title: Justice Department Secures Settlement in First-Ever Lawsuit Enforcing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Housing Rights Subpart

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today the settlement of United States v. David Montanus and Lisa Montanus , the first lawsuit filed by the Civil Rights Division to enforce the Housing Rights Subpart of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 (VAWA), 34 U.S.C. § 12495. The Justice Department’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire in May 2025, alleges that Defendants David and Lisa Montanus violated VAWA when they unlawfully penalized the complainant by evicting her after she sought police assistance for domestic violence. The settlement requires the Defendants to comply with VAWA and prohibits them from making adverse credit reports regarding the complainant’s tenancy. If the Defendants acquire rental properties during the three-year term of the settlement, they must report those acquisitions to the United States and undergo VAWA training. The Defendants must also pay $25,000 to compensate the complainant and her minor children. “Tenants have a right to request law enforcement and emergency services when they need assistance,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “No one should be faced with the choice of calling for help or losing her housing.” “Violence against women will never be tolerated in New Hampshire,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan for the District of New Hampshire. “Penalizing survivors of violence with eviction for seeking help revictimizes them. We will use all available legal tools to protect the civil rights of victims.” “I will not allow women seeking police intervention in a domestic violence situation to later be victimized with an eviction because they sought the assistance of our brave police,” said Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Craig Trainor. “Secretary Turner’s HUD is dedicated to protecting women from violence and ensuring that the fair housing rights of all Americans are protected.” In 2022, Congress reauthorized VAWA and added provisions that strengthened housing protections for people who require emergency assistance at their homes, including survivors of domestic violence. VAWA provides a right to seek law enforcement or emergency assistance, and prohibits housing providers from taking adverse actions, including eviction or threat of eviction, when a tenant, resident, occupant, or guest seeks emergency assistance. The case was referred to the Civil Rights Division after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) received a complaint, conducted an investigation, and issued a charge of discrimination. If you have been penalized by a housing provider for seeking law enforcement or emergency services or have suffered other forms of housing discrimination, call the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or submit a report online . You may also file a report with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by calling 1-800-669-9777 or submitting a complaint online . More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt .


title: Chicago Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Foreign Terrorist Organization

component: National Security Division (NSD)

body_text: A Chicago man was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in federal prison for conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) by using social media to encourage attacks on ISIS’s enemies and recruit ISIS members. Ashraf Al Safoo was a leader of Khattab Media Foundation, a sophisticated online organization that swore allegiance to ISIS and created and disseminated threats and ISIS propaganda on social media and other online platforms. Al Safoo and other members of Khattab created and posted pro-ISIS videos, articles, essays, and infographics at the direction of, and in coordination with, ISIS. Much of Khattab’s propaganda promoted violent jihad on behalf of ISIS, which has been designated by the United States government as a foreign terrorist organization. In one posting, Al Safoo encouraged Khattab members to post pro-ISIS information “to cause confusion and spread terror within the hearts of those who disbelieved.” In another posting, Al Safoo wrote, “Work hard, brothers, edit the issue into short clips, take the pictures out of it and publish the efforts of your brothers in the pages of the apostates. Participate in the war, and spread terror, the [Islamic] State does not want you to watch it only, rather, it incites you, and if you are unable to, use it to incite others.” Many of Khattab’s postings included images of violence, celebrations of terrorist attacks and mass shootings in the United States, and encouragement for “lone wolf” attacks in western countries. Al Safoo, 41, has been in federal custody since his arrest in Chicago in 2018. Al Safoo immigrated to the U.S. in 2008 and naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2013. After a bench trial last year in U.S. District Court in Chicago, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey found Al Safoo guilty of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to transmit threats in interstate commerce, conspiracy to intentionally access a protected computer without authorization, providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and intentionally accessing a protected computer without authorization. Judge Blakey imposed the 25-year prison term during a hearing today in federal court and ordered that it be followed by ten years of court-supervised release. The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security at the Department of Justice, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Peabody of the Northern District of Illinois and Trial Attorney Andrew J. Dixon of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.


title: Mohamed Mubarak Convicted of Firearm and Identity Theft Offenses

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that yesterday, Mohamed Mubarak, 28, of Burlington, Vermont, was convicted in U.S. District Court in Burlington of three firearm offenses and two identity theft offenses after a four-day jury trial. Chief U.S. District Judge Christina Reiss ordered that Mubarak remain in jail pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. Mubarak has been detained since his arrest in November of 2025. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Mubarak obtained an associate’s driver’s license by providing the associate with crack cocaine. Mubarak then used the associate’s driver’s license (without that associate’s knowledge) to purchase two firearms from a Vermont firearm store, specifically a black Canik 9mm pistol and a pink SCCY 9mm pistol. Mubarak could not lawfully purchase or possess firearms due to his prior felony convictions. In March of 2024, evidence related to the purchase of the firearms was recovered during the investigation of a firearm discharge at an apartment building in South Burlington, Vermont. Law enforcement also obtained messaging and photographs from a cellular phone, as well as other social media messaging that provided evidence of defendant Mubarak’s possession of the associate’s license, the illicit firearm purchases, and Mubarak’s unlawful possession of firearms. The photograph below was admitted into evidence at trial, and depicts defendant Mubarak with a Canik 9mm pistol and a pink SCCY 9mm pistol. Based on the jury’s verdict, Mubarak faces a mandatory minimum of 2 years of imprisonment for aggravated identity theft, and up to 15 years of imprisonment for unlawfully possessing firearms as a convicted felon. The actual sentence will be determined with reference to Federal Sentencing Guidelines and statutory sentencing factors. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Burlington Police Department, and the Essex Police Department, and thanked the Vermont State Police, Newport Police Department, Montpelier Police Department, and Winooski Police Department for their assistance. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Irwin Resident Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Irwin, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of distribution and possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Kyle Patrick Ryan, 37, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on or about April 2, 2025, Ryan distributed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor via text message. Additionally, Ryan possessed child sexual abuse material including images and videos depicting, in part, prepubescent minors. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for July 31, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the Court ordered Ryan detained to the custody of the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ryan. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: East Bay Men Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit H1-B Visa Fraud Claiming Clients Would Work for the University of California

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Dublin residents Sampath Rajidi, 51, and Sreedhar Mada, 51, pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiracy to commit visa fraud, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, Rajidi operated two visa servicing companies, S-Team Software Inc. and Uptrend Technologies LLC. As part of the business models of S-Team and Uptrend, Rajidi petitioned for H1-B Specialty Occupation worker visas to obtain foreign workers for temporary placement with various companies. Mada served as Chief Information Officer of University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) located in Davis. As Chief Information Officer, Mada possessed supervisory authority, but could not hire H1-B workers for his department without further authorization. Between June 2020 and January 2023, Rajidi and Mada conspired to submit fraudulent H-1B visa petitions for numerous beneficiaries. On those petitions, Rajidi falsely represented that beneficiaries would be employed at positions working for the University of California. Mada lent his name and the credibility of his position as Chief Information Officer of UCANR to bolster the false assertion that beneficiaries would be staffed on projects for the University of California. In reality, both defendants were aware that the positions listed on the petitions did not exist. The beneficiaries did not work on projects at the University of California, and the defendants instead undertook to market these beneficiaries to other clients, having already secured H1-B visas based on the false assertions. They submitted false information knowing such information was material to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) decisions in granting visas. As a result of their conspiracy, Rajidi and Mada gained an unfair advantage over other firms and depleted the pool of H-1B visas available to competing firms. The U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Harman is prosecuting the case. Rajidi and Mada are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley on July 30, 2026. Both defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.


title: Six St. Louis Area Residents Accused of $8.3 Million Pandemic Fraud

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – Six St. Louis area residents have been accused of involvement in a $8.3 million pandemic fraud. Three were arrested Friday. Raymond Porter Jr., 64, of St. Louis, was indicted Wednesday with 28 felonies: conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 15 counts of wire fraud, eight counts of aggravated identity theft and four counts of money laundering. David Holmon, 54, of Olivette, was indicted on conspiracy to commit wire fraud, 10 counts of wire fraud, five counts of aggravated identity theft and two counts of money laundering. Monica Butler, 59, of St. Louis, was indicted on conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud and seven counts of money laundering. Dana Kelly, 47, and Alexander Sampson, 39, both of St. Louis, were indicted on one count of conspiracy, three counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Latrice Davis, 40, of St. Charles County, now faces one count of conspiracy, two counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Porter, Holmon and Davis were arrested Friday and appeared in court. The indictment accuses the conspirators of submitting at least 40 fraudulent applications between March 2020 and December 2024 for Paycheck Protection Program loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans that yielded at least $8,387,593. The loans were U.S. Small Business Administration programs intended to support small businesses and their workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Porter and Holmon, with Davis’s help, prepared and submitted fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications for their own businesses and for other people’s businesses, including businesses owned by Butler, Kelly and Sampson, the indictment says. In return, Porter and Holmon typically would receive 10%-20% of any approved loans, the indictment says, disguised as payments for equipment or consulting services. They would then pay Davis a portion of those fees, it says. As part of the conspiracy, Porter, Holmon and/or Davis used the personal information of business owners to impersonate them during the loan application process, created fake websites and business email addresses if the businesses did not have them, used false or inflated financial and payroll figures, created fake financial documents, instructed the business owners to open business bank accounts to receive the loan proceeds and falsely claimed that the money would be used for approved purposes, the indictment says. Davis sometimes registered sham businesses with the Missouri Secretary of State’s office to aid the scheme, the indictment says. On multiple applications, Porter, Holmon and Davis concealed the identity of the business owners to hide it from the SBA and third-party lenders, the indictment says, such as by falsely identifying family members as the businesses’ owners. At Porter's direction, Kelly caused falsified federal tax documents to be filed with the IRS through her tax preparation business, The Firm, for some of the businesses, the indictment says. Porter and Holmon submitted fraudulent loan forgiveness applications for some of the loans, it says. The indictment says that Porter and Holmon directly received more than $1.4 million of loan money, plus an additional $900,000 through “preparer” fees. They also obtained more than $1 million in loan money for Butler, nearly $400,000 in loan money for Kelly and Sampson, and more than $95,000 in loan money for Davis. The conspirators used the money to buy vehicles, make personal payments to themselves, pay personal debts and bills, fund home renovations, buy designer merchandise, and cover expenses of businesses other than the ones to which the money was lent, the indictment says. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. “Since 2020, IRS-Criminal Investigation has investigated thousands of instances of alleged waste, fraud and abuse of CARES Act programs,” said St. Louis Field Office Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. “These programs were meant to provide economic stability to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. When someone uses fraudulent means to gain access to government funds they’re not entitled to, we take that very seriously and will investigate the allegations to the fullest extent to bring the fraudsters to justice.” “The alleged scheme involved submitting fraudulent loan applications on behalf of others as a paid service,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “The perpetrators allegedly submitted dozens of false loan documents to bilk millions of dollars from the taxpayer-funded pandemic relief programs.” The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigations and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Ladendorf is prosecuting the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Lawrence Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Attempting to Meet With a Minor for Sex

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Lawrence man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for using an interstate facility to transmit information about a child. Alex Bou, 22, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick to four years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In January 2026 , Bou pleaded guilty to one count of use of an interstate facility to transmit information concerning a minor. In August 2025 , Bou was arrested and charged. On Aug. 17, 2025, Bou responded to an advertisement posted by undercover law enforcement on a website commonly used to advertise commercial sex acts. The advertisement contained images of a young female and language purported to be written by a female describing herself as a “flower ready to blossom.” On Aug. 17, 2025, Bou sent a text message to the number listed on the advertisement saying, “U available,” to which an undercover agent posing as the purported minor responded suggesting Aug. 19, 2025. On Aug. 19, 2025, Bou continued his conversation with the undercover agent. In their conversation, the undercover agent stated that she was a 15-year-old girl available to perform sex acts in exchange for money. Upon being informed that the purported minor was 15 years old, Bou responded with, “Ok are you a virgin?” Bou agreed to pay $175 to have unprotected sex with the purported minor and acknowledged that he was agreeing to have sex with an “underage girl.” Bou obtained her address via text message, and shortly thereafter arrived at the location where he was placed under arrest. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Craig E. Estes of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit prosecuted the case. If you or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking, please contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov . This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: New Jersey Pharmacy Owner Sentenced To 24 Months In Prison For Health Care Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A former New Jersey pharmacy owner was sentenced to 24 months in prison for his role in a health care fraud scheme to defraud Medicare, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. Nestor E. Jaime, 37, of Pine Brook, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty on November 19, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Katharine S. Hayden in Newark federal court to an Indictment charging Jaime with health care fraud. Judge Hayden imposed the sentence on April 15, 2026. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From December 2019 to December 2021, Jaime, through a pharmacy he owned located in Paterson, New Jersey, submitted hundreds of false claims to Medicare for a high reimbursement ( i.e. , more than $4,000 per prescription) medication called Dificid, which the pharmacy never actually purchased or dispensed. Jaime submitted false claims on behalf of dozens of Medicare beneficiaries who never were prescribed any Dificid. To make it appear as though the Medicare beneficiaries’ health care providers had prescribed the medication, Jaime falsely included the providers’ unique provider numbers on the fraudulent claims. As a result of the scheme, Medicare paid Jaime reimbursements for false claims for Dificid totaling at least approximately $2.5 million, which Jaime spent on luxury vehicles and other personal expenditures. In addition to a prison term, Judge Hayden sentenced Jaime to two years of supervised release and ordered Jaime to pay $2,505,754 in restitution. The charge of health care fraud carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Health and Human Services Agency Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, with the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kruti D. Dharia of the Health Care Fraud and Opioids Enforcement Unit in Newark. The Department of Justice has established the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the National Fraud Enforcement Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. The National Fraud Enforcement Division will fulfill that mission by coordinating with agencies responsible for administering benefit programs; partnering with federal, tribal, state, territorial, and local law enforcement on fraud-fighting efforts; developing systems and processes that ensure efficient identification of fraud against taxpayer dollars; and equipping prosecutors and law enforcement with state-of-the-art tools and resources needed to bring criminal actors to justice. The attorneys in the National Fraud Enforcement Division will work every day to protect the financial integrity of our government and the tax system that supports it. ### Defense counsel: Anthony Iacullo, Esq.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 143 Border-Related Cases This Week

component: USAO - California, Southern

number: CAS26-0417-Border Related Cases

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 143 border-related cases this week, including charges of bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city). In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here . A sample of border-related arrests this week: On April 12, Ramon Ramirez Jr., a United States citizen, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 317 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in the rear bed of the defendant’s vehicle’s as he tried to cross the border at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. On April 13, Gabriel Soto-Baez, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested and charged with Attempted Entry after Deportation. According to a complaint, Ortiz was intercepted by Border Patrol officers lying on the ground in an attempt to conceal himself near the Tecate Port of Entry. The defendant was previously removed from the U.S. in January 2026 through Nogales, Arizona. On April 14, Zelin Chen, a United States citizen, was arrested and charged with Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain. According to a complaint, Customs and Border Protection officers determined that Chen’s passenger presented false immigration documents when they applied for entry to the United States at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. The passenger was a Chinese national without legal status to enter the U.S. who had made arrangements to pay $18,000 to be smuggled into the U.S. The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners. Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: West Virginia Man Found Guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child Abroad

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Today a federal jury in the Southern District of West Virginia convicted a West Virginia man for aggravated sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between September 2006 and December 2006, Dustin Stover Bowles sexually abused a minor known to him while he babysat the minor at his home. The victim disclosed the abuse to several trusted adults in 2020, as well as Army criminal investigators. Bowles was later charged under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act. At the time of his criminal conduct, Bowles had been on active duty with the United States Army, stationed in Hanau, Germany. In addition to the victim identified in the indictment, three additional victims testified that Bowles sexually abused them while they were asleep. The jury convicted Bowles of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 12 while abroad as a member of the armed forces. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 3 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. “Because of the victim’s courageous disclosure, years after being abused, the jury held Dustin Bowles to account,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case demonstrates the Department’s commitment to protecting children from abuse and exploitation, even abuses committed decades ago and overseas.” “Bowles preyed on a child entrusted to his care and committed a calculated, predatory act that shattered that trust in the most unforgivable way,” said United States Attorney Moore Capito for the Southern District of West Virginia. “This was not a mistake — it was a deliberate exploitation of the most vulnerable. The courage of this victim stands in stark contrast to the cruelty of the offender. Those who target children will be found and brought to answer for it — wherever they are and no matter how long it takes.” “No matter the circumstances, no matter where you are in the world, the FBI will investigate, find, and bring to justice those who think they can prey on the most vulnerable members of our community. Tarnishing the nation’s uniform makes these actions all the more egregious,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office. “The FBI and our international partners will not hesitate to pursue justice across time and borders to protect our children.” The FBI and the U.S. Army’s Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case. Trial Attorney Eduardo Palomo of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald from the Southern District of West Virginia are prosecuting the case. 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. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Justice Department Secures Settlement in First-Ever Lawsuit Enforcing the Violence Against Women Act Housing Rights Subpart

component: USAO - New Hampshire


title: Federal Jury Convicts Fugitive Sex Offender who Vanished after Staging Crime Scene and Fleeing Oklahoma in 2012

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted ANTHONY MICHAEL LENNON, 44, formerly of Moore, of failure to register as a sex offender, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On November 18, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Lennon with failure to register as a sex offender. On April 17, 2026, a federal jury found Lennon guilty. “Mr. Lennon spun an elaborate web of lies to disappear and evade authorities by staging a crime scene, fleeing the state, and living under false identities for 13 years. But despite his best efforts, Mr. Lennon could not erase his criminal past nor stop the relentless pursuit of law enforcement to hold him accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “I commend the determined resolve of the U.S. Marshals Service and the Moore Police Department in their efforts to track down fugitives and bring them to justice, no matter how long it takes, how far they run, or the lengths they go through to hide from authorities.” “The arrest of Anthony Lennon 13 years and 1,500 miles from the time he was last seen illustrates the dedication and expertise of the U.S. Marshals Service to find and apprehend fugitives, no matter how long they’ve been gone or how far they’ve run,” said U.S. Marshal Johnny L. Kuhlman. According to evidence presented at trial, on March 12, 2012, officers with the Moore Police Department contacted the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) for assistance in locating Lennon after he disappeared from a local hotel. Authorities initially found evidence suggesting a violent struggle. However, after consulting with crime scene experts, the USMS determined the scene had been staged. At the time of his disappearance, Lennon, a registered sex offender, faced child pornography charges in Cleveland County District Court, along with potential prison time for violating the terms of his suspended sentence from a prior child pornography conviction. Investigators later learned that Lennon had emptied his bank accounts shortly before vanishing and believed he had fled the state of Oklahoma. In 2025, investigators learned Lennon had fraudulently attempted to obtain a U.S. passport multiple times under an alias while living in Nevada and Illinois. Investigators further determined Lennon was living in New York. Lennon failed to register as a sex offender in any state in which he lived. Lennon was arrested on October 30, 2025, in Canton, New York. The trial lasted four days and the jury deliberated for approximately two hours before finding Lennon guilty. At sentencing, Lennon faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. This case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Moore Police Department, the Diplomatic Security Service, Consular Affairs, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Ganote are prosecuting the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Putnam County Man Found Guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child Abroad

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – After four days of trial, a federal jury today convicted Dustin Stover Bowles, 42, of Hurricane, for aggravated sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between September 2006 and December 2006, Bowles sexually abused a minor known to him while he babysat the minor at his home. The victim disclosed the abuse to several trusted adults in 2020, as well as Army criminal investigators. Bowles was later charged under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act. At the time of his criminal conduct, Bowles had been on active duty with the United States Army, stationed in Hanau, Germany. In addition to the victim identified in the indictment, three additional victims testified that Bowles sexually abused them while they were asleep. The jury convicted Bowles of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 12 while abroad as a member of the armed forces. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 3, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. “Because of the victim’s courageous disclosure, years after being abused, the jury held Dustin Bowles to account,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case demonstrates the Department’s commitment to protecting children from abuse and exploitation, even abuses committed decades ago and overseas.” “Bowles preyed on a child entrusted to his care and committed a calculated, predatory act that shattered that trust in the most unforgivable way,” said United States Attorney Moore Capito for the Southern District of West Virginia. “This was not a mistake — it was a deliberate exploitation of the most vulnerable. The courage of this victim stands in stark contrast to the cruelty of the offender. Those who target children will be found and brought to answer for it — wherever they are and no matter how long it takes.” “No matter the circumstances, no matter where you are in the world, the FBI will investigate, find, and bring to justice those who think they can prey on the most vulnerable members of our community. Tarnishing the nation’s uniform makes these actions all the more egregious,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office. “The FBI and our international partners will not hesitate to pursue justice across time and borders to protect our children.” The FBI and the U.S. Army’s Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the jury trial. Trial Attorney Eduardo Palomo of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald from the Southern District of West Virginia are prosecuting the case. 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. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-100. ###


title: Albany Man Charged with Theft of FBI Vehicle After Trespass

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Stephen Gullotti, age 59, of Albany, New York, was charged on Monday by criminal complaint for stealing and converting to his own use an FBI patrol car in the parking lot of the FBI’s Albany Field Office on April 10, 2026. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. According to the criminal complaint, Gullotti climbed the fence surrounding FBI Albany in the late evening of April 9, 2026. While on FBI property, Gullotti got into an unlocked FBI GMC truck in the parking lot and drove it around the secure parking lot, moving between parking spots and attempted to leave the premises at about 4:54 a.m. in the morning on April 10. Gullotti was later apprehended by security officers and detained. First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “Gullotti’s alleged unauthorized jaunt through a secure federal lot was a brazen display of judgment that ended exactly where one might expect: in handcuffs. While the perpetrator managed to gain access to the FBI’s parking lot, he was unable to enter the building and is now facing a federal charge. This case serves as a blunt reminder that those who attempt to disrupt federal operations or violate the security of our law enforcement partners will be met with immediate and decisive action.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “As alleged in the complaint, Mr. Gullotti illegally gained access to the FBI Albany parking lot but was not able to enter our building. While this incident is troubling, it proves our building and information are safe thanks to our security protocols. Let this be clear, we have zero tolerance for those who attempt to compromise the safety and integrity of our workspaces. We would like to thank our partners at Albany PD for their swift assistance with this investigation and our colleagues at the Northern District of New York for recognizing the severity of the allegations concerning Mr. Gullotti and charging him federally.” The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The charge filed against Gullotti carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute(s) the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The FBI and the Albany Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping and Nicholas Walter are prosecuting the case. ###


title: East Wenatchee Man Sentenced to 17.5 Years in Prison for Shooting and Trafficking Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington – First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on April 14, 2026, United States District Judge Rebecca Pennell sentenced Victor John Stevenson, age 37, of East Wenatchee, Washington, to 17.5 years of prison on drug trafficking and firearm charges. Judge Pennell also ordered that, following his sentence, Stevenson be on supervised release for 4 years. Stevenson was found guilty on November 13, 2025, and December 16, 2025, following two separate jury trials. According to court documents and evidence presented at the trials, on September 4, 2024, Stevenson, despite being a convicted felon, illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition and shot at a vehicle in the parking lot of the Wenatchee Valley Mall in East Wenatchee. Stevenson was eventually connected to the shooting through various evidence, including DNA and ballistics evidence analyzed by the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory. On September 26, 2024, Stevenson, who was serving a term of community custody supervision from a prior state assault conviction, reported to the Wenatchee Department of Corrections (DOC) office for a random drug test. After Stevenson tested positive, DOC officers were authorized to search inside his vehicle. After officers located suspected drugs and a firearm in a safe in Stevenson’s vehicle, they contacted members of the Columbia River Drug Task Force, who had also been investigating the September 4th shooting. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and subsequently recovered approximately 50 grams of methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, a firearm, and ammunition in Stevenson’s vehicle. DOC officers subsequently traveled to Stevenson’s residence and located a pistol in the driveway. The pistol was analyzed by the Washington State Patrol laboratory and confirmed to be the weapon used in the September 4th shooting. Stevenson was then interviewed by members of the Columbia River Drug Task Force and admitted to the shooting. Investigators also located a phone call Stevenson made to an inmate at the Chelan County Jail in the days following the September 4th shooting. In the recorded call, Stevenson, apparently referencing the shooting, said “I don’t think one was enough” and “I’m gonna have to get a little closer next time.” Stevenson was prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to previous felony convictions. One of Stevenson’s prior felony convictions related to a shooting he committed at the same location, the Wenatchee Valley Mall, in 2006. “Victor Stevenson posed a tremendous danger to the people of the Wenatchee Valley and we appreciate the work of our law enforcement partners who work to arrest and prosecute those, like Mr. Stevenson, who repeatedly commit acts of violence on our streets,” stated Serrano. “Homeland Security Investigations is grateful for the support and collaboration of our partner agencies, which led to Mr. Stevenson’s apprehension and conviction,” said April Miller, Acting Special Agent in Charge, HSI Seattle. “This outcome enhances the safety of the Wenatchee Valley community. We hope this substantial sentence encourages Mr. Stevenson to reflect on his actions and pursue positive change.” The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Columbia River Drug Task Force. The Washington State Department of Corrections and the Washington State Patrol’s Crime Laboratory provided invaluable assistance. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich and Law Clerk Jessica Vye. 2:24-CR-00147-RLP-1


title: Registered Sex Offender and Mexican National Sentenced to 24 Months Imprisonment for Assault of Federal Law Enforcement Officers

body_text: Spokane, Washington – First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on April 16, 2026, District Court Judge United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke, sentenced Victor Lara-Lopez, age 42, of Pasco, Washington, Washington, to 24 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release for assaulting two federal law enforcement officers. According to court documents and information revealed during the sentencing hearing, in 2022, Lara-Lopez was convicted in the Superior Court of Washington- County of Benton, of molesting a 12 year old child. Lara-Lopez was sentenced to a prison term above the standard range because he held a position of trust over the child at the time of the offense. At the time of this sexual abuse, Lara-Lopez, a citizen of Mexico, was unlawfully residing in the United States. Lara-Lopez served his prison term in the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) and was released back into the community, despite his lack of status and sex offense conviction. In June of 2025, local Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers identified Lara-Lopez as a person residing unlawfully in Pasco, Washington, and sought to arrest him on an administrative warrant. In the early morning hours of June 13, 2025, two ICE officers identified Lara-Lopez in a vehicle near his Pasco residence. The officers, wearing clearly marked law enforcement gear and identifying themselves as law enforcement, approached Lara-Lopez in his vehicle and attempted to execute the warrant and arrest Lara-Lopez. Lara-Lopez refused to turn off his vehicle, provide his name, or exit his vehicle. Both officers stepped on the running board of the vehicle in an attempt to arrest Lara-Lopez. Lara-Lopez then began to drive the vehicle, initially reversing, then driving forward onto the sidewalk, hitting an ICE vehicle with such force that the front bumper was pulled off. Both officers were forced to jump off of the vehicle’s running board to avoid being crushed between Lara-Lopez’s vehicle and an ICE vehicle. Both officers sustained injuries as a result of Lara-Lopez’s conduct. Lara-Lopez fled the scene. The United States Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation sought and obtained a federal complaint and arrest warrant for Lara-Lopez for two counts of Assault on a Federal Law Enforcement Officer. Lara-Lopez remained whereabouts unknown for a full month, despite efforts by the United States Marshalls Service (USMS), Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI to locate him. Lara-Lopez was apprehended in his vehicle on July 15, 2025. Lara-Lopez initially refused to exit the vehicle. Two other individuals were located in the vehicle with Lara-Lopez, including a minor child. Lara-Lopez was prohibited from contact with minor children due to his supervision conditions for the prior sex offense conviction. Officers also located fraudulent identification for Lara-Lopez after he was placed into law enforcement custody. Lara-Lopez pled guilty to assaulting both ICE officers on December 2, 2025. During the sentencing hearing, Judge Dimke noted Lara-Lopez’s history of failing to comply with law enforcement. She advised that Lara Lopez’s refusal to comply with the lawful directives of federal law enforcement officers, and specifically federal immigration officers, put the community, the officers and Lara-Lopez at great risk. “Lara-Lopez sexually abused a vulnerable, local child. He was permitted to return to our community despite this conviction and his illegal presence in the United States. The ICE officers in this case sought to protect this community by lawfully removing Lara-Lopez from it. This case highlights the importance of ICE’s work in our community. Here, ICE was removing a child sex offender who is not here lawfully from our community – I’d like to thank the ICE officers involved. My office will aggressively continue to pursue people, like Lara-Lopez, who are unlawfully present, who seek to harm members of our community, or who assault federal law enforcement officers who are doing their jobs,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Serrano. “Law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to apprehend dangerous criminals and protect the American people,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Mr. Lara-Lopez’s reckless behavior not only injured two federal agents but was particularly egregious in light of his prior conduct exploiting a child from a position of trust. The FBI is committed to holding those who assault federal agents, like Mr. Lara-Lopez, accountable for their actions.” The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laurel Holland.


title: Minnesota Man Found Guilty of Criminal Vehicular Homicide

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: DULUTH – Defendant Eric Peterson, 51, of Virginia, Minnesota, has been found guilty of one count of criminal vehicular homicide following a four-day trial, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel N.Rosen. On December 17, 2024, Peterson struck and killed 38-year-old Amanda Boshey when driving along Lake Vermilion Reservation Road near the Fortune Bay Casino on the Bois Forte Indian Reservation. Peterson hit Ms. Boshey, who was walking on foot, shortly after he left the casino. In convicting Peterson, the federal jury concluded that he was driving his vehicle negligently while under the influence of alcohol. Following Following a four-day trial in Duluth, Minnesota, before the Honorable Judge Laura M. Provinzino, the jury returned a guilty verdict on count one, which charged Peterson with criminal vehicular homicide-in a negligent manner while under the influence of alcohol. Peterson was acquitted on count two, which charged Peterson with criminal vehicular homicide-while having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more as measured within two hours of the time of driving for the same fatality. "We would like to extend our condolences to Ms. Boshey’s family and the Bois Forte community." said FBI Minneapolis Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. "Justice for Ms. Boshey's tragic death would not have been possible without substantial assistance from our tribal, local, and state law enforcement partners. We hope that holding the defendant accountable for their recklessness will provide some sense of justice for those who are forever impacted by this loss.” This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, aided by the BCA, the Minnesota State Patrol, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Nett Lake Tribal Police Department, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia Police Department. The coordination of resources between these law enforcement agencies was imperative to the swift identification and apprehension of Peterson and the ultimate resolution of this case. Ms. Boshey was an enrolled member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. She is survived by five children as well as her siblings, parents, and other family and loved ones. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Garrett S. Fields and David M. Classen prosecuted the case.


title: District Man Sentenced to 135 Months in Transportation of Child Pornography

body_text: WASHINGTON – Dontrey Bell, 33, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 135 months in prison in connection with possessing several videos of himself as he exposed and manipulated his genitals in close proximity to a child as she slept, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Bell pleaded guilty on July 24, 2025, before Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly to one count of transportation of child pornography. In addition to the 135-month prison term, Judge Kollar-Kotelly ordered Bell to serve 15 years of supervised release. “Bell’s actions represent a profound betrayal of trust and a disturbing exploitation of a child’s vulnerability. The evidence in this case revealed calculated and deeply troubling conduct that cannot be tolerated in any community,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “My office remains committed to holding offenders accountable and ensuring that those who prey on children face serious consequences. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect victims and pursue justice in every case.” According to court documents, on May 6, 2023, a witness called police to report she had discovered five videos and one image depicting Bell sneaking into a girl’s bedroom and engaging in sexual behavior near the child while the child was asleep. In one of the videos, the child is seen waking up, and an adult male tells the child that he is in the bedroom to get cats out of the room. In another video, the individual recording the video turns the camera on himself selfie-style and records himself putting his head under child’s covers while the child is sleeping. The witness identified the male as Bell. The phone was linked to Bell’s cloud storage. The videos showed were timestamped between Aug. 9, 2022, and Apr. 28, 2023, and recorded between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office. This case was investigated by the MPD-FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caroline Burrell and Michael Lawlor. The matter was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . 23cr410 Follow us on Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc


title: Individual Charged with Importation of Cocaine Extradited from Colombia as Part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF)

component: Criminal - Office of International Affairs

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Colombian authorities extradited Nixon Manuel Marino-Carreño from La Picota in Bogota, Colombia, to the United States to face drug trafficking charges filed in the District of Puerto Rico. Nixon Manuel Marino-Carreño was arrested in Colombia on March 10, 2025 at the request of the United States, and extradited to Puerto Rico on April 17, 2026. According to court documents, beginning no later than May 2024, defendant Marino-Carreño, along with other coconspirators, imported and attempted to import cocaine from Venezuela and Colombia, into the United States. The defendant is also facing two counts of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine aboard a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Justice Department’s Office of the Judicial Attaché in Bogotá and Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition to the United States of Marino-Carreño. The FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are in charge of the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Camille García of the Asset Recovery, Money Laundering and Transnational Organized Crime Division is in charge of the prosecution of the case. The announcement was made by United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow, FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlos R. Goris, and DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Evan Martínez. This prosecution 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 San Juan comprises agents and officers from the following federal partners: FBI, ICE-HSI, CBP (OFO, AMO and Border Patrol), the U.S. Marshals Service for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, DEA, ATF, IRS, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of State, and the U.S. Secret Service, the Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands HIDTA, TSA, FAA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The HSTF also has the following state and local law enforcement partners as participating agencies: the Puerto Rico Police Department; the San Juan, Carolina, Guaynabo, Barceloneta, and Ponce Municipal Police Departments, the Puerto Rico National Guard – Counter Drug Program; the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Service (Hacienda); the Puerto Rico Port Authority; and the Virgin Islands Police Department. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: High-Level Guatemalan Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Jorge Campos-Oliva, aka “Peluda,” an extradited Guatemalan national, was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison on charges of international cocaine distribution conspiracy. According to public documents, Campos-Oliva was identified as part of a multi-year proactive wiretap investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations targeting high-level cocaine traffickers operating in northwest Guatemala and their suppliers. The investigation offered one of the most comprehensive views of the inner workings of cocaine trafficking in Guatemala, which sits between South American cocaine producers and Mexico-based drug cartels. In public documents, Jorge Campos-Oliva admitted that he participated in the distribution of multi-ton quantities of cocaine between at least 2017 and 2020 through a drug trafficking organization based in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The cocaine Jorge Campos-Oliva distributed was then further distributed to drug trafficking organizations in Huehuetenango, Guatemala or South Mexico and ultimately to the United States. During the wiretap, agents intercepted thousands of messages, including numerous photos of cocaine bricks, such as the ones shown below. Indeed, Campos-Oliva admitted to distributing at least 2,000 kilograms of cocaine during his participation in the conspiracy. In July 2020, Campos-Oliva was indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine intended for unlawful importation into the United States, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 959, 960 and 963. He was arrested on August 31, 2021 in Guatemala pursuant to an extradition request from the United States. On February 10, 2022, he was extradited to the United States. One month after he was extradited from Guatemala, on March 2022, the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) issued treasury sanctions against the Los Huistas Drug Trafficking Organization (“DTO”) and some of its leaders. Based on extensive wiretap intercepts, Jorge Campos-Oliva distributed cocaine to Augusto Jean Carlo Castillo-Hernandez (charged in 20CR2242-DMS), who in turn offered that cocaine to a leader in Los Huistas. “The Department of Justice will aggressively pursue high-level drug traffickers who earmark multi-ton quantities of cocaine for the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “Today’s sentence demonstrates the seriousness of the offense.” “This significant sentencing demonstrates HSI’s commitment to investigating and dismantling transnational criminal organizations around the world,” said Kevin Murphy, acting Special Agent in Charge for HSI San Diego. “This HSTF investigation disrupted the organization’s ability to transport ton quantities of cocaine into the United States and safeguarded our communities.” In sentencing Campos-Oliva today, U.S. District Judge Dana M. Sabraw found that Campos-Oliva was an organizer/leader in the conspiracy, which involved extensive “coordination” in a “multi-ton” cocaine trafficking conspiracy that defendant operated with his brother. Sentencing for the brother, Fabio Campos-Oliva, aka “Black Chivita,” who was separately charged in a related indictment, is scheduled for May 1, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Sabraw. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Mokhtari. DEFENDANTS Case Number 20cr2241-DMS Jorge Campos-Oliva Age: 48 Guatemala aka “Peluda,” aka “Papa,” aka “Magico” Case Number 20cr2240-DMS Fabio Campos-Oliva Age: 50 Guatemala aka “Black Chivita” SUMMARY OF CHARGES International Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine – Title 21, U.S.C., Section 959, 960, 963 Criminal Forfeiture – Title 21, U.S.C., Section 853 Maximum Penalty: Life in prison and $10 million fine INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) U.S. Coast Guard HSI Attaché Guatemala City, Guatemala HSI Attaché Mexico City Mexico Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs Department of Justice, Office of Enforcement Operations Department of Justice, Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S) 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 San Diego comprises agents and officers from FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals, Department of Defense, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Interpol, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty


title: District of Arizona Charges 240 Individuals for  Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this Week

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from April 11 through April 17, 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 240 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 152 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 68 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 17 cases against 19 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona. Protecting law enforcement officers is a key part of border vigilance, and federal prosecutors also charged one defendant for assaulting a Border Patrol agent. These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Recent matters of interest include: United States v. Rae Ashley Paya. Rae Ashley Paya was charged by criminal complaint on April 13, 2026, with Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit. On April 11, U.S. Border Patrol agents attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a suspicious vehicle near Why, Arizona. The driver abruptly stopped before fleeing at a high rate of speed. Agents pursued the vehicle as it reached speeds of 100 mph. About four miles later, the driver abruptly stopped again, and four subjects exited the vehicle and ran. Agents apprehended the subjects. The driver was identified as Rae Ashley Paya. The three other subjects were determined to be citizens of Mexico, illegally present in the United States. [Case Number: 26-MJ-04565] United States v. Jose Ivan Solano-Perez. Jose Ivan Solano-Perez was charged by complaint with Bringing Aliens to the United States Unlawfully, on April 15, 2026 . On April 13, U.S. Border Patrol agents discovered multiple individuals at the summit of the Sierra Pinta Mountains near Wellton, Arizona. Agents in a helicopter observed two individuals inside a cave with several tree branches covering the opening and additional individuals further up the mountain. Agents located and apprehended five individuals—including Solano-Perez—all wearing camouflage clothing. Agents learned that Solano-Perez acted as a foot guide, leading the group from Mexico into the United States. Immigration checks confirmed that two of the four individuals traveling with Solano-Perez were citizens of Mexico, one was a citizen in Honduras, and one was a citizen of El Salvador, all unlawfully present in the United States. [Case Number: 26-MJ-1289] United States v. Carlos John Peters. Carlos John Peters was charged by criminal complaint with Transportation of Illegal Aliens, on April 13, 2026. On April 11, a Pinal County Sheriff’s Office sergeant observed a white Dodge Durango traveling westbound on I-10 near mile marker 207 and conducted a routine registration check on the vehicle. The check showed that the vehicle’s registration was suspended, so the sergeant initiated a traffic stop. When the sergeant approached the vehicle, he observed Peters in the driver’s seat and two individuals asleep in the rear passenger seats. He also saw two camouflage backpacks and a smaller camouflage bag containing camouflage clothing on the floorboard between the front and second row seats of the vehicle. When U.S. Border Patrol agents arrived on the scene, they learned the passengers were citizens of Guatemala, unlawfully present in the United States. Agents also learned that the passengers had crossed into the United States from Mexico and had walked through the desert until they met up with Peters. [Case Number: 26-MJ-3018] These 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 (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). A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-064_April 17, 2026 Immigration Enforcement # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: British National Pleads Guilty to Hacking into Companies and Stealing At Least $8 Million in Virtual Currency

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: SANTA ANA, California – A United Kingdom man pleaded guilty today to conspiring with others to hack into the computer systems of at least a dozen companies via text message phishing attacks and to steal at least $8 million in virtual currency from individual victims throughout the United States. Tyler Robert Buchanan, 24, of Dundee, Scotland, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Buchanan has been in federal custody since April 2025. According to his plea agreement, from September 2021 to April 2023, Buchanan and other individuals conspired to conduct cyber intrusions and virtual currency thefts. The victims and intended victims included interactive entertainment companies, telecommunications companies, technology companies, business process outsourcing (BPO) and information technology (IT) suppliers, cloud communications providers, virtual currency companies, and individuals. Buchanan and his co-conspirators defrauded at least a dozen companies and their employees as well as individual victims throughout the U.S. As part of the scheme, Buchanan and his co-conspirators conducted Short Message Service (SMS) phishing attacks by sending hundreds of SMS phishing messages to the mobile telephones of a victim company’s employees. The messages purported to be from the victim company or a contracted IT or BPO supplier for the victim company. The SMS phishing messages contained links to phishing websites designed to look like legitimate websites of a victim company or a contracted IT or BPO supplier. The websites then lured the recipient into providing confidential information, including personal identifying information (PII), and account usernames and passwords. Buchanan and his co-conspirators then used the stolen credentials to access the accounts of a victim company’s employees and the victim company’s computer systems to steal confidential company information. For some victim companies, this stolen information included confidential work product, intellectual property, and PII such as account access credentials, names, email addresses, and telephone numbers. The conspirators created a phishing kit that captured login credentials entered into the fraudulent phishing websites by a victim company’s employees. The stolen credentials were then transmitted to an online Telegram channel administered by Buchanan and another co-conspirator. Buchanan admitted in his plea agreement that in April 2023 at his residence in Scotland, he possessed files related to numerous victim companies. Buchanan further admitted that he and several co-conspirators used the information stolen from company intrusions to identify and gain access to virtual currency accounts and wallets belonging to individual victims to steal millions of dollars’ worth of virtual currency. To gain access to individual victims’ virtual currency wallets and accounts, and bypass two-factor authentication security features, Buchanan and others gained unauthorized access to victims’ online accounts and conducted Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) swaps of victims’ mobile telephone numbers to devices that the conspirators controlled. “SIM swapping” is a technique in which a criminal fraudulently induces a mobile carrier to reassign a cell phone number from the legitimate subscriber’s SIM card to a SIM card controlled by another without the legitimate subscriber’s authorization or knowledge. This process allows a criminal to intercept two-factor authentication codes sent to the victim via phone call or SMS, and to gain access to the victim’s various accounts. In April 2023, on a digital device found at Buchanan’s Scotland residence, he possessed the names and addresses of numerous individual victims, including a text file that contained cryptocurrency seed phrases and login information for one victim’s account. Buchanan admitted in his plea agreement that the scheme involved the theft of at least $8 million worth of virtual currency assets from individual victims located throughout the United States. United States District Judge John W. Holcomb scheduled an August 21 sentencing hearing, at which time Buchanan will face a statutory maximum sentence of 22 years in federal prison. A co-conspirator, Noah Michael Urban, 21, a.k.a. “Sosa” and “Elijah,” of Palm Coast, Florida, is serving a 10-year federal prison sentence and was ordered to pay $13 million in restitution. Urban pleaded guilty in April 2025 to three fraud-related counts. The other three defendants charged with Buchanan – Ahmed Hossam Eldin Elbadawy, 24, a.k.a. “AD,” of College Station, Texas; Evans Onyeaka Osiebo, 21, of Dallas, Texas; and Joel Martin Evans, 26, a.k.a. “joeleoli,” of Jacksonville, North Carolina – still face criminal charges in this case. The FBI is investigating this matter. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina; the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs; Police Scotland; Cuerpo Nacional de Policía (Spain); and the FBI field offices in Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, and Portland provided assistance during this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Restrepo of the National Security Division is prosecuting this case.


title: The Buffalo Club agrees to pay $1.5 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations related to Paycheck Protection Program loan eligibility

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today that The Buffalo Club has agreed to pay $1,500,000 to resolve allegations that it improperly obtained a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which it was not eligible to receive. The PPP loan program, enacted in March 2020, provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program allowed eligible small businesses to receive loans guaranteed by the federal government. For decades, the SBA has explained that private clubs and businesses, which limit the number of memberships for any reason other than capacity, or restrict patronage for any reason other than capacity, are not eligible for loans through the SBA. The SBA’s guidance also specifically states that this restriction applies to eligibility for PPP loans. In March 2021, The Buffalo Club applied for a PPP loan and certified that it was eligible to receive the loan. After receiving the PPP loan, The Buffalo Club sought and received forgiveness of the entire loan amount. The United States contended that The Buffalo Club falsely represented its eligibility to receive the PPP loan because it operated as a private membership club that restricted membership for reasons other than capacity. This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan W. Ferris, and Investigator Margaret McFarland, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel. The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the settlement or judgment. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination or admission of liability. Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . # # # #


title: Zachary Babitz Pleads Guilty in Federal Case Involving Armed Robberies, Carjackings, and Fatal Shooting

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Zachary Babitz has pleaded guilty after committing a series of armed robberies and carjackings across New Mexico in 2024 that culminated in the fatal shooting of a victim during a carjacking in Santa Fe County. According to court documents, between July 30 and August 10, 2024, Babitz , 40, committed a series of armed robberies, carjackings, and a fatal shooting across Bernalillo, Santa Fe, and Doña Ana counties. Babitz began on July 30, 2024, when he entered an AutoZone in Albuquerque armed with a 9mm handgun, demanded money from an employee, and stole approximately $345. On July 31, he robbed a Wells Fargo bank in Albuquerque by presenting a demand note and indicating he was armed, obtaining approximately $3,300. On August 3, Babitz robbed a Jersey Mike’s restaurant at gunpoint, taking cash from the register and forcing an employee to open a safe where additional money was stolen. On August 6, 2024, Babitz committed a carjacking in Santa Fe County during which he confronted the victim with a firearm and shot him, causing his death. Following the homicide, Babitz continued his violent conduct. On August 9, he carried out another carjacking in Bernalillo County. On August 10 in Las Cruces, Babitz and an accomplice robbed an Arby’s restaurant at gunpoint, stealing cash, and later that same day participated in another armed carjacking in which they forced a victim from a vehicle using firearms. Babitz pleaded guilty to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, one count of bank robbery, one count of carjacking resulting in death, one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and causing death through the use and possession of a firearm, one count of carjacking, two counts of interference with commerce by robbery and aiding and abetting, two counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and aiding and abetting, one count of carjacking and aiding and abetting, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. As part of the plea agreement, the parties have agreed that a specific sentence of life imprisonment is the appropriate disposition in this case. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Sarah Mauricio, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, Santa Fe Police Department, Albuquerque Police Department and Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Elena Stiteler and Natasha Moghadam are prosecuting the case.


title: Buffalo man arrested on cocaine charge involving shipments from Puerto Rico

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Daniel Lopez-Rivera, 40, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. According to the complaint, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating Lopez-Rivera, who is believed to be involved in on-going narcotics activity in Buffalo. On April 12, 2026, the Postal Inspection Service was alerted to a Priority Mail parcel, suspected of containing narcotics, being shipped from Puerto Rico to a residence on Tonawanda Street in Buffalo, a residence utilized by Lopez-Rivera. On April 14, 2026, investigators executed a search warrant on the parcel and found approximately seven pounds of suspected cocaine inside. On April 16, 2026, investigators conducted a controlled delivery of the parcel to the Tonawanda Street address. A short time after the delivery, Lopez arrived at the residence. Investigators observed another individual approach Lopez’s vehicle and hand him a grocery bag with the parcel inside. Lopez then returned to his Chadduck Avenue residence, where he was taken into custody. Investigators then executed a search warrant on the residence, seizing postage labels addressed to another residence believed to be utilized by Lopez for his drug trafficking activities. Lopez-Rivera made an initial appearance this afternoon before US. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was released on conditions. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass. The complaint is a result of an investigation by U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Postal Inspector in Charge Jason Buckley, Boston Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Buffalo man sentenced for his role in credit card scam

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Angel Valentin-Martinez, 34, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, was sentenced to serve five years supervised release and pay restitution totaling $13,098 by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Between October and December 2024, Martinez conspired with Daniel Plata Miranda to fraudulently gain access to the credit card accounts of individuals at Synchrony Bank. The two used an account holder’s personally identifiable information to pass Synchrony’s account verification process. Martinez and Miranda then changed the address of record on the accounts to an address that they controlled or had access to. This oftentimes caused new credit cards to be sent to Martinez’s residence in Buffalo, or to a P.O. Box registered to Miranda in Rochester, NY. On one or more occasions, Martinez drove to the Rochester P.O. Box to retrieve mail. Martinez and Miranda then used the fraudulently obtained credit cards to make purchases in the Western New York area, including numerous purchases at Lowe’s Home Improvement stores. In total, Martinez and Miranda used five fraudulently obtained credit cards at six different Lowe’s locations to make more than two dozen purchases, totaling approximately $13,098. Charges are pending against Daniel Plata Miranda. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. C. Penrose. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Postal Inspector in Charge Jason Buckley, Boston Division.


title: Repeat offender sentenced to 15 years for drug trafficking, firearms crimes

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced Wednesday to 15 years in prison for committing drug trafficking and firearms crimes while on pretrial release in multiple state cases. According to court documents, in 2013, Paul Baldwin Jr., 35, was convicted of a federal drug trafficking crime and sentenced to seven years in prison. Baldwin was released from federal prison in 2019 and placed on supervision. His supervision was terminated in December 2021. Within months of termination, he was trafficking drugs again. In September 2022, Anchorage Police Officers responded to a residence for a call. Upon arrival, officers saw Baldwin walking back and forth between the residence and a vehicle in the driveway. When officers pulled in the driveway, Baldwin fled on foot. Officers searched the vehicle in the driveway and discovered a pistol, over 80 grams of illegal fentanyl pills and over $16,000 in cash. At the time of the search, Baldwin was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. Roughly a week later, officers arrested Baldwin at an apartment in Anchorage. At the time of the arrest, officers observed Baldwin attempting to flush nearly 200 grams of heroin down the toilet. He was also in possession of another pistol and officers found over $1,000 in cash and illicit fentanyl pills in his pockets as well as illegal fentanyl pills and over $420 in cash inside Baldwin’s backpack. Officers later recovered an additional 44 grams of illegal fentanyl pills hidden on his person. In March 2023, law enforcement attempted to stop a vehicle that Baldwin was driving in Fairbanks, but Baldwin fled at a high rate of speed before losing control and hitting a snow berm. Officers searched Baldwin’s person and discovered over 14 grams of illegal fentanyl pills, over $5,600 in cash and key cards for a room at a local hotel. Law enforcement officers searched the hotel room at the local hotel and found over 290 grams of illegal drugs, $2,450 in cash and a lump of suspected gold. Following his arrest, Baldwin made multiple recorded phone calls from jail to another person asking them to look for something at a residence. Law enforcement recovered roughly 198 grams of illegal fentanyl pills and 145 grams of heroin. In January 2023, Baldwin was indicted by a federal grand jury with being a felon in possessing of a firearm. In May 2023, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment adding three additional charges, including two counts of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. In August 2024, while he was pending trial in this federal case, Baldwin was released for a period of one day to attend a relative’s funeral and failed to return to jail. He was arrested roughly two months later. On Jan. 8, 2026, Baldwin pleaded guilty to one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. “Mr. Baldwin is an armed drug trafficker that has, over and over, endangered our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Dangerous repeat offenders will not be tolerated. Our law enforcement partners are working diligently every day to hold habitual offenders, like Mr. Baldwin, accountable and taking them off the streets.” “Mr. Baldwin engaged in drug trafficking while illegally carrying a firearm as a convicted felon – a combination that put innocent lives at risk in our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schlegel of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Protecting our communities from drug trafficking and violence remains a top priority for the FBI. We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to disrupt these activities and keep our neighborhoods safe.” The FBI Anchorage Field Office and the Anchorage Police Department investigated this case as part of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force. Additional assistance was provided by the Alaska State Troopers as part of the Fairbanks Areawide Narcotics Team (FANT) and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Miller prosecuted the case. ###


title: Jury convicts Houston man who distributed meth and firearms from motel

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 34-year-old self-proclaimed Crips street gang member has been convicted of drug trafficking and firearm offenses, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck. A federal jury in Houston deliberated for approximately 90 minutes before convicting Todd McCoy of three counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and three counts of using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug offense following a four-day trial. Over the course of a five-month investigation, McCoy sold approximately 215 grams of meth and four firearms during multiple meetings in Houston. The jury heard that beginning in December 2024, McCoy conducted a series of transactions out of a motel on South Main Street. In one instance, McCoy said he had several pistols for sale and later sent photos of additional firearms, including a pistol with an extended magazine. Testimony revealed McCoy claimed he controlled the motel and used lookouts for protection and had ready access to large quantities of meth and other drugs. McCoy also claimed he was a member of the Crips street gang. The defense attempted to convince the jury that evidence was improperly handled, and the investigation was otherwise sloppy and unreliable. The jury did not believe those claims and found McCoy guilty as charged. U.S. District Judge David Hittner presided over trial and set sentencing for July 9. At that time, McCoy faces up to life in prison. The FBI and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted forensic testing of the meth McCoy sold and provided an expert witness who testified regarding the basics of drug trafficking. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Ganz and Hunter Brown are prosecuting the case.


title: Illegal Nicaraguan Alien Guilty of Illegal Re-Entry  of a Deported Alien

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – ORLANDO JOSE JARQUIN OROZCO (“JARQUIN”) , age 36, a citizen of Nicaragua, pled guilty on April 7, 2026 to illegal re-entry, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to court records , JARQUIN reentered the United States after he was previously deported on November 2, 2016. Prior to his deportation, he was convicted of second-degree battery in Jefferson Parish and sentenced to two years in prison. JARQUIN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a maximum fine of $250,000, a maximum term of supervised release of three years, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit was in charge of the prosecution. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. * * *


title: Guatemalan Illegal Alien and Convicted Felon Sentenced To 24 Months Imprisonment For Illegal Re-entry Offense

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced today that United States District Court Judge Brandon S. Long sentenced FEDERICO MENDEZ-FRANCISCO a/k/a “JORGE SANTOS ARROYO,” a/k/a “JORGE A. GORDILLO,” a/k/a “FEDERICO MENDEZ,” a/k/a “FREDERICO MENDEZ,” a/k/a “FEDERICO MENDEZ FRANCISCO,” (“MENDEZ-FRANCISCO”) , on April 14, 2026 to twenty-four (24) months imprisonment. MENDEZ-FRANCISCO , age 44 and a native of Guatemala previously pled guilty to illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a). The Court ordered that MENDEZ-FRANCISCO’s term of imprisonment be served consecutively to any other sentence. MENDEZ-FRANCISCO must serve three (3) years of supervised release upon his release from prison and pay a mandatory $100 special assessment cost. According to court documents and on May 15, 2024, MENDEZ-FRANCISCO pled guilty to the felony offense of Domestic Abuse-Child under 13 Present, in the 24 th Judicial District Court Parish of Jefferson. The United States government removed MENDEZ-FRANCISCO from the United States on November 3, 2005, February 11, 2010, and July 3, 2024. Law enforcement authorities located MENDEZ-FRANCISCO , an illegal alien, in Jefferson Parish on May 2, 2025. MENDEZ-FRANCISCO had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter the United States. U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (“ICE-ERO”) in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Duane A. Evans of the General Crimes Unit is prosecuting the matter. 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 * * *


title: Texas Man Sentenced  For Drug Trafficking Crime

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JERRY D. SMITH (SMITH) , 52, was sentenced on April 16, 2026, to 63 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee by U.S. District Judge Carl J. Barbier, after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to court documents, on or about August 28, 2022, SMITH was pulled over by Louisiana State Police for a traffic infraction and learned that SMITH was driving a stolen vehicle. During the stop, troopers also discovered SMITH had kilogram quantities of cocaine hidden within the vehicle. SMITH admitted to traveling from Texas to the Eastern District of Louisiana with the intent to sell cocaine. This investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations, the Louisiana State Police, and the Kenner Police Department The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit. * * *


title: Morrow County man sentenced to more than 14 years in prison for 2 armed bank robberies near Polaris mall

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Morrow County man was sentenced in federal court here today to 171 months in prison for robbing the same bank at gunpoint twice in the spring of 2025. James Travis Scurlock, 44, of Cardington, stole a total of approximately $41,000 from a bank branch near the Polaris mall. According to court documents, on March 6 and May 16, Scurlock robbed the Huntington Bank on Gemini Place while carrying a firearm. Scurlock wore a black sweatshirt, jeans, white Nike shoes, black gloves and a white camouflage mask during both robberies. During the first robbery, he initially inquired about opening a bank account. After the teller asked him for two forms of identification, he pointed a handgun at the teller and told the teller to put money in his backpack. Scurlock then stole approximately $13,700. During the May robbery, Scurlock pointed the handgun at a teller before walking to two tellers’ drawers and taking cash. He then ordered the tellers to the vault and placed more cash into his backpack. Scurlock stole approximately $27,700 during the second robbery. The defendant was charged in June 2025 and pleaded guilty in October 2025. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the sentence imposed today by Senior U.S. District Judge James L. Graham. Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Noah R. Litton is representing the United States in this case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. # # #