title: Leader of Area Drug Trafficking Operation Sentenced to 19½ Years in Prison

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Alberto Cintron, aka “Bert” and “Nephew,” 37, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 234 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release by United States District Judge John M. Younge for drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The defendant was charged by indictment in May of 2024 and pleaded guilty this July to more than a dozen charges, including conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl; distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl within 1,000 feet of a school; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possession of a firearm by a felon. As detailed in court filings and statements, in July 2023, law enforcement learned that Cintron was the leader of a drug trafficking group (“DTG”) distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Montgomery County, Chester County, and Philadelphia areas. The investigation revealed a common pattern or method of conducting business, namely, the defendant would either direct his associate to deliver drugs to customers, or Cintron would deliver the controlled substances himself. From approximately July 2023 through October 2023, the Cintron DTG distributed, or possessed with the intent to distribute, more than five kilograms of methamphetamine, more than 1,000 grams of fentanyl, and other controlled substances. Recovered during search warrants at both his residence in Philadelphia and drug stash houses that he maintained were over 5,500 individually packaged bags of fentanyl, several pounds of methamphetamine and multiple firearms that the defendant was legally prohibited from having. 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 Neighborhoods (PSN). The case was investigated by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Upper Merion Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Mills and Special Assistant United States Attorney and Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Kathleen McLaughlin.


title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Relentless Justice 205 Child Victims Located and 293 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in Nationwide Crackdown, Including 4 in the Eastern District of Michigan

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes." “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.” “There is a special place in Hell waiting for the predators who hurt our children,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon. “In the meantime, we will work with our compatriots to stop these evil criminals.” “FBI Detroit will relentlessly pursue anyone who seeks to exploit our children, regardless of their profession or status in society,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “As part of the FBI’s national initiative, Operation Relentless Justice, FBI Detroit’s Southeast Michigan Trafficking and Exploitation Crimes (SEMTEC) Task Force investigated and arrested individuals who allegedly produced, distributed or were in possession of child pornography. FBI Detroit will not tolerate the exploitation of children in any form, and I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan for its strong partnership. We will never stop protecting our children and will do everything we can under federal law to hold offenders accountable.” The following cases were charged in the Eastern District of Michigan: FBI executed search warrants at the Detroit home of Jeremy Tacon, a psychologist, and Joshua Ronnebaum, an attorney. The FBI seized numerous media storage devices from the residence containing child pornography and which contained discussions between the men expressing their sexual interest in children. The arrest of Tacon and Ronnebaum led the FBI to Lincoln Erickson, a doctor, who also had child pornography on his phone. On December 16, Tacon and Ronnebaum were charged in a nine-count indictment with receipt, distribution, and possession of child pornography. On December 17, Erickson was charged with receipt of child pornography. The three men have been detained pending trial. On December 16, 2025, FBI agents arrested Kevin Howard, 28 of Westland, after receiving information that he was using the Kik application to distribute child sexually abusive material of infant and toddler aged children to other users. Howard has been charged with distribution of child pornography and is currently in custody awaiting a detention hearing. Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon. As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself. This effort follows two other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, including 5 from the Eastern District of Michigan, and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders, including 5 from the Eastern District of Michigan. The FBI's Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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 justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Fraudster Who Submitted Over $365,000 in Fake COVID Unemployment Benefits Applications Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: NCDOC WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Pitt County woman pleaded guilty to defrauding the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security (NCDES) by submitting false pandemic unemployment benefits (UI) applications intended for more than $365,000 in federal benefits. Yolanda Baker, age 51, faces up to ten years in prison, and a $250,000 fine when a federal judge sentences her later this year. She will also be ordered to repay a forfeiture money judgment of $368,022.00. “This kind of fraud steals resources from North Carolinian citizens who needed real help during a national emergency,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Our office will continue holding accountable those who used the pandemic as an opportunity for personal gain. We will protect taxpayer dollars and ensure that criminals who exploit public programs face serious consequences.” According to court documents and other information presented in court, from in or about May 2020 to June 2021, Baker carried out a scheme to defraud NCDES UI program by submitting sixty-five fraudulent UI applications. She falsely represented the employment status of the listed applicants and provided fraudulent supporting documents. After the applications were approved, the funds were deposited into accounts Baker controlled. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Ontjes is prosecuting the case, and the United States Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General is investigating the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:25-CR-31-M.


title: Chester Woman Sentenced For Filing Fraudulent Claims In Pandemic Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Muneerah Abdullah, age 46, of Chester, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on December 17, 2025, by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary to nine months of house arrest as part of a two-year probationary sentence. Judge Neary also ordered Abdullah to pay $59,823 in restitution. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, from in or about April 2020 to in or about October 2020, Abdullah filed fraudulent claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claims for herself and other ineligible recipients, to include inmates. The PUA claims contained fraudulent answers to questions concerning the claimant’s eligibility to receive the assistance. Abdullah herself was not eligible to receive the assistance as she had no legitimate employment prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. The incarcerated individuals were not eligible due to their inmate status. Over the course of the scheme, Abdullah profited approximately $59,823 as a result of her fraudulent acts. The total loss to the Department of Labor was $117,585. “Muneerah Abudallah defrauded the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry by submitting fraudulent pandemic unemployment assistance claims for herself and others, including inmates, who were not entitled to such benefits. Today’s sentencing affirms the Office of Inspector General’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who attempt to exploit vital U.S. Department of Labor programs,” said Syreeta Scott, Special Agent-in-Charge, Mid-Atlantic Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Alisan V. Martin prosecuted the case. On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law. The CARES Act created the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which provides unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended unemployment benefits, including individuals, families, and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligibility to receive weekly PUA benefits was predicated on the applicant’s unemployment for reasons related to the pandemic; however, the applicant must also have been able to work each day and, if offered a job, the applicant must have been able to accept it. Once the applicant was approved to receive benefits, the applicant was required to submit weekly certifications that indicated that he or she: was ready, willing and able to work each day; was seeking full time employment; did not refuse any job offers or referrals; and, had reported any employment during the week and the gross pay or other payments received. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . # # #


title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Relentless Justice

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes.” “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.” On December 18, 2025, a federal grand jury in Burlington, Vermont, returned an indictment charging Nathanael Akin, 34, of Bennington, Vermont, with one count of attempted enticement of a minor to produce child sexual abuse material. After first being charged by complaint, Akin was ordered detained pending further proceedings on December 12, 2025. According to court records, Akin communicated online with an FBI undercover operator (“UC”), requesting sexual contact with the UC’s fictitious 10-year-old daughter. Akin also communicated directly with the purported daughter online, and asked the girl to produce and send him images of her genitalia. Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon. As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself. This effort follows two other successful nation-wide operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. The FBI’s Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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 justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former Eastside real estate broker convicted of real estate investment fraud scheme that stole more than $2 million from Washington victims

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A former real estate professional who operated a real estate investment fund was convicted late yesterday in U.S. District Court in Seattle of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and multiple counts of wire fraud, money laundering, and tax fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Tamara King, aka Tamara Waln, 56, of Toledo, Ohio, previously resided in Bellevue and Kirkland, Washington. The jury also convicted King of eight counts of wire fraud, two counts of money laundering, and three counts of filing a false tax return after an 8-day jury trial. Jurors deliberated for five hours before reaching the guilty verdict. U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez scheduled sentencing for March 20, 2026. King’s co-defendant Paul Waln, 60, now of Dallas, Texas, pleaded guilty to the wire fraud conspiracy in June 2025 and was sentenced to 33 months in prison on October 31, 2025. According to records filed in the case, between August 2009 and December 2013, Waln solicited investments in a real estate fund called Halcyon. Twenty-two victims, most of whom were Seattle residents, invested $2.25 million in the fund. Waln told investors their funds would be pooled to purchase and renovate an apartment building in West Seattle and then used for other real estate projects. Investors were required to leave their money in the investment pool for ten years. Waln said that at the end of the 10-year period, Waln would return the investment principal and earnings, which he estimated amount to a 20 percent annual return. Waln was entitled to receive a 1% fee for managing the investment fund. In 2013, Waln married King, who was also a real estate agent. Waln and King then jointly managed the investment fund. Between February 2014 and December 2018, they conspired to misappropriate money from the fund to pay their personal expenses. The pair secretly transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars at a time from the fund to their management company and then transferred the money to King’s personal accounts. In some instances, they wrote secret memos characterizing these transfers as “loans,” but the money was never repaid. Investors were never told about the “loans.” Under the terms of the investment, Waln and King were required to distribute the investment funds to investors in 2019. But by the end of 2018, they had misappropriated all the money. In December 2018, Waln sent investors a letter falsely claiming that the fund’s general contractor had been diagnosed with cancer. Waln told investors that this would result in a two-to-three-year delay before he would be able to return investors’ money. The contractor in question never had a cancer diagnosis. Finally, in October 2019, King informed the investors that all the money was gone, and the investment had failed. All the remaining investors lost their entire investments. In addition, King failed to report over $1.6 million in income over three tax years. For those three tax years, King reported $188,116 in total income, when she actually received $1.85 million. At trial, King blamed Waln for the misappropriation, claiming Waln told her the “loans” were allowed. Assistant United States Attorney Seth Wilkinson told the jurors that the couple acted as a team. Waln “brought the money in the front door and King stole it out the back. … She took $50,000 for an 8 and a half carat diamond ring and more than $120,000 for her Tesla.” Prosecutors noted that King transferred investor money to accounts she controlled so that she could buy what she wanted with the investors’ money. In all investors lost $2.4 million. “She blindly drained every last dollar,” Assistant United States Attorney Cindy Chang told jurors. Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and wire fraud are punishable by up to twenty years in prison. Money laundering is punishable by up to ten years in prison. Filing a false tax return is punishable by up to three years in prison. The case is being investigated by the FBI and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Wilkinson, Cindy Chang, and Jehiel Baer. Court exhibit


title: Fall River Man Convicted of Drug Distribution Resulting in Death of a Minor and the Sale of Drugs and Machineguns on Telegram App

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Fall River man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to drug distribution resulting in the death of a minor, as well as multiple other charges filed this week associated with his sale of drugs, machineguns and firearm parts on the Telegram app. Benjamin Hunt, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl, MDMA, MDA, Ketamine and LSD resulting in death; two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; two counts of unlawful transfer and possession of a machinegun; and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for March 19, 2026. Hunt was arrested and charged in August 2024 on drug and firearm charges and has remained in federal custody while the investigation continued. Hunt was recently charged with additional crimes, including drug distribution resulting in the death of a minor, and he pled guilty to those crimes yesterday. Under the terms of Hunt’s guilty plea, at sentencing, the court will sentence Hunt to between 20 years and 25 years in federal custody. From at least 2022 through 2024, Benjamin Hunt operated an online marketplace on the Telegram application through which he advertised and sold large quantities of controlled substances and firearms to customers across the United States. Hunt controlled multiple Telegram accounts and used the platform to conduct drug and weapons transactions while concealing his identity and seeking payment primarily in cryptocurrency. Through his Telegram marketplace, Hunt offered for sale numerous dangerous drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine, LSD, MDMA, ketamine and counterfeit pharmaceutical pills made to resemble oxycodone but containing fentanyl. Hunt also advertised firearms and firearm components, including privately made firearms (“ghost guns”) and machinegun conversion devices (“switches”), some of which he manufactured himself using 3-D printing technology. Hunt typically required payment via Bitcoin, though in some instances accepted CashApp, and then shipped the contraband through the U.S. Postal Service, either directly or through suppliers. In February, May, and June 2024, Hunt sold counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer, including quantities exceeding 40 grams of fentanyl. During one of these transactions, Hunt simultaneously sold a privately made Glock-style firearm and multiple machinegun conversion devices along with an extended magazine and 3D printed brass knuckles. In August 2024, Hunt mailed an additional package containing approximately 1,600 fentanyl pills to undercover law enforcement in exchange for cryptocurrency. Law enforcement intercepted multiple packages being sent to or from Hunt, including one package sent by him that contained a smoke grenade and one package sent to an address associated with him that contained 13 switches or machinegun conversion devices. A search at Hunt’s residence resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA and ketamine, as well as an arsenal of firearms and firearm components, including dozens of privately made firearms, machinegun conversion devices, silencers, extended magazines, large quantities of ammunition and 3-D printers used to manufacture firearm parts. In total, approximately 95 firearms and related items were seized. Law enforcement in Massachusetts learned about an overdose death of a 17-year-old minor in May 2023 in Indiana. Investigators uncovered evidence of Hunt having communicated with the victim through the Telegram app and offering various drugs for sale. The minor purchased multiple drugs from Hunt. Hunt sought payment in Bitcoin, but when the minor did not have access to Bitcoin, Hunt agreed to receive payment via Cashapp. Hunt then mailed drugs to the minor in Indiana through the U.S. mail. Messages between Hunt and the minor in the hours leading to the minor’s death were uncovered, including messages discussing the minor’s consumption of drugs that had been supplied by Hunt. The drugs distributed by Hunt—including fentanyl, MDMA, MDA, ketamine and LSD—were determined to be the but-for cause of the minor’s death, which was ruled an acute mixed drug intoxication. As part of his plea, Hunt admitted that his distribution of these drugs resulted in the minor victim’s death. “This defendant made a business out of selling poisonous drugs and flooding our communities with illegal guns – and a 17-year-old victim paid for it with his life,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “By exploiting online platforms to sell lethal drugs and guns, the defendant showed a complete disregard for human life and public safety. This guilty plea makes clear that those who deal in death and violence, whether on the street or through online encrypted apps, will be held fully accountable.” “DEA is committed to investigating and dismantling drug trafficking organizations and individuals like Mr. Hunt who are responsible for distributing lethal drugs like fentanyl, MDMA, Ketamine and LSD,” said Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division. “DEA’s top priority is combatting the drug epidemic by working with our local, county, state, and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes deadly drugs, including if it’s online or out of state. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts in Massachusetts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.” “Hunt’s entire livelihood was derived from endangering the public. Hunt’s drug enterprise killed a customer. Hunt manufactured and distributed 3D printed machine gun conversion devices, capable of spraying bullets across neighborhoods. This case highlights the collaboration of law enforcement agencies and the United States Attorney’s Office to target and disrupt threats to the safety of our community. Individuals manufacturing and distributing machine gun conversion devices are a priority for the Department of Justice and will remain so,” said Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division. “Mr. Hunt’s guilty plea today highlights the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s commitment to dismantle any criminal syndicate that uses the U.S. Mail to traffic illicit firearms or narcotics. Removing dangerous items from the U.S. Mail is one of our highest priorities as these items pose a significant risk to Postal Service employees and the customers they serve. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to aggressively pursue and investigate anyone who attempts to use the mail to encourage gun violence and ongoing drug use in our communities. I commend our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts for their shared dedication on this outcome,” said Nicholas Bucciarelli, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division. The charge of distribution of Fentanyl, MDMA, MDA, Ketamine and LSD resulting in death provides for a sentence of at least 20 years and up to life in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl each provide 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. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl 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 charges of unlawful transfer and possession of a machinegun each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 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. U.S. Attorney Foley, DEA SAC Forget, ATF SAC Greco, USPIS Acting INC Bucciarelli, New Bedford Police Chief Jason Thody and Fairhaven Police Chief Daniel Dorgan made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations in New England; the Massachusetts State Police; and the Attleboro, Fall River, Norton, Scituate and Taunton Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kunal Pasricha and J. Mackenzie Duane of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.


title: Bigelow Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison After Being Found Guilty on Multiple Counts of Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—A Bigelow man convicted by a jury of producing child pornography on four different occasions was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison on December 18, 2025. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down by United States District Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr. Blair Michael Williams, 34, was indicted by a federal grand jury in a Superseding Indictment on May 6, 2025. The Superseding Indictment charged Williams with four counts of production of child pornography, two counts of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. During the trial, it was revealed that in October 2022 the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office asked for assistance with a child exploitation case involving Williams, who was employed as a technology coordinator at a high school in Mt. Vernon, Arkansas. On May 4, 2022, Williams resigned because of an investigation regarding the sale of vape pens to students and inappropriate interactions with students on social media. Following Williams’ resignation, school officials searched Williams’ work computer and located approximately 500 images of child sexual abuse material on Williams’ Google drive. The child pornography was saved on the Google drive in a location only accessible by Williams and was the domain used for school district employees to access work-related email and documents. Through a review of the child sexual abuse material, investigators determined the identity of nine minor victims. The material contained multiple images of Williams performing sex acts with minor victims. Investigators also located multiple videos of Williams performing sex acts on a minor victim in the back of Williams’ vehicle. A search warrant was obtained for Williams’ residence on December 2, 2022, and investigators located the vehicle depicted in the videos. Investigators then searched Williams’ phone and server that revealed between July 2018 and March 2019, there were several text messages between Williams and minor victims. Located on the server and in texts, investigators found an exchange of sexually explicit photographs and communication between Williams and the minor victims arranging to meet at various locations to engage in sex acts. At trial it was also revealed that during the search, investigators located hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material. After a three-day trial that concluded on May 29, 2025, a federal jury found Williams, guilty on four counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Judge Marshall also sentenced Williams to 20 years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s 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 justice.gov/psc . The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin Bryant and Jordan Crews. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Detroit Man Sentenced for Leading Drug Trafficking Organization

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Robinson-Brown, 27, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced today to 150 months in federal prison for his leadership role in a drug trafficking operation in Monongalia County, announced United States Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement had received several complaints about suspected drug activity at an apartment complex in Morgantown. Investigators determined Robinson-Brown was transporting large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl from Detroit to Monongalia County, using local residents to then distribute the narcotics. Robinson-Brown has a criminal history that includes convictions for cocaine and heroin distribution and the unlawful possession of a firearm. Robinson-Brown will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.


title: North Carolina Man Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison For Drug Trafficking

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joseph Ashley Dickenson, age 47, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was sentenced on December 18, 2025, to 240 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for drug trafficking and money laundering. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, between January 2023 and May 5, 2023, Dickenson conspired with multiple individuals to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl. On May 4, 2023, law enforcement seized one kilogram of cocaine sent by Dickenson to a coconspirator in Dickson City, Lackawanna County using a parcel service. On May 5, 2023, investigators seized 4.4 kilograms of methamphetamine sent by Dickenson to the same coconspirator. A search of Dickenson’s business and home, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, resulted in the seizure of 542 grams of fentanyl, and amounts of marijuana and MDMA. Dickenson also illegally possessed seven firearms, two of which were stolen. A review of banking records showed that Dickenson had received at least $49,909 in proceeds from drug distribution. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case. # # #


title: U.S. Postal Service Employee Indicted for Alleged Workers’ Compensation Fraud

component: USAO - Illinois, Northern

body_text: CHICAGO — A United States Postal Service employee has been indicted on federal fraud charges for allegedly collecting augmented workers’ compensation benefits to which she was not entitled. In 2012, GRACIELA VENEGAS began receiving workers’ compensation benefits for an injury she sustained in the performance of her Postal Service duties. Venegas claimed her spouse as a dependent, which entitled her to receive augmented benefits. The couple divorced in 2013, and the ex-spouse then passed away in 2014. An indictment returned on Monday in U.S. District Court in Chicago alleges that Venegas fraudulently continued to claim the spouse as a dependent after the divorce and death. From 2013 to 2024, while employed by the Postal Service, Venegas fraudulently received monthly augmented workers’ compensation payments amounting to an additional 8 and 1/3 percent of her pre-injury monthly pay, the indictment states. In total, Venegas fraudulently pocketed $51,776 in augmented benefits to which she knew she was not entitled, the indictment states. Venegas, also known as “Graciela Salgado,” 66, of Chicago, is charged with five counts of wire fraud and one count of knowingly making a false statement to the U.S. Department of Labor. Each wire fraud count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, while the false statement charge is punishable by up to five years. Arraignment is set for Jan. 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura K. McNally. The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Dennus Bishop, Special Agent in Charge of the Central Area Field Office of the U.S. Postal Service–Office of Inspector General. The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Diya Rattan. “Workers’ compensation benefits provide a lifeline to workers who are injured on the job and unable to perform their duties,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “Committing fraud upon this important program undermines the financial stability of the insurance system, increases costs for businesses and consumers, and harms truly injured workers. Our Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who seek to collect workers’ compensation benefits to which they are not entitled.” “The U.S. Postal Service paid $1.5 billion in workers’ compensation costs in fiscal year 2024, and the majority of postal employees who collect compensation benefits have legitimate claims due to on-the-job injuries,” said SAC Bishop. “However, a certain percentage abuse the system and cost the Postal Service millions of dollars in fraudulent claims and enforcement costs. Today’s charges send a clear message that the USPS OIG and the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Illinois, remain committed to safeguarding the integrity of this benefit program and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.” 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 a reasonable doubt. venegas_indictment.pdf


title: Ukrainian National Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Ransomware

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Artem Stryzhak pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud and related activity, including extortion, in connection with computers, for his role in a series of international ransomware attacks. Stryzhak, a Ukrainian citizen, was arrested in Spain in June 2024 and extradited to the United States on April 30, 2025. When sentenced, Stryzhak faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment. His co-conspirator, Volodymyr Tymoshchuk, remains at large and is the subject of a $11 million reward offered by the United States Department of State. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Matthew R. Galeotti, Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Christopher J.S. Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield, Illinois Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty plea. “The defendant used Nefilim ransomware to target high-revenue companies in the United States steal data, and extort victims,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The defendant’s conviction demonstrates that our Office will ensure that criminals are held accountable for the cyber havoc they wreak on society. We remain determined to capture Stryzhak’s codefendant and partner in crime, Volodymyr Tymoshchuk, and bring him to justice in a U.S. courtroom.” Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the FBI’s New York Field Office for their significant contributions to the investigation. Mr. Nocella also thanked the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, as well as Spanish law enforcement authorities, for their assistance in the capture of Stryzhak. “Cybercriminals may hide behind screens, but they leave digital footprints everywhere,” stated FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Johnson. “The FBI follows these digital trails relentlessly - across networks, borders, and time - until those responsible are held accountable. Today is a remarkable accomplishment, but we will not stop until we have captured all those responsible for the Nefilim ransomware.” Nefilim ransomware was deployed to encrypt computer networks in countries around the world, including in the Eastern District of New York. These ransomware attacks caused millions of dollars in losses, both from ransomware payments and damage to victim computer systems. The perpetrators of Nefilim typically customized the ransomware executable file for each victim, creating a unique decryption key and customized ransom notes. In June 2021, Nefilim administrators gave Stryzhak access to the Nefilim ransomware code in exchange for 20 percent of his ransom proceeds. He operated the ransomware through his account on an online platform operated by Nefilim administrators. Nefilim’s preferred ransomware targets were companies located in the United States, Canada, or Australia with more than $100 million in annual revenue. Stryzhak and others researched the companies to which they gained unauthorized access, including by using online databases to gather information about the victim companies’ net worth, size, and contact information. After gaining access to the victims’ networks, Stryzhak and his co‑conspirators stole data in furtherance of their scheme to extort ransom payments from them. Nefilim ransom notes typically threatened the victims that unless they came to an agreement with the ransomware actors, the stolen data would be published on publicly accessible “Corporate Leaks” websites, which were maintained by Nefilim administrators. Stryzhak’s co-defendant, Volodymyr Tymoshchuk, was an administrator of the Nefilim ransomware group, and a serial cybercriminal associated with multiple ransomware strains. The State Department is offering a reward of up to $11 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction or location of Tymoshchuk or his other co-conspirators. Anyone with information on these malicious cyber actors or associated individuals or entities should contact the FBI via phone at +1-917-242-1407 or by email at TymoTips@fbi.gov . If you are in the United States, you can also contact the local FBI field office. If outside the United States, you can visit the nearest U.S. embassy. More information about this TOC reward offer is located on the State Department website . The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander F. Mindlin and Ellen H. Sise and Trial Attorney Brian Mund of the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Rebecca Roth. The Defendant : ARTEM ALEKSANDROVYCH STRYZHAK Age: 35 Barcelona, Spain E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-324 (PKC)


title: Orleans Parish Man Sentenced for Wire Fraud

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – JASON PICK (“PICK) , age 44, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on December 17, 2025 by United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to 37 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. The defendant was also ordered to pay $64,137 to his victim. According to court documents, from June 2020 through October 25, 2021, PICK worked as an accounting clerk for a company that manages residential and commercial real estate in the New Orleans area. During his employment, PICK stole approximately $64,137 from the company by altering the face of money orders intended to be rent payments from tenants and deposited the altered money orders into his own bank account. While awaiting sentencing for a scheme to defraud his previous employer, PICK submitted a fraudulent letter from the company to a federal judge, requesting that his prison report date be delayed because it was a busy period for the company. In truth and in fact, the letter was forged by PICK , and the owner of the company was unaware of the letter, or PICK’s crimes. The Court granted the defendant’s request, and PICK used this delay to further conceal his crimes. Before reporting to serve his prison sentence, PICK lied to the company about his upcoming absence by stating that he needed to undergo immediate emergency kidney surgery. He advised the company he would be able to complete his duties on a remote basis during this time. On his way to prison, PICK remotely accessed the company’s computer system and fraudulently edited the accounting books to conceal the money he had stolen. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Secret Service in investigating the matter. Assistant United States Attorney G. Dall Kammer, Chief of the General Crimes Unit, was in charge of the prosecution.


title: Maryland Man Indicted on Child Sexual Abuse Material Charges in Connection With Justice Department’s Operation Relentless Justice

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Greenbelt, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced today, an indictment in connection with the Department of Justice’s Operation Relentless Justice , a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. This nationwide crackdown resulted in law enforcement locating more than 205 child victims and arresting more than 293 child sexual abuse offenders. During a two-week span, all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorney offices partnered to execute this coordinated effort around the country. In Maryland, a federal grand jury indicted Christopher Alexander Watts , 27, of Mount Rainier, Maryland, charging him with four counts of producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Attorney General Pamela Bondi; FBI Director Kash Patel; and Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” Bondi said. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes." “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” Patel said. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.” “The results of this coordinated effort underscore the power of teamwork and collaboration. Through Operation Relentless Justice, the United States Attorney’s Office in Maryland helped advance the Department’s mandate to track down those who exploit or abuse our children and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law,” Hayes said. “We’re committed to continuing to work closely with our community and law-enforcement partners to ensure that predators are held accountable as we relentlessly pursue justice for every victim.” “The investigative efforts and collaboration by FBI Baltimore’s Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force truly are relentless,” Paul said. “In addition to Watts’ indictment in Maryland, the task force secured another 14 federal, state, and local arrests of subjects tied to child exploitation during Operation Relentless Justice. This operation is yet another example of the FBI’s commitment to hold those abusing children fully accountable by working with our law enforcement partners at all levels of government.” Those arrested allegedly committed various crimes, including producing, distributing, and possessing child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing CSAM, as well as police officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving the enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan National who was previously deported in 2011, and was previously arrested for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon. As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online to include the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself. This effort follows two other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, including two from the District of Maryland, and Operation Enduring Justice in August which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders, including one from the District of Maryland. The FBI's Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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 justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: New Hampshire Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Delivery of a Firearm

body_text: BOSTON – A New Hampshire man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to unlawfully purchasing a semi-automatic pistol for an unlicensed individual. The unlicensed individual was later seen in online videos firing the pistol near a public school and was arrested in connection with a large-scale car theft enterprise. Isaiah Johnson, 24, of Merrimack, N.H., pleaded guilty to one count of firearm trafficking by unlawful delivery. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for March 11, 2026. Johnson was arrested and charged in June 2025 . In February 2024, Johnson purchased a tan-colored 9-millimeter Glock 19X semi-automatic pistol from a gun store in New Hampshire, for a co-conspirator who was ineligible for a gun license. Johnson ultimately delivered the firearm to the co-conspirator approximately one week later. In December 2024, the co-conspirator was arrested at his Brockton residence on state charges in connection with an investigation into a high-end car theft enterprise responsible for approximately 63 stolen vehicles worth more than $2.6 million. The firearm Johnson had purchased, as well as two large-capacity magazines, were located during a search of the Brockton residence. Videos posted online show the co-conspirator firing the same firearm while it was equipped with a “selector switch,” rendering it a fully automatic weapon. The video was filmed nearby a public school in Brockton where approximately 43 9-millimeter shell casings and 10 .40 caliber shell casings were later located. The co-conspirator was later charged in Brockton Superior Court with firearm and other charges in connection with the car theft investigation. The charge of firearm trafficking by unlawful delivery provides for a sentence of up to five 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 and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the Brockton (Mass.), Merrimack (N.H.) and Manchester (N.H.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Cutshall of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: United States Thanks Jurors for their Service and Urges Peaceful Response to Verdict

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Brad D. Schimel, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, issued the following statement in response to the conviction of Judge Hannah Dugan. “There are several important messages that would be the same no matter the verdict: First, we all owe a debt of gratitude to the jurors for their service and dedication – our justice system is not always perfect, but it is the best the world has ever known. Much of the credit for that belongs to citizens who sacrifice to serve as jurors, and our justice system would not work without their service. Second, we all need to keep this case in proper perspective. Some have sought to make this about a larger political battle. While this case is serious for all involved, it is ultimately about a single bad day in a public courthouse. It was a criminal case like the many that make their way through this courthouse every day, and we all must accept the verdict peacefully. Third, although much of the work on this case took place prior to my appointment, I have witnessed the hard work and extraordinary talent of the team here that put the final pieces of this case together over the last month. I am immensely proud of them. The three seasoned trial attorneys worked tirelessly to prepare the presentation of this case, and based upon my experience, they tried it masterfully. Many other attorneys and our very capable litigation support staff also worked long hours to put this together. Many thanks to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their astounding investigative efforts. On behalf of the people of the United States that we serve, I thank all of them for their diligent efforts. I reiterate that ALL of us need to keep this case in proper perspective and peacefully accept the verdict. This was a serious matter for which it was necessary to seek to hold Judge Dugan accountable. We have all heard the phrase, “no one is above the law”. It is apt in this case. A judge holds a high position of public trust, and Judge Dugan’s actions violated that trust. Her own recorded words demonstrate that she knew what she was doing was wrong. Experience and common sense, as well as the evidence presented in this case, demonstrate that the safest place to execute this arrest warrant can often be within the public area of a courthouse, such as the Milwaukee County Courthouse, where there is security screening to ensure that none who enter are armed. That is why federal law enforcement agents sought, as law enforcement does every day, to utilize that safer environment to accomplish this arrest. But the Defendant’s actions provided an opportunity for a wanted subject to flee outside the courthouse, which led to a dangerous foot chase through automobile traffic and eventually to an agent taking the subject to the ground, which is always hazardous for both the officer and the suspect. There was certainly the potential for many other dangers, as well. Thankfully, no one was injured. Law enforcement work is fraught with dangers and our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day. Here they were carrying out their sworn responsibility to execute an arrest warrant. Whenever they perform their duties, they should reasonably be entitled to do so in the safest possible conditions. When someone, especially a sworn public official, puts them in unnecessary danger by obstructing those efforts to make an arrest as safely as possible, they must be held accountable. The Defendant exercised her constitutional right to put the government to its proof. We met that burden, and the jury has found the defendant guilty of a felony. It will now be up to the Judge to determine the appropriate sentence.” # # # For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero (414) 297-1700 Follow us on X


title: Lawrence Man Indicted for Distributing Counterfeit Pills Containing Methamphetamine and Fentanyl

body_text: BOSTON – A Lawrence man has been charged in a seven-count indictment for allegedly distributing thousands of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl. Randy Recinos, 31, was indicted by a federal grand jury on four counts of distribution of methamphetamine, including three counts alleging 50 grams or more; two counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl; and one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Recinos was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint in August 2025. According to charging documents, between July 2024 and August 2025, Recinos repeatedly sold thousands of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl to a cooperating source working with law enforcement. On Aug. 27, 2025, Recinos allegedly delivered 5,000 fentanyl pills to the cooperating source in the parking lot of a fast-food restaurant in Lawrence and was arrested. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charges of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl 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 methamphetamine 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 $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 Jared A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former New York Doctor Sentenced for Receiving Kickbacks

body_text: BOSTON – A New York doctor has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for receiving kickbacks in exchange for ordering medically unnecessary brain scans. Dr. Vishnudat Seodat, 76, of Mattituck, N.Y. was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton on Dec. 17, 2025 to two years of supervised release, one year of which will be served in home confinement. Seodat was also ordered to pay a fine of $50,000, forfeiture in the amount of $52,100 and $342,876 in restitution. In December 2024 , Seodat pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Seodat was charged in December 2024 . Seodat, an internist in Long Island, N.Y., was a licensed medical doctor in the State of New York for approximately 36 years. From approximately June 2013 through June 2019, Seodat conspired with others, including a principal for a mobile medical diagnostics company that performed transcranial doppler (TCD) scans, to order hundreds of medically unnecessary TCD scans in exchange for kickbacks. TCD scans are brain scans that measure blood flow in parts of the brain. Seodat and his alleged co-conspirators used false diagnoses to order the unnecessary brain scans, for which a co-conspirator would submit claims to Medicare and other insurance companies, including private insurance companies, on behalf of the medical diagnostic company for payment. In exchange, Seodat was paid cash kickbacks of approximately $100 per test. The scheme resulted in fraudulent bills of approximately $1 million to Medicare and private insurance companies. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division, Boston Field Office; Kelly M. Lawson, Acting Regional Director of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Boston Regional Office; Nicholas Bucciarelli, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney and Mackenzie Queenin of the Health Care Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Dominican National Indicted for Emergency Rental Assistance COVID-19 Relief Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican national lawfully residing in Worcester has been indicted for using other peoples’ identities – including a deceased individual – to fraudulently obtain $137,100 in emergency rental assistance funds intended to provide housing assistance for individuals unable to pay rent due to financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Felix Mercedes-Castillo, 35, was indicted on five counts of theft of government money and three counts of aggravated identity theft. The defendant is currently serving a state prison sentence for unrelated offenses and will appear in federal court in Worcester at a later date. In 2021, Congress established the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to provide financial assistance to eligible low-income households to cover the costs of rent and rental arrears during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to court records, between October 2021 and August 2022, Mercedes-Castillo allegedly enriched himself by engaging in a scheme to fraudulently obtain ERAP funds. Specifically, it is alleged that Mercedes-Castillo used the identities of other individuals to apply for ERAP funding. In the applications, Mercedes-Castillo allegedly claimed that the applicants were landlords and tenants of rental properties in Massachusetts, and that the applicants were in need of ERAP funds, when in fact the applicants were neither landlords nor tenants, nor in need of ERAP funding. Mercedes-Castillo allegedly included in the ERAP applications, copies of the applicants’ identifying records, including social security cards. According to the indictment, one of the individuals whom Mercedes-Castillo falsely claimed was a landlord and who was owed rent, was a person who had been deceased for more than a year. Allegedly, as a result of the misrepresentations in the ERAP applications, ERAP checks were issued and made payable to the applicants, and Mercedes-Castillo collected the checks in the mail and retained the funds. The charge of theft of government money provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, forfeiture and restitution. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory two-year sentence in prison to be served consecutive to any sentence imposed, one year 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, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Massachusetts Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan D. O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering and Identity Theft Charges

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican man unlawfully residing in Lawrence has pleaded guilty to money laundering, false use of a Social Security number and aggravated identity theft. Juan Carlos Lugo Gonzalez, a/k/a “Josue Cabrera,” 45, pleaded guilty on Dec. 16, 2025 to one count of money laundering, one count of false use of a Social Security number and one count of aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for March 26, 2026. Lugo Gonzalez was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2025. The defendant is subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of any sentence imposed. Beginning at least as early as 2020, an investigation began into Lugo Gonzalez and others for laundering proceeds of drug trafficking. In August 2023, following a series of communications with undercover law enforcement, Lugo Gonzalez arranged and carried out the delivery of approximately $109,715 in drug proceeds to an undercover agent in Lawrence. During the exchange, Lugo Gonzalez confirmed his identity using a prearranged token and discussed his involvement in trafficking multiple drugs – claiming control over drug activity in the Lawrence area. Additionally, in June 2023, Lugo Gonzalez used a Social Security number assigned to another individual to apply for and obtain a Massachusetts ID. The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount of laundered funds, whichever is greater. The charge of misuse of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, two years of supervised release and a fine of $25,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory two-year sentence in prison to be served consecutively to a sentence imposed, one year 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 and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea E. Porter and John O. Wray of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.


title: Member of the Lynn Chapter of the Trinitarios Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – A member of the Lynn Chapter of the Trinitarios has pleaded guilty to racketeering charges, including his participation in two murders and two other attempted murders. Michael Miliano, a/k/a “Trucho,” 23, pleaded guilty on Dec. 15, 2025 to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for March 19, 2026. Miliano was arrested and charged in February 2025, and was alleged to have participated in the murder of Jandriel Heredia and Abraham Diaz in September 2023. The Trinitarios is a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Trinitarios adhere to a Magna Carta, employ an internal hierarchy to or organize and execute violence, and undertaken extensive efforts to maintain the secrecy of the organization and its members. In February 2025 , federal racketeering charges were unsealed against 22 leaders and members of the Trinitarios. The charges were the result of a multijurisdictional investigation, dubbed Operation Paper Machetes, which began in the aftermath of four murders as well as a series of attempted murders and shootings that took place in Lynn in 2023, allegedly committed by the Trinitarios criminal enterprise and its members. In March 2025 , a Lynn member of the Trinitarios was sentenced to ten years in prison. In June 2025 , two members of the Trinitarios were charged with kidnapping a drug supplier. In July 2025 , the leader of the Lynn Chapter was sentenced to fourteen years in prison. Miliano is the seventh Defendant to plead guilty. During court proceedings, Miliano admitted to his membership in the gang and participation in three shootings where the Trinitarios intended to kill rival gang members. The first incident took place in May 2023, where Miliano and other members of the Trinitarios proceeded to rival gang territory in Lynn and discharged numerous rounds at rival gang members. Miliano fired during this shooting. The second incident took in August 2023, following the death of a Trinitario member, who was believed to have been killed by a rival gang member. For this incident, Miliano and five other Trinitarios set out to ambush and kill rival gang members who were at a music studio in Lynn. Miliano also fired during this incident. Miliano also admitted to his participation in the Sept. 2, 2023 murder of Jandriel Heredia and Abraham Diaz. Miliano met with other Trinitario members prior to the shooting and learning about the plan to kill a rival gang member who the Trinitarios believed was present at a party in Lynn. The rival gang member was not, in fact, present at the party. Miliano admitted to driving by the party a number of times, and relaying information about what he observed as he drove by to the other Trinitarios knowing that it would be used by the other members to further their plan to murder rival gang members. Later that night, members of the Trinitarios drove by the party and discharged numerous rounds at the people gathered outside celebrating a recent graduation. Seven people were shot during this incident, and Abraham Diaz and Jandriel Heredia later died from the gunshot wounds they sustained. None of the victims at the party were members of a gang. The charge of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity (also known as “racketeering conspiracy” or “RICO conspiracy”) provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, five 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; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Ted Docks, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble; and Lynn Police Chief Christopher P. Reddy made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard 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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood .


title: Former veterans shelter executive sentenced to 42 months for grant fraud

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 59-year-old Brenham resident has been ordered to federal prison for misappropriating thousands in federal grant funding, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Clifford Wayne Robertson pleaded guilty Sept. 5. Senior U.S. District Judge David Hittner has now ordered Robertson to serve 42 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court cited Robertson’s criminal history, including prior convictions for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Robertson served as the former executive director and CEO of a nonprofit organization that operated a homeless shelter for veterans. In that role, he misappropriated federal grant funds awarded to Castle Cares Community Ministry Inc., doing business as The Warrior’s Refuge. Between February and April 2020, Robertson submitted multiple applications for federal assistance to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Labor on behalf of The Warrior’s Refuge. As a result, the organization received approximately $1.3 million from the VA and $500,000 from the DOL. As part of his plea, Robertson admitted he knowingly embezzled grant funds for unallowable personal expenses. He also acknowledged using funds for counseling services he never provided to veterans, resulting in a loss of $180,216.96. Robertson was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The VA-Office of the Inspector General, DOL-OIG and Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh prosecuted the case.


title: A Safer Christmas Season: Southern District of Texas charges 278 individuals in border enforcement efforts ahead of Christmas

body_text: HOUSTON – A total of 275 cases have been filed related to immigration and border security from Dec. 12-18, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. In total, 79 people face charges of illegal entry and another 171 face felony reentry charges after removal. Many of those charged have prior felony convictions involving narcotics, violent crime and immigration offenses. The charges also include 23 individuals accused of engaging in human smuggling, while the remaining five face charges related to other immigration crimes. Among those charged this week are Diego Alan Martnez-Barajas, Pedro Gregorio-Alonzo and Nelson Antonio Segovia-Segovia. According to court documents, authorities discovered all three men in the McAllen area following prior removals from the United States within the last four months. Each allegedly has prior convictions, including abandonment/endangerment of a child, forgery, domestic abuse and illegal reentry. Two Mexican national discovered near Rio Grande City also face new criminal charges. The complaints allege Jose Alvarez-Ontiveros and Simon Brambila-Galvan entered the United States unlawfully. According to court documents, the men were part of a group of illegal aliens and human traffickers. During the encounter, one member from the group assaulted a Border Patrol agent, prompting a shooting that resulted in that person’s death. If convicted, all five men face up to 20 years in prison. In addition to these new cases, a father and son in Laredo pleaded guilty to trafficking at least 534 firearms , along with magazines and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Authorities stopped Emilio Ramirez Cortes and his son, Edgar Emilio Ramirez Diaz, at the Juarez-Lincoln Port of Entry Oct. 23. Following a K-9 alert, law enforcement discovered false walls within their trailers. A search uncovered approximately 534 firearms and more than 31,000 rounds of ammunition. These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners. The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal histories, including convictions for human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Lakeland Tax Preparer Sentenced To More Than Seven Years In Federal Prison

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Virginia Covington has sentenced George Tucker, Jr. to seven years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aiding and assisting in the filing of false and fraudulent tax returns. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $1,354,757.64, the proceeds of the criminal conduct, and restitution in the amount of $15,028,309.89 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Tucker entered a guilty plea on December 2, 2024. According to court documents, beginning in March 2021, and continuing through February 2024, Tucker engaged in a scheme to defraud the IRS. Tucker prepared or assisted in the preparation of 316 false and fraudulent tax returns for 196 taxpayers, including himself, for tax years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The tax returns contained falsified Schedules A, B, 1, and 3, as well as fraudulent Forms W-2G, which contained fabricated figures for gambling winnings and losses, and federal tax withholding amounts (based on the fake gambling winnings). The false tax returns requested substantial refunds from the IRS that the taxpayers were not legally entitled to receive. The total intended tax loss from the tax returns Tucker prepared was $59,941,751. The actual loss totaled $15,028,309.89, which the IRS paid out to taxpayers, including Tucker, either as tax refunds or credits applied to prior debts. Tucker personally profited $1,354,757.64 in the form of payments from his taxpayer-clients or refunds he received directly from the IRS. Tucker used the fraud proceeds to enrich himself, including buying expensive jewelry. "These defendants spent their days looking for ways to cheat. Those who deliberately exploit our tax system for personal gain will face serious consequences," said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of the IRS Criminal Investigation Florida Field Office. "These prosecutions reflect the dedication of our agents to protecting honest taxpayers and upholding justice for all Americans." This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Peresie and Ross Roberts.


title: Man and Woman Indicted for Child Abuse and Child Neglect  on Menominee Indian Reservation

body_text: Brad D. Schimel, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on December 9, 2025, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against a man and woman allegedly involved in child abuse and child neglect on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The indictment named Louis A. Tucker (age: 23) and Nyomi L.M. Acosta (age: 21) of Neopit. Count One of the indictment charges both defendants with Child Abuse in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1153(a) and 2(a), and Wis. Stat. § 948.03(3)(a). If convicted, the defendants face a maximum of 10 years in prison. Count Two charges the defendants with Child Neglect in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1153(a) and 2(a), and Wis. Stat. §§ 948.21(2) and 948.21(3)(b)(1). If convicted of this offense, the defendants face up to 7 ½ years in prison. The defendants would also face potential fines, a special assessment, and terms of supervised release at the end of any sentence imposed. According to the indictment, between about September 29, 2025, and October 20, 2025, the defendants, who are Native American Indians, recklessly caused great bodily harm to a Native American Indian child by striking the child about the head and body. This caused bruising and other marks. The defendants are also charged with fracturing the child’s left radius and ulna and burning the child’s back and torso. Count Two alleges that during this time the defendants, for reasons other than poverty, negligently failed to provide necessary care and necessary medical care for the child, and seriously endangered the child’s physical, mental, and emotional health. The indictment further alleges that the child suffered great bodily harm as a result of this failure. The Menominee Tribal Police Department and FBI investigated the case with assistance from Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier will prosecute the case in United States District Court in Green Bay. An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. # # # For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero (414) 297-1700 Follow us on X


title: Clay County Man Pleads Guilty To Stealing A Firearm From A Licensed Gun Dealer

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida –United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Eric Joel Valdez (24, Clay County) pleaded guilty to theft of a firearm from a federal firearms licensee (FFL). Valdez faces up to 10 years in federal prison and payment of restitution to the victim. Sentencing is set for March 18, 2026. Valdez appeared in federal court on September 30, 2025, on a writ from state prison in New Jersey. He is serving a 10-year prison sentence for two armed robberies involving the firearm stolen from the FFL in Florida. According to court documents, on November 11, 2022, Valdez entered Orange Park Gun & Pawn in Clay County and requested to see a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol. As he examined the pistol, he suddenly ran out the front door of the business and fled the area in a sedan style car. Using street cameras and surveillance footage from the area, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) identified Valdez as the individual who stole the pistol. On November 18, 2022, the Perth Amboy Police Department (PAPD) in Perth Amboy, New Jersey conducted a stop of a car driven by Valdez, as part of an armed robbery investigation. After obtaining a search warrant for the car, the PAPD located in the car the stolen Taurus G2C 9mm pistol, loaded with eleven rounds of ammunition, including one round in the chamber. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Armed Bank Robber Arrested In Clearwater

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Shannon Luster (49, Largo) with bank robbery. If convicted, Luster faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. According to the complaint, Luster robbed two banks in Clearwater at gunpoint. He robbed the first bank on November 5, 2025, and the second on December 9, 2025. Each time, Luster was disguised with a hat, sunglasses, and carried a laptop bag that concealed his firearm. During each robbery, Luster used an e-bike as his getaway mode of transportation. Luster entered the banks, pointed his guns at the bankers, and demanded he be taken to the tills where he stole thousands of dollars before fleeing. An investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Clearwater Police Department determined that Luster was the perpetrator. Law enforcement located the firearm and laptop bag in a dumpster near Luster’s house. They also recovered the e-bike, clothing that appeared to be worn during the robberies, and some of the cash stolen during the robberies from Luster’s house. A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Clearwater Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yara Dodin. 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).