title: Ford County Man Sentenced to Additional 21 Months in Prison for Mailing Threats to Prior Victim

body_text: URBANA, Ill. – A Roberts, Illinois, man, Paul Theesfield, 41, of the 200 block of Maple Avenue, was sentenced June 8, 2026, to 21 months of imprisonment for mailing a threatening communication. The sentence will be served consecutively to the twelve-year sentence he is currently serving for attempted kidnapping. On February 5, 2026, Theesfield pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric I. Long to mailing a threatening communication to a victim in Gibson City, Illinois, on October 3, 2023. The long and graphic letter threatened to harm the victim’s husband and sexually assault the victim. Theesfield mailed the letter from the Bureau of Prisons Federal Medical Center in Butner, North Carolina, where he is serving a federal sentence for attempted kidnapping. The victim of the threatening letter was the same woman Theesfield had attempted to kidnap on December 5, 2020. On that day, Theesfield repeatedly drove past the intended victim in Gibson City using his SUV to strike the woman from behind, attempting to incapacitate her and kidnap her. The woman recognized Theesfield and screamed for help, causing him to flee the scene. Theesfield and his vehicle were later found at his residence by a Ford County Deputy. After initially telling authorities he accidentally struck the woman, Theesfield admitted his kidnapping plan and was arrested. The Ford County Sheriff later seized handcuffs, wire rope chokers, zip ties, duct tape, an electric cattle prod, and other items from Theesfield’s place of employment. At the sentencing hearing, the government also noted Theesfield committed a similar uncharged attempted kidnapping on September 25, 2009, in Champaign, Illinois. On that date, he struck a woman with his vehicle and physically attacked her while attempting to tie her up with a strap. The victim screamed and kicked eventually freeing herself. Theesfield left the scene and was not identified until after his arrest for the 2020 incident. Theesfield’s 2020 victim presented a written statement during the sentencing hearing that detailed the additional trauma from his threatening letter. U.S. District Judge Colin S. Bruce rejected Theesfield’s request for a concurrent sentence of imprisonment and imposed the 21-month sentence consecutively, as requested by the government. In doing so, Judge Bruce agreed with the government’s arguments that a consecutive sentence was necessary to deter Theesfield and to protect the public from further crimes by Theesfield. The statutory penalty for mailing a threatening communication is up to five years of imprisonment and three years of supervised release. The case investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugene L. Miller represented the government in the prosecution.


title: Homeland Security Task Force Case Sends Fort Walton Beach Man to Federal Prison for Drug Crime

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Pensacola, Florida – Travaess McLemore, 41, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This successful prosecution and substantial prison sentence is an incredible win for the public safety of our communities, and fulfills the objective of the Homeland Security Task Force to dedicate a whole-of-government approach toward eliminating drug trafficking operations in the Northern District of Florida. We will celebrate this win and re-double our efforts to eradicate the scourge of methamphetamine and other deadly narcotics from our District to deliver the safe, drug-free streets our citizens deserve.” On August 13, 2025, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on the defendant’s vehicle. During the traffic stop a canine alerted to the odor of narcotics. A search of the vehicle revealed 84 grams of methamphetamine. Later that day, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and located approximately 1,548 grams of methamphetamine. The defendant was subjected to a sentencing enhancement for a prior serious drug felony conviction in a 2017 drug trafficking case. “The amount of methamphetamine seized in this case had the potential to cause tremendous harm to countless individuals and families throughout Okaloosa County and beyond,” said Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden. “I’m proud of the deputies, K9 teams, investigators, and our federal partners whose work not only led to the removal of a major source of narcotics, but also ensured the person responsible faces the consequences.” “Methamphetamine—one of the more commonly trafficked substances in the Florida Pan Handle—destroys families and communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, DEA Tampa Field Division. “We have arrested numerous methamphetamine distributors in this region and will not stop until these criminals have been brought to justice.” The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Tharp. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF comprises agents and officers from multiple agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Midwest City Man Charged with Making Threat Against the President

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal indictment has been unsealed, charging HOWARD RAYMOND GIMMEY , 46, of Midwest City, Oklahoma, with making a threat against the President of the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to the Indictment, on May 5, 2026, Gimmey posted “I’m going to kill the President…” on a social media website. The Indictment further alleges that Gimmey knowingly and willfully made the communication and did so with recklessness as to whether it would be viewed as a true threat of violence against the President of the United States. On June 2, 2026, a federal grand jury charged Gimmey with making a threat against the President. If found guilty, Gimmey faces up to five years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The public is reminded that this charge is merely an allegation, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is the result of an investigation by FBI Oklahoma City’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the United States Secret Service, and the Midwest City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Dillon is prosecuting the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Bronx Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl in New Jersey

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK N.J. – A Bronx man was sentenced to 70 months in prison for distributing fentanyl in New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. Juan Jose Patino Parra, 35, of the Bronx, New York, previously pled guilty to knowingly and intentionally distributing and possessing with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Jamel K. Semper yesterday, in Newark federal court, sentenced Patino Parra to 70 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release to follow his term of imprisonment. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On August 15, 2024, law enforcement arrested Patino Parra immediately after he delivered nearly 1 kilogram of fentanyl to a buyer in Fort Lee, New Jersey. A search of Patino Parra’s vehicle uncovered additional packages of fentanyl. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy, with the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chana Y. Zuckier of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit in Newark. ### Defense counsel: Paul Condon, Esq.


title: Italian national pleads guilty to charges relating to a gate-crashing event at CIA Headquarters

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Italian national pled guilty yesterday to disregarding a signal from a law enforcement officer to stop and driving under the influence of alcohol. According to court records, on May 22, 2025, at approximately 3:38 a.m., Monia Spadaro, 28, drove into the restricted CIA Headquarters installation via the outbound traffic lane. When a CIA Police officer attempted to pull her over in a marked CIA Police vehicle with activated emergency lights, Spadaro failed to stop her vehicle and continued toward the main security gate. Spadaro made several reckless maneuvers, including changing lanes from outbound to inbound and back. An additional marked CIA Police vehicle stationed at the security gate also activated emergency lights and pursued. Spadaro disregarded all attempts to stop her and increased her speed toward the main security gate, including driving towards a CIA Police officer standing on foot, who fired shots to protect himself and to prevent Spadaro from running the gate. Spadaro’s blood alcohol content was over double the legal limit. Spadaro was convicted in Virginia in 2021 for driving while under the influence of alcohol and in 2022 for reckless driving, and in Washington, D.C., in 2023 for driving while under the influence of alcohol. Spadaro faces up to five years in prison when sentenced on Aug. 13. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. CIA Police and the FBI Washington Field Office investigated this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Etchart and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Robeson are prosecuting the case. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-173.


component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: Fugitive Taiwanese National Charged with Drug Trafficking is Detained and Removed from the United States CONCORD –U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces the removal from the United States of Yi-Han Liou, a Taiwanese fugitive from justice with alleged ties to organized crime. Liou was unlawfully present in the United States. On June 4, 2026, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations removed Taiwan national Yi-Han Liou from the United States to Taiwan where she had fled charges related to drug trafficking and fraud. Liou, who overstayed her entry to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, was arrested by ICE and detained in New Hampshire pending her removal from the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office defended the U.S. Government in a court action filed in the District of New Hampshire by Liou seeking that she be released from detention back into the interior. Liou is alleged by Taiwanese authorities to have trafficked cocaine and marijuana from the United States and Canada to Taiwan by air freight. Drug smuggling allegations include Liou’s involvement in shipping 637.5 grams of cocaine concealed in candlesticks to contacts in Taiwan. Liou also faces charges in Taiwan related to alleged fraud and embezzlement. She was arrested by local authorities upon her arrival in Taiwan. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations detained and removed Liou following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Taiwan National Police Agency, Criminal Investigation Bureau. This case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Martin


title: St. Louis Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Stealing Client Funds

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Zachary M. Bluestone on Tuesday sentenced a former tax preparer to 27 months in prison and ordered him to repay the $52,080 he stole from clients’ tax refunds and COVID-19 stimulus payments. From 2016-2020, Mark A. Murphy, 40, prepared tax returns for clients but did not list himself as the paid return preparer. Murphy instead signed the taxpayers’ names on the returns, making it appear that they had submitted the returns instead of him. Without the taxpayers’ knowledge, he opened bank accounts for them that he used to collect his tax preparation fees from clients’ tax refunds. The bulk of Murphy’s crime concerned Economic Impact Payments (EIPs), which were issued directly from the IRS to taxpayers during the COVID-19 pandemic. A number of these EIPs were deposited into the unauthorized bank accounts that Murphy set up. Despite knowing that these EIPs were intended for his clients and not him, Murphy withdrew EIP funds in cash and used debit cards linked to the accounts to make personal purchases. During this period, Murphy also kept a client’s entire tax refund for himself. Murphy stole a total of $52,080 in EIPs and refunds from clients from April 2020 to March 2021. “The Defendant attempted to conceal the fact that he prepared tax returns for his clients and then stole their refunds by opening bank accounts in their names without their knowledge or approval,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation St. Louis Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. “IRS-CI remains committed to tracking down fraudsters who exploit the U.S. tax system by stealing from innocent taxpayers and the U.S. Treasury.” "The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) aggressively investigates tax preparers who attempt to undermine our Nation's tax system," said TIGTA Special Agent in Charge Kelly Moening. “We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who seek to corrupt federal tax administration are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." Murphy pleaded guilty in March to one count of theft of government property. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and IRS – Criminal Investigation handled the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Clow prosecuted the case.


title: Felon Sent to Prison for Illegally Possessing a Gun

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who illegally possessed a firearm as a felon was sentenced today to more than one year in federal prison. David Gregory Fauser, age 37, from Waterloo, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 29, 2025, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon. Evidence during the case showed Fauser was involved in an altercation with his neighbor. Fauser went inside his home, got a gun, went back outside, and displayed the gun towards his neighbor. Fauser was intoxicated at the time. He had previously been convicted of third-degree burglary, a felony offense. Fauser was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Fauser was sentenced to twelve months and one day of imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Fauser was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on a date yet to be set. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tabacco Firearms and Explosives and the Waterloo Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-CR-2052. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: F.A. United States Attorney Ryan Ellison Encourages Albuquerque and Las Cruces to Apply for Model City Initiative Public Safety Funding

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE - F.A. United States Attorney Ryan Ellison is encouraging local leaders in Albuquerque and Las Cruces to pursue funding through the Department of Justice's Model City Initiative , a new public safety grant program that will provide up to $300 million to support crime reduction and community safety efforts in a select number of cities nationwide. Under the initiative, the Department of Justice will award approximately $300 million in public safety funding to two to four cities with populations of more than 100,000. Depending on the number of jurisdictions selected, participating cities could receive between $75 million and $150 million to strengthen public safety infrastructure and enhance crime prevention, intervention, and enforcement efforts. Eligible funding may be used to support a wide range of public safety initiatives, including: Recruitment and retention of personnel in law enforcement agencies, prosecutors' offices, detention facilities, and community-based organizations engaged in prevention, accountability, and reintegration efforts; Acquisition of equipment, technology, and facilities, including forensic and DNA analysis tools, body-worn cameras, license plate readers, drones, counter-drone technology, ballistic identification systems, and real-time crime centers; Mental health and substance use services, including crisis intervention teams, outpatient and residential treatment programs, and recovery support services; Victim services, including emergency assistance, temporary housing, and employment support; and Youth crime prevention and intervention programs that address risk factors associated with juvenile delinquency and violence, including gang intervention and suppression initiatives and case management services. “The stakes are too high for Albuquerque and Las Cruces to pass up this historic public safety funding opportunity. I strongly encourage leaders in both cities to submit competitive applications. There’s no reason that Albuquerque and Las Cruces cannot work with the Federal Government to crack down on violent crime and enhance public safety. I’m extending a hand of partnership to these cities, and I stand ready to advocate on their behalf in Washington.” Cities will apply through a whole-of-city approach. That means that city leaders, including the mayor, sheriff, county prosecutor, and others will work together to submit one application that proposes a persuasive vision of how this money can be awarded strategically throughout their city to improve law enforcement engagement, victim services, detention and reentry services, and preventive programs.


title: Globe Man Receives Four Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: Phoenix, Ariz. – A Globe, Arizona, man was sentenced in federal court for Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl. James Morris Wilckens, 55, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John J. Tuchi to 48 months in prison to be followed by 36 months of supervised release. During a Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) investigation, Wilckens was identified as a member of a cross-border smuggling ring engaged in the distribution of fentanyl in Globe and the surrounding communities. In June 2024, he was arrested near Claypool after being found in possession of 230 fentanyl pills that were packaged for sale. This investigation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Tucson comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Secret Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Tucson Police Department, Pima County Sheriff's Office, Oro Valle Police Department, Marana Police Department, and Arizona HIDTA. Prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael R. Lizano of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, Tucson. CASE NUMBER: 25-CR-02677 RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-094_Wilckens 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: Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud and Tax Crimes

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.— A Jacksonville, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today to tax evasion, not paying employment taxes, bank fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon. Joel Matthew Caswell, 31, pleaded guilty to a Superseding Information charging three counts of tax evasion, three counts of willful failure to pay over employment taxes, one count of bank fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. According to documents and statements made in court, Caswell has ownership and managing interests in multiple logging and construction businesses that collectively employed approximately 40 employees. He was the trustee and a beneficiary of the Caswell Family Trust. From 2018 through 2022, Caswell withheld but failed to pay over trust fund taxes for multiple businesses. In 2019, these unpaid payroll taxes resulted in the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) assessing the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty. To evade the IRS’s ability to collect what was owed, Caswell directed customers to write checks to other companies or him personally, moved business funds, and lied to IRS collection officers. Separately, between 2022 and 2024, Caswell executed multiple fraud schemes in Oregon that involved submitting fabricated financial records to a bank, a private lender, and the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) to secure loans. Additionally, Caswell used the name, Social Security number, and date of birth of Adult Victim 1 to obtain a residential mortgage. As part of the plea agreement, Caswell has agreed to pay $1,198,799.83 in restitution to the IRS. He faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, a $1,000,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on October 9, 2026 , before a U.S. district court judge. This case is the result of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Land Management. Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Brassell of the District of Oregon and Trial Attorney J. Parker Gochenour of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Former Tamaqua Police Officer Sentenced To 330 Months In Prison For Production Of Child Pornography, Creation Of An Animal Crush Video

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher J. Cordes, age 31, of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on Friday, June 5, 2026, by United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr., to 330 months, or 27.5 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, attempted receipt of and possession of child pornography, creation of an animal crush video, and production of child pornography. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, while employed as a Tamaqua Police Officer for the Tamaqua Police Department in 2023 and 2024, Cordes communicated with at least one minor victim on a social media platform, whom he solicited to create sexually explicit images and videos of themselves. Additionally, Cordes used social media to solicit the receipt of child pornography from others. Cordes also created and then sent a video to at least one minor victim, and others, depicting himself engaged in sexual activity with animals. When Cordes was arrested, he was in possession of child pornography. “As a former police officer, Cordes understood the trust our communities place in those who wear a badge, and violated that trust in the most disturbing way,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Nathan Abel. “This sentence reflects the persistent work of HSI special agents and our partners at the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to uncover his conduct, support the victims, and ensure he will never again have the opportunity to exploit a child.” “This case involved truly disturbing conduct that has no place in a civilized society, and we thank our federal partners for collaboration that ultimately removed a predator from the community for multiple decades,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said. Homeland Security Investigations and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luisa Honora Berti prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. # # #


title: DeSoto County Sheriff Thomas Tuggle Selected as NDMS 2026 Hometown Hero

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: OXFORD – U.S. Attorney Scott Leary presented DeSoto County Sheriff Thomas Tuggle, the 2026 Hometown Hero award for the Northern District of Mississippi. As part of Freedom 250 , United States Attorneys’ offices (USAOs) nationwide are honoring the Hometown Heroes of their districts. The Hometown Hero Award commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America by celebrating the enduring ideals of liberty, service, and civic responsibility. This award is dedicated in recognition of a steadfast commitment to these ideals and an embodiment of the spirit upon which our nation was founded. U.S. Attorney Scott Leary presented the award, “We are federal, you are State. We are continually attempting to improve our ability to work together to make Mississippi a safer state, because we love it here. This is our home. Sheriff Tuggle typifies this ability to work together. Not only is Sheriff Tuggle a gifted professional law man, but he also continually shows up for the children of his community. He works tirelessly at his job, especially for the kids. For some of them, a light will go off, and that is what we are going for. For all of these reasons we are honored to present this Hometown Hero award to Sheriff Tuggle.” Sheriff Tuggle has dedicated his life to serving our country, our state and his hometown DeSoto County. Tuggle has served as a Marine, a policeman, a highway patrol officer and training consultant throughout his career. As sheriff, Tuggle has led the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office’s Youth Mentor Program which focuses on helping young people develop character, mindset and skills with the ultimate goal of improving their confidence and self-worth. At the end of the year-long program, those youth are recognized in front of their community for the achievements they earned. Upon accepting his award, Sheriff Tuggle said he and his team are working with youth, giving them something else to think about other than guns. As a result, DeSoto County is having minimum teenagers shooting teenagers. They are teaching the youth of DeSoto County the importance of accountability that they must give in order to get, so they are starting to believe in that concept. He also discussed his time in the Marines and how it made him realize how fragile life is, by staring death in the eyes. Sheriff Tuggle said, “To receive this award is not only an honor but I share it with the entire team.” (The entire acceptance speech can be found here . The Hometown Hero Award is presented to individuals who have made significant and measurable contributions to preserve and/or improve their community. Sheriff Tuggle has more than contributed to our community, he has been pro-active in all facets of his job and we want to commend him for his efforts. For more information on Freedom 250 and the Hometown Hero award, go to https://freedom250.org/


title: Norfolk cocaine dealer sentenced to 30 years in prison for drug-trafficking and firearms crimes

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

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. According to court documents, in January 2025, law enforcement conducted several controlled purchases of cocaine from Maurice Owen Johnson, 38. At that time, Johnson was on federal supervised release for his prior felony convictions in the Eastern District of Virginia for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. In February 2025, Norfolk Police searched three Norfolk residences associated with Johnson, and recovered 11 firearms, ammunition and magazines, 87.8 grams of cocaine, 17.9 grams of cocaine base, 236.4 grams of marijuana, $313, a digital scale, and materials for the packaging and distribution of controlled substances. Police also found Johnson in possession of $4,236. As a convicted felon, Johnson cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division investigated this case jointly with the Norfolk Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Rebecca Gantt prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-73.


title: Pryor man pleads guilty to receiving child porn

body_text: BILLINGS – A Pryor man who had a video on his phone with sexually explicit material of a minor admitted to charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said. The defendant, Melvin Lee Stops, Jr., 23, pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography. Stops faces five to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, at least a $35,000 special assessment, a separate $5,000 special assessment, five years to lifetime of supervised release, and an additional $100 special assessment. U.S. District Judge Watters will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing will be set by the court. Stops was detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that sexually explicit material of a minor was discovered on Stops’s cell phone in 2022. Stops was at a house party in June 2022 where he left his phone after leaving the party. One of the partygoers found his phone and on it discovered “videos of underage girls.” She called law enforcement to report what she found. In December 2025, law enforcement served a search warrant on the phone and found the video. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.


title: Two Charged in Multi-Year Conspiracy to Buy and Sell Stolen Medicare Beneficiary Information from Major South Florida Health Care Network

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida returned a multi-count indictment charging a Miami woman for allegedly orchestrating a years-long scheme to obtain and sell the confidential Medicare beneficiary identifier numbers (BINs) of thousands of patients for use in Medicare fraud schemes. A related criminal information was also filed charging a former health care network employee with conspiring to unlawfully disclose the protected patient information. According to court documents, Kenia Marrero, 46, of Miami, paid Joan Navarro Bruguet, 51, of Miami, a former employee of a Miami-based regional health care provider network identified in court filings as “Provider A,” to secretly provide Marrero with confidential patient information, including names, dates of birth, and Medicare BINs. Beginning in or around January 2022 and continuing through February 2025, Navarro Bruguet allegedly accessed Provider A’s confidential patient records using his work computer, photographed patient information displayed on his screen using his personal cellphone, and sent the images to Marrero through an encrypted messaging application. Court records allege that Marrero paid Navarro Bruguet approximately $500 for each patient list containing around 100 Medicare beneficiaries. Marrero then allegedly worked with others, including Juan Carlos Cardella — who has already been sentenced in this district on related charges — to redistribute and resell the stolen patient information, for as much as $7,000 per list, to individuals involved in Medicare fraud schemes. According to the court records, the scheme resulted in the unlawful disclosure of confidential Medicare information belonging to more than 6,000 beneficiaries. The indictment further alleges that Marrero participated in a durable medical equipment (DME) fraud scheme that submitted more than $5 million in fraudulent Medicare claims using patient identifiers obtained through the conspiracy. Court documents also allege that Marrero deposited more than $460,000 in Medicare fraud proceeds into a bank account associated with the fraudulent DME company. In addition, the indictment alleges that during a recorded in-person meeting in January 2026, Marrero instructed a Provider A employee to “deny everything,” to “stay strong and deny and never say anything to anyone,” and to do “no more texting on the phone,” but if there were a need to text, that they should “do like we always do and ask me about candles.” Marrero is charged with conspiracy to buy, sell, and distribute BINs; conspiracy to commit health care fraud; four counts of health care fraud; four counts of aggravated identity theft; and two counts of money laundering. Navarro Bruguet is charged with conspiracy to buy, sell, and distribute BINs. If convicted, Marrero and Navarro Bruguet each face up to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to buy, sell, and distribute BINs. Marrero also faces up to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and each health care fraud count, up to 10 years for each money laundering count, and a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years for each aggravated identity theft count. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Issac Bledsoe of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, (HHS-OIG), Miami Regional Office; and Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement. HHS-OIG Miami and FBI Miami are investigating the case. Provider A provided early and ongoing assistance in the investigation of this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eduardo Gardea, Jr. is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabrielle Raemy Charest-Turken is handling asset forfeiture. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the Fraud Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. The Department of Justice, HHS-OIG, and the FBI encourage members of the public to remain vigilant against any signs of identity theft or suspicious claims submitted to their health insurance plans, including Medicare. Individuals should carefully review their explanation of benefits (“EOB”) documents; and if they see any sign of suspicious or unauthorized claims in their Medicare records, they should call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or Report Medicare Fraud online at https://oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/ . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case numbers 26-cr-20183 (Marrero), 26-cr-20198 (Navarro Bruguet), and 25-cr-20280 (Cardella). ###


title: Plant City Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Possessing a Machinegun

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – Alex Cruz (24, Plant City) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to 30 months in federal prison for possessing a machinegun. He pleaded guilty on March 3, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, in February 2025, Cruz was one of four individuals stopped in a vehicle by deputies from the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office. A 10mm Glock handgun, with a machinegun conversion device, was located in the seatback pocket immediately in front of Cruz. The firearm bore Cruz’s DNA, and Cruz later made statements indicating that he knew the firearm was a machinegun. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Winter. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Nigerian Man Sentenced in Federal Court  for Fraud and Misuse of Identification Document

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Nigerian man convicted of Fraud and Misuse of Visas, Permits, and Other Documents. The sentencing took place on May 20, 2026. Atuchukwu Markrufus Onyeanusi, 32, was sentenced to time served—just under six months of custody—followed by one year of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Onyeanusi was indicted for Fraud and Misuse of Visas, Permits, and Other Documents; False, Fictitious, Fraudulent Document or Writing; and Aggravated Identity Theft by a federal grand jury in December 2025. He pleaded guilty on February 27, 2026. Onyeanusi is an alien with lawful permanent status to be in the United States. On November 10, 2025, law enforcement in Oklahoma conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle Onyeanusi was driving for speeding. Onyeanusi possessed a Texas commercial driving license with his image but another person’s name. Onyeanusi also possessed an employer’s identification for Great Plains Tribal Leaders’ Health Board located in Rapid City, South Dakota, with the same false name. This ID described Onyeanusi’s position as a “Cyber Threat Analyst.” Onyeanusi used the false Texas CDL, along with a false Social Security card with the same false name, to gain employment at Great Plains Tribal Leaders’ Health Board. Onyeanusi also falsely asserted on an employment immigration form that he was a United States citizen. 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 Homeland Security Investigations and the Craig County Sheriff’s Office in Vinita, Oklahoma. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.


title: Orlando Man Sentenced to Prison for Construction Payroll Scheme that Defrauded the IRS and Workers’ Compensation Insurers

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Santiago Humberto Erazo-Zelaya (32, Orlando) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard to one year and two months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit tax fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The court also ordered Erazo-Zelaya to pay $765,446.00 in restitution to the IRS for unpaid payroll taxes and $26,720.12 in restitution to an insurance company for a workers’ compensation claim. The court entered a money judgment against Erazo-Zelaya in the amount of $181,529, representing the proceeds of the wire fraud. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. Erazo-Zelaya pleaded guilty on February 9, 2026. His co-defendant, Gregorio Jose Fuentes-Zelaya, was previously sentenced to 33 months in federal prison. Erazo-Zelaya is a citizen of Honduras who is illegally present in the United States. He is subject to deportation after he serves his sentence. According to court documents, Erazo-Zelaya established a shell company that purported to be involved in the construction industry. Erazo-Zelaya obtained a workers’ compensation insurance policy in the name of the shell company to cover a minimal payroll for a few purported employees. He and Fuentes-Zelaya then “rented” the workers’ compensation insurance to work crews who wanted to obtain subcontracts with construction contractors on projects in various Florida counties. The conspirators sent the contractors a certificate as “proof” that the work crews had workers’ compensation insurance, as required by Florida law. By sending the certificate, they falsely represented that the work crews worked for the shell company. The contractors issued payroll checks for the workers’ wages to the shell company and Erazo-Zelaya cashed these checks. The conspirators then distributed the cash to the work crews after deducting their fee, which was typically 6% of the payroll. During the period of the scheme, the conspirators cashed payroll checks totaling approximately $3 million, with their fees totaling approximately $181,500. Neither the shell company nor the contractors reported to government authorities the wages that were paid to the workers, nor did they pay the employees’ or the employer’s portion of payroll taxes – including Social Security, Medicare, and federal income tax. According to the IRS, the amount of payroll tax due on wages totaling $3 million was approximately $765,000. The scheme allowed the contractors and subcontractors to avoid the higher cost of obtaining adequate workers’ compensation insurance for the numerous workers on the work crews to whom the workers’ compensation insurance was “rented.” The policy that Erazo-Zelaya obtained was for an estimated payroll of $100,800, and the insurance company issued the policy for an annual premium of $19,526. Had a workers’ compensation insurance policy been purchased for a payroll totaling $3 million, the policy premium would have totaled about $587,000. The scheme also facilitated the employment of undocumented workers who were not legally authorized to work in the United States. “The defendant in this case engaged in a deliberate scheme to exploit workers and circumvent federal and state employment, tax, and insurance laws,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Because of the diligent investigation by our Homeland Security Task Force partners, these conspirators were held accountable for their crimes." “Fraudsters don’t get a free pass—they get jail time,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “This sentence shows that if you hide payrolls and cheat the tax system, you will pay the price. IRS Special Agents will continue to protect the integrity of our tax system and safeguard businesses that play by the rules.” “Workers’ compensation insurance fraud fuels an underground economy built on exploitation, deception, and unfair competition,” said Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy Hemker. “By facilitating the illegal employment of illegal aliens, these schemes rob legitimate workers of opportunities, depress wages, expose employees to unnecessary risk, and saddle honest contractors with the financial burden created by criminals gaming the system. This conduct is not merely unethical—it is criminal. HSI and our law enforcement partners are committed to exposing these fraud networks, following the money, and ensuring those responsible face the full consequences of their actions. We will not allow fraudsters to profit while undermining American workers, honest businesses, and the integrity of our economic system.” This case was the result of a joint investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation, working collaboratively as part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF). The Florida Department of Financial Services also assisted with this investigation. It is part of a continuing investigation by those agencies of the use of shell companies and “ghost” employees in the construction industry. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Clint Locke. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Member of Blumberg DTO Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Crack Distribution, Illegal Gun Possession

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Michael Williams, aka Michael Jiles, 56, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 180 months in prison and three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Kai N. Scott last week for drug and gun offenses. As detailed in court filings and statements, in October 2022, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization (“DTO”) known as Blumberg, operating in the area of 23rd Street and Nicholas Street, as well as 23rd Street and Ridge Avenue, in the 22nd District of Philadelphia. Investigators learned that crack cocaine and marijuana were consistently being sold by the Blumberg DTO in this area, and that Williams was selling firearms, as well. The defendant was charged by indictment in March 2025 and pleaded guilty this February to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base (“crack cocaine”), 17 counts of distribution of crack cocaine, and four counts of possession of a firearm by a felon. During his change of plea hearing, the defendant admitted that, from approximately January 2023 through March 2025, he conspired with co-defendant Tyrae Askins to distribute crack cocaine, that he sold crack cocaine on numerous occasions, and that he sold nearly a dozen firearms, despite being a previously convicted felon prohibited from possessing guns. Askins is scheduled to be sentenced later this month. This case was investigated by the ATF and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Samantha A. Arena and Branwen McNabb O’Donnell.


title: Illegal alien living in Rockwall County sentenced to federal prison as part of  Homeland Security Task Force investigation for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas

body_text: SHERMAN, Texas – An illegal alien has been sentenced to over 14 years in federal prison as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. David Ortiz-Moreno, 55, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 170 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on June 9, 2026. According to information presented in court, beginning in 2021, Ortiz-Moreno, a Mexican national who was illegally living in Fate, Texas, was part of a methamphetamine distributing conspiracy responsible for trafficking a large amount of methamphetamine from Mexico into the Eastern District of Texas and beyond. Ortiz-Moreno admitted to being personally responsible for the distribution of at least 50 grams of methamphetamine. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Dallas comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Dallas Field Office; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations - Dallas (ICE-HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Dallas Field Division; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Dallas Field Division; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CD; United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Transportation Security Administration, Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS); United States Secret Service (USSS); Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS); TEXOMA HIDTA; and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern District of Texas with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson. ###


title: Justice Department Opens Investigation of Philadelphia Police Department’s Allegedly Unconstitutional Permit Revocation Practices

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Today, the Justice Department opened an investigation to determine whether Philadelphia Police use a vague “good cause” standard to cancel permits to carry legal firearms. The U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment protects the civil right keep and bear legal firearms — including the right to legally carry firearms where allowed. The investigation focuses on the Philadelphia Police’s permitting system; the investigation does not support any armed obstruction of federal or local law enforcement. “I have directed the Civil Rights Division, through our Second Amendment Section, to defend law-abiding citizens from local authorities who infringe the right to safely carry legal firearms,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Law-abiding Americans, regardless of where they live, should not have to worry that their city will revoke their means of self-defense.” It is a violation of the Second Amendment for government officials to use vague, personal discretion when determining whether to issue or revoke permits to carry firearms. In 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court, in its landmark decision District of Columbia v. Heller , held that the Second Amendment protects the right of law-abiding citizens to possess weapons that are in common use for lawful purposes. In 2022, the Supreme Court held, in another case, that permitting officials may not base licensing decisions merely on their personal discretion. Here, it is alleged that Philadelphia Police use just such a discretionary standard to improperly limit Second Amendment rights. The Civil Rights Division’s Second Amendment Section enforces the Second Amendment. If you believe your right to keep and bear arms is being infringed, please submit a complaint through www.justice.gov/crt/second-amendment-section .


title: Georgia man pleads guilty to scamming victims out of tens of thousands of dollars

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Stephen Odiboh, 53, of Georgia, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud before U.S. District Judge Charles J. Siragusa. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. According to the plea agreement, between 2023 and March 2025, Odiboh conspired with co-conspirators to defraud four victims. The total loss and attempted loss were $356,500. In 2023, Odiboh contacted Victim 1, a 77-year-old woman IN THE Western District of New York, on Facebook. Posing as “Oliver Wilson,” he falsely represented that he was a United States Citizen, a widower, and currently living in Norway. Over the course of approximately a year and a half, “Wilson” fostered a romantic, online relationship, stating that he needed gift cards to “stay online” and continue talking. As a result, Victim 1 sent “Wilson” approximately 30 $500 gift cards, totaling approximately $15,000. In addition, between January and July of 2024, “Wilson” induced Victim 1 to mail eight checks totaling over $162,000.00 to specific individuals and entities, including two checks to Stephen Odiboh. In December 2024, “Wilson” stated that he was being held by customs authorities in Norway and needed to pay a fine of $158,000. He directed Victim 1 to mail two checks totaling $158,000.00 but Victim 1’s bank detected the fraud and stopped payment of the checks before they could be cashed. In April 2024, a co-conspirator contacted Victim 2, a caterer, claiming to be “Alex Alberto,” and in need of catering services. Victim 2 requested a deposit of $800. To pay the purported deposit, “Alberto” sent Victim 2 a check for $2,800, and instructed Victim 2 to cash the check and send the extra $2,000 to the defendant via Zelle. Victim 2 realized he was being defrauded and did not deposit the check. In 2024, a co-conspirator, claiming to be “William Rivera,” contacted Victim 3 through an online dating website. After gaining Victim 3’s trust, “Rivera” convinced Victim 3 to send $2,000 to Odiboh via CashApp, which Victim 3 did on August 14, 2024. In March 2025, a co-conspirator, claiming to be “Alec Jonas,” contacted Victim 4 on a dating website, leading Victim 4 to believe that they were starting a romantic relationship. Once he gained her trust, “Jonas” stated that he was working in Bahrain and needed money to ship goods from Bahrain to Texas, prompting Victim 4 to wire $17,525 to a bank account he controlled. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford. Sentencing is scheduled for October 8, 2026, before Judge Siragusa. # # # #


title: Justice Department Encourages Communities to Apply for Nearly $700M in Grants to Support Law Enforcement Around the Country

body_text: The Justice Department announced that the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) has released nearly $700 million in grant Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to support law enforcement. The released NOFOs include the COPS Hiring Program (CHP) and several other grant programs that: Support the hiring and retention of sworn law enforcement officers, Keep school students safe, Promote the health and safety of our nation’s law enforcement personnel, Keep communities safe by providing active shooter training, and Provide critical technology resources through congressionally designated projects. “The funding announced today reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting the men and women of law enforcement who keep our communities safe,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “By investing directly in law enforcement, we are empowering agencies across the country to respond more effectively to evolving threats. This is another key step in the Trump Administration’s mission to make America Safe Again — and one that will support our nationwide effort to reduce crime in every zip code.” “These grants will deliver real, measurable impact in communities across the country,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. “This Administration is committed to strengthening public safety and ensuring accountability to the taxpayer. The Department will make certain that every dollar invested goes directly toward reducing crime and upholding the rule of law. Supporting the heroic work of state, local, and tribal law enforcement is not only an honor, but an essential step forward in our shared mission to keep the American people safe.” The COPS Hiring Program is intended to reduce crime and advance public safety by providing direct funding to state, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies for the hiring of career law enforcement personnel in an effort to increase their community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. Up to $158 million will be available. The STOP School Violence Prevention Program provides funding to improve security at schools and on school grounds in the grantees’ jurisdictions through evidence-based school safety programs. Up to $73 million will be available. The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Program provides funding to improve the delivery of and access to mental health and wellness services for law enforcement and their families through training and technical assistance, demonstration projects, and implementation of promising practices related to peer mentoring, access to mental health services and wellness programs. Up to $9 million will be available. The Preparing for Active Shooter Situations Program provides funding for scenario-based training that prepares officers, deputies, and other first responders to safely and effectively handle active-shooter and other violent threats. This year’s program will train at least 20,000 first responders through scenario-based, multi-disciplinary training classes. Up to $10 million will be available. The COPS Office Anti-Heroin Task Force Program advances public safety by providing funds directly to state law enforcement to locate and investigate illicit activities through statewide collaboration related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids. Up to $34 million will be available. The COPS Anti-Methamphetamine Program is designed to investigate illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine. Funding must be used to locate or investigate illicit activities such as precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine traffickers. Up to $13 million will be available. The COPS Technology and Equipment Program provides congressionally designated and directed spending to develop and acquire effective law enforcement equipment, technologies and interoperable communications that assist in responding to and preventing crime. This is not a competitive NOFO and Congress has allocated $400 million for the COPS Technology and Equipment Program. State and local governmental entities must comply with 8 U.S.C. § 1373, which provides that state and local government entities may not prohibit, or in any way restrict, any government entity or official from sending to, receiving from, maintaining, or exchanging information regarding citizenship or immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of any individual with components of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or any other federal, state or local government entity. Priority consideration will be given to jurisdictions that cooperate with federal law enforcement to address illegal immigration and coordinate and participate with the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF). The COPS Office is the component of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for advancing the practice of community policing and the Administration’s priority of Making America Safe Again by supporting the nation’s state, local, territorial and Tribal law enforcement agencies through information and grant resources. For more information on COPS Office NOFOs, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/grants .


title: Gary Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison For Possession of Machineguns

body_text: HAMMOND – DeShawn Mitchell, 20 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to possession of a machinegun, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Mitchell was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. “On June 12, 2024, the Defendant sold a machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock Switch” to a confidential informant working for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. On August 12, 2024, Mitchell sold a machinegun, namely a Glock-style firearm with an affixed machinegun conversion device and no serial number. Thanks to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the efforts of Assistant United States Attorney Ambris Saravanan as part of Operation Take Back America , the Defendant was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ambris Saravanan. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Mineral man sentenced to over four years in prison for COVID era unemployment insurance fraud scheme

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Mineral man was sentenced today to four years and three months in prison for an unemployment insurance (UI) benefit fraud conspiracy he ran while on state supervision for other crimes. This case is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government expanded and extended UI benefits for impacted workers. The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) and the Maryland Department of Labor (MD DOL) administer UI compensation in their respective states. According to court documents, from June 2020 to October 2021, Dashawn Hunter, 29, schemed to defraud the expanded unemployment eligibility by using the personal identifying information of prison inmates and others to file fraudulent claims for UI benefits, falsely attesting that the beneficiaries were ready, willing, and able to work and that they had lost their jobs due to COVID-19. Hunter frequently would file multiple applications for a single individual to multiple different state workforce agencies. Hunter also submitted weekly recertifications of unemployment status for these fraudulent claims to continue receiving UI benefits. Relying on the false information submitted by Hunter, various state workforce agencies, including VEC and MD DOL, approved several fraudulent UI applications. Hunter received a total of $221,118 to which he was not entitled. Hunter is currently incarcerated until approximately 2033 for a state conviction for armed robbery and other crimes. Today’s federal sentence will be served consecutive to his state sentence. The Court also ordered that Hunter shall forfeit and pay restitution for the full amount of $221,118. The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General investigated this case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla Jordan-Detamore and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Joseph McGorman prosecuted the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-143.


title: Lake Valley Woman Charged in Fatal Child Abuse Case

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Lake Valley woman is facing federal child abuse charges after allegedly endangering two children by driving while impaired, resulting in one child’s death and severe injuries to the other. According to court documents, on March 25, 2023, Marietta Begay , 50, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, placed two minors in a situation that endangered their lives by operating a vehicle while under the influence. Her conduct resulted in one minor’s death and caused great bodily harm to the second. Begay is charged with abuse of a child resulting in death and abandonment and abuse of a child resulting in great bodily harm and will remain on conditions of release pending trial which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Begay faces a minimum of 18 years in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Sentenced to 10 Years In Federal Prison for Public Corruption Scheme

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: St. Thomas, VI –United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Ray Martinez, former Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Mark A. Kearney to 120 months in federal prison for his role in a public corruption scheme involving bribery, honest services wire fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Kearney ordered Martinez to serve three years of supervised release. The Court also entered a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $127,870.34; ordered restitution totaling $77,257.39; imposed a $5,000 fine; and ordered the payment of $900 in special assessments. Following a jury trial, Martinez was convicted of five counts of Honest Services Wire Fraud, one count of Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds, one count of Money Laundering Conspiracy, and two counts of Obstruction of Justice. Evidence presented at trial established that Martinez abused his position as VIPD Commissioner by accepting numerous bribes from government contractor David Whitaker in exchange for official actions benefiting Whitaker and his business. The bribes included luxury travel, hotel accommodations, school tuition payments, rent payments, restaurant-related expenses, and other personal benefits. The evidence further established that Martinez approved and facilitated government payments to Whitaker’s company, Mon Ethos, including inflated invoices funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The scheme generated more than $1 million in government payments to Mon Ethos and resulted in substantial personal benefits to Martinez. The jury also found that Martinez obstructed the federal investigation by attempting to conceal the bribery scheme, directing efforts to destroy or transfer evidence, and creating a false promissory note that was later produced in response to a federal grand jury subpoena. “Corruption is inexcusable,” said United States Attorney Adam Sleeper. “Public officials—especially law enforcement—have a duty to protect the people they serve. This sentence provides accountability and serves as a warning for those who would betray the public trust.” “This case demonstrates the strong partnership between the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in combating public corruption,” said Carlos R. Goris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “No public official is above the law, and today’s sentencing reinforces our shared commitment to safeguarding the integrity of government institutions to the benefit of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands.” The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Trial Attorney Alexandre Dempsey of the Department of Justice’s Public Integrity Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Cherrisse R. Amaro of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.


title: Justice Department Concludes EEOC Disparate-Impact Guidelines Violate the Constitution

body_text: WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice has issued an opinion to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) that its guidelines about disparate-impact liability under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act are unconstitutional. The Office of Legal Counsel found that EEOC’s guidelines pressured employers to engage in racial discrimination. Under those guidelines, employers could be held liable for unequal hiring and promotion outcomes among different groups, without regard to the employer’s likely intent. The Justice Department’s opinion for EEOC helps to implement Executive Order 14281, which rejected disparate-impact liability insofar as "it creates a near insurmountable presumption [that] unlawful discrimination exists where there are any differences in outcomes in certain circumstances among different races, sexes, or similar groups." "Despite trying to promote equality, EEOC's disparate impact liability interpretation under Title VII actually fosters the very discrimination its guidelines seek to address," said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. "This opinion will now allow businesses to hire based on performance, restoring equal opportunities in the American workplace." "The EEOC is grateful for the thoughtful and insightful analysis provided by Assistant Attorney General Gaiser and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Craddock regarding disparate impact under Title VII," EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas said. "We believe this opinion will provide clarity regarding the Constitutional limits of disparate impact in employment discrimination matters." According to the opinion, businesses can use hiring practices that are generally related to job performance—such as aptitude tests, knowledge-based tests, criminal-background checks, and SAT scores—without fear of violating Title VII simply because such practices may result in different outcomes for different demographic groups. To justify using such tools, employers only need to show that the practice is reasonable, useful, or helps serve a valid business purpose. The opinion also states that people bringing a disparate-impact claim must meet two requirements. They must show that the specific hiring practice directly caused the unequal outcomes they are challenging. And they must identify another approach that would be equally effective for employers but would result in fewer unequal outcomes. This means plaintiffs must prove that the employer’s method specifically caused the unequal outcomes—and offer a workable, fairer alternative. Read the full opinion here .


title: Ohio Felon Sentenced to 46 Months for Selling a Firearm to a Convicted Felon

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – Russell Renney (51, Ohio) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Renney pleaded guilty on December 4, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, Renney contacted an informant working for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) offering to sell a firearm. In a controlled meeting organized by ATF, Renney sold the informant a semiautomatic rifle and more than 600 rounds of ammunition in exchange for $1,400. At the time, Renney had multiple prior felony convictions. As a convicted felon, Renney is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. Renney had also been told by the informant that he, the informant, was a convicted felon. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Winter. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Old Town Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in Penobscot County

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: An Old Town man was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in Bangor for his role in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine base, methamphetamine and cocaine. U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Alan Dziob , 45, to 10 years and three months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release. Dziob pleaded guilty on September 15, 2025. According to court records, between January and April 2021, Dziob conspired with others to distribute the drugs in the Penobscot County area and elsewhere. As part of the conspiracy, Dziob regularly supplied drugs to a local dealer to sell for him. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Somerset County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. ###


title: Former Assistant Superintendent of Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office Pleads Guilty to Ordering Employees to Perform Maintenance at His Home, as Well as Witness Tampering

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – The former Assistant Superintendent at the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) pleaded guilty on June 5, 2026 in federal court in Boston to using his official position to order NCSO employees to perform maintenance at his residence. The defendant is also convicted of witness tampering. Thomas Brady, 54, of Norwood, pleaded guilty today to one count of witness tampering and one count of use of interstate facilities to commit bribery and extortion. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for Sept. 28, 2026. From 2021 through May 2023, Brady served as the Assistant Deputy Superintendent (ADS) for Jail Operations at NCSO. Brady was promoted in May 2023 to Assistant Superintendent. In October and November 2022, Brady utilized his official position and authority as an ADS to order an NCSO maintenance officer (Maintenance Officer A), who was subordinate in position to Brady, to perform home repairs at his residence during and after work hours. Because of Brady’s official position and authority as an ADS at NCSO, Maintenance Officer A feared that if he refused Brady’s request to help fix the heating system, Brady would use his official position and authority to negatively affect Maintenance Officer A’s job position at NCSO—including the possibility of causing Maintenance Officer A to lose his preferred shift schedule, position and/or employment at NCSO. Maintenance Officer A complied with the order, and on or about Oct. 6, 2022, drove to Brady’s residence to troubleshoot his heating system during NCSO work hours. After Brady had subsequent problems with his heating system and contacted Maintenance Officer A to replace the circulator pump. On or about Oct. 15, 2022, Maintenance Officer B learned that Brady was looking for Maintenance Officer A and the two exchanged the following text messages: On two occasions between Nov. 1, 2022 and Nov. 2, 2022, Maintenance Officer A returned to Brady’s residence, with Maintenance Officer B assisting, where they drained the hot water system, removed the old circulator pump and installed the new circulator pump. On or about June 16, 2023, another maintenance officer at NCSO, Maintenance Officer C, reported Brady to the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission (SEC) for Brady having subordinate NCSO employees perform work at his private residence. The SEC subsequently initiated an investigation into Brady, interviewing Maintenance Officer A and Maintenance Officer B. At some point prior to Oct. 5, 2023, Brady learned about the SEC investigation and Maintenance Officer B’s involvement. On or about Oct. 5, 2023, Brady mailed a letter to the SEC, falsely signing the letter from Maintenance Officer C. The letter to the SEC was handwritten and divulged information about a confidential, internal NCSO investigation into Maintenance Officer B. Brady listed himself as a witness to the investigation in the letter. Federal investigators examined the postage stamp on the envelope to the SEC and confirmed that a fingerprint found underneath the stamp belonged to Brady. In addition, the flap and corresponding region of the envelope to the SEC were examined and it was confirmed that male DNA obtained from envelope belonged to the Brady. The charge of witness tampering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The charge of use of interstate facilities to commit bribery and extortion provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucy Sun of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Dallas methamphetamine dealer sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violation in the Eastern District of Texas

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SHERMAN, Texas – A Dallas drug dealer has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Deldrick Damond Lewis, 40, was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in August of 2025. Lewis was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant III on June 9, 2026. According to information presented in court, Lewis was identified as a methamphetamine supplier during an investigation of drug trafficking activities in the Grayson County area. Lewis sold approximately 460 grams of pure methamphetamine during a drug trafficking transaction. Additionally, prosecutors presented evidence at trial that included Lewis’ social media accounts, text messages, and other evidence from his cellular phones. Lewis received a sentencing enhancement because it was determined the methamphetamine was imported from Mexico for distribution in the United States. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case was investigated by the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, Sherman Police Department, and FBI’s Texoma Narcotics and Violent Crime Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen Smith and Stevan Buys. ###


title: Mexican national sentenced for illegally reentering U.S.

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: GREAT FALLS – A Mexican citizen illegally traveling in Conrad who used fake immigration documents was sentenced today to time served, two months, and remanded to the custody of the U.S. Border Patrol, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said. Armando Leal-Delgado, 52, pleaded guilty in May 2026 to one count of illegal reentry to the United States after removal. U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The government alleged in court documents that after having been removed from the country three times, Delagado again illegally reentered the United States. A Pondera County Sheriff’s deputy stopped a vehicle near a Town Pump gas station in Conrad on April 10, 2026, for having expired registration. Traveling with the deputy was a U.S. Border Patrol agent. Delgado presented a Colorado driver’s license and, running his name, the law enforcement officers learned Delgado had previously been deported from the United States. Law enforcement learned that Delgado was first sent back to Mexico in March 2014 after having been apprehended in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. He was discovered again in New Mexico a month later and was again deported to Mexico in April 2014. Delgado was again discovered in New Mexico in March 2016 and was sent back to Mexico two months later in June 2016. The last two times he was found, Delgado was convicted for reentering the country without permission. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation.


title: Hogback Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Offenses

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Hogback man pleaded guilty to federal firearms offenses after a violent altercation involving a firearm leaves a woman injured. According to court documents, on June 19, 2025, Renaldo Descheny , 43, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted Jane Doe by strangling her and striking her in the face with a firearm. The assault resulted in a laceration requiring hospital treatment. Descheny pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and faces not less than five years and up life in prison at sentencing. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.


title: Illegal Alien Sentenced in Multi-State Racketeering Conspiracy Involving the Forced Labor of Mexican Workers

component: Criminal Division

body_text: An illegal alien was sentenced today to 70 months in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in a federal racketeering conspiracy that relied on fraudulent submissions to immigration authorities and used fraud and coercion to victimize Mexican H-2A workers who, between 2015 and 2017, had worked in the United States harvesting fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims. “The defendant fraudulently used the H-2A visa program to recruit and exploit vulnerable victims for his financial gain,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case reflects the Department’s commitment to protect the integrity of our nation’s immigration system and hold those accountable who, after engaging in visa fraud, then use deception and coercion to abuse and exploit foreign workers. We will continue to investigate and prosecute those who benefit from human trafficking here and abroad and will continue to place a high priority on those who use fraudulent submissions to immigration authorities to enable them to secure their victims’ presence in the United States.” “The victims in this case were deceived by conspirators and subjected to deplorable conditions while being exploited for greed and profit,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Today’s judgment sends a clear message that we will leverage the resources of our law enforcement partners to uphold our nation’s immigration laws and vigorously prosecute those who engage in human trafficking.” “Villatoro Moreno and his co-conspirators lured victims from Mexico with false promises of fair wages and good working conditions. It was all a lie,” said Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office. “In addition to harsh and extreme working conditions, the workers were subjected to poor living conditions, charged excessive expenses, and endured humiliating treatment and threats. Not only is this wrong, but it is also against the law. Investigating this case was a team effort. I commend the Palm Beach County Human Trafficking Task Force, the Department of Labor, the Diplomatic Security Service, and numerous workers’ rights groups for their close cooperation. I especially thank the Government of Mexico for their significant assistance in the extradition of Villatoro Moreno to the United States. If you are a human trafficking victim or have information about a suspected trafficking crime, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.” “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that those who exploit vulnerable workers and engage in forced labor will face serious consequences,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jose R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami Field Office. “We are committed to protecting workers, safeguarding the integrity of the H‑2A program, and relentlessly pursuing those who manipulate the immigration system. HSI will continue to leverage partnerships across the government, with private industry, and around the world to combat forced labor and disrupt crimes of victimization.” According to court documents, Alexander Villatoro Moreno, 53, also known as “Quichi,” of Chiapas, Mexico, along with his co-defendants, operated and managed Los Villatoros Harvesting (LVH), a farm labor contracting company. Between approximately 2015 and 2017, LVH functioned as a criminal enterprise compelling victims to work in Florida, Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia and North Carolina. Villatoro Moreno and his co-defendants fraudulently recruited Mexican nationals to come into the United States on short-term, H-2A agricultural visas and misled the United States to secure valid H-2A visas for the victims. Villatoro Moreno and his co-defendants charged workers exorbitant recruitment fees to work for LVH and lied to the victims about how much they would be paid, the hours they would work, the working conditions, and the reimbursement they would receive for paying recruitment fees and other expenses. Once in the United States, Villatoro Moreno and his co-defendants then compelled the workers to provide long hours of physically demanding agricultural labor, six to seven days a week, for far less pay than they were entitled to under the law. In addition to the work conditions, Villatoro Moreno and his co-defendants used various coercive means to compel the victims’ labor, including imposing debts on workers; confiscating the workers’ passports; subjecting workers to crowded, unsanitary and degrading living conditions; verbally abusing and humiliating the workers; threatening workers with arrest, jailtime, and deportation; isolating workers by preventing them from interacting with anyone other than LVH employees; and threatening to physically harm the workers’ family members back in Mexico if the workers failed to comply with their demands. When officials began investigating, Villatoro Moreno obstructed the federal investigation by helping to prepare false payroll information to conceal underpayments to the workers and distributing fake reimbursement receipts to the victims to make it appear that LVH was complying with the law by reimbursing the workers for their travel-related expenses. Villatoro Moreno pleaded guilty to conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Villatoro Moreno’s four co-defendants previously pleaded guilty in connection with their roles in the scheme. Bladimir Moreno, Villatoro Moreno’s brother and a Mexican national, owned LVH and pleaded guilty in 2022 to conspiracy to violate the RICO Act and conspiracy to commit forced labor. Efrain Cabrera Rodas, an illegal alien from Mexico, and Christina Gamez, LVH supervisors, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the RICO Act while Guadalupe Mendes Mendoza, another LVH supervisor, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to obstruct a federal investigation. In 2022, Bladimir Moreno was sentenced to 118 months in prison and ordered to pay over $175,000 in restitution to the victims while Rodas and Gamez were sentenced to 41 months and 37 months in prison, respectively. Mendoza was also sentenced in 2022 to serve eight months of home detention and a $5,500 fine to be paid over 24 months of supervised release. The Palm Beach County Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the FBI, HSI, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. The Task Force received assistance from the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, Colorado Legal Services Migrant Farm Worker Division, Legal Aid Services of Oregon Farmworker Program and Indiana Legal Services Worker Rights and Protection Project. The Government of Mexico, including the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR), provided significant assistance in the extradition of Villatoro Moreno to the United States. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Villatoro Moreno from Mexico. Trial Attorney Matthew Thiman of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ilyssa Spergel for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case. Former Trial Attorney and current Assistant U.S. Attorney Maryam Zhuravitsky for the District of Maryland also prosecuted the case. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org . Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking .


title: Brewer Man Sentenced for Assault on Cruise Ship

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Brewer man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for assault. U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced John Kelleher , 46, to 12 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $360 in restitution. Kelleher pleaded guilty on January 6, 2026. According to court records, in December 2024, Kelleher and the victim, his then-girlfriend, were traveling together on an international cruise. At that time, Kelleher was on state probation in Maine and was not supposed to leave the state without permission or consume alcohol. On about December 19, 2024, while onboard the cruise ship, Kelleher physically assaulted the victim by biting her and punching her. While on the cruise, Kelleher had been drinking heavily. The FBI investigated the case. ###