title: Registered Sex Offender from Minnesota Sentenced to 27 Years  for Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – Robert James Levi, a registered sex offender from Minneapolis, Minnesota, was sentenced to 324 months’ imprisonment for production of child pornography after exploiting a minor victim for years, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. According to court documents and court proceedings, for a three-year period starting in February 2022, defendant Robert Levi coerced and enticed a then-12-year-old girl in another state into producing child sexual abuse material and sending it to him over the internet. Levi “catfished” the victim, posing as a 16-year-old boy, exchanging over 112,000 messages with the victim, and convincing the victim she was in a “relationship” with Levi. In fact, Levi was an adult man and, later, a convicted sex offender. In February 2024, Levi was convicted of Criminal Sexual Conduct in the Second Degree in Stearns County, Minnesota, and was required to register as a sex offender. The state conviction did not stop Levi—he continued to exploit the victim during the pendency of that case and after he was placed on probation. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristian Weir prosecuted the case.


title: Jefferson County Man Admits to Firearms Charge

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Shepherdstown, West Virginia man has admitted to illegally having firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. James William Jacobs, 63, pled guilty today to unlawfully possessing a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, Jacobs is prohibited from having firearms because of a prior domestic battery conviction and a felony fleeing conviction. Officers responded to a call of shots fired and a domestic altercation at Jacob’s home. A lawful search was conducted, and two firearms and ammunition were seized. Jacobs faces up to 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigated. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration. U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.


title: Muskogee Resident Pleads Guilty To Illegally Possessing Firearm And Ammunition

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

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dallas Charles Driskell, age 40, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Indictment charged Driskell with knowingly possessing a revolver and a shotgun on July 1, 2025, after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment. The charge arose from an investigation by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Muskogee Police Department, the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Driskell will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Staubus represented the United States.


title: Five Recent Homeland Security Task Force (“HSTF”) Cases Disrupt Significant Drug Trafficking Operations by Illegal Aliens and Others Across Louisiana’s Western District

body_text: LAFAYETTE, LA – Today, United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller, together with federal partners at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), and Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced five significant HSTF drug trafficking cases charged by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana (“USAO”) that it charged between mid-February and mid-March and that involved the arrest of illegal aliens and local gang members who were trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in the District. “The five HSTF cases we’re announcing today, which involve over a dozen defendants and hundreds of kilograms of hard drugs, show how our federal and state partners are disrupting major drug trafficking operations that impact every corner of this District,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Our Office is laser-focused on HSTF’s mission to stamp out every foothold that transnational criminal organizations like the Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel and Gulf Cartel make in peddling poisons like fentanyl and methamphetamine in our communities. And for traffickers still operating in our Louisiana communities, the message here is simple: we’re doing everything we can to come for you, and when we do you’re going to be facing charges that can land you in prison for decades.” “The Homeland Security Task Forces led by FBI and HSI integrate federal, state, and local law enforcement to focus targeted investigations on Foreign Terrorist Organization-designated drug cartels and transnational gangs," said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. "This criminal organization led by Mr. Baker tried to flood our streets with illegal drugs and poison our people. However, the HSTF is effectively rooting these groups out of Louisiana.” “Whether it is concealed in ice cream machines or hidden in the cab of an 18-wheeler, the DEA and our partners are seeing right through the deceptive tactics of these criminal organizations,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer. “Removing nearly 550 pounds of methamphetamine and cocaine from the supply chain in just two stops is a massive victory for public safety. We remain relentless in our mission to dismantle these networks and protect our communities from the violence and addiction these traffickers bring to our doorstep.” “Investigations like this one show the power of true partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright, Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans. “Working with the Calcasieu Parish Combined Anti-Drug Task Force and the DEA, HSI helped take 15 kilograms of cocaine off the streets and ensure the defendants in this case will face justice. Whether narcotics are crossing our borders or transiting through the United States, HSI will continue to use the HSTF model and our vital partnerships to follow the evidence, dismantle cartel-driven networks, and protect our communities from the violence and devastation caused by illegal drugs.” The following five cases build upon HSTF’s cases in the Vernon Parish and Natchitoches areas that the USAO has prosecuted recently: In the Shreveport area, the matter United States v. Willie Baker et al. , No. 25-cr-00296, involves 10 defendants trafficking kilogram quantities of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and methamphetamine from transnational criminal organizations through Houston and ultimately to Shreveport. This case charges that one death resulted from the fentanyl trafficking and that two of the defendants, including Willie Lee Baker, have prior drug trafficking convictions that expose them to higher mandatory minimum and maximum penalties. If convicted, the defendants face sentences ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment. The case is being investigated by FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Shreveport Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica D. Cassidy and Sam Crichton with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon. The following images depict some of the narcotics and guns involved in this case: In Breaux Bridge area, the matter United States v. Ranulfo Garcia Rodriguez and Christian Antonio Sanchez Ramirez , No. 26-cr-00070, involves two Mexican nationals towing several ice cream freezers concealing several fabricated metal boxes, which were welded to the back wall of the insulated freezer compartment. Inside of the metal boxes, agents located approximately 147 kilograms of methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendants face sentences that range from 10 years to life in federal prison. The matter is being investigated by the DEA and Louisiana State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Vermaelen with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle. The following images depict the ice cream machine and the methamphetamine it was concealing: In the Lafayette area, the matter United States v. Lance Fields and Ronald Adams, Jr. , No. 26-cr-00102, involves an 18-wheeler found to be trafficking approximately 100 kilograms of cocaine, concealed in a hidden compartment inside of the cab of the 18-wheeler. If convicted, the defendants face sentences that range from 10 years to life in federal prison. The matter is being investigated by the DEA and Louisiana State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Vermaelen with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle. The following are a few images of the cocaine recovered in this investigation: In the Lake Charles area , the matter United States v. Juan Francisco Gonzalez de Leon et al. , No. 26-cr-00106, involves two Mexican nationals conspiring with another person to traffic approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine on behalf of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG). The three were stopped by members of the Calcasieu Parish Combined Anti-Drug Taskforce (“CAT”) and arrested in February and then indicted in March. The matter is being investigated by HSI and CAT and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney LaDonte Murphy with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle. The following is an image of the cocaine recovered in this investigation: In the Alexandria area , the matter United States v. Elijah Jones , No. 26-cr-00074, involves the trafficking of approximately 6.2 kilograms of fentanyl, 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 1 kilogram of oxycodone pills, as well as approximately $34,000 in cash, that were concealed in a storage unit in Alexandria. The matter is being investigated by FBI and the Rapides Area Drug Enforcement group at the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Vermaelen with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle. The following is an image of the narcotics and cash recovered in this investigation: These cases reflect the USAO’s ongoing priority to vigorously enforce federal laws designed to protect law enforcement officers, our judicial process, and those who serve the administration of justice. Federal law provides significant penalties for threats, assaults, and obstruction of officers and court personnel, and those who violate these statutes will be held accountable. 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 Region 15 (New Orleans) comprises agents and officers from multiple law enforcement agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana. Indictments are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ### CONTACT Public Affairs United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Louisiana USALAW-News@usdoj.gov www.justice.gov/usao-wdla Twitter @USAO_WDLA


title: Bryan County Resident Pleads Guilty To Involuntary Manslaughter And Assault

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Marissa Laneau Dill, age 38, of Caddo, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country, punishable by up to eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine; one count of Involuntary Manslaughter of an Unborn Child in Indian Country, punishable by up to eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine; and two counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country, each punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Indictment alleged that on May 5, 2025, Dill unlawfully killed the victim in the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, that is failing to devote full time and attention to driving, contrary to Title 47, Oklahoma Statutes, Section 11-901b, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of any intoxicating substance other than alcohol which may render such person incapable of safely driving or operating a motor vehicle, contrary to Title 47, Oklahoma Statutes, Section 11-902, and in the commission in an unlawful manner and without due caution and circumspection of a lawful act, that is, operating a motor vehicle left of the center line of the roadway, which might produce death. The Indictment further alleged that on May 5, 2025, Dill unlawfully killed the victim’s unborn child in the commission of an unlawful act not amounting to a felony, that is failing to devote full time and attention to driving, contrary to Title 47, Oklahoma Statutes, Section 11-901b, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of any intoxicating substance other than alcohol which may render such person incapable of safely driving or operating a motor vehicle, contrary to Title 47, Oklahoma Statutes, Section 11-902, and in the commission in an unlawful manner and without due caution and circumspection of a lawful act, that is, operating a motor vehicle left of the center line of the roadway, which might produce death. The Indictment also alleged that on May 5, 2025, Dill assaulted two other victims, resulting in serious bodily injuries to each. The crimes occurred in Bryan County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charges arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Dill is free on bond with conditions of release pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edith A. Singer represented the United States.


title: Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Cyberstalking Iowa Resident

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Shaninth Michael Ray, age 38, from Chicago, Illinois, pled guilty today in federal court in Sioux City to Cyberstalking. In a plea agreement, Ray admitted that between April 2023 and October 2023, he continuously threatened to kill an Iowa resident and members of their family, after a no contact order was issued against Ray. Ray made his threats via telephone, text message and video, through numerous platforms, stating he would, “end” the victim’s life and “bash [the victim’s] face in with a rock,” as well as threatened to kill the victim in other various ways. In one of Ray’s videos he sent, he explicitly threatened to end the victims’ life and displayed a firearm. Ray was arrested in Minnesota in October 2023 for possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Ray continued to contact the victim while in custody in Minnesota and Iowa. Ray’s criminal history also includes numerous domestic abuse convictions, violations of protection orders, interference with emergency communications, assault causing bodily harm, possession of controlled substances, harassment, and obstruction. Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Ray remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Ray faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 1 year imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment. This case is being investigated by the Mason City, Iowa Police Department and is prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ron Timmons and Ashley Corkery. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-3015. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Choctaw County Resident Pleads Guilty To Possessing Stolen Firearm

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jeremy Wayne Shirley, age 41, of Sawyer, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Possession of Stolen Firearm, punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Indictment alleged that on October 21, 2025, Shirley knowingly possessed a stolen semi-automatic pistol that had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce, knowing and having reasonable cause to believe that the firearm was stolen. The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office. The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Shirley will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis M. Reagan represented the United States.


title: Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 5 years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota man convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. The sentencing took place on March 16, 2026. Gregory Henderson, 63, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Gregory Henderson was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering by a federal grand jury in May of 2024. On December 4, 2025, he was found guilty at trial of the Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, and acquitted of the Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The case involved Henderson moving money on behalf of a drug trafficking organization, by sending drug proceeds via multiple electronic means, including CashApp, to individuals identified by his co-conspirators, in order to conceal the fact that the money was derived from the sale of narcotics and to conceal the ownership of the funds. The drug trafficking organization that Henderson laundered funds for was led by Darrell Devorce. The group trafficked methamphetamine from California to South Dakota over multiple years. Devorce coordinated loads of methamphetamine to be driven to South Dakota by multiple different couriers. He also directed multiple people from South Dakota to electronically send money to people in California who were associated with him. In total, the Devorce drug trafficking organization was responsible for trafficking approximately 200 pounds of methamphetamine and laundering over $700,000. The investigation resulted in the convictions of 13 defendants in federal court. “This case is a continuation of the outstanding efforts by federal law enforcement agents to follow the money as it is sought to be laundered by drug trafficking organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “This case is another great example of what happens when we combine resources with our law enforcement partners,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. “Anyone involved in putting dangerous drugs onto our streets needs to be tracked and stopped. Finding the funding source of the drug trafficking operation is what IRS-CI special agents do best.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and IRS – Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges and Connie Larson prosecuted the case. Henderson was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.


title: Waco Area Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing, Sharing Child Pornography

body_text: WACO, Texas – A Clifton man was sentenced in a federal court in Waco to 480 months in federal prison for possessing and distributing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons. According to court documents, on Feb. 24, 2025, Redus Duncan Smith, 28, sent another individual a private KIK message containing a 15-second video file that depicted child sexual abuse of a prepubescent girl. That same day, he sent an additional five video files of toddlers and prepubescent children being sexually assaulted. Using the username “big_john7895,” he stated in the chat that his name was Reed, he was 27 years old, lived in Texas, and worked in fast food. He also sent two “selfie” styled photos of himself. An investigation determined that through his chats with other KIK users, Smith was intent on teaching others how to groom children in order to sexually abuse them. FBI agents executed a search warrant at Smith’s home on Aug. 26, 2025, seizing digital devices that contained approximately 858 images and 704 videos of child sexual abuse material, including sexually explicit depictions of prepubescent minors, infants and toddlers. Smith was arrested during the search. He pleaded guilty on Dec. 17, 2025, to one count of distribution of visual depictions of sexual activities by minors and one count of possession of visual depictions of sexual activities by minors. U.S. District Judge Alan D. Albright sentenced Smith to two consecutive 240-month terms of imprisonment followed by 20 years of supervised release. Smith was also ordered to pay $33,000 in restitution. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Gloff prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . ###


title: Beckley Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Federal Drug Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Sharee Woodson, 45, of Beckley, was sentenced on March 27, 2026, to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of cocaine base, also known as “crack.” According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 29, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Woodson’s residence and seized 150.23 grams of methamphetamine, 80.57 grams of fentanyl, and 13.94 grams of cocaine. As part of his guilty plea, Woodson admitted that he intended to distribute the seized controlled substances in and around the Southern District of West Virginia. Officers also seized a Taurus GC3 9mm handgun and assorted ammunition during the search. Woodson has a criminal history that includes prior convictions for distribution of 5 grams or more of cocaine base, grand larceny, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and the Beckley Police Department. Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons 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. 5:25-cr-116. ###


title: Panama City Man Indicted for Attempted Enticement of a Minor

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: Tallahassee, Florida – Michael Ray Pennington, 60, of Panama City, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for Attempted Enticement of a Minor. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge. Pennington appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Charles Stampelos in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for May 26, 2026, before District Court Judge Mark Walker. If convicted, Pennington faces a minimum 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to Life imprisonment. The case is being jointly investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen. 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 at trial. 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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it 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.projectsafechildhood.gov . 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: Felony Sex Offender Arrested on Federal Warrant for Illegally Voting in North Carolina Elections

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – The FBI arrested James Osborne, 36, of Wilmington on a Federal arrest warrant. The FBI obtained the warrant pursuant to a Federal criminal complaint signed by a U.S. Magistrate Judge which accuses Osborne of making False Statements on Voter Registration or Ballot while being a convicted felon and serving a sentence of supervised release for Possession of Child Pornography. According to the complaint, Osborne was ineligible to legally register to vote or cast a ballot because he was serving a federal sentence of supervised release at the time for his felony conviction for Possession of Child Pornography. Osborne, who must register as a sex offender, signed and submitted a voter registration on November 4, 2025, voted in-person inside an elementary school polling site in the November 5, 2024, presidential election, and voted in-person inside a public library polling site in the February 25, 2026, primary election. On each such occasion, Osborne falsely indicated to voting officials that he was not serving a felony sentence. "This case is an example of the FBI’s commitment to election security and serves as a warning that we will arrest and prosecute anyone who illegally participates in our democratic process," said Reid Davis, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina. Osborne is charged with False Statements on Voter Registration or Ballot in violation of Title 52, United States Code, Section 20511(2)(A), and Title 52, United States Code, Section 20511(2)(B), and faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison for each violation. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Petracca is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on our website . Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina . A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.


title: Martin Man Sentenced to Over Five Years in Federal Prison for Vehicular Assault of an Elderly Man in the Pine Ridge Reservation

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Martin, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on March 23, 2026. Jose Jimenez, 40, was sentenced to five years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was further ordered to pay $31,523.68 in restitution to the victim of his crime and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Jimenez was indicted for two counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon by a federal grand jury in September 2024. He pleaded guilty on December 8, 2025. In July 2024, at approximately noon, Jimenez was driving a truck eastbound toward Batesland when he encountered another vehicle on Highway 18. In a no-passing zone on a hill, and while speeding, Jimenez struck the victim’s vehicle head on. The elderly male victim was life-flighted to Monument Health in Rapid City. He suffered multiple spinal injuries, a facial fracture, and multiple contusions and has undergone multiple surgeries. Jimenez and his passenger were uninjured. After crashing into the victim’s vehicle, Jimenez discarded a bottle of alcohol from his vehicle. In the truck, law enforcement found one empty bottle of alcohol and another, unopened bottle of alcohol. Jimenez tested positive for alcohol on scene but was under the legal limit at the time of the accident. At sentencing, Jimenez asked for leniency due to his substance abuse history and because he was “hung over” at the time of the accident. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case. Jimenez was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: American Health Companies, dba American Health Partners, Agrees to Pay Over Two Million Dollars to Resolve False Claims Act Liability Involving a Tennessee Nursing Home

component: USAO - Tennessee, Middle

body_text: NASHVILLE – United States Attorney Braden H. Boucek for the Middle District of Tennessee announced today that American Health Companies, LLC (“AHC”), doing business as American Health Partners (“AHP”), has agreed to pay $2,090,309 to the United States and Tennessee to resolve False Claims Act allegations related to billing Medicare and TennCare for grossly substandard nursing home services from Lewis County Nursing and Rehabilitation, LLC, between 2019 and 2024. During those years, Lewis County Nursing and Rehabilitation did business as AHC Lewis County and operated as a subsidiary of AHP. AHP is a company headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, that provides senior health services and owned nursing homes, including AHP Lewis County, during the relevant years. AHC Lewis County was a 131-bed facility in Hohenwald, Tennessee. “This settlement is essential to protecting the elderly and disabled residents of our community who depend on quality care,” said United States Attorney Braden H. Boucek. “But it is equally essential to protect the taxpayers who fund these programs. When facilities inflate charges while cutting corners on care, they undermine both quality for the people they serve and the public trust. Strong enforcement sends a clear message that exploiting seniors and the American taxpayer will have real consequences.” “We’re proud to team up with our federal partners to ensure there is no safe harbor for those who profit from neglect of Tennessee seniors,” said Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti. “This settlement is proof that when we work together, providers who fail the vulnerable people they’re supposed to serve will be held accountable.” “Ensuring that nursing home residents receive safe, appropriate, and dignified care is one of our top priorities,” said Kelly Blackmon, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General in Kentucky. “The substandard conditions identified at AHC Lewis County represent an unacceptable failure to meet the basic obligations required of facilities that participate in Medicare and TennCare. We will continue to work with our federal and state partners to hold providers accountable when they place residents’ health and safety at risk.” The United States and Tennessee alleged that AHC Lewis County systematically provided grossly substandard and/or worthless nursing home services that failed to meet the required standards of care in various ways. For example, the United States and Tennessee alleged that AHC Lewis County failed to provide residents with proper wound care, appropriate infection control, and protection from falls. The United States and Tennessee similarly alleged that AHC Lewis County failed to prevent residents from weight loss and loss of their range of motion. The United States and Tennessee also alleged that AHC Lewis County overprescribed antipsychotic medications to residents. In addition, in June 2023, the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission temporarily suspended admissions to AHC Lewis County due to a survey report that found conditions at the facility to be, or likely to be, detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of residents. Around the end of 2024, AHP sold its nursing homes, and AHC Lewis County now operates under new ownership. Under the settlement agreement, AHP will pay a total of $2,090,309, plus interest. Of that amount, $1,196,074 goes to the United States, and $894,235 will go to Tennessee. The civil claims settled by this Settlement Agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. The resolution of this matter was the result of an investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General and the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Bowden McIntyre represented the United States, and Tennessee Assistant Attorney Generals Leslie Williams Fisher and Haylie Robbins represented Tennessee. # # # # #


title: El Paso Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Investors as Third-Party NBA Preseason Game Promoter

body_text: Update: If you believe you might be a victim of the crimes Johnson committed, and/or have information relevant to this investigation, please visit https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/victim-services/seeking-victim-information/johnson-investment-investigation-questionnaire EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man pleaded guilty in federal court to seven counts of wire fraud as part of a Ponzi scheme in which he represented to investors that he would use their funds to promote NBA preseason games, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons. According to court documents, beginning around Feb. 9, 2009, and continuing through about May 14, 2020, Timothy France Johnson, 63, solicited investments from individuals and claimed to invest their money into NBA preseason games and game promotion. Johnson falsely represented that, as a third-party promoter, he would use the investment funds to obtain the venues and fund the marketing and promotion of the games. He provided investors with investment agreements that promised a guaranteed return on their investment, essentially representing that the investments had zero risk. Additionally, Johnson provided his victims with fraudulent investment statements and other fraudulent contracts and letters to substantiate his claimed connection to the NBA. An FBI investigation revealed that investments were not used to pay for preseason NBA games or game promotion but were instead used to make payments to earlier stage investors, were withdrawn as cash, or were spent on other non-business-related expenses. One victim of Johnson’s scheme invested for approximately five years, wiring $15,000 to Johnson on April 24, 2014. Johnson told the victim an investment between a minimum $12,500 and maximum $25,000 was required. At the end of the preseason, Johnson contacted the investor to tell them how much money they made on the games and to convince the investor to “roll the money over” into the next season’s games. Records show the investor made an additional $20,000 investment on June 28, 2018. On April 8, 2019, the victim signed an investment agreement with Johnson’s company, BOLO Sports & Entertainment LLC. The terms of the agreement stated the victim would invest $50,000 in an NBA preseason game played by a specific NBA team. The contract guaranteed the return of the initial $50,000 investment plus a percentage of the net revenue from the game. Records indicate the victim wired $50,000 on April 9, 2019, and further sought to invest an additional $50,000 in the preseason game just over a week later. Johnson and the investor-victim signed another investment agreement, and the funds were wired on April 17, 2019. Johnson told another victim that there would be a 33% return on investment and that there would be “zero risk” because the games were insured in case something went wrong or if the ticket sales did reach the breakeven point. He also claimed that he had been organizing the NBA games since the late 1980s to early 1990s. That victim invested $100,000 with Johnson in 2019 and signed an investment agreement guaranteeing 100% return on his investment plus any additional profit. Shortly after the first investment, Johnson offered an opportunity for the victim to invest in a second preseason game for $60,000. The victim agreed and wired the money. Following their investments, Johnson discussed with the victims the potential for them to acquire his business. Johnson provided the two victims with tickets to the NBA preseason game in which they had allegedly invested, and they were told that they would meet with NBA and team executives to discuss Johnson’s business and learn more about the sports and entertainment industry. Though they did attend the game with Johnson, the two investors did not meet with any executives. A third victim invested $75,000 with Johnson over the 2019 and 2020 NBA preseasons. A financial analysis of Johnson’s accounts showed that none of the invested funds used to pay the NBA, NBA teams, venues, or any other apparent promotion-related expenses. Johnson was charged in April 2024 with seven counts of wire fraud and three counts of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. He pleaded guilty on Friday to the seven wire fraud charges and faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shane Romero, Chris Skillern and James Watson are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced in Possession of Stolen Handgun with Extended Magazine

body_text: WASHINGTON – Robert Geiger, 47, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced Friday to 33 months in prison for illegally possessing a loaded stolen handgun with an extended magazine, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Geiger pleaded guilty on Oct. 30, 2025, before Judge Trevor N. McFadden to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In addition to the 33-month prison term, Judge McFadden ordered Geiger to serve three years of supervised release. According to court documents, on March 11, 2024, about 7:25 p.m., Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers on patrol in the 1500 block of S Street SE approached a vehicle with heavily tinted windows that appeared to be idling. Officers observed the driver, later identified as Geiger, place an object to his side and pull his shirt over his waistband. After asking Geiger to exit the vehicle, officers conducted a protective pat-down and discovered a loaded 9mm Glock 19 with an extended magazine holding 25 rounds concealed in his waistband. The firearm had been reported stolen by the Nash County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina. This case was investigated by the MPD with valuable assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rajbir Datta. 25cr130 Police officers discovered a loaded 9mm Glock 19 with an extended magazine holding 25 rounds concealed in Geiger’s waistband.


title: Charlestown, Massachusetts Man Sentenced to 66 Months for Hobbs Act Robbery

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Rutland, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on March 27, 2026, Richard J. Vardenski, 57, of Charlestown, Massachusetts was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 66 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Vardenski previously pleaded guilty to interfering with commerce by robbing a convenience store in the Old North End of Burlington, Vermont. According to court records, Vardenski walked into a convenience store in the Old North End on August 25, 2024, pointed what appeared to be a pistol at the store clerk, demanded money, and took approximately $500 in cash from the register as well as a pack of cigarettes. Vardenski then left the store and fled in a Volvo. Investigators later recovered the apparent weapon used in the robbery, which was in fact a BB-gun. Vardenski was on federal supervised release at the time he committed the robbery, and has a criminal history that includes federal convictions for bank robbery and assault with intent to do bodily harm. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Burlington Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Vardenski was represented by Evan Barquist, Esq. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Two Grey Hills Man Sentenced for Assault with a Firearm

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Two Grey Hills man was sentenced to eight and a half year in prison for brandishing and discharging a firearm while threatening multiple individuals. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records, on February 28, 2025, James Smiley Jr. , 56, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, unlawfully entered a residence within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation and pointed a firearm at three individuals without provocation. During the incident, Smiley threatened to kill the victims and discharged the firearm into the ceiling. Smiley pleaded guilty to one count each of assault with a dangerous weapon and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Upon his release from prison, Smiley will be subject to three years of supervised release. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.


title: Justice Department Sues Minnesota to Protect Girls’ Sports and Intimate Spaces

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division today filed suit to enforce the protections of Title IX and ensure fairness and safety for female student athletes in Minnesota. According to the complaint, Defendants Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) have engaged in sex-based discrimination by requiring girls to compete against boys in athletic competitions that are designated exclusively for girls and allowing boys to invade intimate spaces designated exclusively for girls, such as multi-person locker rooms and bathrooms. These unfair, intentionally discriminatory practices violate the very core of Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity that receives federal funding. In open defiance of Title IX’s anti-discrimination protections, Minnesota’s policies and practices create unfair competition, deny girls equal athletic opportunities, and expose girls to a hostile educational environment with heightened risks of physical injury and psychological harm. The lawsuit thus seeks declaratory, injunctive, and damages relief for violations of Title IX. “The Trump Administration does not tolerate flawed state policies that ignore biological reality and unfairly undermine girls on the playing field,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice is proud to partner with HHS and the Department of Education to protect our girls in Minnesota and across the country.” “The Justice Department cannot ignore a state’s brazen defiance of federal antidiscrimination law,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “In service of radical gender ideology, Minnesota’s actions violate Title IX and deny female athletes their hard-earned trophies, records, dignity, and safety.” “We will not allow girls to be denied equal opportunity and basic privacy,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “Title IX is clear: schools that accept federal funding must protect the rights, safety, and dignity of female students.” “The Trump Administration will always fight for the safety and civil rights of women and girls,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “Minnesota’s policies allow men to dominate women’s sports, denying female athletes fair competition and eroding their right to equal access in educational programs and activities. Thank you to Attorney General Bondi for bringing this fight to the courts to hold Minnesota accountable.” MDE receives more than $3 billion in federal funding from the United States Department of Education and the United States Department of Health and Human Services. As a condition to receiving this federal funding, MDE agreed to comply and ensure its funding subrecipients, including local schools, comply with Title IX. Minnesota law and local schools have ceded responsibility for scholastic sports to MSHSL. MDE has authority over MSHSL and local schools’ athletic policies, including nondiscrimination rules. MSHSL currently has more than 500 member schools. The complaint is available here .


title: D.C. Man Gets 23 Years in Prison for Murder in a Northwest Park

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Quateze Moore, 46, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to a total 23 years in prison for shooting and killing Martinez Robinson on August 23, 2024, and possession with intent to distribute while armed on January 1, 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Moore pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and possession of a controlled substance, (cocaine) with the intent to distribute it while armed on January 14, 2026. The Honorable Judge Jason Park ordered Moore to serve the 23-year prison term to be followed by five years of supervised release. According to the government’s evidence, on August 23, 2024, Moore and the victim, Martinez Robinson, were at 14th and Girard Street Park, when they encountered one another. A short time later, Robinson ran out of the park and Moore followed. Moore was shooting at the victim as he was running away. The defendant struck Robinson three times, hitting him once in the right arm, once in the right thigh, and once in the torso, causing injuries from which Robinson died. The defendant’s dog, Ace, was also struck by his gunfire and killed. Robinson was in possession of a Glock 23 .40 caliber firearm with a laser, a giggle-switch and 19 live cartridges in a 22-capacity magazine, which he had not fired. When Moore was arrested on January 1, 2024, Metropolitan Police Department officers recovered a firearm and a clear plastic bag from in between the center console, which contained numerous substances that, after chemical testing, yielded positive results for cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and oxycodone. He has been in custody since his arrest. Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Dinan, who prosecuted the case. 2025 CF1 000077


title: Six Pittsburgh-Area Defendants Charged with Hate Crime and Obstruction of Justice for Late-Night Antisemitic Attack on Jewish Male

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has charged six residents of the greater Pittsburgh area with violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, obstructing justice, and conspiring to obstruct justice in relation to a September 2024 attack on a Jewish male in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The seven-count Indictment named Muhammed Koc, 27, of Pittsburgh; Omar Alshmari, 28, of Monroeville; Abraham Choudhry, 22, of Monroeville; Emirhan Arslan, 24, of McKees Rocks; Ali Alkhaleel, 19, of Pittsburgh; and Adeel Piracha, 22, of Murrysville, as defendants. “We will prosecute this alleged act of violent antisemitism to the fullest extent of the law,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will always protect the First Amendment right to worship freely and without fear for Jewish Americans and all Americans of faith.” “As alleged in the Indictment, this incident began with two defendants physically attacking an individual because of the victim’s Jewish identity,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “Then, these defendants corruptly colluded with one another to provide false and misleading testimony before a federal grand jury tasked with investigating the assault. Obstruction is illegal and undermines the pursuit of justice; it will not be tolerated within our legal system, particularly when defendants testify falsely in an effort to protect individuals who commit hate crimes and acts of violence.” According to the Indictment, on or about September 27, 2024, at 2:01 a.m., the defendants except for Piracha were all part of a group that made virulent antisemitic statements to a passerby in Oakland upon seeing the individual’s necklace bearing a Star of David pendant. Following a verbal confrontation, during which additional antisemitic comments were made, Koc and Alshmari physically attacked the victim, causing bodily injury that included physical pain, a split lip, and headaches. The Indictment charges Koc and Alshmari, aiding and abetting one another, with willfully causing bodily injury to the victim because of the individual’s actual and perceived race and religion. Later that day, and throughout the following months, Piracha and the other defendants discussed the incident via social media messaging and group chats, during which Alshmari identified himself and Koc as two of the individuals listed in a University of Pittsburgh crime alert about the attack. In subsequent conversations by text messaging, both Alshmari and Koc admitted to being involved in the attack on the victim. The Indictment further alleges that the defendants conspired with one another to obstruct and did obstruct the due administration of justice regarding this crime by, for example, agreeing to falsely align their testimony about the attack and providing false and misleading information before the federal grand jury. Several defendants testified falsely as to whether they or others struck the victim, whether the attack was related to the victim’s Jewish identity and Star of David necklace, and whether they had discussed with any others what to say to the grand jury, among other false statements. Read the full Indictment here . “Antisemitism has no place in our country,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to investigate allegations of violence against people of faith and will work to ensure the safe exercise of religious practices—whether that be through wearing religious symbols or visiting houses of worship.” “Violence that targets someone because of their religious beliefs is unacceptable in American society,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. “Freedom of religion is a fundamental principle at the core of many communities across our nation. FBI Pittsburgh and our local, state, and federal partners stand committed to protecting all faith communities from acts of hatred and intimidation. Incidents such as this will be met with a swift, decisive law enforcement response as we will pursue those believed responsible with the full force of the law.” For the hate crime and obstruction of justice counts, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. For the conspiracy to obstruct justice count, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Carl J. Spindler and Trial Attorney Adam Hassanein from the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, aided by the University of Pittsburgh Police, conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


body_text: A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has charged six residents of the greater Pittsburgh area with violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, obstructing justice, and conspiring to obstruct justice in relation to a September 2024 attack on a Jewish male in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The seven-count indictment named Muhammed Koc, 27, of Pittsburgh; Omar Alshmari, 28, of Monroeville; Abraham Choudhry, 22, of Monroeville; Emirhan Arslan, 24, of McKees Rocks; Ali Alkhaleel, 19, of Pittsburgh; and Adeel Piracha, 22, of Murrysville, as defendants. “We will prosecute this alleged act of violent antisemitism to the fullest extent of the law,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will always protect the First Amendment right to worship freely and without fear for Jewish Americans and all Americans of faith.” “The FBI's work to protect the American people and uphold the constitution includes the assurance to every single American that they are allowed to practice their religion without fear of harm,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “These defendants were not only charged for the alleged violence but also the additional act of obstructing justice. The FBI and its partners will simply not allow that to happen without consequence.” “Antisemitism has no place in our country,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to investigate allegations of violence against people of faith and will work to ensure the safe exercise of religious practices — whether that be through wearing religious symbols or visiting houses of worship.” “As alleged in the indictment, this incident began with two defendants physically attacking an individual because of the victim’s Jewish identity,” said U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “Then, these defendants corruptly colluded with one another to provide false and misleading testimony before a federal grand jury tasked with investigating the assault. Obstruction is illegal and undermines the pursuit of justice; it will not be tolerated within our legal system, particularly when defendants testify falsely in an effort to protect individuals who commit hate crimes and acts of violence.” “Violence that targets someone because of their religious beliefs is unacceptable in American society,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office. “Freedom of religion is a fundamental principle at the core of many communities across our nation. FBI Pittsburgh and our local, state, and federal partners stand committed to protecting all faith communities from acts of hatred and intimidation. Incidents such as this will be met with a swift, decisive law enforcement response as we will pursue those believed responsible with the full force of the law.” According to the indictment, on or about Sept. 27, 2024, at 2:01 a.m., the defendants except for Piracha were all part of a group that made virulent antisemitic statements to a passerby in Oakland upon seeing the individual’s necklace bearing a Star of David pendant. Following a verbal confrontation, during which additional antisemitic comments were made, Koc and Alshmari physically attacked the victim, causing bodily injury that included physical pain, a split lip, and headaches. The indictment charges Koc and Alshmari, aiding and abetting one another, with willfully causing bodily injury to the victim because of the individual’s actual and perceived race and religion. Later that day, and throughout the following months, Piracha and the other defendants discussed the incident via social media messaging and group chats, during which Alshmari identified himself and Koc as two of the individuals listed in a University of Pittsburgh crime alert about the attack. In subsequent conversations by text messaging, both Alshmari and Koc admitted to being involved in the attack on the victim. The indictment further alleges that the defendants conspired with one another to obstruct and did obstruct the due administration of justice regarding this crime by, for example, agreeing to falsely align their testimony about the attack and providing false and misleading information before the federal grand jury. Several defendants testified falsely as to whether they or others struck the victim, whether the attack was related to the victim’s Jewish identity and Star of David necklace, and whether they had discussed with any others what to say to the grand jury, among other false statements. For the hate crime and obstruction of justice counts, the law provides for a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. For the conspiracy to obstruct justice count, the law provides for a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. The FBI, aided by the University of Pittsburgh Police, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl J. Spindler for the Western District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Adam Hassanein of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Note : Read the full Indictment here .


title: Pharmacist indicted for stealing drugs from employer

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas pharmacist for allegedly taking prescription drugs from a former employer for his personal use. According to court documents, Logan Marshall Abbott, 33, of Maize was indicted on one count of acquiring and obtaining a controlled substance by deception/subterfuge. Abbott is accused of using his position as a pharmacist to illegally acquire amphetamine (Adderall), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), methylphenidate (Ritalin), and oxycodone from his employer without authorization. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case. OTHER INDICTMENTS Marcus S. Castillo, 45, of Wichita was indicted on three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Wichita Police Department is investigating the case. Ramiro M. Ciprian-De La Cruz, 32, an illegal alien from Guatemala was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case. David Colorado-Loredo. 47, an illegal alien from Mexico was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case. Brooklyn Edward McKnight, 28, of Marquette was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Five Charged in $3.5M Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — The United States District Court for the District of South Carolina has unsealed an indictment charging five individuals for their roles in a fraud and money laundering scheme that resulted in a cumulative loss of at least $3.5 million. The following have been charged for their roles in the scheme: Xavier Gordon, 25, of Charleston; Warner Gordon, 27, of Charleston; Kevin Milton Simpson, 30, of Charleston; Tashagae Narcia Leslie, 25, of Orlando, Florida; and Kemar Christopher Edwards, 28, of Charleston. The indictment alleges that the defendants engaged in a scheme to deceive individuals by convincing them that they were the winners of cash prizes from sweepstakes. The defendants would then claim that before the victims could receive their winnings, they had to pay taxes and fees. Believing they had won, the victims transferred money to the defendants either through the mail or by wire transfer. After receiving the money, the defendants are alleged to have laundered the funds and then transferred a portion of the proceeds to individuals located in Jamaica. The indictment alleges that the victims lost more than $3.5 million through the scheme, and that a substantial portion of the more than 100 victims were elderly. Xavier Gordon is charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud; multiple counts of mail fraud; wire fraud; and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Xavier Gordon faces a maximum penalty of 30 years' imprisonment, a maximum fine of $500,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. Warner Gordon is charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud; mail fraud; multiple counts of wire fraud; and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Warner Gordon faces a maximum penalty of 30 years' imprisonment, a maximum fine of $500,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. Kevin Milton Simpson is charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Simpson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years' imprisonment, a maximum fine of $500,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. Tashagae Narcia Leslie is charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Leslie faces a maximum penalty of 30 years' imprisonment, a maximum fine of $500,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. Kemar Christopher Edwards is charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Edwards faces a maximum penalty of 30 years' imprisonment, a maximum fine of $500,000, and a term of supervised release of three years. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whit Sowards is prosecuting the case. All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Former Newport News firefighter pleads guilty to sexually abusing an infant and distributing videos of the abuse

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Suffolk man pled guilty on March 25 to production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and coercion of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. According to court documents, beginning in October 2024, Alex Tyler Buenaga, 32, began sexually assaulting a three-month-old infant, filming the abuse, and distributing the resultant CSAM online. Buenaga invited others, including Ryan Wade Johnston, 45, of Virginia Beach, to his residence to participate in the sexual abuse and smoke methamphetamine. Buenaga, a former Newport News firefighter, recorded himself sexually abusing the infant over 90 times and on at least one occasion, recorded himself blowing methamphetamine smoke in the infant’s face. On Jan. 24, 2025, in response to an emergency tip that a user of the Telegram instant messaging application was producing and distributing CSAM, agents with the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force located and proceeded to Buenaga’s residence. Buenaga and Johnston were arrested before they could inflict additional abuse on the infant. Buenaga is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 22 and faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life plus 60 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Johnston is charged with production of CSAM, receipt of CSAM, coercion and enticement of a minor, and possession of CSAM. A bench trial for Johnston is scheduled for June 15. The FBI’s Norfolk Field Office investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph L. Kosky is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-31.


title: Broker Charged With Insider Trading And Obstruction Of Justice

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging RONALD SMITH, formerly a registered broker at a brokerage firm in New York City, with securities fraud, wire fraud, falsification of records, and conspiracy. The charges arise from an alleged insider trading scheme in which SMITH used confidential corporate deal information stolen from an investment bank in New York City to make millions of dollars in illegal profits trading securities on behalf of himself, his girlfriend, and his brokerage clients. SMITH will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels. “As alleged, Ronald Smith used confidential deal information stolen from an investment bank in New York City to generate millions in profits for himself, his girlfriend, and his clients,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The hallmarks of our world-leading securities markets are transparency and fairness. Insider trading undermines those principles, and our Office will continue to work vigorously to hold insider traders accountable.” As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court: SMITH was a registered broker at a brokerage firm in New York City, where he worked with his fellow broker and friend, Jordan Meadow. Over time, SMITH and Meadow came to share a book of clients and would split commissions on trades executed in those clients’ accounts. In 2021, Meadow started receiving information about planned corporate acquisitions from a source with illicit access to confidential investment banking documents. Meadow provided the stolen information to SMITH, and they each placed securities trades based on the information even though they understood the information had been wrongfully obtained. Meadow received the stolen information from his friend, Steven Teixeira, who obtained it by secretly accessing confidential work documents on a computer belonging to Teixeira’s then-girlfriend, an executive assistant at an investment bank. Those documents contained confidential information about planned corporate acquisitions in which the investment bank served as an adviser. Among the planned corporate acquisitions that Teixeira learned about by secretly accessing his then-girlfriend’s computer were planned acquisitions of Score Media and Gaming Inc. and of VMware, Inc. Teixeira shared that information with Meadow, who, in turn, shared it with SMITH. Despite knowing that the information came from an illicit source, SMITH and Meadow profitably traded on it: they purchased Score and VMware securities before any public announcement of acquisitions and then sold those securities at a profit after the public announcements of the acquisitions caused the stock prices to rise. SMITH and Meadow used the stolen information not only to trade for themselves, but also to place trades on behalf of some of their brokerage firm clients. As a result of that trading, SMITH earned approximately $484,000 in profits on Score and $47,000 on VMware; he earned his girlfriend approximately $25,000 in profits trading the securities; and together, SMITH and Meadow earned nearly $5 million in profits for their clients, on which they earned approximately $500,000 in commissions. In exchange for receiving the profitable confidential information, SMITH and Meadow agreed to give gifts or other compensation to the sources of the information, including Rolex watches (although they never followed through on providing compensation). In the fall of 2021, FINRA contacted SMITH and Meadow, inquiring into what motivated their decision to invest in Score. SMITH and Meadow coordinated their responses, in which they falsely conveyed that their Score trades were based on research into publicly available information about the company and its sector, and not based on material nonpublic information. * * * SMITH, 37, of Stamford, Connecticut, is charged with three counts of securities fraud under Title 15, one count of wire fraud, and one count of falsification of records, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of securities fraud under Title 18, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison; and two counts of conspiracy, each of which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The 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 outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which today filed a separate action. This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas W. Chiuchiolo and Samuel P. Rothschild are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Employees and Inmates at Citrus County Detention Facility Charged with Bribery and Introduction of Contraband

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the unsealing of four indictments charging employees, inmates, and associates of inmates at the Citrus County Detention Facility (CCDF) with bribery and drug-related charges. The unsealed indictments charge the following individuals: Name Charges Maximum Penalty Justin Harvey (50) Inverness, Florida Acceptance of a Bribe by a Public Official Introduction of Contraband to a Prison 15 years in prison Dekarri Nixon (28) Jasper, Florida Acceptance of a Bribe by a Public Official 15 years in prison Courtney Smith (35) Brooksville, Florida Conspiracy to Bribe a Public Official Acceptance of a Bribe by a Public Official Introduction of Contraband into a Prison 15 years in prison Joshua Gallimore (31) Dade City, Florida Conspiracy to Bribe a Public Official Five Years in Prison Nicole Knecht (43) Beverly Hills, Florida Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances Conspiracy to Bribe Public Officials Acceptance of a Bribe by a Public Official 20 years in prison Ashley Fraccalvieri (41) Spring Hill, Florida Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances Conspiracy to Bribe Public Officials Bribery of Public Officials 20 years in prison April Vanzant (58) Lady Lake, Florida Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances Conspiracy to Bribe Public Officials Bribery of Public Officials 20 years in prison Ernest Grimaldi (40) Lecanto, Florida Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances Conspiracy to Bribe Public Officials 20 years in prison This group of indictments charge employees and inmates of the CCDF. This facility is a private jail where federal inmates are held in custody while awaiting trial or sentencing for matters pending in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Like all prisons, this facility was intended to be a secure facility, and contraband, like cellphones and controlled substances, are prohibited. Across the four indictments, the above named individuals are charged with violating the law by ignoring the facility’s secure nature and bringing in cellphones and controlled substances in exchange for money. According to the first indictment, Justin Harvey was a correctional officer at CCDF. While there, an inmate (working at law enforcement’s direction) approached Harvey and requested that Harvey bring in a contraband cellphone. Harvey agreed to do so. And to effectuate that smuggling, Harvey met up with another person to receive that cellphone and $4,000 as payment. Harvey later smuggled the cellphone into CCDF and gave it to the inmate. Like Harvey, the second indictment that charges Dekarri Nixon alleges that Nixon also worked as correctional officer at CCDF. While Nixon was employed at CCDF, an inmate (working at law enforcement’s direction) approached Nixon and requested a cellphone from Nixon. Nixon met with another person outside the jail and accepted $4,000 to introduce a cellphone to CCDF. According to the third indictment, Courtney Smith and Joshua Gallimore worked together to introduce contraband into CCDF. Smith worked as a commissary worker at the facility, while Gallimore was a federal inmate. Smith agreed to smuggle contraband into the facility for Gallimore, and in return, Smith received at least $5,700 in bribes from Gallimore and his associates. Through this scheme, Smith smuggled a cellphone into facility in exchange for approximately $300. The fourth indictment alleges that Nicole Knecht, Ashley Fraccalvieri, Ernest Grimaldi, and April Vanzant worked together to introduce contraband, including controlled substances, into CCDF in exchange for money. Knecht worked as a nurse at the facility and Fraccalvieri previously worked as a correctional officer there. Grimaldi was a state inmate at the facility. This group worked together to introduce controlled substances and other contraband into the facility. Grimaldi directed Knecht and Fraccalvieri, via the facility’s jail call system, to receive contraband from individuals outside the CCDF for smuggling into the facility. Knecht received money from Fraccalvieri and Grimaldi for her smuggling services. Eventually, law enforcement stopped Knecht with controlled substances after she met with Fraccalvieri. Knecht planned to smuggle these controlled substances into CCDF. Law enforcement officers later stopped Fraccalvieri with more than 400 oxycodone pills that were to be introduced into the facility. Fraccalvieri had obtained these pills after meeting with Vanzant. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. These cases were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. They will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Buchanan. Indictment 1 Indictment 2 Indictment 3 Indictment 4


title: Maryland Man Charged With Defrauding Crypto Exchange Of Over $50 Million In Hacks

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Kevin Murphy, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) San Diego, announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging JONATHAN SPALLETTA, a/k/a “Cthulhon,” a/k/a “Jspalletta,” with computer fraud and money laundering in connection with his hacks of the decentralized cryptocurrency exchange Uranium Finance (“Uranium”). SPALLETTA surrendered today and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff. “As alleged, Jonathan Spalletta repeatedly hacked smart contracts to steal millions of dollars’ worth of other people’s money for himself, and destroyed a cryptocurrency exchange in the process,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “In describing his alleged ‘heist,’ Spalletta told another individual ‘Crypto is just fake internet money anyway.’ Stealing from a crypto exchange is stealing—the claim that ‘crypto is different’ does not change that. For the victims, there is nothing different about having your money taken. Spalletta cost real victims real losses of tens of millions of dollars, and now he’s under real arrest.” “This indictment demonstrates HSI’s commitment to protecting the integrity of financial systems and holding cybercriminals accountable, regardless of the complexity or novelty of their schemes,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Murphy. “HSI will continue to aggressively pursue those who exploit vulnerabilities in emerging technologies for personal gain and ensure that justice is served for victims of these crimes.” As alleged in the Indictment: [1] Uranium was a decentralized cryptocurrency exchange that allowed users to deposit and exchange different kinds of cryptocurrencies via liquidity pools. In April 2021, SPALLETTA committed two separate hacks of Uranium. In the first hack, on April 8, 2021, SPALLETTA engaged in a deceptive series of transactions with Uranium’s smart contract that SPALLETTA used to withdraw far more “rewards” in cryptocurrency than he was authorized to receive. He repeated those transactions over and over until he had drained the liquidity pool of nearly all its rewards tokens. In total, SPALLETTA successfully extracted cryptocurrency worth approximately $1.4 million in the first hack. Approximately two weeks after he fraudulently obtained the funds, SPALLETTA told another individual in writing, “I did a crypto heist of $1.5MM a couple of weeks ago . . . There was a bug in a smart contract, and I exploited it . . . Crypto is all fake internet money anyway.” SPALLETTA subsequently extorted Uranium into agreeing to allow him to keep approximately $386,000 of the money he stole as a sham “bug bounty” to help him evade prosecution in exchange for return of the remainder of the stolen money to Uranium. In the second hack, on April 28, 2021, SPALLETTA exploited an error in the Uranium smart contract that governed how much cryptocurrency he could withdraw in a liquidity pool on Uranium. SPALLETTA exploited that issue across 26 separate Uranium liquidity pools, fraudulently obtaining approximately $53.3 million in cryptocurrency and causing Uranium to shut down due to lack of funds. SPALLETTA then laundered the funds he had fraudulently obtained from Uranium through a complex series of cryptocurrency transactions, including by using the cryptocurrency mixer Tornado Cash. After laundering the funds, SPALLETTA used the money he had fraudulently obtained to purchase personal collectable items, including but not limited to (i) rare cards for the trading card game Magic: The Gathering (“Magic Cards”); (ii) rare cards for the trading card game Pokémon (the “Pokémon Cards”); and (iii) antique Roman coins (the “Antique Coins”), among other items. In particular, SPALLETTA used the fraudulently obtained funds to purchase: (i) a “Black Lotus” Magic Card for approximately $500,000; (ii) 18 packs of sealed “Alpha Booster” Magic Cards for approximately $1,512,500; (iii) one sealed box of first edition “Booster” Pokémon Cards for approximately $257,500; (iv) one first edition complete base set of Pokémon Cards for approximately $750,000; (v) a piece of fabric from the original Wright brothers’ airplane that was subsequently transported to the surface of the moon by astronaut Neil Armstrong on the first moon landing, for approximately $137,500; (vi) one “Eid Mar Denarius,” an Antique Coin commemorating the assassination of Julius Caesar, for approximately $601,545. Photographs of the Black Lotus Magic Card, the piece of fabric from the original Wright brothers’ airplane that was subsequently transported to the surface of the moon by astronaut Neil Armstrong, and certain of the Antique Coins, all of which were seized from the residence of SPALLETTA pursuant to a judicially-authorized search warrant, are below. In addition, on February 24, 2025, law enforcement seized pursuant to a judicially-authorized seizure warrant cryptocurrency worth approximately $31 million at the time of seizure that SPALLETTA had fraudulently obtained from Uranium. If you believe you have been a victim of the Uranium hack, please contact UraniumVictims@hsi.dhs.gov. * * * SPALLETTA, 36, of Rockville, Maryland, is charged with one count of computer fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; and one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential 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 a judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of HSI. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mead and William C. Kinder are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitutes only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.


title: Armed Cobb County drug dealer who ran from police sentenced to federal prison

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – Traon Turk, an armed felon and drug dealer who led police on a car chase in Marietta, Georgia, has been sentenced to over seven years in federal prison following his convictions for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. “Just weeks after his release from state prison, Turk picked up where he left off, trafficking deadly drugs while armed with a loaded pistol and attempting to outrun the police,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Thankfully, solid collaboration between law enforcement agencies produced a federal prosecution, removing this repeat offender from our community for several years.” “Our partnership with the Cobb County Police Department has been critical in moving this case forward and ensuring accountability. Today’s sentencing makes it clear that armed drug dealers will be held responsible, and we will continue to pursue anyone who threatens the safety of our communities,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd. According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On April 4, 2020, the Cobb County Police Department observed an SUV that reportedly had been involved in a drive-by shooting days earlier. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver, Turk, fled at a high rate of speed, bailed out of the moving car, and left his five passengers behind. While running from the police, Turk dropped a loaded .40 caliber pistol that officers quickly recovered. About an hour later, the police found Turk hiding in an abandoned vehicle and arrested him. Officers then found a bag of 24 pills containing methamphetamine in his pants pocket. He was also carrying a phone that was replete with evidence of drug dealing activity. In the SUV Turk had been driving, law enforcement located a larger bag of ecstasy pills containing methamphetamine, numerous pieces of pills matching the pills recovered from Turk’s pocket, counterfeit Percocet pills containing methamphetamine, counterfeit Xanax pills, and individually packaged bags of marijuana. Turk had been previously convicted of numerous felonies in Cobb County, including violation of the street gang terrorism and prevention act, possession of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, obstruction of law enforcement officers, and theft by receiving stolen property. Traon Turk, 31, of Austell, Georgia, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr. to serve seven years, eight months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. A federal jury convicted Turk on November 17, 2025, of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Turk had previously pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025, to possessing a firearm unlawfully. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Cobb County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Hwang, Michael Herskowitz, Laurel Milam, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Annalise Peters prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Nevada Man Indicted for Attempted Child Sexual Exploitation and Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Nevada man made his initial appearance in court on Friday to face allegations of attempting to coerce children to produce sexually explicit content and receiving child sexual abuse material. As alleged in the indictment, between about January 6, 2023, and about May 29, 2024, Carl Schilbe attempted to order and coordinate the live streaming of the sexual abuse of children. Between about April 18, 2024, and about April 19, 2024, Schilbe received child sexual abuse material. Schilbe is charged with three counts of attempted sexual exploitation of children and one count of receipt of child pornography. If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement. This case was investigated by HSI. Assistant United States Attorney Afroza Yeasmin of the District of Nevada and Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Registered Sex Offender Charged With Attempted Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced today the arrest of LOUIS K. WEST III. WEST, a registered sex offender, is charged with communicating online with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old girl and attempting to meet the individual to engage in sexual activities and record the encounter. WEST was taken into federal custody on Friday, March 27, 2026, presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court, and detained. “There are few crimes as horrific as the sexual exploitation of our children, particularly in cases like this one where the defendant has a history of sexual violence,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “New York families have zero tolerance for this conduct, and we are acting on their behalf. Please read the allegations in this complaint and, if you think you see something similar, say something: call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or use the online tips page: https://tips.fbi.gov .” “Louis West, a registered sex offender, allegedly attempted to arrange a sexual encounter with a minor victim before authorities intercepted him,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “West allegedly sought to sexually abuse a young teenager for his own twisted gratification. The FBI continues to partner with state and local law enforcement to target sexual predators seeking to harm vulnerable children.” As alleged in the Complaint: [1] On March 26, 2026, WEST was identified as part of a multi-agency enticement operation. WEST attempted to meet with an underage minor female for the purpose of engaging in sex acts. WEST negotiated the details of a sexual encounter with an undercover law enforcement officer (“Officer-1”). Officer-1 and WEST agreed on a place to meet for WEST to engage in sex with the minor. Later that evening, WEST arrived at the agreed upon meeting location and spoke with another undercover law enforcement officer (“Officer-2”). When asked if he had brought condoms, WEST confirmed that he had and flashed a condom from inside his pocket. WEST confirmed that he could “take his time” with the minor. Officer-2 moved to enter the location where WEST believed the 14-year-old to be located, and WEST followed. At that point, WEST was arrested by FBI agents. Upon searching WEST, agents found covert recording equipment, including a hidden camera disguised as an alarm clock and a pair of apparent video recording eyeglasses. * * * WEST, 50, of Poughkeepsie, New York, is charged with one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of coercion and enticement of a minor, and one count of committing a felony offense involving a minor as a registered sex offender. The statutory minimum for these charges is 35 years in prison, and the maximum is life in prison. The statutory minimum and 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’s New York Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, New York State Police - Troop F, Internet Crimes Against Children Proactive Investigations Unit - Albany, Special Operation Response Team, Orange County Sheriff's Office, Town of Newburgh Police Department, Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center, the New York State Intelligence Center, Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, and the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Isabelle Lelogeais 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.