title: Omaha Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a ‘Glock Switch’ Machine Gun

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

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Ty’nell D. Jimmerson, 20, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 27, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for illegal possession of a machine gun. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Jimmerson to 32 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Jimmerson’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. On July 28, 2024, Omaha Police Officers observed a Jeep speeding and driving recklessly near 60th and Ames Streets. As officers approached, the Jeep fled. OPD helicopter Able-1 followed the Jeep to Orchard Park. Officers in Able-1 saw the Jeep enter the park and pull into a public-access parking stall. Ty’nell Jimmerson ran from the Jeep to a nearby group of trees on the edge of the parking lot where he discarded a loaded Glock 21 .45 caliber handgun. The gun contained a high-capacity magazine and was equipped with a ‘Glock switch’ machine gun conversion device (‘MCD’). The device converts the weapon to a fully automatic machine gun. The firearm had previously been reported stolen during a vehicle break-in. After concealing the firearm, Jimmerson got into the back seat of a waiting Nissan. Both vehicles left the park. Able-1 followed the Nissan to 90th Street and Blair High Road where OPD conducted a traffic stop and arrested Jimmerson. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Omaha Police Department.


title: Lexington Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Mikayla Daleness, 26, of Lexington, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 27, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. United Sates District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Daleness to 78 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Daleness’s release from prison, she will begin a five-year term of supervised release. From summer 2023 into early 2024, Daleness and three others from Cozad worked together to bring pounds of methamphetamine from Colorado to the Lexington-Cozad area where the drugs were distributed. Search warrants for Facebook communications allowed investigators to identify individuals and their residences involved in the distribution of methamphetamine. During a January 2024 search warrant at a co-conspirator’s residence in Cozad, investigators found a loaded handgun, ammunition, methamphetamine, and distribution paraphernalia. Search warrants for the residents’ cell phones contained messages showing drug distribution. Recorded jail calls tipped investigators to the group’s travel plans to get more methamphetamine in Colorado. A search warrant for a tracking device led investigators to making a traffic stop on February 6, 2024. Daleness was a passenger in the car containing more methamphetamine, THC, and drug paraphernalia. A later search of Daleness’s Cozad residence turned up drug use and distribution paraphernalia. This case was investigated by the CODE Drug Task Force which is comprised of members from the Lexington Police Department, the Cozad Police Department, the North Platte Police Department, and the Nebraska State Patrol. Investigators from the West Metro Drug Task Force in Colorado also assisted in the investigation.


title: Okemah Resident Sentenced For Felony Assault

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Cainen Isaac Shephard, a/k/a Cainen Isaac Shepard, age 23, of Okemah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 22 months in prison for one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Okemah Police Department. On October 9, 2024, Shephard pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on July 2, 2024, Shephard fired upon a pickup truck carrying three passengers in the parking lot of an Okemah apartment complex, intending to cause bodily harm to the driver. No one was injured in the shooting. The crime occurred in Okfuskee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald E. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Shephard will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Robinson represented the United States.


title: Bryan County Residents Plead Guilty In Scheme To Illegally Acquire Firearms

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Rebecca Leann Hughes, age 33, and Nathanial Louis Hughes, age 31, both of Calera, Oklahoma, entered guilty pleas to their roles in a scheme to unlawfully buy and sell firearms. Rebecca Hughes pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Acquire a Firearm from a Licensed Dealer by False and Fictitious Statement. The charge is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.00. Nathanial Louis Hughes pleaded guilty to one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm. The charge is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.00. The Indictment alleged that beginning on June 26, 2024, and continuing until July 21, 2024, Rebecca Hughes knowingly and intentionally conspired to unlawfully acquire firearms from a licensed dealer. The Indictment alleged that while purchasing multiple firearms, Rebecca Hughes answered “YES” on Block 21(a) of ATF Form 4473, indicating that she was the actual buyer of the firearms. As part of her plea, Rebecca Hughes acknowledged that she formed an agreement to purchase the firearms on behalf of her husband, Nathanial Hughes, despite knowing that he is a convicted felon. The Indictment further alleged that on or about July 21, 2024, Nathanial Hughes unlawfully possessed multiple firearms despite knowing that he had been previously convicted of a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year. The charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. Rebecca Hughes and Nathanial Hughes were released on bond pending their sentencing hearings. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Robinson represented the United States.


title: Nigerian National Pleads Guilty To Laundering Millions In Criminal Proceeds Linked To Romance Scams And Business Email Compromise Schemes

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Olumide Olorunfunmi, 39, a Nigerian national, appeared in federal court in Charlotte today and pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy for laundering millions in criminal proceeds linked to romance scams and business email compromise schemes, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. According to documents filed with the court and today’s plea hearing, the scheme caused more than 125 victims to transfer over $4.5 million of proceeds stemming from illegal activities. Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in North Carolina, joins U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement. Two of Olorunfunmi’s co-conspirators, both Nigerian nationals, have also pleaded guilty to federal charges and are awaiting sentencing. Specifically, Samson Amos, 53, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. Emmanuel Unuigbe, 42, pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. As Olorunfunmi admitted in court today, from 2020 through 2023, Olorunfunmi conspired with Amos, Unuigbe, and others to launder the criminal proceeds of various illegal activities, including romance scams that typically targeted elderly victims, and business email compromise schemes (BECs). Court records show that the victims of the schemes were directed to transfer funds into domestic and international bank accounts controlled by Olorunfunmi and his co-conspirators. Upon receiving the fraud proceeds, Olorunfunmi and his co-conspirators transferred the funds to other bank accounts, in the U.S. and overseas. Olorunfunmi, Amos and Unuigbe profited by keeping a portion of the criminal proceeds obtained through the schemes. They also profited by agreeing to “pay” for the domestic deposits received by others by transferring Nigerian Naira from accounts the co-conspirators controlled in Nigeria to other accounts in Nigeria, based upon a “black market” exchange rate for United States Dollars to Naira. The charge of money laundering conspiracy carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the FBI for the investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Ryan with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is in charge of the prosecution. Business Email Compromise Schemes BEC schemes, also referred to as “cyber-enabled financial fraud,” are sophisticated scams that often target individuals, employees, or businesses involved in financial transactions or that regularly perform wire transfer payments. Fraudsters are usually part of larger criminal networks operating in the United States and abroad. There are many variations of BEC schemes. Generally, the schemes involve perpetrators gaining unauthorized access to legitimate email accounts or creating email accounts that closely resemble those of individuals or employees associated with the targeted businesses or involved in business transactions with the victim businesses. The scammers then use the compromised or fake email accounts to send false wiring instructions to the targeted businesses or individuals, to dupe the victims into sending money to bank accounts controlled by perpetrators of the scheme. Generally, the money is quickly transferred to other accounts in the United States or overseas. More information on BEC schemes can be found here . Romance Scams In romance scams, fraudsters use a fake online identity to gain a victim’s affection and trust. The fraudsters then use the illusion of a romantic or close relationship to manipulate and/or steal from the victim. The fraudsters want to establish a relationship as quickly as possible, endear themselves to the victim, and gain trust. Fraudsters may propose marriage and make plans to meet in person, but that will never happen. Eventually, they will ask for money. The fraudsters who carry out romance scams are experts at what they do and will seem genuine, caring, and believable, and are present on most dating and social media sites. They also claim to be in the building or construction industry and/or are engaged in projects outside the U.S. That makes it easier to avoid meeting in person and more plausible when they ask for money for a medical emergency or unexpected legal fees. More information on romance scams can be found here . If you have been the victim of an online scam or know someone who has been victimized, it is important to report it to law enforcement. Please visit ic3.gov , the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), to file a complaint.


title: President of Masonry Contractor Charged With Conspiring to Bribe Amtrak Employee in Exchange for Millions of Dollars in Extra Work on 30th Street Station Project and Making a False Claim

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Mark Snedden, 69, of Munster, Indiana, was charged by information with conspiracy to commit federal program bribery and making and presenting a false claim. As presented in the information, on or about December 10, 2015, a masonry restoration contractor (the “Contractor”) was awarded a $58,473,000 contract by Amtrak to be the main contractor on a façade repair and restoration project at Amtrak’s 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Federal funding supplied approximately 90 percent of the money Amtrak used to pay the Contractor for the repair and restoration of the 30th Street Station façade. The defendant was the sole owner and President of the Contractor with responsibility to provide executive oversight of the Vice Presidents of the Contractor and the Contractor’s performance on the 30th Street Station façade project. Donald Seefeldt, Lee Maniatis, and Khaled Dallo, each charged elsewhere, were Vice Presidents of the Contractor, with responsibility to supervise the Contractor’s performance on the 30th Street Station façade project. Amtrak Employee #1 was employed by Amtrak as the Project Manager on the repair and restoration project. In that capacity, Amtrak Employee #1 was responsible for communicating with the Contractor about the work being done on 30th Street Station. Amtrak Employee #1 was also responsible for reviewing the invoices, change orders, and requests for payment that the Contractor submitted to Amtrak. Amtrak Employee #1 had the power to approve or reject these invoices, change orders, and requests for payment. Although Amtrak Employee #1 did not have the singular authority to approve Amtrak payments to the Contractor, his approval was a critical step in that process. The contract between Amtrak and the Contractor prohibited Snedden and other Contractor officials from “offer[ing] to any Amtrak employee, agent, or representative any cash, gift, entertainment, commission, or kickback for the purpose of securing favorable treatment with regard to award or performance of any contract or agreement.” As alleged in the information, from in or about May 2016 through in or about November 2019, in Philadelphia, in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, the defendant conspired and agreed with others known and unknown to the United States Attorney, including Amtrak Employee #1, Lee Maniatis, Khaled Dallo, and Donald Seefeldt, to commit an offense against the United States, that is, to knowingly and corruptly give, offer, and agree to give, a thing of value to Amtrak Employee #1, intending to influence and reward Amtrak Employee #1 in connection with any business, transaction and series of transactions. Specifically, the information alleges, Donald Seefeldt, Lee Maniatis, Khaled Dallo, and others known to the United States Attorney, with Snedden’s knowledge and agreement, provided Amtrak Employee #1 with gifts and other things of value totaling approximately $323,686, including, among other things, paid vacations, jewelry, cash, dinners, entertainment, a dog, training for that dog, and transportation, to ensure that Amtrak Employee #1 used his power and influence to benefit the Contractor during the performance of the 30th Street Station Repair and Restoration Project. In return for these gifts and other things of value, Amtrak Employee #1 used his position at Amtrak to access internal agency information available only to Amtrak employees about the 30th Street Station Project and shared this internal information with the defendant and other officials with the Contractor. The information further alleges that Amtrak Employee #1 used his position at Amtrak to approve additional, more expensive changes to the 30th Street Station Repair and Restoration Project, thereby increasing the amount and value of the work to be performed by the Contractor. These additional expenses were reflected in a series of change orders or contract modifications. In total, Amtrak Employee #1 approved over $52 million of additional payments from Amtrak to the Contractor. Amtrak Employee #1 and officials with the Contractor falsely inflated the true costs of some of the work to be performed by the Contractor under these change orders, causing Amtrak to be substantially overbilled by over $2 million for the completion of the 30th Street Station Repair and Restoration Project. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, a three-year period of supervised release, a $500,000 fine, and $200 special assessment. The case was investigated by the FBI, the Amtrak Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Grenell. An indictment, information, or criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Universal City Man Will Spend 60 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Children

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – A Universal City man was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 720 months in prison for three charges related to sexual exploitation of children. According to court documents, Christopher Lee Castano, 44, accessed and transferred child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to and from external devices using his employer’s computer system while at a facility in San Antonio. The employer contacted the FBI in August 2022, after having discovered that Castano possessed files with names associated with child pornography on four removable devices since January 2022. On Aug. 3, 2022, an employee observed the files as Castano connected the external devices to the employer’s computers. A federal search warrant led to the search of Castano’s work area and his devices, and an investigation revealed CSAM produced by Castano between 2015 and 2018 when the female child victim in the images was 11-14 years old. FBI personnel also located multiple CSAM images and videos depicting another minor female produced around 2016 when that victim was between the ages of five and 26 months old. A graphic CSAM video of Castano’s was produced using his cell phone on July 21, 2018, depicting the second child victim when she was just over two years old. Castano has remained in federal custody since his arrest on Aug. 10, 2022. He was indicted for 13-counts on Sept. 7, 2022 and pleaded guilty to three counts on Oct. 12, 2023. In addition to his 60-year prison sentence, Castano was also ordered to pay restitution to two child victims in the amount of $50,000 each and another $5,000 each to five additional victims who were identified through the investigation. “Unless he lives well into his hundreds, this child predator is rightfully going to serve what is essentially a life sentence for the heinous crimes he has committed against at least half a dozen children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “I thank Castano’s employer for reporting his actions to our partners at the FBI, who helped us achieve this just sentence. While this does not erase what the child victims endured, we hope that they find some solace in the fact that Castano is no longer a threat to anyone.” “Castano heinously abused some of the most vulnerable among us. This sentence properly reflects the seriousness of his crimes and will hopefully provide some semblance of justice for his victims. The FBI is committed to protecting our children and relentlessly pursuing those who would cause them harm," said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp for the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office. “We want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their partnership and dedication to this important mission.” The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: TWO ZACHARY MEN SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR THEFT OF TWELVE FIREARMS

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: Acting United States Attorney April M. Leon announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced Keyshawn Newman, age 24, of Zachary, Louisiana, to 39 months in federal prison and Ransom Parker, age 27, of Zachary, Louisiana, to 70 months in federal prison following their convictions for theft of firearms from a business licensed to engage in the business of dealing in firearms. The Court further sentenced both men to serve three years of supervised release following their terms of imprisonment. According to admissions made as part of their guilty pleas, on June 19, 2023, the owner of Thompson Creek Sporting Goods observed four individuals wearing masks and hoodie-type sweatshirts via live-feed surveillance footage from a camera mounted on the outside rear of his business. The owner contacted the Jackson Police Department, who responded to the store. Prior to police arrival, the owner received an alarm notification indicating that the front door had been breached. The first responding officer arrived shortly after the alarm notification and observed four suspects run from the business carrying firearms. The suspects were observed running in different directions and were dropping firearms as they ran. As more police officers arrived in the area, they set up a perimeter and began searching the area for the suspects. Twelve firearms were taken from the store’s inventory. A total of ten firearms were located on the ground at various locations in the directions that the suspects fled. On-scene investigators were notified that a maintenance worker at East Mental Hospital located a suspicious male inside the powerhouse station of the facility, which was approximately six miles from the store. Officers located the individual and identified him as Newman. Newman ultimately admitted to being involved with the burglary. Parker was subsequently identified by two co-defendants as being involved in the burglary and was the driver of the vehicle used. Parker ultimately admitted to participating in the burglary and driving the vehicle. The twelve firearms recovered were identified as a CMMG, model MK4, 4.6x30 caliber pistol; Armalite, model M-15, 5.56 caliber rifle; Arsenal, model SAM-5, 5.56 caliber rifle; Diamondback, model DB-15, 5.56 caliber rifle; Diamondback, model DB-15, 5.56 caliber rifle; Hi-Point, model 1095, 10mm caliber rifle; Radom, model Sporter, 7.62x39 caliber rifle; Riley Defense, model RAK74, 5.45x39 caliber rifle; Rock Island Armory, model VR80, 12-gauge shotgun; Ruger, model LC Carbine, 5.7x28 caliber rifle; Ruger, model AR556, 300 Blackout caliber rifle; and a Diamondback, model DB-15, 5.56 caliber rifle. This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Jackson Police Department, and East Feliciana Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eli J. Abad.


title: Vicksburg Man Convicted of   Falsifying Firearms Documents, Aggravated Identity Theft,  and Obstruction of Justice

component: Department of Justice

body_text: JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI – A federal jury convicted Zaid Khalaf, 42, of Vicksburg, Mississippi, a former Federal Firearms Licensee (“FFL”) on Thursday, March 27, 2025, for two counts of falsifying records, two counts of aggravated identity theft, and one count of obstruction of justice. The convictions followed a two-day trial. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Khalaf was a Federal Firearms Licensee at a gun shop in Vicksburg, Mississippi since 2022. On April 24, 2024, an ATF firearms compliance inspection found that Khalaf falsified multiple firearms transaction records. Khalaf used the identities including social security numbers of two of his previous customers to forge firearm transaction records in their names. Khalaf presented the forged documents to the ATF investigator during the inspection. It is against federal law to falsify ATF records and to use the identities and private information of citizens without their consent. Khalaf is no longer a Federal Firearms Licensee. Khalaf is scheduled to be sentenced on July 22 and faces a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft consecutive with any other term of imprisonment imposed. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi; and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement.


title: Traffic Stop in Southeast D.C. Leads to Federal Indictment, Firearm Recovery, and Drug Seizure

body_text: WASHINGTON - Ikea Gartrell, 35, of Washington D.C., has been indicted on federal gun charges in the latest case to be federally adopted as part of the “Make D.C. Safe Again” initiative, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Gartrell was indicted on one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, following her March 1 st arrest in Southeast D.C. According to court documents, on March 1, 2025, at approximately 4:49 p.m., Metropolitan Police Department personnel conducted a traffic stop in the 900 block of Barnaby Street SE, Washington, D.C. Officers then made contact with the driver, later identified as Ikea Gartrell, who was allegedly found to be operating without a valid license. During the stop, it is alleged that an open container of alcohol was observed, prompting officers to ask all occupants to exit the vehicle. A subsequent investigation led to the discovery of a loaded, unregistered firearm on Gartrell’s person. Gartrell was placed under arrest for Carrying a Pistol Without a License (CPWL) and no permit. Records indicated Gartrell had a prior felony conviction. The investigation is ongoing. The ATF and MPD are investigating this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Helfand. This case is part of Make DC Safe Again, a public safety initiative led by U.S. Attorney Martin that is surging resources to reduce violent crime in the District. This initiative was created to address gun violence in the District, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenders, and seek detention for federal firearms violators. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ##


title: Raleigh Man Sentenced to 7.5 Years in Prison for  Possession of a Firearm as a Felon

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh man was sentenced Thursday to 90 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Christopher Ivan White, age 58, pled guilty to the charge on December 19, 2024. According to court documents and other information presented in court, on the afternoon of April 8, 2024, White shot another man in front of Renegade Motors, located at 2621 S. Wilmington Street in Raleigh. Raleigh Police officers responded to the scene of the shooting where the victim was being treated by emergency medical services for a gunshot wound to the left thigh. White fled the scene and attempted to toss away the firearm. Raleigh Police searched the surrounding area and located White and the firearm. White was also found in possession of cocaine. White was a felon and prohibited to own or possess a firearm. His prior felony convictions include breaking and entering, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and embezzlement. Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Raleigh Police investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Nokes and Evelyn S. Yarborough prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-00297. ###


title: Recidivist Receives 7 Years in Prison for Firearms  Possession and Drug Trafficking

body_text: Raleigh, N.C. – A Goldsboro man was sentenced Thursday to 5 years in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Arraqib Hardy, 33, pled guilty to the charge on December 16, 2024. Hardy received an additional 2 years in federal prison for committing this offense while on federal supervised release for the offenses of possessing a stolen firearm (aiding and abetting) and discharging a firearm in a school zone (aiding and abetting). Hardy received a total sentence of 7 years. According to court documents and other information presented in court, Goldsboro Police officers were conducting surveillance on a convenience store parking lot due to possible drug activity on June 15, 2023. Officers observed Hardy engage in what appeared to be hand-to-hand drug transactions and arrested him. Police located a bag with a loaded 9mm handgun, marijuana, fentanyl, and $365 on Hardy. According to law enforcement, Hardy was a member of the United Blood Nation gang. Hardy had prior convictions in 2013 for discharging a weapon into an occupied or moving vehicle. This investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launders, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Goldsboro Police Department investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:23-CR-00120. ###


title: GOVERNMENT RECEIVES $100,000 TO RESOLVE FRAUDULENT PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM LOAN

component: Civil Division

body_text: GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Mac C. Johnson and a company he owned and operated, Mac Johnson & Sons Dumpster, Crane & Demolition, LLC, agreed to pay $100,000 to settle allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly providing false information in support of a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan application. In 2019, Johnson was sentenced to one year and a day in prison after pleading guilty to tax fraud, wire fraud, structuring financial transactions to evade reporting requirements, and harboring undocumented aliens. Following his conviction, Johnson knowingly submitted false claims to the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) in support of a PPP loan made to Defendant Mac Johnson & Sons Dumpster, Crane & Demolition, LLC. Specifically, in the April 2020 loan application, Johnson failed to report that the owner of the company had been convicted of a felony within the prior five years. Knowing that his company was ineligible to participate in the PPP, Johnson used false information to secure a loan for $48,514. “This settlement, which is more than twice the fraudulently obtained amount, reflects the diligence and determination we will use to pursue businesses who defraud the government,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle Spaven. “Here, a defendant who was punished for fraud and harboring aliens continued to take funds unlawfully. Our Civil Division ensured that this fraudster will not benefit from what rightfully belongs to the American people.” This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary Ann Couch and Marie Moyle from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, with assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The criminal matter is detailed at the following link: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/alachua-county-man-sentenced-prison-harboring-undocumented-aliens-and-evading-workers The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Jacksonville Felon Sentenced To Federal Prison For Unlawful Possession Of A Firearm

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Jonathan Scott Thompson (45, Jacksonville) to 33 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Thompson to forfeit his interest in the firearm that he possessed. Thompson pleaded guilty on December 20, 2024. According to court documents, on March 15, 2024, officers from the Jacksonville Beach Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance after a witness called 911 to report that Thompson was dragging a woman and throwing her to the ground. The victim and Thompson then argued inside a vehicle at the scene, and at some point, Thompson threw her down into the car and located a Glock semi-automatic pistol. The victim saw the firearm in his hands. Officers arrived at the scene and recovered the loaded firearm inside the vehicle. At the time, Thompson had multiple prior felony convictions, including armed burglary and burglary of a conveyance. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Beach Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lasry. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Ohio Man Found Guilty of Using His Tax Prep Clients’ Identities to Defraud the Federal Government of Pandemic Funding

body_text: CLEVELAND – A federal jury has convicted Mustafa Ayoub Diab, 41, of Ravenna, Ohio, of orchestrating a financial conspiracy that defrauded the U.S. government of pandemic benefits. After an approximately week-long trial, Diab was found guilty on 12 counts of theft of government funds, 12 counts of bank fraud, 11 counts of wire fraud, 6 counts of aggravated identity theft, and 1 count each of conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud and to launder monetary instruments. According to court documents, Diab owned and operated a tax return preparation business in Akron, Ohio. Along with his co-conspirator, Elizabeth Lorraine Robinson, 33, of Ravenna, the couple developed a scheme to take advantage of government programs that expanded unemployment and small business benefits that became available during the COVID-19 pandemic. One such program, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program, was expanded to individuals who otherwise did not qualify for regular benefits. Additionally, the Paycheck Protection Program, was administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration and provided resources and assistance to small businesses to cover payroll, utilities, rent/mortgage, accounts payable and other bills incurred which were tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. Diab exploited both of these programs for his benefit. From around, June 2020 to August 2021, Diab submitted fraudulent applications for pandemic unemployment benefits and small business assistance for many of his tax preparation business clients. Without their knowledge, he lied about their employment, or about being small business owners, on the applications so they would qualify to receive pandemic funds and benefits. Investigators also discovered that Diab opened bank accounts in his clients’ names to receive the pandemic benefit funds via direct deposit, which the clients did not have access to, along with accounts in the names of Robinson and Diab’s sister. When the pandemic relief funds were deposited into these accounts, he immediately withdrew the funds in cash for his personal use. With the cash, Diab bought real estate, cars and took international trips. In evidence presented to the jury at trial, Diab submitted fraudulent applications in the names of nearly 80 victims, causing the federal government to pay out more than $1.2 million in pandemic benefits that were deposited into the various bank accounts that Diab controlled. Sentencing is scheduled for July 28, 2025. Diab faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Robinson pleaded guilty to conspiracy, wire fraud, bank fraud, and theft of government funds in February and is currently awaiting sentencing. She also faces up to 30 years in prison. The FBI Akron Division investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vanessa V. Healy and Brenna L. Fasko prosecuted that case for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Leader of Fentanyl Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Providence, R.I. man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for leading a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Estarlin Ortiz-Alcantara, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In December 2023, Ortiz-Alcantara pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Ortiz-Alcantara was charged in July 2022 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2022. Between approximately February 2021 and July 2022, Ortiz-Alcantara managed a DTO that distributed fentanyl in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. As part of his DTO’s operations, Ortiz-Alcantara controlled a stash house in Fall River to store, process and distribute fentanyl and employ numerous individuals who assisted with mixing, packaging and distributing fentanyl. During a search of Ortiz-Alcantara’s stash house in July 2022, more than 12 kilograms of fentanyl, as well as items consistent with running a fentanyl business, including blenders, a hydraulic press and baggies were seized. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira; and Fairhaven Police Chief Michael J. Myers made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; Homeland Security Investigations; Bristol County Sherriff’s Office; and the Fall River, Taunton, Attleboro, Scituate, Yarmouth, Providence (R.I.) and West Warwick (R.I.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Mulcahy of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Oklahoma Man Sentenced to 45 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Children

body_text: MIDLAND, Texas – An Oklahoma man was sentenced in a federal court in Midland to 540 months in prison for charges related to sexual exploitation of children. According to court documents, on Jan. 30, 2024, Jonathon Chase Russell, 36, of Elk City, posted in a messaging app 15 images that depicted two minor females engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The next day, Russell sent three of the images to an undercover federal investigator, stating that the two minors were three and 11 years old. Further investigation led FBI agents to identify Russell’s IP addresses and locate him at a hotel in Midland. On Feb. 8, 2024, agents executed a warrant on his hotel room, where they discovered pairs of children’s underwear and a green tactical backpack that contained sexual devices. Agents also discovered a smartphone, which had been hidden underneath a refrigerator and which forensic examination revealed contained a substantial collection of images depicting sexual abuse of minor children. The Western District of Texas filed a three-count indictment on Feb. 28, 2024, charging Russell with possession of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Russell was also indicted in the Western District of Oklahoma on April 3, 2024, for one count of production of visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. His Oklahoma case was transferred to Midland, and on Aug. 19, 2024, Russell pleaded guilty to the count charged in the Western District of Oklahoma indictment and to all three counts charged in the Western District of Texas via a superseding indictment. “The lengthy sentence imposed in this case reflects the immense damage this individual inflicted on multiple children, who will be plagued by these experiences for the rest of their lives,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “Along with our law enforcement partners and, when necessary, across districts, we will continue to hold accountable the predators who harm the lives of children through illicit sexual crimes.” “This defendant’s abhorrent behavior has been put to an end thanks to cooperation between federal prosecutors and law enforcement across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “The lengthy sentence imposed is yet another example of the Department’s focus on protecting children and serving justice to those who seek to target the most vulnerable in our communities.” “The significant sentence imposed on Jonathan Chase Russell sends a clear message that there are serious consequences for those individuals who exploit children. Russell will serve the next 45 years in federal prison for his incomprehensible acts,” said John Morales, FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge. “We remain committed in working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue those who victimize the most vulnerable members of our society, our children, from infants to toddlers to young children to teenagers, we will hunt you down and serve justice for these horrendous crimes.” The FBI investigated the case with assistance of the Elk City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Haywood prosecuted the case for the Western District of Texas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ganz prosecuted the Western District of Oklahoma’s case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. ###


title: Dual Pakistani-Canadian National Arrested for Years-Long Scheme to Circumvent U.S. Export Control Laws

body_text: An indictment was unsealed yesterday charging Mohammad Jawaid Aziz, also known as Jawaid Aziz Siddiqui and Jay Siddiqui, 67, of Pakistan and Canada, with conspiracy to violate U.S. export laws and violating U.S. export laws. Siddiqui was arrested on March 21 in the Western District of Washington while attempting to cross into the United States from Canada. He remains detained, pending transfer to the District of Minnesota. As alleged, from as early as 2003 through approximately March 2019, Siddiqui operated an illicit procurement network through his Canada-based company Diversified Technology Services. The purpose of the network was to obtain U.S.-origin goods on behalf of prohibited entities in Pakistan that were associated with the country’s nuclear, missile, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs. According to the indictment, Siddiqui, while operating through Diversified Technology Services, procured various goods – including sensitive and restricted items subject to export administration regulations (EAR) and those on the Commerce Control List – from U.S. companies on behalf of the restricted entities in Pakistan. As alleged, Siddiqui and his co-conspirators worked to conceal the true end-users of the goods from U.S. companies, often using front companies and transshipping goods through third countries to evade detection. Siddiqui is charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and Export Control Reform Act, which carries a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison; and violating the Export Control Reform Act, which carries a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, and Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tambrini of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Chicago Field Office, Office of Export Enforcement made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations Minneapolis, the FBI Minneapolis Field Office, and the Department of Commerce’s BIS Chicago Field Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley Endicott for the District of Minnesota and Trial Attorney Nicholas Hunter of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. They received assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jensen from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington and the Department’s Office of International Affairs. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Ramah Man Faces Federal Charges for Roadside Shooting

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Ramah man is facing charges in federal court for allegedly shooting at a vehicle, injuring one person. According to court documents, on March 18, 2025, a vehicle driven by John Doe swerved to avoid a collision with a blue Jeep driven by Leon Garcia , an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. After the near-miss, John Doe followed Garcia 's vehicle to a residence on the Ramah Navajo Reservation. There, Garcia allegedly exited his Jeep armed with a rifle and fired multiple shots at John Doe's car. As John Doe attempted to turn the vehicle around, Garcia allegedly shot at it multiple times. Garcia also fired again as the vehicle drove away. Garcia is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Garcia faces up to 10 years in prison. Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Ramah-Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case. View the Criminal Complaint (Garcia).pdf A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: District Man Indicted on Felony Charges for Strangulation and Assault of Former Girlfriend on New Year’s Day

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Byron Ajanel, 24, of Washington, D.C., was indicted on March 26, 2025 on felony charges for strangulation, assault with significant bodily injury, and threats stemming from his attack on his former girlfriend, U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced. Ajanel is scheduled to be arraigned on May 13, 2025, at a hearing before the Honorable Judith Pipe. According to the government’s evidence, on January 1, 2025, the defendant got into an argument with the victim that escalated into a physical assault that included the defendant pushing down the victim, strangling her with both hands around her neck, punching her in the face, and threatening her. The defendant’s charges include strangulation, which the D.C. Council’s Secure D.C. Omnibus Amendment Act of 2024 made a felony offense. Strangulation is widely recognized as one of the most lethal forms of intimate partner violence. A major strangulation study in San Diego, which is frequently cited, found: “Many victims suffer internal injuries, including permanent brain damage. Signs and symptoms do exist and can be documented even without visible injury… Most abusers do not strangle to kill. They strangle to show they can kill. Victims often suffer major long-term emotional and physical impacts. Surviving victims are much more likely to die later if their abuser has strangled them.” The study also noted that “…..the odds of becoming a victim of attempted homicide increased by 700%, and the odds of becoming a homicide victim increased by 800%, among women who had been strangled by their partner.” This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Lieberman. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Armed Raleigh Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A Raleigh man was sentenced Thursday to 15 years in prison for cocaine trafficking and firearms possession. On December 5, 2024, Linwood Davis pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents and other information presented in court, in June of 2023, law enforcement identified Davis as a source of supply of cocaine in the Raleigh area. After conducting multiple controlled purchases involving Davis, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence on November 3, 2023. Law enforcement recovered over 1,000 grams of cocaine, approximately $44,470 in U.S. currency, and two firearms, both with large capacity magazines, from Davis’s house. Davis has five previous felony drug convictions (2003, 2004, 2007 and 2013) and two previous felony convictions for eluding arrest with a motor vehicle (2003 and 2004). Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Raleigh Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey L. Peaden prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-263-BO-RN. ###


title: Middlesex County Man Charged For Making False Statement About Terrorist Organization Association On U.S. Citizenship Application

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A federal grand jury in the District of New Jersey returned a two-count indictment against a New Jersey man for falsely stating on an application for naturalization that he had never been associated with a terrorist organization, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced. Gafur Abdudzhamilovich Aliev, 44, of Edison, New Jersey, is charged with one count of making a false statement on an application for naturalization and one count of perjury. Aliev is scheduled to appear this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor via videoconference. According to the indictment, between in or around January 2018 and in or around January 2020, Aliev was a moderator and/or member of numerous channels on a social media application with encryption features that targeted members, associates, supporters, and potential recruits of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (“ISIS”). On or about August 7, 2020, Aliev told Individual-1, in substance, that he previously sent money to ISIS for the purchase of weapons, and on or about August 16, 2020, Aliev additionally told Individual-1, in substance, that sending even a small amount of money ($100 to $400) to ISIS was “ok.” On or about September 28, 2020, Aliev further told Individual-1, in substance, that those who commit jihad in the name of Allah should commit jihad financially and physically and that without financial support, jihad could not be performed, as money was needed to purchase equipment to conduct jihad. On or about December 26, 2020, Aliev, under penalty of perjury, falsely stated in his application for naturalization that he had never been a member of, or in any way associated with, a terrorist organization. The false statement on a naturalization application count carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The perjury count carries a maximum potential penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. U.S. Attorney Giordano credited special agents of the FBI and task force officers of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, deportation officers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Field Office Director John Tsoukaris, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, and the Edison Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas Bryan, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanks U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for its assistance with the case. The government is represented by Joyce M. Malliet, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s National Security Unit, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. ### Defense counsel: Naz Ahmad, Esq. Linda Foster, AFPD, Esq. aliev.indictment.pdf


title: Illegal alien indicted for smuggling 19 other illegal aliens

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 33-year-old Mexican national has been charged for smuggling 19 people and for illegally re-entering the United States following an order of removal, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Orlando Daniel Hernandez-Cepeda is now in custody and is expected to appear for his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ignacio Torteya III April 10 at 8:45 a.m. The criminal complaint originally filed in the case alleges that on March 10, authorities observed a white cargo van drive towards the Rio Grande River and come to a stop. At that time, they observed approximately 20 individuals entering the van, according to the allegations. The charges allege that after the vehicle departed the location, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop. A search allegedly resulted in the discovery of 19 illegal aliens in the back with no legal status to enter or remain in the United States. The indictment, returned March 27, alleges authorities also identified Hernandez-Cepeda as a Mexican citizen with no legal status to enter or remain in the United States and had been previously removed. Hernandez-Cepeda is charged with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and faces up to 10 years in federal prison, upon conviction. If convicted of any of the three counts of transporting illegal aliens, he could receive up to five years and another two years upon conviction of illegal reentry. All charges also carry a potential $250,000 maximum fine. Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis Salazar is prosecuting the case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Illegal Alien Indicted for Fentanyl, Firearm, and Immigration-Related Crimes

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Sarah Maud Jess, 61, of Capitol Heights, Maryland. Jess is charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, two counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien, and reentry of an alien removed after conviction for an aggravated felony. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the plea with Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division; Special Agent in Charge William DelBagno, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office; Chief Marc R. Yamada, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD); and Police Chief Malik Aziz, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGCPD). According to the indictment, Jess engaged in a conspiracy to distribute at least 40 grams of fentanyl between November 2023 and October 2024. She also distributed 40 grams or more of fentanyl on specific dates in June and September 2024. Additionally, Jess is charged with possessing with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl on October 2, 2024; illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition on the same date; and as an alien who was previously removed from the United States after being convicted of an aggravated felony. Jess was found in the United States without receiving permission to reapply for admission into the country as required by law. If convicted, Jess faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 40 years for the drug charges; up to 15 years for the firearm charge; and up to 20 years for the aggravated illegal reentry charge. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI, DEA, FBI, MCPD, and PGCPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Wright and Nicholas Potter who are prosecuting the federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Former federal officer sentenced for smuggling aliens and receiving bribes from cartel

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A former Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer has been sentenced to federal prison in two separate cases for allowing aliens and cocaine across the border, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Emanuel Isac Celedon, 37, Laredo, pleaded guilty March 11, 2024, for his role in illegally smuggling illegal aliens into the United States through the Lincoln Juarez Port of Entry (POE) in Laredo. He also admitted to bribery and attempted importation of cocaine for accepting money to allow what he thought was cocaine to cross into the United States from Mexico. U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana has now imposed a total of 117 months in prison for both cases to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a money judgment of $17,980. At the hearing, the court noted Celedon’s job was to protect the United States from introduction of controlled substances and people not authorized to be in the country, and that he had failed in both regards. Judge Saldana added that Celedon was deeply involved in the organization and appeared to want to go even deeper. “Anybody who aids or works for the cartel is going to find themselves on the wrong end of a federal indictment,” said Ganjei. “This case was especially troubling given the position of trust the defendant held. His criminal conduct stands in stark contrast to the heroic work the men and women of CBP are doing every day to keep our border and ports secure.” While employed as a CBP Officer in Laredo in 2023, Celedon sought contacts within the Mexican criminal organization known as the Cartel del Noreste in order to smuggle drugs and aliens through his inspection lane in exchange for monetary payment. During an undercover operation, Celedon expressed his interest in smuggling cocaine for payment, provided his duty schedule and gave instructions directing a loaded vehicle to his inspection lane at the port of entry. He then allowed the vehicle to safely cross into the United States. Using his position as a CBP officer, Celedon allowed several kilograms of what he believed to be cocaine into the United States on two separate occasions in October 2023. In exchange, he received $6,000. Further investigation revealed Celedon also conspired with at least three others to bring illegal aliens into the United States without inspection. Celedon provided his daily lane assignment to Mexican national Homero Romero-Hernandez, 32, who passed the information to Jose Osvaldo Zapata-Vasquez, 25, another Mexican national with ties to the cartel. Zapata-Vasquez hired Cotulla resident Beatris Guadalupe Martinez, 22, to act as the driver. Zapata-Vasquez relayed instructions to Martinez based on information Celadon provided regarding when to pick up the aliens in Mexico and which lane to approach when making entry to the United States. The investigation revealed Martinez transported people through Celedon’s lane on at least nine separate occasions between September and November 2023. Each time, Celedon permitted entry without inspecting any of Martinez’s passengers. Additionally, on at least two of those dates, Celedon falsely inputted information into a CBP database in order to avoid sending Martinez to a mandatory secondary inspection. Celedon then asked Zapata-Vasquez and Romero-Hernandez to relay this to smugglers in Mexico in order to reassure them that he was doing his part to facilitate the cartel’s smuggling efforts. Law enforcement seized $1,980 in cash from Celedon at the time of his arrest, which he admitted were proceeds from human smuggling. Judge Saldana previously sentenced Zapata-Vasquez, Romero-Hernandez and Martinez to 46, 36, and 42 months in prison, respectively. Celedon has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and CBP - Office of Professional Responsibility conducted the investigation with assistance from the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, Texas Department of Public Safety, Border Patrol, Webb County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office and CBP Laredo Joint Forensic Center. The case is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation and coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. JTFA, a partnership with DHS, has been elevated and expanded with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of California, District of Arizona, District of New Mexico and Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Office of Enforcement Operations and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 355 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of alien smuggling, more than 320 U.S. convictions, more than 265 significant jail sentences imposed and forfeitures of substantial assets. This case is also part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhood . Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Day and Arthur R. Jones prosecuted the cases.


title: Federal Jury Convicts Chicago Man of Sex Trafficking and Kidnapping Offenses

body_text: CHICAGO — A federal jury has convicted a Chicago man of violently sex trafficking five young victims, including a 15-year-old girl, and kidnapping two of them. The jury in U.S. District Court in Chicago on Tuesday convicted DENNIS WILLIAMS, 33, on all seven sex trafficking and kidnapping counts against him. Williams faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum of life. U.S. District Judge Mary M. Rowland set sentencing for Oct. 7, 2025. The convictions were announced by Morris Pasqual, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Chicago Police Department and the Lansing, Ill. Police Department. The government has been represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen Totten, Sushma Raju, and Michelle Parthum. According to evidence presented at the week-long trial, Williams used threats, violence, drugs, and other coercive means to force five victims to engage in commercial sex. Williams often restrained or assaulted the victims to force them to comply and turn over the proceeds to him. Williams also caused a 17-year-old girl, whom he also assaulted repeatedly, to assist him in trafficking the victims. Williams operated his sex trafficking operation in 2022 and 2023 out of his Chicago residence and motels in Lansing, Ill. On Aug. 2, 2022, Williams kidnapped one of his victims by luring her inside his truck and abruptly driving away. The victim escaped by leaping from the moving vehicle. On Jan. 10, 2023, Williams kidnapped another of his victims by confining her to his closet overnight and then forcing her to engage in commercial sex with strangers. The victim escaped by jumping out of a second-floor window and running a quarter mile to a Chicago Public Library branch. All five of Williams’ victims, including both of the kidnapping victims, testified about their ordeals at trial. If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


title: Midland Felon Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Pornography

body_text: MIDLAND, Texas – A Midland man was sentenced in federal court to 360 months in prison for child pornography production and drug and firearm offenses. According to court documents, Job Jasso Jr., 27, led a Midland County Sheriff’s Office deputy on a high-speed chase following an attempted traffic stop on March 13, 2024. Jasso crashed the vehicle and fled on foot, leaving a 17-year-old female in the passenger seat. A search of her phone revealed multiple sexually explicit photos of Jasso and the minor female. On March 25, 2024, the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force and other partnered agencies executed an arrest warrant at a hotel where Jasso was staying. Inside the room, Jasso and the minor victim from the March 13 incident were naked and taken into custody. Two firearms were seized during the arrest. An executed search warrant also revealed additional firearms, along with firearm accessories and ammunition, drug paraphernalia, 63.2 grams of fentanyl pills, and other related items. Review of a recovered smartphone found approximately 44 images and two videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and child exploitative material (CEM) depicting the minor victim. A search warrant return for a cloud storage account also uncovered 12 videos of CSAM and CEM of the minor victim. Jasso had previously been convicted in the 142nd District Court in Midland for aggravated kidnapping and received a sentence of five years’ confinement. On Aug. 28, 2024, Jasso was indicted for one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; one count of possession with intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime; and one count of possession of stolen firearms. A federal jury found him guilty of all four counts Nov. 6, 2024. A second indictment was filed Sept. 25, 2024, for two counts of production of child pornography. Jasso was also found guilty on both of those counts in a federal trial Dec. 10, 2024. U.S. District Judge David Counts sentenced Jasso to 360 months in prison for both child pornography charges, as well as a concurrent 300 months in prison for the other four counts. Judge Counts also ordered Jasso pay $55,000 in restitution. “Jasso has amassed a troubling criminal record over the years, carelessly placing others—including minors—in grave danger through his illicit actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “The 30-year sentence that he will now serve in federal prison is a significant penalty that appropriately fits the multiple offenses for which he was found guilty by a jury.” “This sentence serves as a reminder to all predators. We will not allow crimes against children to go unpunished,” said John Morales, FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge. “While this significant sentence cannot repair the damage done, it is a warning to those who engage in this behavior: FBI and our law enforcement partners will be relentless in our pursuit of child predators.” The FBI, Texas Department of Public Safety, Odessa Police Department, and Midland County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Sloane prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. ###


title: Former Deputy Director at District Office of Neighborhood and Safety Engagement Pleads Guilty to Bribery

body_text: WASHINGTON – Dana McDaniel, 44, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty today to bribery for accepting at least $10,000 in exchange for agreeing to use her position as Deputy Director at the District’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) to benefit another. The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (CI), Washington, D.C. Field Office, and District of Columbia Inspector General Daniel W. Lucas. U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras set a sentencing date for August 6, 2025. According to court documents, from January 2020 to April 2023, McDaniel served as the Deputy Director of ONSE. In that role, McDaniel managed agency programming and community-based services focused on providing resources and interventions for at-risk individuals in at-risk communities impacted by violence in the District, including the Violence Intervention (VI) Initiative, a collaborative community engagement strategy designed to support D.C. residents in reducing gun-related violence in their communities. Court documents show that, prior to September 2022 and continuing through at least August 2024, McDaniel accepted at least $10,000 in cash from a Maryland resident to direct contracts and grants to two different District of Columbia-based businesses associated with the Maryland resident. Those companies included a company that represented itself as a community-based initiative to serve high-risk youths and adults and operated throughout the District, and a company that provided VI services as part of ONSE’s VI initiative in Ward 5. McDaniel faces a maximum of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office, with substantial assistance from Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations and the District of Columbia Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca G. Ross, John Crabb, and Joshua Rothstein.


title: Detroit Man Sentenced to Just Over 2 Years in Federal Prison For Firing Gun on Crowded Sidewalk

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT - A man from Detroit, Michigan was sentenced today for a July 2024 shooting near Grand Circus Park announced Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck. Beck was joined in the announcement by James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Detroit Field Division and Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison. Christopher Wade, 30, was sentenced to 25 months in prison by United States District Judge Matthew F. Leitman. According to court records, following a dispute, Wade opened fire at the busy intersection of Woodward Avenue and Adams Avenue, firing nine rounds into the air. Thankfully, no one was injured, but a witness who was driving in the area reported that one of the rounds struck her vehicle. Officers quickly responded to the scene and apprehended Wade without further incident. Security cameras captured the shooting on video. This was the second time within a month that Wade opened fire in public and the fourth time in the last 10 years. Wade pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm in November of 2024. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Philip M. Jacques. The investigation was conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistance from the Detroit Police Department.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced To 20 Years For Illegally Possessing A Pistol And Ammunition Used In Two Murders

body_text: Savannah, Georgia – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney for the Middle District of Florida and Acting United States Attorney Tara M. Lyons for the Southern District of Georgia announce that Chief U.S. District Judge R. Stan Baker has sentenced Victor McMillar (33, Savannah) to 20 years in prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Judge Baker also recommended that McMillar serve his prison sentence at a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility as far from Savannah as possible. A federal jury found McMillar guilty on October 24, 2024. According to court documents and trial testimony, on November 3, 2018, McMillar fired eleven .40 caliber rounds from a Smith & Wesson pistol into the vehicle driven by a husband and wife down a residential street in Savannah. The couple was shot multiple times, and both were both transported to a hospital. The husband died from his gunshot wounds. His wife survived but suffered permanent injury. Two days later, McMillar shot and killed an acquaintance who had witnessed the first murder. This time McMillar used a Glock .40 caliber pistol and fired eleven times. The acquaintance was found dead in the street, struck by at least three bullets to his head. McMillar planted the Smith & Wesson pistol on the body of the second victim. DNA swabs taken from the Smith & Wesson pistol would later match to McMillar. Following the murders, McMillar was arrested by the Savannah Police Department and later indicted for the murders. McMillar was acquitted in Chatham County Superior Court on October 17, 2023. Following the acquittal, McMillar was indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Prosecutors from the Middle District of Florida were assigned as Special Assistant United States Attorneys to prosecute McMillar. During preparation for trial, special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) discovered that McMillar had attempted to erase a cellphone left at the first murder scene. The ATF agents obtained a search warrant for McMillar’s iCloud account, which McMillar failed to delete. McMillar’s iCloud account had several pictures of firearms taken on October 22, 2018, including a photograph of a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol, identical to the murder weapon. Additional cellphone forensic evidence placed McMillar at the scene of both murders. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Savannah Police Department. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Lasry and Frank Talbot. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Clay County Man Indicted On Firearm And Drug Charges

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of an indictment charging James Malcolm Davis (45, Middleburg) with possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. If convicted, Davis faces a minimum term of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison for the drug offense and up to 15 years’ imprisonment for the firearm offense. The indictment also notifies Davis that the United States intends to forfeit multiple firearms, ammunition, and magazines traceable to the firearm offense. Davis was arrested on March 25, 2025, and ordered detained. His trial is set for May 2025. According to the indictment and court proceedings, on October 31, 2024, Davis possessed with the intent to distribute over 5 grams of methamphetamine that was found in his car. On that same date, it was also determined that Davis possessed multiple firearms at his residence. At the time of the offenses, Davis had four prior state felony convictions, including aggravated assault, felony battery or domestic, and possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon (2010, 2022). As a convicted felon, Davis is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that streamlines efforts and resources from the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).


title: KC Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearms

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo. man has been sentenced in federal court for illegally possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Darren M. Wood, 28, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Wednesday, March 26, to 5 years in federal prison without parole. On Nov. 20, 2024, Wood pleaded guilty to one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. On Sept. 15, 2023, officers from the Belton, Mo. Police Department were dispatched on a suspicious activity call for someone sleeping in a vehicle. Wood exited the vehicle when officers began approaching the vehicle. Officers observed a Glock 19, 9mm pistol in the front driver’s seat. The firearm was loaded with one round in the chamber and a fully loaded 15-round magazine. Officers searched Wood and located over $3,000 cash. Officers searched the vehicle and located 285 blue tablets labeled “M30” which contained fentanyl, 20 alprazolam tablets, 4 clonazepam tablets, and 2 bottles containing liquid promethazine. Wood also possessed a black AR-15 style rifle with a loaded magazine and no serial number, which officers located in the vehicle’s trunk. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Jennings It was investigated by the Belton, Mo. Police Department, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Project Safe Neighborhoods This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – An indictment was unsealed yesterday charging Mohammad Jawaid Aziz, also known as Jawaid Aziz Siddiqui and Jay Siddiqui, 67, of Pakistan and Canada, with conspiracy to violate U.S. export laws and violating U.S. export laws. Siddiqui was arrested on March 21 in the Western District of Washington while attempting to cross into the United States from Canada. He remains detained, pending transfer to the District of Minnesota. As alleged, from as early as 2003 through approximately March 2019, Siddiqui operated an illicit procurement network through his Canada-based company Diversified Technology Services. The purpose of the network was to obtain U.S.-origin goods on behalf of prohibited entities in Pakistan that were associated with the country’s nuclear, missile, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs. According to the indictment, Siddiqui, while operating through Diversified Technology Services, procured various goods – including sensitive and restricted items subject to export administration regulations (EAR) and those on the Commerce Control List – from U.S. companies on behalf of the restricted entities in Pakistan. As alleged, Siddiqui and his co-conspirators worked to conceal the true end-users of the goods from U.S. companies, often using front companies and transshipping goods through third countries to evade detection. Siddiqui is charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and Export Control Reform Act, which carries a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison; and violating the Export Control Reform Act, which carries a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, and Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tambrini of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Chicago Field Office, Office of Export Enforcement made the announcement. “I am proud of the strong partnership between my office and the Justice Department’s National Security Division,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “We have no tolerance for defendants who violate U.S. export laws to send U.S.-origin goods to prohibited entities—here, entities in Pakistan associated with the country’s nuclear, missile, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programs. Mohamaad Aziz will now face federal justice here in Minnesota.” Homeland Security Investigations Minneapolis, the FBI Minneapolis Field Office, and the Department of Commerce’s BIS Chicago Field Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley Endicott for the District of Minnesota and Trial Attorney Nicholas Hunter of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. They received assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Jensen from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington and the Department’s Office of International Affairs. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: U.S. Attorney John Giordano Thanks President Donald Trump And Attorney General Pamela Bondi Upon His Departure From The District Of New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – John Giordano announced today that he will be stepping down as U.S. Attorney for his new role as U.S. Ambassador. “I thank President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi for their trust and confidence in me as U.S. Attorney. Serving President Trump and the citizens of my home state of New Jersey has been a great honor. I am particularly proud of the impactful and meaningful work of this office and our law enforcement partners to uphold the rule of law and safeguard our nation. I look forward to continuing to serve the President in my forthcoming role, and I remain committed to advancing the important work of his Administration.” U.S. Attorney John Giordano During his tenure, Giordano led the office in prosecuting significant and complex cases for the District of New Jersey. Under his leadership, the office worked closely with the dedicated and talented men and women of our law enforcement community to take back America. Giordano aggressively targeted violent gang activity, human trafficking networks, illegal immigration, and the ability of cartels to flood our streets with fentanyl and other deadly drugs. Giordano made it very clear, notably through both the conviction of individuals attempting to support ISIS and the extradition to the District of New Jersey of a dual Russian and Israeli national on charges he was a developer of the LockBit ransomware group, that if you commit crimes against the United States regardless of where you hide, we will find you and bring you to justice. As the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Mr. Giordano oversaw all federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving federal interests in the State. With offices in Newark, Camden, and Trenton, he supervised a dedicated staff of approximately 153 federal prosecutors and 104 support personnel. Following the departure of U.S. Attorney Giordano, Alina Habba will serve as the new U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey.


title: Rocky Mount Man Sentenced to More Than 18 Years for Armed Robbery

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A Rocky Mount man was sentenced today to 218 months in prison for robbing a Dollar General and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of multiple crimes of violence. Kaleb Joseph Coppage, age 23, pled guilty to the charges on September 30, 2024. According to court documents and other information presented in court, on November 30, 2023, Coppage entered the Dollar General at 2800 W. Raleigh Blvd. in Rocky Mount wearing a facemask. He pointed an AR-style pistol at an employee and demanded money. After stealing more than $2,800 from the store’s safe and cash registers, Coppage fled on foot. On December 8, 2023, Coppage entered the Circle K at 5102 Dortches Blvd. in Rocky Mount, again wearing a facemask, and pointed an AR-style pistol at an employee and demanded cash. The employee gave Coppage approximately $60 in a shopping bag which also contained a GPS tracker. The Nash County Sheriff’s Office followed the coordinates on the tracker and located Coppage in a stolen car. When they attempted to conduct a traffic stop, Coppage fled. He led law enforcement on a chase that exceeded 120 mph in a 45-mph zone. Coppage ultimately collided with another car and then fled the scene on foot. Law enforcement found the AR-style pistol, which was stolen, in the car Coppage had been driving. Upon further investigation, the sheriff’s office discovered that Coppage was on probation and monitored by an ankle bracelet. Through the ankle monitor, officers confirmed that Coppage was present at both the Dollar General and Circle K at the times of these robberies. Upon arrest, Coppage admitted to the robberies, and admitted that he stole the vehicle in which he fled from the Circle K. “Violently robbing our places of business terrorizes our communities and is a serious federal offense with significant consequences,” Acting United States Attorney Daniel P. Bubar stated today. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that we will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to stamp out gun violence. I commend the excellent work in this case by ATF, the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rocky Mount Police Department.” “Our Office has strived to take every available action to combat violent repeat offenders from wreaking havoc in our communities. We have focused our attention on illegal guns, gangs, and drugs that have found their way into Nash County,” said Nash County Sheriff Keith Stone. “Our partnerships with our local agencies, the District Attorney’s Office, federal partners, North Carolina Probation and Parole, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, has greatly increased our ability to remove defendants, that engage in these types of crimes away from our citizens. Mr. Coppage not only robbed our local convenience stores, but he also used a firearm to terrorize the clerks and lead our deputies on a pursuit that placed everyone’s life in danger. I am thankful for the hard work, dedication, and professionalism that the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, North Carolina Probation and Parole, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office demonstrated in this case. The Nash County Sheriff’s Office will continue its relentless pursuit to stop violent crime and drug trafficking in our county.” “A firearm in the hands of a prohibited individual is illegal and extremely dangerous,” said ATF’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Rogers. “ATF is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend those who try to undermine public safety and threaten our communities.” Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rocky Mount Police Department investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phil Aubart and Lori Warlick prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-84-BO-RJ. ###