body_text: Nine North Texas Antifa Cell operatives were convicted today by a federal jury in Fort Worth, Texas for their roles in rioting, using weapons and explosives, providing material support to terrorists, obstruction, and attempted murder of an Alvarado police officer at the Prairieland ICE Detention Center on July 4, 2025. In a 12-day trial that began on Feb. 23, jurors heard testimony from more than 45 witnesses and considered over 210 exhibits supporting the charges against nine indicted defendants: Cameron Arnold, also known as Autunm Hill; Zachary Evetts; Benjamin Song; Savanna Batten; Bradford Morris, also known as Meagan Morris; Maricela Rueda; Elizabeth Soto; Ines Soto; and Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada. Seven others, Seth Sikes, Nathan Baumann, Joy Gibson, Susan Kent, Rebecca Morgan, Lynette Sharp, and John Thomas, pleaded guilty last year to one count of providing material support to terrorists. “Antifa is a domestic terrorist organization that has been allowed to flourish in Democrat-led cities — not under President Trump,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Today’s verdict on terrorism charges will not be the last as the Trump administration systematically dismantles Antifa and finally halts their violence on America’s streets.” “These guilty verdicts and convictions rightly reflect the vicious, armed attack that these Antifa cell members planned and executed against law enforcement and detention center officers on the night of July 4 last year,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas. “Their terrorist acts, attempted murder, vandalism, and explosives launched at a detention facility were a far cry from some peaceful protest or First Amendment expression. Because of the prompt action of first responders that night and tenacious work of our law enforcement partners in tandem with the prosecutors in my office, sixteen people have been brought to justice for these violent acts and their attempts to conceal them. We will continue in this mission to hold others accountable who perpetrate such violence and fund these ANTIFA groups in the Northern District of Texas.” “Today’s verdict shows the FBI remains committed to identifying, locating, and dismantling Antifa and its funding networks across the country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Acts of violence against our law enforcement partners will not be tolerated, and we continue our work to protect communities across the country from domestic terrorism.” “The coordinated attack on the Prairieland Detention Center required a whole of government approach from the initial response throughout the investigation and trial. The FBI’s JTTF led this collective effort resulting in convictions and guilty pleas by those who committed violent acts against our law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the FBI Dallas Field Office. “I want to thank all the law enforcement agencies that collaborated with us on this investigation. Our collective goal remains to ensure the safety and security of our communities in North Texas.” “This case marks a historic moment as it represents the nation’s initial federal indictment targeting a coordinated group of Antifa cell members engaged in violent criminal activity,” said HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard. “The charges demonstrate our unwavering commitment to confronting domestic terrorism and protecting our communities from organized threats.” Testimony and other evidence at trial established that the defendants were members of a North Texas Antifa Cell, part of a larger militant enterprise made up of networks of individuals and small groups primarily ascribing to an ideology that explicitly calls for the overthrow of the United States Government, law enforcement authorities, and the system of law. An expert testifying in the government’s case told the jury that Antifa’s coordinated efforts involve obstructing Federal law through organized riots, violent assaults, and armed confrontations with law enforcement officers, increasingly targeting agents and facilities related to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement in opposition to the agency’s deportation actions. Evidence at trial revealed that most of the Antifa Cell involved in the Prairieland attack looked to Benjamin Song as a leader. Song acquired firearms that he distributed to co-defendants and recruited members at gun ranges and combat sessions he conducted, as well as from various ideologically aligned groups. For example, defendants Ines Soto, Elizabeth Soto, and Savanna Batten were part of a group that created and distributed insurrectionary materials called “zines,” according to trial evidence. Trial testimony reflected that, late at night on July 4, at least 11 of the defendants rioted and attacked the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, which the DHS was using to house illegal aliens awaiting deportation. The defendants dressed in “black bloc” — dark clothing with head and face coverings that concealed their identities — designed to hide each individual’s identity but also to aid and abet those members engaged in illegal acts by making members indistinguishable from one another to law enforcement. Evidence introduced at trial revealed that the defendants brought eleven firearms, body armor, and eleven military-grade first aid kits with tourniquets and other items for gunshot wounds to the scene of the attack. Many of these items were introduced by the government as exhibits. Additionally, fingerprint evidence linked many of the defendants to the items at the scene, and evidence obtained on phone locations supported that those who participated in the attack all turned off their phones or placed them in Faraday bags to prevent tracking on the night of the attack. After Antifa Cell members arrived at Prairieland, they began shooting off and throwing fireworks (explosives) at the facility and vandalizing vehicles and a guard shack on Prairieland property: Witnesses testified that an Alvarado police officer responded to the scene after correctional officers called 911. When the officer began issuing commands to defendant Nathan Baumann, Benjamin Song can be heard on police bodycam video yelling, “get to the rifles!” and then he opened fire on the officers, striking the Alvarado police officer in the neck as the unarmed correctional officers ducked and ran for cover. Police arrested most of the Antifa Cell shortly after the attack, many near the scene. Benjamin Song escaped and remained at large with the help of others until his capture on July 15, 2025. Trial evidence demonstrated that collectively, the Antifa Cell acquired over 50 firearms in the Fort Worth/Dallas area prior to July 4. During trial, the government introduced numerous chats of the members, who used an encrypted messaging app to coordinate with each other that had auto-delete functions, permanently deleting some Antifa Cell members’ communications. They also used monikers in group chats to hide their identities, and some of the planning chats included only trusted participants. The chats introduced at trial revealed that members in this limited group conducted reconnaissance and discussed what to bring to the riot, including firearms, medical kits, and fireworks: Witnesses who testified during the government’s case included the Alvarado police officer who was shot in the neck by Song, detention officers present that night who also took cover from rapid fire, multiple additional responding officers, numerous investigative agents, and cooperating codefendants, including Baumann, Sharp, Thomas, and Kent. Among other things, Kent testified that the night before the attack at a “gear check,” Song proposed to free the detainees at Prairieland and told the group that they should wear black bloc and bring rifles, because he (Song) wasn’t going to be arrested. Evidence at trial also revealed that some of the defendants attended a peaceful daytime protest at Prairieland on July 4 — without the gear they brought that night — and that they reported back to other defendants details regarding security at the facility: The jury convicted the nine defendants of the following offenses: Riot , with the intent to commit an act of violence, involving conduct such as shooting and throwing fireworks and explosives, slashing tires on a government vehicle, spraying graffiti on property and vehicles, destroying a closed circuit camera, shooting at officers, and dressing in black bloc. Defendants convicted: Cameron Arnold, Zachary Evetts, Benjamin Song, Savanna Batten, Bradford Morris, Maricela Rueda, Elizabeth Soto, Ines Soto Providing Material Support to Terrorists , including property, services, training, communications equipment, weapons, explosives, personnel (including themselves), and transportation. Defendants convicted: Arnold, Evetts, Song, Batten, Morris, Rueda, E. Soto, and I. Soto Conspiracy to Use and Carry an Explosive , and Using and Carrying an Explosive , during a riot. Defendants convicted: Arnold, Evetts, Song, Batten, Morris, Rueda, E. Soto, and I. Soto Attempted Murder of Officers and Employees of the United States , involving the unlawful attempt to kill with malice aforethought Correctional Officers-1 and 2, and an Alvarado Police Officer. Defendants convicted: Song Discharging a Firearm During, and in Relation to, and in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence , i.e., the attempted murder of two correctional officers and an Alvarado Police Officer. Defendants convicted: Song Corruptly Concealing a Document or Record , by transporting a box containing numerous Antifa materials, such as insurrection planning, anti-law enforcement, anti-government, and anti-immigration enforcement documents and propaganda from Sanchez Estrada’s residence to a location in Denton, Texas, intending to conceal the box’s contents and impair its availability for use in a federal grand jury and federal criminal proceeding. Defendant convicted: Daniel Rolando Sanchez Estrada Conspiracy to Conceal Documents and other objects that would implicate Maricela Rueda in the riot and shooting at the Prairieland facility. Defendants convicted: Sanchez Estrada and Maricela Rueda Song faces a minimum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Arnold, Evetts, Morris, Rueda, Batten, Elizabeth Soto, and Ines Soto each face a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison. Sanchez Estrada faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. The sole count of providing material support to terrorists to which Baumann, Gibson, Kent, Morgan, Sharp, Thomas, and Sikes pleaded guilty mirrors the material support offense in the charges presented to the jury at trial. Each of these defendants faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Sentencing hearings for the 16 defendants are pending in front of U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman for the Northern District of Texas who oversaw the trial. The investigation was conducted by the FBI Dallas Field Office, HSI, ATF, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Alvarado Police Department, and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Gatto, Shawn Smith, and Matt Capoccia for the Northern District of Texas prosecuted the case.


title: Teen Hitmen for Sinaloa Cartel Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Two teenage gang members were sentenced in federal court today to 25 years in prison for attempting to murder a target of the Sinaloa Cartel, and for the collateral death of a fellow gang member who was fatally shot during one of the failed murder attempts. “California Senate Bill 1391 made state prosecutions of 14- and 15-year-olds a practical impossibility regardless of the seriousness of the crime. Then, the Sinaloa Cartel and the Mexican Mafia-affiliated Westside Wilmas recruited accordingly,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon, “No. No to the Sinaloa Cartel recruiting juveniles. No to the Mexican Mafia directing gangland hits in San Diego. No to a lack of consequences for juveniles who would do their bidding.” “The sentencing of these teenagers sends a clear message: individuals who commit acts of violence, regardless of age, will be held fully accountable under the law,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge TJ Holland of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “The FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to identify, dismantle, and eliminate the violent gangs, cartels, and criminal organizations responsible for this violence. FBI San Diego and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate anyone threatening the safety of our communities, including those who mistakenly believe they can exploit juveniles to carry out violent crimes without consequence.” In issuing the court’s sentence, U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson likewise warned that the Sinaloa Cartel, Mexican Mafia, Westside Wilmas, and similarly situated gangs “need to be put on notice that you don’t get a pass when you have a juvenile commit an offense like this.” Andrew Nunez and Johncarlo Quintero – who were both 15 at the time of the crimes on March 26 and 27, 2024 – pleaded guilty in December 2025 to murder and attempted murder charges, admitting they were acting as hired hitmen for the Sinaloa Cartel when they made two attempts in five hours to kill the cartel’s target. Nunez and Quintero were members of the Mexican Mafia-affiliated Westside Wilmas gang from the greater Los Angeles area. They drove from Wilmington, California to a Chili’s restaurant in Chula Vista, where their target was dining with his family. The target and his family were leaving the Chili’s restaurant when Quintero and Nunez pulled up behind them in the parking lot. Quintero got out of the car and fired a single bullet that struck the victim’s legs. After that single shot, Quintero’s firearm jammed, and he was unable to unjam the weapon in time to shoot again. Quintero got back into the car Nunez was driving, and Nunez attempted unsuccessfully to hit and kill the intended victim with the vehicle. The teen gunmen then fled the scene. Later that night, in the early hours of March 27, 2024, the teen hitmen showed up at the intended victim’s home to finish the job. They were joined this time by an older accomplice, 28-year-old Ricardo Sanchez. Nunez and Quintero each expected to be paid approximately $50,000. The trio approached the target’s home, carrying at least one firearm apiece. Two family members and a friend of the intended victim were present in the home. Sanchez banged on the front door, and once the friend responded, Quintero and Nunez shot at the friend and fired indiscriminately at the family home. According to the plea agreements, Nunez and Quintero acted with the intent of ending the life of the friend and anyone within the kill zone they created in targeting the intended victim. The friend was shot in the hand, arm, and face by Quintero and Nunez, but he survived. In response to Quintero and Nunez’s actions, the friend shot toward Nunez, Quintero and Sanchez to protect himself and the others within the home and, in so doing, he shot and killed Sanchez—a provocative-act murder to which Nunez and Quintero pleaded guilty. After that, the hitmen fled the scene. The defendants admitted they were tapped to murder the cartel’s target because they were minors and, specifically, only 15 at the time. According to admissions in their plea agreements, the defendants knew—if apprehended for this conduct—that they were ineligible to be transferred to adult status under the laws of the State of California because they were under the age of 16 at the time of the offense. For example, among other discussions Nunez had with his co-defendant after being arrested, Nunez and Quintero talked about not being able to “catch a…707” because of their age at the time, which referred to not being subject to adult transfer under California Welfare & Institutions Code Section 707. In February 2026, a federal grand jury indicted alleged Sinaloa Cartel associates Poly Antunez, Antonio Quinones, and Jovanny Enriquez for conspiring with the teens to execute the cartel target. The 15-year-olds were thought to be too young for serious legal consequences. That indictment charged the defendants with Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering, Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering, Conspiracy to Commit Murder for Hire, and Use of Interstate Facilities in Commission of Murder for Hire. That related case, Case Number 26cr402-TWR, is pending. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Goff, Peter Horn and Joshua Mellor. DEFENDANTS Case Number 25cr4822-TWR Andrew Nunez aka “Shooter,” aka “Felon” Age: 16 Wilmington, CA Johncarlo Quintero Age: 17 Wilmington, CA aka “Dumper” SUMMARY OF CHARGES Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering (Title 18, U.S.C., Secs. 1959(a)(5) and 2) Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison, $250,000 fine Murder in Aid of Racketeering (Title 18, U.S.C., Secs. 1959(a)(1) and 2). Maximum penalty: Life in prison; $250,000 fine INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Federal Bureau of Investigation Chula Vista Police Department Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives United States Marshals Service California Highway Patrol *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. 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.


title: Former Western New York man sentenced for lying while testifying during his fraud trial

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Michael W. Luehrsen, 41, of Miami, Florida, who was convicted of perjury, was sentenced to serve three years’ probation by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Luehrsen will also pay approximately $2,000,000 in restitution and forfeit approximately $2,000,000 in assets, including investments and real estate proceeds. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles M. Kruly and Grace Carducci, who handled the case, stated that in February 2022, Luehrsen testified under oath in his previous jury trial before the United States District Court for the Western District of New York as follows: Q. Mike, I want to start by talking about your dad. You told Mr. Kruly that on the days that those prescriptions were faxed you were not in town, is that what you said? A. That’s correct. Q. Can you tell the jury, where were you? A. On June 27, 2014, I was actually in California visiting Cornerstone Pharmacy with two physicians. On July 11, of 2014, I was in Boston, Massachusetts. Q. And how do you remember that? A. I have photographs from my phone showing me in those particular cities. Evidence from Luehrsen’s cellular telephone shows that the testimony quoted above was false. Photographs on the cell phone establish that he was, in fact, in Buffalo on July 11, 2014. In addition, telephone records and financial records established that Luehrsen was in Buffalo on that date. At the time of this testimony, Luehrsen was being tried for, among other crimes, conspiring to commit health care fraud. It was a matter material to the trial whether or not Luehrsen was in Buffalo when an altered compound prescription form was faxed from his father’s home located in the Western District of New York. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera. # # # #


title: Buffalo woman pleads guilty to her role in conspiracy to steal mail

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alexandria Duncan, 23, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy to conspiracy to commit mail theft, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that between October 9 and October 14, 2024, Duncan conspired with co-defendant Timothee S. Tidwell to steal mail from receptacles in Hamburg, NY, and take articles from inside the letters and envelopes that were stolen. For instance, in the early morning hours of October 14, 2024, Duncan drove a vehicle to Camp Road with Tidwell, who exited the vehicle and approached a row of mailboxes outside the post office on Camp Road with a postal arrow key he was not legally entitled to possess. After Tidwell exited the vehicle, Duncan drove the vehicle across the street to a gas station where she was approached by a Village of Hamburg Police officer. While the police officer interacted with Duncan, Tidwell fled the scene. Duncan and Tidwell used a postal arrow key to open various mailboxes in the Hamburg area to steal multiple mail items. On October 14, 2024, law enforcement recovered opened and unopened mail addressed to other people from Duncan’s vehicle. The opened mail included checks from various individuals and businesses and totaled approximately $369,104.92. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Village of Hamburg Police, under the direction of Chief Richard Schara, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Acting Inspector-in-Charge Nicholas J. Bucciarelli, Boston Division. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. # # # #


title: Jamestown man pleads guilty to sex trafficking conspiracy and drug conspiracy charges

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kelvin Thomas, 43, of Jamestown, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of life. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who is handling the case, stated that between October and December 2022, Thomas conspired with Zaid Mendoza and Cora Waddington to conduct a sex trafficking operation involving two individuals with drug addictions, Victim 1 and Victim 2. As part of the conspiracy, Thomas, Mendoza, and Waddington, provided shelter to the victims at a W. Main Street residence in Falconer, NY, and provided them with food, clothing, and daily quantities of heroin/fentanyl in exchange for their performance of commercial sex acts for money, with the proceeds going to Mendoza. Thomas assisted the operation by securing and communicating with commercial sex buyers, posting online advertisements with photographs of Victim 1 and Victim 2 on Skipthegames.com, transporting Victim 1 and Victim 2 to “out calls” away from the residence, and providing protection and assistance to sex trafficking victims while they were on out calls. In exchange for his assistance, Thomas was paid in drugs by Mendoza or Waddington. Thomas’s involvement in the sex trafficking conspiracy also involved him in Mendoza and Waddington’s drug trafficking operation. He distributed heroin/fentanyl and methamphetamine for Mendoza and Waddington, in addition to using the drugs himself. Between August 30 and October 30, 2023, investigators conducted three controlled purchases fentanyl and methamphetamine from Thomas. On November 1, 2023, a search warrant was executed at a Newland Avenue residence associated with Thomas, during which quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine HCL were seized. Mendoza and Waddington were previously convicted. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department Metro Drug Task Force, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott Forster, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division. Sentencing is scheduled for September 22, 2026, before Judge Sinatra. # # # #


title: Adobe Agrees to $150 Million Settlement and Injunction to Resolve Alleged Violations of the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN JOSE – The Justice Department announced today that it has filed a proposed stipulated order that, if entered by the court, will resolve a case against software company Adobe Inc. and two of its employees, Maninder Sawhney and David Wadhwani. The proposed order requires Adobe to pay $75 million in civil penalties and offer customers $75 million in free services to resolve allegations that the company’s subscription practices violated the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act (ROSCA). ROSCA generally requires companies offering online subscriptions to clearly disclose important subscription information and to provide subscribers with simple ways to cancel. In a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the government alleged that Adobe violated ROSCA by using fine print and inconspicuous hyperlinks to hide important information about Adobe’s subscription plans, including information about a hefty Early Termination Fee that customers may be charged when they cancel their subscriptions. The government also alleged that Adobe thwarted subscribers’ attempts to cancel, subjecting them to convoluted and inefficient cancellation processes filled with unnecessary steps, delays, unsolicited offers, and warnings. “American consumers deserve the right to make informed choices when deciding where to spend their hard-earned money,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will strongly oppose any attempt to harm Americans with deceptive and unfair business practices.” “Consumers should not have to navigate a digital maze to cancel a subscription,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California. “We will continue to hold responsible any company that uses deceptive business practices to harm the consumer.” In addition to civil penalties and free services, the stipulated order provides strong protections for American consumers going forward. Adobe will be required to clearly disclose any Early Termination Fee and how the fee is calculated before enrolling customers in subscriptions. For any free trial lasting longer than seven days, Adobe must also remind customers before converting them into a paid subscription with an Early Termination Fee. Furthermore, Adobe will be required to provide its subscribers with easy ways to cancel their subscriptions. The United States is represented in this action by Trial Attorneys Francisco L. Unger and Zachary L. Cowan and Assistant Director Zachary A. Dietert, from the Enforcement Section of the Civil Division’s Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Savith S. Iyengar for the Northern District of California, in coordination with staff at the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.


title: Virginia Man Admits to Identity Theft and Money Laundering

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Henrico, Virginia man has admitted identity theft and money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. Michael K. Vordjorbe, 30, pled guilty today to aggravated identity theft and transactional money laundering. According to court documents and statements made in court, Vordjorbe worked with others to withdraw funds from accounts at several banks, some in the Northern District of West Virginia, by assuming the identities of the account holders without their knowledge or permission. Once the funds were illegally obtained, Vordjorbe and others would deposit the money into another account to hide the theft. The total amount fraudulent funds obtained totaled $137,000 and total relevant conduct amount of the fraud was between $550,000 and $1.5 million. Vordjorbe faces up to two years in prison for identity theft and faces up to 10 years for money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor Hurney is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. Investigative agencies include the FBI; the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations; the U.S. Postal Service, Loudon County, Virginia; and the Stamford, Connecticut Police Department. U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.


title: Harrison County Man Admits to Selling Fentanyl Near Schools

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Clarksburg, West Virginia man has admitted to selling fentanyl near two schools, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. Joseph Angiulli, also known as “Joey,” 32, pled guilty to the distribution of fentanyl within 1000 feet of a protected location. According to court documents, Angiulli was selling fentanyl from his home, which is near North View Elementary School and Emmanuel Christian School, both protected locations. Angiulli is facing at least one year and up to 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided. Fentanyl has been designated by President Donald Trump as a weapon of mass destruction due to its extreme lethality which poses a grave threat to public safety, even in trace amounts. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration.


title: Gallatin County Man Sentenced for  Distribution of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: COVINGTON, Ky. – A Warsaw, Ky., man, David Vonarb, 26, was sentenced on Friday to 132 months by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for the distribution of child pornography. According to his plea agreement, on June 13, 2024, an online covert employee with the FBI engaged in a direct-messaging conversation with user “dirtydad69” on an end-to-end encrypted application, in which the user distributed child pornography to the online covert employee. Following the direct messaging conversation, the user continued to distribute depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct in various chatrooms. In total, the user distributed at least 13 videos and 8 images. Law enforcement discovered that the user was Vonarb, and on October 23, 2024, law enforcement searched his residence, and he admitted that he used the encrypted application to receive, view, and distribute child pornography, and that he had used the application the day before the search. A forensic review of Vonarb’s laptop revealed evidence of thousands of images and videos of child pornography. Under federal law, Vonarb must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 25 years. Paul McCaffrey, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Winslow is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. – END –


title: Boone County Man Sentenced for  Distribution of Child Pornography

body_text: COVINGTON, Ky. – A Walton, Ky., man, Ronald Knox, 55, was sentenced on Friday to 168 months by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for the distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. According to court documents, in January 2025, Knox distributed a depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct to an undercover law enforcement officer by means of a BitTorrent peer-to-peer network. In May 2025, law enforcement seized Knox’s devices from his residence. A search of those devices revealed a significant amount of child pornography, including the distributed image and other depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Knox admitted that he viewed child pornography and that he had been doing so for years. Under federal law, Knox must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years. Paul McCaffrey, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Craig Patrick Sorrell, Campbell County Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Campbell County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Spievack is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. – END –


title: Omaha Man Sentenced to 235 Months for Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Duane Walker, Jr., 29, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 12, 2026, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Walker Jr. to 235 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Walker’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. In November 2024, an FBI task force began investigating Walker as a fentanyl pill dealer in Omaha. In January 2025, law enforcement facilitated purchases of fentanyl pills from Walker three times. On February 3, 2025, investigators seized a USPS package destined for an address in Omaha, which was later determined to belong to Walker’s grandmother. Investigators searched the package pursuant to a warrant and found almost 5,000 fentanyl pills inside. Walker was arrested on an unrelated warrant with a backpack containing $49,688 in cash. A postal inspector determined the package was mailed from Seattle by co-defendant Alvin Mitchell. Postal records uncovered seven earlier packages that were mailed from Seattle to the same address in Omaha dating back to October 2024. Cell phone evidence secured pursuant to search warrants uncovered text message conversation between Walker and Mitchell about the packages. At sentencing, Walker was held responsible for a drug weight equivalent to approximately 29,000 fentanyl pills based off the weights of the earlier packages. Mitchell, 38, of Seattle, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. He faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison at sentencing, scheduled for March 20, 2026. The cash seized from Walker will be forfeited to the United States as proceeds of drug trafficking. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Omaha Police Department, and the United States Postal Inspection Service.


title: Violent Felon Sentenced after Escaping from Federal Custody

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Jackson Williams, 41, of Omaha, Nebraska was sentenced on March 13, 2026, in federal court in Omaha for escaping from federal custody. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Williams to 40 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Williams’s release, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. Williams was convicted by a federal jury on December 3, 2025. Williams was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and sentenced to serve a 90-month custodial sentence with the United States Bureau of Prisons followed by three years of supervised release. While housed at United States Penitentiary Florence in Florence, Colorado, Williams applied for a furlough that was approved on December 18, 2024. The furlough required Williams to sign, date, and place a thumbprint on the document to acknowledge its terms and conditions. One condition required Williams to admit that he remained in the custody of the United States Attorney General. Another condition required Williams to acknowledge that he could be charged with escape if he failed to abide by the explicit instructions provided by the furlough. The furlough specified that Williams would be transferred from USP Florence in Colorado to Residential Reentry Center Dismas Charities in Omaha. Williams was to travel unaccompanied from Florence, Colorado, to Omaha using public transportation paid for by USP Florence. Once in Omaha, Williams was directed to taxi from the bus terminal to Dismas Charities, but Williams never showed up to Dismas Charities. On January 10, 2025, USP Florence filed a notice of escape on Williams. According to the notice, Dismas Charities informed USP Florence at 3:14 pm on January 9, 2025, that Williams never reported and that he had not contacted anyone from Dismas or USP Florence about his arrival, and that his whereabouts were unknown. On July 1, 2025, Deputy United States Marshals investigated a lead that Williams had been spotted near Sienna Francis House in late June 2025. On July 28, 2025, Omaha Police Officers were patrolling the area of 28th and Pinkney streets in Omaha having received information that a wanted federal fugitive was living in the tree line adjacent to a nearby park. There they observed Williams standing at the northeast corner of the park near a picnic table. When officers approached, Williams acknowledged he was Jackson Williams at which time he was advised that he had an active warrant. He was taken into custody without incident. Williams had a phone in his hand. On the picnic table in front of him was another phone, a cigarette box, and brown cross-body bag. Williams said everything on the picnic table was his except the bag. Officers searched the bag and found a second pack of cigarettes matching the brand on the picnic table, credit cards, a federal prison identification card with Williams’s name and photo, two small baggies of methamphetamine weighing .5 and .7 grams, and a drug pipe. This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service with assistance from the Omaha Police Department.


title: Honduran Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal Officer

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Marvin Aleman Zepeda, 37, originally of Honduras, was sentenced on March 13, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, following his December 16, 2025, jury trial conviction for forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with a federal officer. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr., sentenced Zepeda to imprisonment for a term of 14 months. There is no parole in the federal system. Zepeda will be removed to Honduras by immigration authorities after he completes his sentence. Despite the defendant requesting a time-served sentence at the hearing Friday, Chief Judge Rossiter issued the 14-month sentence. Evidence at trial established that on June 10, 2025, law enforcement, including Deputy United States Marshals, were assisting with the execution of a court-authorized civil search warrant at Glenn Valley Foods in Omaha when they encountered Zepeda hiding in a crawl space. Despite receiving repeated commands from law enforcement to come out and surrender, Zepeda refused to comply. After more than 30 minutes of Zepeda failing to comply with law enforcement commands, two Deputy United States Marshals entered the crawl space to secure Zepeda. As the Deputy United States Marshals approached Zepeda, giving him commands to show his hands, Zepeda instead armed himself with a box cutter, or utility knife, with an open blade. Additional attempts were made to secure Zepeda’s compliance, including the presence of a K9 officer and a K9. All told, it took nearly 90 minutes for law enforcement to ultimately secure Zepeda into custody. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement, and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office assisted in securing Zepeda.


title: Former commander of local AMVETS Post sentenced to more than 3 years in prison for embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: DAYTON, Ohio – A former local AMVETS Post commander was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 41 months in prison for embezzling more than $620,000 from the non-profit organization’s bank accounts. Danny Dale Gordon, 49, of Kettering, served as the commander for AMVETS Post #24 on Leo Street in Dayton from January 2022 until May 2024. According to court documents, during that timeframe, Gordon engaged in more than 1,900 fraudulent banking transactions using the Post’s credit and debit cards to make ATM withdrawals. Gordon used the money at various local gambling casinos, for travel and hotel expenses, to pay for his personal truck loan and to frequent a Dayton-area “gentlemen’s club.” Gordon was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2025 and pleaded guilty in October 2025 to wire fraud. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal; and Lt. Col. Seth Newfang, Commander of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, 10 th Field Investigations Squadron; announced the sentence imposed on March 12 by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Newman. Special Assistant United States Attorney Dwight K. Keller and Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Amy M. Smith are representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Felon Sentenced for Illegal Firearm Possession Used in Marshall County Workplace Shooting

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

body_text: GREENVILLE, MS – Keena Boyce, 44, of Holly Springs was sentenced to 15 years, 3 years of supervised released today by United States District Court Chief Judge Debra M. Brown. The defendant had previously pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court records, Boyce was in an argument with a coworker when he shot them multiple times at their workplace, Pallet Source Inc., in Marshall County. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department quickly responded to the scene and captured Boyce in possession of a handgun. Boyce had previously been convicted of a violent offense in Mississippi state courts and was prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law. U.S. Attorney Scott F. Leary of the Northern District of Mississippi explained, “This case is an example of local and federal law enforcement working together to protect the people of this great State. The Marshall County Sheriff’s office responded quickly and decisively to this shooting. Thereafter, ATF brought federal assets furthering the prosecution of this criminal for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Career offenders commit the majority of crimes, and if they can be taken off the streets our communities will be much safer.” “In our effort to disrupt violent gun crime in our community, ATF will continue to focus efforts on prohibited individuals who unlawfully possess firearms, especially in the commission of shooting of a co-worker,” said ATF SAC Joshua Jackson. “The sentence imposed today sends a message to convicted felons who are prohibited from possessing firearms that we will continue to work to keep our neighborhoods safe as the top priority for ATF.” In addition to ATF, this case was also investigated by the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Herzog Jr. prosecuted the case. Project Safe Neighborhood brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Three Charged for Interstate Wildlife Violations

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Three people are facing charges for illegally transported wildlife across state lines, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. A federal indictment charges Brian Poling, 51, of Albright, West Virginia; Levi S. Weaver,74, of Fredericksburg, Ohio; and Leroy M. Miller, 40, of Millersburg, Ohio; with violations of the Lacey Act. As charged in the indictment, Poling, the manager of Dream Mountain Ranch in Preston County, West Virginia, conspired with Miller and Weaver, to illegally transport in interstate commerce live deer without health certificates as required by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “West Virginians have long depended on a healthy and diverse wildlife population to feed our families, make memories, and enjoy our great outdoors.” said U.S. Attorney Harvey. “It is our shared heritage and will be protected.” Under U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations, anyone who transports live deer in interstate commerce (across state lines) is required to ensure that the animals are accompanied by an Interstate Certificate of Veterinarian Inspection (ICV) and proof of a tuberculosis test. These regulations are aimed at curtailing the spread of a variety of deadly diseases including tuberculosis, brucellosis, and chronic wasting disease - a fatal, contagious neurological illness that can infect some deer and other animals like elk and moose. Additional information about cervid disease prevention and management is available here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/cervid . "The illegal transport of live deer poses a serious threat to people, wildlife, and the economy. Deer can carry deadly zoonotic diseases that may be spread to humans, livestock, and other animals. Without proper safeguards, outbreaks can occur that disrupt hunting traditions and jeopardize farm livelihoods,” said Doug Ault, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “We remain firmly committed to working with our state and federal partners to protect the American public and preserve our nation's natural resources for sustainable use by future generations.” "This investigation is a clear example of why partnerships between state and federal agencies are so vital,” said Col. Alberto Maza, director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Law Enforcement. "The investigators and agents involved in this case should be commended for their dedication and hard work that led to these charges.” Poling, Weaver, and Miller each face up to 5 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. An indictment is merely an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: EIGHT NEW INDICTMENTS RETURNED & SEVEN ILLEGAL ALIENS CONVICTED OF IMMIGRATION OFFENSES IN FEBRUARY

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: PENSACOLA and TALLAHASSEE – Today, United States Attorney John P. Heekin announced that eight previously deported illegal aliens have been indicted separately by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States, and seven illegal aliens were convicted of federal crimes in the month of February. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “My office continues to make positive contributions to the success of Operation Take Back America as we follow the directive set forth by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to aggressively prosecute criminal aliens who have repeatedly violated our immigration laws and endangered the safety of our communities. Those who try to lie, cheat, and steal their way into our country will be met with swift justice and quick deportations.” According to court records, eight illegal aliens indicted in the month of February include: Franklin Zelaya-Funez, 33, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Escambia County in June 2025, after previously being deported in 2021. Trial is set for March 16, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. Mario Lopez-Martinez, 33, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Madison County in November 2025, after previously being deported in 2017, 2019, and 2020. Trial is set for March 31, 2026, before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor. Benancio Cuyuch-Pelico, 37, of Guatemala, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Escambia County in January 2026, after previously being deported in 2013. Trial is set for April 20, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. Santos Gonon, 25, of Guatemala, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Escambia County in January 2026, after previously being deported in 2019. Plea and Sentencing are set for March 25, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. Pablo Cuyuch-Garcia, 35, of Guatemala, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Escambia County in January 2026, after previously being deported in 2011. Trial is set for April 20, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. Jose Francisco Santizo-Perez, 41, of Guatemala, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in January 2026, after previously being deported in 2010, twice in 2019, and 2021. Change of plea is set for March 10, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho. Gordolias Perez-Ramirez, 32, of Guatemala, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in February 2026, after previously being deported in 2018. Trial is set for April 6, 2026, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Antonio Isidro-Lopez, 44, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Escambia County in February 2026, after previously being deported in 2025. Trial is set for April 6, 2026, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. The penalty for illegally reentering the United States after deportation is a maximum of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Zelaya-Funez and Santizo-Perez each face a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine pursuant to allegations of prior convictions qualifying for an increased maximum sentence. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In addition to the indictments filed, seven previously indicted defendants were convicted in the month of February for being unlawfully present in the country after a prior removal. The illegal aliens convicted in the month of February include: Juan Salgado, of Mexico, who was previously removed in September 2012. He was encountered in Santa Rosa County on November 8, 2025. Jose Alberto Orozco-Sanchez, of Mexico, who was previously removed in August 2019 and November 2019. He was encountered in Okaloosa County on November 19, 2025. Kevin A. Perez-Portillo, of El Salvador, who was previously removed in August 2017. He was encountered in Santa Rosa County on December 9, 2025. Emin Perez-Mendez, of Mexico, who was previously removed in August 2018. He was encountered in Santa Rosa County on December 23, 2025. Robin Quinones-Valles, of Honduras, who was previously removed in March 2014. He was encountered in Santa Rosa County on December 10, 2025. Brahayan Vargas-Pinzon, of Columbia, who was previously removed in July 2025. He was encountered in Leon County on December 9, 2025. Abel DeJesus Ronquillo-Martinez, of El Salvador, who was previously removed in January 2014. He was encountered in Florida on October 8, 2025. The cases involved investigations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and Enforcement and Removal Operations with assistance from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorneys Brooke DiSalvo, Eric Welch, Alicia H. Forbes, Jeffrey M. Tharp, Jessica S. Etherton, Justin M. Keen, Joseph A. Ravelo and Christopher C. Patterson are prosecuting the cases. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Providence Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Providence man who admitted to his role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy has been sentenced in federal court in Rhode Island, announced United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. Marc Dure, 32, was sentenced yesterday, March 11, 2026, by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 10 years in federal prison. Dure previously pleaded guilty on December 11, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. “Fentanyl trafficking inflicts tremendous harm on individuals, families, and entire communities,” said United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “Those who choose profit from distributing this deadly drug must be held accountable for the damage that they cause.” “Fentanyl traffickers like Marc Dure must be held accountable for the destruction caused by their crimes, and this sentence does exactly that by keeping him behind bars for the next decade,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Know the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force is working hard every day to battle the dealers and traffickers who are pushing this deadly poison into our neighborhoods and cashing in on the opioid epidemic with no regard for the devastating impact they have on Rhode Island families." According to court documents, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force was conducting an investigation into drug trafficking in and around the Providence area and, during the investigation, law enforcement determined that Dure and his co-conspirators were involved in the distribution of fentanyl pills. Dure was apprehended on December 7, 2023, during the execution of a court authorized search warrant of his Providence residence. The FBI seized fentanyl, cocaine, and cash. At the time of his arrest, Dure attempted to flush narcotics down the toilet and climb out a window, before being taken into custody. As a result of their investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 655 grams of fentanyl from Dure. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey A. Erickson and Peter I. Roklan. The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island FBI Safe Streets Task Force. The Safe Streets Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, the Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.


title: Mexican Man Charged with Illegal Reentry of a Removed Alien

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Deyvi Daniel Corona-Sanchez, 24, a Mexican citizen recently living in South Burlington, Vermont, has been charged by criminal complaint with violating 8 U.S.C. § 1326 – Illegal Reentry of a Removed Alien. According to court records, Corona-Sanchez unlawfully entered the United States in October of 2021 near Eagle Pass, Texas. He was located by immigration authorities at a detention facility in Dilley Texas in March of 2022 and removed from the United States shortly thereafter. Immigration authorities learned that Corona-Sanchez returned to the United States after his arrest for driving under the influence in Middlebury, Vermont on January 15, 2026. On the morning of March 11, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office learned of a civil enforcement operation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO) personnel in South Burlington, Vermont had resulted in vehicular flight by a person ICE-ERO believed to be Corona-Sanchez, motor vehicle collisions on Dorset Street, and flight by Corona-Sanchez into a nearby residence. ICE-ERO subsequently requested criminal process related to Corona-Sanchez, who was believed to still be present inside the Dorset Street residence. A criminal complaint and federal arrest warrant were obtained, charging Corona-Sanchez with violating 8 U.S.C. § 1326. A federal search warrant was also obtained, allowing for entry to the Dorset Street residence to effectuate the arrest of Corona-Sanchez. The search warrant was thereafter executed by ICE-ERO personnel, who made entry into the Dorset Street residence. The occupants of the residence were identified, and Corona-Sanchez was found not to be present in the residence. The arrest warrant for Corona-Sanchez remains active. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Corona-Sanchez is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Corona-Sanchez faces up to 2 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt recognized the substantial efforts of the South Burlington Police Department, the Burlington Police Department, and the Vermont State Police in balancing the public’s right to peacefully protest ICE-ERO activities, while ensuring protestors and federal law enforcement remained safe throughout the day on March 11, 2026.


title: Volusia County Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Entice a 13-Year-Old Child to Produce Child Sexual Abuse Photos

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Shane Christopher Abrams (38, Deland) has pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a 13-year-old child to produce and send him photos depicting her own sexual abuse. Abrams faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release. His sentencing hearing has been scheduled for June 25, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, on April 3, 2024, an undercover FBI agent posing as a 13-year-old child engaged in text conversation on an online social media application with a user named “Malicious_Malediction,” who was subsequently identified as Abrams. During this conversation, the “child” advised that “she” was 13 years old, and Abrams asked “her” inappropriate questions about “her” body. The next day, the conversation between Abrams and the “child” continued by text messaging using cellphones. Between April 4 and April 20, 2024, Abrams and the “child” exchanged numerous text messages. On multiple occasions during their text conversation, Abrams solicited the “child” to produce and send him photos of “her” genitalia, giving the “child” explicit instructions as to how to comply with his demands. As part of his efforts to entice the “child” to take and send him sexually explicit photos of “herself,” Abrams sent the “child” an explicit video and several photos. On May 20, 2024, Abrams was arrested by FBI agents in a parking lot near his workplace in South Daytona. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown. It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: President Trump’s Justice Department & Transportation Department Sue to Stop California’s Illegal EV Mandate

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced that the Justice Department, on behalf of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has filed suit to stop California from imposing an illegal electric vehicle (EV) mandate through what are effectively state-specific mileage requirements for car manufacturers. Federal law prohibits individual states from adopting regulations related to fuel economy. President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Duffy created the “ Freedom Means Affordable Cars ” initiative to save the American people $109 billion over the next five years and save families $1,000 on the average cost of a new vehicle by resetting NHTSA’s corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards. California’s scheme would force carmakers to radically revamp their production lines nationwide to meet standards more stringent than the national standards adopted by NHTSA. The deviation would send car prices through the roof, restrict consumer choice, and undermine interstate commerce. “Oppressive, expensive electric vehicle mandates drive up costs for American consumers and violate federal law,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “California is using unlawful policies from the last administration to create exorbitant costs for our citizens — this Department of Justice is proud to stand with President Trump and Secretary Duffy to bring litigation that will make life more affordable for American consumers.” “I was proud to stand alongside President Trump to unveil our plan to eliminate the Biden-Buttigieg EV mandate and allow auto manufacturers to produce cars American families actually want to buy at a more affordable price. But Gavin Newsom is determined to continue pushing Democrat’s radical EV fantasy – even if doing so is illegal,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Newsom may not care about lowering costs, but President Trump does. I want to thank Attorney General Bondi for fighting to protect consumer choice and stop activist governors from destroying our manufacturing sector.” “This lawsuit continues ENRD’s war on regulatory overreach by California that is set on undermining the national market for motor vehicles through unlawful state policies,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “The state vehicle standards we are challenging today are preempted by federal law, just like the standards that were blocked by a court in our challenge to California’s so-called Clean Truck Partnership.” “This litigation will help automakers design and produce cars and trucks to meet one federal fuel economy regulation. It was a mistake by Presidents Obama and Biden to enable California to set its own backdoor fuel economy policies, which have now spiraled into a costly patchwork quilt of individual state fuel economy requirements. This litigation will correct that misstep,” said NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison. Read more about President Trump and Secretary Duffy’s “Freedom Means Affordable Cars” initiative HERE . Read the United States’ complaint HERE . Additional Information: This case challenges the state’s regulations as preempted under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which makes NHTSA the exclusive regulator of fuel economy in the United States. The litigation involves defendants California’s Air Resources Board and its executive officer in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. ENRD filed the complaint. The case number is 26-at-00450 in California. CARB EDCA Complaint.pdf


title: SERIAL FELON PLEADS GUILTY TO FIREARM POSSESSION

body_text: PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – John D. Ford, 49, of Panama City, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “ Operation Take Back America was launched to devote the full might of the Department of Justice toward removing violent criminals, like this defendant, from our communities to deliver the safe streets our citizens deserve. This serial felon has demonstrated a complete disregard for our laws and the safety of our community, so we must ensure he remains locked away in prison as long as possible.” Court documents reflect that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives assisted the Bay County Sheriff’s Office in the execution of a search warrant at the defendant’s residence in Panama City. Three firearms were found in the defendant’s bedroom (a short-barreled shotgun and two pistols), along with job application paperwork with the defendant’s biographical information on it and court paperwork for the defendant. Post-Miranda, the defendant admitted that one of the firearms belonged to him. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s cellphone and discovered messages that indicated that the defendant was trading or selling the recovered firearms. The defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms because of 12 prior felony convictions. The defendant faces imprisonment for up to 15 years at sentencing. The case involved an investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain. Sentencing is scheduled for May 20, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker 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. As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Cocaine Charge

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – A Brooklyn, New York, man pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. U.S. District Judge Gregrory B. Williams accepted the plea. According to court documents, New Castle County Police officers were on patrol in the area of the Christiana Mall when they saw a car commit several traffic violations. Officers stopped the car and identified Daniel Fernandez, 44, as one of the passengers. Officers called for a drug sniffing dog, which gave a positive alert to the presence of drugs in the car. During a later search of the car, officers discovered approximately 10 kilograms of cocaine, 3 pounds of methamphetamine, and over 300 grams each of heroin and fentanyl. Fernandez admitted that the drugs were his. Fernandez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for July 28, 2026. U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace and DEA, Philadelphia Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Thomas Hodnett made the announcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the New Castle County Police Department, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Thurstlic-O’Neill is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 26-cr-004. ###


title: Schenectady Man Indicted for Fentanyl Overdose Death

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kristoffer Jackson, age 39, of Schenectady, New York, was indicted on a charge of distributing fentanyl and cocaine that caused an overdose death in Schenectady County. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam made the announcement. Jackson was arraigned last week in Albany, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart. On March 10, 2026, he was ordered detained pending trial. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Drug traffickers who flood our communities with dangerous controlled substances are not just dealing drugs—they are dealing death. As alleged, this defendant sold cocaine laced with fentanyl, a lethal poison that took a life in Schenectady County. Let this indictment send an unmistakable message: if you choose to profit from distributing these deadly substances, my Office will pursue you relentlessly and hold you fully accountable. We will continue to use every tool available to identify, investigate, and prosecute those responsible for poisoning our communities.” “As we know, fentanyl remains one of the greatest threats facing our nation, and any loss of life caused by this poison is a senseless tragedy. Today’s indictment of Kristoffer Jackson, who allegedly distributed this deadly substance, reaffirms our commitment to working with our judicial partners to hold those who poison our communities accountable” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “The DEA remains steadfast in our mission to protect the public and make America Fentanyl Free.” If convicted, Jackson faces at least 20 years and up to life in prison, as well as post-imprisonment supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The DEA is investigating this case with assistance from the Schenectady Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mikayla Espinosa is prosecuting the case.


title: Milwaukee Fraudster Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Brad D. Schimel, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on March 10, 2026, Lenard R. Monroe (age: 52) received a total sentence of 132 months in federal prison for Medicaid fraud, violations of the antikickback statute, wire fraud, and money laundering. The sentence, imposed by Chief United States District Judge Pamela Pepper, came after a federal jury found Monroe guilty of all charges following a six-day trial in October 2025. The trial evidence established that over the course of at least three years, Monroe’s former business, Wellness Personal Care Service, falsely billed Medicaid for thousands of hours of home healthcare services that were never performed. Monroe also paid codefendant Phillip Daniels more than $600,000 in illegal kickbacks to induce him to refer clients to the phony agency, and he used his status as a registered Medicaid provider to fraudulently apply for and receive almost a quarter of a million dollars in COVID relief funds earmarked for healthcare businesses that, unlike his own, had suffered losses due to the pandemic. Finally, Monroe spent money obtained from his criminal conduct to make extravagant personal purchases, including a limited production drag racing car called a Dodge Demon. At sentencing, Monroe was ordered to pay nearly 3 million dollars in restitution: $2,543,216.62 to Wisconsin Medicaid and $247,167.90 to the United States Department of Health and Human Service’s Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). After completing his prison sentence, Monroe also will be on supervised release for three years. “Fraud like this takes resources from every one of us, especially those Americans most in need of the public’s help,” said U.S. Attorney Schimel. “The strong sentence in this case not only holds the defendant accountable but also sends a powerful message to other potential thieves who would defraud the goodwill of the American people.” “COVID relief funds were meant to be a lifeline to keep legitimate businesses open, employees paid, and communities afloat during a national crisis,” said Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “Leonard Monroe saw that lifeline as an opportunity to steal. By exploiting programs meant to help people survive an unprecedented moment, he committed fraud, laundered the proceeds, and tried to hide the money trail. IRS Criminal Investigation and its law enforcement partners followed that trail, exposed the scheme, and ensured Monroe will spend the next 11 years paying for his crimes.” “Abusing public assistance programs is a serious matter, and those who do so can face severe consequences,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “I’m thankful to those who worked to get justice and for the collaboration among agencies in this case.” The case was investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Medicaid Fraud Control and Elder Abuse Unit, the DOJ Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Internal Revenue Service -Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, comprised of officers and agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Milwaukee Police Department, West Allis Police Department, South Milwaukee Police Department, Wisconsin DCI, and the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Erica Lounsberry and Elizabeth Monfils prosecuted the case. # # # For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero (414) 297-1700 Follow us on X


title: First Assistant U.S. Attorney Welcomes New Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys at Office Training

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – On March 3, 2026, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone gave welcoming remarks to the Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys at the New AUSA Training in Syracuse. The training included an introduction to the federal criminal process and the role of the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, as well as topics including drug prosecutions, cooperators, the use of informants, and firearms prosecutions, presented by Deputy Criminal Chief and Narcotics and Firearms Chief Nico Commandeur; topics surrounding Project Safe Childhood (“PSC”), presented by PSC Coordinator Michael Gadarian; and the use of search warrants, presented by Senior Litigation Counsel Lisa Fletcher. Participants at the training included Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul DerOhannesian, Jeff Brown, Michael Whalen, and Kevin Cheung, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Berger (Saratoga County), Kathleen Hofman (Montgomery County), Joseph Frandino (Saratoga County), Marissa Olsen (Madison County), Meghan Horton (Saratoga County), Jed Hudson (Onondaga County), Nolan Pitkin (Jefferson County), Manpreet Kaur (Montgomery County), Sam Rodgers (Madison County), Michael Johnson (Herkimer County), and Arne Soldwedel (Social Security Administration). First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone also welcomed the staff and remarked, “We are extremely grateful to have you join the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York. We eagerly look forward to the contributions you will make as we work together to uphold our mission and serve the public as civil servants.” Pictured above (left to right and back to front) : SAUSAWilliam Berger, SAUSA Kathleen Hofman, SAUSA Joseph Frandino, SAUSA Marissa Olsen, SAUSA Meghan Horton, SAUSA Jed Hudson, SAUSA Nolan Pitkin, SAUSA Manpreet Kaur, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone, Senior Litigation Counsel Lisa Fletcher, SAUSA Sam Rodgers, AUSA Paul DerOhannesian, AUSA Jeff Brown, SAUSA Michael Johnson, SAUSA Arne Soldwedel, AUSA Michael Whalen, and AUSA Kevin Cheung.


title: Richland County Man Sentenced to 10 years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Gun, Ammo

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Jacob Lloyd Lower, 31, of Richland County, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on April 25, 2022, officers with Irmo Police Department responded to a single vehicle collision. On the way, officers received an update that the driver of the vehicle was physically assaulting a passerby who stopped to help him. There was also a report that the driver was attempting to steal a second vehicle. When law enforcement arrived, a witness told the officers that the individual wearing a bloody white shirt, later identified as Lower, ran into the woods. As officers searched for Lower, they were then notified that Lower attempted to steal a truck in a nearby parking lot but was unsuccessful and continued to run. A Richland County Sheriff’s Department K-9 arrived on scene and led law enforcement to an area in the woods where they found a white shirt with blood on it. Lower was located nearby and arrested. During his arrest, Lower was found with several types of drugs and a .22 caliber pistol along with 300 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition. Lower is prohibited from possessing a firearm and/or ammunition based upon convictions for criminal conspiracy, burglary second, grand larceny, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Lower to 120 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Irmo Police Department, and Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon prosecuted the case. ###


title: TALLAHASSEE MAN CHARGED FOR THREATS TO KILL THE PRESIDENT, MEMBER OF CONGRESS, & FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIRMAN

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Diego M. Villavicencio, 36, of Tallahassee, was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with two counts of interstate communication of threats, one count of impeding or retaliating against a federal official, and one count of threats against the President. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today. Villavicencio appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for May 5, 2026, before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor. If convicted, Villavicencio faces up to five years’ imprisonment on each count of interstate communication of threats and threatening the President and ten years’ imprisonment for impeding or retaliating against a federal official. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Capitol Police, the Federal Reserve Board Protective Service, and the United States Secret Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric W. Welch. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 264 Months in Federal Prison

body_text: Brad D. Schimel, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on March 11, 2026, Daniel L. Anderson (age: 56) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 264 months in federal prison by United States District Judge Lynn Adelman. Anderson previously pled guilty to receipt of child pornography with a predicate (prior) qualifying conviction. Court records indicate that Anderson solicited and paid his co-defendant money in exchange for producing and sending him child sexual abuse material of an 11-year-old child, in both the Milwaukee and Memphis, Tennessee, areas. Court records also indicate that Anderson has prior convictions in Wisconsin and Alabama related to the sexual assault and exploitation of children. Following his release from prison, Anderson will spend 5 years on supervised release. Anderson will also be required to register as a sex offender under state and federal law. “Law enforcement has no higher priority than protecting our children. This predator has been committing crimes against children for nearly 25 years,” said U.S. Attorney Schimel. “The only way to stop him is to lock him up so he has no opportunity to have any contact in any way with any child. This conviction and sentence will finally end his predatory behavior.” “The FBI will relentlessly pursue those who exploit and endanger children,” said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Alan Karr. “Mr. Anderson is a repeat child sex offender, and our community is safer as a result of this sentencing. The FBI works tirelessly with our partners to identify and hold accountable those who take advantage of our most vulnerable.” This case was investigated by the FBI and City of Memphis Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abbey M. Marzick and William T. Berens. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. # # # For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero (414) 297-1700 Follow us on X


title: Final Defendant in Large York County Drug Conspiracy Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Jarman Lamar White, 39, of Rock Hill, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine and methamphetamine. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that White was responsible for selling drugs that were obtained from members of the Darryl Hemphill drug organization. Agents learned that drugs obtained by this group included pills that resembled Roxicodone 30 mg tablets, also known in the generic form as a oxycodone. The counterfeit pills were produced by members of the organization. The pills were clandestinely manufactured with fentanyl at various locations in the Rock Hill and Charlotte area. During the investigation, multiple phone calls were intercepted between White and other members of the organization in which it was learned that White was acquiring cocaine and methamphetamine, in addition to fentanyl, from other members. Agents also learned that White allowed the organization to use the basement of his girlfriend’s home in Rock Hill to set up multiple pill-press machines used to manufacture the fentanyl-laced pills. White and others were surveilled and observed moving the pill-press machines into the basement of the residence. White allowed multiple members of the Hemphill organization to utilize this residence to store and later operate multiple pill-press machines to clandestinely manufacture these fentanyl-laced pills. On one occasion, White and members of the organization made approximately 50,000 fentanyl-laced pills in the basement of the residence during a single day. White was paid a quantity of fentanyl-laced pills and several thousand dollars in return for using his residence. At the time of White’s arrest in June 2018, agents conducted a search at this residence and located multiple pill-press machines, pill binder, masks/respirators, an industrial mixing machine, and a 9mm pistol which was in a backpack belonging to White. In addition, after the arrest of the other members of the organization, agents of the York County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit completed three separate controlled purchase of fentanyl pills from White. Through these controlled purchases, agents learned White had continued to conspire with others to distribute fentanyl-laced pills after his initial arrest. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced White to 180 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a 10-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. 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 comprises agents and officers with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina. This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, York County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon prosecuted the case. ###


title: Arizona Cardiology Group to Pay $4.75M to Resolve Allegations of Unnecessary Vein Ablations

component: Civil Division

body_text: Note, View settlement here . Tri-City Cardiology, P.C., a physician group based in the metro area of Phoenix, Arizona, and three individual physicians, have agreed to pay $4.75 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by performing medically unnecessary vein ablations. “Physicians should not prioritize profit over patient needs,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Medicare and other federal programs pay only for medical care that meets accepted standards, and the falsification of medical records undermines efforts to assess whether medical care was appropriate.” “Paying for unnecessary medical procedures reduces federal programs’ capacity to pay for truly necessary procedures,” said Timothy Courchaine, United States Attorney for the District of Arizona. “When medical providers do not respect the difference between the two and bill in the interest of their own bottom line instead of their patients, the United States Attorney’s Office has pursued and will continue to pursue appropriate recoveries to protect taxpayer funds.” The civil settlement announced today resolves allegations that, from January 1, 2017, to April 27, 2022, Dr. Jaskamal Kahlon, Dr. Joshua D. Cohen, and Dr. M. Joshua Berkowitz knowingly performed ablations on perforator veins that did not qualify for treatment under accepted standards of medical practice. Perforator veins are small veins that connect deep and superficial leg veins and require treatment only in certain circumstances. The United States contends that Tri-City and the physicians acted knowingly in incorrectly measuring or documenting in medical records the duration of outward blood flow, the diameter of veins, patient symptoms, and conservative therapy measures, which gave the appearance that the ablations met accepted medical standards and were justified. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, with assistance from HHS-OIG. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The matter was handled by Senior Trial Counsel Nicholas C. Perros of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lon Leavitt of the District of Arizona. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. Tri-City Settlement Agreement - Executed.pdf


title: New Orleans Man Indicted for Being Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CORTEZ JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”) , age 42, was indicted on January 9, 2026, for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and for being a felon in possession of ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to the indictment, JOHNSON possessed a firearm and ammunition after previously being convicted of human trafficking in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, and aggravated assault on a family member in Harris County, Texas. As to each count, JOHNSON faces up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.