title: Militia Members Sentenced for Conspiracy to Murder Border Patrol Officers, Attempted Murder of FBI Agents

body_text: JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Two members of the 2 nd American Militia were sentenced on Aug. 27, 2025, in federal court for their roles in a 2022 conspiracy to murder U.S. Border Patrol agents and, related to their shooting at FBI agents during the execution of a search warrant, of attempting to murder federal agents. Bryan C. Perry, 39, of Clarksville, Tenn., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to a total of 15 consecutive life terms in federal prison without parole for his convictions for one count of conspiracy to murder a federal officer and fourteen counts of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The court also sentenced Perry to concurrent terms of imprisonment of 20 years for his convictions for seven counts of attempted murder of a federal officer, seven counts of assault of a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon, and one count of assault of a federal officer that inflicts bodily injury. Perry further received concurrent sentences of varying terms of imprisonment for his convictions for conspiracy to assault a federal officer, conspiracy to injure an officer, assault of a federal officer that involves physical contact, depredation of government property, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of body armor by a violent felon, and communicating a threat to injure. The court also sentenced Perry to five years of supervised release following his incarceration and a restitution amount of $3,717.98. Jonathan S. O’Dell, 35, of Warsaw, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to a total of 165 years in federal prison without parole for one count each of conspiracy to murder a federal officer, conspiracy to assault a federal officer, conspiracy to injure an officer, assault of a federal officer that inflicts bodily injury, depredation of government property, possession of a firearm while subject to a court order of protection, communicating a threat to injure, making a false statement, escape from custody, two counts of assault of a federal officer involving physical contact, seven counts each of attempted murder of a federal officer and assault of a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon, and 14 counts of use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The Court also sentenced O’Dell to five years of supervised release following his incarceration and a restitution amount of $19,234.63. On Nov. 7, 2024, Perry and O’Dell were found guilty after a 9-day jury trial in the U.S. District Court in Jefferson City, Mo. The jury deliberated for about two hours and 23 minutes before returning guilty verdicts, ending a trial that began on Oct. 28, 2024. On the morning of the first day of trial, O’Dell pleaded guilty to one count of illegally possessing a firearm while subject to a court order of protection, one count of making a false statement to a federal agent, and one count of escaping from custody. Evidence introduced during the trial showed that, throughout the summer, and fall of 2022, Perry and O’Dell recruited and attempted to recruit other individuals to join the 2 nd American Militia, a group they co-founded, and join in their plan to travel to the United States-Mexico border to go to war with U.S. Border Patrol. Perry posted several videos on TikTok in an attempt to recruit other members into their conspiracy and they advertised a recruitment event in Warsaw. On Sept. 5, 2022, Perry, bringing at least two stolen firearms, body armor, and gas masks with him, traveled from Tennessee to Warsaw to live with O’Dell. They used O’Dell’s residence as a staging site as they prepared for their trip to the border and collected firearms, paramilitary gear, ammunition, and other supplies. On Sept. 12, 2022, Perry posted a video on TikTok in which he discussed illegal immigrants coming into the United States from Mexico. Perry stated that the U.S. Border Patrol was committing treason by allowing these illegal immigrants to enter the United States, and that the penalty for treason was death. Perry posted another video on TikTok the next day in which he stated that he was “ready to go to war against this government.” On Sept. 22, 2022, Perry posted a video on TikTok in which he stated, “we’re out to shoot to kill” and that “our group is gonna go protect this country.” On Oct. 3, 2022, Perry posted a video on TikTok in which he stated, “we were going out huntin’,” that his group was taking their “full kits,” and that they were leaving for the United States – Mexico border on Oct. 8, 2022. O’Dell and Perry continued to conduct preparatory steps to further their conspiracy, including continuing to recruit others, attempting to acquire other gear, and practicing shooting at targets with firearms. On Oct. 7, 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at O’Dell’s residence. Federal agents approached the property at about 6 a.m. in vehicles with red and blue lights activated. As the FBI approached, an agent utilized a loudspeaker in the lead armored vehicle, the “Bearcat,” to announce they were with the FBI and that they had a search warrant for the residence. Seven agents were inside or behind the Bearcat. The FBI agent began to repeat the announcement, again stating that they were with the FBI, when gunshots were fired from a front window at the lead FBI vehicle. Perry fired 11 shots from his Voodoo Innovations multi-caliber rifle with an AM-15 lower receiver. Several rounds hit the lead FBI vehicle. Agents responded by deploying flash bangs around the residence. Agents used the Bearcat to conduct a breach of the front door of the residence using an affixed ram. Agents did not return fire and, after the gunshots ceased, the FBI established a perimeter and began communicating with the persons inside the residence to come out. O’Dell and his girlfriend came out of the residence and surrendered to authorities. Perry eventually came out of the residence. Perry took down an American flag from the front porch of the residence and walked down the steps while waving the flag. After beginning to walk to the agents, Perry then turned around and moved back to the residence. Agents pursued Perry, who began to fight and swing his fists, striking the agents several times and causing injury to at least one agent before he was taken into custody. Agents then searched the residence and found six firearms, 23 magazines filled with ammunition, 1,770 rounds of various other ammunition, 11 spent casings, two sets of body armor with corresponding plate carrier vests, one handheld radio, two sniper rests, two gas masks, two ballistic helmets, multiple containers of a binary explosive mixture commonly sold as an exploding target, zip ties, medical supplies, and two 2nd American Militia patches. Agents also found two go-bags that contained food, provisions, and other gear. Later, on Sept. 29, 2023, while O’Dell was in custody awaiting trial on the charges, he escaped from the Phelps County, Mo. Jail and eventually led authorities on a high-speed chase in Ray County, Mo., before being apprehended. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey Clark and Ashley Turner. It was investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Phelps County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Ray County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Caldwell County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.


title: Romanian Citizen Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Reentry; Faces Deportation

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: Williamsport-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nicolae Strava, age 30, a citizen of Romania, was sentenced today to nine months in prison by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for illegally reentering the country after having previously been removed. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Strava was indicted by a federal grand jury after being arrested for theft by deception in Centre County, Pennsylvania, on September 20, 2024. Strava had previously been removed from the United States pursuant to a court order on April 23, 2019, through Houston, Texas. Strava pleaded guilty to illegal reentry prior to being sentenced. An ICE detainer is lodged against Strava for deportation proceedings. The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). # # #


title: Luzerne County Man Sentenced To 120 Months Imprisonment On Drug And Gun Charges

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jon Robert Donohue, age 32, of Pittston, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 27, 2025, to 120 months’ imprisonment followed by four years of supervision by Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani on drug trafficking and firearms charges. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on May 9, 2022, Donohue was serving a house arrest sentence in Luzerne County when probation officers received information that Donohue was trafficking drugs and possessed firearms. During a search of his residence, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, seven firearms, including a stolen firearm, drug trafficking paraphernalia, 593 grams of methamphetamine, 782 grams of cocaine, 72 grams of MDMA and 1.3 kilograms of marijuana were seized. Donahue was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his prior record. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Luzerne County Drug Task Force and the Luzerne County Adult Probation and Parole Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). # # #


title: York County Man Sentenced To 151 Months Imprisonment On Drug Trafficking Charges

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joseph Gallego, age 37, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 28, 2025, to 151 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary on drug trafficking charges. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, on October 18, 2024, Gallego pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The York County Drug Task Force conducted surveillance on a home in York County and Gallego was observed entering the front door. Upon entering, the officers met two conspirators at the door and then conducted a safety sweep and found Gallego in the basement. Agents received consent to search the residence and recovered a loaded Glock model 40, 10 mm caliber semiautomatic pistol; a plastic bag containing 76.37 grams of cocaine base; a bag containing 1.13 grams of cocaine base; and a digital scale. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the York County Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). # # #


title: GoodFellas Gang Members Sentenced to Prison for Selling Drugs and Machineguns

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

body_text: ATLANTA – Corey Boyer, a/k/a Baby Joker, 26, of Atlanta, Ga., and Antonio Smith, a/k/a Ace, 27, of Atlanta, Ga., were sentenced for distributing methamphetamine and other drugs throughout the metro-Atlanta area as members of the Atlanta-based GoodFellas street gang. “Boyer and Smith operated a fortified trap house to fund the violent GoodFellas gang by dealing drugs and trafficking firearms, including machineguns” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Our office continues to closely coordinate with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigate, prosecute, and punish gang members who pose a clear and present danger to our community.” “Corey Boyer and Antonio Smith were key players in a dangerous drug trafficking operation that fueled gang activity and harmed our communities,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Their sentencing sends a strong message that the FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to dismantle drug networks and remove violent offenders from our streets to ensure the safety of metro-Atlanta residents.” “This case exemplifies the importance of collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “Together, we can effectively combat violent gang activity and ensure that those who engage in illegal activities face the consequences of their actions.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: GoodFellas is an Atlanta-based gang that primarily recruits members in Atlanta neighborhoods and jails and prisons within the state of Georgia. GoodFellas members generate money for the gang through criminal activities, including drug trafficking, robbery, carjacking, fraud, and firearms trafficking. In spring 2024, the FBI learned that GoodFellas members were trafficking drugs in a west Atlanta apartment complex. Over several months of surveillance, federal agents saw Boyer and Smith conducting hand-to-hand drug transactions at the apartment complex. In August 2024, law enforcement searched an apartment at the complex. When law enforcement entered the apartment, Smith jumped out of a window and attempted to flee. When Smith was apprehended, he was carrying an unserialized machinegun in his waistband. Boyer was located inside the apartment with six firearms, body armor, approximately 500 rounds of ammunition, more than $1,000 in counterfeit currency, several suspected machinegun conversion devices; approximately 10 kilograms of marijuana, more than a kilogram each of methamphetamine and MDMA, and various quantities of cocaine and psilocybin mushrooms. Further investigation revealed that Smith had been trafficking firearms and machinegun conversion devices. Today, U.S. District Judge Victoria M. Calvert sentenced Smith to 14 years, 2 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Smith was convicted on May 28, 2025, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a machine gun, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On July 23, 2025, Judge Calvert sentenced Boyer to 12 years, 6 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Boyer was convicted on April 18, 2025, after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office; and the Atlanta Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Lauren E. Renaud prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . 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 OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga


title: Mexican National Sentenced For Illegal Reentry

body_text: HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Hilario Dorantes-Ortiz, age 40, a Mexican National residing in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on August 28, 2025, to 30 days’ imprisonment and one year of supervised release by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for illegal reentry into the United States. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Dorantes-Ortiz was previously removed from the United States on July 20, 2022, via Brownsville, Texas. After being charged with aggravated indecent assault in March 2025, Dorantes-Ortiz was encountered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He had not obtained legal permission to reenter the country. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). This matter was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Mexican National Convicted of Misusing a Texas Inmate’s Social Security Number is Sentenced

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: TOLEDO, Ohio – A Mexican national residing in Pandora, Ohio, who admitted to using a social security number that belongs to an inmate at a Texas prison as his own, has been sentenced. Julio Juarez Garcia, 32, was sentenced to time served by U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary after he pleaded guilty in July to misuse of a social security number in violation of Title 42 United States Code 408(a)(7)(B). According to court documents and testimony before Judge Zouhary, on Feb. 28, the defendant attempted to file taxes for the 2023 tax year with a fiscal officer for the Village of Pandora. He filled out tax forms and presented a W-2 document issued by his employer, where he had been employed since 2020. Law enforcement subsequently discovered that Garcia had submitted false information. During the investigation, it was learned that the defendant was using a social security number that was not his, but rather, it was a number assigned to an inmate who is serving a prison sentence at the Three Rivers Federal Correctional Institution in Live Oak, Texas. Garcia later admitted to investigators that the social security number was not his and that he was in the country illegally and was a citizen of Mexico. He is currently being held in federal custody pending removal from the United States. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Border Patrol, and the Village of Pandora Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dexter L. Phillips for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Branson Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Branson, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to tax evasion, by knowingly failing to pay more than $825,297.81 between 2013 through 2024. Burton Cummings, 43, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie Epps, Jr., to one count of tax evasion, failure to pay over taxes owed to the United States. Cummings, a former business owner, failed to pay his income taxes in their entirety with the exception of 2015. With the interest owed and penalties, Cummings owes a total of $1,604,729.02 to the United States. According to the plea agreement, Cummings made false statements to IRS Revenue Officers, when he claimed he had no income. Cummings admitted to submitting false forms and collection statements to the IRS to avoid paying his taxes. Cummings failed to file timely tax returns for numerous years and took significant cash withdrawals from his companies, while failing to disclose the income he received. Under federal statutes, Cummings is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. 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 Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the IRS – Criminal Investigation.


title: Chicago Man Pleads Guilty in Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud Targeting United States Service Members

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Chicago, Ill., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to fraud offenses targeting United States service members. Dwayne D. Adams, 33, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie Epps, Jr., to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud. Adams conspired with others that sought to defraud United States military service men and women through the use of social media. Adams is the third and final defendant to enter a guilty plea for his role in defrauding active service members of the United States military. According to the plea agreement, Adams conspired with others that employed a scheme to defraud United States military service men and women. Service members who had recently joined the United States military were contacted through various social media platforms. Upon communicating with each military member, a person within the conspiracy would use the information obtained from the social media platform and then contact the service member claiming to be a senior military official. In their fake role of a senior military member, Adams and others would tell each service member that they were receiving the wrong salary, and they were owed more money than they were being paid. Adams and others involved in the scheme advised each victim that they needed to return their prior pay using a cash application. Adams and others told the victims that they would receive a higher salary rate from the military once they returned their prior pay. If a service member followed these instructions, the members of this scheme would take the monies transferred and would never return any monies to the victim. Adams conspired with others in this scheme by taking the cash application transfers and conducted financial transactions that transferred the victim’s money to accounts that were accessed by all members of the scheme. Under federal statutes, Adams is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. 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 Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation


title: Pennsylvania Man Who Used Snapchat to Gain Access to Abuse Minors Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—Codi Vaughan, who had been contacting minors and seeking self-produced child pornography for more than a year, will spend 17 years in federal prison for production of child sexual abuse material. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker. On June 2, 2023, Vaughan, 25, of Fair Chance, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Little Rock on five counts of production of child sexual abuse material and three counts of receipt or distribution of child sexual abuse material. On October 16, 2024, Vaughan pleaded guilty to count seven of the Indictment. Chief Judge Baker sentenced Vaughan to 204 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. On February 3, 2023, the FBI received a tip from the Secretary of the Air Force Inspector General tip hotline stating Vaughan wanted to have sexual relations with minors and purchased child pornography. Vaughan worked as a mechanic for the Air Force and lived on the Little Rock Air Force Base. Special Agents from the FBI interviewed the caller, a minor who lived in Maryland. The minor stated Vaughan contacted her through Snapchat wanting to purchase child pornography from her and her minor friends. On February 6, 2023, Vaughan used Snapchat to contact another minor in Maryland, again asking for the minor to send him self-produced child pornography. In both instances, Vaughan offered to pay the minors for the child pornography. Special Agents learned that Vaughan regularly communicated with minors in Maryland and Virginia through Snapchat and has been doing so since at least January 2022. This pattern of abuse of minors led to a sentencing enhancement. In January 2023, Vaughan offered a minor $1,000 to perform sexual acts. An investigation revealed that Vaughan regularly paid or offered to pay minors for child pornography through CashApp. A review of Vaughan’s CashApp history revealed numerous payments to minors. During the times he contacted them, Vaughan knew they were minors. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Air Force, Office of Special Investigations, with assistance from the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Bryant. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Salvadoran National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Salvadoran national unlawfully residing in Chelsea, Mass. pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. Juan Carlos Gil-Ochoa, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien before U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley who scheduled sentencing for Oct. 3, 2025. In June 2025 , Gil-Ochoa was indicted by a federal grand jury. He was arrested by immigration authorities on May 12, 2025. Gil-Ochoa was deported from the United States to El Salvador in April 2013. Sometime after his removal, Gil-Ochoa illegally reentered the United States without permission and was encountered by immigration authorities in October 2023. The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. 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 Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Alien Charged with Illegal Voting in Federal Elections

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: WILMINGTON, N.C. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment Tuesday charging a Canadian citizen with illegally registering to vote and voting in federal elections in 2022 and 2024. “Every single time a noncitizen casts an illegal vote in North Carolina, it steals and nullifies the vote of an actual citizen,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “If the records are correct, this Canadian citizen appears to have voted in New Hanover and Pender County elections over the past 20 years. We intend to prove his illegal conduct in court and put an end to it.” “Every American deserves to exercise their right to vote without interference in the democratic process. We appreciate the North Carolina Board of Elections partnership and commitment to working together to ensure fair elections in our state,” said James C. Barnacle Jr., the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina. “I am proud of the efforts of our investigators who worked this case prior to handing it off to our law enforcement partners at the FBI. Nothing is more critical to our democracy than confidence in our electoral process, which is why vigorous enforcement of our election laws must be a priority. The NC State Board of Elections team continues to stand ready to assist the U.S. Attorney’s Office as they investigate and prosecute voter fraud in North Carolina,” said Sam Hayes, the Executive Director of the NC State Board of Elections. According to the indictment, Denis Bouchard, 69, falsely claimed to be a United States citizen to vote in federal elections, including the most recent 2024 presidential election. Bouchard, who has resided in the United States since the 1960s, never obtained U.S. citizenship. Despite his status as an alien, Bouchard certified that he was a U.S. citizen on voter registration applications in 2022 and 2024, when he cast a ballot in the 2024 presidential election and 2022 congressional election. Bouchard is charged with two counts of 18 U.S.C. § 1015(f) and two counts of 52 U.S.C. § 20511(2)(B). If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment on each count. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after the initial appearance in court today. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case, with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and a referral of the case by the North Carolina Board of Elections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Haughton is prosecuting the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:25-CR-00083. An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.


title: Detroit-Area Man Found Guilty of Maliciously Setting Fires to Semi-Truck Trailers

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Last week, a federal jury found Viorel Pricop, 66, of Allen Park, Michigan, guilty of three counts of arson of a vehicle or property in interstate commerce. Pricop has been in federal custody since October 2022. According to evidence presented at an 8-day trial, Pricop maliciously set fire to three semi-truck trailers belonging to Swift Transportation, a Phoenix-based commercial trucking company, as part of a larger pattern of arsons targeting Swift. Two of the arsons occurred in Willcox, AZ and one occurred in Holbrook, AZ. In each of the incidents, the Swift-owned trailer was parked at or near a truck stop when Pricop set a fire on or near the trailer tires. According to other evidence presented at trial, Pricop set at least 16 additional Swift Transportation semi-trailers on fire in multiple states between October 2021 and September 2022. These arsons occurred at locations spanning Barstow, California to McCalla, Alabama, with most occurring along Interstate 10 and Interstate 40. Federal criminal charges associated with some of the fires were filed against Pricop in several districts and were the basis of a 2024 criminal trial in the Central District of California, where Pricop was found guilty of six arsons. An analysis of cellular data showed that a specific device – later determined to be used by Pricop for navigation – had connected to cell towers in the vicinity and around the times of the fires. Pricop’s cellphone was also located in the general area of all three Arizona fires. Additional items, including a gas torch, lighters, and fuel-soaked rags were found in the Pricop’s vehicle. United States District Judge John C. Hinderaker has scheduled a November 13, 2025, sentencing hearing, at which time Pricop will face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a statutory maximum of 20 years in prison for each count. The Albuquerque Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Phoenix Field Division, led the investigation in this case, with significant assistance from the ATF Fire Research and Forensic Laboratories, ATF Certified Fire Investigators, and Special Agents from the ATF National Cellular Analytics Program. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: 22-CR-02747-JCH-EJM RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-141_Pricop # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Florida Woman Sentenced for Stealing West Virginia Pension Funds Over 15 Years

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Semiha Nilgun Gencsoy, 71, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was sentenced today to five years of federal probation and ordered to pay $328,478.38 in restitution for possession of stolen money. Gencsoy admitted that over 15 years, she fraudulently received West Virginia public employee pension benefits totaling $328,478.38 that did not belong to her. According to court documents and statements made in court, Gencsoy’s father was a professor of mechanical engineering at West Virginia University. When he retired in June 1985, he qualified for and began receiving West Virginia public employee pension benefits. Gencsoy’s father died in June 2007, and her mother began receiving survivor benefits from the West Virginia Consolidated Public Retirement Board (WVCPRB) as his widow. The monthly payments were directly deposited into a join bank account that Gencsoy shared with her mother. Gencsoy’s mother died in April 2008, and Gencsoy was appointed to administer her estate. As part of her guilty plea, Gencsoy admitted that she knew her father’s benefits expired upon the death of her mother. Gencsoy further admitted that she knew she had a duty both to notify the WVCPRB of her mother’s death and to close their joint banking account, and that she did neither. Gencsoy also never disclosed the pension payments to the probate court. From approximately May 2008 through June 2023, the joint bank account received more than 180 monthly survivor’s benefit pension payments totaling $328,478.38 through direct deposit. Gencsoy admitted that she routinely transferred the survivor benefit pension payments to a bank account she solely controlled after each direct deposit and used the money to pay for her personal expenses. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia Consolidated Public Retirement Board (WVCPRB) and the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-75. ###


title: Former Executive Director of Nonprofit Shelter Indicted for Embezzlement

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey announced that Teri Lyn Looney, age 53, of Dimondale, Michigan was indicted by a grand jury on a criminal charge alleging that she embezzled approximately $95,000 from SIREN Eaton Shelter, a program receiving federal funds. SIREN Eaton Shelter is a Michigan nonprofit dedicated to helping survivors of domestic abuse, their children, and homeless families in Eaton County and surrounding areas. It receives funding from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Victims of Crimes Act program, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and other sources. The indictment alleges that Looney embezzled approximately $95,000 while serving as SIREN’s Executive Director between June 2021 and May 2023. As Executive Director, Looney was responsible for all organizational programming, supervision of agency staff, the implementation of policies developed in conjunction with the Board, and the oversight of SIREN’s fiscal operations, including its budget and cash reserves. If convicted, Looney faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and will owe restitution to the victim. The case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General, and the Michigan Department of Attorney General Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Stiffler is the prosecutor. The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.


title: Guatemalan National Responsible for Causing Vehicle Crash Resulting in Six Deaths to Serve 24 Months in Prison for Illegal Reentry Into the United States

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSE PAXTOR-OXLAJ , 45, of Guatemala, has been sentenced to serve 24 months in federal prison, the statutory maximum, for illegally reentering after removal from the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public records, on November 21, 2023, Paxtor-Oxlaj was the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident near Elk City, Oklahoma, in which his six passengers—including three children—died, and a seventh passenger was critically injured. An investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed Paxtor-Oxlaj was ordered to be removed by an Immigration Judge on June 29, 2010, and he had been removed from the United States to Guatemala on July 9, 2010. According to investigators, Paxtor-Oxlaj promptly reentered in 2011 and did not have permission to reenter the United States after his prior deportation. On September 17, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Paxtor-Oxlaj with illegal reentry after previous deportation. On March 21, 2025, Paxtor-Oxlaj pleaded guilty and admitted he was knowingly in the United States without having obtained the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission into the United States. In Beckham County District Court, Paxtor-Oxlaj was convicted of six counts of first-degree manslaughter and one count of causing accident with great bodily injury without a valid driver’s license in case number CF-2023-257. He was sentenced to serve four years in state prison. At the sentencing hearing yesterday, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Paxtor-Oxlaj to serve 24 months in federal prison, which is to run consecutively to his sentence in Beckham County, Oklahoma. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted that the defendant preyed on others who were here illegally and that his conduct was reprehensible. This case is the result of an investigation by the HSI, ICE, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Hale and Elizabeth Joynes. 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. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Anderson County Man Sentenced to 13 Years for $13M Ponzi Scheme and Cyberstalking

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Michael J. French, 42, of Pendleton, was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for operating a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme and stalking two TikTok content creators. He was also ordered to pay more than $14 million in restitution. “French built his scheme on lies, stealing millions from hard-working investors to fund luxury cars and real estate,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “When the fraud collapsed, he turned dangerous—harassing and threatening women, showing up at their homes, and ultimately forcing a standoff with law enforcement. This case shows just how far financial crime can go when fueled by greed and deception. Today’s sentence makes clear: if you defraud and endanger others, you will be held accountable.” “French’s actions hurt many investors who put their trust in him,” said Kevin Moore, special agent in charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “Rather than honoring that trust, he exploited it to fund his own lavish lifestyle and to spiral into harassing social media content creators. The FBI remains steadfast in exposing schemes that prey on innocent people, and we will continue to protect the integrity of our financial systems by upholding the rule of law.” Evidence put forth at the plea hearing established that French owned MJF Holdings, LLC and MJF Capital, LLC. Beginning in March 2019, through these companies, French offered promissory notes to investors that projected annual returns of 12%. He represented to investors that their funds would be used to provide loans to small businesses and that he had experience in the financial industry, including underwriting the loans in which the investor would be invested. French represented to investors that he would not receive compensation unless the promissory notes earned more than the 12% guaranteed to investors. These were false representations. French paid previous investors with new investor monies because his investment product was not generating returns. This lulled investors into believing the product was successful, when, in fact, French was spending investor money to maintain a lavish lifestyle that included purchases of luxury and classic cars, a boat, and multiple properties. French also used investor funds to support female TikTok content creators by paying them thousands of dollars each month. The investigation revealed that at times French spent as much as $40,000 per day on the TikTok creators. At one point, the content creators stopped communicating with French. He became angry with the women and began harassing them through various “burner” phone numbers and fake email accounts. French claimed that he was a sniper, had killed people, and that the police could not protect them. French traveled to one woman’s home unannounced, forcing her to hide in a locked vehicle in the garage with her 2-year-old child. She called 911 as French attempted to force his way into the home. He was arrested by local police before he could reach them. French was ultimately arrested on the federal charges after a standoff with law enforcement. French barricaded himself in a hotel room, brandished a firearm, and only surrendered after a long series of talks with FBI hostage negotiators. United States Chief Judge Timothy M Cain sentenced French to 156 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. French was ordered to pay $14,750,990 in restitution. The FBI Columbia Field Office and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Bill Watkins is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Lancaster Woman Who Defrauded Nonprofit Veterans Organizations Sentenced to Two Years in Prison

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Jessika L. Hiepler, 47, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl to 24 months in prison, three years of supervised release, a $10,000 fine, 100 hours of community service, and $432,925.35 in restitution for her scheme to defraud two nonprofit veterans organizations, American Legion Post 34 and American Veterans Post 19. Hiepler and her associate netted over $1.425 million from the fraud scheme. In August of last year, the defendant was charged by information with two counts of wire fraud, and she pleaded guilty in September. As part of her plea agreement, Hiepler also agreed to a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $1,425,847.24. As detailed in court filings, for nearly 15 years, Hiepler served as a board member and as the manager, treasurer, and financial officer for American Legion Post 34 (“Legion Post 34”). In 2019, Hiepler offered to “bail out” a separate veterans organization, American Veterans Post 19 (“AMVETS Post 19”), that was facing financial difficulties. Under the pretext of bailing out AMVETS Post 19, Hiepler assumed control over its financial affairs and acquired its valuable four-acre commercial property in Lancaster through theft, deceit, and misrepresentation. While Hiepler presented herself as a good-hearted veteran looking out for other veterans, she lied, stole, manipulated records, and betrayed her employers’ trust for her own financial benefit. First, Hiepler misled AMVETS Post 19 to secure approval for the “bailout,” including with the false promises of an interest-free loan, minimal rent, and full transparency. To raise funds for the “bailout,” she diverted funds from her then-employer, Legion Post 34. Once in control of AMVETS Post 19’s finances, Hiepler stole from AMVETS Post 19 and used its funds for her own benefit. She concealed her self-dealing, manipulated and altered financial records, and destroyed financial and business records at both Legion Post 34 and AMVETS Post 19. From the outset, the defendant schemed about making money and selling the AMVETS Post 19’s property on Fairview Avenue in Lancaster. In Hiepler’s own words: “[W]e will make our money and they [AMVETS Post 19] can kiss our a[**]” “I am ready to get rid of these motherf[*****]s. . . . I can’t wait for sh[**] to be ours” “I can’t wait to see their face when we hand them their eviction notice” “Wizardry at work / Madoff activated” “Honestly all I want is my money. That’s it. I could care f[***]ing less about any of them.” Three years after acquiring the AMVETS Post 19’s property for a below-market rate of $500,000 through the “bailout,” Hiepler’s real estate investment company sold the fraudulently obtained property for $1.95 million and booked a gain of $1.425 million after expenses. “Jessika Hiepler abused the great reputation of veterans to win the trust of those who support them,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “All the while, she boasted about her schemes, mocked her victims, and celebrated her role in their misfortunes. These were calculated crimes of greed, not of impulse or desperation, and justice demanded that Hiepler be held to account.” “Jessika Hiepler and her associate pocketed over one million dollars intended for organizations that support our nation’s veterans, and today illustrates our commitment to holding to account anyone who preys on the public for personal profit,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office. “Our office, alongside our law enforcement partners at every level, will continue to safeguard the integrity of these organizations and bring these fraudsters to justice.” The case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Lancaster City Bureau of Police, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Samuel Dalke and J. Andrew Jenemann.


title: Tampa Man Pleads Guilty To Stealing Over $500,000 In COVID Relief Funds

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Terrance Bradford (46, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to eight counts of wire fraud. Bradford faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court records, Bradford devised a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration by submitting multiple false and fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. These programs were some of the sources of economic relief provided for by the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Contrary to the certifications made on his loan applications, at the time Bradford was applying for the loans, he was excluded from receiving any federal contracts and one of his businesses had filed for bankruptcy. Had Bradford truthfully disclosed this information, he would have been precluded from receiving CARES Act funding. As part of his sentence, Bradford also faces an order of forfeiture of $533,648.32, the proceeds of the criminal conduct to which he pleaded guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Small Business Administration - Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer. 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 at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry of a Removed Alien

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that ELVIN MEJIA-GUZMAN (“ MEJIA ”), age 36, was sentenced by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon, after previously pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a previously removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a). MEJIA was sentenced to time served. Judge Fallon also sentenced MEJIA to one year of supervised release and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. According to the charging document , MEJIA was found in the United States on March 26, 2025, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on June 21, 2010. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, Kenner Police Department and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon M. Maestri of the General Crimes Unit was in charge of the prosecution. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Guatemalan national sentenced to federal prison for unlawfully returning to the United States

component: USAO - Texas, Eastern

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas –A Guatemalan national, illegally living in Port Arthur, has been sentenced for unlawfully returning to the United States, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Wilmer Armando Xitumul-Godinez, 24, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry by a previously deported alien and was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on August 28, 2025. Godinez will be deported once he has served his sentence. According to information presented in court, Godinez was deported by immigration officials in September of 2024. However, federal agents again encountered Godinez reentering the United States in October of 2024. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Port Arthur Police Department and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy Coleman. ###


title: Tampa Man Pleads Guilty To Distributing Cocaine And Methamphetamine

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Torrey Taylor (44, Tampa) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and distribution of cocaine and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Taylor faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court records, Taylor conspired with his co-defendant, Temeko Evans, to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. Between February 11 and March 26, 2025, detectives from the Tampa Police Department conducted a series of controlled purchases from Evans and Taylor to include approximately two ounces of crack cocaine and two ounces of methamphetamine. Evans’s case is currently pending trial in the October 2025 trial term. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.


title: Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Illegally Entering United States After Being Previously Deported

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Mexican national pleaded guilty today for his illegal re-entry into the United States after being previously deported. Carlos Omar Rogel-Sanchez, 44, pleaded guilty to one count of illegally re-entering the United States after being previously deported. Rogel-Sanchez was arrested on July 5, 2025, by the McDonald County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office for an outstanding arrest warrant out of Joplin, Mo., for a prior assault. Rogel-Sanchez has been previously deported from the United States on at least four prior occasions. Under federal statutes, Miller is subject to a sentence of up to two years in federal prison without parole. 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. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the McDonald County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office. 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Federal Inmate Sentenced To Two Years In Federal Prison For Assaulting Federal Correctional Officers

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Davonta McCrorey (25, Baltimore) to two years in federal prison for assaulting correctional officers. This sentence was imposed consecutively to an eight-year prison term that McCrorey was already serving for another offense. McCrorey pleaded guilty on April 15, 2025. According to court records, in March 2024, McCrorey was an inmate in the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County. On March 16, 2024, McCrorey aggressively charged out of his prison cell and struck two federal correctional officers in the face multiple times, causing injuries. McCrorey then resisted other correctional officers who attempted to restrain him by verbally threatening them with violence and biting one of them on the hand. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.


title: Postal Employee Admits Role in Conspiracy to Steal Checks from the Mail

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A mail carrier on Thursday admitted stealing checks from the mail and selling the key that allowed her co-conspirators to steal mail. Cambria M. Hopkins, 30, of Florissant, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of unlawful use of a mail key. Hopkins, a postal carrier based in Clayton, joined a conspiracy to steal mail to obtain personal and business checks, knowing that they would be used to commit fraud. On March 20, 2022, Hopkins sold her “arrow key,” which allows access to U.S. Postal Service collection boxes, to Malik A. Jones. She also told Jones which boxes the key would open. Jones then paid others to steal mail using Hopkins’ key. Hopkins also stole mail at the Post Office and mail that she encountered on her route. From roughly August 2022 to August 2023, Hopkins sold checks to Jones multiple times. He paid her in cash, via CashApp or in groceries. Hopkins is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1. The conspiracy charge carries a potential penalty of up to 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both prison and a fine. The mail key charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. Jones, now 28, pleaded guilty October 25 to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft and is awaiting sentencing. He admitted recruiting other people who would then allow him to use their bank accounts to deposit forged and fraudulent checks that had been stolen from the mail. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General and U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow is prosecuting the case.


title: Operator of illegal alien stash house at center of smuggling-for-ransom scheme sentenced to federal prison

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 33-year-old Guatemalan national who illegally resided in Houston has been ordered to federal prison for conspiracy to transport other illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Junior Morales-Chutan pleaded guilty April 24. U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now ordered Morales-Chutan to serve 48 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. “As this office has pointed out several times before, the human smuggling business is ruthless, inhumane, and sometimes deadly,” said Ganjei. “This case shows how those who make their living smuggling and warehousing human beings have no respect for the safety or dignity of their fellow man. Don’t put your life, or the lives of your loved ones, in their hands. Stay home and stay safe.” Morales-Chutan ran a stash house in Houston where illegal aliens were kept after being smuggled into the United States from various countries. There, associates used weapons and threats to keep them from leaving. Morales-Chutan was also in charge of picking up money paid in relation to the smuggling scheme. In August 2023, the father of two illegal aliens had paid $25,000 for their transportation from Guatemala to the United States. Once they were in Houston, Morales-Chutan demanded an additional $32,500 in ransom for their release. He threatened that if he did not get the money by the end of the day, he would turn them over to the cartel. The investigation led to a residence on Tanager Street in Houston, where authorities recovered firearms, cash and ledgers detailing human smuggling. The smuggled individuals were later released and identified Morales-Chutan as the one in charge of the stash house and that there had been up to 20 other illegal aliens there at various times. Morales-Chutan is also an illegal alien himself, having been previously removed from the United States and reentered unlawfully approximately 18 months prior to the smuggling offense. He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Day prosecuted the case.


title: Sisseton Man Sentenced to Almost 30 Years in Federal Prison for  Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Sexual Abuse of a Minor

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a man from Sisseton, South Dakota, convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentencing took place on August 26, 2025. Chauncey Allen White, age 31, was sentenced to two years and eight months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100 on the Assault with a Dangerous Weapon charge. White was sentenced to 26 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200 on the Sexual Abuse of a Minor charge. Upon release from federal prison, White must register as a sex offender. White’s sentences are to be served consecutively, which amounts to 29 years and four months in federal prison. White was indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in March 2024. He was indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse of a Minor in July 2024. White pleaded guilty to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon on November 18, 2024. He pleaded guilty to Sexual Abuse of a Minor on June 9, 2025. The Assault with a Dangerous Weapon conviction stemmed from an incident on February 28, 2023, when White assaulted his romantic partner with a knife. The victim was trying to break up with White, which angered White. While sitting in the victim’s vehicle in the parking lot where she worked, White held a knife to the victim’s body and asked how she wanted to die. The victim was able to escape without physical injury. White, however, stabbed the center console of the victim’s car causing property damage. The Sexual Abuse of a Minor conviction stemmed from an incident in 2014 when White, 20-21 years old at the time, provided alcohol to two young teenage girls. The girls became heavily intoxicated and lost consciousness. White then removed the clothes of minor victim 1 and began to vaginally rape her. She came to and was able to push him off. White then found minor victim 2 and proceeded to vaginally rape her before she regained consciousness. The incident happened at White’s family home on the Lake Traverse Reservation. These cases were investigated by the FBI and the Sisseton Wahpeton Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . White was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Illegal alien sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for church parking lot methamphetamine deal

body_text: HOUSTON – A 41-year-old Mexican national has been ordered federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute 116 kilograms of methamphetamine and for unlawfully possessing ammunition and multiple weapons, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Eustorgio Quiroz-Salto pleaded guilty July 11, 2024. U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now ordered Quiroz-Salto to serve a total of 240 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that described his prior convictions for cocaine trafficking in the Southern District of Florida in 2011. In addition, Judge Bennett ordered the forfeiture of all weapons and ammunition seized. “Public safety begins with taking the most dangerous recidivists off the street,” said Ganjei. “When a defendant, like the one here, illegally enters our country three times, engages in drug trafficking despite having prior drug convictions, and illegally possesses firearms, he better believe we’re going to come looking for him.” “Not only was Quiroz-Salto in the country illegally, but when Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents arrested him, they uncovered a substantial amount of methamphetamine destined for our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan C. Pullen of the DEA – Houston Division. “He was caught in the act, selling deadly drugs near a place of worship, and now he'll spend two decades behind bars paying the price for his reckless actions that threatened to destroy lives.” On Dec 12, 2023, Quiroz-Salto arranged to deliver over 20 kilograms of methamphetamine aka “ice” in the parking lot of a church in Crosby. When he arrived with Manuel Varjas Corona, authorities arrested both men and seized multiple kilograms of narcotics from their vehicle. A subsequent search of the home where Quiroz-Salto resided resulted in the seizure of an additional 93.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, 12 firearms, a silencer, 351 rounds of live ammunition and multiple firearm parts. Quiroz-Salto had been removed in 2007 and 2008 and returned illegally. He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Corona, 51, a Mexican national who illegally resided in Houston, also pleaded guilty to his role and is set for sentencing at a later date. At that time, he faces up to life in prison. DEA conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shelley J. Sullivan prosecuted the case.


title: Florida Men Sentenced to Prison for Scheme to Prepare False Tax Returns for Clients

component: Tax Division

body_text: Three Florida men were sentenced this week for tax crimes related to a scheme to prepare false tax returns for clients. Jonathan Carillo was sentenced to 121 months in prison, Franklin Carter Jr. was sentenced to 84 months in prison, and Diandre T. Mentor was sentenced to 36 months in prison. The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: from 2016 to 2020, Carter and Carrillo owned and operated Neighborhood Advance Tax (NAT), a return preparation business with a dozen offices throughout Florida. Mentor was employed there as a return preparer and from 2018 and 2019 he was the manager of the Orlando office. Carter, Carrillo, Mentor, and their co-conspirators fraudulently inflated client tax refunds by fabricating deductions on their returns. They also held periodic training sessions at which they taught other NAT employees how to prepare fraudulent tax returns. In 2020, Mentor and his co-conspirators started their own tax return preparation business called Smart Tax & Finance. Like NAT, Mentor and his co-conspirators prepared false tax returns for clients which included fabricated deductions. Mentor and his co-conspirators also taught franchise owners and employees how to prepare false returns for clients. In total, Mentor caused a tax loss to the IRS of $3,090,077. In 2021, Carter, Carrillo, and their co-conspirators started a new return preparation business, Taxmates, which operated out of the same offices that NAT previously used. As with NAT, Carter, Carrillo, and others used Taxmates to prepare false tax returns for clients. Many of those returns included false deductions. Carter, Carrillo and their co-conspirators also taught franchise owners and employees how to prepare false returns for clients. In total, they caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $12 million. Several other co-conspirators have been sentenced for their roles in the scheme including Emmanuel Almonor and Adon Hemley, who were sentenced to 57 months in prison and 46 months in prison, respectively. In addition to their prison sentences, U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger for the Middle District of Florida ordered Mentor to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $3,090,077 in restitution to the United States; Carter to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $12,543,946 in restitution to the United States; and Carrillo to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $12,170,066 in restitution to the United States. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorney Michael L. Jones of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Testerman for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case.


title: Jefferson County Man Admits Producing, Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man from DeSoto, Missouri on Thursday pleaded guilty to child pornography charges involving three victims. Dylan James, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography. He admitted recording a sexual act with a 13-year-old in 2024 and then distributing that recording. Investigators later discovered evidence of two more victims on James’ phone. The second victim, who was 15, told investigators that James gave her alcohol and “possibly some vapes” in exchange for sexually explicit images. The third victim was 16 when James watched a livestream of her engaging in sex acts with her boyfriend. He later paid her for additional videos, James’ plea agreement says. James is scheduled to be sentenced on December 2. The production charge carries a mandatory minimum prison term of 15 years. The distribution charge carries a potential penalty of 5 to 20 years. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Louis County Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Hayes is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division'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 via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Four Foreign Nationals Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the United States After Deportation

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that four men convicted separately of illegally reentering the United States after prior deportations were sentenced this week. Kevin Emmanuel Rodriguez-Martinez , 32, a Honduran national, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Catherine Henry to time served, just over two months, for illegal reentry. Having completed his prison sentence, he will be removed from the United States again. Rodriguez-Martinez had been previously removed from the United States in September 2011 and November 2012, following encounters with the U.S. Border Patrol in Texas. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) became aware in May of this year that Rodriguez-Martinez had unlawfully returned to the U.S. In June, HSI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers located the defendant in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and took him into custody. He was charged by information with illegal reentry the same month and pleaded guilty this week, waiving prosecution by indictment. Osman Guevara-Guevara , 35, a Honduran national, was sentenced by United States District Judge Joseph F. Leeson Jr. yesterday to time served, about two and a half months, for illegally reentering the United States. Having completed his prison sentence, he will be removed from the United States again. In February 2012, Guevara-Guevara was arrested by ICE near Seattle, Washington, and was removed to Honduras in April of that year. Following his removal, the defendant illegally re-entered the United States on an unknown date, was arrested in southern Texas by the U.S. Border Patrol in March 2013, and was removed from the country that April. Earlier this year, ICE became aware that Guevara-Guevara had been arrested by the Phoenixville (Pa.) Police Department — after having entered the country without authorization a third time — and took him into custody in June. In July, he was charged by indictment with illegal reentry and pleaded guilty this week. Jorge Miles , 30, a Mexican national, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Costello on Tuesday to eight months in prison for illegally reentering the United States. Upon the completion of his sentence, he again will be removed from the country. Miles had previously been removed from the U.S. in March 2014, after he was arrested by the East Norriton Township (Pa.) Police Department and pleaded guilty to robbery. He reentered the country illegally on an unknown date. In February of this year, ICE became aware that Miles had been arrested by the West Whiteland Township (Pa.) Police Department and took him into custody. In April, he was charged by indictment with illegal reentry and pleaded guilty in May. Yobani Bonilla-Bonilla , aka Gilberto Perez Alvarado, 40, a Honduran national, was sentenced by Judge Henry on Monday to time served, almost two months, for illegally reentering the United States. Having completed his prison sentence, he again will be removed from the country. Bonilla-Bonilla had previously been removed from the U.S. in June 2015, after he was encountered by the U.S. Border Patrol in Texas. He reentered the country illegally on an unknown date. In May of this year, ICE received information that the defendant was residing in Easton, Pennsylvania, and that there was an active arrest warrant for him in Honduras. ICE located Bonilla-Bonilla and took him into custody in June, with the assistance of HSI and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). He was charged by indictment with illegal reentry in July and pleaded guilty this week. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). The cases were investigated by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, HSI, and the DEA and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rosalynda M. Michetti, Rebecca Kulik, and Shayna Gannone.


title: Jury Convicts Sherwood Man for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—A federal jury convicted a Sherwood man who illegally possessed a firearm. Following a two-day trial and after approximately two hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Keith Harris, 24, of being a felon in possession of a firearm. On November 8, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Harris that charged him with one count he took to trial. The jury returned the verdict Wednesday evening to United States District Court Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr., who will sentence Harris at a later date. Harris will remain in federal custody pending sentencing. The statutory penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm is not more than 15 years imprisonment. The evidence presented at trial showed that on October 26, 2022, a law enforcement officer with the Little Rock Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge Challenger for speeding. Law enforcement officers learned that Harris, who was a passenger, was on active parole with a search waiver on file. Harris was asked by law enforcement officers to step out of the vehicle to conduct a search of his person and the area of the car where he was seated. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement officers located a Glock, model 22, .40 caliber firearm under the seat where Harris had been sitting. Harris was convicted by the state of Arkansas in 2019 for being a felon in possession of a firearm following an incident at a gas station in North Little Rock that resulted in the murder of a U.S. Air Force airman during an armed robbery. Harris, who was 18 at the time, was initially arrested for capital murder and aggravated robbery before pleading guilty to the lesser charge after police identified Harris as one of the four people involved in the incident. Harris received five years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections and was paroled in October 2021. Harris was also convicted as an adult of two counts of theft of property by threat of serious physical injury following an incident in 2016. The present investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Little Rock Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Eldridge and Amanda Fields prosecuted the case. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Madison Man Who Pointed Loaded Handgun During Dispute Sentenced to 6 ½ Years for Illegally Possessing Firearm as a Felon

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Joseph Harrison, 36, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 6 ½ years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Harrison pleaded guilty to this charge on June 11, 2025. During a dispute on April 9, 2024, Harrison brandished a gun, pointed it in a woman’s face, and threatened to shoot her. He then fled in another woman’s car. Because Harrison was on state supervision at the time for a prior criminal offense, officers tracked him using GPS monitoring. Officers stopped and arrested Harrison and then searched the vehicle, where they found a loaded Beretta .22 caliber handgun under the seat Harrison had occupied. Harrison is prohibited from legally possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions. At sentencing, Judge Conley noted that Harrison had spent approximately 17 years in and out of jail or prison and was on a “disastrous path for everyone, society most of all.” Judge Conley also noted that Harrison had a history of violence, particularly toward women. Judge Conley found a substantial sentence of 6 ½ years was necessary to protect the public. The charge against Harrison was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force is comprised of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Ginsberg, Jennifer Remington, and Corey Stephan prosecuted this case. Federal cases involving firearms are part of Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is 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 (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).


title: United States Files Civil Complaint Against S.F.-Based Air Carrier To Enforce Penalties For Alleged Drug And Alcohol Testing Program Noncompliance

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – The United States filed a civil complaint in federal district court this week against passenger air carrier Boutique Air, Inc. to enforce civil penalties that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assessed for alleged violations of federal regulations governing drug and alcohol records checks on employees. Boutique Air is a San Francisco-based air carrier that operates scheduled and charter flights. As an FAA-certified air carrier, Boutique Air is required to comply with federal regulations governing workplace drug and alcohol testing, records checks, training, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements. Among other requirements, FAA-certified air carriers are prohibited from permitting a newly hired employee to continue performing safety-sensitive functions for more than 30 days unless the carrier checks the employee’s drug and alcohol testing records from the employee’s prior transportation industry employers or makes a good faith effort to obtain the required information. According to the complaint, Boutique Air failed to conduct requisite drug and alcohol records checks on 21 employees that it hired into safety-sensitive positions, including mechanics, a pilot, and a ground security coordinator. The FAA found that between August 2020 and September 2021, Boutique Air allegedly authorized 21 new employees to perform safety-sensitive functions beyond the 30-day threshold without obtaining, or making a good faith effort to obtain, requisite drug and alcohol testing information from those employees’ previous transportation industry employers. On Sept. 22, 2023, the FAA issued a letter to Boutique Air outlining the FAA’s conclusion that Boutique Air violated federal regulations governing drug and alcohol records checks on employees on 21 occasions and seeking payment of a civil penalty. The maximum allowed penalty totals $291,417. The complaint seeks collection of the civil penalty. United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FAA Chief Counsel Liam McKenna made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sapna Mehta is handling this case. The FAA investigated this matter. The complaint contains allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Grand Jury Returns Indictments

body_text: MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments yesterday. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation, and a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Madison Man Charged with Drug and Gun Crimes Gairitt Schad, 27, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing controlled substances intended for distribution, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The indictment alleges that on April 17, 2025, Schad possessed cocaine, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and heroin, all intended for distribution. The indictment further alleges that on the same day, he possessed a loaded handgun in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes, and that he possessed a Smith & Wesson M&P 40 Shield .40 caliber handgun and ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted of the charge involving 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, Schad faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison, and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. If convicted of the charge involving possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, Schad faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison. The charge for possessing cocaine and heroin intended for distribution carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The felon in possession charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years. The charges against Schad are the result of an investigation conducted by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the case. Eau Claire Man Charged with Methamphetamine Trafficking Jason Bloedow, 41, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing methamphetamine, possessing methamphetamine intended for distribution, and maintaining a drug involved premises. The indictment alleges that Bloedow sold methamphetamine on March 19 and April 15, 2025, the second buy involving 50 grams or more. The indictment also alleges that Bloedow possessed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution on April 25, 2025, and used his residence as a drug involved premises. If convicted of the charge involving 500 grams or more, Bloedow faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. If convicted of the charge involving 50 grams or more, he faces a minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of 40 years. The distribution charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years, and the drug premises charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years. The charges against him are the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, the Dunn County and Chippewa County Sheriff’s Offices, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Dunn County and Eau Claire County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Remington is handling the case. Madison Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution Noah A. Hodges, 43, Madison, Wisconsin is charged with possessing 50 grams or more methamphetamine intended for distribution. The indictment alleges that Hodges possessed the methamphetamine on February 6, 2025. If convicted, Hodges faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. The charge against Hodges is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, Dane County Narcotics Task Force, Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson is handling the case. Wausau Man Charged with Methamphetamine Trafficking Austin Heil, 27, Wausau, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution. The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine on February 20, 2024. If convicted, Heil faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. The charge against Heil is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of investigators from the FBI, Wisconsin State Patrol, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Police Department, Wausau Police Department and Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Remington is handling the case. Fitchburg Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Illegally Possessing Loaded Firearm Jalen Hayes, 25, Fitchburg, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing controlled substances intended for distribution, possessing a loaded firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that on July 25, 2025, Hayes possessed a mixture of fentanyl, cocaine, oxycodone, and heroin intended for distribution. The indictment further alleges that on the same day, Hayes possessed a loaded Radikal Arms RPX9 Exodus 9mm handgun as a convicted felon and further that he possessed that handgun in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the drug charge, Hayes faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. If convicted of the felon in possession charge, Hayes faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The charge involving possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison, and a maximum penalty of life in prison. The charges against him are the result of an investigation conducted by the Fitchburg Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the case. ** Federal cases involving drugs and firearms are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Note: An earlier version of this release stated that Austin Heil was also charged with illegally possessing a firearm. That information was incorrect, and the release has been corrected.


title: Kansas man indicted for false statements during firearms purchases

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with making straw purchases of firearms. According to court documents, N’Darius Sullivan, 24, of Kansas City, Kansas, was indicted on two counts of false statements during two separate firearm purchases. In 2024, Sullivan is accused of knowingly making false written statements to a licensed firearms dealer to obtain two Glock, Model 22, .40 caliber pistols. On two different occasions Sullivan allegedly lied by indicating he was not purchasing the firearms on behalf of another person. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting the case. OTHER INDICTMENTS Marcos Alvarado-Machorro, 44, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States, was indicted on one count of reentry of previously removed alien. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug is prosecuting the case. Darryl James Bush, 46, of Clay Center, Kansas, was indicted on one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, possession of child pornography. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Walton is prosecuting the case. Keeno D. Collins, 31, of Edwardsville was indicted on one count of felon in possession of a firearm. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting the case. Meliton Garcia-Guillermo, 43, a Mexican national residing illegally in Olathe, was indicted on one count of reentry of previously removed alien. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask is prosecuting the case. Tommie Ernest Giles, 52, of Kansas City, Missouri, was indicted on one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and attempt. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey McCormick is prosecuting the case. Sohail Reza Ibrahimi, 27, of Kansas City, Missouri, was indicted on one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and attempt. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey McCormick is prosecuting the case. Jason Teeman, 46, of Raymore, Missouri, was indicted on one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and attempt. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey McCormick is prosecuting the case. Project Safe Childhood 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc . An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###