title: Illegal Alien Convicted by Jury on Child Sexual Exploitation Charges

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – A federal jury delivered a guilty verdict against a Baltimore man, who is a Honduran citizen unlawfully present in the United States, convicting him of sexually abusing and exploiting three minor victims. The jury found Jose Adan Lopez-Guevara, 39, guilty of 14 counts of sexually exploiting a child and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the verdict with Special Agent in Charge Christopher R. Heck, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent, Maryland State Police (MSP); Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD); and State’s Attorney Tara H. Jackson, Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office (PGCSAO). According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between 2015 and 2024, Lopez-Guevara sexually abused three minors, ranging from 2 to 11 years old at the time of the abuse. Lopez-Guevara produced images and videos of himself, and the victims engaged in sexually explicit conduct, many of which were found on the dark web. In December 2024, HSI initiated an investigation after its investigators in Portland, Maine, observed previously unseen child sexual abuse material videos on the internet. After identifying Minor Victim 1 in the videos, and determining that he lived in Maryland, investigators quickly referred the matter to HSI Maryland. Then on December 12, HSI executed several search warrants in Maryland and discovered Lopez-Guevara in possession of two phones. Investigators forensically examined the phones and discovered additional images of Lopez-Guevara sexually abusing Minor Victim 1. Law enforcement also found depictions of Lopez-Guevara abusing Minor Victim 2 and Minor Victim 3. Additionally, law enforcement found hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse material on the phone associated with an encrypted messaging application. Lopez-Guevara faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison for each count of sexual exploitation of a child, and 20 years in federal prison for possession of child sexual abuse material. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Honorable Richard D. Bennett scheduled sentencing for July 28, at 11 a.m. This case is 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 Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page. Know2Protect is a Department of Homeland Security national public awareness campaign to educate and empower children, teens, parents, trusted adults and policymakers to prevent and combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse ; explain how to report online enticement and victimization; and offer resources for victims and survivors and their supporters. Learn more about Know2Protect at www.dhs.gov/know2protect . U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI, MSP, BCPD, PGCSAO, for their work in the investigation, along with the Center for Hope for its valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Budlow and Victoria Liu who are prosecuting the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md . # # #


title: Eastern District of Texas highlights child sexual abuse and sex trafficking convictions for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, 10 offenders sentenced to a total of 270 years in federal prison and one offender sentenced to LIFE

component: Office for Victims of Crime (OJP)

body_text: PLANO, Texas – Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs joins the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the Executive Office for the United States Attorneys (EOUSA) in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s theme is, “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities .” “The dark web has exploded into an unprecedented underground world of perversion and horror,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “Predators are using the internet to facilitate the abuse of children, as well as adult sex trafficking. The cases below highlight our relentless work to protect children in the Eastern District of Texas and beyond. We are also committed to bringing those who are engaged in sex trafficking in the Eastern District of Texas to justice.” In April 2026, Kyle Lee Roy Francis , a Northwest ISD teacher, was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with receiving and possessing child pornography. On March 19, 2026, Justin Philip Ciruti was convicted by a jury in Plano of possessing and distributing over 200 images of child pornography. Ciruti faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. On January 22, 2026, William McKinnley Garland and Anastasiya Claire Lyons were convicted at trial in a sex trafficking conspiracy that involved recruiting young women on social media sites, convincing them they could make a lot of money as models or escorts, and then forcing them into prostitution, which often included beatings, tasers, shock collars, frigid showers, unwanted tattoos, and acts of humiliation. Garland and Lyons face up to life in federal prison at sentencing. On December 16, 2025, Rolando Alexis Bravo pleaded guilty to being involved in a conspiracy to transport children from Oklahoma to Texas where they engaged in prostitution with others. Bravo faces life in federal prison at sentencing. In December 2025, Henry Alberto Calix-Martinez , an illegal alien, was indicted and charged with sexually exploiting a minor by producing and distributing child pornography. In November 2025, Gavin Rivers Weisenburg and Tanner Christopher Thomas were indicted for an elaborate scheme to lead an expedition to an island in Haiti where they planned to murder the men and turn the women and children into sex slaves. In November 2025, William Caleb Elliott , a Celina ISD teacher and coach, was indicted and charged with production of child pornography. On October 21, 2025, John Prentice Robertson was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for paying women in the Philippines to sexually abuse their own children and produce custom-ordered child pornography for him. On October 21, 2025, Ashley Blaine Brooks , a convicted sex offender, was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison for child pornography violations. On October 21, 2025, Trinity Snow Cassells was sentenced to 170 months in federal prison for posing online as a teen boy to communicate with minors and distribute child pornography to them. On August 26, 2025, Traylan Xavier Mosley was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for pretending online to be an attractive teenage girl in order to entice teen boys to send him sexually explicit photos and videos. Mosley then created online child porn packets which he advertised for sale to others. In August 2025, John Matthew Emerson , a convicted felon on supervised release for a previous child pornography conviction, was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with child pornography violations. On July 30, 2025, Enrique Adrian Gomez was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for enticing two pre-teen victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct to create child pornography images and videos. At sentencing, U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs said, “The ease with which Gomez was able to communicate with the minor victims here is a reminder of the constant threat that social media applications can pose to children. Under the guise of online friendship, Gomez persuaded these children to engage in adult acts that no child should be doing, let alone be doing online. Our office is committed to stopping criminals like Gomez in their tracks, but the most important tool to stop online predators is an active and engaged parent. Nothing protects children better than a parent who sets and enforces limits on a child’s online activities and actively monitors their social media presence.” On July 29, 2025, James Richard Rollins , a parolee, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography at his halfway house. On July 21, 2025, Tristan Kalobbe Martin was sentenced to over 24 years in federal prison for communicating with a minor while gaming through an on-line game console and convincing the child to engage in sexually explicit conduct. On June 24, 2025, Sasha Sheree Abshire was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for sexually assaulting a pre-school age child, creating sexually explicit videos and photos of the abuse, and distributing the material online for pay. On June 24, 2025, Fransisco Gonzalez was sentenced to 55 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting a minor girl. Gonzalez isolated the girl from her family under the guise of taking her to church, then used her to produce sexually explicit photos and videos, which he distributed to others. On June 18, 2025, Desnique Deshawn Herndon was sentenced to life in federal prison for trafficking multiple teen girls, some as young as 13, for commercial prostitution. On June 5, 2025, Zachary Arzola was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for traveling from Texas to Ohio to have sex with a child. On May 19, 2025, Corey Lamar Johnson was convicted at trial of sex trafficking violations. Johnson trafficked young women across the United States and forced them into prostitution, often brandishing firearms and violently beating them when they objected. Johnson faces life in federal prison at sentencing. Achieving justice for victims and protecting their rights is our highest duty, and we are honored to participate in the national observance of this special week to honor victims and victim advocates. For additional information regarding National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and resources for victims, please visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/ . ###


title: Pharmacist Sentenced to 30 months in Prison for Role in $2M Health Care Fraud Scheme

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: Paducah, KY – Michael Shawn Boaz , 47, of Clinton, was sentenced this week to 30 months in prison and 3 years supervised release for one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and 13 counts of fraudulent prescriptions and ordered to pay restitution of $1,806,212.90. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Marie Maguire of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, Metro Washington Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Kelly Blackmon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General made the announcement. On November 3, 2025, Boaz entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and fraudulent prescriptions. According to court documents, while working as licensed pharmacists, Boaz and his co-conspirator fraudulently billed health care benefit programs for customers at two pharmacies in Kentucky. From 2017 through 2021, they caused $2,185,739.52 in losses to health care benefit providers by submitting claims for fraudulent and unauthorized prescriptions. Boaz added boutique vitamins to customer prescription orders. He told customers that the vitamins were “free.” However, Boaz billed the customers’ health care providers between $1,000 and $6,000 for each bottle of vitamins. Boaz also submitted claims for fraudulent and unauthorized prescriptions for the antihistamine Carbinoxamine Maleate. He purchased Carbinoxamine Maleate from a wholesaler for $605 per prescription and billed health care providers between $2,000 and $16,000 for each fraudulent prescription. On August 7, 2025, co-conspirator Christopher Clayton Augustus , 42, of Paducah, entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, fraudulent prescriptions, and aggravated identity theft. He is awaiting sentencing. United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Fraudsters like Boaz that steal from health care benefit programs negatively impact everyone’s health care costs. Health care fraud is a top priority of our office. We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those that defraud our health care programs. It is my fervent hope that Boaz’s prison sentence serves a strong deterrent to other fraudsters in the Western District of Kentucky to stop their fraud now because we will find you and prosecute you.” This case was investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Labor, Kentucky Attorney General’s Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control, and the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office prosecuted the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. ###


title: Nevada Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Over $26 Million From Employer

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Henderson, Nev., woman pleaded guilty today to embezzling over $26 million from her employer and purchasing high-end merchandise using the stolen funds and selling those items through an online consignment company. According to court documents and statements made in court, Cynthia Marie Marabella was employed as a controller at a Las Vegas-based construction company. As part of her duties, she managed accounts payable, accounts receivable, and received financial statements from various banks and credit card companies. Marabella admitted that, from January 1, 2018, to about February 28, 2025, she and her boyfriend co-defendant William Keolanui Costa devised a scheme to defraud Marabella’s employer. As part of the scheme, they: fraudulently duplicated bonus checks and deposited the checks into bank accounts controlled by Marabella and Costa; opened credit cards in other peoples’ names and made unauthorized charges then paid the credit cards’ bills with stolen funds; provided false accounting records to the employer; created forged and false bank statements; and sent fictitious invoices from merchant accounts then paid the invoices with stolen funds. Marabella and Costa used the stolen money to pay off vehicles, living expenses, and credit cards. They also purchased high-end merchandise with the stolen funds, such as expensive purses, shoes, clothing, and jewelry. Marabella sold the merchandise through an online consignment company. Marabella and Costa received more than $245,000 from the sales. As a result of the fraud scheme, Marabella and Costa obtained more than $26 million from the employer. Marabella pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of monetary transactions in criminally derived property. The total maximum statutory penalty is 30 years in prison. Sentencing has been set for August 4, 2026, before United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jarom Gregory of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office made the announcement. This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigations and the Henderson Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Frayn is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Fayette County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine and Firearms Trafficking

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man, Osama Omar Qasem, 29, was sentenced on Thursday to 120 months by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell for two counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of trafficking in firearms. According to his plea agreement, from January to March 2025, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant to conduct four controlled drug and firearm transactions from Qasem. Through the four transactions, Qasem sold the informant over 700 grams of methamphetamine and three firearms. After the fourth transaction, the informant contacted Qasem to set up a fifth controlled buy. When Qasem showed up for the transaction, law enforcement were waiting. Qasem was found with a loaded firearm in his car, equipped with a large capacity magazine. Law enforcement also located approximately 136. grams of cocaine and 237 grams of methamphetamine that Qasem admitted he was planning on distributing to others. Under federal law, Qasem 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 five years. Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; and Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by ATF and KSP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paco Villalobos is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Frankfort Man Convicted of Cocaine Trafficking

body_text: FRANKFORT, Ky.- A Frankfort man, Donald Demil Clay, 50, was convicted on Wednesday by a federal jury in Frankfort for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Clay was convicted of the charges following a two-day trial. According to testimony at trial, the investigation as to Clay began with numerous tips to law enforcement that Clay was renting a commercial property in Frankfort that he used to store and to distribute cocaine. After several months of surveillance, law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant at the property used and maintained by Clay. Police seized approximately 4 ounces of cocaine that was concealed in a box affixed to a custom poker table. Clay was previously convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky in July 2014. Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Colin Jackson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Derrick Napier, Frankfort Police Department, jointly announced the conviction. The investigation was conducted by HSI, DEA, and the Frankfort Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Bradbury. Clay will appear for sentencing on July 9. He faces a maximum of 30 years in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing a sentence. — END —


title: Federal Jury finds Arlington Woman Guilty of Retaliatory Stalking of Assistant District Attorney

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – On April 23, 2026, after a 3-day trial, a federal jury found Adrienne Rosse, 37, of Arlington, Tennessee, guilty of two counts of cyberstalking for mailing harassing letters about a Shelby County Assistant District Attorney. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the verdict today. According to information presented at the trial, Adrienne Rosse’s husband, Charles Rosse, is being prosecuted by the Shelby County District Attorneys’ Office for charges of rape and sexual battery. A 2023 trial on those charges resulted in a mistrial due to a hung jury. The Assistant District Attorney (ADA) who prosecuted the case attempted to negotiate a settlement of the case, and told Charles Rosse that if they did not reach a plea agreement, she intended to re-try the case. Charles Rosse rejected the plea offer. His case remains pending. Adrienne Rosse was “filled with rage” about the continued prosecution of her husband. In August 2023, she sent anonymous letters to the Tennessee Attorney General, the Shelby County District Attorney, several local news reporters, the Memphis Bar Association, and the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility, falsely accusing the ADA of having a secret career in pornography, which she described in graphic detail and supported with 20 pages of pornographic photos of women who resembled the ADA. In November 2023, unsatisfied because the ADA had suffered no professional consequences and was continuing to prosecute her husband, Adrienne Rosse sent out another round of anonymous letters, enclosing the same pornographic photos, this time to local defense attorneys. Because of this harassment, the ADA left the Shelby County District Attorney’s office and moved from the Memphis area. Despite Adrienne Rosse’s attempts to destroy her career, the ADA has continued her career as a prosecutor in a new location. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 5, 2026 before the Honorable U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris of the Western District of Tennessee. Adrienne Rosse faces up to five years of incarceration, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. There is no parole in the federal system. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: “Prosecutors seek justice every day without fear or favor on behalf of the public, and no person deserves to be victimized and retaliated against because of their public service occupation. The defendant’s attempt to destroy the distinguished career of an ADA is reprehensible, and we will seek a significant sentence in this case to deliver justice for the victim and hold this offender accountable.” This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO). Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Delery and Raven Icaza prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Maryland Man Sentenced for Selling Fraudulent  Nursing Diplomas, Transcripts, and Nursing Licenses

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Greenbelt, Maryland – A Laurel man was sentenced to almost two years in federal prison in connection with a nursing credentials scam. The Honorable Deborah L. Boardman sentenced Patrick Nwaokwu, 55, to 21 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, for committing wire fraud. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). According to his plea agreement, Nwaokwu conspired with others to sell fraudulent nursing diplomas and educational transcripts to individuals. He also assisted the purchasers with fraudulently obtaining nursing licensures they needed to attain employment in the health care field. Nwaokwu engaged in the scheme through multiple entities, including Nursing School 1, located in Virginia, and Palm Beach School of Nursing, located in Florida. As a result of the scheme, Nwaokwu and his co-conspirators caused more than $1.5 million in actual losses. Beginning in 2018, Nwaokwu conspired with Musa Bangura, 67, of Manassas, Virginia, to recruit potential purchasers in Maryland and elsewhere who were looking to obtain nursing degrees. Nwaokwu sold purchasers fraudulent Nursing School 1 documents. These documents falsely confirmed that the purchasers completed the necessary courses and clinical training at Nursing School 1 to obtain nursing degrees. Nursing School 1 is no longer licensed, so Nwaokwu, Bangura, and others backdated the false documents that they sold to purchasers to make it appear that they attended Nursing School 1 before it lost its licensure. Additionally, beginning in 2018, and continuing through at least July 2021, Nwaokwu conspired with Johanah Napoleon, 50, of West Palm Beach County, Florida, and Geralda Adrien, 56, of Broward County, Florida, to sell false and fraudulent RN and LPN degrees from Palm Beach School of Nursing to individuals in Maryland. Nwaokwu generally charged $17,000 for RN degrees and $6,000-$10,000 for LPN degrees. He instructed purchasers to list Palm Beach School of Nursing on their National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) applications but to leave their graduation date blank, so the date could be backdated. This would make it appear that the student graduated before Palm Beach School of Nursing lost its licensure. By providing these fraudulent documents, Nwaokwu and his co-conspirators assisted the purchasers with obtaining fraudulent nursing licenses from state licensing agencies, including the Maryland Board of Nursing, and ultimately employment in the health care field. The scheme enabled these unqualified individuals to apply for licensure and practice as nurses. As a result, Nwaokwu and his co-conspirators consciously and recklessly exposed Maryland patients to potential harm, risk of death, and serious bodily injury. Bangura previously received a 13-month federal-prison sentence for his role in the scheme. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and HHS-OIG for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy who prosecuted the federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud . # # #


title: Previously Convicted Killer Sentenced to Over 30 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Jefferson County, Kentucky, man was sentenced last week to 31 years and 6 months in federal prison for multiple drug and firearm offenses. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul l. Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from January 1, 2021, through August 29, 2023, Thomas Gunter, conspired with other individuals to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and over 400 grams of fentanyl. Gunter was further convicted of distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine on ten dates from March through June of 2023; possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on June 22, 2023; possessing with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine on August 29, 2023; and possessing a firearm with the knowledge that he was prohibited from doing so due having been previously convicted of felonies on three occasions. The jury also found that Gunter had previously been convicted of the following serious violent felony. On December 10, 2009, in Floyd County Superior Court, New Albany, Indiana, Gunter was convicted of voluntary manslaughter. United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Gunter is among the most dangerous criminals in the Louisville metropolitan area. After serving time for a previous homicide, he returned to the streets of Louisville and operated a significant drug trafficking ring, pushing fentanyl and methamphetamine onto our streets. He was often armed with a handgun while running his illicit business. Due to exceptional investigative work by the FBI and LMPD, our Office secured a multi-count conviction against Gunter last summer after a weeklong trial. Just days ago, our Office advocated for the maximum sentence and convinced the Court to send Gunter away for more than three decades. Louisville is safer because this convicted killer is no longer a part of our community.” Special Agent Olivia Olson stated, “The sentencing of Mr. Gunter ensures that one of Louisville’s most dangerous criminals is removed from our streets for decades to come. He needlessly put innocent lives at risk by trafficking large amounts of narcotics and possessing firearms as a previously convicted felon. This case highlights the FBI’s commitment to combatting violent criminals and gangs and restoring safety to our communities.” Chief Paul L. Humphrey stated, “Last week’s sentencing demonstrates the power of our law enforcement partnerships and shows that we have zero tolerance for violent and dangerous criminals. Anyone who brings drugs into our community should be clear about the consequences: We will find you and we will hold you accountable for your actions.” There is no parole in the federal system. The FBI and LMPD investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Josh Porter and Frank Dahl are prosecuting the case with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative. The HSTF is a United States government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, transnational gangs, and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) worldwide. This initiative identifies TCOs engaged in a wide range of criminal schemes that violate federal law, while dismantling cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks that fuel violence and instability that threatens the safety and security of the United States and its global partners. It also places a particular emphasis on criminal offenses involving children and ensures the use of all available law enforcement tools to prosecute offenders and/or facilitate the removal of criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Nashville is comprised of agents and officers from FBI, HIS, DEA, ATF and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky. ###


title: Defendant Pleads Guilty and Agrees to 20-Year Sentence for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: Paducah, KY – On April 20, 2026, Antonio D. Jackson , pleaded guilty to a four-count federal superseding indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distributing methamphetamine with a co-defendant, Ivy S. Daniels . Jackson was scheduled for a jury trial that day but instead chose to plead guilty and accept a 20-year prison sentence. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Acting Special Agent in Charge Colin W. Jackson of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division, Sheriff Jon Hayden of the Graves County Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff Ryan Norman of the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement. According to court documents, federal and state partners began investigating Antonio D. Jackson , 39, of Paducah, Kentucky and others associated with him in March of 2024. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol investigators intercepted a package containing approximately 4 kilograms of methamphetamine in Louisville, Kentucky, addressed to a Mayfield, Kentucky, residence associated with Jackson. U.S. Postal Service employees also verified other shipments being made to the same address during the same time frame. On April 14, 2024, Jackson supplied co-defendant Ivy S. Daniels with approximately 210 grams of methamphetamine that was sold to investigators. Similarly, on April 16, 2024, Jackson supplied Daniels with 211 grams of methamphetamine that was then sold to investigators. Just after this sale, investigators arrested Jackson while he possessed approximately 106 grams of methamphetamine. Sentencing is set for July 10, 2026. A federal district court judge will decide prior to sentencing whether to accept the parties’ plea agreement of a 20-year sentence. There is no parole in the federal system. The DEA, HSI, USPIS, Graves County Sheriff’s Office, McCracken County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Seth Hancock of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office prosecuted the case with assistance from paralegal Cristy Crockett. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. ###


title: Leader of Fentanyl Trafficking Organization in Duluth  Sentenced to 174 Months in Prison

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – Defendant Ezell “Cash” Lucas, 34, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced to 174 months in prison for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking operation responsible for transporting mass quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Chicago to Minnesota for sale to drug users in Duluth, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. Lucas was the last of seven defendants in the case convicted of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances to be sentenced. From December 2021 to February 2024, Lucas managed a large-scale drug distribution operation (the “Lucas DTO”) based in Chicago that targeted drug customers in the Twin Ports region. Lucas worked with local drug distributors in Duluth to traffic fentanyl from Chicago and establish a customer base in Duluth. Lucas then directed criminal associates from Chicago to travel to Duluth and conduct the organization’s operations on the ground. Lucas, sitting in Chicago, fielded calls from drug customers and directed those customers to pre-determined locations in Duluth to meet Lucas’s drug dealers and complete the sales. During a two-year period, law enforcement seized more than 890 grams of fentanyl and 262 grams of methamphetamine from the Lucas DTO over the course of 19 seizure events, including controlled buys, traffic stops, residence search warrants, and a seizure incident to an overdose death. In February 2024, a federal grand jury indicted multiple defendants, including Lucas, with engaging in a Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine. This week, U.S. District Court Judge Eric C. Tostrud sentenced Lucas to 174 months in prison for his role in the offense. In August 2025, Lucas’s co-defendant Carl Brown, 32, of Chicago, proceeded to trial on the charged offense. Brown was convicted by a federal jury following a three-day trial. He was later sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment for his role in the offense. Lucas’s remaining six co-defendants pled guilty and were sentenced to the following terms of imprisonment: Anthony Green, 36, of Chicago, Illinois: 120 months Matthew Erickson, a/k/a “EZ,” 37, of Duluth, Minnesota: 60 months Robert Chism, 37, of Chicago, Illinois: 48 months Deandre Westmoreland, 37, of Chicago, Illinois: 32 months Pharoo Withersoon, 37, of Chicago, Illinois: 18 months “This case sends a clear message: individuals who profit from distributing illegal substances in our community will be identified and prosecuted,” said Lt. Jason Tanski of the Duluth Police Department and Lake Superior Violent Offender Task Force (“LSVOTF”). “For over a year, during a critical period of the opioid crisis, LSVOTF conducted a comprehensive investigation into the Lucas Drug Trafficking Organization. This investigation included extensive undercover operations by LSVOTF Investigators to identify those individuals involved in the organization. Numerous residences throughout Duluth were used by Lucas and his organization to distribute fentanyl to the community, preying on our community and advancing their illegal operation. “The sentencing of this prolific drug dealer has a direct and positive impact on public safety by removing a significant source of supply and helping protect lives. The LSVOTF would like to credit the cooperation and assistance of our state and federal partners that helped bring this case to a successful resolution.” This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Duluth Police Department, LSVOTF, the Saint Louis County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Garrett S. Fields and Syngen Kanassatega prosecuted the case.


title: Previously deported Mexican illegal alien faces possible life sentence following Rabun County arrest with gun and drugs

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: GAINESVILLE, Ga. - Jorge Martinez-Arellano, a/k/a Jorge DeLeon Garcia, an illegal alien from Mexico with a lengthy criminal history, faces federal charges after Rabun County deputies found a firearm and approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine in his vehicle during a traffic stop. “Despite having been deported numerous times, Martinez-Arellano allegedly returned to our country illegally and resumed trafficking drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “His alleged conduct posed grave danger to the public and demonstrated utter contempt for our laws. Thankfully, strong partnerships between federal and local law enforcement led to the apprehension of a career criminal and confiscation of his poison.” “Removing dangerous criminals from our communities is at the heart of Homeland Security Investigations’ mission. The arrest of Martinez-Arellano, an illegal alien with a history of violent crime and drug trafficking, demonstrates our commitment to protecting our community from the threat of drugs and gun violence,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “Working alongside our local and federal partners, HSI will continue to pursue those who endanger our communities and ensure they are held accountable under the law.” “This traffic stop identified a repeat offender and an illegal alien in possession of drugs and a firearm, posing a clear danger to our community,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd. “ATF and our law enforcement partners will remain focused on stopping those who endanger our communities and keeping them safe.” “I’m proud of the way our deputies handled this stop and stayed alert. What started as a traffic stop turned into taking drugs, a gun, and a repeat offender off our streets. I also want to thank our federal partners for their support and teamwork on this case. This is the kind of work we’re doing every day to keep Rabun County safe,” said Rabun County Sheriff Mark Gerrells. According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the indictment, and other information presented in court: On November 30, 2025, the Rabun County, Georgia, Sheriff’s Office stopped a truck for speeding. Deputies quickly discovered that the driver, Jorge Martinez-Arellano, was an illegal alien from Mexico. A search of the truck revealed a semiautomatic pistol and approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine. Martinez-Arellano has a criminal history that includes convictions for drug trafficking, assault with a deadly weapon, and reentering the United States unlawfully. His alleged possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking expose him a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and the possibility of life imprisonment. Martinez-Arellano is also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, and, for at least the fourth time, illegal reentry. Jorge Martinez-Arellano, a/k/a Jorge DeLeon Garcia, 53, of Jalisco, Mexico, was indicted on March 24, 2026. He appeared in federal court on April 22, 2026, and was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service without bail. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is being investigated by the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Keen is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Restaurant Owner Indicted on Charges of Harboring Illegal Aliens and Visa Fraud

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT - The owner and operator of two Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse restaurants was indicted on charges of conspiracy, harboring illegal aliens for commercial advantage and private financial gain, and fraud and misuse of immigration documents, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation Detroit Field Division and Acting Chief Patrol Agent Javier Geronimo Jr., U.S. Border Patrol Detroit Sector. Arrested yesterday was Yong NI, 52, of Troy, Michigan. NI appeared in federal court yesterday for his initial appearance on the charges. Officers from the Macomb County FBI Gang and Violent Crime Task Force and the U.S. Border Patrol Detroit Sector executed three separate search warrants at residences in Shelby Township and Royal Oak, Michigan, owned by NI personally or through the Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse corporation, and encountered twenty-eight individuals living at the homes, seventeen of whom were identified as aliens illegally present in the United States without employment authorization. Evidence obtained during the course of the investigation showed that the illegal aliens were hired by NI to work at his restaurants located in Shelby Township and Royal Oak. The illegal aliens resided at NI’s Shelby Township and Royal Oak homes and were transported to and from the restaurant for work. Further investigation showed that NI directed illegal aliens without valid documents to other employees to obtain fraudulent permanent resident cards and social security cards. NI has also been charged with possession of a lawful permanent resident card obtained by fraud or false statements. NI obtained a visa to the United States and his permanent residency by failing to disclose a prior exclusion order from 1995 where he attempted to enter the United States with a fraudulent United States passport. “We will investigate and prosecute employers who harbor illegal aliens. These criminal employers profit from lawbreaking. And they do it at the expense of the American worker,” said Gorgon. "Exploiting our immigration system for personal gain is a serious offense, and those who orchestrate or participate in such schemes will have to answer for their actions,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The defendant’s alleged actions of illegally harboring individuals at various residences across our state, transporting them, and employing them at his restaurants, including those unlawfully present in the United States, while misusing visa programs for financial gain, are serious. This operation was a success thanks to the dedicated members of our Macomb County FBI Gang and Violent Crime Task Force and the FBI Oakland County Resident Agency, alongside our partners at the U.S. Border Patrol Detroit Sector." “This case demonstrates our unwavering commitment to enforcing immigration laws and protecting the integrity of our communities. We will continue to work with our federal partners to ensure those who exploit vulnerable individuals for personal gain are held accountable,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Javier Geronimo Jr., U.S. Border Patrol Detroit Sector. NI faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. This case was investigated the Macomb County FBI Gang and Violent Crime Task Force and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Garcia and Assistant United States Attorney Sean King. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent. The burden is on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Operation Spring Break Results in Several Arrests For Child Sexual Abuse Charges

body_text: TOLEDO, Ohio – Three Northwest Ohio men have been federally charged for child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) related offenses as part of an investigation that culminated in the execution of 16 search warrants last week. An additional four defendants were also arrested during last week’s roundup and are being held on state charges. The three defendants were arrested on criminal complaints and each charged with Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography, also known as CSAM. These cases are separate and not related: Gavin Jaffe, 27, of Millbury, Ohio According to court documents, investigators found that Jaffe was allegedly active on a social media platform where he sent and received CSAM, as well as messaged others about his sexual interest in children. Agents later learned that Jaffe was previously the subject of a local investigation into CSAM. Jared Mishka, 26, of Toledo, Ohio Court documents show that during a search warrant execution at Mishka’s residence, agents located several thumb drives that contained thousands of child sexual abuse images and videos. The CSAM materials included pre-pubescent children under the age of 12. Agents also located a list of addresses near his home, each with the name of a female, as well as a collection of girls’ socks. Alexander Rojas, 38, of Toledo, Ohio According to court document, Rojas allegedly hid a cellphone in the vent of the floorboard during a search warrant execution. Investigators later found that the cellphone contained multiple images of child sexual abuse, including infants. Other items seized from his residence were child-like sex toys, children’s onesies, and underwear for young girls. “These arrests happen to coincide with National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is recognized each April,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer . “Together with the investigative efforts of our law enforcement partners, my office will aggressively prosecute those who take part in any type of these heinous crimes against children and hold them accountable for these despicable actions.” U.S. Attorney Toepfer will also be highlighting the awareness of crimes against children on the office’s Facebook page in the coming days through timely public service announcements. Throughout the week-long operation, agents seized a total of 128 digital items of evidentiary value, including computers and cellphones. According to investigators, thousands of CSAM files were located on electronic devices. The FBI Toledo Resident Agency led the investigations in a multi-agency effort among federal, state, and local law enforcement including: Toledo Police Department Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation Henry County Sheriff’s Office Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Wauseon Police Department Lake Township Police Department Rossford Police Department Defiance Police Department Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Noble County Sheriff’s Office Ohio State Highway Patrol Tiffin Police Department Defiance County Prosecutor’s Office Hancock County Sheriff’s Office Lima Police Department Hardin County Sheriff’s Office A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Assistant United States Attorney Sara Al-Sorghali is leading the prosecution for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Leader of Violent Criminal Enterprise Sentenced to More Than 18 Years in Prison

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – The leader of a violent criminal enterprise that operated in Hampden County was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for directing the trafficking of large amounts of cocaine and crack cocaine throughout Western Massachusetts, as well as for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. The defendant used violence and threats of violence to control his territory in Holyoke, including an attempted violent armed kidnapping. Vicente Gonzalez, 45, of Springfield, Mass. was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 220 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release. In July 2024, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. In October 2005, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Gonzalez was arrested and charged along with four others in March 2022 . In early 2021, Gonzalez was identified as the leader of a violent criminal enterprise that operated in Hampden County. Gonzalez’s organization included at least 10 individuals, who served as lookouts, runners, managers, enforcers and manufacturers to support the daily sale of cocaine and crack cocaine in the Holyoke and Springfield areas. – The primary base of operations was an apartment building in Holyoke that was located in a highly populated residential neighborhood. The investigation revealed that Gonzalez’s drug trafficking operations were prolific – distributing approximately 500 grams per month in the area of the apartment building alone between April 2021 and March 2022. In furtherance of the trafficking activity, Gonzalez used violence and threats of violence to control his territory in Holyoke – maintaining an arsenal of firearms at the apartment stash house. In June 2021, Gonzalez led an attempted armed kidnapping of a rival drug dealer at the apartment building. Specifically, moments after the victim entered the building, Gonzalez and his co-conspirators were captured on surveillance video in broad daylight, attempting to abduct the victim, pulling him back into the building, brandishing firearms and attempting to detain the victim. Gonzalez has a significant criminal history that includes violent offenses and narcotics activity. He has prior convictions for armed home invasion in Florida, for which he received a three-year sentence, and a narcotics conviction in Massachusetts, for which he received a sentence of three to five years. Gonzalez is the fourth defendant to be sentenced in the case. The remaining fifth defendant, Ocasio-Ramos, pleaded guilty to his involvement in the drug trafficking conspiracy and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug offense in February 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 28, 2026. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan; and Lawrence E. Akers, Superintendent of the Springfield Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Hampden District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil L. Desroches and Annapurna Balakrishna of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.


title: Previously Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Ammunition Offense

body_text: BOSTON – A Lynn man with multiple prior criminal convictions pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition. Derrick J. Poe, 40, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition before U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy who scheduled sentencing for Aug. 4, 2026. Poe was charged by criminal complaint in February 2026 and is in federal custody pending sentencing. Between Dec. 2, 2025 and Dec. 18, 2025, Poe distributed crack cocaine to undercover law enforcement in three separate controlled purchases in Salem, Mass. Poe was arrested after the third controlled purchase. A subsequent search of Poe’s Lynn residence resulted in the recovery of suspected crack cocaine and other evidence of drug distribution as well as three firearms and ammunition. Two of the firearms were privately made polymer-80 pistols, bearing no serial numbers, which are commonly referred to as “ghost guns.” The third firearm was a Springfield Armory 9mm pistol that had been reported stolen from Columbus, Ohio: Poe is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to multiple prior felony convictions, including in Alabama. These include a 2006 conviction for unlawful possession of a controlled substance and robbery as well as a 2012 conviction for receiving stolen property. Poe received concurrent 10-year and 20-year sentences for the 2006 drug and robbery offenses – sentences which were later suspended and he was ordered to serve four years in prison followed by four years of supervised probation. As for the 2012 receipt-of-stolen-property offense, Poe received a 69-month prison sentence that was suspended, with credit for time served, and was placed on probation for 60 months. In 2016, he was convicted in Massachusetts state court of possessing Class B drugs with intent to distribute. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas A. Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lynn and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aidan Lang of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Worcester Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition

body_text: BOSTON – A Worcester man was sentenced yesterday for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Gilbert Morin, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to six years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In September 2025 , Morin was indicted by a federal grand jury. Morin was arrested and charged in state court on May 30, 2025, and has remained in custody since. On May 30, 2025, police responded to a report of a man with a firearm outside of downtown nightclub. Unable to locate the individual at the scene, officers drove a short distance away and observed a man who appeared to be concealing an item in his hand. When police attempted to stop the individual, later idented as Morin, he led police on a foot chase. Upon being apprehended, Morin was found to have possessed a stolen Taurus pistol loaded with ammunition. Morin previously was convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Feld Division; and Paul Saucier, Chief of the Worcester Police Department made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin J. Brown of the Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case. This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Boston Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America . HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.


title: Queens Pharmacy Owner Sentenced to Over Five Years in Prison for Money Laundering Scheme

body_text: A New York man, Taesung “Terry” Kim, 61, of Harrison, New York, was sentenced today to 63 months in prison for conspiring to launder the proceeds of a $24.4 million pharmacy fraud scheme. “Mr. Kim’s scheme to pad his pockets with $24 million in taxpayer dollars by peddling unnecessary prescription drugs is despicable and dangerous,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “This administration is making clear: we will hold accountable anyone who jeopardizes the health of millions of American adults by stealing from Medicare.” “Today, Taesung Kim was held accountable for the despicable crime of defrauding Medicare and Medicaid, vital federal health care programs that provide insurance coverage to the elderly and those who cannot afford health insurance,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr for the Eastern District of New York. “Fraudsters who think the government is an ATM they can blatantly plunder should take notice of the price this defendant will now pay for his greed.” “Taesung (Terry) Kim attempted to hide years of health care fraud through illicit kickbacks and bribes. Through the hard work of the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Service - Office of the Inspector General, we were able to peel back the layers of deception to uncover this criminal scheme,” said Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. of the FBI New York Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable individuals defrauding the American people.” “The defendant deliberately exploited patients and the Medicare program by orchestrating kickback schemes and laundering millions in fraudulent prescription proceeds to fuel his own greed,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Today’s sentence reinforces HHS-OIG’s continued commitment, alongside our law enforcement partners, to dismantling schemes that abuse federal health care programs and ensuring those who perpetrate them are brought to justice.” According to court documents, the defendant co-owned several retail pharmacies in Brooklyn and Queens, New York. Between 2015 and 2022, Kim’s pharmacies submitted approximately $24.4 million in claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary prescription drugs. Kim, working with others, acquired prescriptions by paying bribes and cash kickbacks to medical providers and purported patients. He and his conspirators gave bribes to medical providers in the form of office rent and staff to induce them to direct prescriptions to the pharmacies, and he paid customers in the form of supermarket gift certificates and cash to induce them to fill prescriptions at their pharmacies. Kim laundered the proceeds of the scheme through various trading companies, which gave the appearance of legitimate business, facilitated the kickbacks and bribes, and distributed profits among the pharmacies’ owners. In December 2024, Kim pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. In addition to his prison sentence, the Court ordered Kim pay $24.4 million in restitution and to forfeit $6 million in fraud proceeds, including several bank accounts and real properties. On Oct. 16, 2025, Kim’s partner and co-conspirator, Feng “Jeff” Jiang, 43, of Flushing, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment. HHS-OIG and FBI investigated the case. Trial Attorney Patrick J. Campbell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanisha R. Payne for the Eastern District of New York assisted with forfeiture matters. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Possession of Glock Nets Felon 30 Months in Prison

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

body_text: WASHINGTON - Tayon Wright, 26, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 30 months in prison for unlawful possession of a Glock pistol that was discovered after he fled from a car he had crashed following a police pursuit, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “Tayon Wright was a felon on supervised probation when he chose to illegally arm himself with a Glock outfitted with a giggle switch — a device that transformed it into an automatic weapon capable of unleashing lethal fire in seconds,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Today’s sentence is a direct message to any others who think they can disregard the law without facing the consequences.” Wright pleaded guilty on Jan. 21, 2026, before Judge Amy Berman Jackson to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In addition to the 30-month prison term, Judge Berman Jackson ordered Wright to serve three years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 33-month prison term. According to court papers, at about 2:15 a.m. on Nov. 19, 2024, Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a pursuit in progress. Prince George’s County Police were chasing a stolen black Audi through Southeast D.C. The Audi lost control on 13th Street SE, struck a curb, and crashed. Wright, the sole occupant of the vehicle, fled from the Audi on foot. Officers found a black Glock 9mm handgun in the street next to the vehicle. The firearm was outfitted with a switch that allowed it to fire as an automatic, had a round in the chamber, and was surrounded by 21 rounds of loose ammunition. Wright is not considered a suspect in the vehicle theft. After a brief foot chase, officers arrested Wright. A search of his jacket revealed cocaine base in multiple forms, amphetamines, 15 Oxycodone pills, and $152 in U.S. currency. Wright had November 2021 felony convictions in Prince George’s County for armed carjacking and possession of a regulated firearm, which made it illegal for him to possess a firearm or ammunition. He was still on supervised probation for those convictions at the time of this offense. The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department, the Prince George’s County Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Office, The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jolie Zimmerman. Photo of a black Glock firearm equipped with a “giggle switch” that police found in the street next to the crashed Audi. The firearm was surrounded by 21 rounds of loose ammunition.


title: Queens Pharmacy Owner Sentenced to 63 Months in Prison for Money Laundering Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: BROOKLYN, NY – Today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Taesung Kim, also known as “Terry,” was sentenced today to 63 months in prison for conspiring to launder the proceeds of a $24.4 million pharmacy fraud scheme. In December 2024, Kim pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. As part of his sentence, the Court ordered Kim pay $24.4 million in restitution and to forfeit $6 million in fraud proceeds, including several bank accounts and real properties. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Colin M. McDonald, Assistant Attorney General, head of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Scott J. Lampert, Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) announced the sentence. “Today, Taesung Kim was held accountable for the despicable crime of defrauding Medicare and Medicaid, vital federal health care programs that provide insurance coverage to the elderly and those who cannot afford health insurance,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Fraudsters who think the government is an ATM they can blatantly plunder should take notice of the price this defendant will now pay for his greed.” “Mr. Kim’s scheme to pad his pockets with $24 million in taxpayer dollars by peddling unnecessary prescription drugs is despicable and dangerous,” said Assistant Attorney General McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “This administration is making clear: we will hold accountable anyone who jeopardizes the health of millions of American adults by stealing from Medicare.” “Taesung (Terry) Kim attempted to hide years of health care fraud through illicit kickbacks and bribes. Through the hard work of the FBI and the Department of Health and Human Service - Office of the Inspector General, we were able to peel back the layers of deception to uncover this criminal scheme,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable individuals defrauding the American people." “The defendant deliberately exploited patients and the Medicare program by orchestrating kickback schemes and laundering millions in fraudulent prescription proceeds to fuel his own greed,” stated HHS-OIG Acting Deputy Inspector General Lampert. “Today’s sentence reinforces HHS-OIG’s continued commitment, alongside our law enforcement partners, to dismantling schemes that abuse federal health care programs and ensuring those who perpetrate them are brought to justice.” Kim co-owned several retail pharmacies in Brooklyn and Queens, New York. Between 2015 and 2022, Kim’s pharmacies submitted approximately $24.4 million in claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary prescription drugs. Kim, working with others, acquired prescriptions by paying bribes and cash kickbacks to medical providers and purported patients. He and his co-conspirators gave bribes to medical providers in the form of office rent and staff to induce them to direct prescriptions to the pharmacies, and he paid customers in the form of supermarket gift certificates and cash to induce them to fill prescriptions at their pharmacies. Kim laundered the proceeds of the scheme through various trading companies which gave the appearance that he was conducting legitimate business; facilitated the kickbacks and bribes; and distributed profits among the pharmacies’ owners. On October 16, 2025, Kim’s partner and co-conspirator, Feng “Jeff” Jiang, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for his role in the money laundering conspiracy. On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within federal benefit programs. Trial Attorney Patrick J. Campbell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. Assistant United States Attorney Tanisha R. Payne of the Office’s Asset Forfeiture Section is handling forfeiture matters. The Defendant Sentenced Today : TAESUNG KIM (also known as “Terry”) Age: 61 Harrison, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-191 (DG) The Defendant Previously Sentenced: FENG JIANG (also known as “Jeff”) Age: 43 Flushing, Queens E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-264 (ARR)


title: Federal Law Enforcement Seizes 22 Firearms and Multiple Kilograms of Narcotics From Chicago Storage Unit; Alleged Drug Trafficker Arrested

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: CHICAGO — Federal law enforcement this month arrested an alleged drug trafficker and seized 22 firearms and multiple kilograms of narcotics from his Chicago storage unit. MARIO NEUSTADTER sold fentanyl and methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement officer in Chicago on three occasions in January of February of this year, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The complaint charges Neustadter, 47, of Chicago, with distribution of a controlled substance. Neustadter was arrested on April 7, 2026. He has been ordered by U.S. Magistrate Judge Young B. Kim to remain detained in federal custody pending trial. During a detention hearing, the government advised the Court that federal law enforcement conducted a court-authorized search of Neustadter’s storage unit on the day of his arrest and discovered 22 firearms, approximately 30 kilograms of methamphetamine, 12 kilograms of cocaine, more than two kilograms of suspected fentanyl, and dozens of cell phones, among other items. A photo of the seized items was entered into evidence at the hearing and can be viewed below. The complaint and arrest were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Todd C. Smith, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Valuable assistance was provided by the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. The officials noted that the investigation remains ongoing. This investigation is part of Operation Fentanyl Free America , a DEA-led initiative to protect the United States from synthetic opioids by disrupting the fentanyl supply chain, reducing its availability, and saving American lives. “I commend the actions of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners who worked diligently to seize dangerous drugs and an arsenal of high-powered firearms from the defendant before they could flood the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “The arrest and substantial seizures in this case are but one example of the outstanding work being done by the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office, the DEA, Chicago Police Department, and Cook County Sheriff’s Office every day to combat drug trafficking and reduce violent crime. Let this case serve as a warning to criminal drug traffickers: There is no hiding place for those who flood our communities with illegal narcotics.” “Today’s announcement underscores DEA’s commitment to removing fentanyl and other dangerous drugs, as well as illegally possessed firearms, from our communities,” said DEA SAC Smith. “Through Operation Fentanyl Free America and strong partnerships with the Chicago Police Department, Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department, and all of our law enforcement partners, we remain committed to saving American lives from tragic drug overdoses and poisonings.” The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. neustadter_complaint.pdf


title: Illinois Man Admits Carjacking, Shooting in St. Louis

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man from Venice, Illinois on Friday admitted helping carjack one man in St. Louis in 2024 and shooting at another. Harry Moore, 21, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one felony count of carjacking and one felony count of possession and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. He admitted driving a Cadillac that had been stolen in Belleville, Illinois to the 2900 block of Minnesota Avenue in St. Louis on Sept. 4, 2024. Two armed people were in the car, including a juvenile. They got out and demanded the wallet, iPhone and keys from the driver of a Subaru Outback at gunpoint. Moore, who was also armed, got out and demanded that the victim unlock his phone and provide his debit card PIN. Moore then drove to a gas station, followed by his accomplices, and used the victim’s debit card to withdraw more than $200 from an ATM. He also transferred $200 to someone via Cash App using the victim’s phone. About an hour later, Moore was in the front passenger seat of the Outback when he spotted someone from a rival group walking near Ballpark Village in downtown St. Louis. Moore fired multiple rounds from a .45-caliber handgun as his target fled into a parking garage. Later that day, investigators found the juvenile and the stolen Outback in East St. Louis. On Oct. 10, 2024, Moore was arrested inside a home in Cahokia Heights, Illinois. Investigators found three firearms there, including the Glock used in the shooting. Moore is scheduled to be sentenced on July 27. The carjacking charge is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The brandishing charge is punishable by at least seven years in prison, consecutive to the sentence he receives for the carjacking charge. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI and the St. Clair County (Illinois) Sheriff’s Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Martin is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Wapato Man Sentenced for Drive-by Shooting

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Yakima, Washington – First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that Caludgrio Joseph Bianco, age 26, of Wapato, Washington, was sentenced to 40 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release by Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington. Bianco pled guilty to Drive-By Shooting pursuant to the Assimilative Crimes Act and to Possession of a Stolen Firearm on November 18, 2025. According to court documents and information presented at sentencing, on March 15, 2025, Bianco, an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, fired two shots at an occupied dwelling in Wapato as he drove by the home. The shooting was captured on neighbors’ security cameras. This appeared to be a random act of violence as Bianco did not know the victim homeowners. Further investigation revealed that the firearm used by Bianco, which was recovered by law enforcement the day of the shooting, was stolen from a residence in Seattle, Washington approximately three months earlier. An indictment was handed down on May 13, 2025. In addition to his term of imprisonment, as a condition of his supervised release, Bianco was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation and follow any recommended treatment. “While the actions of law enforcement and this successful prosecution will not erase the fear and impact this event caused the victims, it is a step forward as this dangerous individual has been removed from the community,” stated Serrano. “I am grateful for the swift actions by our law enforcement partners in investigating this case, seizing and removing a stolen firearm and getting justice for such a violent act.” “In a reckless and senseless act of violence, Mr. Bianco shot at the home of people he did not even know using a stolen firearm," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Seattle. "It is incredibly fortunate no one was injured, especially given how close these shots came to the residents inside. The FBI, together with our partners, is committed to combatting violent crime on tribal lands and throughout the state of Washington.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Yakama Nation Police Department and the Wapato Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 134 Border-Related Cases This Week

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 134 border-related cases this week, including charges of bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city). In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here . A sample of border-related arrests this week: On April 18, Ebelia Lopez Orozco, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Customs and Border Protection officers found more than 161 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in the cargo area storage compartment of her Kia Sorrento at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. On April 20, Santos Andres Torres-Hernandez, a Mexican national, was arrested and charged with Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain. According to a complaint, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered two unauthorized aliens concealed inside the roof storage compartment of the defendant’s convertible Mitsubishi Eclipse as he applied for entry at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. On April 22, Javier Torres-Alvares, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested and charged with Deported Alien Found in the United States. According to a complaint, Torres-Alvares was intercepted by Border Patrol agents north of the border, east of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. Torres-Alvares was previously deported to Mexico in 2018. The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners. Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Southwest Georgian Sentenced to Prison for Teenage Sextortion Crime

body_text: VALDOSTA, Ga. – A South Georgia resident was sentenced to fifteen years in prison for attempting to sextort an Ohio teenager he met over Snapchat, threatening her for explicit images. Cenobio Olguin, Jr., 24, of Lenox, Georgia, was sentenced to serve fifteen years in prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release by Senior U.S. District Judge Louis Sands on April 23. Olguin, Jr. pleaded guilty to one count of attempted production of child pornography on Jan. 27. In addition, Olguin, Jr. will have to register as a sex offender for life upon release from prison. A sentencing date will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system. “Child predators targeting children online face harsh penalties, and we are unwavering in our mission to pursue offenders and safeguard children,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Addressing the serious threat of sextortion demands much more than law enforcement and prosecution. Parents and caregivers must take action to protect and empower young people against online exploitation. You can learn more about recognizing dangers, reporting abuse and having crucial conversations with young people at Know2Protect.gov.” “This defendant used fear, manipulation and threats to sexually exploit a minor, causing real and lasting harm,” said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Sextortion is a predatory crime, and the FBI will aggressively pursue anyone who targets children online. We urge parents, teens and caregivers to report suspicious or coercive online behavior immediately – early reporting can stop abuse and protect victims.” According to court documents and statements referenced in court, Olguin, Jr. met a 16-year-old female on Snapchat in 2024. He requested that she send snaps of herself at various stages of undress, and she complied. She then blocked Olguin. Months later, Olguin contacted the teenager on Snapchat and sent her the nude photos she had previously shared with him. Olguin threatened to release the photos to her high school friends if she did not continue sending him nude photos. Olguin, Jr., continued to make various threats to the teenager, including posting her nude photos as a public story on Snapchat. In addition, Olguin, Jr., mentioned another girl he previously extorted. He claimed he sent the nude photos of this other victim to a few boys at her school and ordered the boys to rape her. The 16-year-old then complied with Olguin, Jr.’s threats and sent additional nude and explicit images on Snapchat. Olguin, Jr. told her if she ever blocked him, un-added him, reported him or talked to the police, she “knew what would happen.” The Dayton, Ohio, FBI Resident Agency received a tip in December 2024 that the teenager was a victim of sextortion. The victim was interviewed; a subsequent investigation led to Olguin, Jr. A search warrant was issued at Olguin, Jr.’s Berrien County residence in the Middle District of Georgia on May 5, 2025. Agents found 91 images and 29 videos of child pornography on Olguin, Jr.’s cell phone. Agents recovered the Snap messages between the defendant and his teenage victim, including the child sexual assault material Olguin. Jr. sextorted from the victim. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and marks the two-year anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security's national public awareness campaign Know2Protect: Together We Can Stop Online Child Exploitation. Resources are available at www.Know2Protect.gov . This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. The FBI Valdosta Resident Agency and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit prosecuted the case for the Government.


title: California Money Launderer Sentenced in D.C. to 70 Months for Role in Scheme that Stole $263 Million

body_text: WASHINGTON - Evan Tangeman, 22, of Newport Beach, California, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 70 months in prison for laundering millions of dollars generated by an elaborate social engineering scheme orchestrated by a multi-state criminal enterprise that stole more than $263 million in cryptocurrency and used the proceeds to support the criminal enterprise’s fantastically extravagant lifestyles, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “This criminal enterprise was built on greed so brazen it borders on the cartoonish. They stole millions, spent it on half-million-dollar nightclub tabs, Lamborghinis, and Rolexes,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “But Evan Tangeman didn't just launder the money that fueled that lifestyle. When his co-conspirators were arrested, he moved to destroy the evidence. That is consciousness of guilt, and this office and the court have treated that accordingly." Tangeman pleaded guilty Dec. 8, 2025, to participating in a RICO conspiracy before U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly and admitted that he helped to launder at least $3.5 million for members of the enterprise. Tangeman’s admission of guilt was the ninth plea to result from this investigation. In addition to the 70-month prison sentence, Judge Kollar-Kotelly ordered Tangeman to serve three years of supervised release. The criminal enterprise began no later than October 2023 and continued through at least May 2025. It grew from friendships developed on online gaming platforms and was comprised of individuals based in California, Connecticut, New York, Florida, and abroad. Tangeman, aka "E," "Tate," "Evan|Exchanger," was a money launderer for the group that also included database hackers, organizers, target identifiers, callers, and residential burglars targeting hardware virtual currency wallets. Tangeman not only enabled his co-conspirators to dissipate millions in victim funds but also benefited directly and indirectly from the thefts himself, including receiving exotic automobiles as compensation for his work and using commissions earned for laundering on luxury goods. Finally, when the first members of the criminal enterprise – co-defendants Malone Lam and Jeandiel Serrano – were arrested and the massive scale of their fraud revealed, it was Tangeman who took it upon himself to direct co-defendant Tucker Desmond to destroy digital devices belonging to members of the enterprise. Members and associates of the social engineering enterprise used stolen virtual currency to purchase, among other things, nightclub services ranging up to $500,000 per evening, luxury handbags valued in the tens of thousands of dollars which were given away at nightclub parties, luxury watches valued between $100,000 up to over $500,000, luxury clothing valued in the tens of thousands of dollars, rental homes in Los Angeles, the Hamptons, and Miami, private jet rentals for travel, a team of private security guards, and a fleet of exotic cars, ranging in value from $100,000 up to $3,800,000. Tangeman converted the stolen cryptocurrency into fiat cash and worked with real estate agents in Los Angeles to procure large mansions for members of the social engineering enterprise. The members were unemployed young men, often under 20 years old and did not want to draw law enforcement attention for renting homes for $40,000 to $80,000 per month with no legitimate source of income. Some of those homes were valued between $4,000,000 up to nearly $9,000,000. Tangeman also arranged for rental homes in Miami when the group moved to Miami in September 2024. Tangeman was well rewarded for his criminal conduct. Co-defendant Lam arranged for the purchase of a widebody Lamborghini Urus for Tangeman. At the time of the execution of the search warrant on Tangeman’s residence, law enforcement identified and seized additional vehicles, including one black 2022 Rolls Royce Ghost, valued at more than $300,000. The agents also seized a white and black Porsche GT3 RS. This case is being investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and the IRS-Criminal Investigation Washington D.C. Field Office. Significant investigative and operational support was provided by the FBI’s Los Angeles and Miami field offices as well as the United States Attorney’s Officers in the Central District of California, Southern District of Florida, and the District of New Jersey. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Hart of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Rosenberg provided valuable assistance. 24cr417 Follow us on Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc


title: Former 4-H County Extension Agent Sentenced for Production of Child Pornography

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington man, Terence Lorenzo Clemons, 52, was sentenced on Tuesday to 25 years by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell for the production of child pornography. According to his plea agreement, Clemons was a County Extension Agent that operated 4-H programs in the Bath County School System. In April 2024, Clemons began a romantic “relationship” with a minor victim in the school system. Through extensive conversations via text messaging and various social media platforms, Clemons professed his “love” and asked the victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct via livestreaming and by sending him videos/photos. Clemons used his position as a leader of 4-H programs to gain access to the victim, which included at least one instance of physical touching, during events Clemons attended through the 4-H program. During the sentencing hearing, the Court noted the seriousness of this type of offense cannot be overstated. The Court also remarked that those with positions of trust need to understand this conduct will not be tolerated. “This defendant held a position of trust and exploited that position in order to prey on the vulnerability of a child,” said Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “That betrayal strikes at the very core of our communities, where parents and families should be able to trust those entrusted with mentoring and guiding young people. We remain committed to holding accountable anyone who abuses that trust and to working alongside our law enforcement partners to protect children from exploitation and harm.” Under federal law, Clemons 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. Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Colin Jackson, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Sheriff Mike Coyle, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by HSI, KSP, and Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and 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: Wetumpka Man Sentence to Over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution

body_text: Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced that a Wetumpka, Alabama man has been sentenced to prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. On April 21, 2026, a federal judge sentenced 48-year-old Michael David Wilson to 151 months in prison. Following his term of imprisonment, Wilson will serve four years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. According to his plea agreement and other court records, on May 30, 2025, deputies with the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Wilson. During the stop, Wilson became belligerent and was asked to exit the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a methamphetamine pipe and more than 14 grams of methamphetamine. On January 13, 2026, Wilson pleaded guilty to the federal drug charge. Due in part to his extensive criminal history, Wilson faced an elevated advisory sentencing guideline range, which contributed to the length of his sentence. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorney Christine Levi prosecuted.


component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: Federal Jury Convicts Massachusetts Man for Attempting to Sex Traffic a Minor at a Manchester Hotel CONCORD – After a 4-day trial, a Haverhill, Massachusetts man was convicted by a federal jury for attempting to sex traffic a 12-year-old in a proactive federal and local law enforcement operation on November 14, 2024, United States Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Ozeias Luiz Guilherme, age 40, was convicted of one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. United States District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe ordered Guilherme detained pending sentencing, which is scheduled for August 4, 2026. On November 14 and November 15, 2024, in a proactive law enforcement operation, agents posted and monitored an advertisement on a website commonly used to advertise commercial sex. The advertisement contained images of what appeared to be two minor females, and a contact phone number. Law enforcement agents monitored this line and used it to communicate with potential sex buyers, including Guilherme. During a text conversation between an undercover agent and Guilherme, the agent stated that she had a 12-year-old girl available to perform sex acts in exchange for money. The agent then provided Guilherme with the address of a hotel in Manchester. Once at the hotel, the defendant met with an undercover agent and confirmed that he was in possession of the agreed upon $100 to pay for the commercial sex act. Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Manchester Police Department, the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Vicinanzo and Matthew Hunter are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.