title: Akris Inc. Agrees to Pay Over $1.8 Million to Resolve Allegations of PPP Loan Fraud

body_text: BOSTON – Akris Inc. has agreed to pay over $1.8 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by obtaining a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan for which it was not eligible. As detailed in the settlement agreement , Akris admitted that, in March 2021, it applied for a second draw PPP loan and certified that it was eligible to receive the loan under the PPP rules. When it applied, Akris, together with its foreign affiliate, had over 300 employees. On Jan. 8, 2021, the Small Business Association (SBA) announced the availability of a second round of PPP loans, known as the “second draw” PPP loans. Businesses with more than 300 employees were not eligible for second draw loans. The settlement credits Akris for cooperation under the Department of Justice’s Guidelines for Taking Voluntary Disclosure, Cooperation and Remediation into Account in False Claims Act Matters. The claims resolved in today’s settlement include claims that were brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. As part of today’s resolution, the whistleblower will receive approximately $183,000. Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and the Economic Security Act (CARES Act) on March 29, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain approved expenses through the PPP. On May 5, 2020, the Small Business Administration (SBA) issued guidance that explained that, for purposes of meeting size eligibility requirements (i.e. whether the applicant is a “small business concern” or otherwise falls below the cap on employee headcount) an applicant must count all its employees and the employees of its U.S. and foreign affiliates, absent a waiver of, or an exception to, the affiliation rules. SBA’s guidance also made clear that it would only enforce this rule prospectively, i.e., for applications made on or after May 5, 2020. On Jan. 8, 2021, SBA announced the availability of a second round of PPP loans, known as the “second draw” PPP loans. Businesses with more than 300 employees were not eligible for second draw loans. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and the U.S. Small Business Administration made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Sharobem of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit handled the matter.


title: Philadelphia Man Sentenced to Eight and a Half Years in Prison for Violent Center City Carjacking

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

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Damon Bell, 32, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 102 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and $14,711.27 in restitution by United States District Judge Mia Roberts Perez for carrying out a carjacking in April 2024. Bell was charged by indictment with one count of carjacking in October 2024 and pleaded guilty in July of last year. As detailed in the indictment and other public filings, on April 15, 2024, at approximately 3:20 a.m., the victim was sitting in his car in a surface parking lot at 13 th and Vine streets in Center City Philadelphia. The defendant and three other individuals approached the victim, displayed guns, and demanded his keys. The victim tried to drive away, but the offenders’ vehicle blocked him into a spot. When the victim then heeded the carjackers’ demands and got out of his car, they pistol-whipped him repeatedly in the head. At that point, the victim managed to escape the area on foot. Bell and his co-conspirators split up among the two vehicles, leaving the scene in the victim’s car and the one they had arrived in. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Eckert and Special Assistant United States Attorney David Osborne.


body_text: Previously Convicted Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Nearly Six Years for Illegally Possessing a Firearm and Ammunition CONCORD – A Manchester man and previously convicted felon was sentenced today in federal court for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Ignacio Hernandez, age 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to 70 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. In April 2025, Hernandez pleaded guilty to one count of possession of ammunition by a prohibited person. “Despite being a convicted felon who cannot legally possess a firearm and despite being on federal supervision for drug trafficking and illegally possessing a firearm, the defendant chose to arm himself with a gun and a loaded high-capacity magazine” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “The public must be protected from repeat offenders who try to get their hands on dangerous weapons.” “Ignacio Hernandez persisted in criminal activity despite receiving a prior federal prison sentence,” said ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas A. Greco. “Returning him to federal custody protects the community and interrupts his habitual criminality. This case also serves as an excellent illustration of the partnerships ATF enjoys with our local police department counterparts. The Manchester Police Department’s outstanding work was further enhanced by using ATF’s resources to secure a federal prosecution.” According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2024, the Manchester Police Department received a tip that a man known as “Cali” was on “federal parole” and kept a firearm in the back of his car. The Manchester Police identified “Cali” as Ignacio Hernandez. Hernandez was on supervised release after serving a federal prison sentence for two federal felonies: possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm. After obtaining a search warrant, the Manchester Police Department stopped Hernandez while he was driving and searched his car. In the trunk, they found a small black satchel that contained a semiautomatic Sig Sauer .40 caliber pistol and an extended magazine loaded with twenty-three .40 caliber rounds of ammunition. As a felon, federal law prohibits the defendant from owning or possessing ammunition or firearms. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The U.S. Probation Office and the Manchester Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter prosecuted the case.


title: Two Fort Eustis soldiers sentenced to prison for child sexual abuse material

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Two enlisted Army personnel formerly stationed at Fort Eustis were sentenced to prison for convictions relating child sexual abuse material (CSAM). According to court documents, from February 2023 through April 2023, Hayden Scott Carpenter, 23, and Isaiah Luke Hood, 21, used social media platforms to engage in sexually graphic conversations with minors. An investigation revealed that Carpenter and Hood requested and received sexually graphic images and videos of the minors and sent sexually graphic images and videos to the minors. Carpenter and Hood victimized dozens of minors. On May 28, 2025, Hood pled guilty to production of CSAM. On Oct. 1, 2025, Hood was sentenced to 20 years in prison. On Aug. 6, 2025, Carpenter pled guilty to coercion and enticement of a child. Carpenter was sentenced today to 15 years in prison. The Washington Field Office of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Heath prosecuted the cases. 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 Nos. 4:25-cr-22 (Hood) and 4:25-cr-23 (Carpenter).


title: New York City Man Pleads Guilty to D.C. Swatting and Carjacking Incidents

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: WASHINGTON – Thierno Barry, 23, of Queens, New York, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to the March 2025 swatting of a random Northwest residence and a subsequent carjacking of an elderly couple the same day at Union Station, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Barry pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking, to one count of interstate transport of a stolen vehicle, and to making false alarms and reports before Judge Reggie B. Walton. According to court documents filed by the Government, at about midnight on March 31, 2025, Barry was being pursued by Virginia State Police when he drove into the District. Barry abandoned the vehicle he was driving in an alley behind 4300 block of Reno Road, NW. Metropolitan Police officers responded to the area at 12:21 a.m., recovered the vehicle, but were unable to locate Barry. At 1:30 a.m., Barry called 911 and falsely reported to the operator that his ex-husband had shot his wife in the face and chest. He indicated that the shooter had driven away. Barry provided an address on Brandywine Street NW where he claimed the shooting had occurred. At the time Barry made the report, he knew that it was false. MPD responded to the address of the reported shooting and made contact with the residents of the house, who were asleep when MPD arrived. Barry remained in the area until 2:30 a.m., then traveled by bus to Union Station. At 3:37 a.m., Barry approached a Buick sedan occupied by an 88-year-old man and an 87-year-old woman who had been stopped directly in front of the station. Barry approached the driver’s side, then reached into the open window and opened the driver’s side door. Barry ordered the couple out of the car repeatedly, stating “Get out of the car! If you don’t, I’m gonna kill you.” Barry told the victims that he had a gun and held his hand in the pocket of his sweatshirt to imitate a firearm. The victims told Barry that they could not give him the car because they were on their way to the hospital, but Barry continued to threaten them and demand the car. With the driver’s door still opened, Barry grabbed hold of the driver’s upper body, physically wrenched him out of the vehicle, and threw him to the ground. Barry stepped over the man and climbed into the driver’s seat. The woman passenger got out of the car. With the doors still open and the man still on the ground, Barry drove away, eventually reaching a gas station in Greenbelt, Maryland. During that drive, images of the car were captured by a speed camera. Barry only stopped driving after the car suffered a flat tire. The Greenbelt Police Department apprehended Barry, who initially identified himself as with the alias “Usaman Barrie.” This case was investigated by the MPD, the FBI Washington Field Office, and the Greenbelt Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan M. Horan, who is detailed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office from the United States Capitol Police. 25cr175


title: Chicago Man Sentenced to 19 Years’ Imprisonment for Two Armed Carjackings and an Armed Robbery

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Brad D. Schimel, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on January 21, 2026, Donte Patterson (age 33) was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for his role in armed carjackings in Chicago and Milwaukee and an armed robbery in West Milwaukee. According to court records, Patterson committed an armed carjacking in Chicago on August 20, 2025, and then traveled to Milwaukee where, on the following day, Patterson committed a second armed carjacking and then an armed robbery in West Milwaukee. During each of the carjackings and the armed robbery, Patterson brandished a firearm. At his sentencing hearing, Chief District Judge Pamela Pepper focused on the serious nature of the offenses, noting that Patterson’s crimes imposed “psychological torture” on his victims. Chief Judge Pepper also noted the need to protect the public. “Donte Patterson is an extremely dangerous offender who has spent nearly all of his adult life in prison and committed this violent crime spree only 6 months after release from his prior prison sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Schimel. “There is clearly only one way for society to be safe from Patterson: lock him up. Thanks to the hard work of the law enforcement and prosecution team, our communities will get a much-needed break from his violent behavior.” "One of the FBI’s top priorities is crushing violent crime. The significant sentence for Donte Patterson reflects the seriousness of his criminal offenses and his status as a repeat offender,” said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Alan Karr. “The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify criminals who prey upon our communities and bring them to justice." The matter was investigated by FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crime Task Force, including the Milwaukee Police Department, as well as the West Milwaukee Police Department, and the Chicago Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie F. Stewart. # # # For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero (414) 297-1700 Follow us on X


title: Maryland Man Remains Detained on Charges of Producing Child Pornography

body_text: WASHINGTON – Daniel Ivan Cruz Ramirez, 28, of Brandywine, Maryland, was ordered detained pending trial today in U.S. District Court in connection with producing child pornography of a 13-year-old girl, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. On Jan. 13, 2026, Cruz Ramirez was charged by complaint with one count of sexual exploitation of a child for producing a 26-minute video depicting his rape of the 13-year-old victim. At a Jan. 22, 2026, detention hearing, Magistrate Judge Zia M. Faruqui detained Cruz Ramirez pending trial. “This case represents the ultimate nightmare for any parent,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “An individual who targets his victim at church, exploits a place meant to protect children – to prey on the most innocent and vulnerable. My office will use every tool available to bring to justice those who exploit our children.” According to court documents, Cruz Ramirez met the victim at church services when she was twelve-years-old. Cruz Ramirez began texting the victim and told her that he liked her on her first day of school in the eighth grade. Cruz Ramirez sexually abused the victim multiple times in 2025, including vaginally penetrating her. On Nov.17, 2025, Cruz Ramirez recorded a series of videos with the victim, including a 26-minute video depicting vaginal and oral penetration of the victim. This case was investigated by FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the Metropolitan Police Department’s Youth Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Kelley and Amanda Swanson. This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . 26mj2


title: New Haven Man Sentenced to 44 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing Gun on Federal Supervised Release

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ELBERT LLORRENS, 33, of New Haven, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 44 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a felon. According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation determined that, on February 25, 2024, after a traffic dispute, Llorrens fired a gunshot into an occupied vehicle on Vine Street in New Haven. West Haven Police arrested Llorrens on March 1, 2024, after finding Llorrens in possession of a loaded Smith & Wesson, model SD40 VE, .40 caliber pistol. Subsequent analysis of the firearm using the National Integrated Ballistic Identification Network (“NIBIN”) linked it to three separate gunfire incidents, including the Vine Street shooting on February 25, 2024. In March 2017, Llorrens was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 60 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for committing multiple carjackings and armed robberies, and he was on federal supervised release when he possessed the firearm. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce. Llorrens has been detained since March 1, 2024. He pleaded guilty to the offense on March 5, 2025. This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the New Haven Police Department, and the West Haven Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings.


title: Families need to know - dangerous vape products

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern


title: Denver Man Sentenced To 144 Months After Denver Crime Spree

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Jason Cisneros, 34, Denver, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence after a crime spree in Denver in March 2025. According to the plea agreement, on the afternoon of March 1, 2025, Cisneros stole a case of beer from a Denver area convenience store. When the store manager confronted him outside of the store, Cisneros showed the manager a 9mm firearm in his waistband and sped away from the scene. A short time later, Cisneros’ car broke down. The defendant got out of his stalled car and carjacked a vehicle from a woman who was loading her grandchildren into the car at the time. Cisneros took the car and sped away from that scene, but a short time later ran a red light and hit another car that contained two adults and three children. The defendant fled that scene on foot. He then approached a parked vehicle with his firearm brandished and opened a third victim’s driver door, pulled her out by her hair, and fled in that vehicle. Officers pursued Cisneros into downtown Denver until they were able to apprehend him near 14 th and Blake. Inside the last stolen car, police found the loaded 9mm handgun with a live round in the chamber. “This man went on a rampage across Denver and left a trail of victims in his wake,” said United States Attorney for the District of Colorado Peter McNeilly. “I am grateful to our law enforcement partners and the federal prosecutor who stopped his crime spree and made sure he no longer poses a danger to the community.” “When you threaten people with guns, carjack more than one individual and lead police on a chase, you get the attention of the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force,” said Marvin Massey, Acting Special Agent In Charge, FBI Denver. “This individual didn’t learn from a prior state prison sentence, and now he will serve federal time. “ United States District Judge Regina M. Rodriguez presided over the sentencing. The investigation was handled by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Denver Police Department The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brian Dunn. Case Number: 1:25-cr-00093-RMR


title: School Consultant Pleads Guilty to Kickback Conspiracy Connected to Covid-Era Programs Designed to Help Schoolchildren Access the Internet

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, school consultant Richard Bernstein pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States in connection with his agreement with others to steer federal funds to school vendors in exchange for a share of the vendors’ profits. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr. When sentenced, Bernstein faces up to five years’ imprisonment. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Fara Damelin, Inspector General, Federal Communications Commission (FCC), announced the guilty plea. “Bernstein’s scheme enriched himself and his co-conspirators at the expense of schools and schoolchildren,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Kickback schemes that illegally syphon public funds into private pockets are an insidious form of corruption, and our Office is committed to disrupting and prosecuting such conduct.” “This case demonstrates the continuing pattern of procurement fraud and kickbacks between consultants and vendors that threaten the integrity of FCC’s ECF and E-Rate programs. The defendant, an active consultant in this industry, used his status to defraud these programs, stated FCC Inspector General Damelin. “We will continue to identify and vigorously investigate bad actors who exploit FCC programs for personal gain to the detriment of students that these programs are meant to serve. I am proud of the outstanding work of our investigative and analytics teams as well as our law enforcement partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office-EDNY, Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, NASA, and the New York City Police Department. As set forth in the complaint, criminal information, and as discussed in court proceedings, Bernstein was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of E-Rate Consulting, LLC and the president of E-Rate Management Solutions Inc. (together, EMS), both of which are located in Woodmere, New York. EMS offered services to schools in New York and elsewhere related to the E-Rate and Emergency Connectivity Fund (“ECF”) programs. Both the E-Rate and the ECF programs are operated by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), with oversight from the FCC. The E-Rate program provides discounts to help eligible schools and libraries in the United States obtain affordable telecommunications and internet access. The ECF program provided funding to schools and libraries to assist them in supporting remote learning for students, staff, and library community members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bernstein acted as an agent for schools seeking access to resources under both the E-Rate and ECF programs. Bernstein agreed with vendors to steer the schools he served to work with those vendors; he simultaneously entered into secret side agreements with the vendors to share as much as half of their profits with him. For example, Bernstein provided consulting services to a school located in Nassau County (School #1) in 2021 and 2022. Bernstein connected that school with a vendor (Vendor #1), and School #1 agreed to receive equipment from Vendor #1. Vendor #1 purchased 130 Lenovo Chromebooks and 40 Lenovo laptops for School #1, and sought reimbursement for these purchases from USAC. USAC ultimately paid $68,000 to Vendor #1 on January 28, 2022. A few days later, EMS submitted an invoice to Vendor #1 for $11,500, representing 50% of Vendor #1’s profits for the equipment provided to School #1. Vendor #1 paid EMS $11,5000 on or about February 8, 2022. In total, EMS received more than $100,000 in kickbacks from vendors funded through the E-Rate and ECF programs. Bernstein has agreed to forfeit $137,576.64. This amount corresponds to the illicit proceeds he received from the scheme. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Zuckerwise and Eric Silverberg are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Special Agent Anthony Cunder and paralegal specialist Daniel Arakawa. The Defendants : RICHARD BERNSTEIN Age: 71 Israel E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-9 (RER)


title: California man sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for leading 90-kilogram methamphetamine ring that shipped drugs to central Ohio

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Troy Patterson, 55, of Beverly Hills, California, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 250 months in prison for shipping more than 90 kilograms of methamphetamine from southern California to Columbus for redistribution. In February 2025, a jury trial commenced in the case against Patterson. Shortly after the jury was selected, Patterson pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Court documents detail that he was responsible for nearly 14 kilograms of methamphetamine and more than 77 kilograms of narcotics mixtures containing methamphetamine. Between December 2020 and April 2023, Patterson shipped or instructed others to ship at least 150 parcels containing kilogram quantities of narcotics to central Ohio. Patterson is a repeat federal and local offender who has several convictions for violent crimes, including domestic violence and aggravated burglary. He was released from state prison just five months before this instant drug conspiracy began. Patterson has two prior federal drug trafficking convictions in 1991 and 2005 for which he served 168 months and 21 months in prison. Four co-defendants were also convicted and received prison sentences ranging from approximately three years to approximately 16 years in prison. 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. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Pittsburgh Division; and officials with the Ohio HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area); announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Pakiz and Jennifer Rausch are representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Manchester Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzlement and Tax Offenses

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that MARIA HIGGINS, 36, of Manchester, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 34 months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release for offenses stemming from two embezzlement schemes and related tax evasion. According to court documents and statements made in court, from mid-2018 to April 2022, Higgins was employed as a bookkeeper for New England Kitchen & Bath LLC in Glastonbury. Higgins stole from the business by issuing company checks payable to herself, often including the words “commission” or “bonus” in the memo line of the check, and used a signature handstamp of the company’s owner to issue the checks; initiating wire transfers to bank accounts in her name; creating a fictitious supplier and billing the company for fictious expenses; using company debit cards to pay for personal expenses; and overseeing a construction proposal for a legitimate client project, expensing incurred costs of the project through the company, and having the client pay her directly. Higgins stole $504,807 through this scheme. From February 2023 to April 2024, Higgins was employed as an accounting manager for PVC Solutions, Inc., in Danbury, a company that produces and distributes PVC products. Higgins stole from the company by issuing company checks payable to herself; creating duplicate vendor payment templates to initiate wire transfers to her personal bank account; creating fictitious suppliers to bill the company on her behalf; and paying personal expenses through the company’s bank account. Higgins manipulated the company’s accounting records to conceal her criminal activity. Higgins stole $356,181 through this scheme. Higgins failed to report approximately $768,650 of her stolen income on her personal federal income tax returns for the 2018 through 2023 tax years, resulting in a loss of $167,831 to the IRS. Judge Oliver ordered Higgins to pay full restitution to New England Kitchen & Bath, PVC Solutions, Inc., and the IRS. On September 9, 2025, Higgins pleaded guilty to one count of interstate transportation of stolen money and one count tax evasion. Higgins, who is released on a $50,000 bond, is required to report to prison on February 21. This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.


title: Bank Fraud Lands Edmond Man in Federal Prison after Stealing More Than $600,000 from Customer Accounts

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSEPH NICANOR ISEZAKI SAN NICOLAS , 34, of Edmond, has been sentenced to serve 46 months in federal prison for bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “This defendant exploited his access to sensitive financial information to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from unsuspecting customers,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that those who abuse the financial system for personal gain will be held accountable and face serious consequences.” “Mr. San Nicolas abused his position of trust within the financial system to enrich himself at the expense of those he was responsible for protecting,” said Christopher J. Altemus, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Dallas Field Office. “This conduct represents a grave violation of the law, and Mr. San Nicolas now faces the serious consequences of those actions. This investigation and the resulting sentence demonstrate the commitment of the women and men of IRS-CI to safeguarding the financial system and holding those who abuse it accountable.” According to public record, from January 2022 through May 2024, San Nicolas used his position at an Oklahoma-based credit union and later at a banking software provider to access and view private account data for customers. San Nicolas then used customers’ private banking information to make unauthorized withdrawals and payments from multiple victim accounts. In all, San Nicolas stole more than $600,000 from victims at three financial institutions and used the money for personal use, including the purchase of two vehicles. On August 20, 2025, a federal grand jury charged San Nicolas with bank fraud. San Nicolas pleaded guilty on October 14, 2025, and admitted he knowingly executed a scheme to steal money from victim accounts at the three financial institutions without permission or authorization. At the sentencing hearing on January 20, 2026, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced San Nicolas to serve 46 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $242,385.98, the amount of unrecouped losses. In announcing his sentence, Judge Heaton noted the seriousness of the offense and the need to deter others working in the financial system from abusing a position of trust to steal customer money. This case is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson D. Eldridge is prosecuting the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: International Arms Dealer Sentenced to 39 Months’ Imprisonment for Conspiring to Export American-Made Firearms and Ammunition to Russia

body_text: Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, Kyrgyz national Sergei Zharnovnikov was sentenced to 39 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to export American-made firearms. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Hector Gonzalez. The defendant illegally exported firearms and ammunition worth over $1.5 million from the United States to Russia, by way of Kyrgyzstan. Zharnovnikov does not have lawful permanent resident status and faces deportation upon sentencing. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Terence G. Reilly, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Jonathan Carson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office (DOC), announced the sentence. “The defendant bought American-made, military-grade firearms and ammunition and reexported them to Russia—the same brand of firearms and ammunition known to be used in Russia’s war against Ukraine,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our sanctions are only as effective as our ability to enforce them. Today’s sentence is a message to would-be violators: breaking this law has serious consequences.” “Sergei Zharnovnikov circumvented international trade law to illegally provide Russia with American firearms – including semiautomatic rifles – and ammunition worth more than one million dollars,” stated FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Reilly. “His blatant lies directly fueled Russia’s military siege against Ukraine with American-made weapons. May today’s sentencing reflect the FBI’s steadfast commitment to preventing enemy nations from exploiting export restrictions to accomplish their malevolent agendas.” According to court filings, the defendant was an arms dealer who operated through a company that he owned located in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (Kyrgyzstan Company-1). Since at least March 2020, the defendant, together with others, conspired to export firearms and ammunition controlled by the DOC from the United States to Russia. The defendant exported approximately $1.58 million worth of U.S.-manufactured firearms and ammunition from the United States to Russia. In one transaction, the defendant entered into a five‑year, $900,000 contract with a company in the United States (“U.S. Company‑1”) to purchase and export U.S. Company-1 firearms to Kyrgyzstan. DOC issued a license for U.S. Company-1 to export firearms to Kyrgyzstan Company-1, but the license prohibited the export or reexport of the firearms to Russia. Nevertheless, the defendant reexported U.S. Company‑1 firearms to Russia (via Kyrgyzstan), including semi‑automatic hybrid rifle-pistols., without a license In another transaction, the defendant reexported five rifles from a second U.S. Company (“U.S. Company-2”) to Russia, via Kyrgyzstan. Here too, the DOC license prohibited the rifles from being reexported out of Kyrgyzstan. Notably, U.S. Company-2 rifles have been used by Russian military snipers, including by Russian battalions known to be active in key battles in Ukraine. Finally, the defendant conspired to illegally reexport U.S.‑manufactured ammunition from Italy to Kyrgyzstan (and eventually Russia), in violation of U.S. law. The defendant, together with others, placed an order and received 13,000 rounds of ammunition from a third U.S. company (“U.S. Company-3”) worth $23,000 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan by way of Italy. The license for this ammunition required that the ammunition stay in Italy. Nevertheless, the defendant flouted U.S. law and reexported the U.S. Company-3 ammunition from Italy to Kyrgyzstan. U.S. Company-3 ammunition has reportedly been used in Russia’s war against Ukraine. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorney Ellen H. Sise is in charge of the prosecution, along with Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, with assistance from Litigation Analyst Rebecca Roth. The Defendants : SERGEI ZHARNOVNIKOV AGE: 47 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-45 (HG)


title: Wasilla man receives 30-year sentence for distribution of carfentanil, resulting in one fatal and one non-fatal overdose

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Wasilla man was sentenced today to 30 years in prison and will serve the rest of his life on court mandated supervision following release from federal custody for distributing carfentanil to two people, resulting in the near fatal overdose of an adult victim and the fatal overdose of a minor victim. According to court documents, on Nov. 14, 2024, Sean Mobley, 45, agreed to supply an individual with fentanyl powder to distribute to a third party. Mobley and the intermediary drove to a residence in Wasilla, where the intermediary sold the powder to an adult victim for $100. Shortly after the sale, the adult victim used the substance and overdosed. The adult victim was revived by Naloxone. Law enforcement later determined that the powdered substance that Mobley believed was fentanyl was, in fact, carfentanil. Carfentanil is an opioid used by veterinarians and is 100 times more potent than fentanyl. After distributing carfentanil to the adult victim, Mobley drove to a local gas station, dropped the individual off, and picked up the 16-year-old victim. Mobley took the minor victim to an isolated location intending to use drugs together. Mobley provided some of the substance containing carfentanil to the minor victim. The minor victim used the substance, overdosed and died within minutes. Mobley dumped her body in a remote area and fled. Following the overdoses, Mobley was found with a shotgun. On Jan. 28, 2025. At that time, Mobley was prohibited from possessing the weapon under federal law because of three prior felony convictions. On June 10, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Mobley with distribution resulting in death and serious bodily injury. On July 17, a federal grand jury returned a separate indictment charging Mobley with being a felon in possession of a firearm and being an unlawful drug user and addict in possession of a firearm. On Oct. 9, Mobley pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution resulting in death or bodily injury, and one count of possessing a firearm as a felon. During sentencing, the Court stipulated that Mobley will serve 30 years in prison for the distribution charges, and will serve 2 years in prison concurrently for the firearm charge. “Mr. Mobley acted callously and without remorse. He peddled whatever he could get his hands on to make a quick buck, including deadly drugs, with zero regard for human life,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Let this be a warning—whether you lead an international drug trafficking organization or are a street-level dealer—if you endanger Alaskans, the consequences will be severe.” “Mr. Mobley showed complete disregard for human life when he provided the deadly dose of carfentanil to the 16-year-old victim,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Not only did the teenage girl overdose in his vehicle, but instead of trying to get help, he disposed of her body in a remote area and fled. DEA was proud to work with our partners at the Alaska State Troopers and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska to seek justice for the young victim in this case. Mr. Mobley will spend the next 30 years paying for his complete disregard for human life. Let this sentence also send a message to other drug traffickers: you will be held accountable for peddling this poison.” “This significant sentence reflects the danger and seriousness of distributing illicit drugs like carfentanil,” said Alaska State Troopers Colonel Maurice Hughes. “These drugs upend lives and devastate communities across our great state. Your Alaska State Troopers will continue to hold offenders accountable and keep dangerous narcotics out of Alaska.” The DEA Anchorage District Office and the Alaska State Troopers investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Bradley and Alana Weber are prosecuting the case, with assistance and collaboration from the State of Alaska Department of Law, Office of Special Prosecutions. 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 drug trafficking and violent crime. ###


title: Stamford Man Who Stole More Than $28 Million from Mars, Inc. Sentenced to 63 Months in Federal Prison

body_text: PAUL R. STEED, 59, of Stamford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 63 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for fraud and tax offenses stemming from his theft of more than $28 million from his former employer Mars, Inc. The announcement was made by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England; and U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General John Walk. According to court documents and statements made in court, between approximately 2011 and 2023, Steed was employed by Mars Wrigley, a subsidiary of Mars. Inc. (“Mars”), working remotely from his home in Stamford. Steed served in several positions at the company and last served as Global Price Risk Manager for Mars Wrigley’s Global Cocoa Enterprise. As part of his employment, Steed was responsible for managing Mars Wrigley’s participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) Sugar-Containing Products Re-Export Program. In approximately 2016, Steed created a company, MCNA LLC, to mimic an actual Mars entity, Mars Chocolate North America. He then diverted more than $15 million in Mars assets to a bank account he set up in MCNA’s name mainly by directing sugar refineries purchasing Mars’s re-export credits, obtained through the USDA program, to pay MCNA LLC as if it were a legitimate Mars entity. Mars had an ownership interest in Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (“ICE”), a financial services company that operated financial exchanges and clearing houses, and received quarterly dividends in connection with that ownership. In 2017, Steed directed Computershare Limited (“Computershare”), a company that ICE utilized for stock-related services, to pay MCNA LLC for Mars’s dividends from its ownership shares in ICE. As a result, more than $700,000 in dividend payments were diverted to the MCNA LLC account. In 2023, after Steed had used a fraudulent letter purportedly from the Mars Treasurer authorizing him to trade ICE shares, Steed directed Computershare to sell Mars’s ICE shares entirely. Computershare issued a check in the amount of more than $11.3 million, which Steed deposited into the MCNA LLC account. In addition, from 2013 through 2020, Steed used a company he owned called Ibera LLC to invoice Mars for services Mars did not receive. Mars paid Ibera LLC more than $700,000 through this scheme. Steed failed to report and pay taxes on his stolen income on his 2014 through 2023 federal tax returns. Judge Dooley ordered Steed to pay restitution of $28,410,489 to Mars, Inc., and $10,310,680 in back taxes to the IRS. The government has seized, and Steed has agreed to forfeit, more than $18 million from bank accounts controlled by Steed, and the government is seeking to forfeit, or alternatively liquidate for restitution, a Greenwich home that Steed purchased with nearly $2.3 million in stolen funds. Steed also sent approximately $2 million to Argentina, where he is a dual citizen, has family ties, and has a family ranch. “Justice is served by the imposition of this sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Sullivan. “Thanks to the thorough investigative efforts by FBI, IRS-CI, and USDA-OIG special agents, Mr. Steed’s criminal conduct was quickly exposed. These agents not only identified the money that he stole, they successfully seized millions of dollars that will be returned to the victim company.” “Today’s sentencing is a great example of what happens when the FBI, and our partners at the IRS, USDA-OIG, and the USAO combine to bring our investigative resources to bear on a complex, multi-faceted fraud scheme involving tens of millions of dollars,” said FBI New Haven Special Agent in Charge P.J. O’Brien. “Utilizing forfeiture statutes, expert forensic accounting techniques and court authorized search warrants, investigators recovered millions in embezzled funds and ensured that over nine years of back taxes, totaling millions of dollars, would be paid. The FBI remains committed to working closely with our private sector and government partners to prevent and address waste, fraud, and abuse.” “Today’s sentencing sends a strong message to all those who think that corporate embezzlement is a victimless crime: We will find you and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Thomas Demeo. “Steed utilized his position of trust and authority within the Mars corporation to siphon off millions of dollars for his own personal gain and self-enrichment. Not only did he steal from the Mars Corporation, but he also stole from every American family when he chose to conceal his ill-gotten gains from the IRS resulting in less tax revenue that could be used to enhance public welfare.” “Mr. Steed exploited an important USDA program intended to support American exporters to market U.S. agricultural products in international commerce for personal fraudulent gain,” said Inspector General John Walk. “The USDA Office of Inspector General is pleased to support the work of our law enforcement partners including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations Division, U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to help deliver justice and protect taxpayer dollars. I commend USDA OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Charmeka Parker and all our special agents and employees who supported the investigative effort.” Steed was arrested on March 26, 2025. On September 11, 2025, he pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud. Steed, who is released on a $5 million bond, is required to report to prison on March 5. This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.


title: Springfield Man Sentenced on Federal Firearm Charge

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing firearms. Aaron Wayne Williams, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 104 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by an additional three years of supervised release. Williams pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm on May 27, 2025. Williams has previous felony convictions for domestic assault in the third degree, attempted burglary in the first degree, property damage motivated by discrimination in the second degree, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful use of a weapon. On Jan. 8, 2025, Springfield, Mo., Police Department officers contacted Williams after observing Williams sleeping in his running vehicle in the parking lot of the Kum & Go located at 2963 East Division Street. Officers observed a Ruger, Mini 14, semiautomatic rifle beside Williams as he slept. Officers woke Williams up and removed him from the vehicle. After a search of the vehicle, officers found three additional firearms on Williams and in the vehicle: a Taurus, G2S, 9mm pistol; an HS Produkt, XD, .40 caliber pistol; and a Star, 9mm pistol. Officers also located suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, loose ammunition, and additional firearm magazines in the vehicle. When law enforcement interviewed Williams, he admitted that he was under the influence of controlled substances when he was contacted by the Springfield Police Department officers. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department. Operation Take Back America This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Lawrence County Woman Sentenced for Wire Fraud Targeting the Missouri Lottery

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Mt. Vernon, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for her role in a wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud scheme that targeted the Missouri Lottery Commission and an area gas station. Amy Young, 42, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas Harpool to 23 months imprisonment with the Bureau of Prisons based upon her prior guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. Young conspired with others to employ a scheme to purchase Missouri lottery tickets using stolen and fraudulent credit cards and credit card numbers at a Joplin, Mo., gas station. Young and her co-conspirators made $62,082.50 in fraudulent transactions at the gas station in July and August of 2022. These transactions included the purchase of Missouri Lottery tickets. The perpetrators would send other individuals to collect any cash prizes associated with the tickets. The group fraudulently claimed $54,248 in cash prizes from the Missouri Lottery Commission. The fraudulent cash prizes and credit card transactions totaled $116,330.50. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Joplin, Missouri, Police Department.


title: Defendant Sentenced for His Role in  International Human and Drug Smuggling Conspiracy

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A defendant convicted in a scheme to illegally smuggle Honduran nationals and cocaine into the United States was sentenced today to 47 months in prison. According to court documents, Josue Alexander Flores Villeda (Villeda), 38, of Honduras, conspired with at least six others to bring Honduran nationals and cocaine from Honduras to the United States. Over the course of approximately three years, Villeda and his co-conspirators smuggled at least 15 migrants into the United States on each voyage. In February 2022, Villeda and others attempted to illegally bring more than 20 Honduran nationals and approximately 24 kilograms of cocaine from Utila, Honduras, to Cocodrie, Louisiana, aboard the M/V Pop, a sportfishing vessel co-owned by co-conspirator Carl Allison. Many of the aliens paid up to $20,000 to Villeda or his co-conspirators to be smuggled into the United States. At some point during the voyage in February 2022, the M/V Pop developed engine trouble. Villeda and others chartered a boat to bring fuel to the disabled vessel so that it could complete its journey to the United States. Before the chartered boat reached the disabled vessel, the U.S. Coast Guard interdicted the vessel off the coast of Louisiana and towed it to shore. Villeda pleaded guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully bring aliens to the United States for financial gain and conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine hydrochloride. Three additional co-conspirators have also pleaded guilty and were sentenced for their roles in the scheme. Lead defendant Carl Allison of Pittsburgh and Darrel Martinez of Honduras pleaded guilty to the same charges as Villeda. Lenord Cooper, also of Honduras, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to aid and assist aliens to enter the United States unlawfully and attempting to bring aliens to the U.S. for commercial advantage and private financial gain. Two other co-conspirators, Hennessy Devon Cooper Zelaya and Rudy Jackson Hernandez, both from Honduras, were convicted after trial of conspiracy to unlawfully bring aliens to the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain and attempting to bring aliens to the United States for commercial advantage and private financial gain. A sixth man, Honduran national Olvin Javier Velasquez Maldonado, was extradited from Honduras in April 2025 and is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Maldonado’s trial is scheduled for February 2026. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle for the Eastern District of Louisiana and Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Wright of the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New Orleans Field Office made the announcement. The investigation and charges are supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant United States Attorney-detailees from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/ HSI and CBP/BP and OFO, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 435 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 385 U.S. convictions; more than 330 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood . The HSI Houma, Louisiana Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the HSI Pittsburgh Field Office, HSI Atlanta Field Office and Louisiana Bureau of Investigation. The HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations, Louisiana State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, North Huntington Township Police and Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office also provided valuable assistance including securing the arrest and extradition from Honduras of Olvin Javier Velasquez Maldonado. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance. The Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training in Honduras also provided assistance. Deputy Chief Rami Badawy of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carter Guice for the Eastern District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.


title: U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones Receives Key to the City of Hialeah on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, the City of Hialeah honored U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones by presenting him with the Key to the City in recognition of his leadership, public service, and sustained commitment to public safety in South Florida. The recognition ceremony was held at Hialeah City Hall, where city leadership formally bestowed the honor, one of the City’s highest civic distinctions. The presentation coincided with National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and included certificates of appreciation for Hialeah Police Department officers in recognition of their service and sacrifice. A proud Miami native and the son of a Cuban political refugee, U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones has devoted his career to protecting the public and defending the rule of law, serving as a national security official, federal prosecutor, military officer, trial judge, and now as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Southern District of Florida. During his tenure as U.S. Attorney, the Southern District of Florida has intensified its focus on violent crime, fentanyl and synthetic drug trafficking, organized criminal networks, and complex fraud schemes. Working closely with state and local partners, the Office has prioritized intelligence-driven enforcement, coordinated prosecutions, and rapid case development to disrupt the individuals and organizations that pose the greatest threat to community safety. “I am deeply honored to receive the Key to the City of Hialeah on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones. “This recognition belongs as much to the brave men and women in law enforcement as it does to me. Public safety is the foundation of progress, and Hialeah’s continued strength reflects what happens when federal, state, and local officers stand shoulder to shoulder, focused on results, accountability, and protecting our communities.” City officials emphasized the importance of strong partnerships between federal and local law enforcement in keeping Hialeah safe. “The City of Hialeah values strong collaboration with our federal partners to combat violent crime, fraud, and organized criminal activity,” said Monica Perez, City of Hialeah Councilwoman. “These efforts send a clear message that crimes impacting our residents will be investigated thoroughly by our City of Hialeah Police Department and prosecuted fully by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. I am proud to recognize these efforts in public safety, which is strongest when federal and local law enforcement work together to create safe cities like ours. The City of Hialeah is proud of our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and grateful for their commitment to holding violent offenders accountable while protecting our residents. Therefore, we are proud to honor Mr. Reding Quiñones with the Key to the City and to present certificates of appreciation to our police officers on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.” Hialeah law enforcement leaders highlighted the operational impact of these partnerships. “The Hialeah Police Department is committed to an intelligence-led approach to public safety, focusing on disrupting fentanyl and crystal meth trafficking networks that pose the greatest risk to our community,” said Chief George Fuente. “Through partnerships such as FDLE’s SAFE program and HIDTA initiatives, our department targets repeat distributors and supplier networks, strengthens intelligence sharing, and works collaboratively with state and federal partners to reduce overdoses and keep our neighborhoods safe.” The tradition of awarding a Key to the City dates back centuries and symbolizes trust, respect, and the highest confidence of the community. Presented on Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, the honor reflects Hialeah’s recognition of the shared mission between its police officers and federal partners to protect residents, uphold justice, and ensure that South Florida remains a safe place to live, work, and build.


title: Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve More Than Three Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm Possession

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSE EDUARDO SUCHITE-RAMIREZ , 34, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 41 months in federal prison for possession of firearms after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public record, in December 2024, the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) responded to a call alleging workplace harassment and discovered that Suchite-Ramirez, a convicted felon, had several firearms in his possession. A subsequent search of Suchite-Ramirez’s workplace and company-provided vehicle resulted in the seizure of multiple firearms and ammunition. On February 5, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Suchite-Ramirez with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Suchite-Ramirez pleaded guilty on June 9, 2025, and admitted he possessed the firearms despite his previous felony convictions. Public record reflects that Suchite-Ramirez has a previous felony conviction in Oklahoma County District Court for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, leaving the scene of an accident with personal injury, and aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, in case number CF-2019-1071. At the sentencing hearing on January 21, 2026, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Suchite-Ramirez to serve 41 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the need for deterrence, adding that Suchite-Ramirez’s prior criminal history did not appear to provide sufficient deterrence. This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nichols, Jr., prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America (OTBA), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case is also part of “Operation 922,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of OTBA, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Mexican national sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas–An illegal alien has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Luis Emmanuel Quevedo-Vasquez, 30, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on January 22, 2026. According to information presented in court, on April 2, 2024, Quevedo-Vasquez, a Mexican national illegally in the United States, and Carmen Guadalupe Diaz, 26, of Georgia, were stopped for a traffic violation in Nacogdoches County. During the stop, law enforcement noticed an open container of alcohol and searched the vehicle discovering various illegal drugs including over a kilogram of methamphetamine, almost two kilograms of cocaine, and nearly a kilogram of heroin. During the search, the deputy also located two firearms. It was determined that the pair were transporting the drugs from Texas to Wisconsin. Diaz admitted to regularly smuggling both humans and narcotics and stated she was being paid $20,000 to transport the load that was intercepted by law enforcement. On January 15, 2026, Diaz was also sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case was investigated by the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter. ###


title: Mexican National Sentenced to 25 Years for Meth Trafficking, an Illegal Firearm, and for Illegally Reentering the United States

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national was sentenced in federal court today for possessing methamphetamine to distribute, illegally possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and illegally reentering the United States after having previously been deported. Jose Alberto Rodriguez-Landeros (also known as Raul Garcia, Raul Garcia Rodriguez, Saul Dias Gonzalez, Miguel Angel Garcia Perez, Miguel Garcia Perez, Jose Alberto Landeros, Angel Saucedo, Jose M. Rodriguez, Ivan M. Pantoja, Guillermo Gonzalez-Dias), 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 25 years in federal prison without parole. On Nov. 14, 2024, Rodriguez-Landeros pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and one count of illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported. Based on the written plea agreement, Rodriguez-Landeros admitted to selling methamphetamine to a confidential source on three separate occasions on Oct. 11, 2022, Oct. 21, 2022, and Nov. 22, 2022. On Dec. 13, 2022, law enforcement officials executed a federal search warrant of the defendant’s residence located in Kansas City, Mo. Officers discovered the following items: a Keltec, Model P-32, .32 caliber pistol; identification documents with various aliases utilized by Rodriguez-Landeros; approximately 2 kilograms of methamphetamine; approximately 148 grams of powder cocaine; and $9,500 in U.S. currency. Also on Dec. 13, 2022, law enforcement officials arrested the defendant while driving on Indiana Avenue in Kansas City, Mo. During the arrest, officers seized approximately 380 grams of methamphetamine and 75 grams of cocaine found on Rodriguez-Landeros’s person and in his vehicle. Immigration and Customs Enforcement records confirmed that Rodriguez-Landeros was previously deported from the United States on at least three occasions since 2000. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department. Operation Take Back America This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Louisville Man Sentenced to 15 years for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Jefferson County, Kentucky, man was sentenced this week to 15 years in federal prison after being convicted of multiple drug and firearm offenses. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement. On January 21, 2026, Priestlen Mitchell, 33, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for three counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, three counts of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, one count of distribution of controlled substances, one count of receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm, and one count of commission of an offense while out on pretrial release in United States District Court. Between May 7, 2021, and May 8, 2021, Mitchell, a convicted felon, possessed a Century Arms Inc., model Micro Draco, 7.62x39 caliber semiautomatic pistol, an Armalite, model M15A2, 5.56 caliber rifle, and ammunition. Mitchell also possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and oxycodone. On January 26, 2023, Mitchell possessed a Mossberg, O.F. & Sons, Incorporated, model 500, 12-guage shotgun and ammunition. He also possessed with the intent to distribute marijuana. On February 2, 2024, Mitchell Glock, model 19x, 9-millimeter pistol, an AR style short-barreled rifle, a Ruger, model Five Seven, 5.7x28 caliber pistol, a Girsan, model Regard MC, 9-millimeter pistol, and ammunition. Mitchell also possessed with the intent to distribute heroin, MDMA, psilocybin (mushrooms), hydrocodone, oxycodone, alprazolam, and marijuana. Mitchell also distributed fentanyl on that same day. At the time Mitchell committed these offenses he was on pretrial release in federal court for the previous offenses. At the time Mitchell possessed the firearms, he was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On July 15, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mitchell was convicted of burglary in the third degree. On August 16, 2012, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mitchell was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On February 23, 2012, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mitchell was convicted of burglary in the third degree. United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Mitchell is a dangerous person, plain and simple. He received a substantial sentence because he continually demonstrated by his conduct that he has no respect for the judicial system or our citizens. The Western District of Kentucky is better because Mitchell will not see the light of day for 15 years.” There is no parole in the federal system. The ATF and KSP investigated the case with assistance from the Louisville Metro Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Dahl and Emily Lantz are prosecuting the case with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic. 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: Protecting the citizens in the EDNC - Human Trafficking Prevention Training


title: Corporate Executives Sentenced for Sprawling Racketeering Conspiracy Aimed at Violating Immigration Laws

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Eleven defendants, including the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, and controller of a Joplin, Mo., corporation, have been sentenced in federal court for their role in a racketeering conspiracy to hire, harbor, and transport undocumented workers in several Midwestern states. “Immigration issues in the country and in this district are not limited to those who illegally enter the United States. Businesses and entities who skirt the law and provide an environment that encourages and assists undocumented individuals to enter and remain in the United States unlawfully will be held accountable. My office is committed to prosecuting both individuals who illegally enter the United States as well as businesses and entities that profit off their labor,” said R. Matthew Price, United States Attorney, Western District of Missouri. “I would like to thank our law enforcement partners at HSI Kansas City for their work on this important matter.” “The sentencing handed down today sends an unmistakable message. If you build your business on illegal labor and criminal racketeering, you will pay a steep price,” said Mark Zito, HSI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge. “This criminal enterprise was a calculated attack on our laws, our economy, and the most vulnerable among us. HSI Kansas City will not tolerate those who exploit workers and cheat honest business owners for profit. Today’s sentence proves that anyone who thinks they can get away with this kind of lawlessness will be hunted down, prosecuted, and held to the highest account.” Jose Luis Bravo, 55, of Claremore, Ok.; Jose Guadalupe Razo, 44, of Carl Junction, Mo.; Anthony Edward Doll, 47, and Miguel Tarin-Martinez, 47, both of Joplin, Mo.; Antonio Martinez-Munoz, 48, of Collinsville, Ok.; Rodrigo Manrique Razo, 43, of Great Bend, Ks.; Juan Carlos Palma-Cedeno, 41, a citizen of Mexico; Jose Luis Lopez-Valadez, 45, of West Plains, Mo.; Jaime Ramirez-Ceja, 47, a citizen of Mexico; Jose Luis Rodriguez-Valerio, 61, of Tulsa, Ok.; and Veronica Razo de Lara, 51, of Great Bend, Ks., have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark. Each defendant previously admitted to taking part in a RICO (racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations) conspiracy from Jan. 2018, to Aug. 2021, that transported and employed Mexican, Guatemalan, and El Salvadoran nationals who were not authorized to live or work in the United States. Conspirators also harbored and encouraged the unauthorized workers to remain and reside in the United States by providing them with housing and, in certain circumstances, fraudulent identification documentation. Specialty Foods Distribution (SFD) is a Missouri corporation, based in Joplin, specializing in wholesale Mexican food products and restaurant supply products. During the racketeering conspiracy, SFD’s executive staff included Jose Bravo as chief executive officer; Jose Razo as president; Anthony Doll as chief financial officer; Miguel Tarin-Martinez as controller. Bravo, J. Razo, Doll, and Tarin-Martinez created, maintained, and/or otherwise oversaw a network of enterprise-affiliated restaurants in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma that were serviced by SFD. The enterprise-affiliated restaurants were managed and/or staffed by coconspirators, including defendants Martinez-Munoz, R. Razo, Palma-Cedeno, Lopez-Valadez, Ramirez-Ceja, Rodriguez-Valerio, and Razo de Lara. Together, the defendants conspired to staff the restaurants with unauthorized workers—a workforce not available to law-abiding business owners—thereby gaining an unfair and illegal competitive business advantage. As part of the conspiracy, the defendants utilized evasive and fraudulent tactics. Specifically, to keep the enterprise-affiliated restaurants staffed and profitable, the defendants kept certain unauthorized workers off official payroll records; required certain unauthorized workers to work at times when federal officials were unlikely to conduct inspections; failed to collect or maintain complete and accurate Form I-9 documentation; falsely attested to the accuracy of Form I-9 documentation; submitted inaccurate wage and hour reports to state officials; and facilitated fraudulent identification documentation being produced, transported, and provided to unauthorized workers. To date, the Court has imposed an aggregate 164 months of imprisonment and ordered forfeiture in an amount over $6,400,000.00. As to each defendant, the Court imposed the below-listed sentences. Bravo, who was the leader and organizer of the racketeering conspiracy, was sentenced to a 36-month term of imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, and was ordered to pay or otherwise provide approximately $5,764.537.47 representing the proceeds he obtained from the racketeering enterprise, property he acquired or maintained as part of the racketeering enterprise, and/or property that afforded a source of influence over the racketeering enterprise. Specifically, the forfeiture amount includes funds from five bank accounts; payment for his share of 12 real properties, including one personal residence and 11 commercial buildings; and payment for his share of over 20 business entities, including a portion of SFD. J. Razo, who was a supervisor and manager of the racketeering conspiracy, was sentenced to a 30-month term of imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, and was ordered to pay or otherwise provide $130,700.04 representing the proceeds he obtained from the racketeering enterprise. Doll, who was a supervisor and manager of the racketeering conspiracy, was sentenced to a 10-month term of home detention as a condition of probation and was ordered to pay or otherwise provide $132,303.09 representing the proceeds he obtained from the racketeering enterprise. Tarin-Martinez was sentenced to a 24-month term of imprisonment, three-year term of supervised release, and was ordered to pay or otherwise provide $23,094.97 representing the proceeds he obtained from the racketeering enterprise. Martinez-Munoz, who worked as a manager at Bravo’s Mexican Grill in Overland Park, Ks., was sentenced to a 15-month term of imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release. R. Razo, who served as the manager of Playa Azul Mexican Restaurant in Great Bend, Ks., was sentenced to a 13-month term of imprisonment, a three-year term of supervised release, and was ordered to pay or otherwise provide $81,933.28 representing the proceeds he obtained from the racketeering enterprise. Palma-Cedeno, who worked as an employee at El Banquete Mexican Restaurant in Claremore, Ok., was sentenced to a 10-month term of imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release. Lopez-Valadez, who served as the manager of two El Charro Mexican Restaurant locations in West Plains, Mo., was sentenced to an eight-month term of home detention as a condition of probation and was ordered to pay or otherwise provide $345,791.86 representing the proceeds he obtained from the racketeering enterprise. Ramirez-Ceja, who served as the manager of El Charro Mexican Restaurant in Lebanon, Mo., was sentenced to an 11-month term of imprisonment and a one-year term of supervised release. Rodriguez-Valerio, who served as a manager at Bravo’s Mexican Grill in Overland Park, Ks., was sentenced to a 13-month term of imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release. Razo de Lara, who served as the manager of Maria’s Mexican Grill, in Great Bend, Ks., was sentenced to a 12-month-and-one-day term of imprisonment and a three-year term of supervised release. Defendants Eusebio Ramirez-Ceja, 55; Alejandro Castillo-Ramirez, 44; and Lorenzo Castro-Manzanarez, 43, all three citizens of Mexico, have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rudolph R. Rhodes IV, Nicholas Heberle, David Wagner, and Leigh Farmakidis. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service; Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations; Kansas Bureau of Investigation; Kansas Department of Labor; Kansas Department of Revenue; Kansas Highway Patrol; Missouri State Highway Patrol; and Butler, Mo., Police Department. Operation Take Back America This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Angelina County felon sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas– A Lufkin convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Jacob Robinson, 29, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a felon and was sentenced to 136 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on January 22, 2026 According to information presented in court, on August 18, 2024, Robinson was stopped for a traffic violation in Angelina County. During the stop, the odor of marijuana was detected coming from the vehicle and a search was conducted resulting in the discovery of over 50 grams of methamphetamine. Again, on October 29, 2024, Robinson was stopped for a traffic violation resulting in the discovery of cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and prescription pills. Robinson was also in possession of a pistol, a magazine and ammunition. Robinson was previously convicted of the felony offense of burglary of a habitation and is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case was investigated by the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office; Homeland Security Investigations; Texas Department of Public Safety; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter. ###


title: Plano man and woman convicted in Collin County sex trafficking conspiracy

body_text: PLANO, Texas – A Plano man and woman have been convicted of federal sex trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. William McKinnley Garland, 43, of Plano, was found guilty by a jury of coercion and enticement and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. Anastasiya Claire Lyons, 34, of Plano, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. The verdicts were reached on January 22, 2026, following a seven-day trial before U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan. “William Garland and Anastasiya Lyons preyed on vulnerable young women to lure them into their web. Through horrific physical abuse and psychological manipulation, they exploited women into selling their bodies for the benefit of Garland, Lyons, and the other co-conspirators,” said United States Attorney Jay R. Combs. “I urge the public to report known or suspected human trafficking by calling 1-888-373-7888 or texting 233733. I commend the brave victims who stepped forward in this case to report what was happening to them. Only by working together can we end this scourge.” “William Garland and Anastasia Lyons conviction is the result of years of dedicated work by our detectives, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and it sends a clear message that our community will not tolerate the exploitation of vulnerable individuals,” said Plano Police Chief Ed Drain. “From high‑risk operations to reviewing massive amounts of evidence, this team’s commitment brought justice to survivors and stopped dangerous offenders. This case was long, complex, and emotionally difficult, but it stopped dangerous offenders and gave survivors a chance to reclaim their lives. The courage of the victims, many of whom had been living in fear for years, is something we will never forget. I am incredibly proud of the men and women of this department and honored to stand alongside professionals who pour their time, skill, and heart into protecting our community.” “Human trafficking is a heinous crime that often operates in plain sight and may go undetected for months or years. The victims in this case were deceived by false promises of well-paying jobs. Instead, they were physically abused and forced into becoming commercial sex workers,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We will continue to work with our partners to assist victims and hold their traffickers accountable.” According to evidence introduced at trial, Garland and Lyons ran a sex trafficking operation between 2020 and December 2023 in Plano. A recruiter sought out young women on various social media platforms for the organization. Multiple victims testified that they believed that the role involved modeling or escorting and that they would be eligible to make large sums of money doing so. In fact, the women were recruited to engage in prostitution at various hotels in the Collin County area. Evidence demonstrated that the women were compelled to engage in commercial sex by means of force, including beatings, tasers, shock collars, frigid showers, unwanted tattoos, and acts of humiliation. The women also testified to being afraid of Garland, given his threats of violence toward the women and their family members. Three co-defendants pleaded guilty to federal sex trafficking charges in 2025 and are awaiting sentencing dates. Robberta Marie Khan, 29, of Euless, pleaded guilty on May 21, 2025, to coercion and enticement and faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. Jalen Alexander Bobo, 26, of Dallas, pleaded guilty on May 27, 2025, to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and faces up to life in federal prison at sentencing. Selena Rose McCombs, 25, of North Carolina, pleaded guilty on December 10, 2025, to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and is awaiting sentencing and faces up to life in federal prison as sentencing. Garland and Lyons face up to life in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office. This case was investigated by the Plano Police Department and the FBI’s Dallas Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa Miller and Chalana Oliver. ###


title: Dangerous, repeat sex offender sentenced to 23 years for sexually extorting minors in exchange for vape pens

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 24-year-old Weslaco resident has been ordered to federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Walter Wilkins pleaded guilty Dec. 20, 2024. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now sentenced Wilkins to a total of 276 months in prison. The court enhanced the sentence, finding Wilkins produced child sexual abuse material with a minor victim under 16 years of age and also found him to be a repeat and dangerous offender against minors. The court also heard testimony from the victims’ families who spoke of the lasting and devastating impact to their children. In handing down the prison terms, the court further ordered Wilkins to pay $13,564 in restitution and serve the rest of his life on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Wilkins will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. “Wilkins sexually preyed upon minors, inflicting mental scars on his victims that will likely haunt them for the rest of their lives. His conduct is even more shocking considering he was already on bond for state charges of child sex abuse when he committed this offense,” said Ganjei. “Wilkins is not the type of person that should be walking our streets, nor communicating online with minors. Fortunately, he will now spend the next 23 years in federal prison, unable to victimize anyone else.” “Wilkins’ actions represent the worst kind of predatory behavior, targeting and exploiting vulnerable children in our community,” said acting Special Agent in Charge John A. Pasciucco, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, San Antonio. “HSI, together with our law enforcement partners, worked tirelessly to uncover the full scope of Wilkins’ crimes and ensure he faces justice. HSI will not tolerate those who use technology to coerce, abuse, and traumatize minors. Our agents remain steadfast in their resolve to pursue child predators and protect our children from those who seek to do them harm.” The investigation began after the mother of a 13-year-old female reported the sexual assault of her daughter. Wilkins had picked up the minor and sexually exploited her in exchange for vape pens. Authorities discovered Wilkins had created child sexual abuse material and then threatened to release the files to the victim’s classmates if they ceased to participate in the sexual relationship. At the time, Wilkins was out on bond for two other state cases involving the sexual abuse of children. Authorities further determined Wilkins exploited three additional minor victims. He advertised the sale of vape pens on social media and then coerced the children into sexual acts instead of financial payment. Wilkins has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. HSI conducted the investigation with assistance of Weslaco Police Department and Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page .


title: Interim U.S. Attorney Recognizes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. To commemorate the month and continue to raise awareness about this important issue, Interim U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma reaffirmed his office’s commitment to fight against human trafficking by bringing traffickers to justice, dismantling human trafficking networks, assisting trafficked victims, and enhancing public awareness through community outreach. “Working with our law enforcement and community partners, we will continue to raise awareness and shine a light on all forms of human trafficking,” said Interim U.S. Attorney Elgersma. “My office will continue to identify and prosecute those who use fraud, force, and coercion to profit from the exploitation of others.” Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of a person for labor, services, or commercial sex, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Under federal law, methods of coercion include physical or nonphysical (for example, psychological, financial, and reputational), as well as using or threatening to use a legal process in an inappropriate manner. The exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is human trafficking regardless of whether any form of force, fraud, or coercion is used by the trafficker. The U.S. Attorney’s Office encourages victims to come forward. If you, or someone you know, has been made to engage in prostitution, unwanted sex acts for money, drugs, or any items of value, or forced labor, help is available. There are advocates committed to help you find support and resources. There are local, state, and federal law enforcement officers dedicated to investigating human trafficking. There are prosecutors who will work with law enforcement to hold traffickers accountable. The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s ongoing anti-trafficking efforts have resulted in many prosecutions that have led to convictions and prison sentences. Recent notable sentencings and guilty pleas include: United States v. Austin Koeckeritz . On April 11, 2024, Koeckeritz of River Falls, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison and a life-term of supervised release for one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and one count of sex trafficking of a minor. Between August 2020 and August 2022, Koeckeritz used violence, threats of violence, emotional manipulation, isolation, and surveillance to compel an adult victim to perform commercial sexual acts online between eight and 12 hours a day, six days a week. Koeckeritz controlled and maintained all proceeds made by the adult victim from this online commercial sex work. Between October 2021 and January 2022, Koeckeritz also recruited a minor to engage in commercial sex acts and promote the adult victim’s online commercial sex work. He also caused the minor victim to engage in sexual acts that he photographed with the intent to sell them online. As part of his sentence, Koeckeritz was ordered to pay over $400,000 in restitution. United States v. Raymond Armour . On October 29, 2024, Armour was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison for two counts of transporting an individual across state lines with the intent to engage in prostitution. His prison sentence will be followed by a term of 20 years of supervised release. Raymond Armour encountered two minors, ages 14 and 15, in Dubuque, Iowa, and drove them across the state lines to his residence in Cassville, Wisconsin. Armour posted photos of the victims on online platforms, offering for them to engage in various sexual services in exchange for money. United States v. Dwayne “Swag” Davis . On January 12, 2026, Davis pled guilty to sex trafficking of a minor. According to court documents, Davis recruited a 16-year-old minor to engage in commercial sex acts for him in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Davis utilized online platforms to offer the minor victim for commercial sexual activities in exchange for money. Davis arranged for the minor to be transported to these meetups. Davis kept control of all the money that was paid for the sexual acts. The penalties for this charge are a mandatory minimum of ten years in federal prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. How to Report Human Trafficking If you believe you or someone else are the victim of human trafficking or have information about a potential trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 Specialists are available to answer calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also send a text to 233733 or start a live chat or submit a tip online at humantraffickinghotline.org.