title: California Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Multi-Million Dollar Money Laundering Conspiracy

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A California man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Rhode Island for his role in a wide-ranging business email compromise and money laundering scheme that defrauded companies, individuals, and the Town of Bristol out of nearly $9 million dollars, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. Alec Tahir Baker, 61, of Corona, CA, pleaded guilty on December 9, 2025, to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Baker will be sentenced on February 24, 2026. The sentences imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. According to court documents, Baker participated in a conspiracy that used phishing and spoofed vendor emails to gain access to victim computer networks and redirect legitimate wire transfers into bank accounts that he controlled. Baker opened dozens of bank accounts in his name and in the names of fraudulent companies. He received more than $7.6 million of the fraudulent funds and rapidly withdrew, transferred, or layered the funds (including through cryptocurrency accounts) to disguise their origin. Baker and his co-conspirators also gained access to the Town of Bristol’s computer network in January 2023, causing $310,500 in municipal funds to be wired into an account in Baker’s name, who then withdrew the funds or transferred them into other accounts. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lee H. Vilker and Denise M. Barton. The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Bristol Police Department; Genesee County, New York Sheriff’s Office; Baltimore County, MD Police Department; Hartland, Wisconsin Police Department; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.


title: Pickaway County man faces federal drug, gun charges

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury has indicted an Ashville, Ohio, man, charging him with trafficking in bulk amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine, and with illegally possessing firearms. Samuel A. Griffith, 35, is charged in a six-count indictment. According to charging documents, in October 2025, Griffith allegedly sold narcotics from a room at the Red Roof Inn on Renner Road in Columbus. When law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at the location, they discovered 18 firearms and kilogram quantities of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine. As a convicted felon, Griffith is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Griffith has at least three prior felony convictions in Franklin and Pickaway counties for robbery, aggravated possession of drugs and illegally having weapons. Griffith is charged with federal drug distribution and possession charges that carry potential punishments of at least 10 years and up to life in prison and five to 40 years in prison. Griffith faces up to 15 years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Charles A. Jones; Pickaway County Sheriff Matthew O. Hafey; Fairfield County Sheriff Alex Lape; and Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin announced the indictment filed on Dec. 4. The South-Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit, Columbus Division of Police Gang Enforcement Unit, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit and the Ohio State Highway Patrol Special Response Team participated in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin W. Kelley is representing the United States in this case. An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. # # #


title: Las Cruces Man Pleads Guilty to Two Bank Robberies

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man pleaded guilty in federal court to robbing two banks in February 2025. According to court documents, on February 12, 2025, Daniel Guereca , 29, robbed the U.S. Bank in Los Lunas, New Mexico. Wearing a black hoodie and a white mask, Guereca passed a handwritten demand note to two tellers before fleeing the bank with at least $6,000 in cash. Guereca then escaped the scene with the assistance of Breanne Gallegos , 29, who was waiting in the getaway vehicle and who had written the demand note that Guereca used. Eight days later, on February 20, 2025, Guereca robbed the PNC Bank in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Wearing a green hat, white mask, black hoodie, Adidas jacket, and sunglasses, Guereca again passed a handwritten note, claiming he was armed and demanding $20,000. The teller turned over $3,313 before Guereca fled the bank, leaving the demand note behind. Guereca then escaped the scene with the assistance of, Aarika Cuevas , 35, who was waiting in the getaway vehicle, who had written the demand note that Guereca used for this second bank robbery, and who had entered PNC bank a few minutes before the robbery to assess the feasibility of robbing the bank. Fingerprint analysis of the demand note recovered from the PNC Bank positively identified Guereca as the robber, and surveillance footage from both incidents showed a suspect matching his height and build. Photos from US Bank Robbery on Feb. 12, 2025 Photos from PNC Bank Robbery on Feb. 20, 2025 Guereca pleaded guilty to bank robbery and faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Upon his release from prison, Guereca will be subject to three years of supervised release. Gallegos pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank robbery and faces up to five years in federal prison. Upon her release from prison, Gallegos will be subject to three years of supervised release. Cuevas is currently charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank robbery and likewise faces up to five years in federal prison if convicted. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Las Cruces Police Department, the Los Lunas Police Department, and the Valencia County Sheriff's Office. Criminal Chief Richard Williams and Assistant U.S. Attorney Grant B. Gardner are prosecuting the cases.


title: Federal Court Permanently Prohibits Tampa-area Pharmacist from Filling Opioids Prescriptions and Pharmacy Dissolved

component: Civil Division

body_text: Monday, a federal court prohibited a Tampa-area pharmacist from filling prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances and entered a civil penalty against him in a case alleging violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). In a complaint filed in August 2022, the United States alleges that Nathaniel Esalomi unlawfully distributed powerful opioids by filling prescriptions he knew were not valid at Apexx Pharmacy in Hudson, Florida, where he was the owner and sole pharmacist. The complaint alleges that Esalomi charged dramatically inflated prices to fill opioid prescriptions and accepted thousands of dollars in cash for the drugs. The complaint further alleges that Esalomi instructed individuals to forge signatures on certain forms and to falsify addresses. The complaint also alleges that Esalomi filled numerous controlled substance prescriptions for persons who were deceased. “Medical professionals who knowingly facilitate the abuse of opioids violate their legal obligations,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department will pursue justice against anyone who seeks to profit from unlawfully distributing opioids.” “The opioid epidemic has devastated not only our communities here in Florida but the entire nation,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Our office will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who contributed to this crisis.” “Approximately 70 percent of all drug overdose deaths in America involve opioids,” said Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division. “This epidemic began in the mid-1990s, and it’s still something we’re fighting. We will remain steadfast in our effort to remove these poisons from our communities.” Esalomi agreed to a consent judgment to settle the allegations in the complaint. The order entered by the court permanently prohibits Esalomi from distributing opioids or other controlled substances, permanently prohibits him from managing, owning, or controlling any entity that dispenses controlled substances, and requires Esalomi to pay $10,000 of a $500,000 suspended civil penalty. Apexx Pharmacy was dissolved following the United States’ August 2022 complaint and the federal court’s associated temporary restraining order, and remains dissolved under the terms of the consent order. Esalomi also pleaded no contest to charges brought by the State of Florida in a related criminal case. U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber entered the judgment and permanent injunction in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The case was investigated by DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Tampa District Office. This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn B. Tapie and Alexandra N. Karahalios for the Middle District of Florida, and Trial Attorney Scott B. Dahlquist of the Justice Department’s Enforcement & Affirmative Litigation Branch. The claims made in the complaint are allegations that the United States would need to prove by a preponderance of the evidence if the case proceeded to trial.


title: Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Assault on Border Patrol Agents

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer after ramming a U.S. Border Patrol vehicle while fleeing in a stolen car in Las Cruces. According to court documents, on March 31, 2025, Christopher Jack Leach , 33, learned there was a warrant for his arrest in Arizona, borrowed a friend’s vehicle under false pretenses, and fled toward Florida with a passenger knowing the vehicle was stolen. He traveled across state lines while evading law enforcement. On April 2, 2025, Leach was driving the stolen vehicle through Las Cruces when he saw law enforcement following him and fled at a high rate of speed. U.S. Border Patrol agents responded and during the pursuit Leach accelerated toward an unmarked Border Patrol vehicle on a narrow street, prompting an agent to exit. Leach continued his flight, at one point driving into the agents’ vehicle, causing a collision, and fleeing the scene. Leach was later apprehended by the New Mexico State Police. Leach pleaded guilty to assault upon a federal officer involving physical contact. At sentencing, he faces up to eight years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol, New Mexico State Police, and Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyson Hehr is prosecuting the case.


component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL — Monday, a federal court prohibited a Tampa-area pharmacist from filling prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances and entered a civil penalty against him in a case alleging violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). In a complaint filed in August 2022, the United States alleges that Nathaniel Esalomi unlawfully distributed powerful opioids by filling prescriptions he knew were not valid at Apexx Pharmacy in Hudson, Florida, where he was the owner and sole pharmacist. The complaint alleges that Esalomi charged dramatically inflated prices to fill opioid prescriptions and accepted thousands of dollars in cash for the drugs. The complaint further alleges that Esalomi instructed individuals to forge signatures on certain forms and to falsify addresses. The complaint also alleges that Esalomi filled numerous controlled substance prescriptions for persons who were deceased. “Medical professionals who knowingly facilitate the abuse of opioids violate their legal obligations,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department will pursue justice against anyone who seeks to profit from unlawfully distributing opioids.” “The opioid epidemic has devastated not only our communities here in Florida but the entire nation,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Our office will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who contributed to this crisis.” “Approximately 70 percent of all drug overdose deaths in America involve opioids,” said Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division. “This epidemic began in the mid-1990s, and it’s still something we’re fighting. We will remain steadfast in our effort to remove these poisons from our communities.” Esalomi agreed to a consent judgment to settle the allegations in the complaint. The order entered by the court permanently prohibits Esalomi from distributing opioids or other controlled substances, permanently prohibits him from managing, owning, or controlling any entity that dispenses controlled substances, and requires Esalomi to pay $10,000 of a $500,000 suspended civil penalty. Apexx Pharmacy was dissolved following the United States’ August 2022 complaint and the federal court’s associated temporary restraining order, and remains dissolved under the terms of the consent order. Esalomi also pleaded no contest to charges brought by the State of Florida in a related criminal case. U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber entered the judgment and permanent injunction in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The case was investigated by DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Tampa District Office. This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn B. Tapie and Alexandra N. Karahalios for the Middle District of Florida, and Trial Attorney Scott B. Dahlquist of the Justice Department’s Enforcement & Affirmative Litigation Branch. The claims made in the complaint are allegations that the United States would need to prove by a preponderance of the evidence if the case proceeded to trial.


title: North Carolina man sentenced to 10 years in prison for trafficking 10 kilos of cocaine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A North Carolina man was sentenced this week to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 10 kilograms of cocaine. According to court documents, Kareem Akeem McMurrin, 41, and another person conspired to ship a package containing 10 kilograms of cocaine from San Diego, California, to Portsmouth. “McMurrin’s conduct was inherently dangerous and damaging on a transnational scale,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “He attempted to contribute to the success of a dangerous and larger enterprise. This administration has prioritized the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and to protect our communities from their crimes. My office will persist in prosecuting drug traffickers to achieve these goals.” “This is a result of local, state, and federal assets working together to achieve a common goal. DEA alongside the Norfolk Police Department accept this mission every day to protect our citizens,” said Christopher Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Washington Division. “By intercepting this shipment of drugs and apprehending those involved, we are taking significant steps toward dismantling dangerous transnational drug networks and ensuring public safety.” “Postal Inspectors work aggressively to eliminate illegal narcotics from the U.S. Mail,” said Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Washington Division. "Our dedication to these efforts helps us to protect both our employees and the public from this criminal activity. By working closely with our law enforcement partners, we were able to bring this case to a successful resolution.” On Feb. 5, law enforcement investigators intercepted a package containing 10 kilograms of cocaine. The cocaine was removed from the package and the parcel was delivered to the intended address where it was retrieved by McMurrin. When investigators attempted to arrest McMurrin, he fled at a high rate of speed with his adolescent child in the vehicle. McMurrin attempted to discard the package and continued to flee. Investigators located McMurrin in March and took him into custody on an outstanding warrant. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Services investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Comstock and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc W. West, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-84.


title: Bronx Man Sentenced To 18 Years In Prison For Enticing A Minor And Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that DANIEL BATISTA was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman to 18 years in prison for enticing a minor and possessing child pornography. BATISTA previously pled guilty on July 9, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave. “Daniel Batista paid a mother to create child pornography of her own daughter,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “He then used that child pornography both to gratify himself and to try to convince other parents to do the same. Today, the victims, families, and all New Yorkers get justice. Batista’s sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and our commitment to combat child sexual exploitation.” According to the allegations in the Information, public filings, and statements made in public court proceedings: In February 2024, while BATISTA was on probation following his guilty plea to forcibly touching the sexual or intimate parts of a 14-year-old girl on an MTA bus under New York penal law, BATISTA’s probation officers discovered more than a dozen deleted videos and images of child pornography on his cellphone. Several of the images depicted a particular prepubescent victim (“Minor Victim-1”). Further investigation revealed that, in approximately January and February 2024, BATISTA paid the mother of Minor Victim-1 over $1,000 to produce child pornography of Minor Victim-1 and send it to BATISTA. In addition, voice messages on BATISTA’s cellphone showed that BATISTA sometimes communicated directly with Minor Victim-1 and encouraged Minor Victim‑1 to make videos touching herself to send to BATISTA. BATISTA sent two images of child pornography depicting Minor Victim-1 to another parent to try to persuade that parent to produce child pornography of that parent’s children. * * * In addition to the prison term, BATISTA, 57, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to 10 years of supervised release. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Rosenberg is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Mescalero Man Sentenced for Assault

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man was sentenced to 57 months in prison for assaulting a woman and causing severe injuries. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records, on June 27, 2024, Myron Edward Blake, Jr. , 40, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, assaulted Jane Doe with a cinder block and a 2x6 board, causing substantial bodily injury. Blake pleaded guilty to one count of assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. Upon his release from prison, Blake will be subject to three years of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. The Assistant U.S. Attorney Silvia Delgado is prosecuting the case.


title: Snapchat Predator Nets 14 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced a Virginia man to 174 months in federal prison after he met a minor on Snapchat and manipulated her into sexual activity. On May 7, 2025, David Anthony Howard, II, age 27, pleaded guilty to transporting a minor across state lines to engage in criminal sexual activity. “Criminals who use apps like Snapchat to target and exploit our children are some of the worst offenders we face,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “We will not hesitate to bring the full force of the federal law down against anyone who preys on minors. Parents deserve to know we are doing everything possible to keep their kids safe.” According to court documents and other information presented in court, in April 2023, a Vance County mother reported that her fifteen-year-old daughter was missing and possibly being held by an adult male. The FBI, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, the Dinwiddie County (Virginia) Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia State Police determined that the minor was in Virginia with Howard at his residence. Further investigation revealed that Howard met the minor on Snapchat and manipulated her into a romantic and sexual relationship, traveling repeatedly from Virginia to her home in North Carolina to engage in sexual acts with her. He also enticed her to provide sexual images and videos. Finally, on the night of April 22, 2023, Howard tricked her to sneak out of her house and go to his home in Virginia. He kept her at his residence, continuing to sexually exploit her, until law enforcement recovered her five days later. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Blondel, Sarah Nokes, and Ashley Foxx prosecuted the case, and the FBI, the Vance County Sheriff’s Office, the Dinwiddie County (Virginia) Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia State Police investigated 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 Justice.gov/PSC . 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-237-FL.


title: Lynn Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking Two Women

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Lynn man pleaded guilty yesterday to benefitting financially from trafficking two women for sex and knowingly persuading and coercing both women to travel to another state to engage in prostitution. Anthony Coleman, 36, pleaded guilty to two counts of benefitting financially from trafficking and one count of knowingly persuading and coercing a person to travel to engage in prostitution. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for March 11, 2026. Coleman was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2024 . He remains in federal custody. Coleman targeted victims who had lost their jobs or homes during the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns in March through August of 2020. Coleman had his victims move with him into a house in Lawrence, posted or controlled online commercial sex advertisements for them, provided them scripts to negotiate payment and terms with commercial sex buyers and transported his victims to hotels and other places to engage in commercial sex – requiring them to give him all the money they made. Coleman also regularly coerced and forced his victims to have sex with him. Specifically, in March 2020, Coleman recruited one victim who had lost her job due to the pandemic. The victim would sometimes serve up to 10-16 clients per day, with Coleman taking all the profits. Coleman also took the victim to Florida on multiple occasions and had her engage in commercial sex in Florida. Coleman also physically abused the victim – one time holding the victim underwater and threatening to drown her. Around March and April 2020, Coleman recruited a second victim, convincing her to come live with him after she was kicked out of her home by a relative following their disagreements around COVID-19 safety practices. The victim was unable to get a job because many businesses were closed due to COVID-19. The victim began engaging in commercial sex for Coleman and in May 2020, Coleman persuaded the victim to travel to California to engage in commercial sex. When she wanted to leave Coleman threatened the victim – telling her that if she left, he would hurt her mother and her sibling. The charges of benefitting financially from trafficking provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of knowingly persuading and coercing a person to travel to engage in prostitution provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Revere and Cambridge Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torey B. Cummings of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Historic Homeland Security Task Force New York Targets Foreign Terrorists, Cartel Members, And Criminal Organizations With Ties To Big Apple

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Joseph Nocella, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christopher G. Raia, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), Harry T. Chavis, Jr., and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, joined federal partners on Dec. 10 to announce the establishment of the Homeland Security Task Force (“HSTF”) New York. Co-led by HSI and the FBI, the HSTF New York will serve as a first-of-its-kind task force that utilizes a whole-of-government approach to identify, disrupt and dismantle criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations (“TCOs”) in New York and throughout the United States. “We hear what New Yorkers want: they want our parks, schools, housing developments, subways, and streets to be safe and feel safe,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Together with our federal partners and the NYPD, the Southern District is committed to delivering safe streets and a better quality of life for all New Yorkers. In the last year, we have collectively investigated and charged: members of Tren de Aragua and many other brutally violent gangs with murders, sex trafficking, and narcotics distribution; over a dozen narco-terrorists and members of state-sponsored drug cartels with narcotics distribution; foreign nationals with fentanyl distribution; and most recently, 18 defendants in a wide narcotics sweep aimed at cleaning up Washington Square Park . The women and men of the SDNY are actively engaged in similar matters and are committed to making New York safer each and every day.” “The historic collaboration of this Task Force strengthens the mission to protect our citizens by standing between our Districts and the transnational criminal organizations, human smugglers, and cybercriminals who target us with drug trafficking, violence, and economic harm,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. “FBI New York proudly stands alongside our federal, state, and local partners to co-lead with HSI New York the New York Homeland Security Task Force,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “By bringing the full force of the federal government, this task force will dismantle designated terrorist enterprises who are responsible for trafficking lethal drugs and weapons into our communities. Through unified partnership, we will continue to defend the homeland from evolving threats, safeguard critical infrastructure, and strengthen national resilience.” “The people of this city deserve to know that special agents and investigators at every level of law enforcement are standing side-by-side and collaborating under one roof, so that New Yorkers may go about their lives safely and comfortably,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “The HSTF New York and HSI, as its co-leader, are driving coordinated investigations that strike at the heart of criminal networks and schemes both here and abroad. With unity as our strength and coordination as our advantage, we will outpace, outsmart, and outmaneuver transnational criminal organizations at every turn.” “We are proud to have entered into this agreement with the New York Homeland Security Task Force as a partner and as the third agency on the Executive Committee,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. “Whether it is money laundering, Bank Secrecy Act violations, a complex financial fraud, or leveraging our tax authority, we will continue working in tandem with all the agencies under the HSTF umbrella to take criminals off the street and dismantle transnational criminal organizations. Special Agents with IRS Criminal Investigation have long been known for lending their financial and tax expertise to complex investigations. With this agreement, our special agents will continue to proactively leverage our knowledge and unique skills for the betterment of this new team.” The mission of the HSTF is to identify and target for prosecution transnational criminal organizations engaged in diverse criminal schemes involving a myriad of federal violations both within the United States and throughout the world. Violations include, but are not limited to drug trafficking, money laundering, weapons trafficking, human trafficking, alien smuggling, homicide, extortion, kidnapping, weapons trafficking, and other TCO- related violations where there is or may be a federal investigative interest. HSTF New York will primarily focus on investigating TCO Foreign Terrorist Organizations (“FTOs”), and is working towards the disruption and full dismantlement of these criminal organizations, combining the full strength of the investigative and intelligence forces of the U.S. government. One key component of the HSTF is the ability to combine information from our intelligence community partners with our law enforcement investigations to increase our effectiveness in combatting and dismantling the threat. This task force model allows state, local, and federal law enforcement to extend our reach, share intelligence in real time, and target these threats at every level. HSTF New York is comprised of law enforcement personnel from state and local law enforcement, including the NYPD, and federal entities from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the Department of Treasury, the Department of State, the Department of War, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the Department of Labor. Participating agencies include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Diplomatic Security Service; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the New York City Police Department (NYPD); U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; U.S. Coast Guard; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Marshals Service – Eastern District of New York; U.S. Marshals Service – Southern District of New York; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the U.S. Secret Service. * * * More About the Homeland Security Task Force (“HSTF”) Homeland Security Task Forces (“HSTFs”) nationwide arrested more than 3,200 foreign terrorists, narcotraffickers, and gangbangers, and seized more than 91 metric tons of narcotics off American streets between August 25 and October 7 alone. Prior to the creation of HSTF, the federal government had 1,000 competing task forces focused on transnational criminal organizations. Since January, HSTF has established a new system and force in all 50 states and U.S. territories while coordinating and implementing operations with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement partners. Department of War and Intelligence Community partners are also providing HSTF with logistics, intelligence, and operational support. On August 25, HSTF officially launched its effort to protect the Homeland with a September Surge encompassing 400 operations nationwide. In just 43 days, HSTF’s nationwide operations resulted in 3,266 arrests and seizures including: 1,041 Sinaloa members, 856 Cartel Jalisco Nuevo Genaracion (“CJNG”) members, 641 MS-13 members, 456 Tren de Aragua members, 1,067 weapons More than $3,250,000 in currency Approximately 91 metric tons of narcotics The HSTF will absorb several key components of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”), which has now been retired, to serve as the foundation of the HSTFs, to include critical databases previously utilized by OCDETF, OCDETF Strike Force infrastructure, partnerships, and funding. HSTFs differ from Safe Street Task Forces (“SSTF”) by focusing on combating multijurisdictional TCOs operating across national borders, while the SSTF will continue to focus on targeting domestic gangs and violence reduction efforts in partnership with state and local law enforcement. When feasible, SSTF investigations could be enhanced by HSTF resources for maximum impact. HSTFs differ from Joint Terrorism Task Forces (“JTTF”) by focusing on combating multijurisdictional cartel and international gang TCOs operating across national borders with the ultimate goal to disrupt and dismantle these organizations through prosecution while JTTF will continue to focus on protecting the homeland from foreign and domestic, ideological-based terrorism.


title: Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering the United States  and Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Mexican National pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to illegal reentry and alien in possession of a firearm. Israel Ramirez-Jaramillo, 33, pleaded guilty before Chief Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr. to a federal indictment charging him with one count of illegal reentry and one count of alien in possession of a firearm. According to the plea agreement filed in the case, on April 20, 2025, Osage Beach Police Department officers were called to an apartment building regarding a report of shots fired and a domestic disturbance. Upon their arrival, officers contacted the subjects reportedly engaged in the domestic disturbance. The investigation revealed that Ramirez-Jaramillo and his girlfriend had been at a party earlier in the evening and upon coming back to her apartment, got into an argument. Witness statements indicated that after a neighbor who had overheard the argument went outside to check on the girlfriend, Ramirez-Jaramillo retrieved a firearm from his vehicle, walked towards the neighbor’s apartment while making a threatening statement, and then discharged the firearm into the air. Officers eventually located the firearm and loaded magazine in the toilet upon which Ramirez-Jaramillo was seated. In his plea agreement, Ramirez-Jaramillo admitted that he was first removed from the United States on April 5, 2011, at San Ysidro, California. His initial order of removal was reinstated after he was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol on April 13, 2011, near Cowlic, Arizona. Ramirez-Jaramillo was again removed from the United States to Mexico on July 13, 2011, at Brownsville, Texas. Under federal statutes, Ramirez-Jaramillo is subject to a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison without parole for the firearms offense, and up to two years on the illegal reentry offense. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cecily L. Hicks. It was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations, and Osage Beach Police Department. Operation Take Back America This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Federal Inmate Sentenced to Serve 30 Additional Years in Prison for Sexual Assault in Federal Transfer Center

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSEPH FRANCIS BUTLER , 35, of Illinois, has been sentenced to serve an additional 360 months in federal prison for committing aggravated sexual abuse at the Federal Transfer Center (FTC) in Oklahoma City, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Incarceration in a federal prison does not negate the protection of inmates from sexual or violent assaults by other inmates,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “This sentence for Mr. Butler to serve an additional three decades in prison sends a clear message that serious consequences await those who prey on fellow inmates.” According to public record and evidence presented at trial, on June 4, 2023, Butler, an inmate at the FTC, entered the cell of another inmate and sexually assaulted him. During the sexual assault, Butler held a shank to the victim’s neck and side. At the time, Butler was in federal custody as part of a 125-month prison sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm following his conviction in the District of Minnesota in case number 22-CR-304. On July 17, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Butler with aggravated sexual abuse. On March 14, 2025, after a four-day trial, a jury found Butler guilty. At the sentencing hearing yesterday, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Butler to serve 360 months in federal prison, to run consecutively to his existing prison term, followed by ten years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the nature and seriousness of the offense and Butler’s criminal history. This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Special Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Edgmon and Brandon Hale prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Chinese National Charged with Illegally Possessing Counterfeit Gift Cards

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury in Birmingham has charged a Chinese national with possessing counterfeit gift cards, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. A one-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Xiebin Xue, 40, with possession of fifteen or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices. According to the indictment, on January 10, 2024, Xue was found in possession of at least 33 gift cards that had been re-encoded with card numbers different from the card numbers printed on the cards and at least two gift cards that bore fake bar code labels that did not match the printed and encoded numbers on the cards. The United States Secret Service investigated the case along with the Tuscaloosa Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Brett A. Janich is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty for the charged offense is 10 years imprisonment. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.


title: Violent Felons in Indianapolis Receive Federal Sentences for Firearms Crimes

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

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Four violent felons have been removed from the streets of Indianapolis having been sentenced to federal prison for illegally possessing firearms. Each case stemmed from separate investigations and was prosecuted independently. Defendant Charge(s) Sentence Prior Felony Convictions Christopher Martin, 33 Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon 5 years Martin was previously convicted and incarcerated for reckless homicide and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon Desmond Hess, 33 Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (x2) 5.5 years Hess was previously convicted and incarcerated for criminal confinement and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon Andrew Pernell Jr., 44 Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon 4 years, 9 months Pernell was previously convicted and incarcerated for dealing cocaine and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon Jessie Stephens, 24 Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon 7.5 years Stephens was previously convicted and incarcerated for strangulation, domestic battery resulting in serious bodily injury, intimidation, criminal confinement, and resisting law enforcement As part of these investigations, the following firearms were seized and forfeited to law enforcement: Glock 23 .40-caliber handgun with extended magazine and machinegun conversion device Glock Model 17, 9mm semiautomatic handgun Glock 22 .40-caliber pistol (reported stolen in Hamilton County) Springfield Saint Edge AR pistol with machinegun conversion device Taurus G2S 9mm semiautomatic pistol (reported stolen in 2022) Taurus G2C 9mm handgun Desmond Hess and Christopher Martin: On November 17, 2023, Lawrence Police Department officers attempted a traffic stop on Hess (driver) and Martin (passenger). The men fled at a high rate of speed, eventually crashing and abandoning their vehicle. A search of the wrecked car revealed a loaded Glock 23 with an extended magazine on the driver’s floorboard, along with a loaded Glock 22 and a loaded AR pistol on the passenger side. The Glock had been reported stolen in Hamilton County, and the AR pistol was equipped with an illegal machinegun conversion device. Both men were later arrested on outstanding warrants for illegal firearm possession. Andrew Pernell Jr.: On July 19, 2024, an off-duty IMPD officer driving a personal vehicle stopped at a downtown Indianapolis traffic light. As the traffic light turned green, Pernell, Jr. walked in front of the officer’s vehicle and removed a semiautomatic pistol from his waistband. Seeing the pistol in Pernell’s hand, the officer, still seated in his car, drew his service weapon. Pernell chambered a round, pointed his pistol at the officer, and fled. The officer immediately provided Pernell’s description to on-duty IMPD officers. Later that day, officers located Pernell and found him carrying a loaded semiautomatic pistol reported stolen in 2022. Jessie Stephens: On February 10, 2025, IMPD officers conducted a welfare check after Stephens’ GPS monitor was tracked near the residence of a person with a no-contact order against him. When approached, Stephens attempted to discard a loaded handgun by throwing it over a fence. He was arrested that day without incident. “Convicted violent felons who continue to arm themselves pose a grave threat to our communities. These prosecutions demonstrate our commitment to working with federal, state, and local law enforcement to remove illegal firearms from the streets and hold offenders accountable. We will not tolerate individuals who repeatedly disregard the law and endanger public safety.,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The prosecution of convicted felons who unlawfully possess firearms is among the ATF’s highest priorities. These convictions underscore the agency’s continued commitment to reducing violent crime. Regrettably, these offenders chose actions inconsistent with the obligations imposed by their prior convictions, and they will now bear the consequences,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jorge Rosendo. “Each of these cases demonstrates how critical it is to keep firearms out of the hands of convicted violent felons to protect our communities,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “The FBI will continue working with our partners to identify and remove illegally possessed guns from the hands of those who are prohibited from having them.” The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI, IMPD, and Lawrence Police Department investigated these cases. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Court Judges Jane Magnus-Stinson, Tanya Walton Pratt, and James P. Hanlon. U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jayson W. McGrath, Brendan J. Sullivan, and Matt Barloh, who prosecuted these cases. These cases were brought as part of the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF). ICGTF is a partnership of law enforcement officers and analysts from several central Indiana law enforcement agencies in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby counties. In cooperation with state, local, and federal partners, ICGTF collaborates to address violent crime through a comprehensive strategy including innovative approaches to locating suspects and evidence related to violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms. ###


title: Indian national sentenced to federal prison for scamming elderly residents

component: USAO - Illinois, Southern

body_text: EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced an Indian national to 90 months in federal prison for his involvement in an imposter scheme to defraud 11 identified victims, including elderly residents from Edwardsville and Effingham, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri. Ligneshkumar H. Patel, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and financial institution fraud and two counts of wire fraud. The judge ordered him to pay more than $2 million in restitution. “Imposter scams are international conspiracies often using U.S.-based money mules to meet victims in person to take their money,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes these fraudsters aggressively, and anyone who targets elderly victims will face certain justice.” An imposter scam occurs when a scammer lies to victims and impersonates law enforcement or a federal official to defraud people into giving them money, access to financial accounts or other personal information. In this case, Patel’s conspirators convinced the victims they needed to hand over their assets for protection. According to court documents, Patel drove to the residences of at least 11 elderly victims in five states to steal their assets totaling $2,231,216.99. Patel worked within a major conspiracy that included at least 85 additional victims with an intended loss of more than $6.9 million. “This case highlights the serious consequences for individuals who prey on the elderly through sophisticated fraud schemes,” said Matthew J. Scarpino, special agent in charge of HSI Chicago. “HSI remains dedicated to protecting our communities from financial crimes and ensuring that those responsible are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Patel acted as a courier or “money mule,” and admitted to picking up money and gold from victims in Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin to fuel the conspiracy. Homeland Security Investigations and the Edwardsville Police Department contributed to the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Reed prosecuted the case.


title: New Orleans Man Guilty of Violations of Federal Controlled Substances and Federal Gun Control Acts

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that AUSTIN MONTGOMERY (“MONTGOMERY”) , age 37, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on November 20, 2025 to Counts 1 and 3, of an indictment charging him with violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act. In Count 1 of the indictment, MONTGOMERY is charged with possession with the intent to distribute forty (40) grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)(vi). For this count, MONTGOMERY faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years up to a maximum of forty (40) years imprisonment. A fine up to $5,000,000.00 may be imposed, as well as a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. A period of supervised release of at least 4 years may also be imposed. In Count 3 of the indictment, MONTGOMERY is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). For this count, MONTGOMERY faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years, a fine up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release up to 3 years, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. According to court documents, on September 14, 2023, the New Orleans Police Department (“NOPD”) was conducting surveillance in the 2400 block of Clio Street and observed MONTGOMERY operating a white Dodge Charger approached by an unknown individual operating a Ford Maverick. The unknown individual gave MONTGOMERY U.S. currency and in return, MONTGOMERY sold the individual a controlled substance. After the transaction, another individual entered the passenger side of MONTGOMERY ’s vehicle MONTGOMERY and they drove together to a Shell gas station in the 2700 block of South Claiborne Avenue. MONTGOMERY then exited the vehicle with a firearm concealed in his waistband. NOPD officers in marked units entered the gas station parking lot and positioned their vehicles in front of and behind the Charger. MONTGOMERY attempted to exit the parking lot but was unable to do so due to the positioning of the vehicles. Thereafter, NOPD officers lawfully detained MONTGOMERY and recovered a Glock Model 27 Gen 4, .40 caliber pistol, from his waistband. Officers also saw a large quantity of fentanyl, a loaded Keltec, multicaliber .223/5x56 rifle, and a Glock model 19X, nine-millimeter caliber pistol on the front seat of the vehicle. Officers, after getting a vehicle search warrant, also found a box of Glad sandwich bags, a digital scale, and, various white and blue pills. A search warrant was also executed at MONTGOMERY ’s residence and officers located various items of contraband used to facilitate drug trafficking and marijuana. MONTGOMERY is a convicted felon and is federally prohibited from possessing firearms. United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier will sentence MONTGOMERY on February 26, 2026. 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime Unit. * * *


title: Rockford Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

body_text: ROCKFORD — A Rockford man was sentenced on Tuesday to 15 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston imposed the sentence on TIMOTHY GENTRY, 47, during a hearing in federal court in Rockford. Gentry admitted in a plea agreement that on July 6, 2023, he sold a loaded handgun to a man in Rockford. Unbeknownst to Gentry, the buyer was cooperating with law enforcement. Gentry was previously convicted of multiple violent felonies in state courts and is considered an Armed Career Criminal under federal law. The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosive. The Winnebago County, Ill. Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Kim. Holding illegal firearm possessors accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses.


title: Eight Individuals Charged with Cocaine and Fentanyl Trafficking

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Eight individuals from Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, California, and Massachusetts have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearm laws, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The 12-count Superseding Indictment names the following individuals as defendants: Name Age Residence Derrick Lyman 59 McKeesport, PA Daniel Jackson 48 Penn Hills, PA Devlin Clifford 46 Monroeville, PA Robert East 69 Delaware, OH Jose Sanchez-Polanco 43 Lawrence, MA Ernesto Castillo 29 Lynwood, CA Ricardo Escalona 41 Winter Park, FL Dionisio Gonzalez-Diaz 57 Homestead, FL According to the Superseding Indictment, on or about May 28, 2024, Castillo is alleged to have unlawfully possessed with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, while, on or about June 6, 2024, Escalona also unlawfully possessed with the intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine. The Superseding Indictment also charges that, on June 27, 2024, the defendants all conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and that, on the same date, Lyman possessed with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, with Lyman, Jackson, and Clifford all also possessing a firearm as previously convicted felons and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Additionally, on that date, Jackson possessed with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and Clifford possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. For Lyman and Clifford, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $20 million, or both. For Jackson, East, Sanchez-Polanco, Castillo, Escalona, and Gonzalez-Diaz, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. In relation to the firearms charges for Lyman, Jackson, and Clifford, the law provides for a maximum sentence of not less than five years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Katherine C. Jordan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The HSTF for the Western District of Pennsylvania comprises agents and officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Upshur County felon sentenced to federal prison for firearms violation

body_text: TYLER, Texas –A Gilmer convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Jimmy Lavoice Duffey, 47, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on December 10, 2025. According to information presented in court, on May 7, 2022, Duffey was stopped for a traffic violation in Cherokee County. During the stop, it was discovered that Duffey had a firearm in the vehicle. Further investigation revealed Duffey was a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Longview Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Farahnak. ##


title: Virtual Asset Trading Platform Pleads Guilty to Violating the Travel Act and Other Federal Criminal Charges

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: Paxful Holdings Inc., an online virtual currency trading platform, agreed to plead guilty yesterday to a three-count information filed in the Eastern District of California and agreed to pay a criminal penalty of $4 million based on its ability to pay. “Paxful made millions of dollars in part by knowingly moving cryptocurrency for the benefit of fraudsters, extortionists, money launderers and purveyors of prostitution,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The defendant attracted its criminal clientele by promoting its lack of anti-money laundering controls and its deliberate decision not to identify its customers. This conviction shows that no matter the means, the Criminal Division will hold criminals accountable for knowingly engaging in illicit finance to further dangerous criminal activity.” “Yesterday’s guilty plea by Paxful Holdings holds the company accountable for knowingly facilitating serious criminal conduct in the United States and elsewhere,” said U.S. Attorney Eric Grant for the Eastern District of California. “Through its calculated lack of controls, the company made itself available as a vehicle for money laundering, sanctions violations, and other criminal activity, including fraud, romance scams, extortion schemes, and prostitution. This resolution sends a clear message: those who deliberately turn a blind eye to criminal activity on their platforms will face serious consequences under U.S. law. The Department of Justice remains committed to protecting victims and ensuring that the financial system, including the cryptocurrency ecosystem, is not exploited.” “For years, Paxful disregarded its Bank Secrecy Act obligations and facilitated transactions associated with illicit activity and high-risk jurisdictions, such as Iran and North Korea,” said Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Director Andrea Gacki. “FinCEN is committed to mitigating risks to the U.S. financial system while fostering responsible innovation in the virtual asset ecosystem.” “Paxful Holdings, Inc. knowingly enabled its platform to serve as a conduit for criminal activity — including fraud and illegal prostitution,” said Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Oakland Field Office. “By willfully disregarding anti-money laundering laws and failing to report suspicious activity, Paxful profited in illicit trades while facilitating crimes with serious harm and consequences. IRS-CI remains steadfast in its mission to hold virtual currency platforms accountable when they are used to conceal and enable criminal conduct.” According to court documents, Paxful Inc., and later, Paxful Holdings Inc. (collectively Paxful), owned and operated an online peer-to-peer virtual currency platform and money transmitting business (MTB) where customers negotiated for and traded virtual currency for a variety of other items, including fiat currency, prepaid cards and gift cards. Paxful knew that its customers transmitted funds from criminal offenses, including fraud schemes and illegal prostitution. From Jan. 1, 2017, to Sept. 2, 2019, Paxful facilitated more than 26.7 million trades, totaling nearly $3 billion in value, and collected more than $29.7 million in revenue. Paxful knowingly transferred virtual currency on behalf of its customers, including Backpage, an online advertising platform for illicit prostitution and similar sites. In various criminal proceedings, Backpage and its owners and operators admitted that Backpage advertised and profited from illegal prostitution, including illegal sex work depicting minors. Paxful’s founders boasted about the “Backpage Effect,” which enabled Paxful’s business to grow. Between December 2015 and December 2022, Paxful’s collaboration with Backpage and a similar site caused nearly $17 million worth of bitcoin to be transferred from the Paxful wallet to Backpage and the copycat site from which Paxful obtained at least $2.7 million in profits. As described in the plea agreement, from July 2015 to June 2019, Paxful and its founders marketed Paxful as a platform that did not require know-your-customer (KYC) information; allowed customers to open accounts and trade on the Paxful platform without gathering sufficient KYC information; presented to third parties fake anti money-laundering (AML) policies that they knew were not implemented or enforced; and failed to file suspicious activity reports, despite knowing that Paxful users were engaged in suspicious and criminal activity. As a result, Paxful knew it was used as a vehicle for prostitution, fraud, romance scams and extortion schemes. Paxful agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to violate the Travel Act by promoting illegal prostitution through interstate commerce; conspiring to operate an unlicensed MTB by knowingly transmitting funds derived from criminal offenses or supporting unlawful activity, including illegal prostitution and fraud schemes; and conspiring to violate the Bank Secrecy Act’s (BSA) AML program requirement. As a result of its illegal conduct, the virtual currency platform was used to transfer the proceeds of fraud schemes, illegal prostitution, hacks by malign state actors and distribution of child sexual abuse material. The Justice Department reached its resolution with Paxful based on several factors, including the nature and seriousness of the offenses, which involved Paxful’s processing of millions of dollars of illicit transactions. Paxful did not make a timely and voluntary disclosure of wrongdoing, but it received credit for its cooperation with the department’s investigation, including among other things, collecting, analyzing and producing voluminous information, providing timely updates on facts learned during its internal investigation and engaging in extensive and timely remedial measures. Accordingly, Paxful received a 25% reduction off the bottom of the applicable U.S. sentencing guidelines fine range. According to court documents, Paxful agreed that the appropriate criminal penalty based on the law and the facts in its case is $112,500,000. Based on the Justice Department’s independent analysis, it determined that Paxful did not have the ability to pay a criminal penalty greater than $4 million. The court will sentence Paxful on Feb.10, 2026. On July 8, 2024, Paxful’s co-founder and former chief technology officer, Artur Schaback, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to fail to maintain an effective AML program in relation to the same scheme. Paxful’s guilty plea is part of a coordinated resolution with FinCEN. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) and IRS‑CI are investigating the case. Bank Integrity Unit Deputy Chief Kevin Mosley and Trial Attorneys Emily Cohen, Caylee Campbell and Katherine Nielsen of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Thuesen for the Eastern District of California are prosecuting the case. The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers and employees whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.


title: Two Men Arrested In International Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy

body_text: Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Tyler Corbin (25, Tampa), Edward Noel (26, Canada), Alfredo Santana (32, Miami), Omar Singateth (24, Canada), and Arif Jhuman (39, Canada) with conspiracy to traffic firearms, trafficking in firearms, and dealing firearms with a license. The indictment also charges Corbin with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The indictment was unsealed following the recent arrests of Corbin and Santana. According to the indictment and court hearings, these individuals trafficked, and conspired to traffic, more than 100 firearms from Florida to Canada in 2023 and 2024. Of those firearms, 29 were recovered from Canadian crime scenes, including homicides. One firearm purchased by Corbin was recovered at the scene of a homicide 32 days after Corbin had purchased the firearm. None of these defendants are licensed to deal firearms. These arrests were the result of joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations Miami Field Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Indictment


title: East Texas men sentenced to federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in Rusk County

body_text: TYLER, Texas –Two East Texas men have been sentenced to federal prison for a drug trafficking violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. James Robert Porter, 47, of Henderson, and Richard Lynn Sledge, 67, of Athens, each pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on December 10, 2025. Porter was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison and Sledge received a sentence of 30 months in federal prison. According to information presented in court, on April 12, 2023, Porter and Sledge sold 25.49 grams of methamphetamine to another person in Henderson for $350. In addition, on June 7, 2023, Porter sold 51.2 grams of methamphetamine to another person in Henderson for $625. When Porter was arrested on July 10, 2024, agents recovered another 24.04 grams of methamphetamine from his vehicle and inside his business. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Henderson Police Department, and Rusk County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek. ###


title: Smith County man sentenced to federal prison in human trafficking conspiracy

body_text: TYLER, Texas – A Tyler man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a human trafficking conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Michael Anthony Martinez, 28, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on December 10, 2025. According to information presented in court, Martinez used a social media account to promise lucrative payment to people who were willing to drive illegal aliens to their destination. Bank records and text messages between Martinez and those he had recruited verified the criminal conduct. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case was investigated by the FBI – Tyler Resident Office and the Tyler Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Farahnak. ###


title: Brookline Man Arrested for Attempted Coercion and Enticement and Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a Minor

body_text: BOSTON – A Brookline man has been arrested and charged for allegedly attempting to coerce and entice the transfer of obscene material to a minor. William Kahn, 28, was charged with attempted coercion and enticement and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. Following an initial appearance in federal court yesterday, Kahn was detained pending a detention hearing on Dec. 17, 2025. According to the charging document, between June 2025 and August 2025, Kahn engaged in online conversations with an undercover agent purporting to be a 14-year-old girl. It is alleged that Kahn engaged in sexually explicit chat discussions with the purported minor, sent a photograph of adult genitalia and discussed meeting in person with the purported minor. The charge of attempted coercion and enticement provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuabe assistance was provided by the Brookline, Boston and Arlington Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/ . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Tangipahoa Parish Man Sentenced  For Violating Federal Controlled Substances Act

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on December 4, 2025, RODNEY BERRY (“BERRY”) , age 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Barry Ashe to 60 months of imprisonment, after previously pleading guilty to Counts One, Six, and Seven of a superseding indictment. Count One charged BERRY with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1); § 841(b)(1)(A); § 841(b)(1)(B); and 846. Count Six charged BERRY with illegal use of communications facility, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C. §843(b) and Title 18, U.S.C. §2. Count Seven charged BERRY with possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and § 841(b)(1)(B). According to the indictment, beginning on a time unknown but continuing until at least September 10, 2024, BERRY and seven other individuals conspired to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl and methamphetamine throughout the Tangipahoa Parish region of the Eastern District of Louisiana. The conspiracy was carried out through wire and electronic communications. Acting United States Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Hammond Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver of the Narcotics Unit. 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF . * * *


title: Former Youth Pastor Pleads Guilty to Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Child

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ROANOKE, Va. – A Catawba, Virginia youth pastor, who has been in federal custody since his arrest in August for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, pled guilty this week to related federal charges. Jacob Ryan Barnett, 34, pled guilty to one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a 15-year-old child. “Cases involving adults who use the internet to exploit young people are all too common,” Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. “I urge parents to supervise their children’s internet use; vet their social media apps and caution them against answering unsolicited messages and friend requests. It’s disturbingly easy for predators to pose as children online. Barnett might have continued his online hunt for victims if the victim’s mother had not found the conversation between Barnett and the victim and reported it to the FBI.” “Our children deserve to grow up in a world where adults protect them, not victimize them. Sadly, Jacob Barnett chose to do the latter, and now he will face justice for his crimes,” said Ian Kauffmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division. “The men and women of FBI Richmond will never stop pursuing these harmful predators and removing them from our communities.” According to court documents, on May 18, 2025, Barnett used TikTok to message the Minor Victim (M.V.) and they began chatting. That same day, Barnett gave M.V. his phone number and the two began texting. Early on, M.V. told Barnett she was 15. Barnett, however, claimed he was 17 and later sent M.V. images of a young man, which he falsely claimed was him. As their chat progressed, Barnett sent increasingly graphic sexual messages to M.V. Barnett continued to engage in sexual conversations with M.V. and repeatedly asked her for photos. On May 20, 2025, Barnett told M.V. that he was starting to develop feelings for her. He also said he wanted to “use” M.V. and asked her to tell him about the last time she masturbated or to send him something that he could use to masturbate. In response, M.V. sent Barnett a video of herself masturbating in which her genitals were uncovered. Evidence at Barnett’s detention hearing earlier this year showed that he continually prowled TikTok, Discord, Snapchat, and other social media apps to solicit minor girls for sexual chats and images. Barnett also solicited young men for selfies and images of their genitals, which he used to pose as a teenaged boy when soliciting girls. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman is prosecuting the case for the United States. The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.


title: CEO of Scalpa, Inc. Indicted on Mail, Wire Fraud Charges

body_text: ABINGDON, Va. – A federal grand jury sitting in the U.S. District Court in Abingdon, returned an indictment in July 2024 charging Bryce Cleveland, the President and CEO of Scalpa, Inc., with mail fraud, wire fraud, and other charges related to Scalpa’s selling of skincare products that had not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Cleveland, 42, of Scottsdale, Arizona, made his initial court appearance in the Western District of Virginia yesterday following his arrest last month. Cleveland was apprehended in Colombia and arrested in Florida on an outstanding federal warrant by the United States Marshals Service. According to the indictment, Scalpa was a for-profit corporation incorporated in Arizona in 2015 that marketed and sold medical devices and drug products intended to affect the structure and function of the human body. These products included the Fibroblast Pen, Hyaluron Pen, Hyaluronic Acid, and Scalpatox. The indictment alleges that between 2018 and December 2020, Cleveland devised a scheme to unlawfully enrich himself by marketing, and causing others to market, unapproved devices, including but not limited to the Fibroblast Pen and Hyaluron Pen, to consumers while representing that the unapproved devices were not regulated. In addition, the indictment alleges Cleveland concealed and omitted, and caused others to conceal and omit, the fact that the Fibroblast Pen and Hyaluron Pen were, in fact, regulated products. The indictment further alleges that Cleveland introduced into commerce an unapproved new drug, Scalpatox. Cleveland is charged with 12 counts of mail fraud, nine counts of wire fraud, 12 counts of introduction of adulterated devices into interstate commerce, and one count of introduction of an unapproved new drug into interstate commerce, totaling 34 counts. Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, Special Agent in Charge Ronald Dawkins with U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and United States Postal Inspection Service - Washington Division - Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood made the announcement. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration—Office of Criminal Investigations is investigating the case, with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corey Hall and Randy Ramseyer and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Justus Hogge are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Law Enforcement Announces Drones Restricted Near Saturday's Army-Navy Game at M&T Bank Stadium

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office announced today, there is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place for the Army-Navy Game taking place this Saturday, December 13, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. This area is considered a No-Drone Zone from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Game time is set for 3 p.m. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the TFR with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is implementing the TFR which extends for a two-nautical mile radius around the stadium and up to 2,000 feet above ground level. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and FBI Baltimore Field Office are reminding the public to heed these restrictions, along with local and federal partners including the FAA, Federal Air Marshals Service, Naval Criminal Investigation Service, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, United States Secret Service, Baltimore Police Department, and Maryland State Police. Law enforcement will enforce local and federal laws regarding Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. “Operating a drone in restricted airspace is dangerous and against the law. An Unmanned Aircraft System operator could lose control of the drone, threatening the safety and lives of those below, or interfere with air operations around the stadium,” Hayes said. “As we have demonstrated in the past by bringing charges where appropriate, the office remains committed to investigating and prosecuting anyone who violates the no-drone zone in effect during the Army-Navy Game at M&T Bank Stadium this weekend.” “Illegally flying a drone is a safety and security risk to a large crowd,” said Paul. “The FBI is committed to working with our local, state and federal partners to ensure the Army-Navy game remains a special experience for all and to keep everyone safe as they enjoy America’s game.” Members of the public are encouraged to report all suspicious activity. Law enforcement will actively monitor the airways for illegal UAS/drones and is committed to identifying, investigating, disrupting, and prosecuting the careless or criminal use of drones in the area. There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding any UAS/drone use anywhere within the No Drone Zone established by the FAA. Anyone who attempts to fly a UAS/drone in any prohibited manner may be subject to arrest, prosecution, fines, and/or imprisonment. Learn more about all federal UAS/drone regulations on the FAA website .


title: Baldwin Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Child

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Christian Anthony Vanderveen, 25, of Baldwin, Michigan, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the sexual exploitation of a minor. In December 2024, a woman called 911 to report that Vanderveen had been sending explicit pictures to her 11-year-old daughter. A police investigation led to a search at Vanderveen’s home and the seizure of multiple devices. In reviewing his cell phone, law enforcement discovered that Vanderveen repeatedly asked for and received child pornography from the 11-year-old girl, as well as posing as a girl online in an attempt to get sexually explicit images from another minor. “Judge Beckering’s sentence today sends a clear message to anyone who is thinking of preying on our kids—just don’t do it. If you do, we will find you and the consequences will be severe,” said United States Attorney Timothy VerHey. “This sentencing demonstrates the serious consequences awaiting those who target and prey on children,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The sexual exploitation of these children was stopped due to the excellent investigative teamwork of the FBI Grand Rapids WEBCHEX Task Force, the Michigan State Police, along with the successful prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan. The FBI and its partners in Michigan remain committed to doing everything we can to protect our most vulnerable populations from harm.” “Protecting children is one of our highest responsibilities,” said Captain Jason Nemecek of the Michigan State Police 6th District Command. “The Michigan State Police will continue to work with our federal partners to investigate and support the prosecution of individuals who commit these horrific crimes. Today’s sentence reinforces our unwavering dedication to bringing child predators to justice and ensuring victims are protected.” The Michigan State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Doaa K. Al-Howaishy prosecuted it. 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, including resources for parents and children about staying safe online, please visit justice.gov/PSC .


title: St. Louis County Sex Offender Admits Illegal Gun Sales

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A registered sex offender from St. Louis County on Wednesday admitted selling guns on five occasions to an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Antoine Maurice Gant, 39, entered an open plea in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to four counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. On May 24, 2024, he sold a 9mm handgun for $400 to the ATF agent in a St. Louis alley. Seven days later, he sold two handguns to the agent. On June 14, 2024, he sold two handguns and $140 worth of cocaine. One June 27, 2024, Gant sold an AK-47-style rifle to the agent in East St. Louis, and a .40-caliber pistol, an AR-style pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun outside a St. Louis laundromat about an hour later. As a felon, Gant is barred from possessing firearms. He was convicted of statutory rape in 2012 and sentenced to seven years in prison. In 2018, he was sentenced to four years in prison for second-degree assault. Gant is scheduled to be sentenced on March 4, 2026. Each charge carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both prison and a fine. The ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Finlen is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.


title: Wetzel County Man Sentenced for Sex Offender Registration Violation

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Nicholas Esteves Spencer, age 42, of Littleton, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 120 months in federal prison for failing to update his sex offender registration, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. According to court documents, Spencer has a lifetime sex offender registration requirement because of an indecent assault of a minor conviction in Massachusetts in 2005. Spencer was living in Wetzel County but didn’t register as a sex offender with the West Virginia State Police. Spencer will serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service, West Virginia State Police, the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office, and the Granville Police Department investigated. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.


component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: Epping Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Purchasing Live-Streamed Child Sex Abuse Material CONCORD – David Mendum, 46, of Harrisville, was sentenced to 27 years in prison for his conduct involving the sexual exploitation of minors, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. On December 10, 2025, U.S. District Judge Paul J. Barbadoro sentenced Mendum on one count of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity, to 324 months’ imprisonment. The Court also sentenced Mendum to 5 years of federal supervision following his release from prison. According to court documents and statements made in court, Mendum was paying a child sex trafficker in the Philippines to create live-stream child sexual abuse material and transmit it to him over the internet. “Today’s sentence reflects the profound seriousness of this crime,” said United States Attorney Creegan. “By paying to watch the live-streamed sexual abuse of children, the defendant fueled the exploitation of the most vulnerable victims. Our office, together with our law enforcement partners, will seek to hold those accountable those who finance and direct the sexual abuse of children.” “Over the course of years, Mendum paid child traffickers in the Philippines so he could watch and direct the sexual abuse of children. He did this hundreds of times, paying over $39,000. The depravity and scope of this crime are beyond comprehension. Yet our investigators and partners pursued a global investigation to identify and bring Mendum to justice for his irreparable abuse of children,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “Today’s sentence shows just how seriously we take these crimes. We can’t give back the years stolen from the children he victimized, but with every predator we bring to justice, we gain critical intelligence and move one step closer to stopping other offenders like him.” The Department of Homeland Security led the investigation. The New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Epping Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski is prosecuting the case. The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.


title: South Carolina Businessman who Operated Bowling Entertainment Business in Massachusetts Charged with $1.2 Million Covid Relief Fraud

body_text: BOSTON – A South Carolina businessman has been charged today in federal court in Worcester with COVID relief fraud. David Breen, 54, of Mount Pleasant, S.C., was charged by an Information with one count of theft of government property, for allegedly misappropriating COVID-19 funds for personal use. According to court filings, Breen allegedly spent more than $1.2 million in Economic Injury and Disaster Loan (EIDL) money that he obtained from the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) to build a home and purchase motor vehicles. Through the EIDL program, the SBA provided loans to small businesses that suffered substantial economic injury due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, it is alleged that in March 2022, Breen applied for EIDL funds on behalf of ‘Fun Zone,’ an entity through which he operated ‘Pinz,’ a bowling alley and other entertainment venue in Milford, Mass. To obtain the loan, Breen allegedly entered into a loan agreement with the SBA in which he agreed, among other things, to use the loan proceeds as working capital for his business. After receiving approximately $1.5 million from the SBA, Breen allegedly used more than $1.2 million of this money, through June 2023, to build a home for himself in Mount Pleasant, S.C., to purchase a $111,000 truck and for a downpayment on a $98,289 Mercedes. The charge of theft of government property carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Massachusetts Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Region. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan D. O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.