title: Former federal inmate sentenced to 30 years for his third child pornography violation

component: USAO - Texas, Eastern

body_text: PLANO, Texas – A former federal inmate will return to federal prison for 30 years for his third child pornography violation, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Keanu Deavan Wesley Ortiz, 32, of Vernon, Texas, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography and was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on May 11, 2026. According to information presented in court, in the fall of 2024, Ortiz was subject to federal supervision, following his release from the Bureau of Prisons for a child pornography conviction. During that time, he engaged in online communications with another sex offender in which he discussed his sexual interest in children and child pornography. Ortiz ultimately distributed child pornography to the sex offender, who was then located in the Eastern District of Texas. The distributed video files depicted prepubescent females (including infant and toddler-aged children) being subjected to violent sexual abuse. As part of his plea, Ortiz admitted to distributing the child pornography videos in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce, between September 2024 and April 2025. This is Ortiz’ third federal conviction for child pornography violations. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa Miller. ###


title: Man Charged With Sexual Abuse of A 12-Year-Old And Recording The Abuse In Order To Trade It For Other Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced the filing of a Complaint charging BRYAN CRUZ SOLANO with sexual exploitation of a minor. CRUZ SOLANO was arrested on Saturday, May 9, 2026, presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo in Manhattan federal court and ordered detained pending trial by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas on May 12, 2026. “As alleged, Bryan Cruz Solano sexually abused a 12-year-old child and, even more disgusting, recorded that abuse in order to trade it for other child pornography,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “We have heard it clear and strong from all New Yorkers, particularly New York families: Use all available resources to get sexual predators off our streets. And New Yorkers should know, predators often act with others, and we are committed to destroying these child sexual abuse networks. Help us if you can. Be vigilant. There may be additional victims in this case. If you have information to report about this or any other matter of child sexual abuse, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or https://tips.fbi.gov .” As alleged in the Complaint: [1] On or about May 1, 2026, an individual (“Witness-1”) reported to New York State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) that CRUZ SOLANO had sent child pornography to Witness-1, including videos depicting CRUZ SOLANO engaging in sexual acts with a minor (“Victim-1”). A video was recovered from Witness-1’s cellphone depicting a recording of a video on another device depicting a prepubescent female’s hands stroking the erect penis of an adult male (“Video-1”). At the end of the recording, the video transitions to an electronic messaging conversation on Snapchat, which includes, in substance and in part, the account name “lil_cruzyyyy.” CRUZ SOLANO later admitted that the Snapchat account was his. Law enforcement acted to address the possibility of potentially ongoing harm to Victim-1 and assumed control of Witness-1’s Telegram account to begin communicating directly with CRUZ SOLANO. From May 4 to May 8, 2026, law enforcement engaged in multiple discussions with CRUZ SOLANO over Telegram, during which CRUZ SOLANO stated, among other things, that he had “new stuff” of himself and Victim-1 that he wanted to “trade,” that he would not send content without first receiving child pornography from Witness-1, and that Witness-1 should “make sure to sen[d] babies.” On May 8, 2026, law enforcement executed a search warrant at CRUZ SOLANO’s residence. Officers obtained a cellphone from CRUZ SOLANO, which included, among other things, video recordings of child pornography involving Victim-1, including acts performed by Victim-1 at CRUZ SOLANO’s direction. During an interview, CRUZ SOLANO admitted that he had engaged in sexual acts with Victim-1 on approximately 25 occasions in the past year, including at least as recently as two to three weeks ago. CRUZ SOLANO indicated that he had recorded these acts on at least approximately five occasions, while in Middletown, New York, and sent them to Witness-1. Further, on approximately 20 occasions, CRUZ SOLANO made FaceTime video calls to Witness-1 while engaging in sex acts with Victim-1. CRUZ SOLANO told law enforcement that he secured Victim-1’s cooperation by enticing Victim-1 with gifts. There may be other victims. If you have information to report, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or https://tips.fbi.gov . * * * CRUZ SOLANO, 20, is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a child, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. The statutory maximum sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton praised the efforts of the FBI New York Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, the FBI New Haven Child Exploitation Task Force, the New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit - Troop F, the Orange County Child Abuse Unit, the Orange County Child Advocacy Center, and the Hartford Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony P. Ferrara is in charge of the prosecution. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Federal Jury finds Dyersburg Man Guilty of Drug Trafficking Offenses

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Jackson, TN – On May 5, 2026, after a 3-day trial, a federal jury found Vinson Brent Taylor , 46 , of Dyersburg, Tennessee, guilty of two counts of federal drug trafficking offenses. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the verdict today. The trial was bifurcated and proceeded in two phases. According to evidence presented in court during Phase I of the trial, on the night of August 8, 2024, an officer with the Dyersburg Police Department was on patrol duty when he encountered two men fighting in front of Taylor’s residence. Both of the men fled. While investigating the scene, the officer discovered a rental vehicle that was left running and had its driver-side door wide open. The vehicle contained various quantities of crack cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana, methamphetamine, and ecstasy. Near the center console of the vehicle were Taylor’s cellphone and a car rental agreement in his name. A hat with distinctive embroidery was also found several feet away from the vehicle. The hat was later determined by a forensic analyst to contain Taylor’s DNA. Evidence at trial also showed that Taylor had appeared on the scene of a car accident on August 7, 2024, wearing the same hat that was found at the crime scene. During Phase II of the trial, the government presented evidence of Taylor’s prior significant criminal history which will subject him to an enhanced punishment under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 10, 2026, before United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson. Taylor faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of at least 10 years. There is no parole in the federal system. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Drug trafficking offenses are at the root of some of the gravest problems facing our country. The ‘fruit’ of the drug plague is everywhere; it fills our streets, our jails, our hospitals, our morgues, and our nurseries. Federal law applies in every square inch of this district, and dealers who distribute harmful drugs in our rural communities can no longer hide.” This case was investigated by the Dyersburg Police Department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Immanuel Chioco and Adam Davis prosecuted the 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: Two Venezuelan Nationals Charged With Firearms Trafficking

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER - The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Jeremmy Andres Boscan-Delfin, and Wilmer Jose Bolano-Sanchez, both of Venezuela, have been charged with one count of each of illegally trafficking firearms. Boscan-Delfin is also charged with distributing “tusi,” a drug containing ketamine and MDMA. According to the complaint and indictment, the defendants are alleged to have sold numerous firearms, including firearms with obliterated serial numbers and several high-capacity firearms and magazines and ammunition, to an undercover agent. Twelve firearms and “tusi,” containing ketamine and MDMA, were seized in this ongoing investigation. Bolano-Sanchez pleaded not guilty in federal court in Denver today. Boscan-Delfin is scheduled to appear in the Middle District of Tennessee this week. A third individual, identified as co-conspirator one in the complaint, is alleged to have been operating out of the Nashville, Tennessee area. The charges contained in the complaint and indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations. The Violent Crime and Immigration Enforcement Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado is handling the prosecution. These arrests are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Denver comprises agents and officers from ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Secret Service with the prosecutions being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Case Number: 1:26-mj-00079, 26-cr-00102-SKC


title: Huntington Woman Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Tabatha Rae Gardner, 35, of Huntington, was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for distribution of fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, on October 31, 2024, Gardner sold approximately 3.47 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant in a garage behind the residence of Gardner’s grandmother in Huntington. As part of her plea agreement, Gardner admitted to conducting the transaction. Law enforcement conducted a total of seven controlled buys with Gardner between December 2023 and October 2025, at two residences in Huntington where Gardner lived at the time. Officers executed two search warrants at one of the residences, in March 2025 and October 2025, and seized more than 40 grams of fentanyl, approximately 3.5 grams of cocaine base, a quantity of methamphetamine, and nearly $19,000 in drug proceeds. Gardner’s mother and co-defendant, Tina Marie Dixon, 53, of Huntington, was sentenced on April 13, 2026, to five years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, also known as “crack.” United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Huntington Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-172. ###


title: Canadian Illegal Alien and Co-Conspirator Charged in $13 Million Cryptocurrency Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida returned an indictment charging a Canadian illegal alien and his alleged co-conspirator for their roles in a cryptocurrency fraud and money laundering scheme that caused more than $13 million in losses. According to court documents, Trenton Richard David Johnston, 19, of Canada, who overstayed his visa and remained in the U.S. unlawfully, operated a sophisticated fraud scheme while living in the Miami area. Johnston and other co-conspirators allegedly impersonated support representatives from a popular search engine and cryptocurrency-related companies to gain unauthorized access to victims’ digital accounts and cryptocurrency wallets. Once access was obtained, the conspirators allegedly transferred victims’ cryptocurrency holdings for their own benefit. Investigators estimate that victims have suffered losses exceeding $13 million, with additional victims continuing to be identified. The indictment further alleges that Brandon Michael Tardibone, 28, of Miami, knowingly harbored Johnston while Johnston was unlawfully present in the U.S. by providing him lodging at a luxury Miami-area residence in an effort to evade immigration authorities. In addition, Johnston and Tardibone are accused of laundering proceeds of the fraud scheme through a series of financial transactions designed to conceal the nature and source of the funds. Trenton and Tardibone allegedly used more than $1 million in illicit proceeds to lease luxury vehicles, purchase high-end jewelry, and finance an extravagant nightlife and entertainment lifestyle. Johnston is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Tardibone is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and harboring an alien in the U.S. If convicted, Johnston faces up to 20 years in prison on the conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering counts. Tardibone faces up to 20 years in prison on the money laundering conspiracy charge and up to 10 years in prison on the harboring charge. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami made the announcement . HSI Miami is investigating the case, with assistance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Golden Beach Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jackson K. Dering V and Robert F. Moore are prosecuting the case. An indictment/complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.sdfl.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.sdfl.uscourts.gov , under case number 26-cr-20181. ###


title: Justice Department Files Statement of Interest Highlighting Importance of Enabling Competition and Innovation in the Seeds Industry

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: Today, the Department of Justice filed a statement of interest in Corteva Agriscience LLC, et al. v. Inari Agriculture Inc. et al. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. The statement of interest reaffirms the importance of the public’s ability to access and read patented biological material, which promotes follow-on innovation and competition in the seeds industry. “The need for an affordable and secure food supply chain is vital for every American, and that begins with the seeds on which American farmers rely,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Dina Kallay of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Ensuring that the path to innovation is accessible for businesses, both big and small, is essential for enabling robust competition in the seeds industry and benefits consumers.” Intellectual property and antitrust laws are aligned in their goal of promoting dynamic competition through innovation. While taking no position on the ultimate disposition of the case, the statement of interest explains that the Patent Act represents a balance of incentives: inventors gain the benefit of exclusivity over the life of the patent but, in exchange, they must publicly disclose their invention to promote the state of the art and enable follow-on innovation. The public’s ability to understand a claimed invention is thus critical. The U.S. seed industry is highly concentrated and characterized by high barriers to entry. The statement of interest explains that, for entry by new competitors to be possible, it is especially important that intellectual property protections are interpreted in a way that strikes the right balance between rewarding innovators and allowing follow-on innovation. In the seeds industry, reasonable access to patented seeds is crucial to enabling follow-on innovation which, in turn, paves the way for small businesses and new entrants to enter and compete in the market. The Antitrust Division has established a Food Supply Chain Security Task Force to investigate anticompetitive behavior in food-related industries pursuant to the Executive Order on “Addressing Security Risks From Price Fixing and Anti-Competitive Behavior in the Food Supply Chain.” [1] The Antitrust Division routinely files statements of interest and amicus briefs in federal court. [1] Exec. Order No. 14,364, Addressing Security Risks From Price Fixing and Anti-Competitive Behavior in the Food Supply Chain , 90 Fed. Reg. 57349 (Dec. 6, 2025).


title: Nine Individuals Associated with Orlando Street Gang  Guilty of Trafficking Fentanyl

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that nine members or associates of the RMS/EBK gang (Respect Money Structure/Everybody Killer) have pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges. A summary of the charges by defendant is as follows: Defendant Charges Penalties Sentencing Date Christian Rou-Rey (23, Kissimmee) Drug trafficking conspiracy Distribution of controlled substances Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense 15 years to life in prison July 29, 2026 Jeremiah Maldonado (21, Orlando) Distribution of fentanyl resulting in death 20 years to life in prison TBD Benajmin Rivard (31, Clermont) Distribution of fentanyl resulting in death Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense 25 years to life in prison August 19, 2026 Elena Falzone (23, Orlando) Drug trafficking conspiracy Distribution of fentanyl 5-40 years in prison August 19, 2026 Paul Jacas (32, Orlando) Drug trafficking conspiracy Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense 10-40 years in prison July 1, 2026 Carlos Carrasquillo-Rodriguez (21, Orlando) Drug trafficking conspiracy Up to 20 years in prison May 27, 2026 Zaviar Wanya Kidd (28, Orlando) Drug trafficking conspiracy Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances 5-40 years in prison July 1, 2026 Olivia Goen (23, Orlando) Drug trafficking conspiracy 5-40 years in prison May 27, 2026 Rebecca Murray (21, Deltona) Drug trafficking conspiracy 10 years to life in prison July 1, 2026 According to court documents, the criminal activities of the RMS/EBK gang have been under investigation since December 2022, when an overdose death exposed the organization and its criminal enterprise. RMS/EBK members and their associates conspired to distribute controlled substances, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, among other criminal acts. The gang often disguised the true nature of these substances. In particular, RMS/EBK sold blue, circular fentanyl pills with an “M” and the number “30”. The investigation was named “Operation Dirty 30s”. Christian A. Roux-Rey was the leader of the drug trafficking organization and supplied controlled substances to and directed other members of the conspiracy. Rebecca Murray assisted Roux-Rey with storing controlled substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, in their shared residence. She would also weigh, package, and transport controlled substances. Jeremiah Maldonado was a senior-ranking member of RMS/EBK, also known as a “black flag” and directed lower ranking members. He distributed fentanyl to an individual who died within hours of consuming it. Benajmin Rivard was also a black flag and directed lower-ranking members. Rivard distributed fentanyl to an individual who began overdosing within hours and subsequently died. Rivard was armed during drug transactions. Paul Jacas was a member of RMS/EBK and sold fentanyl on behalf of the organization. Jacas also sold firearms. Elena Falzone was a member of RMS/EBK and sold controlled substances on behalf of the organization. Falzone distributed fentanyl and bromazolam (counterfeit Xanax) to an individual who died within hours of consuming the substances. Carlos Carrasquillo-Rodriguez was an associate of RMS/EBK and sold controlled substances or supplied controlled substances for the gang. Carrasquillo provided fentanyl and firearms to Jacas which were subsequently sold. Zaviar Kidd is an associate of RMS/EBK and sold methamphetamine and fentanyl on behalf of the organization. Olivia Marie Goen was a member of RMS/EBK and distributed fentanyl on behalf of the organization. This case was investigated by the Orlando Police Department, the Orange County Sherriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons.


title: Mobile Woman Receives Statutory Maximum 20-Year Prison Sentence for Firearms-Trafficking Conspiracy and Tampering with Evidence in Homeland Security Task Force Takedown of Major Drug-Trafficking Organization

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A Mobile woman was sentenced to 240 months in prison for engaging in a firearms‑trafficking conspiracy and tampering with evidence in connection with a multimillion-dollar drug-trafficking organization (“DTO”) that distributed bulk cocaine and fentanyl and used children as couriers. According to court documents and evidence presented at a three-week trial, Exavieria Deagnes Maxie (“Exavieria”), 37, aided a lucrative, Mobile-based DTO led by her brother-in-law, Glennie Antonio McGee (“McGee”), and her sister, Echandza Dianca Maxie (“Echandza”). The DTO distributed hundreds of pounds of cocaine and tens of thousands of fentanyl pills between 2017 and 2024. Exavieria assisted the DTO by, among other things, trafficking a loaded firearm and tampering with DTO evidence. In early 2024, agents with Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) initiated a court-authorized wiretap investigation of the McGee DTO’s criminal activities. As part of that investigation, agents intercepted thousands of incriminating phone calls and videos from a covert close-circuit television (“CCTV”) camera installed in McGee’s Cadillac Escalade. Agents also seized multiple kilograms of cocaine, more than 1,000 fentanyl pills, and several firearms connected to the DTO. In June 2024, agents arrested McGee following a brief high-speed chase in Mobile. Agents boxed in McGee’s vehicle and encountered him with three kilograms of cocaine sitting in his lap. McGee then confessed in a videotaped interview that he had been dealing bulk cocaine since 2017 and earned $20,000 per month in profits. Following McGee’s arrest, agents intercepted Exavieria and Echandza plotting to conceal evidence while operating the bugged Escalade. Specifically, Echandza gave Exavieria, a convicted felon, a shoebox full of custom jewelry and a loaded .380 caliber pistol. Exavieria took the jewelry and gun and stashed them in her apartment in west Mobile. Thereafter, on CCTV recordings, Echandza and Exavieria directed a 15-year-old child to find the gun and toss it from a balcony before agents could enter the apartment. When Echandza’s teenage son tried to instruct the 15-year-old, her nephew, how to remove the clip from the loaded weapon, Echandza stated, “No, tell him don’t do all that. Just drop it off. . . . [H]e ain’t got time to do that. We ain’t got time to coach him.” Exavieria was intercepted admitting that she told her 15-year-old son to toss the gun from the balcony. The child stated that Exavieria texted him, “Get that gun in the shoe box take it out and drop it off the balcony. Now!” Agents found the loaded pistol near a softball field behind the apartment. Exavieria then admitted to agents that she had brought the gun to her apartment from McGee’s and Echandza’s house. In 2017, Exavieria was convicted of a federal methamphetamine-trafficking offense in the Southern District of Alabama and received a time-served sentence. As a result, she is prohibited from possessing firearms. In December 2025, while Exavieria was on release pending trial in her case, the court revoked her bond after determining that she had repeatedly violated her conditions of release and lied to the court about it. U.S. District Judge Terry F. Moorer sentenced Exavieria to serve 20 years in prison—the statutory maximum for her crimes. The court ordered Exavieria to serve a three-year term of supervised release upon her release from prison, during which time she will be subject to drug testing and treatment. The court did not impose a fine, but Judge Moorer ordered Exavieria to pay a total of $200 in special assessments. The court will sentence McGee and Echandza in August 2026. Each faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, the Mobile Police Department, the Prichard Police Department, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated the case. The United States Marshals Service and several local agencies in Houston, Texas substantially assisted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Roller and George May prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Mobile comprises agents and officers from, among others, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.


title: Illegal alien ordered to federal prison following repeated illegal reentries

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 38-year-old illegal alien from Mexico has been sentenced for illegally reentering the United States after removal, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck. Esequiel Rueda-Ramirez pleaded guilty to this offense on Nov. 13, 2025. U.S. District Judge Hanen has now ordered Rueda-Ramirez to serve 48 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to again face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard evidence regarding Rueda-Ramirez’s criminal history while unlawfully present in the United States. Rueda-Ramirez has prior convictions for evading arrest, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to deliver cocaine and illegal reentry. Authorities first removed Rueda-Ramirez from the United States in February 2010, and he repeatedly returned illegally. On June 2, 2022, law enforcement again discovered him in the country without authorization. Rueda-Ramirez has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Hostetter prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Honduran National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Pleads Guilty to Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.— Marvin Yahir Izaguirre-Varela, 22, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, on February 18, 2026, a drug detection K9 alerted to the presence of drugs in Izaguirre-Varela’s bag at the entrance of the Portland train station. Law enforcement officer searched Izaguirre-Varela’s bag and found over one kilogram of fentanyl that he was transporting for the purpose of distribution in Portland. On March 18, 2026, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Izaguirre-Varela with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Izaguirre-Varela faces a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment, a $10 million fine, and 5 years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on August 3, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge. U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations, the Portland Police Bureau Narcotics and Organized Crime Division, and the Amtrak Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kilcup is prosecuting the case. The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.


title: Kent, Washington, man indicted for production and possession of child sexual abuse material

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 32-year-old Kent, Washington man who was identified by law enforcement after he sought to entice a young girl to send him sexually explicit images, was arraigned on the seven-count indictment today in U.S. District Court in Seattle. Mordien Kan Thach pleaded not guilty to three counts of production of child pornography, attempted enticement of a minor, possession of child pornography, possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, and unlawful possession of firearms. Trial is scheduled before U.S. District Judge Tana Lin on July 6, 2026. “This case is part of Iron Pursuit, a one-month, nationwide enforcement surge to find child victims of sex abuse and arrest child sex predators,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “In April 2026, more than 200 child victims were located and over 350 child sexual abuse offenders were arrested. In this Western Washington case, four victims were identified, and the investigation remains ongoing. If you abuse children, we will find you.” According to records filed in the case, in August 2025, the FBI in Wisconsin was contacted by a young teen about an adult who had sent and requested sexually explicit images. Ultimately the adult was identified as Thach, and law enforcement obtained a court authorized search warrant for Thach’s residence in late January 2026. In the search, law enforcement seized dealer quantities of cocaine, and ketamine as well as numerous firearms – two of which were reported stolen. On Thach’s electronic devices were images of child sexual abuse created by Thach with young teens he met via the internet. Two of the teens reside in Western Washington and a third resides in North Dakota. Thach remains detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac. Production of child pornography is punishable by a mandatory minimum fifteen years in prison and up to 30 years in prison. Attempted enticement of a minor is punishable by a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison and up to life in prison. Possession of Child pornography is punishable by up to twenty years in prison. Possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute is punishable by up to twenty years in prison and unlawful possession of firearms is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being investigated by the FBI as part of Operation Iron Pursuit. The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.


title: Federal Prisoner Convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter

body_text: Ocala, Florida – A federal jury has found Brandon Ejae Elliot (35, Tampa) guilty of one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of possession of contraband (a weapon) by a federal prisoner. Elliot faces up to 13 years in federal prison. A federal grand jury indicted Elliot on December 17, 2024. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to the evidence presented at trial, on December 3, 2022, Elliot was a federal inmate in the United States Penitentiary-II at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County, Florida. During a routine count of the prisoners, Elliot and his cellmate, C.W.J., were locked in their cell at 9:30 AM. When corrections officers opened the cell at 11:00 AM, they found C.W.J. unresponsive with multiple puncture wounds to his body. A sharpened metal shank lay nearby on the cell floor. C.W.J. was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. A medical examiner determined that C.W.J. had been stabbed 12 times by an object matching the appearance and dimensions of the shank. Elliot admitted to stabbing the victim in the heart during a struggle for the weapon. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hannah Nowalk Watson and William S. Hamilton.


title: More than 25 Defendants Charged in Nationwide Tren de Aragua Crackdown Resulting in the Seizure of Over 80 Firearms and Narcotics in Homeland Security Task Force Investigations

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Department of Justice announced charges against more than 25 individuals as part of a nationwide crackdown targeting the foreign terrorist organization (FTO), Tren de Aragua (TdA). Many of the defendants charged in this Homeland Security Task Force operation are illegal aliens from Venezuela, Colombia, and Honduras. TdA has been linked to various violent crimes inside and outside the United States, including murder, robbery, extortion, kidnapping, money laundering, and controlled substance trafficking. Charges have been filed across six U.S. Attorney offices, including the Districts of Colorado, Southern Florida, Northern Indiana, Middle Tennessee, Western Tennessee, and Eastern Washington for offenses that include firearms trafficking, drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, among others. This operation resulted in the seizure of more than 80 firearms and approximately 18 kilograms of drugs including fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, ketamine, MDMA, and Tusi, a mixed substance that contains ketamine and/or MDMA. More than $100,000 in U.S. dollars was also seized. A number of investigations are still ongoing. Firearms seized in the District of Colorado. Since Jan. 20, 2025, the Department has federally charged over 260 members and associates of TdA. “In a few days, the Justice Department and its partners on Joint Task Force Vulcan carried out a nationwide takedown of vicious Tren de Aragua terrorist networks — depraved, violent offenders who have illegally invaded our country and preyed upon American communities,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This effort underscores the Trump Administration’s dedication to restoring public safety, dismantling violent firearms and drug trafficking networks, and enforcing law and order.” “Today’s enforcement actions reflect ATF’s unwavering commitment to dismantling violent transnational criminal organizations that traffic in firearms and fuel violence in our communities,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Director Robert Cekada. “Working with our local, state, and federal partners, we are identifying and disrupting the networks that arm and enable groups like Tren de Aragua. The seizure of firearms and dangerous narcotics underscores the critical nexus between illegal firearms trafficking and drug-related violence. ATF will continue to use every available tool to hold offenders accountable and protect the American public.” “DEA has been instrumental in dismantling factions of the violent foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua, with enforcement actions spanning from Colorado to Tennessee, Florida, and beyond,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “TdA fuels instability and chaos, threatening communities across the United States. By leveraging DEA’s expertise alongside our federal partners through the Homeland Security Taskforce, we are harnessing the full force of the U.S. government to protect and safeguard our nation.” “This is a massive and impactful takedown of over 25 TdA terrorists who wreaked havoc on our streets,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI and our fiercely dedicated federal, state, and local partners continue to put criminals trafficking drugs and guns endangering American lives, in prison in huge numbers. HSTF’s goal is to end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations in the United States by using all available law enforcement tools to do so. The incredible work and grit by the all the agencies of the Homeland Security Task Force and Joint Task Force Vulcan paid off with great results in this roundup with more to come.” “The success of this operation is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our HSI special agents and the unwavering commitment of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Executive Associate Director John Condon. “The Homeland Security Task Force’s mission is to safeguard the United States from transnational threats by leveraging intelligence-driven investigations and robust interagency collaboration. This TdA takedown demonstrates the power of unified action in disrupting dangerous criminal networks and protecting our communities.” “IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) follows the money that fuels organizations like Tren de Aragua,” said IRS-CI Chief Jarod Koopman. “The charges against these more than 25 individuals show how financial investigations can expose and dismantle these networks. When we disrupt their finances, we disrupt their ability to traffic drugs, move firearms, and spread violence. Working with our partners through the Homeland Security Task Force, we are protecting communities across the country.” Firearms seized in the Middle District of Tennessee. The operation resulted in numerous federal prosecutions including: DISTRICT OF COLORADO: Two Venezuelan nationals who entered the United States under the previous Administration’s policies are charged with conspiracy to illegally traffic in firearms, and one is charged with distributing “tusi,” a drug containing ketamine and MDMA. According to the criminal complaint and indictment, the defendants are alleged to have sold numerous firearms, including with obliterated serial numbers and several high-capacity firearms and magazines and ammunition, to an ATF undercover agent. The case was investigated by ATF, DEA, and HSI, and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Twelve firearms and “tusi,” containing ketamine and MDMA, were seized in this ongoing investigation. MIDDLE DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE: Five defendants including two alleged associates of TdA or of a TdA splinter faction known as “Anti-Tren” have been charged in connection with drug and firearms trafficking. These defendants were arrested in Nashville, Tennessee; Louisiana; and Washington state and are facing several charges including drug trafficking conspiracy, using and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense, firearms trafficking conspiracy, and other drug and gun trafficking offenses. Three of the five defendants are illegal aliens residing in Nashville, a fourth defendant is a Honduran national and lawful permanent resident residing in Nashville, and the fifth defendant is an illegal alien residing in Kennewick, Washington. The indictment and criminal complaint allege that since approximately 2025, the defendants have participated in trafficking in firearms and narcotics throughout the Middle District of Tennessee and elsewhere. HSI, ATF, FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, and other law enforcement agencies conducted multiple undercover operations that have resulted in the seizure of 25 firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, extended magazines, a drum magazine, more than $8,000 cash and seizures of methamphetamine, MDMA and ketamine, and cocaine in the Middle District of Tennessee, with more firearms and narcotics being seized elsewhere as a result of this investigation. Of the 25 firearms seized in the Middle District of Tennessee, eight firearms were previously reported as stolen, and two have been tied to other crimes of violence based upon National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) results. Specifically, a Glock .40 caliber pistol has been preliminarily associated with a shooting in Nashville, that occurred on Nov. 30, 2023. And a Canik 9x19mm pistol has been preliminarily associated with a shooting involving multiple victims in Nashville, on Sept. 17, 2024. SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA: A criminal complaint has been filed charging three illegal aliens with alleged ties to TdA, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The three defendants are alleged to be associates of a defendant charged in the Middle District of Tennessee with ties to TdA, who facilitated the sales of large amounts of narcotics and firearms on separate occasions between the three charged defendants and an ATF undercover agent in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. In conjunction with these arrests, ATF agents seized 500 MDMA pills, two firearms, cocaine, ketamine, and methamphetamine. TdA is a violent transnational criminal organization that originated as a prison gang in Venezuela in the mid-2000s. TdA has expanded its criminal network throughout the Western Hemisphere and established a presence in the United States. TdA’s criminal activities include a variety of violent and criminal offenses, including drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, commercial sex trafficking, kidnapping, robbery, theft, fraud, and extortion. TdA members also commit murder, assault, and other acts of violence to enforce and further the organization’s criminal activities. TdA has a splinter faction known as “Anti-Tren” — comprised of current and former members of TdA who are operating without or against the authority of TdA leadership in South America. Members of TdA and Anti-Tren have been identified and arrested across the United States, including in Colorado, Tennessee, New York, Florida, Illinois, New Mexico, Washington, Georgia, Nebraska, Texas, and elsewhere. Members of TdA and Anti-Tren have also been known to engage in gun trafficking, drug trafficking, burglaries of ATM machines (also known as “ATM jackpotting”), and to coordinate their criminal activities with each other across state lines and with leaders located in South America, including Venezuela and Colombia. These cases are part of Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), which was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and now expanded at the direction of the Attorney General to target Tren de Aragua. JTFV is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. Those include Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina; Western District of Virginia; Southern District of Florida; Eastern District of Texas; Western District of Oklahoma; Northern District of Indiana; District of Nevada; and the District of Arizona; as well as the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division. Additionally, the Bureau of Prisons, FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Homeland Security Task Forces are essential law enforcement partners with JTFV. Defendant Maikel Jesus Albornoz-Jimenez, a citizen of Venezuela illegally residing in Nashville, charged in the Middle District of Tennessee wearing what appears to be a Fuerzas de Acciones Especiales de la Policía Nacional Bolivariana (FAES) uniform. These arrests are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTFs Denver, Indianapolis, Nashville, and Seattle comprise agents and officers from ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Secret Service, among other federal, state, and local partners, with the prosecutions being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Colorado, Southern Florida, Northern Indiana, Middle Tennessee, Western Tennessee, and Eastern Washington. An indictment and criminal complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: U.S. Attorney Gerace recognizes National Police Week

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – As we observe National Police Week this week, United States Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II thanks all federal, state and local law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifice. National Police Week is a week dedicated in May each year as a time when we honor America’s law enforcement community and pay tribute to those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives or were injured in the line of duty. In the Southern District of Ohio, we remember the law enforcement officers who paid the ultimate price this past year for our safety and security, including Hamilton County Deputy Sheriff Larry Henderson, Morrow County Deputy Sherriff Daniel “Weston” Sherrer, Lorain Police Department Officer Phillip Wagner, and Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Nicholas Cayton. In the attached letter to all District law enforcement, U.S. Attorney Gerace highlighted the role of law enforcement in America as we approach the nation’s 250 th birthday. He wrote: “Without a doubt, since our Founders wrote the Declaration 250 years ago, our country has prospered beyond even what they could have imagined. The foundation of that prosperity, unquestionably, is the security that we enjoy in this country. And that security is provided by you—our dedicated law enforcement partners. It is your service that has allowed this country to grow and prosper. That is why it is critical that we support you at all levels of government and give you the tools necessary to firmly police our communities. Without that, we cannot be the country that our forefathers envisioned.” U.S. Attorney Gerace added: “We know, unfortunately, that security is not free, and that sometimes the cost of security is exacted in the form of a fallen officer. As devastating as it is to lose an officer in the line of duty, we take solace in the fact that they died while living a life of honor and self-sacrifice—dedicated to their fellow citizens. That sacrifice reminds us that security and prosperity are not guaranteed, and they depend upon extraordinary public servants who willingly place the safety of others ahead of their own.” For more information about National Police Week and related events, including the 38 th Annual Candlelight Vigil, visit https://nleomf.org/events/ . # # #


title: Man Accused of Stealing $735,137 from Retired St. Louis Teacher

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Louis has been accused of stealing $735,137 from a retired St. Louis teacher. Michael N. Jones, 40, was indicted April 29 with eight counts of wire fraud. He pleaded not guilty Monday. The indictment says Jones was named as the victim’s power of attorney in March of 2023, and began stealing from her that same month. He made over $12,000 in purchases using her checking account and used her credit card for OnlyFans purchases, the indictment says. The victim was admitted to an assisted living facility on April 25, 2023. Jones put the proceeds of the sale of her home and two certificates of deposit into her checking account, and used that account to buy four properties in St. Louis, one in Hillsboro and two in East St. Louis, the indictment says. He also transferred $20,000 to his personal bank account and $140,000 to his Cash App account, using the Cash App money for food, trips, life coaching and OnlyFans, the indictment says. From April 2024 to November 2024, Jones made only one payment to her assisted living facility and the victim was evicted owing $38,535, the indictment says. In November of 2024, Jones moved her into another facility but failed to pay costs that grew to $52,502 a year later, it says. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both. The U.S. Secret Service, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jolene Taaffe is prosecuting the case.


component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: Bath Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing $225,200 From an Elderly Disabled Veteran CONCORD – A Bath man was sentenced today in federal court for stealing $225,200 from an elderly disabled veteran, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Donald Estes, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul J. Barbadoro to 21 months in prison and 1 year of supervised release. He was also sentenced to pay $225,200 in restitution. On February 2, 2026, Estes pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. “The defendant stole almost a quarter million dollars from an elderly disabled veteran to squander on things like a snowmobile and jewelry. Today’s sentence shows that those who victimize the men and women who served our country face federal imprisonment,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “Every American owes a debt of gratitude to those who served our country, and this sentence sends a clear message that individuals who commit fraud against veterans will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Algieri with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their efforts on this investigation.” “Postal Inspectors, alongside our federal law enforcement partners, uncovered Donald Estes’ egregious scheme to steal from a vulnerable victim, all to line his own pockets and bank accounts with money he stole from a veteran,” said Acting Inspector in Charge Jason Buckley of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division. “Today’s outcome reinforces our resolve to pursue those who exploit our service members. We remain committed to investigating those who prey on our veterans instead of respecting the sacrifices they have made for this country.” The victim was an elderly disabled veteran who was living in a nursing home. The victim was unable to manage his own money or make decisions. Each month, the Department of Veterans Affairs deposited disability benefits into the victim’s bank account. Initially, the victim’s mother served as the victim’s legal guardian until she passed away. After, the victim’s nursing home reached out to Estes asking whether he would serve as the victim’s legal guardian. Estes never applied to serve as the victim’s legal guardian. Instead, Estes had the victim sign an agreement adding Estes to the victim’s bank account. Between August 2020 and December 2023, Estes proceeded to steal $225,200 from the bank account. Estes misspent the stolen funds on items such as a snowmobile, jewelry, and vacation, and deposited approximately $85,000 of the stolen funds into bank accounts he controlled. The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of the Inspector General and U.S. Postal Inspection Service led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen prosecuted the case.


title: Homeland Security Task Force investigation leads to arrest of uncle & nephew, seizure of more than 80 kilograms of suspected cocaine

body_text: CINCINNATI – Two Southwest Ohio relatives were arrested by federal agents for allegedly conducting large-scale cocaine trafficking. Damian Galan, 31, of Cincinnati, and Diego Galan, 19, of Fairfield, will appear in federal court today for initial appearances. According to charging documents, the DEA Cincinnati District Office, the Cincinnati Police Department and other agencies within the Cincinnati Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) received information regarding the Galans’ potential drug trafficking throughout the Southern District of Ohio and elsewhere. Surveillance of the men, as well as additional investigation, led law enforcement officials to a Holiday Inn Express in Columbus on May 9. Damian and Diego Galan allegedly traveled to the hotel in tandem and obtained four 17-gallon storage containers from two Hispanic males staying at the hotel. The storage containers were placed in the trunk and backseat of Damian Galan’s vehicle. The defendants then allegedly traveled to Diego’s residence in Fairfield, where they moved the four storage containers. Law enforcement officials executed search warrants at both Galan residences. They discovered four kilograms of suspected cocaine and a firearm at Damian Galan’s home. The search of Diego Galan’s residence recovered the storage bins – which contained approximately 77 kilograms of suspected cocaine – along with bulk cash, firearms and suspected methamphetamine. The men were arrested in the early morning hours of May 10. They are each charged with conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, a federal crime punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio and members of the HSTF, including the DEA, Cincinnati Police Department, FBI, HSI and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office’s Regional Narcotics Unit (RENU), announced the charges. Executive Assistant United States Attorney Christy L. Muncy is representing the United States in this case. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Cincinnati comprises agents and officers from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. # # #


title: Man Sentenced to 12 years in Federal Prison for  Receiving Child Pornography

component: USAO - Idaho

body_text: U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today that Saul Salazar-Leon, 46, of Mexico, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for crime of Receiving Child Pornography. According to court records, in December of 2024, a woman contacted law enforcement after discovering a hidden camera in a bathroom in her home in Idaho. The woman found the camera while cleaning the bathroom her 12-year-old daughter uses. Suspecting Salazar-Leon, the woman called and confronted him about secretly recording her daughter. Salazar-Leon claimed he made a mistake and requested the woman not notify law enforcement. Based on the woman’s report, law enforcement immediately began an investigation. The Nampa Police Department searched Salazar-Leon’s residence where they found a USB thumb drive containing hidden recordings of child pornography. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement arrested Salazar-Leon. Upon his arrest, law enforcement found an SD card in his pocket which also contained hidden recordings of child pornography. Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Salazar-Leon to serve 15 years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Salazar-Leon pleaded guilty to the charge on January 7, 2026. As a result of his conviction, Salazar-Leon will be required to register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Davis made the announcement and commended the work of Nampa Police Department, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Robins 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 the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) of the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Apopka Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for COVID-19 Fraud

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: Orlando, FL – Emmet Bowens (57, Apopka) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dalton to 63 months in federal prison for wire fraud and money laundering. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $739,582, the proceeds of the offenses. Bowens pleaded guilty on January 26, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, on May 5, 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bowens submitted a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application claiming to own the business “Buccaneer Technologies.” The PPP was a provision of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act enacted to provide immediate assistance to individuals, families, and organizations affected by the COVID-19 emergency. Under the terms of the program, the loans were backed by the United States Small Business Administration and the full principal amount of could qualify for forgiveness. As part of his application, Bowens certified that Buccaneer Technologies had 102 employees with an average monthly payroll of $295,883. In support of his loan application, Bowens submitted fraudulent tax records. Bowens also filed Articles of Incorporation for his sham business six days after his loan application was filed. The IP address used to submit the loan application was registered to Bowens’ residential address. The application information included Bowens’ social security number and a copy of his drivers license. The loan was approved in the amount of $739,582 which was disbursed to Bowens’ personal checking account. Bowens then further distributed the funds into various accounts, including funding three new accounts with $250,000, $250,000 and $115,000, respectively. Bowens spent some of the funds on across-country road trip, during which he and his wife were captured on bank surveillance withdrawing $44,000 in cash. After being charged and released on bond conditions, Bowens cut off his ankle monitor and fled the jurisdiction. Bowens was a fugitive for a year and a half before being located and arrested in the Northern District of Mississippi. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Small Business Administration. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel S. Lyons and Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Testerman. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Andrejko. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Fourteen New Indictments & Seven Illegal Aliens Convicted of Immigration, False Document Offenses in April

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: Tallahassee, Pensacola and Gainesville – Today, United States Attorney John P. Heekin announced that fourteen previously deported illegal aliens have been separately indicted by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States, and seven illegal aliens were convicted of federal crimes in the month of April. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “My office remains committed to fulfilling the mission of Operation Take Back America to protect our communities by aggressively prosecuting the criminal illegal aliens who brazenly ignore and violate our nation’s immigration laws. America is a nation of laws, and we will continue to enforce those laws against anyone who mistakenly believes they can violate our laws with impunity.” According to court records, the fourteen illegal aliens indicted in the month of April include: Leonel Morales-Gaytan, 33, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Bay County in April 2026, after previously being deported in 2020 and 2022. Trial is set for June 22, 2026, before United States District Judge Mark Walker. Isidro Ramirez-Lopez, 50, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Gulf County in March 2026, after previously being deported in 2002 and 2011. Trial is set for June 22, 2026, before United States District Judge Mark Walker. Moises Siquic-Tiul, 39, of Guatemala, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Walton County in April 2026, after previously being deported in 2015 and 2017. Trial is set for June 15, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. Gabriel Garcia Hernandez, 41, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in April 2026, after previously being deported in 2024. Trial is set for June 15, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. Simon Mateo-Simon, 36, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in March 2026, after previously being deported in 2015. Change of plea and sentencing scheduled for May 19, 2026, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Moises Lopez Zenteno, 37, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Alachua County in September 2025, after previously being deported in 2016. Trial is set for May 27, 2026, before United States Chief Judge Allen Winsor. Jose Mendez Pena, 35, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Escambia County in April 2026, after previously being deported in 2009. Trial is set for June 22, 2026, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Noe Alexis Lopez Suarez, 27, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Santa Rosa County in April 2026, after previously being deported in 2022. Change of plea and sentencing are set for May 27, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. Alcides Miguel Martinez-Martinez, 42, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in March 2026, after previously being deported in 2009 and 2015. Trial is set for June 15, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. Alex Joel Maldonado-Erazo, 38, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in March 2026, after previously being deported in 2015. Trial is set for June 22, 2026, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Miguel Ico Martinez, 29, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in March 2026, after previously being deported three times in 2024. Trial is set for June 22, 2026, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Wily Antonio Escobar-Canterelo, 29, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in April 2026, after previously being deported twice in 2016. Trial is set for June 22, 2026, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Dania Chaver-Pereira, 31, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in April 2026, after previously being deported twice in 2017 and once in 2019. Trial is set for June 22, 2026, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Jose Hernandez-Perez, 23, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Escambia County in March 2026, after previously being deported in 2022. Trial is set for June 15, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. The penalty for illegally reentering the United States after deportation is a maximum of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Gabriel Garcia Hernandez faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine pursuant to allegations of prior convictions qualifying for an increased maximum sentence. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In addition to the indictments filed, seven previously indicted defendants were convicted in the month of April for being unlawfully present in the country after a prior removal. The illegal aliens convicted in the month of April include: Nicolas Jorge-Garcia, 41, of Mexico, who was previously removed in November 2007, February 2012, April 2012, May 2012, and October 2015. He was encountered in Okaloosa County on November 25, 2025. Joel Perez Vasquez, 42, of Guatemala, who was previously removed in January 2013 and April 2013. He was encountered in Okaloosa County on February 17, 2026. Jose Rodas-Castillo, 37, of Honduras, who was previously removed in September 2016. He was encountered in Okaloosa County on February 14, 2026. Jairo Leonel Calel Vicente, 30, of Guatemala, who was previously removed in October 2025 and January 2026. He was encountered in Escambia County on February 26, 2026. Andres Martin Valdivia Moran, 43, of Mexico, who was previously removed in November 2017 and July 2019. He was encountered in Escambia County on December 10, 2025. Delmer Francisco Garcia-Palma, 29, of Honduras, who was previously removed in January 2017, June 2019, and June 2020. He was encountered in Santa Rosa County on January 13, 2026. One alien was also convicted of false document crimes: William Gary Perez Perez, 23, of Guatemala. The cases involved investigations by Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations with the assistance of the Florida Highway Patrol, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Port St. Joe Police Department, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Gainesville Police Department, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Gulf Breeze Police Department, the Fort Walton Beach Police Department and the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Walter E. Narramore, Alicia H. Forbes, Christopher C. Patterson, Eric W. Welch, Michelle Spaven, Jessica S. Etherton, Tyler A. Fleming, Jeffrey M. Tharp, Brooke DiSalvo, and Thomas S.P. Geeker are prosecuting the cases. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Observes National Police Week

component: USAO - Illinois, Southern

body_text: FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – In observance of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois recognize the courage and dedication of local, state and federal law enforcement partners and honor the officers who have fallen in the line of duty. National Police Week is observed Sunday, May 10 through Saturday, May 16. “This National Police Week we celebrate the bravery and integrity of all law enforcement officers who selflessly dedicate their lives in service to our communities. We also honor the courage of those who lost their lives in the line of duty and extend our deepest condolences to their loved ones,” said U.S. Attorney Steve D. Weinhoeft. “We are grateful for our local, state and federal law enforcement partners who continue to respond to the call of duty and show up for our communities when they are needed the most. These courageous men and women work tirelessly to improve public safety throughout the Southern District of Illinois, and we are proud to support them.” Each year, during National Police Week , our nation comes together to honor the courage, sacrifice and dedication of law enforcement officers. Originally established in 1962, President John F. Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices in protecting our communities with dedication and courage. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which falls on May 15 every year, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Each year, hundreds of names of officers killed in the line of duty are engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. These names are then read aloud during the annual Candlelight Vigil to memorialize those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil will be held on Wednesday, May 13 in Washington, DC.


title: Three Tennessee Men Indicted On Robbery, Kidnapping, And Conspiracy Charges Related To $6 Million Cryptocurrency Robbery Spree Throughout Bay Area And Los Angeles

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – A federal grand jury has indicted Elijah Armstrong, Nino Chindavanh, and Jayden Rucker on Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping, Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery, and Attempted Kidnapping relating to a violent robbery spree targeting cryptocurrency owners. Armstrong and Rucker were arrested in Los Angeles on December 31, 2025, and Chindavanh was arrested on December 22, 2025 in Sunnyvale. Chindavanh made his initial appearance in federal court in San Francisco on April 14, 2026, and Armstrong and Rucker made their initial appearances in federal court in San Francisco earlier today. According to the indictment filed March 31, 2026, Armstrong, 21, of Tennessee; Chindavanh, 21, of Tennessee; and Rucker, 25, of Tennessee, are alleged to have conspired to kidnap and rob individuals in San Francisco, San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Los Angeles in efforts to steal cryptocurrency from the victims. The defendants traveled from Tennessee to commit the alleged crimes and posed as delivery persons to gain access or attempt to gain access to the victims’ residences. They then used firearms, duct tape, and zip ties to assault their victims, including by binding and restraining a victim in order to force him to divulge his account information. In one of the incidents perpetrated by the conspiracy, the victim was forced at gunpoint to sign into his cryptocurrency accounts so that a co-conspirator could transfer approximately $6.5 million from his cryptocurrency accounts to a wallet controlled by the co-conspirators. “These individuals, as alleged, terrorized their victims in the hopes of stealing vast sums of cryptocurrency. The scheme was not only sophisticated, it was brazen, violent, and dangerous,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian. “I want to commend our law enforcement partners for the quick work done in identifying and apprehending these individuals and assure the public that we will not let our guard down and continue to do all we can to ensure this does not happen again.” “The indictment of these individuals underscores the FBI’s unwavering commitment to protecting our communities from violent and organized criminal activity. As alleged, this was a calculated scheme involving robbery, kidnapping, and the theft of millions in cryptocurrency - crimes that put innocent people at risk and threaten the sense of safety we all rely on,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo. “The FBI will not tolerate criminals who travel into our communities with the intent to terrorize our citizens. We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners across the Bay Area and beyond to identify, investigate, and bring to justice anyone who believes they can exploit or endanger the public for personal gain.” Armstrong, Chindavanh, and Rucker are currently in federal custody. Armstrong and Rucker are next scheduled to appear on May 12, 2026, for appointment of counsel before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas S. Hixson. Chindavanh is next scheduled to appear on June 26, 2026, for a status hearing before U.S. District Judge Trina L. Thompson. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each count of Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951(a), Attempted Hobbs Act Robbery in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1951(a), and Attempted Kidnapping in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1201, as well as a maximum sentence of life in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each count of Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping. 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. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey C. Davidson and Jared S. Buszin of the Organized Crime Section are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Yenni Weinberg. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, San Francisco Police Department, San Jose Police Department, Sunnyvale Police Department, and Los Angeles Police Department.


title: Pawn Shop Owner Pleads Guilty to Purchasing, Trafficking Millions of Dollars of Stolen Goods

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Larry Leonard, 62, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Judge John M. Younge to charges of conspiracy to transport and sell stolen goods in interstate commerce, interstate transportation of stolen property, and three counts of money laundering. The defendant was charged by indictment in December 2024, arising from the theft and resale of millions of dollars of stolen goods that he received, trafficked, and sold through pawn shops he operated and controlled: Society Hill Loan and K&A Money Loan Pawnbrokers, both in Philadelphia, and Lou’s Jewelry and Pawnshop in Wilmington, Delaware. As detailed in court filings and statements, starting in 2019 and lasting through 2023, Larry Leonard purchased from drug addicts and professional thieves millions of dollars’ worth of expensive items, including high-end electronics, power tools, electric toothbrushes, and vacuums – all stolen from big-box retail stores such as Walmart, Home Depot, Rite Aid, and Target. Leonard, and co-conspirators working at his direction, paid the thieves a fraction of the retail value of the stolen goods – in cash – and then sold those items on eBay for profit. From November 2019 through December 2023, Leonard and his co-conspirators sold more than $19 million in stolen merchandise via the eBay storefront “societyhillloan,” shipping the stolen merchandise from Society Hill Loan in Philadelphia to customers across the country. In addition to the more than $19 million in eBay sales, millions of dollars of stolen items, primarily high-end electronics, were sold directly to third-party individual wholesalers. Leonard used the fraud proceeds to afford himself and his wife a lavish lifestyle, which included overseas trips, concerts, sporting events, and luxury items. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on August 25 and faces a maximum possible term of 45 years’ imprisonment. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Delaware State Police, and the Philadelphia Police Department. Law enforcement also received assistance from Walmart, Home Depot, Best Buy, Target, Dollar Tree, Lowe’s, ACME, Bose, Rite Aid, CVS, and Harbor Freight Tools. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew T. Newcomer, S. Chandler Harris, and Eric Gill.


title: Dangerous Felon Sentenced After SWAT Standoff

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

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Al Stevenson McGhee, 47, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to two years and seven months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty possession of firearms by a felon. His federal sentence will run consecutively to any sentence imposed in his pending Marion County case, which includes charges of criminal confinement with a deadly weapon, intimidation, criminal recklessness for shooting into a building, and unlawful carrying of a handgun. According to court documents, on November 6, 2024, McGhee pointed a silver revolver at his girlfriend when she returned home from work. After threatening to shoot her if she left her bedroom, the victim escaped through a window, fled down the street, and contacted her sister, who called 911. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to investigate the reported intimidation and confinement. When officers attempted to contact McGhee, he refused to respond. A perimeter was established, and repeated attempts were made to gain compliance. As IMPD SWAT officers approached to breach the door, McGhee threatened to shoot them and fired multiple rounds, including one that struck near the front door of the home. The standoff continued for several hours, during which McGhee repeatedly threatened officers and fired additional shots, including at a police drone. He was taken into custody in the early morning hours of November 7, 2024, without officers discharging their weapons. A search of the residence revealed four rounds fired above the doorway where officers had been standing and a bullet hole within two feet of their position. No officers were harmed during the standoff. McGhee has a troubling criminal history, including convictions for cruelty to an animal, invasion of privacy involving a protected victim, carrying a handgun without a license, and felony criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon. During the last incident, officers had responded to multiple reports of shots fired. Witnesses reported McGhee making threatening statements from his porch, and neighbors provided videos showing him brandishing and waving weapons. A search warrant executed at his residence uncovered approximately 35 spent casings scattered outside and multiple firearms inside, including an assault-style pistol, several handguns, and a revolver. McGhee had been discharged from probation for this prior felony conviction on November 23, 2023. “McGhee poses an extreme danger - not only to the community at large, but to the individuals he targets, ranging from neighbors to romantic partners to law enforcement officers. He is an unpredictable, violent felon with a history of rapidly escalating situations through threats and the reckless use of firearms,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Thank you to the brave IMPD officers for protecting both the victim and the general public, along with the ATF for holding McGhee accountable.” “The ATF is pleased with the outcome of this case and relieved that no one was injured during this dangerous incident. We remain committed to supporting the IMPD and all our local law enforcement partners in holding violent armed offenders accountable and ensuring the safety of our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge, Jorge Rosendo. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge James R. Sweeney II. U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Pamela Domash, who prosecuted this case. The case was brought as part of the LEATH Initiative (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence), named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A partnership among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the LEATH Initiative focuses federal, state, and local law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms. 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: Woman Accused of Embezzling $1.2 Million from St. Louis County Company

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A woman from Lake St. Louis turned herself in Monday to face an indictment accusing her of embezzling $1.2 million from her employer. Kari Bertels, 44, was indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on April 29 with five counts of wire fraud. She turned herself in Monday, appeared in court and pleaded not guilty. The indictment accuses Bertels of using her company credit card to make purchases for herself and relatives from Oct. 9, 2018, to Jan. 12, 2026, including $19,815 in beauty products from Red Aspen, $16,512 in fitness coaching, $42,407 in DoorDash deliveries, $59,994 in Amazon purchases, $15,000 in airfare for herself and relatives for domestic and international trips, $27,044 from Instacart, $14,331 in jewelry from Diamonds Direct, and $14,110 at a Sandals resort. Bertels was an accountant and a senior financial analyst at the St. Louis County company. Her responsibilities included approving expenses reports and paying the company credit card bills and other business expenses with the company checking account, the indictment says. She concealed her embezzlement by refusing to submit monthly expense reports for the unauthorized credit card purchases, re-directing the credit card statements from work to her home and dividing the payments for her unauthorized credit card purchases into smaller amounts in the accounting system, the indictment says. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both prison and a fine. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karin Schute is prosecuting the case.


title: Ohio Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession of Firearm

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: COVINGTON, Ky. – A Cincinnati man, Chester Lee Holloway 35, was sentenced on Friday to 127 months by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning for felon in possession of a firearm. According to his plea agreement, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Holloway in Covington. Law enforcement detected the odor of marijuana and Holloway admitted that the vehicle contained marijuana and that it may also contain a firearm in the trunk of a car. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and found 119.1 grams of marijuana, a loaded firearm and an extended magazine. Holloway admitted that he knew he was a felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. At sentencing, Judge Bunning found that Holloway possessed the firearm in connection with another felony offense, namely, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute it. Holloway was previously convicted of aggravated trafficking in drugs, among other crimes. Under federal law, Holloway must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 3 years. Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Justin Wietholter, Covington Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the ATF and Covington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Winslow prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Hilliard man sentenced to 14 years in prison for using AI to morph images of real minors into child pornography

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Hilliard man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 168 months in prison for two child pornography crimes. Austin Pittman, 35, admitted to distributing images of real child pornography and using AI to morph videos and photos of real children to whom he had access into images of child pornography. According to court documents, in January 2025, the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received multiple cyber tipline reports regarding Pittman’s activity on Kik messenger. On the instant messaging app, Pittman distributed child pornography depicting an adult sexually abusing a child. Further investigation revealed that, in 2024, Pittman was the target of an investigation at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, where he uploaded 47 files of child pornography to Kik. A search warrant executed at Pittman’s residence in April 2025 led to the seizure of numerous devices. During a review of Pittman’s cell phone, law enforcement officials discovered images and videos of real children to whom Pittman had access. Some of the files Pittman had secretly recorded and created some of the images and videos himself. Pittman then used AI programs to alter these images so that the minor females depicted in them now appeared fully nude. He also distributed this content he morphed to others in online chat platforms dedicated to child sexual abuse material. Pittman was charged federally and arrested in April 2025 and pleaded guilty in December 2025. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin; and other members of the Franklin County ICAC Task Force announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood , a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. # # #


title: Eden Prairie Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Setting Fire to a Townhome with Children Inside

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS –An Eden Prairie man has been sentenced to 180 months in prison for setting fire to a townhome while five people, including an infant, were inside, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. According to court documents, on May 31, 2024, at 11:27 a.m., the Eden Prairie Fire Department responded to a fire in a townhome. When the fire started, there were five people in the house, including one adult man and four children. When emergency responders arrived, they met the adult male occupant and three children outside, but the fourth child, a nine-month-old baby (Minor A), was still in the burning house. Eden Prairie firefighters entered the residence and found Minor A, who survived the fire but needed to be transported by ambulance to the hospital. According to court documents and the record at sentencing, Abdirahman Abdi Abdullahi, 23, was on probation for violating a restraining order that prohibited him from contacting Minor A’s mother, who lived in the burned home. Two days before the fire, Abdullahi sent a threatening message to Minor A’s mother stating, “when I see u I’m smoke u.” On that same day, Abdullahi arrived at the door of the house and threatened to kill Minor A’s mother. The day of the fire, Abdullahi used rental car rented by a third party. He traveled to a nearby gas station with a red gas can, which he filled with gasoline. He then parked the car in a parking lot down the street from the burned home where it was hidden by a row of hedges. Wearing plastic gloves, he carried the gas can and a large plastic bag, later found to be full of clothes, through the hedges to the victim’s home. A fire investigation showed that Abdullahi used that gas can to douse the bag of clothes, which he set fire to at the entrance of the home. The flames collapsed the garage roof, melted the front doorknob, and ultimately destroyed the home. The fire damaged neighboring townhomes, as well. Abdullahi pleaded guilty to Arson Resulting in Personal Injury as charged in the Indictment. At sentencing, the Court found that Abdullahi’s intended to cause the death of Minor A’s mother when he set the fire. The Court noted Abdullahi’s level of planning and his “calculated, cold” preparation. As a result, the sentence for Arson followed the sentencing guidelines for Attempted Murder. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Minnesota State Fire Marshal, the Eden Prairie Police Department, and the Eden Prairie Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William C. Mattessich and Matthew C. Murphy prosecuted the case.


title: Philadelphia Woman Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Prison for South Philly Gunpoint Carjacking

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Khala Hardy, 24, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 85 months in prison and five years of supervised release by United States District Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro for a March 2024 armed carjacking. The defendant and co-conspirator Nyeem Williamson, 23, also of Philadelphia, were charged by indictment in October 2024 with conspiracy to commit a carjacking, carjacking, and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Hardy pleaded guilty last July. Williamson pleaded guilty this March and is scheduled to be sentenced in August. As detailed in court filings and statements, on the night of March 15, 2024, Hardy and Williamson targeted a female driver (“Victim 1”) who was dropping off a friend in South Philadelphia. Hardy approached on the driver’s side of the vehicle, opened the driver door, pointed a gun at Victim 1, and directed her to “get out and give me your keys.” Victim 1 exited her Toyota and Hardy took her place behind the wheel. Once Williamson was inside the vehicle, the defendant drove off. Shortly after the carjacking, Hardy instructed Williamson on how to disable the Toyota’s GPS system and cameras to avoid detection by law enforcement, as documented in their group chat messages. Three days after the carjacking, Williamson was arrested by the Philadelphia Police Department (“PPD”) and charged locally. Following Williamson’s arrest, the defendant instructed others who had communicated with him to delete their text messages. Hardy subsequently provided a voluntary statement to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), in which she admitted to her involvement in the gunpoint carjacking. This case was investigated by the PPD and ATF and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha A. Arena.