obtained numerous records from casinos in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Florida, showing that Le deposited large sums of cash and, in some cases, had investors wire funds directly to such casinos, and then Le used these funds to gamble—not to purchase bulk supplies of iPhones. Le received various wire transfers from investors throughout the scheme, including one for $792,500. Le made a series of money transfers, but he did not use these funds to purchase iPhones as he told his investors he would. Rather, he withdrew $300,000 in cash and transferred approximately $398,000 to several car companies – West Coast Exotic Cars and Fusion Luxury Motors. Based upon witness statements and business records, Le purchased luxury vehicles, including a green Lamborghini, as shown below. Le repeatedly made excuses to investors on why he could not pay them the interest promised. At the same time, Le was pitching his “MobileSky” investment program to other potential investors. Le told them they could invest in MobileSky and receive a fixed-rate monthly return, such as 17 percent, on their principal. Le continued to pursue investors, taking some out for lavish dinners and at least one complimentary trip to Las Vegas. After witnessing Le spend lavishly and gamble extravagantly in the casinos in Las Vegas, some potential investors felt confident to invest in MobileSky. According to witness statements, Le claimed he used casinos like banks to explain to investors why he asked them, at times, to wire money to him at the casinos, which some investors did. However, casino records show significant gambling losses by Le at various casinos in California, Arizona, and Nevada. At the arraignment today, Le entered a plea of not guilty to all the charges in the indictment. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill Burkhardt scheduled a motion hearing/trial setting for September 19, 2025, at 11 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Dana M. Sabraw. Le has been ordered detained without bail at this time. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Orabona and Ashley Goff. DEFENDANT Case Number : 25CR3037-DMS Sang Phuoc Do Le, aka “Andy Le” Age: 39 Oceanside, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Wire Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1343 Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, and mandatory restitution to victims. Mail Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1341 Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison, $250,000 fine, and mandatory restitution to victims. INVESTIGATING AGENCY Federal Bureau of Investigation *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. Anyone with information about allegations of investment fraud committed by Sang Phuoc Do Le, aka “Andy Le”, or others, can report it by calling the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s San Diego Field Office at (858) 320-1800; calling the FBI’s National Complaint Hotline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324); or submitting a tip about a federal crime, including fraud, at tips.fbi.gov .


title: Man in Possession of Loaded Semi-Automatic Rifle at Palm Beach International Airport Makes Initial Appearance in Federal Court

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Michael Jeffrey Rodrigues, 41, made his initial appearance in federal court today on a criminal complaint charging him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the complaint, on August 5, Rodrigues parked a rental car in an employee lot at Palm Beach International Airport, where it remained for approximately two hours. During that time, Rodrigues was seen entering and exiting the car multiple times. At one point, Rodrigues walked toward the airport gates carrying a large black case and returned to the car around 7:00 am, still in possession of the case. Deputies from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office made contact with Rodrigues and observed a set of throwing knives inside the case. A database check revealed that the car had been rented, and Rodrigues stated that his father had rented it. Rodrigues authorized deputies to search the car for the rental agreement. Inside the glove compartment, deputies found a loaded magazine. Next to the glove compartment, concealed under a towel, they found a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P-15 rifle along with two additional magazines. Rodrigues has prior felony convictions in Martin County, Florida. On June 20, 2022, Rodrigues was convicted in Martin County, Florida of Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Introduction of Contraband into a Correctional Facility—both felony offenses under Florida law. United States Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement. FBI Miami and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Marc Osborne is prosecuting the case. You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 25-mj-08427. ###


title: Previously Deported Alien Pleaded Guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft and Illegal Reentry

body_text: Salomon Jaime Salgado, 61, pleaded guilty today to aggravated identity theft and illegal reentry, Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez announced. According to court documents, Salgado is a citizen of Mexico who was deported from the United States in 1999. After unlawfully reentering the county, Salgado obtained a birth certificate of a deceased U.S. citizen. Salgado used that birth certificate, along with the deceased’s citizen’s Social Security Number and a California driver’s license, to apply for a U.S. passport under the deceased’s name. This case is the product of an investigation by the Diplomatic Security Service’s Las Vegas and San Francisco Field Offices, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Campbell is prosecuting the case. Salgado is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 30, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley. Salgado faces a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of 12 years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.


title: Two More FCI Dublin Correctional Officers Plead Guilty To Sexually Abusing Female Inmates

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: OAKLAND – Former Bureau of Prisons correctional officers Jeffrey Wilson and Lawrence Gacad pleaded guilty today to sexually abusing female inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, Calif., which operated as a low-security federal prison for females. Wilson also admitted to making false statements to federal investigators. Wilson and Gacad were charged by information on June 25, 2025. They are the eighth and ninth correctional officers to have either pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial as part of an ongoing federal investigation into sexual abuse of inmates at FCI Dublin. “There is zero tolerance for federal correctional officers who violate their positions of trust and authority. And that is especially true where they use those positions to sexually abuse individuals in their custody,” said United States Attorney Craig Missakian. “Our investigations remain ongoing, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law anyone who engages in these despicable acts.” “The pattern of abuse of inmates at FCI Dublin is inexcusable. Gacad and Wilson’s guilty pleas are the eighth and ninth convictions of Federal Bureau of Prisons employees for sexually abusing inmates at that institution. The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate these heinous crimes, and with our partners, vigorously pursue justice for the victims of sexual abuse,” said Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG) Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeremy Hunt. “These guilty pleas mark yet another step toward accountability for a culture of predation that thrived for far too long behind the walls of FCI Dublin. Female inmates were exploited by those with power and access when they were most vulnerable,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani. “The FBI and our partners remain resolute in our work to expose every individual who used their position to harm, and to help restore the dignity stolen from the women who survived abuse.” According to his plea agreement, Wilson was employed from July 2021 to September 2022 as a correctional officer at FCI Dublin, where he served as a health technician/paramedic. In that role, he was responsible for providing emergency assessment and medical care to the female inmates. Around August 2021, Wilson began interacting with a victim inmate after she started taking medication prescribed to her for seizures. He encouraged the victim to transfer from the prison to the FCI Dublin Camp where there were fewer medical staff who would see their interactions. Wilson admitted to engaging in sexual acts on multiple occasions with the victim. He also provided the victim with a $60 pre-paid credit card and a cellphone while she was at the FCI Dublin Camp. The victim used that cellphone to take naked pictures of herself and send them to Wilson. When he was interviewed by special agents from the DOJ OIG, Wilson falsely stated that he never had sexual contact with the victim inmate and that he had never given her contraband. According to his plea agreement, Gacad was employed from July 2021 to June 2022 as a correctional officer at FCI Dublin. Between March and June 2022, Gacad kissed and groped a victim inmate. The victim lived in one of the housing units where Gacad was sometimes assigned as the guard on duty. Gacad also admitted that he exchanged handwritten notes and emails with the victim, some of which were sexually explicit. To disguise his identity, Gacad used email accounts that he set up using fake names. Gacad resigned from the BOP after the abuse was discovered, but continued to exchange emails with the victim and speak with the victim on video chats that she had with her parents. Both Wilson and Gacad were released on bond. Wilson is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 6, 2025, and Gacad is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 19, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers. Wilson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each count of sexual abuse of a ward in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2243(b) and eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the count of false statements to a government agency in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2). Gacad faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the count of abusive sexual contact in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2244(a)(4). 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. * * * As part of the Department of Justice’s ongoing investigation into FCI Dublin, 10 FCI Dublin correctional officers have been charged with crimes related to the sexual abuse of the female prisoners at the facility. The status of these cases is below: Defendant Case Number Status Warden Ray J. Garcia 4:21-cr-00429-YGR Convicted on all counts by jury on Dec. 8, 2022; sentenced to 70 months in prison CO John Bellhouse 4:22-cr-00066-YGR Convicted on all counts by jury on Jun. 5, 2023; sentenced to 63 months in prison CO Darrell Smith (a/k/a “Dirty Dick Smith”) 4:23-cr-00110-YGR Indicted on Apr. 13, 2023; trial scheduled for Sept. 2, 2025 Chaplain James Highhouse 4:22-cr-00016-HSG Pleaded guilty on Feb. 24, 2022; sentenced to 84 months in prison CO Ross Klinger 4:22-cr-00031-YGR Pleaded guilty on Feb. 10, 2022; sentenced to one year of home confinement CO Enrique Chavez 4:22-cr-00104-YGR Pleaded guilty on Oct. 27, 2022; sentenced to 20 months in prison CO Andrew Jones 4:23-cr-00212-YGR Pleaded guilty on Aug.17, 2023; sentenced to 96 months in prison CO Nakie Nunley 4:23-cr-00213-YGR Pleaded guilty on Sept. 5, 2023; sentenced to 72 months in prison CO Jeffrey Wilson 4:25-cr-00180-YGR Pleaded guilty on Aug. 7, 2025; sentencing scheduled for Nov. 6, 2025 CO Lawrence Gacad 4:25-cr-00181-YGR Pleaded guilty on Aug. 7, 2025; sentencing scheduled for Nov. 19, 2025 Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Paulson, Alethea Sargent, Sailaja Paidipaty, and Molly Priedeman are prosecuting these cases with the assistance of Veronica Hernandez, Soana Katoa, and Amala James. The prosecutions are the result of an investigation by the DOJ OIG and the FBI.


title: Farmington Man Sentenced to Imprisonment After Embezzling Approximately $1.7M From His Small Business Employer

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Timothy Sean Edgar, 44, of Farmington, Utah, was sentenced today to 18 months’ imprisonment for wire fraud and money laundering after he admitted to engaging in a years-long scheme to embezzle approximately $1.7 million from his employer for his personal enrichment. In addition to Edgar’s term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Howard C. Nielson, Jr. ordered that he serve three years of supervised release and pay $1,778,251 in restitution to the victim. According to court documents and statements made at Edgar’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, beginning in 2021 and continuing until October 2024, Edgar defrauded his employer to obtain money and property by stealing and lying. As part of Edgar’s scheme, he fraudulently opened a sales channel through a popular online marketplace and used his employment credentials to access the vendor portal and redirect Automated Clearing House payments to his personal bank account. Edgar then made payments back to his employer using his personal credit card. Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement. “This case is an example of a defendant who used the victim’s trust against them,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Mr. Edgar took advantage of a small business by building a strong relationship with his employer and gained access and control that he then used to perpetrate his fraud scheme. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate fraud in our communities, and we will continue to investigate and prosecute fraudsters and seek justice for victims of these crimes.” The case was investigated jointly by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, and the North Salt Lake City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Woolf and Jacob J. Strain of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.


title: ATF Operation Yields Six Convictions for Narcotics Distribution Offenses in Jackson

component: Department of Justice

body_text: JACKSON, MS – Six individuals have pleaded guilty to narcotics distribution offenses after an ATF Operation in Jackson, Mississippi in 2024 and 2025. According to court documents and statements made in open court, the ATF Jackson Field Office began a street-level narcotics operation in Jackson in September 2024 with the goal of identifying and investigating narcotics traffickers in Jackson. Over the course of four months, the ATF made numerous controlled purchases of illegal narcotics and executed search warrants at three separate residences in Jackson. Fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, cocaine base, and ecstasy were seized during the operation. Also seized were firearms, ammunition, and two ballistic vests. These narcotics traffickers have pleaded guilty and await sentencing: Stevenson Bentley , 46, Jackson, MS: pleaded guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine on August 7, 2025, and awaits sentencing scheduled for November 5, 2025. Bentley faces a mandatory minimum penalty of ten years imprisonment and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Michael Murrell , 61, Jackson, MS: pleaded guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine on May 28, 2025, and awaits sentencing scheduled for August 27, 2025. Murrell faces a mandatory minimum of five years imprisonment and a maximum penalty of 40 years imprisonment. Lorenzo Loggins , 35, Jackson, MS: pleaded guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Fentanyl on May 13, 2025, and awaits sentencing scheduled for August 11, 2025. Loggins faces a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment. David Ransom , 56, Jackson, MS: pleaded guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base on July 11, 2025, and awaits sentencing scheduled for October 17, 2025. Ransom faces a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment. Rodrick Hunter , 48, Jackson, MS: pleaded guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine on June 13, 2025, and awaits sentencing scheduled for October 16, 2025. Hunter faces a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment. Brian Hobson , 35, Jackson, MS: pleaded guilty to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base, and awaits sentencing scheduled for October 16, 2025. Hobson faces a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson made the announcement. The United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive is investigating the case with assistance from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, Jackson Police Department, and the Capitol Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel Goff and Brett Grantham are prosecuting the case.


title: El Salvadoran Man Recently Convicted of Sexual Battery Sentenced to Maximum Federal Prison Term for Unlawful Reentry by a Removed Alien

body_text: Jackson, MS – An El Salvadoran national who recently pled guilty to sexual battery was sentenced August 6, 2025 to twenty-four months in federal prison, the maximum sentence for unlawful reentry by a removed alien. Jose Rigoberto Mejia-Cubias will serve his federal prison sentence consecutively to the twenty-five-year sentence for his sexual battery conviction in the Madison County Mississippi Circuit Court. According to court documents, Mejia-Cubias was arrested on January 30, 2025, by the Madison Police Department and charged with the sexual battery of a patron of a local restaurant where he worked as a bartender. Immigration officials determined that Mejia-Cubias was illegally in the United States and that he had previously been removed from the United States to El Salvador on August 26, 2010. Mejias-Cubias was charged with both federal and state crimes, and he later pled guilty to the state and federal charges. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Patrick A. Lemon and Eric P. DeLaune, Special Agent-in-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Louisiana; and Brian Acuna, Acting Field Office Director of ICE/ERO in New Orleans, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kabah Ealy prosecuted the case.


title: Three Time Convicted Sex Offender in Utah Sentenced to Over 19 Years’ Imprisonment

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Daniel David Egli, 51, of South Jordan, Utah, was sentenced today to 210 months’ imprisonment after he was convicted in October 2024 by a federal jury for possession of child pornography. Egli will also serve a consecutive two-year term of imprisonment after he violated his terms of supervised release in a separate child exploitation case, therefore totaling over 19 years’ imprisonment. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Tena Campbell, sentenced Egli to lifetime term of supervised release. According to court documents and the evidence presented at trial, in the spring of 2021, while Egli was serving a term of federal supervision, he violated his conditions of release. During a routine check by his probation officer, law enforcement found Egli possessed an unauthorized laptop and smart phone. These unauthorized devices were seized, along with other unauthorized electronic devices. Electronic evidence further demonstrated that Egli had accessed, viewed, and possessed nearly 500 images of child sexual abuse material – which led to the 2022 charge. See prior press release: Repeat Sex Offender Found Guilty of Possession of Child Pornography by a Federal Jury . Prior to his most recent conviction, Egli has a history of child exploitation crimes for the past 20 years and has been in and out of incarceration after repeatedly violating his terms of supervised release. “Egli is a repeat offender of child exploitation, and he has shown a complete lack of remorse and rehabilitation in his continued behavior,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Community safety is a priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners. Our community and the children in it are safer with Egli behind bars.” The case was investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC .


title: Former East Bay Middle School Aide Indicted For Receipt And Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

body_text: OAKLAND – A federal grand jury has indicted Dominic James Vannucci, who was employed as a teacher’s aide at a middle school in Contra Costa County until June 2025, on charges of receipt and possession of child pornography. Vannucci made his initial appearance in federal court in Oakland today. According to the indictment filed and unsealed last week, Vannucci, 25, of Discovery Bay, Calif., allegedly received child sexual abuse materials involving a minor in May 2025. Vannucci is also charged with possessing child sexual abuse materials involving a prepubescent minor beginning from an unknown date continuing through June 2025. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Vannucci faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a minimum sentence of five years in prison, and a $250,000 fine for each count of receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252. Any sentence following conviction would 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. Vannucci was transferred to federal custody earlier today and is currently on conditional release. He is next scheduled to appear in district court on Sept. 19, 2025, for a status conference before U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar. United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Brannigan made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly I. Volkar is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Alycee Lane and Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. Anyone who has information relevant to this case can report it by contacting HSI at HSISanJose@dhs.gov or (877) 477-4847. Vannucci Indictment


title: Mexican Accountant Sentenced to 5 Years for Role in International Money Laundering Scheme

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced Angelica Mendoza Rubio, 49, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Williams M. Conley to 5 years in federal prison for conspiring to commit concealment money laundering. Mendoza Rubio pleaded guilty to this charge on May 9, 2025. Mendoza Rubio was a certified accountant in Mexico. From December of 2020 to April 2021, operating in Mexico, Mendoza Rubio used a complex network of money launderers in the United States to help criminal clients launder funds out of the United States by converting bulk cash in the United States to Bitcoin. The scheme utilized shell companies, nominee account holders, funnel accounts, and layered financial transactions to help conceal the true source, owner, and location of the funds. In December of 2020, Mendoza Rubio and others in the network laundered approximately $240,000 in proceeds generated from a wire fraud scheme targeting a business in the Western District of Wisconsin. At the sentencing, Judge Conley found that the Mendoza Rubio had assisted in laundering $5.1 million in funds generated from criminal activity during the five months of the charged conspiracy. In selecting a 5-year sentence, Judge Conley noted Mendoza Rubio’s invaluable role in the scheme given her expertise as an accountant and the sophisticated nature of the scheme. Acting U.S. Attorney Elgersma praised the efforts of law enforcement in this case, “Sophisticated money launderers like Mendoza Rubio help facilitate international criminal activity. I commend the law enforcement agents who worked to bring her to justice.” The charge against Mendoza Rubio was the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance provided by the Diplomatic Security Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith P. Duchemin and Louis Glinzak handled the prosecution.


title: Columbus man pleads guilty to dogfighting, drug crimes

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man pleaded guilty in federal court here today to federal dogfighting and drug crimes. Joel Brown, 38, admitted to possessing and training dogs for fighting purposes and possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, Brown was keeping 11 pit bull-type dogs for fighting purposes at his residence in Franklin County. The dogs on his property were chained with heavy tow chains attached to tire axels buried in the ground. The dogs were within eyesight of each other but housed just out of reach – a housing style typical with organized dogfighting. On one of Brown’s Facebook accounts, he posted a video of a black pit bull with visible scarring running on a slatmill – a type of treadmill often used by dogfighters. After responding to complaints about dogs being left outside at the property and obtaining search warrants, Columbus Humane rescued the dogs. They worked in conjunction with the Columbus Division of Police. Authorities also recovered tools and supplies commonly used in the training and keeping of dogs for fighting. Under federal law, it is illegal to possess, train, transport, deliver, receive, buy or sell animals intended for use in an animal fighting venture. While conducting search warrants, law enforcement officers also discovered approximately 52 grams of methamphetamine in Brown’s home. Brown was indicted in December 2024. Brown will be sentenced at a later date. He faces five to 40 years in prison for the methamphetamine crime and up to five years in prison for animal fighting. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Pakiz and Kevin W. Kelley and Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section are representing the United States in this case. Columbus Humane, the Columbus Division of Police and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. # # #


title: Local man pleads guilty to exploiting child, faces 15 to nearly 22 years in prison

body_text: CINCINNATI – A Loveland, Ohio, man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to sexually exploiting an 11-year-old. Jonathan Travis Mackey, 46, of Loveland, admitted to exploiting a child victim in person while employed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). As part of his plea, Mackey immediately resigned from the FDIC. The plea document recommends a prison sentence of 180 to 262 months in federal prison. According to his court documents, in May 2024, Mackey sexually exploited an 11-year-old and created photos of the abuse. For example, the defendant created a digital photo that depicted Mackey directly engaged in sexual conduct with the victim. Mackey was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 30. Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Jason J. Scalzo, Special Agent in Charge of the FDIC Office of Inspector General Electronic Crimes Unit; and officials with the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle J. Healey and Danielle E. Margeaux are representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Mexican Man Sentenced to Eight Months in Prison for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being Deported

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported multiple times was sentenced today to eight months in federal prison. Mario Uribe-Rodriguez, age 33, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in North Buena Vista, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 8, 2025, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported following a conviction for a felony offense. At the guilty plea, Uribe-Rodriguez admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Uribe-Rodriguez was previously deported in 2012, 2014, and 2018. On April 9, 2025, immigration officials encountered Uribe-Rodriguez in Dubuque, Iowa, after he had been summoned to state court for a charge of theft, fifth degree, in Dubuque County. This conviction was Uribe-Rodriguez’s fourth federal conviction for a crime related to illegal immigration. In 2012, he was convicted of illegal entry in the Western District of Texas and deported after serving 10 days in jail. In 2014, he was convicted of eluding examination by immigration officers in the District of Arizona and deported after serving 75 days in jail. In 2018, he was convicted of illegal reentry into the United States in the Western District of Texas, a felony offense, and deported after serving 77 days in jail. Uribe-Rodriguez was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. He was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-cr-1017. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Man Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being Deported

body_text: A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to 92 days in prison. Yoni Omar Alvarado-Gomes, also known as Jhonny Ramos Campos, age 35, a citizen of Honduras, received the prison term after a May 28, 2025 guilty plea to one count of being found in the United States after illegal reentry At the guilty plea, Alvarado-Gomes admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Alvarado-Gomes was previously removed in 2009 and in 2013. On April 26, 2025, immigration officials found him at the Tama County Jail following his arrest on state charges for driving without a license and speeding. Alvarado-Gomes was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Alvarado-Gomes was sentenced to 92 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Alvarado-Gomes is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated by Enforcement and Removal Operations of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-CR-37. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Muskogee Resident Sentenced For Federal Drug Crime

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

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dewayne Tyree Miller, a/k/a Dejuan Tyree Miller, age 28, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. The charge arose from an investigation by the Muskogee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On March 3, 2025, Miller pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on July 17, 2024, Miller admitted to possessing methamphetamine after officers conducting a routine traffic stop discovered Miller in possession of two baggies containing approximately 40 grams of methamphetamine and $950.00 in cash. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Miller will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob R. Parker and Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.


title: Three Members Of Drug Trafficking Organization Plead Guilty To Federal Drug Conspiracy Charges

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced today that three co-conspirators entered guilty pleas in federal court to felony charges. John Lamar Clayton, age 46, of Fort Coffee, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Drug Conspiracy on July 16, 2025. Brian Lee Steele, age 45, of Fort Coffee, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of one count of Drug Conspiracy on July 24, 2025. Brandon Leal Castro, age 34, of Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of Drug Conspiracy on July 24, 2025. Conspiracy to distribute 500 or more grams of methamphetamine is punishable by ten years to life in prison and a $50,000,000 fine. The Indictment against the co-conspirators alleged that between October 2024, and November 14, 2024, Clayton, Steele, Castro, and others knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute, and to possess with intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. The charges arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the District 16 Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the pleas on each defendant and ordered the completion of presentence investigation reports. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The defendants will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Howanitz represented the United States.


title: Illegal Alien Sentenced For Unlawful Reentry

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Victoriano Ponce-Garcia, age 53, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien. The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Coalgate Police Department. On May 27, 2025, Ponce-Garcia pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on April 11, 2025, Ponce-Garcia, an alien, was found in the United States after having been previously removed in 2009 and in 2020 without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dak T. Cohen represented the United States.


title: Wayne county man pleads guilty to 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, N Y, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography following a previous conviction for the sexual abuse of a minor before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. The charge carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling 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 plea 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. Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Siragusa. # # # #


title: Repeat offender pleads guilty to new child pornography charge

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Brandon G. Uber, 24, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that on August 22, 2024, a federal search warrant was executed at Uber’s residence because of child pornography files he uploaded to a KIK application server. During the search, various electronic devices were seized, including three tablets and a laptop. At the time, Uber was a member of a KIK chat forum used to trade child pornography with other users. Uber used the forum to distribute child pornography to other users and was a moderator of the forum at one point. Subsequent examination of the seized devices recovered approximately 33 images and five videos of child pornography, some of which depicted the sexual exploitation of an infant or toddler and violence against children. At the time, Uber was awaiting sentencing on a distribution of child pornography charge. He was subsequently sentenced to serve 210 months on that charge. The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone. Sentencing is scheduled for December 15, 2025, before Judge Vilardo. # # # #


title: Mexican man arrested, charged with illegal re-entry

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jose Roberto Perez-Solis, 31, a citizen and national of Mexico, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fauzia K. Mattingly, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on August 5, 2025, Border Patrol agents encountered a vehicle during a traffic stop in Ripley, NY. Perez-Solis, who was one of the occupants of the vehicle, had been previously ordered removed from the United States and was deported to Mexico in 2012. Perez-Solis did not have permission to return to the United States. 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. Perez-Solis made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained. The complaint is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge Travis McNaughton. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Mexican man charged for the third time with illegal re-entry

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Oscar Figueroa Rosario, 41, a citizen and national of Mexico, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fauzia K. Mattingly, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on August 1, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers encountered a vehicle at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry that had made a wrong turn towards Canada. Figueroa Rosario, who was one of the occupants of the vehicle, had been previously ordered removed from the United States and has two prior felony convictions for illegal re-entry. Figueroa Rosario did not have permission to return to the United States. 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. Figueroa Rosario made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained. The complaint is the result of an investigation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Four Arizona Residents Plead Guilty to Kingpin Statute or Drug Trafficking Violations in Connection with Transnational Criminal Operation

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Four individuals from Arizona have pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws in relation to an international drug trafficking organization (DTO), Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The defendants were among 35 individuals charged through a Second Superseding Indictment unsealed in January 2024 for their participation in a domestic and international narcotics and money laundering conspiracy involving substantial quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine (read the Second Superseding Indictment news release here ). Pleading guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan were: Plea Date Defendant Age Residence August 4 Marcos Monarrez Jr. 26 Phoenix, Ariz. July 31 Erivan Guerrero 25 Phoenix, Ariz. Donald Garwood 43 Glendale, Ariz. July 30 Jesus Aaron Garcia 25 Phoenix, Ariz. In connection with the guilty pleas, the Court was advised that, at various times from September 2022 to November 2022, Monarrez Jr.—a co-leader, along with his father Marcos Monarrez-Mendoza, of the Phoenix-based Monarrez Drug Trafficking Organization—was intercepted over a federal wiretap obtaining hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine, millions of fentanyl pills, and kilograms of cocaine from a Mexican national drug supplier. Monarrez Jr. provided the drugs to a network of subordinate drug distributors who redistributed them throughout the country, including into western Pennsylvania. Additionally, Monarrez Jr. provided over $10,000 in proceeds from the drug sales to couriers, who smuggled the money into Mexico to promote the drug trafficking operation. Further, in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere, the defendants conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The defendants were intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that they distributed to others. Additionally, from in and around May 2022 to in and around March 2023, Guerrero conspired to commit money laundering by using bulk amounts of currency obtained from drug trafficking to conduct financial transactions to disguise the nature of the money and promote the drug trafficking conspiracy. Similarly, Guerrero provided money to his suppliers knowing it would be transported to Mexico to further promote the drug trafficking conspiracy. Monarrez Jr. also pleaded guilty at the same proceeding to a charge from the Eastern District of Michigan of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl from in and around February 2019 to on or about December 14, 2021. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencings for Garcia, Guerrero, and Garwood for November 6, 2025, and for Monarrez Jr. for December 5, 2025. The law provides for a sentence of mandatory life imprisonment for Monarrez Jr. The other defendants face a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of each defendant. The guilty pleas follow those of 22 additional co-defendants, with nine of those co-defendants having been sentenced thus far. Assistant United States Attorneys Arnold P. Bernard Jr. and Tonya S. Goodman are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of the defendants. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and other local law enforcement agencies. 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, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Georgia Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of Children

body_text: HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A Georgia man has been indicted on child sexual exploitation charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. A three-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Adree Villanueva, 25, of Kennesaw, Georgia, with one count of coercion and enticement, one count of travelling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity, and one count of transportation of a minor. These incidents occurred between April 2025 and July 2025 in Madison County. The FBI investigated the case along with the Huntsville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney John M. Hundscheid is prosecuting the case. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for Armed Fentanyl Trafficking

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 63 months of imprisonment, to be followed by five years of federal supervised release, on his convictions of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Marques Coffey, 21, on August 5, 2025. According to information presented to the Court, on or about March 4, 2023, Coffey knowingly possessed with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. He also knowingly possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking offense, in this instance, a Glock with a switch or automatic conversion kit. Both the fentanyl and the firearm were recovered by law enforcement in a satchel that Coffey was wearing. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Bellevue Borough Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Coffey.


title: Contractor Charged and Agrees to Plead Guilty to Multi-Year Half-Million-Dollar Tax Fraud

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – The owner of a construction company doing business in Berkshire County was charged today with a multi-year income tax fraud scheme. Dennis Condron, 75, of Cheshire, has agreed to plead guilty to four counts of tax fraud. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court. According to the charging document, over a three-year period, in addition to depositing customer payments to his company, D Condron Construction, Condron hid over half a million dollars in customer checks by cashing them and diverting them to his personal accounts. It is alleged that, when Condron had his taxes prepared, he did not tell his preparer about the checks he was cashing and diverting customer checks – resulting in his tax returns underreporting the gross receipts of the business by hundreds of thousands of dollars. As a result, Condron allegedly kept hundreds of thousands of dollars that he should have paid in federal and state income taxes. Acting United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Merck of the Springfield Office is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office, ATF, and Chicago Police Department Announce Results of Enforcement Initiative

body_text: CHICAGO – The U.S. Attorney's Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Chicago Police Department today announced results of a two-month enhanced enforcement initiative that targeted offenders believed to have illegally possessed, used, and trafficked firearms and machinegun conversion devices in the Chicagoland area. The initiative, led by ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago (CGIC), used both federal and state charges, resulting in the arrest of 41 offenders and the recovery of approximately 171 firearms, and 64 machinegun conversion devices. National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) data shows that a significant number of the recovered firearms are connected to violent criminal activity, including homicide and aggravated assault, that took place in the Chicagoland area and throughout the U.S., from 2017 through 2025. “The illegal possession, use, and trafficking of firearms equipped with conversion devices pose a grave threat to public safety,” said Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago will lean into using various federal law enforcement tools and law enforcement partnerships to hold firearm offenders accountable and reduce violent crime in Chicago. We are proud to partner with ATF, CPD, and state prosecutors in this important initiative, and I commend their outstanding work to keep dangerous weapons off the streets and out of the wrong hands.” “Machinegun conversion devices are increasingly being used by criminals, putting both innocent civilians and law enforcement in danger,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon. “This operation aggressively targeted offenders suspected of trafficking illegal machinegun conversion devices into our communities. I want to thank our federal, state, and local partners whose support of the Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago was integral to the success of this initiative. This multi-agency effort is a testament to what can be accomplished when we combine our resources and expertise towards a common goal of making our communities safer for all.” The number of suspected machinegun conversion devices recovered by law enforcement and subsequently traced by ATF increased more than 784% nationwide between 2019 (658) and 2023 (5,816), according to the National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking Assessment . In the year 2024 alone, the Chicago Police Department recovered 604 machine gun conversion devices—up from 81 in 2020. “This operation directly addresses the proliferation of machine gun devices inflicting trauma in our communities,” said Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling. “Far too many lives have been lost to the senseless violence that only becomes more dangerous and fatal because of these conversion devices.” “Combatting gun violence is my office’s highest priority, and there is no doubt the recent proliferation of MCD’s is a threat to our progress,” said Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke. “A firearm equipped with one of these devices and an extended magazine can fire off 30 rounds in less than two seconds, terrorizing our neighborhoods and too often catching innocent bystanders in the crossfire. The CGIC is a national model, and working in a collaborative fashion with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners on this threat is a force multiplier. This initiative is a great start, and shows what’s possible when we work together strategically.” “State-federal partnerships, such as with the ATF, are essential to my office’s work to prevent illegal firearms from entering communities, hold gun traffickers accountable and address other gun crime cases,” Attorney General Kwame Raoul said. “Collaborations and resource sharing between all levels of law enforcement – local, state and federal – are vital in our work to prevent gun violence in Illinois.” The 18 federal cases are being coordinated by Violent Crime Section Chief Scott Edenfield and Violent Crime Section Deputy Chief Jared Jodrey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The 23 state cases are being coordinated by Multi-Jurisdiction Bureau Chief Maureen McCurry of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and Assistant Attorney General Greg Gansmann of the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. Special Agent in Charge Amon, Superintendent Snelling, U.S. Attorney Boutros, State’s Attorney Burke, and Illinois Attorney General Raoul also acknowledged the valuable investigative assistance provided by our federal, state, and local partners at the Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Illinois State Police, and Cook County Sheriff’s Police. The charges outlined in the indictments and complaints are merely allegations and not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the government proves their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Six-Time Felon Sentenced For Illegal Possession Of A Firearm

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Rico Allen Gandy (47, Orlando) to four years and three months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Gandy to forfeit the firearm and ammunition, which are related to the offense. Gandy pleaded guilty on May 7, 2025. According to court documents, Gandy was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by the Orlando Police Department’s Tactical Anti-Crime Unit. After initially refusing to stop, the driver pulled over and Gandy attempted to walk away from the scene. Gandy was detained by officers who later recovered a bag that he had left on the floorboard of the vehicle. Inside the bag was his Gandy’s Florida identification card, several baggies of crack cocaine, MDMA, marijuana, and a loaded 9mm Springfield pistol. Gandy is a six-time convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael P. Felicetta and Courtney Richardson-Jones. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Tampa Man Sentenced To Ten Years In Federal Prison For Conspiring To Distribute Cocaine

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Daniel Vega Cabrera (42, Tampa) to 10 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to commit that offense. Vega Cabrera pleaded guilty in March 2025. According to court documents, in July 2023, an undercover deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office began buying cocaine from Joseph White, a co-defendant of Vega Cabrera’s. Further investigation revealed that Vega Cabrera and Jose Pabon, another co-defendant, were White’s sources of supply. In total, Vega Cabrera provided more than 500 grams of cocaine to White for distribution between July 20, 2023, and May 14, 2024. Vega Cabrera is subject to an enhanced penalty in this case because he has a prior federal drug distribution conviction. White and Pabon previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this case and are currently pending sentencing. This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.


title: Port Matilda Man Charged For Threatening Then President-elect Donald J. Trump

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jacob Buckley, age 22, a resident of Port Matilda, Centre County, Pennsylvania, was charged by criminal information for threatening Donald J. Trump as the President-elect. According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the information alleges Buckley used a TikTok social-media account under the name, “Jacob_buckley.” The Information further alleges that on January 16, 2025, “Jacob_buckley” made the following posts: “ I hate MAGA republicans bro on god I’ll kill all of them ”; “ I’m going to kill Trump ”; and, “ Bro we going into a literal oligarchy in 4 days and im going to kill Trump .” This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty upon conviction on the Information is 5 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and the imposition of a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Ohio Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Firearms Violations

body_text: TOLEDO, Ohio - An Ohio man has been sentenced to prison after he pleaded guilty to using a popular social media platform to trade firearms, which he was prohibited to possess, for other items of value. Dannie Wireman, 44, of Edon, in Williams County, Ohio, was sentenced to 77 months in prison (more than six years) by U.S. District Judge James R. Knepp after he pleaded guilty in March to being a felon in possession of a firearm and receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment. Judge Knepp imposed the sentence July 30, 2025. According to court documents, Wireman was previously convicted in Indiana on burglary charges in 2009. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from buying or possessing firearms. During the investigation, agents learned that Wireman was active on the Facebook social media platform and was conducting transactions involving firearms. His activity included communicating with other platform users willing to trade items. In one instance, he asked users in a Facebook group if anyone had a beagle hunting dog they would part with in exchange for a shotgun. In others instances, he bartered for a snowmobile and a racecar. To showcase his extensive inventory and spark interest from others looking to acquire firearms, Wireman would post several photographs of the items lined up across a bed. On March 6, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Wireman’s residence where federal agents seized 22 long guns, including a sawed-off shotgun, and assorted ammunition. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Toledo Field Office, the Williams County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dexter L. Phillips for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Venezuelan National Sentenced for Resisting Arrest by Federal Officers

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Venezuelan national unlawfully residing in the United States has been sentenced to time served (five months), having pleaded guilty to a charge resisting arrest of a federal officer, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. On February 13, 2025, Edward Antonio Reyes Calderon, 23, struggled with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deportation Officers for several minutes while they tried handcuffing him. An officer deployed pepper spray to gain control of him. Two of the officers suffered minor injuries. Reyes Calderon remains in custody awaiting deportation proceedings. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter I. Roklan and Taylor A. Dean. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. ###


title: Corrupt Guatemalan Mayor Extradited to United States on Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Charge

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Yesterday, Romeo Ramos Cruz, of Guatemala, made his initial appearance in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia following his extradition from Guatemala on Aug. 4. Ramos Cruz, 57, is charged with one count of conspiracy to import more than five kilograms of cocaine into the United States from Guatemala. According to court documents, from 2022 through 2024, Ramos Cruz served as a key member of a Guatemala-based drug trafficking organization responsible for transporting cocaine intended for U.S. markets. During this time, Ramos Cruz held public office as the mayor of Santa Lucia municipality in Guatemala’s Escuintla Department and is alleged to have exploited his official position to facilitate the organization’s operations. As part of the conspiracy, Ramos Cruz allegedly used his authority and access to coordinate logistics and transportation of cocaine shipments destined for the United States. In one instance, he agreed to help disguise a shipment of cocaine from Venezuela to Guatemala as a delivery of cement. He also prepared a letter on official municipal letterhead intended to help the shipment evade inspection by Guatemalan authorities. If convicted, Ramos Cruz faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis of the FBI Washington Field Office (WFO) made the announcement. The FBI WFO led U.S. investigative efforts with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Division and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans Field Office. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs working with Guatemalan law enforcement authorities, INTERPOL, and the FBI provided critical assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Ramos Cruz to the United States. Trial Attorneys Kirk Handrich and Roger Polack of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section 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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Kansas man indicted for bank robbery

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with robbing a bank. According to court documents, Darrel D. Gray, 65, of Benton was indicted on one count of bank robbery. Gray is accused of using force, violence, and intimidation in July 2025, to take money from Community National Bank & Trust in El Dorado, Kansas. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case. OTHER INDICTMENTS Daquinton Baker, 23, of Wichita was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katie Andrusak and Matt Treaster are prosecuting the case. Javier Estrada, 26, of Wichita was indicted on one count of escape from custody. The U.S. Marshal Service (USMS) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Treaster is prosecuting the case. Martin Alberto Guerra, 31, of Kansas City, Kansas, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case. Ruben Franco Peralta, 28, a Mexican national residing illegally in Kismet, was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Postal Employee Admits Role in Mail Theft Ring

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A U.S. Postal Service employee pleaded guilty today to participating in a mail theft ring at the U.S. Mail Processing and Distribution Center in Providence, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. Darren Camacho, 33, of Providence, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to steal mail and theft of U.S. Mail by a postal employee. Camacho is scheduled to be sentenced on November 13, 2025. The sentences imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Camacho admitted that multiple times a week between March 1, 2023, and June 26, 2023, he and his co-conspirators sorted through the mail and pulled out brightly colored envelopes, concealed them in backpacks, and snuck them out of the facility. Meeting at a designated location after work, Camacho and his co-conspirators opened the stolen mail and pulled out cash, gift cards, and checks. According to information presented to the court, Camacho gave some of the stolen gift cards to another person and he used others to make purchases in retail stores at various locations in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. On June 28, 2023, law enforcement recovered 55 stolen gift cards from the residence of a relative of Camacho. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie M. White. The matter was investigated by the US Postal Service Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Providence Police Department, and Smithfield Police Department. The public can report mail theft by contacting the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General hotline at 1-888-USPS-OIG (1-888-877-7644; online at www.uspsoig.gov/hotline ; via email at Hotline@uspsoig.gov ; or by mail at USPS OIG, Attn: OIG Hotline, 1735 North Lynn Street, Arlington, VA 22209-2020. ###


title: Goose Creek Man Pleads Guilty in Public Corruption Scheme

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. —Hason Tatorian “Tory” Fields, 51, of Goose Creek, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, and honest services wire fraud. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Fields conspired with others to pay bribes to Sandino Moses. At the time, Moses was serving as a member of the City of North Charleston’s City Council representing District 7. Fields paid Moses two bribes as part of an effort to secure his support for the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. The application for rezoning was pending before City Council when Fields first approached Moses. Fields faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Fields after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Limehouse and Whit Sowards are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Lancaster County Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Drug Conspiracy

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Christopher William Stevens, 35, of Lancaster, has been sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations were investigating Stevens and others as part of a drug conspiracy distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl in the area. On at least four occasions in 2021 and twice in 2022, law enforcement conducted traffic stops on cars in which Stevens was the driver or the passenger and located various controlled substances, including suboxone, gabapentin, marijuana, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. The police also located digital scales, glass pipes, and firearms during these traffic stops. As part of the investigation, on at least two occasions in 2021, law enforcement made controlled purchases of fentanyl directly from Stevens. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Stevens to 135 months in prison, to be followed by a four-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case. ###