title: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida Charges Defendants as Part of National Health Care Fraud Takedown

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Today, United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces criminal charges against numerous individuals in connection with alleged schemes to defraud Medicare. In addition, one civil settlement was announced. Many of the charges are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown and stem from schemes to defraud Medicare. “Millions of Americans depend on critical services provided by our nation’s federal healthcare programs,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Companies or individuals who exploit these systems through fraud and deception for their personal gain compromise the efficacy of those services and commit theft from taxpayers. We will continue to leverage the resources of our law enforcement partners to ensure that these programs remain sound and effective in the future.” This week, the USAO-MDFL participated in a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. The Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: charges in 56 federal districts and involving 45 U.S. states and territories, the most in Department history. The Takedown involved the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; seize over $182 million in cash, houses, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and provide full spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms. The following individuals were charged in the Middle District of Florida: Leigh Tesar (44, Sarasota), Walter Presha, Jr. (51, Ellenton), and Koby Evans (31, Apollo Beach) were charged by indictment for their roles in a more than $118 million wound care fraud scheme. Tesar, Presha, and Evans were charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks. Tesar was charged with health care fraud and payment of health care kickbacks. Presha and Evans were also charged with receipt of health care kickbacks. As alleged in the indictment, Tesar, Presha, and Evans targeted Medicare patients so that Tesar, a nurse practitioner, could bill Medicare for unnecessary and expensive wound allografts and so that Presha and Evans, both nurses, could be paid kickbacks for referring patients to Tesar. In certain instances, Tesar caused Medicare to be billed for expensive allografts that were never applied to patients, were applied to infected wounds, and were applied to wounds that would not heal because the patient was terminally ill. During a period of 18 months, Medicare was billed more than $118 million for skin grafts and wound care services that were medically unnecessary, ineligible for reimbursement, not performed, and procured through kickbacks. Medicare paid approximately $61 million based on these false and fraudulent claims. The government has seized approximately $11.8 million in assets in this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Chris Wenger of the National Rapid Response Strike Force and Owen Dunn of the Florida Strike Force. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench. Leo Corrigan (56, Tampa) was charged by information with conspiracy to defraud the United States, to purchase, sell, and distribute, and arrange for the purchase, sale, and distribution of Medicare beneficiary identification numbers, and to solicit and receive health care kickbacks in connection with two schemes to fraudulently bill Medicare for over $7.5 million and to receive approximately $1.7 million in illegal kickbacks and bribes. As alleged in the information, Corrigan conspired with others to purchase Medicare beneficiary identification numbers and used those numbers to bill Medicare for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests to be shipped to those whose Medicare beneficiary identification number had been purchased, regardless of whether the Medicare beneficiary had requested the tests. Further, Corrigan owned and controlled a corporation that he used to provide Medicare beneficiary information to certain laboratories that could then use the information to bill Medicare for genetic testing in exchange for payment. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany E. Fields. Konstantin Braverman (40, Lake Worth) was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and conspiracy to solicit and receive kickbacks in connection with a scheme to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare for COVID-19 tests. From April 4, 2022, until the declared end of the COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023, Medicare covered and paid for these tests at no cost to the beneficiary but only if the beneficiary requested the tests. As alleged in the indictment, Braverman and co-conspirators introduced “marketers” to medical service providers and the “marketers” agreed to sell the providers lists of Medicare beneficiaries and their identifying information. The providers shipped COVID-19 tests to the identified beneficiaries, none of whom had requested the tests, and billed Medicare for the tests. The providers then paid the “marketers” a set dollar amount per beneficiary, but the providers paid this amount only if a claim submitted on behalf of a beneficiary was reimbursed by Medicare. The “marketers” paid Braverman a share of the proceeds obtained from the providers. The conspirators caused the submission of approximately 152,000 fraudulent claims to Medicare for the period of January 2023 through November 2023, which resulted in reimbursements totaling approximately $14,405,700. Braverman received a total of approximately $1,509,426 in proceeds as a result of his involvement in the offense. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clint Locke is handling the forfeiture. “This defendant allegedly exploited a program designed to serve the public during a national health emergency, fraudulently obtaining more than $1.5 million in proceeds,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “Health care fraud is not a victimless crime. It steals taxpayer dollars, undermines trust in critical public programs and diverts resources from those who need it most. The FBI will continue to work with our partners to pursue those who use deception and fraud to line their own pockets at the public’s expense.” Lawrence Waldman , of Miami, has entered into a civil settlement to pay $5 million to resolve a False Claims Act case in connection with a health care fraud kickback scheme involving medically unnecessary genetic and respiratory diagnostic testing services. Waldman separately pleaded guilty to criminal charges stemming from his role in the scheme. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 28, 2026. As alleged, Waldman was a former sales representative of ASAP Labs and shared in its profits. Waldman paid kickbacks from ASAP Labs to certain physicians in return for agreeing to sign requisition forms for medically unnecessary laboratory tests that were submitted by ASAP Labs in violation of the Federal Anti-Kickback statute and that were used to support false claims for Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE reimbursement. The civil case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley Howard-Allen. The criminal case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany E. Fields, and the forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench. Rustam Abdaev , (38, Tampa) a Russian citizen living in Tampa, was charged by information with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering for his role in defrauding Medicare and Medicaid by submitting false and fraudulent claims for durable medical equipment (“DME”). Abdaev has entered a guilty plea and is pending sentencing. According to court records, from at least December 2024 through June 2025, Abdaev and co-conspirators used the company “Sunny and Recovery Inc.” to submit false and fraudulent claims to Medicare Part C and Florida Medicaid for DME, including back, knee, and wrist braces. Medicare Part C and Medicaid were billed more than $19 million and paid approximately $941,000 for claims submitted between December 2024 and May 2025. Abdaev wired substantial portions of the proceeds to financial institutions outside the United States and used additional funds for personal benefit and to pay co-conspirators. The conspirators used stolen beneficiary information and physician provider numbers to submit DME claims that were not prescribed, not medically necessary, and not actually provided. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany E. Fields, and the forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench. Henry Garcia (59, Bradenton) was charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy to offer and pay kickbacks and bribes and nine counts of offering and paying kickbacks and bribes. According to court records, in 2020 and 2021, Garcia ran multiple medical equipment companies, including New Level 3 and On-Point Medical Alliance, that supplied knee and back braces to Medicare beneficiaries. Garcia worked with two co-conspirators: one in Florida who funneled him pre completed doctors’ orders, and another in Canada who ran call centers targeting Medicare beneficiaries to generate those orders. These call centers contacted seniors across the country and used telemedicine companies to obtain physician signatures on brace orders, even when the equipment was not medically needed. Garcia’s companies obtained the necessary provider identification numbers and submitted claims to Medicare Advantage plans as if the braces were legitimately ordered and required. Garcia paid kickbacks for each brace order that led to reimbursement. The scheme relied on call centers, sham telehealth encounters, and kickbacks to generate and submit claims that were not actually eligible for reimbursement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany E. Fields, and the forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Blain Goff. Marc Vincent Pazienza (56, Pasco County), a licensed Florida attorney, was charged by indictment with two counts of wire fraud and two counts of falsification of records in a federal investigation for his role in using his position and authority as an attorney to defraud clients, including by creating shell corporations to hide clients’ criminally derived proceeds and then stealing those funds. According to court documents, from June 2023 through at least March 2025, Pazienza orchestrated a scheme to steal money from two of his clients by falsely promising to safeguard their money, funds which were fraudulently obtained through defrauding Medicare. Instead of safeguarding the funds, Pazienza used the money, an amount over $300,000, for his personal benefit, including cash withdrawals, transfers to other accounts he controlled, and purchases of furniture, jewelry, and other items. Pazienza also provided false and fraudulent documents in response to a federal grand jury subpoena relating to a health care fraud investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany Fields, and the forfeiture of his car, jewelry, and other property is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench. Laurent Cassagnol (Orange County) and Heriberto L. Rivera (Lake County) were charged by information with conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks. According to court documents, Rivera was the Chief Executive Officer of Family Integrative Medicine of Orlando, LLC (“FIMO”) and paid kickbacks to Cassagnol, a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee, in exchange for Cassagnol sending VA patients to FIMO. Rivera allegedly paid kickbacks to Cassagnol based on the number of VA patients he was able to successfully steer to FIMO. FIMO then billed the VA for services it provided to those VA patients. Rivera paid Cassagnol approximately $175,172 in kickbacks, which resulted in approximately $14,080,969 in claims submitted by FIMO to the VA that were procured through the payment of kickbacks. The VA paid FIMO approximately $11,948,349 on those claims. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Angela Benoit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko. “Today’s enforcement action reflects our firm commitment to protecting federal health care programs and the individuals who depend on them,” said Special Agent in Charge Isaac M. Bledsoe of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Those who exploit patients or jeopardize the integrity of our programs for personal gain will be held accountable. Working alongside our law enforcement partners, HHS‑OIG will continue to pursue those who seek to defraud federal health care programs and ensure that they face justice.” “These cases highlight the sickening exploitation of our nation’s healthcare system and the cold, callous efforts of those putting profit over patient care. These cases also emphasize the FBI’s collective resolve to work with our law enforcement partners to identify the fraud, dismantle the schemes, and ensure justice is served,” said FBI Tampa Special Agent in Charge Rodney E. Crawford. “The days of fraudulent healthcare schemes depriving veterans of essential services and benefits, while siphoning funds from taxpayers, are over,” said Cheryl L. Mason, Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs. “Thanks to the relentless dedication of the VA OIG’s special agents, healthcare inspectors, and auditors, we are actively identifying these offenders and ensuring they face justice. Our unwavering commitment is to protect veterans and safeguard the critical resources meant for their care.” Descriptions of the nationwide cases involved in this week’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here . The Middle District of Florida worked with the Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Fraud Division and the following law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the Takedown: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Tampa and Jacksonville), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service – Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Report Fraud: Contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), or online at TIPS.FBI.GOV . If you are reporting cyber-enabled crime, to include online scams, email hoaxes, or other internet-enabled crimes, please submit a tip to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.GOV . For health care fraud, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, and related matters, contact the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS, or online at TIPS.HHS.GOV . Court Documents: Waldman Plea Agreement Pazienza Indictment Braverman Indictment Tesar et al Indictment Garcia Indictment Corrigan Information Cassagnol et_al Information Abdaev Information Abdaev Plea Agreement


title: Recidivist Fraudster Pleads Guilty For Stealing Gustave Courbet Painting

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that THOMAS DOYLE, a/k/a “AJ” or “Austin Doyle,” pled guilty to wire fraud in connection with a scheme by DOYLE to defraud the owner of the painting “Mother and Child on a Hammock” by the 19 th -century French Realist painter Gustave Courbet. DOYLE was previously convicted in the Southern District of New York in 2011 of a separate art-related fraud. DOYLE pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian and is scheduled to be sentenced on November 9, 2026. “Thomas Doyle defrauded the owner of a valuable painting by telling a series of brazen lies to get the painting and then sell it so he could keep the profits for himself,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Today’s guilty plea reflects the commitment of this Office and its law enforcement partners to hold all fraudsters accountable, including bad actors seeking to conduct fraud schemes in the U.S. art market.” According to the Indictment, plea agreement, and statements made in public court proceedings: Between December 2022 and March 2025, DOYLE defrauded an art dealer (“Victim-1”) in connection with the sale of the painting “Mother and Child on a Hammock” (the “Hammock”) by Gustave Courbet. In June 2024, Victim-1 agreed to let DOYLE take custody of the Hammock to facilitate its viewing by a potential buyer. Soon after, DOYLE told Victim-1 that he had a potential buyer for the Hammock, and Victim-1 authorized DOYLE to sell the painting on his behalf for $550,000. By early August 2024, DOYLE falsely informed Victim-1 that he had sold the Hammock for that price. Instead, DOYLE’s associate (“Associate-1”), acting on DOYLE’s behalf, offered the Hammock for consignment to a Manhattan gallery (“Gallery-1”). DOYLE provided Associate-1 with a false provenance for the Hammock that was passed on to Gallery-1. Gallery-1 sold the Hammock on October 1, 2024, for $125,000 to an art collector, and most of the proceeds from the sale went to DOYLE. DOYLE never remitted to Victim-1 any proceeds from the sale of the Hammock. Instead, by February 2025, DOYLE had spent all the proceeds from the sale of the Hammock on personal expenses and his own debts. DOYLE subsequently falsely blamed his failure to pay Victim-1 on the purported buyer, fraudulently claiming the buyer had yet to pay when in fact DOYLE had been paid and was spending the proceeds of the Hammock sale. * * * DOYLE, 68, of Connecticut, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. DOYLE also agreed to forfeit all proceeds from the offense and pay $125,000 in restitution to the victim. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Art Crime Team. This case is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cecilia Vogel is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Child Predator Sentenced to 320 Months in Prison for Producing Child Pornography

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey man was sentenced to 320 months in prison to be followed by a 15-year term of supervised release for producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer. “The defendant preyed on children for his own sexual gratification and the sexual gratification of other adults. Today, he was held accountable. Prosecuting those who victimize children by feeding the market for child pornography will always be a top priority of our Office.” - U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer “This sentence demonstrates the FBI’s unwavering commitment to seeking justice for the victims of Nunez and others,” said Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy. “The fact that the subject was brazen enough to watermark his victims’ images highlights the importance of getting this predator off the street as the utmost priority.” Julio Nunez, 29, of West New York, New Jersey, was sentenced on June 22, 2026 before U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin in Newark federal court. According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court: From 2020 through 2024, Nunez posed as a woman to entice hundreds of young boys to send him CSAM. Nunez repeatedly victimized many of these children, returning year after year to solicit CSAM from his victims. Nunez proudly shared and profited from the images and videos that he had created. He wanted the world to know that it was he—“The Artist,” as he grotesquely styled himself—who created the CSAM and he watermarked “his” content with this moniker to communicate to other abusers that this was his work. In this regard, Nunez is directly responsible for the feeding of the market that results in immeasurable harm to victims of sex abuse. Since Nunez’s arrest, the FBI has identified CSAM that Nunez created on other offenders’ electronic devices. This investigation has led to the arrest and prosecution of other offenders not just in the United States, but around the world. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited the FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit, the FBI Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, for investigating the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Sussman and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Taj Moore of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . ### Defense counsel: Candace Hom, Esq.


title: Extradited Canadian American Man Pleads Guilty for Role in Deadly Alien Smuggling Conspiracy

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A dual Canadian American citizen who was extradited from Canada pleaded guilty today for his role in a human smuggling conspiracy that resulted in the deaths of a family, including two children under the age of three, in the St. Lawrence River. “This case is a tragic example of what happens when alien smugglers act for their own greed with callous disregard for human life and for the orderly administration of our nation’s immigration laws,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Through investigations and prosecutions, we will continue to eliminate alien smuggling networks that flout our laws and evade lawful entry at our borders.” “Protecting our homeland remains a top priority and I thank our federal partners for their unwavering efforts along our Northern Border to keep Americans safe,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarone III for the Northern District of New York: This case highlights the success we can have when working together across government, federal law enforcement, tribal leaders on both sides of the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian reserve and our partners across the border in Canada, all played a key role in bringing this defendant to justice. Although this smuggling attempt ended in tragedy, let this case serve as a warning: Those who attempt to unlawfully bring individuals into our country will be stopped, identified, and brought to justice.” “Rahsontanohstha Delormier’s actions led to the deaths of two young children and their parents — a loss that will be felt forever by their family and the North Country community,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Field Office. “In response to this tragedy, HSI Massena and our federal, state, tribal, and Canadian partners worked tirelessly to dismantle this deadly smuggling organization, sending a clear message that those who endanger lives at our border will be identified, brought to justice, and removed from our communities.” According to court documents, Rahsontanohstha Delormier, also known as “Storm,” 31, from the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Territory in Canada, was a boat driver for a human smuggling organization (HSO) that smuggled aliens from Canada into northern New York. Delormier, working with the HSO, routinely smuggled aliens into the United States by piloting boats across the St. Lawrence River. Beginning in and around 2023, the defendant worked with an HSO that smuggled illegal aliens of various countries from mainland Cornwall, Ontario to Cornwall Island, Canada and through the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian reserve into the Northern District of New York. The organization arranged for aliens to stay in local motels in Cornwall before they were transported from Cornwall Island and staged along the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Members of the organization would then transport the aliens by boat over the St. Lawrence River to drivers who transported them further into the Northern District of New York. On the night of March 28, 2023, and into the early morning of March 29, 2023, a co-conspirator travelled to mainland Cornwall and transported a family of four Romanian aliens to Cornwall Island in a truck provided by Delormier. At approximately 3:06 a.m., the co-conspirator dropped the Romanian family off at Delormier’s residence to be brought across the St. Lawrence River. Delormier launched a boat from a landing in St. Regis, Quebec, intending to pick up the family, but due to high winds, freezing temperatures, and limited visibility on the St. Lawrence River, Delormier’s boat broke down and he became stranded on St. Regis Island. Later that night a co-conspirator transported the Romanian family to a public boat launch on the tip of Cornwall Island where a different boat pilot picked them up and attempted to take the family across the St. Lawrence River. While in transit, the boat capsized due to severe weather. As a result, the Romanian family and the boat driver died. Mother and child departing room 140 at the Elect Inn walking towards a co-conspirator’s vehicle on March 29, 2023 at 3:21 a.m. Father and child departing room 140, pulling the door closed before the father walks towards the co-conspirator’s vehicle on March 29, 2023 at 3:21 a.m. A second co-conspirators vehicle with light blue boat in tow on March 29, 2023, at 9:29 p.m., appearing to match the boat found in the river during recovery efforts. The second co-conspirators light blue and white boat being recovered from the St. Lawrence River near the bodies of the Romanian family. Delormier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit alien smuggling and four counts of alien smuggling for financial gain. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 27 and faces a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Co-conspirators Dakota Montour, 32, and Kawisiiostha Celecia Sharrow, 45, both of the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian reserve, New York; Janet Terrance, 46, of Hogansburg, New York; and Timothy Oakes, 35, from the Akwesasne Mohwak Indian reserve, entered guilty pleas on Jan. 23, 2025, Oct. 8, 2024, March 6, 2025, and May 11, 2026, respectively. Delormier and co-conspirator Stephanie Square, 53, of the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Territory in Canada, were extradited to the United States from Canada in 2025. Square is awaiting trial. HSI Massena engaged in an extensive years-long investigation of the case, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, New York State Police, Canada Border Services Agency, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department, Ontario Provincial Police, Sûreté du Québec, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Cornwall Police Service. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrests and extraditions of Delormier and Square. The investigation and indictment were 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 U.S. Attorneys 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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including HSI and CBP USBP and Office of Field Operations, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 458 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 408 U.S. convictions; and more than 357 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets. Trial Attorneys Lindsey Roberson and Alexandra Skinnion of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case.


title: Former U.S. National Security Advisor, John R. Bolton II, Pleads Guilty to Violating the Espionage Act

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Greenbelt, Maryland – A former National Security Advisor to the President of the United States entered a guilty plea in federal court, today, in connection with charges stemming from the transmission and retention of national defense information. John Robert Bolton, II, 77, of Bethesda, Maryland, pled guilty to retention of national defense information, as alleged in Count 12 of the indictment. The plea agreement resolves all 18 counts charged in the indictment. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Hayden O’Byrne, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General, National Security Division (NSD), Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky, FBI Counterintelligence and Espionage Division, and Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office. “Mr. Bolton knew the damage mishandling confidential material could cause to national security, and yet he still committed this misconduct and put American lives at risk,” Hayes said. “Keeping Americans safe has always been, and will always be, the top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. No one is above the law, and so anyone who endangers our national security will be brought to justice.” “John Bolton held a position of extraordinary public trust as the country’s top National Security Advisor, and he betrayed that trust, jeopardizing our nation’s security,” O’Byrne said. “Today’s resolution ought to send a message to other public officials whom the public has entrusted with classified, national defense information. If you willfully mishandle these state secrets, the Department of Justice, led by the National Security Division, will investigate and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.” “By his own admission, John Bolton willfully and carelessly copied top secret information into his personal notes and then transmitted those secrets to unauthorized family members,” Rozhavsky said. “When guardians of our nation’s secrets play fast and loose with classified information, it opens the door for foreign adversaries to get their hands on it, which is exactly what happened. This plea stands as a reminder: the FBI will remain steadfast in our pursuit of anyone who puts the security of America’s secrets at risk.” “Americans’ safety and security were needlessly put at risk by Bolton’s reckless and illegal actions. In this case, the worst happened -- our most sensitive government secrets were stolen by an adversary," Paul said. “Today’s guilty plea is a testament to the diligent work by investigators and prosecutors to ensure anyone jeopardizing our national security is held accountable.” Bolton served as National Security Advisor between April 2018 and September 2019. According to court documents, during this time, Bolton incorporated highly sensitive classified information that he learned from his official duties into personal “diary” entries that he wrote about his daily activities. These diaries contained information classified up to the TOP SECRET level, as well as Sensitive Compartmented Information. This included foreign adversaries’ military operation plans, covert U.S. government actions in foreign countries, and intelligence about adversary foreign leaders obtained from clandestine human sources and intercepted communications. Bolton sent these documents to two family members who were not authorized to access, receive, or possess classified information. He sent the documents via non-governmental email accounts and a non-governmental messaging application which are not approved for processing classified information. Bolton also retained copies of these documents at his Bethesda home where they were not permitted to be stored. According to court documents, after Bolton left office in September 2019, a cyber actor, believed to be associated with the Islamic Republic of Iran, hacked Bolton’s personal email account. He reported the hack to law enforcement but did not tell the agents, or anyone else in the U.S. government, that the account contained national defense information. Bolton is facing a maximum penalty of 60 months in prison. He also agrees to pay a $2.25-million fine. Further, under federal law, as noted in the plea agreement, Bolton’s conviction prohibits him, or his survivors, from collecting an annuity or federal retirement pay. The Honorable Theodore D. Chuang, U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Maryland, set Bolton’s sentencing date for Wednesday, October 28, at 9:30 a.m. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI Baltimore Field Office for its work in the investigation, along with the FBI Counterintelligence and Espionage Division and FBI New York Field Office, for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Sullivan, along with Acting Chief Tanner Kroeger and Trial Attorney Garrett Coyle, NSD’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, who are prosecuting the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md . # # #


title: Alabama Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison on Federal Dog Fighting and Firearms Charges; 78 Dogs Rescued and “Destructive Device” Recovered

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: Carlton Lenard Adams, of Bessemer and Adger, Alabama, was sentenced last month to 120 months in prison after pleading guilty in January to four counts of possessing dogs for fighting purposes and two counts of possessing firearms subsequent to a felony conviction. In addition to the prison sentence, the court also yesterday imposed a restitution of $548,449 for the costs of care of 78 pit bull-type dogs rescued in this investigation. At time of rescue, 78 dogs was the second-greatest number rescued from a single defendant in any federal case. “This case demonstrates that the cruelty of dog fighting is not limited to the brutal injuries inflicted in the fighting pit,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “These animals suffer before, during, and after the fights. We will continue to vigorously pursue Congress’s mandate to snuff out this illegal industry.” “This prior convicted violent felon is now off our streets. We will show no mercy to individuals in this District like Carlton Adams that torture animals for entertainment purposes,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr. for the Northern District of Alabama. “The Department of Justice has prioritized a whole-of-government approach to prosecuting crimes against animals, and we stand ready with our law enforcement partners to swiftly bring the full force of justice to bear.” “This case reflects the brutal reality of organized dog fighting operations and the appalling conditions these animals are forced to endure. It also exposes how dog fighting operations are often accompanied by broader criminal activity as evidenced by the presence of dangerous weapons such as the ones in the defendant’s possession,” said U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General John Walk. “USDA OIG will continue working aggressively with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate animal fighting crimes and protect both public safety and animal welfare. We thank our partners in this case that helped bring this defendant to justice.” According to court documents, Adams maintained a stock of 78 fighting dogs at three properties — two in Bessemer, Alabama, and one in Adger, Alabama. When they were rescued, some of the dogs bore scars and other injuries, and some were living in conditions of extreme neglect. Adams was also found to possess two pistols and a semi-automatic shotgun known colloquially as a “Street Sweeper.” Under federal law, a street sweeper is considered a destructive device. In addition to the dogs, guns, and destructive device, law enforcement personnel also recovered from Adam’s residences tools and supplies used in the training and keeping of dogs used for fighting. These items included modified treadmills to hold dogs in place for conditioning, injectable veterinary steroids, suture materials and syringes, skin staplers, intravenous bags and lines, a homemade breeding stand, and a break stick device used to break the bite hold of a dog. The dogs were rescued and cared for by a program administered by the U.S. Marshals Service. Following a separate, successful civil forfeiture action brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama, the dogs did not have to be returned to Adams. They were instead rehabilitated and evaluated for possible adoption. Under federal law, it is illegal not only to fight dogs in a venture that affects interstate commerce, but also to possess, train, transport, deliver, sell, purchase or receive dogs for fighting purposes. The USDA OIG, FBI, and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Senior Trial Attorney Ethan Eddy of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Rummage for the Northern District of Alabama prosecuted the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Austin Shutt for the Northern District of Alabama handled the civil forfeiture case for the dogs.


title: Ohkay Owingeh Man Pleads Guilty to Assault Charges

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Ohaky Owingeh man pleaded guilty to assaulting a victim in 2019. According to court documents, on August 28, 2019, Ashkia Trujillo , 31, and enrolled member of the Ohkay Owingeh Tribe, assaulted Jane Doe and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury. Trujillo pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and faces up to 10 years in prison at sentencing. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Ohkay Owingeh Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.


title: Norwalk Man Charged with Child Exploitation Offenses

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New England, today announced that MARCOS FRANCISCO JAVIER GOMEZ, 23, of Norwalk, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with multiple child exploitation offenses. As alleged in court documents, on April 3, 2024, Gomez was arrested by the Putnam County (N.Y.) Sheriff’s Office after he had traveled to New York to meet with a 13-year-old girl with whom Gomez had engaged in sexually explicit communications via text messages, FaceTime, and various social media applications. Subsequent court-authorized searches of Gomez’s cellphone revealed evidence that Gomez had been communicating with at least five minor females in Connecticut, had recorded himself engaging in sexual activity with four of these minor victims, had requested that the minor victims send him videos depicting them engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and had sent obscene images of himself to at least one of the minor victims. Gomez typically met his minor victims through Snapchat. The complaint charges Gomez with production of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of life; receipt or attempted receipt of child pornography, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; possession or attempted possession of child pornography, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and transfer of obscene materials to a minor, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Gomez, who has been serving a New York state prison sentence related to his conduct with the 13-year-old minor victim in New York , appeared yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained. U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Putnam County (N.Y.) Sherrif’s Office, the Norwalk Police Department, the Bridgeport Police Department, the Watertown Police Department, and the Waterbury Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Stamford/Norwalk for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this case. This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com .


title: D.C. Man’s Refusal to Answer Grand Jury Questions Gets 8 Years in Prison for Obstructing a Homicide Investigation

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Antonio Nicks, 34, of Washington, D.C. was sentenced today to eight years in prison for obstructing a homicide investigation, during grand jury proceedings between July 2023 and January 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Antonio Nicks was indicted and pleaded guilty on April 6, 2026, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of obstructing justice and one count of contempt. His guilty plea for the indictment was entered on the eve of jury selection. The Honorable Judith Pipe sentenced Nicks to eight years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. According to the government’s evidence, on July 7, 2023, and July 28, 2023, Antonio Nicks testified under oath in a Superior Court grand jury proceeding in Washington D.C. that was investigating the July 9, 2022, stabbing death of Brittany Palmer. On July 7, 2023, Nicks declined to answer certain questions and purported to invoke the Fifth Amendment privilege on various topics during his grand jury testimony. On July 14, 2023, a Fifth Amendment privilege hearing was held before Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring. At this hearing, the Chief Judge found that Nicks did not have a Fifth Amendment privilege and ordered him to answer certain questions in the grand jury. During his grand jury testimony on July 28, 2023, Nicks refused to answer questions even though he acknowledged that he was ordered by the Chief Judge to do so. In subsequent hearings before Chief Judge Josey-Herring on October 2, 2023, December 11, 2023, and January 12, 2024, Nicks continued to express his refusal to answer questions as ordered by the Chief Judge. Nicks was arrested on a material witness warrant on June 21, 2023, and has been in custody ever since. Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated this case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Galloway, who prosecuted the case. 2024 CF2 002748


title: Wewahitchka Man Found Guilty of Three Counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Pensacola, Florida –Ronnie Lee Small, Jr., 48, of Wewahitchka, Florida, was found guilty by a federal jury of three counts of distribution of methamphetamine. The guilty verdict was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Meth has devastated entire communities in the Northern District of Florida, leaving a trail of addiction, death, and despair in its wake. This defendant enriched himself by peddling this deadly poison, but his drug dealing days are over thanks to the excellent investigative work by our state and federal law enforcement partners and the aggressive prosecution by my office. We have a lot more work to do, but I am committed to delivering the safe, drug-free streets that our citizens deserve with more successful prosecutions like this one.” Evidence at trial demonstrated that the defendant sold methamphetamine to a confidential source working with the Gulf County Sheriff’s Office on three separate occasions with approximate weights of one ounce, one ounce, and two ounces. “This case began with the Gulf County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit working alongside the Northstar Multijurisdictional Drug Task Force, and it reflects the power of partnership,” said Gulf County Sheriff Mike Harrison. “I want to thank our state and federal partners for their outstanding support in getting this drug dealer off our streets and protecting our community.” The defendant faces 10 years to life imprisonment, and a fine of up to $20,000,000. Sentencing is scheduled for September 11, 2026, at 10:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Hinkle. This conviction was the result of a joint investigation by the Gulf County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Spaven and James A. McCain prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Jacksonville Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Offense Involving Fentanyl and Methamphetamine

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Owens Coleman Parker, Jr. (51, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jordan E. Pratt to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Parker pleaded guilty on February 24, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, Parker picked up and attempted to transport a vehicle which contained a hidden compartment holding more than 6 kilograms of fentanyl and more than 7 kilograms of methamphetamine. When law enforcement tried to stop him, Parker fled, leading police on a high-speed chase through a residential neighborhood. Parker then exited the vehicle and fled on foot before police apprehended him. Subsequently, Parker admitted that he knew he was picking up a load of drugs and that he intended to transport them to another location and was to be paid for doing so. Parker was arrested and given a bond, however, failed to appear in court and fled to Mexico before ultimately surrendering to authorities. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney.


title: Massachusetts Man Charged with Attempting to Entice a Minor Following Operation “Red Card”

body_text: Providence - A Rehoboth, Massachusetts man has been charged federally for allegedly attempting to entice a person he believed to be a 15-year-old female to engage in sexual activity and travelling to Rhode Island to meet her, announced First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks. The charges stem from Operation Red Card , a multi-agency human trafficking and child exploitation enforcement initiative conducted by the Rhode Island State Police (RISP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Richard Lallier, 34, is charged by way of federal criminal complaint with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, attempted interstate travel for illicit sexual conduct with a minor, and attempted transmission of obscene material to a minor. He was ordered detained at his initial appearance in U.S. District Court on Thursday, June 18, 2026. “Behind every child exploitation case is an adult who made a deliberate decision to target a minor. The responsibility for that conduct rests solely with the offender,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we remain committed to identifying those individuals, protecting children, and holding offenders accountable.” According to court documents, for two days, beginning on June 16, 2026, Lallier communicated with a person he believed was a 15-year-old female, who was an undercover RISP Detective. It is alleged that, believing he was communicating with the minor, Lallier sent sexually explicit messages, videos of his genitalia, discussed meeting for sexual activity, and traveled to Rhode Island to meet her. “Child sexual exploitation cases are among the most disturbing the FBI works, and they’re also some of the most impactful. We’re gratified to help take Richard Lallier off the street,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Know that your FBI is working 24/7 before, during, and after the World Cup to ensure those seeking to exploit our most vulnerable won’t get away with it. If child predators can’t or won’t keep themselves away from kids, the FBI stands ready to step in and shut them down.” "I commend the outstanding work of our detectives, our partners at the FBI, NCIS, the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, and the United States Attorney's Office whose coordinated efforts led to this arrest,” said Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and the Director of the Department of Public Safety. “We will continue to aggressively pursue those who target children and ensure they are brought to justice.” Lallier was arrested on June 17, 2026, by members of the RISP and FBI after he arrived at the location where it is alleged he had arranged to meet with the person he believed he had been communicating with. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Taylor Dean and Denise Marie Barton. The matter was investigated by the RISP and the FBI, with valuable assistance provided by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office. A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Five Men Face Federal Charges for Trafficking Drugs in Franklin County, Vermont

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: BURLINGTON– The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on June 25, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Tyree Canty a/k/a “Black,” 47, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Lord Crayton a/k/a “Little Creep,” 35, of Woodhaven, New York, and Dimetrice Warner a/k/a “Unc,” 37, of The Bronx, New York, with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. Two additional men were also indicted for conspiring to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, but their identities remain under seal. Canty faces an additional charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Canty, Warner, and Crayton all appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on June 22 after they were charged via criminal complaint. Judge Doyle ordered that Canty and Warner be detained pending further proceedings. Crayton was ordered released on conditions. According to court records, the five men conspired to distribute cocaine and cocaine base at various locations in and around St. Albans, Vermont and Highgate, Vermont between approximately April 7, 2026 and June 18, 2026. Confidential informants, under the supervision of law enforcement, conducted multiple purchases of crack cocaine from the group. The investigation culminated in the execution of two federal search warrants on June 18, 2026, one in St. Albans and the other in Highgate. During the execution of the search warrant in St. Albans, Crayton and Warner were arrested, and cocaine and packaging materials were seized. During the execution of the search warrant in Highgate, Canty was arrested and law enforcement seized controlled substances, thousands of dollars in cash, and a firearm. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. If convicted, all of the defendants face up to 20 years of imprisonment for the drug trafficking conspiracy. Canty faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of life imprisonment if convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Albans Police Department. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Dana Hill. Canty is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender. Warner is represented by Kevin Henry, Esq. Crayton is represented by Jessica Burke, Esq.


title: Lowell Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution and Gun Charges

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Lowell man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to distributing cocaine base (crack cocaine) and illegal possession of two guns. Marc Sanchez, 31, pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base and to being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for Sept. 17, 2025. Sanchez was arrested and charged in October 2025 and has remained in federal custody since. Sanchez was identified as a drug distributor selling crack cocaine out of his apartment in Lowell. Specifically, on Sept. 17, 2025, a cooperating witness arranged to meet Sanchez at his apartment to purchase an ounce and a half of crack cocaine. At the time of the meeting, Sanchez was observed meeting with an unknown drug supplier in a car outside his apartment building to acquire powder cocaine. Sanchez then returned to his apartment with the cooperating witness, where Sanchez “cooked” the powder cocaine into crack cocaine, separated and weighed the substance, and then sold it to the cooperating witness. In addition, Sanchez used phone numbers and cars registered in other people’s names to deal crack cocaine. According to court documents, there were at least four outstanding arrest warrants for Sanchez in connection with open criminal cases in Derry District Court in New Hampshire, and in Boston, Lawrence and Lowell District Courts in Massachusetts. On Sept. 25, 2025, Sanchez again produced and distributed an ounce and a half of crack cocaine to the cooperating witness at this apartment. During a search of Sanchez’s apartment approximately one week later, on Oct. 1, 2025, more cocaine, drug-coated cookware and drug packaging materials were recovered as well as over $3,000 cash and two loaded 9mm handguns from inside a safe in the apartment. Sanchez has multiple felony convictions and he served over two years in a Massachusetts state prison in 2018 and 2019. The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Greg C. Hudon, Superintendent of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Billerica, Haverhill, Methuen, North Andover, Salem (Mass.) and Manchester (N.H.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Alabama Man Sentenced on Federal Dog-Fighting and Firearms Charges; 78 Dogs Rescued and “Destructive Device” Recovered

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Carlton Lenard Adams, of Bessemer and Adger, Alabama, was sentenced last month to 120 months in prison after pleading guilty in January to four counts of possessing dogs for fighting purposes and two counts of possessing firearms subsequent to a felony conviction. In addition to the prison sentence, the court also today imposed a restitution of $548,449 for the costs of care of 78 pit bull-type dogs rescued in this investigation. At time of rescue, 78 dogs was the second-greatest number rescued from a single defendant in any federal case. A caged dog recovered from one of Adams’ properties. Photo was an exhibit in case United States v. Carlton Adams, No. 2:24-CR-00122, NDAL. “This case demonstrates that the cruelty of dog fighting is not limited to the brutal injuries inflicted in the fighting pit,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “These animals suffer before, during, and after the fights. We will continue to vigorously pursue Congress’s mandate to snuff out this illegal industry.” “This prior convicted violent felon is now off our streets. We will show no mercy to individuals in this District like Carlton Adams that torture animals for entertainment purposes,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams, Jr. “The Department of Justice has prioritized a whole-of-government approach to prosecuting crimes against animals, and we stand ready with our law enforcement partners to swiftly bring the full force of justice to bear.” “This case reflects the brutal reality of organized dog fighting operations and the appalling conditions these animals are forced to endure. It also exposes how dog fighting operations are often accompanied by broader criminal activity as evidenced by the presence of dangerous weapons such as the ones in the defendant’s possession,” said U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General John Walk. “USDA OIG will continue working aggressively with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate animal fighting crimes and protect both public safety and animal welfare. We thank our partners in this case that helped bring this defendant to justice.” According to court documents, Adams maintained a stock of 78 fighting dogs at three properties — two in Bessemer, Alabama, and one in Adger, Alabama. When they were rescued, some of the dogs bore scars and other injuries, and some were living in conditions of extreme neglect. Adams was also found to possess two pistols and a semi-automatic shotgun, known colloquially as a “Street Sweeper.” Under federal law, a Street Sweeper is considered a destructive device. In addition to the dogs, guns, and destructive device, law enforcement personnel also recovered from Adam’s residences tools and supplies used in the training and keeping of dogs used for fighting. These items included modified treadmills to hold dogs in place for conditioning, injectable veterinary steroids, suture materials and syringes, skin staplers, intravenous bags and lines, a homemade breeding stand, and a break stick device used to break the bite hold of a dog. A dog recovered from one of Adams’ properties. Photo was an exhibit in case United States v. Carlton Adams, No. 2:24-CR-00122, NDAL. The dogs were rescued and cared for by a program administered by the U.S. Marshals Service. Following a separate, successful civil forfeiture action brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama, the dogs did not have to be returned to Adams. They were instead rehabilitated and evaluated for possible adoption. Under federal law, it is illegal not only to fight dogs in a venture that affects interstate commerce, but also to possess, train, transport, deliver, sell, purchase or receive dogs for fighting purposes. The USDA OIG, FBI, and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Senior Trial Attorney Ethan Eddy of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Rummage for the Northern District of Alabama prosecuted the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Austin Shutt for the Northern District of Alabama handled the civil forfeiture case for the dogs.


title: Zuni Man Sentenced for Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man was sentenced to 96 months in prison for firing a shotgun into an occupied vehicle and seriously injuring a passenger. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents on March 20, 2025, Shane Austin Loretto , 32, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, fired a shotgun at the car John Doe was a passenger in, with intent to do bodily harm. John Doe was hit in the face and neck with multiple pellets and required medical treatment. Law enforcement tied Loretto to the shooting through witness statements and subsequently located the shotgun and ammunition in a safe inside a shed adjacent to Loretto ’s residence. During a subsequent interview, Loretto claimed he had heard about the shooting but did not know where the gunshot came from. Loretto pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Upon his release from prison, Loretto will be subject to three years of supervised release. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.


title: Lowell Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine

body_text: BOSTON – A Lowell man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to distributing fentanyl and cocaine base (crack cocaine). Gino Hem, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base; one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base; and three counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for Sep. 30, 2026. The defendant was arrested and charged in October 2025 and has remained in federal custody since. On four separate occasions between July 14, 2025 and Oct. 3, 2025, Hem met cooperating witnesses and an undercover officer in Lowell to sell them crack cocaine and fentanyl. Hem filled orders from the cooperating witnesses and undercover officer for “fingers” of “brown,” i.e. , fentanyl, and quantities of “hard,” i.e. , cocaine base. On a fifth date, on Oct. 22, 2025, the undercover officer ordered two ounces of “hard” from Hem. He was taken into custody upon arriving at the agreed upon drug deal location. During a search of his person, more than two ounces (53 grams) of cocaine base were found hidden inside Hem’s underwear. The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base provide for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Chicago Man Arrested in Connection With Planned Violent Attack at Ultimate Fighting Championship Event at White House

body_text: CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been arrested in connection with the planned violent attack at the Ultimate Fighting Championship event at the White House earlier this month. ALEXANDER INIGUEZ MERCADO was an administrator and member of Signal messaging groups that included members who appeared to communicate with others regarding the planning of a violent attack targeting the UFC event at the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 14, 2026, according to an indictment returned Thursday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Seven other individuals from multiple states have been charged in connection with the planning of the violent attack. [See here and here for more information about the other defendants charged as part of this investigation.] According to the indictment against Mercado, the day before the UFC event, a Special Agent from the FBI spoke with Mercado by telephone. The agent informed Mercado that he was calling to discuss online threats regarding the UFC event, and he asked whether Mercado planned to travel to Washington, D.C., to help with the attack, the indictment states. Mercado allegedly denied those plans and advised the agent that he did not want to meet with the agent. Mercado then uninstalled the Signal application on his phone, which caused the data on his phone relating to those messages to become unavailable, the indictment states. The indictment charges Mercado, 20, of Chicago, with obstruction of justice. The charge is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. Mercado was arrested on Thursday. He is scheduled to make an initial appearance in federal court in Chicago today at 3:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes. The indictment and arrest were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and James Morley, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Chicago Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “Obstructing justice in a law enforcement investigation into a planned violent domestic attack is a profoundly serious offense,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “The investigation in this case involved serious threats to public safety, including the safety of President Donald J. Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the United States of America, other members of government, as well as the many attendees and athletes who attended the event at the White House. Any obstructive conduct to interfere with this investigation undermines the integrity of the justice system as well as the rule of law. The Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office will pursue all appropriate charges against those who act to obstruct law enforcement investigations because safeguarding the public depends on the full, unhindered pursuit of the evidence.” “The FBI’s most important responsibility of protecting the American people means that our personnel work 24/7/365 to evaluate the ever-changing threat landscape and disrupt acts of violence before they occur,” said FBI SAC DePodesta. “Thanks to the partnerships on the FBI Chicago’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, to include the relentless work by the U.S. Secret Service, this attack was successfully foiled before any innocent people were gravely injured or killed. While the FBI will continue to use every available resource to hold accountable those who seek to terrorize our community, we urge the public to join us in this effort by immediately calling 9-1-1, 1-800-CALL-FBI, or submitting to tips.fbi.gov if they encounter any suspicious or threatening behavior, in-person or online.” “The safety and security of the President of the United States and all those under our protection is the U.S. Secret Service’s highest priority,” said Secret Service Acting SAC Morley. “We approach this mission with dedication and vigilance in the current heightened threat environment. Successfully carrying out our protective mission is strengthened by strong partnerships. I want to thank the FBI for its steadfast collaboration and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Illinois for its relentless pursuit of justice.” The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond reasonable doubt. mercado_indictment.pdf


title: Fort Dodge Area Man Sentenced to Prison for Meth Trafficking

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Thomas Lee Clark, Jr, age 57, from Eagle Grove and Fort Dodge, Iowa, was sentenced to over 15 years in prison on June 25, 2026, in federal court in Sioux City. On January 27, 2026, Clark, Jr. pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of distribution and aiding and abetting another in the distribution of meth. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings, showed that, from July 2024 through August 2025, Clark, Jr. and others distributed over 2500 grams of methamphetamine in the Fort Dodge area. Evidence further showed that on at least four occasions in July and August 2025, Clark, Jr. distributed or instructed others to distribute meth to individuals cooperating with law enforcement. During a search of a co-conspirator’s home, law enforcement officers seized over 12 grams of pure meth, over $4,000 in U.S. currency, marijuana, prescription medications, scales, and other drug distribution paraphernalia. Clark, Jr. admitted he and his co-conspirators had previously distributed meth and intended to distribute this methamphetamine. Clark, Jr. was previously convicted of possession of more than five grams of methamphetamine, a serious felony drug offense, on or about February 12, 2014, in the Iowa District Court for Webster County. United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Clark, Jr. to 204 months’ imprisonment and ten-years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Clark, Jr. remains in the custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa DCI Laboratory, Fort Dodge Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, and Wright County Sheriff’s Office. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-3043. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Pensacola Felon Indicted for Gun Possession

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

body_text: Pensacola, Florida – Damien R. Johnson, 46, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge. Johnson appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon in Pensacola, Florida. Trial is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at 9:00 am before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II in Pensacola, Florida. Johnson faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment. The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pensacola Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Thomas S.P. Geeker. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Billings woman sentenced to just under 3 years on drug trafficking charges

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: BILLINGS – A woman who received a package of fentanyl pills in the mail was sentenced Wednesday to two years and nine months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said. Makenna Rose Kramer, 27, pleaded guilty in January 2026 to one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute and distributing fentanyl. U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided. The government alleged in court documents that Kramer was shipped a package with fentanyl pills that she planned to sell. On June 12, 2024, officials obtained a search warrant to open a parcel addressed to Kramer and in it they found 108.75 grams of blue pills that tested positive for fentanyl. Law enforcement sealed up the package and placed it back in the mail, tracking it to Kramer’s Billings residence. Once it was delivered agents searched Kramer’s home and located the package. Kramer spoke with authorities and granted permission for them to search her phone. She denied knowing what was in the package but her phone showed that she had been meticulously tracking the package’s shipment and discussing it with her roommate. Further messaging on her phone revealed Kramer had been selling fentanyl. Additionally, in a separate drug investigation, law enforcement had learned that Kramer was supplying another individual fentanyl. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Billings Police Department conducted the investigation.


title: Federal Jury Convicts Madison Man of Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – A Madison, Wisconsin, man has been convicted of distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl and for possessing those same drugs for distribution. Jonathan Conley, 44, was convicted following a four-day trial in federal court in Madison. The jury reached a verdict yesterday after just over six hours of deliberation. The guilty verdict is announced by Chadwick M. Elgersma, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin. Following the guilt phase, Conley stipulated that prior to these offenses, he had been convicted of a serious drug felony as also alleged in the superseding indictment. The government presented evidence at trial that on October 24, 2023, Conley distributed approximately 770 grams of methamphetamine and 29 grams of fentanyl to an individual, who was later arrested in New Lisbon, Wisconsin, with the drugs in her vehicle. The government also presented evidence that on February 7, 2024, Conley possessed approximately 204 grams of methamphetamine and 44 grams of fentanyl intended for distribution. The drugs were recovered at a residence in Madison. A witness from the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory confirmed the chemical composition of the controlled substances. A separate witness from the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory testified that Conley’s DNA was present on several of the baggies recovered from the vehicle and several of the baggies recovered from the residence. A witness from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration testified that the quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl found in the residence were consistent with an intent to distribute the drugs rather than an intent to use the drugs personally. Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson scheduled sentencing for September 9, 2026. Conley faces a minimum penalty of ten years in federal prison and a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The case was investigated by the New Lisbon Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Wisconsin State Patrol. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Ginsberg and Steve Anderson.


title: Crow Agency man sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter

body_text: BILLINGS – A Crow Agency man who while driving drunk caused a wreck that killed two people was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said. Curtiss Lee Schenderline, 39, pleaded guilty in January 2026 to one count of involuntary manslaughter. U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided. The government alleged in court documents that Schenderline was driving under the influence of alcohol, crashed his truck into another vehicle, and killed two people. Schenderline was driving on Crow Mountain Road near Crow Agency on May 3, 2024, when he crossed the center line of the roadway and struck an oncoming vehicle with three people inside. The wreck killed the driver, who was pronounced dead at the scene, and one of the passengers, who died hours later at a hospital. Before he died, the passenger told emergency responders that he watched Schenderline swerve into their lane of traffic and hit them. A second passenger in the car was thrown through the windshield during the wreck, leaving her with multiple fractures, lacerations, and contusions. She was life-flighted to a Billings hospital. When Schenderline arrived at the hospital, doctors noted that he had slurred speech and smelled of alcohol. Blood tests confirmed he had alcohol in his system. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey M. Hendricks prosecuted the case. The BIA and Montana Highway Patrol conducted the investigation.


title: Marianna Man Sentenced for Armed Drug Trafficking Offenses

body_text: Tallahassee, Florida – Michael Termaine Bell, of Marianna, Florida, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of marijuana, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 50 grams or more of marijuana. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case was built upon the outstanding investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners who dismantled this drug trafficking operation that flooded our streets with deadly drugs. Operation Take Back America is delivering win after win for communities in the Northern District of Florida, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute these offenders to deliver the safe, drug-free streets our citizens deserve.” Court documents reflect that investigators in Jackson County, Florida, obtained information that the defendant was a member of a drug trafficking organization selling illegal narcotics. After several months of investigation, law enforcement obtained a federal search warrant for the defendant’s residence and an adjoining family residence in Marianna, Florida. During the execution of the search warrants, investigators located over 1,000 grams of cocaine, five firearms, over 3,000 grams of marijuana, approximately $10,000 in cash, and other evidence of drug distribution. When the defendant was located and arrested a few months later, he was in possession of cocaine, marijuana, and a firearm. “This sentence reflects the strength of the partnerships between local, state, and federal law enforcement,” said Sheriff Donnie Edenfield. “When we work together, we can dismantle drug trafficking operations, remove dangerous offenders from our communities, and make Jackson County a safer place for everyone.” “This joint investigation highlights the value of a collective effort,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, DEA Tampa Field Division. “Working together we were able remove this drug trafficker from our streets and make our North Florida communities much safer.” The case involved a joint investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica S. Etherton and Eric W. Welch. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Armed Career Criminal Sentenced To 15 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, FL – Ya Hance Pierre Boston (33, Oviedo) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton to 15 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty on March 30, 2026. Boston’s federal sentence will commence upon the expiration of his state sentence. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, on December 30, 2024, Boston, who was a multi-time prior convicted felon, pawned a Glock, G43, 9mm pistol at a pawnshop in Orlando. Boston walked into the pawnshop with the firearm inside his sweater and proceeded to the clerk’s counter. Boston provided the clerk with his identification, signed the pawnshop’s form, and inked his thumbprint on the form. The firearm Boston pawned had previously been stolen from a vehicle in Apopka. As a previously convicted felon, Boston is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Cruz.


title: Mescalero Man Pleads Guilty to Assault

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man pled guilty to assaulting and strangling a victim. According to court documents, on October 23, 2025, Lance Marion Cojo , 39, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, assaulted and strangled Jane Doe during an argument. Cojo pleaded guilty to assault and faces up to five years in prison at sentencing. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Dickens is prosecuting the case.


title: Volusia County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Entice and Use a 13-Year-Old Child to Produce Sexually Explicit Photos

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Shane Christopher Abrams (38, Deland) has been sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan to 15 years in federal prison for attempting to entice and use a 13-year-old minor to produce and send him photos depicting her own sexual abuse. Abrams was also ordered to serve a 15-year term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender. Abrams pleaded guilty on March 5, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, on April 3, 2024, an undercover FBI agent posing as a 13-year-old child (the “child”) engaged in text conversation on a particular social media application (“app”) with another app user who was subsequently identified as Abrams. During this conversation, the “child” advised that she was 13 years old, and Abrams began asking questions about her body and sexual experience. Between April 4 and April 20, 2024, Abrams and the “child” exchanged numerous text messages. Abrams solicited the “child” to produce and send him photos of her genitalia, giving the “child” explicit instructions as to how to comply with his demands. As part of his efforts to entice the “child” to take and send him sexually explicit photos, Abrams sent the “child” photos of his own genitalia. On May 20, 2024, Abrams was arrested by FBI agents. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown. It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Kansas man gets prison time for secretly recording child in a bathroom

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 264 months in prison for clandestinely recording a minor under the age of 12 through a crack in a wall to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM). According to court documents, Jeffrey T. Lyons, 33, of Olathe pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a child. In 2018, Lyons began secretly taking nude photos and videos of a child from a room adjacent to a bathroom through a gap in the wall. For several years, Lyons secretly recorded the minor victim partially or completely unclothed in the bathroom. In October 2023, a relative of Lyons reported him to law enforcement. When officers approached Lyons, they had to forcefully take his cellphone because he refused to give it to them. A forensic exam on the phone uncovered the sexual exploitation videos he had taken of the minor victim and screenshots from those videos, along with almost 900 erotic photos of the child while clothed. Lyons also possessed over 2,800 CSAM photos and videos that did not involve the minor child. “Children are innocent, defenseless, and rely on responsible adults to advocate on their behalf and shield them from predators,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “If you become aware of child abuse, you have an ethical obligation to contact law enforcement immediately. It doesn’t matter if the perpetrator is a friend or a relative. The victim’s welfare should always be the highest priority.” “Mr. Lyons’ actions were both abhorrent and stomach-churning. The sentence ensures that a dangerous predator spends more than two decades behind bars and an additional 12 years of supervised release. The FBI remains committed to finding and bringing to justice anyone who dares to exploit or harm children,” stated Chris Ormerod, FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey McCormick prosecuted the case. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Two Men Sentenced to a Total of Over 21 Years in Prison for Roles in Carjacking and Robbery

body_text: A federal judge sentenced Marterrio Armstrong, 21, of Memphis, Tennessee, and Jacam’Ron McIntosh, 21, of Oxford, Mississippi, to eight and one-half years and 13 years in prison, respectively, for a carjacking at gunpoint. According to evidence presented to the court, on Nov. 24, 2024, police responded to a robbery in Memphis, Tennessee. A group of nine construction workers were packing their belongings following a residential construction project when Armstrong and McIntosh approached them with guns drawn. Armstrong and McIntosh pointed their firearms at the victims and stated, “Don’t move or we will f&*% you up,” and demanded the victims’ property. Working in tandem, Armstrong remained outside with the nine victims while McIntosh entered the residence and dragged a tenth victim outside at gunpoint. After rummaging through the victims’ pockets, the defendants took the victims’ wallets, cell phones, money, and keys, and drove away in one victim’s Nissan Maxima. Less than one hour after the armed carjacking, Memphis Police Department officers tracked one victim’s cellphone to a residence in Memphis, where they located the Nissan Maxima hidden by several trash cans in a carport. Inside the residence, officers located Armstrong and the victims’ stolen property. McIntosh was also found in the house, hiding in the attic along with a Glock 19 pistol, a Romania Arms Mini Draco pistol, and a wallet taken from a victim during the robbery. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Jamey VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Division made the announcement. ATF and the Memphis Police Department investigated the case. Trial Attorney Marcus Johnson and former Trial Attorney Shriram Harid of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Musselwhite for the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the case. This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative in Memphis conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee and local, state, and federal law enforcement. This joint effort addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute violent gang members and other violent criminals in Memphis.