title: Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 100 Months in Prison

body_text: FORT WAYNE–Yesterday, Jakwan D. Braster, 30 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after his guilty plea to maintaining a drug-involved premises, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay. Braster was sentenced to a total of 100 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, Braster maintained a drug house in Fort Wayne from February through August 2020 for the purpose of distributing and manufacturing controlled substances. In August 2020, he illegally possessed firearms despite his prior felony conviction for resisting law enforcement, and he possessed those firearms in order to facilitate and protect his drug trafficking at his drug house. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the FBI, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. Also assisting in this investigation were the Drug Enforcement Administration’s North Central Laboratory, the Indiana State Police Laboratory, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anthony W. Geller and Teresa L Ashcraft. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. This case was also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Justice Department Announces Results of  Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including Two in the Northern District of Oklahoma

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – The Department of Justice announces the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country. “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.” “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.” “Over a five-day period in April, the Justice Department charged and the FBI arrested more than 200 offenders of child sexual abuse crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “The success of this operation would not be possible without the collaborative effort of law enforcement across the United States.” FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater stated, “Operation Restore Justice is not just about upholding the rule of law – it’s about standing up as a society for the safety of children and showing predators that we will not allow them to rob kids of their innocence. The FBI is proud to collaborate with our law enforcement partners every single day to ensure anyone involved in criminal behavior against a child is brought to justice.” Two individuals in the Northern District of Oklahoma were arrested and indicted last week, during Operation Restore Justice. Jonathan Gross , 36, of Mounds, was arrested and indicted for Possession of Child Pornography; and Kaleb Smith , 23, of Bartlesville and a member of the Osage Nation of Oklahoma, was arrested and indicted for Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country, and two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor in Indian Country Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims. In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y. This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education. The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office. Other online resources: Violent Crimes Against Children How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids Jonathan Gross’s case is being investigated by the FBI-Oklahoma City field office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert. Kaleb Smith’s case is being investigated by the FBI-Oklahoma City field office with the assistance of the Bartlesville Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Hockenbury. An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Texas Man Sentenced To 33 Months’ Imprisonment For Embezzling Over $900,000 From Two Companies

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Vincent Villarreal, age 35, of Sachse, Texas, was sentenced yesterday, May 7, 2025, by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to 33 months’ imprisonment for wire fraud. Villarreal was also ordered to pay restitution. According to Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, Villarreal previously admitted that he embezzled approximately $475,000 from a building-products company headquartered in central Pennsylvania while employed by the company in an information technology position. Villarreal made numerous unauthorized transfers from his company credit card, and then improperly accessed the company’s accounting system to delete records of those transfers. Villarreal further admitted that after he was terminated from the company, he was employed in an information technology position for a software company, where he fraudulently purchased over $470,000 worth of technology products for his own benefit. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case.


title: Zuni Man Pleads Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter in Fatal Stabbing Case

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man pleaded guilty in federal court to voluntary manslaughter in connection with a fatal stabbing. According to court records, on February 4, 2023, Joey Luarkie , 25, an enrolled member of the Zuni pueblo, was at a residence in Zuni when the victim arrived, and an argument ensued. The confrontation escalated inside the home, where Luarkie stabbed the victim in the neck. The victim was found outside the residence by responding officers and died the next day after being transported to the hospital and undergoing emergency surgeries. At sentencing, Luarkie faces up to 15 in prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.


title: High school student faces federal firearms charge

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 18-year-old Edinburg resident has been charged with possession a firearm on school property, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Kinzey Lira is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano at 10 a.m. The criminal complaint filed May 6 alleges authorities learned Lira was carrying a firearm on school property. The investigation revealed Lira allegedly had a Glock 9mm pistol and a loaded magazine in his backpack, according to the charges. If convicted, Lira faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Guerra is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Felon Convicted for Possessing Machinegun in Connection With Drug Trafficking

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

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – After a five-day trial, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict against Osman Malik Sesay, 32, of Gambrills, Maryland. Sesay was found guilty of a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; maintaining a drug involved premises; and possession of firearms — including a machinegun — in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes. The conviction for possession of a machinegun in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of 30 years imprisonment. Sesay faces an additional mandatory consecutive sentence of five years imprisonment for possessing another firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking on a previous date. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the verdict with Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan, Federal Bureau of Investigation – Washington Field Office, Criminal and Cyber Division; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Chief Amal E. Awad, Anne Arundel County Police Department; and Chief Malik Aziz, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD). According to the evidence presented at trial, between November 13, 2020, and continuing until at least July 16, 2021, Sesay conspired with others in a drug trafficking operation involving the bulk distribution of marijuana. Sesay used multiple fake identifications — and at least four stolen luxury vehicles and seven firearms, including two equipped with machinegun conversion devices — to facilitate his drug trafficking operation. He also leased apartments under fake names to store his drugs, proceeds, and firearms. Anne Arundel County Police Department and PGPD Washington Area Vehicle Enforcement (W.A.V.E.) Auto Theft Unit detectives observed Sesay operating stolen vehicles in March 2021. On April 29, 2021, W.A.V.E. detectives arrested Sesay in Prince George’s County, Maryland, driving a stolen Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged. During the arrest, authorities found that Sesay possessed more than $14,000 in U.S. currency and a fraudulent Maryland driver’s license. The fraudulent Maryland driver’s license was associated with a fraudulently rented apartment in Lanham, Maryland, where Sesay stored his drugs. Sesay also had a Glock 26 firearm in the glove compartment of the stolen vehicle, which Sesay possessed in furtherance of his drug trafficking. The Glock 26 firearm had a machinegun conversion device attached. Then on June 30, 2021, after he was released on bond pending trial, a PGPD Guardian Helicopter captured surveillance footage of Sesay conducting a drug transaction out of a stolen Corvette in a Washington, D.C. school parking lot. On July 16, 2021, law enforcement executed search warrants on Sesay’s fraudulently rented apartments in Lanham, Maryland, and Gambrills, Maryland. Sesay used the fraudulently rented apartment in Lanham, Maryland as a stash house for his drugs, and used the fraudulently rented apartment in Gambrills, Maryland to store more drugs, cash, and firearms. In total, law enforcement recovered approximately 90 pounds of marijuana. Evidence showed that Sesay transported marijuana across the country on a commercial airplane using fake identification. Law enforcement also recovered more than $40,000 in U.S. Currency and six firearms, five of which were loaded, from the apartment in Gambrills, Maryland. And officers seized the stolen Corvette, a stolen Audi A7 sedan, and a stolen Land Rover Range Rover Velar that Sesay used as part of his drug trafficking operation. Inside the vehicles, law enforcement recovered more marijuana. Additionally, law enforcement discovered a loaded Glock 30 firearm with a machinegun conversion device attached — which Sesay possessed in furtherance of his drug trafficking — inside the stolen Corvette. As a convicted felon, Sesay is prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition. Sesay faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of life in prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking on April 29, 2021; a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum of life for possessing firearms, including a machinegun, in furtherance of drug trafficking on July 16, 2021; a maximum of five years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; a maximum of five years in prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; a maximum of 20 years in prison for maintaining a drug involved premises; and a maximum of 10 years in prison each for two felon in possession of firearms and ammunition charges. U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox scheduled sentencing for July 29, 2025, at 12 p.m. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, ATF, Anne Arundel County Police Department, and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick D. Kibbe and Brooke Y. Oki who are prosecuting the federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Springfield man sentenced to over 30 years in prison for crypto-terror financing scheme

component: National Security Division (NSD)

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Springfield man was sentenced yesterday to 30 years and four months in prison for his efforts to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, from at least October 2019 through October of 2022, Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, 35, collected and sent money to female ISIS members in Syria to benefit ISIS in various ways, including by financing the escape of female ISIS members from prison camps and supporting ISIS fighters. Chhipa would raise funds online on various social media accounts. He would receive electronic transfers of funds and travel hundreds of miles to collect funds by hand. He would then convert the money to cryptocurrency and send it to Turkey, where it was smuggled to ISIS members in Syria. “This defendant directly financed ISIS in its efforts to commit vile terrorist atrocities against innocent citizens in America and abroad,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This severe sentence illustrates that if you fund terrorism, we will prosecute you and put you behind bars for decades.” “Those who fund and facilitate terror bear the same responsibility as those who carry out attacks,” said Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Mohammed Chhipa knowingly and persistently collected and provided a considerable amount of money to fund the violence of an organization bent on forcing their extremist ideology on others. That he did so from a nation that holds individual freedom sacrosanct is unconscionable.” “With this sentencing, this defendant will pay the price for helping finance ISIS, a brutal terrorist organization,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This is more proof that the FBI will investigate and work with our DOJ partners to hold accountable anyone who assists ISIS or other terrorist groups. Whether you are a fighter or send money, these activities are illegal and against the national security interests of the United States.” “Mr. Chhipa transferred more than $185,000 to members of a designated terrorist organization,” said Steven J. Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Such funds could have been used to enable terrorist operations and attacks targeting innocent U.S. citizens at home and abroad. Today’s sentencing underscores the FBI’s commitment to severing these streams of funding and keeping the American people safe.” His primary co-conspirator was an ISIS member residing in Syria who was involved in raising funds for prison escapes, terrorist attacks, and ISIS fighters. Over the course of the conspiracy, Chhipa sent over $185,000 in cryptocurrency. In December 2024, a federal jury convicted Chhipa of one count of conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization and four counts of providing and attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony T. Aminoff and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda St. Cyr for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Andrew John Dixon and former Trial Attorney Andrea Broach for the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-97.


title: Dulce Man Indicted for Federal Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man has been charged by indictment with assault following an alleged incident that left the victim with severe injuries. According to court documents, on February 1, 2025, James William Julian , 25, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, assaulted and seriously injured John Doe. Julian is charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted, Julian faces up to 10 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case. View the Indictment (Julian).pdf An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Convicted Methamphetamine Distributor Pleads Guilty To Escape From Federal Prison

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Mark Daly (60, Summerfield) has pleaded guilty to escaping from federal prison. Daly faces a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to records and information presented in court, on February 21, 2025, Daly escaped from the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex prison camp in Sumter County, where he had been serving a 10-year prison sentence for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. DEA agents immediately began to search for Daly and obtained a search warrant for the GPS location information of a cellphone he was using. On February 27, 2025, Daly was located near an abandoned residence in Palatka, along with two others who were also wanted for criminal charges. One of the others was Daly’s girlfriend, who also had escaped from federal prison. Daly and the others were taken into custody. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie K. Boyer.


title: Orlando Doctor Pleads Guilty To Offering To Inject Silicone Oil For Gluteal Augmentation Procedure

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Nhan Pham (54, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to receipt in interstate commerce and proffered delivery of an adulterated device, in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Pham faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. The sentencing hearing is set for August 14, 2025. According to the plea agreement, between 2015 and 2019, Pham, a physician who performed various cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures, ordered silicone oil online and injected that silicone into his patients for gluteal and buttock enhancement procedures at his office and residence. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has not approved the use of injectable silicone for body contouring or enhancement and has issued warnings to the public advising them of the illegality of and health risks associated with silicone injections. Pham inaccurately represented to his patients before performing the procedures that the substance he was injecting into their bodies was “safe,” “natural,” and would dissolve over time. After receiving the silicone oil injections, patients experienced complications, such as sharp and severe pain, discomfort, discoloration, itchiness, burning, inflammation, soreness, and hardness in the injection areas. On September 24, 2019, Pham offered to perform silicone oil injections on an undercover law enforcement agent. This case was investigated by the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations and the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu.


title: Former Firefighter Sentenced for Distributing  Child Sexual Abuse Material Online

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: WILMINGTON, N.C. – A former volunteer firefighter from Wake Forest was sentenced Wednesday to more than 12 years (151 months) in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for distribution, receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material. Royce Cosmo Fuoco, 49, plead guilty on October 8, 2024, to ten counts of Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material, one count of Receipt of Child Sexual Abuse Material, and one count of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material. According to court documents and other information presented in court, Fuoco was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) after receiving a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that someone with the username “ncfirefighter07” on the social media application Kik had distributed at least 30 videos containing child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement executed a search warrant for the Kik account and found that user “ncfirefighter07” had 441 instances of distribution of child sexual abuse material to both individuals and groups on the Kik platform. Law enforcement linked that Kik account to Royce Fuoco, a former volunteer firefighter for the Wake Forest Fire Department. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Fuoco’s house. Several digital devices seized contained child sexual abuse material and evidence of his distribution of the material. Fuoco admitted to law enforcement that he obtained child sexual abuse material in Kik chat groups. Fuoco said he was bored while working from home, and he would obtain the child sexual abuse material and then send it to other users. Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Charity Wilson prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-229. ###


title: Former School Superintendent Sentenced to 30 Years  in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Children

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Owensboro, KY – An Owensboro man was sentenced yesterday to 30 years in federal prison for numerous child sexual exploitation offenses. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement. According to court documents, Matthew D. Constant, 53, a former school superintendent, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison followed by a life term of supervised release for two counts of online enticement of a minor, three counts of receipt of child pornography, two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, and two counts of transferring obscene material to a minor. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by FBI Owensboro and the Kentucky State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, 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 . For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” ###


title: Jacksonville Man Indicted For Attempted Enticement Of A Minor To Engage In Sexual Activity

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Trevor Wood (31, Jacksonville) with attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Wood faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. According to the indictment, between January 7 and April 18, 2025, Wood used a cellphone and the internet to attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual who he believed to be younger than 18-years-old to engage in sexual activity. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu. 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), 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.justice.gov/psc .


title: Middle District Of Florida Prosecutors Charge 125 Defendants With Immigration-Related Offenses During Second Quarter Of 2025

body_text: Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces today that federal prosecutors have charged 125 defendants with immigration-related offenses during the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, ending March 31, 2025. More than 100 of the defendants were charged by grand jury indictments and the others were charged by criminal complaint. One hundred nineteen of the defendants were charged with illegally reentering the United States. During the same period, 58 cases were resolved by guilty pleas, and 62 defendants were sentenced for illegal reentry or other immigration-related offenses. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to enforcing federal immigration laws,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who illegally enters the United States or violates our nation’s laws.” These newly charged cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Q2 FY 2025 Highlights U.S. v. Horus Samuel Marquez Villatoro In March 2025, Horus Samuel Marquez Villatoro, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to three years and nine months in federal prison for illegal reentry by a removed alien and for possession of a firearm and ammunition by an alien illegally in the United States. According to court documents, Marquez Villatoro was removed from the United States on three previous occasions before reentering unlawfully sometime after 2019. In January 2024, he was found in Hillsborough County in possession of a Glock 17 9mm pistol, an extended magazine, and more than 100 rounds of ammunition. U.S. v. Ricardo Fermin Sune-Giron In March 2025, Ricardo Fermin Sune-Giron, a citizen of Guatemala, who was living in the United States illegally under an assumed name, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to traffic in firearms, firearms trafficking, dealing in firearms without a license, and possessing firearms as an illegal alien. According to court documents, between 2023 and April 2024, Sune-Giron was a member of a large-scale firearms trafficking operation. He recruited straw purchasers to illegally buy firearms—including Glocks, rifles and AK-47s—from licensed federal firearms dealers across Florida. After obtaining the firearms, Sune-Giron and his co-conspirators smuggled them overseas, shipping them to countries including the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Between 2023 and 2024, Sune-Giron and his co-conspirators trafficked more than 1,000 firearms. Several of these firearms were later recovered at crime scenes. In April 2024, ATF and HSI agents in Tampa and Orlando executed three coordinated search warrants at three residences in the Orlando area, including Sune-Giron’s residence. There they recovered approximately 57 firearms, 30 empty gun boxes, approximately $16,000 in cash, ammunition, and money counters. U.S. v. Elmer Edin Chavarria-Morales In March 2025, Elmer Edini Chavarria-Morales, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States after removal. According to court records, Chavarria-Morales was convicted of rape in Indiana state court in 2018 and was deported from the United States later that year. Chavarria-Morales reentered the United States and was convicted of illegal reentry in the Southern District of Texas in 2021. Chavarria-Morales was removed to Honduras again in November 2022. In April 2024, Chavarria-Morales was again found in the United States after he was arrested by the Daytona Beach Police Department for a domestic violence assault. U.S. v. Yudelkis Portes In February 2025, Yudelkis Portes, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States after removal. According to court documents, Portes was convicted of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft in February 2013 and deported from the United States to the Dominican Republic. Following her deportation, Portes illegally reentered the United States and was found in the Middle District of Florida.


title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Yesterday, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country. “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.” “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.” “Protecting children is one of our society’s most fundamental core values.,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “Thanks to the relentless efforts of the FBI and our law enforcement partners, child predators will find no safe haven in New Mexico. Every child deserves to grow up in safety and with hope—and we will not stop working until that promise is fulfilled for each and every kid in our state.” "Those who prey on children will find no refuge from justice. These predators pose a serious threat to the safety of our communities, said Philip Russell Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Division. "The FBI will continue to prioritize these investigations and support our partners in pursuing offenders to the fullest extent of the law." As a result of the operation, the following individuals are now facing charges in the District of New Mexico: Noah John Carney , 31: Carney is accused of coercing a minor to engage in sexual activity between July and August of 2024. Carney was previously convicted of attempted coercion and enticement in 2014 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was serving an 18-month term of supervised release at the time of this offense. Carl Weatherman , 42: Weatherman is accused of possessing child sexual abuse material which was found at his home during a search warrant last year. Weatherman was previously convicted of receipt of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct in 2016 and sentenced to 75 months in prison. He was serving a 10-year term of supervised release at the time of the current offense. Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims. In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y. This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education. The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office. Other online resources: Electronic Press Kit Violent Crimes Against Children How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Mexican National With Two Prior Deportations Charged For Illegally Reentering The United States

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Mexican national unlawfully residing in Las Vegas made his initial court appearance Wednesday to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after being removed from the country on two prior occasions. Hilario Villegas-Espinoza, 52, is charged with one count of deported alien found in the United States. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 21, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Maximiliano D. Couvillier, III. According to allegations contained in the criminal complaint and statements made during court proceedings, Villegas-Espinoza is a citizen and national of Mexico who was previously deported and removed from the United States on November 4, 2009, and February 11, 2011, and reentered the United States illegally on or before September 3, 2020. On September 3, 2020, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) learned that Villegas-Espinoza had been arrested by North Las Vegas Police for three counts Sexual Assault Against Child Less Than 14 and four counts Lewdness by Person Over 18 with Child Less Than 14, in North Las Vegas, Nevada. On April 22, 2025, Villegas-Espinoza was remanded to ICE custody from the Nevada Department of Corrections, based on an immigration detainer. Villegas-Espinoza has a 2010 felony conviction in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, of Illegal Reentry After Deportation. If convicted, Villegas-Espinoza faces the maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Field Office Director Michael Bernacke made the announcement. The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case. Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form . A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ###


title: Former Altana Federal Credit Union employee sentenced to more than 1 year in prison for embezzlement and ordered to pay over $65,000 in restitution

body_text: BILLINGS – A Billings woman who formerly served as the Operations Manager for Altana Federal Credit Union in 2023 was sentenced yesterday to 12 months and 1 day in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release and ordered to immediately pay full restitution of $65,046.37, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Kelly Jo Muzzana, 40, pleaded guilty in July 2024 to embezzlement by a credit union employee. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The government alleged in court documents that throughout 2023, Muzzana served as the Operations Manager for Altana Federal Credit Union in Billings, Montana. In that role, Muzzana had access to customer data and was responsible for managing Altana’s entire fraud-alert process. This included supervising the employees who documented customers’ fraud claims and facilitating what funds were reimbursed by Altana. Muzzana also managed the fraud reporting system and was entrusted to independently authorize bank cards that were re-issued to customers or returned to the bank through the mail. During her time as Operations Manager, Muzzana created duplicate bank cards for customers’ accounts and took them home with her. She did the same with cards that Altana received in the mail that were undelivered to customers. Muzzana took numerous bank cards from Altana and used them to make purchases online and in retail stores around Billings, Montana such as Target and Walmart. After using their cards to finance her private spending, Muzzana personally handled many of the subsequent fraud claims to prevent detection by law enforcement. Eventually, an Altana customer reported one of Muzzana’s fraudulent purchases to law enforcement. When a detective called Altana to investigate, Muzzana downloaded a recording of the call and, upon learning of the investigation, fled the building and never returned. Altana reimbursed its customers all of the money Muzzana stole. In a victim impact statement, Altana’s CEO, Jason Hagadone explained that the credit union “suffered significant reputation risk from this incident. As a financial institution, our members entrust us with one of the most important aspects of their life: their finances. Kelly breached that trust by stealing and using their debit cards.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Hargrove prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Billings Police Department and FBI. XXX


title: Former USPS employees indicted for mail theft

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging five former U.S. Postal Service employees with stealing mail. According to court documents, the defendants all charged with one count of conspiracy to steal mail and one count of theft of mail are: • Terrence Luster, 49, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, • Laura Dantzler, 64, of Kansas City, Kansas, • Arthur Hook, 49, of Lathrop, Missouri, • Craig Roland, 54, of Kansas City, Kansas, and • Cheryl Wankum, 60, of Overland Park, Kansas. The defendants, who were employees at a post office on North 51st Street, are accused of stealing Amazon return packages, mail, and other items of value for their own personal use between early 2023 and mid-October 2023. The U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: 19 Members of a Drug Trafficking Ring Indicted in Cleveland

body_text: CLEVELAND – A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Ohio has returned a 29-count indictment against 19 members and associates of a Cleveland drug trafficking ring. Those charged are Derek Brantley, 41, Cleveland Heights; Juan Johnny Colon, 42, Cleveland; Luis Joel Rondon, 44, Cleveland; Sydney Anthony, 25, Parma Heights; Ryan Bell, 39, Brunswick; Mark Byrd, 44, Cleveland; Nicholas Calvert, 37, Avon Lake; Jocelyn Dolan, 22, Newton Falls; Antonio Greenlee, 37, Cleveland; Andre Jenkins, 43, Cleveland; Melanie Crespo, 32, Elyria; Jordan Marsh, 27, Cleveland; Nicholas Malusky, 38, Parma; Sean Masters, 54, Fort Pierce, Florida; Brandon Payne, 32, Cleveland; Lee Pomales, 38, Cleveland; Mason Pulvino, 28, North Ridgeville; Martha Rios, 68, Cleveland; and Kalem Watts, 45, Cleveland. Federal and local law enforcement agents and officers made the apprehensions in a series of coordinated arrests. According to court documents, from October 2023 to December 2024, the defendants charged were alleged to have trafficked various controlled substances but were mostly dealing cocaine. Although based in Cleveland, the ring operated throughout Northeast Ohio and as far away as Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Their operations also included attempts to infiltrate the Ohio prison system. Throughout the investigation, authorities seized thousands of dollars in cash and a number of illegal drugs that included cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. Several illegally possessed firearms were also confiscated throughout the investigation. During the investigation, several locations in Cleveland were found to be used as stash houses to store and package cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as store firearms. An indictment is merely an allegation. Defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to the case, including each defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, their role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and, in most cases, it will be less than the maximum. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the OCDETF Cleveland Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle major criminal organizations and subsidiary organizations, including criminal gangs, transnational drug cartels, racketeering organizations, and other groups engaged in illicit activities that present a threat to public safety and national security and are related to the illegal smuggling and trafficking of narcotics or other controlled substances, weapons, humans, or the illegal concealment or transfer of proceeds derived from such illicit activities in the Northern District of Ohio. The OCDETF Cleveland Strike Force is composed of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF), and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Marshals Service (USMS), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service, and U.S. Border Patrol, along with task force officers from numerous local law enforcement agencies, including the Cleveland Division of Police. Prosecutions are led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division. Assistant United States Attorney Robert F. Corts for the Northern District of Ohio is leading the prosecution in this case.


title: May Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments Announced

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the May Federal Grand Jury 2025-A Indictments. The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence. Nikolaus Kazey Klyde Dodrill. Sexual Abuse Without Consent in Indian Country; Witness Tampering. Dodrill, 28, of Tulsa and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with engaging in a sexual act with the victim without consent. He is further charged with tampering with a witness. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Flynn and Melissa Weems are prosecuting the case. 25-CR-154 Francisco Javier Garibay Isais. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Garibay Isais, 45, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Sep. 2023. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam McConney is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-162 Cristobal Flores Gonzales. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Flores Gonzales, 36, a Honduran national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Nov. 2018. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Buscemi is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-161 Julius Deane Griffin. Felon in Possession of Ammunition (Count 1); Possession of Ammunition After a Misdemeanor Conviction of Domestic Violence (Count 2); Possession of a Dog for an Animal Fighting Venture (Counts 3 through 22); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Count 23); Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country (Count 24); Tampering with Evidence by Corrupt Persuasion (Counts 25 & 26). Griffin, 43, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies and a domestic violence misdemeanor. He further possessed 19 dogs for the purpose of an animal fighting venture and attempted to persuade someone to destroy evidence. In December 2023, Griffin allegedly assaulted a victim with a dangerous weapon, intending to do bodily harm. Additionally, Griffin assaulted a victim with a dangerous weapon, with the intent to do bodily harm. Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshal Service, the USDA-OIG, the Creek County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tulsa Police Department are investigating agencies. The U.S. Marshal Service National Seized Animal Program, the City of Tulsa Animal Services, and the Humane Society of Tulsa assisted in the dogs' medical treatment and recovery. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-167 Julio Cesar Leyva Amaro. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Leyva Amaro, 40, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Aug. 2013. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Goodrum is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-163 Antonio Valencia-Franco. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Valencia-Franco, 31, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in Jan. 2016. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Dallas Field Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jolly is prosecuting the case. 25-CR-164


title: Texas Man Convicted of Making Threats to Kill Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk

body_text: NASHVILLE – David Aaron Bloyed, 60, of Frost, Texas, was found guilty yesterday by a federal jury of one count of communicating a threat in interstate commerce to lynch and kill Glenn Funk, the elected District Attorney General (DA) for Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee., announced Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. “Antisemitic hate has no place in Nashville or anywhere, and this verdict shows these hateful threats for what they are: a crime,” said Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney. “Our office will do whatever it takes to defend our community, and the prosecutors who serve it, from being threatened by these hatemongers.” “The defendant’s heinous threats strike at the heart of our justice system and the safety of those who have chosen to serve. As today’s verdict demonstrates, violent threats and intimidation against government officials and law enforcement will not be tolerated,” said Sue J. Bai, Head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “I am grateful to our law enforcement partners and prosecution team for their swift and determined work to bring justice in this case.” “The conviction of David Bloyed is yet another example of the FBI's commitment to holding those accountable who threaten public officials and the Jewish community,” said Assistant Director in Charge David J. Scott of the FBI's Counterterrorism Division. “This criminal behavior and these disgusting threats will not be tolerated. The FBI will continue to work with our partners across the nation to investigate, identify, and hold those accountable who threaten violence and harm to specific communities and people.” “This investigation, prosecution and verdict sends a strong message that persons connected to hate groups like GDL will be held accountable for breaking our laws,” said Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake. “Such individuals should think twice if they believe they can make threats or come to our city and carry on with impunity.” According to court documents, on July 14, 2024, members of the Goyim Defense League (GDL) – a national and international network of antisemitic provocateurs who espouse vitriolic antisemitism via the internet, through propaganda distributions and in street actions – were protesting in downtown Nashville on their “Name the Nose Tour” where its members travel to cities across the country to protest in the vicinity of synagogues and walk through the downtown hubs of cities with Nazi flags and yell antisemitic slurs at any individuals they encounter. GDL members encountered an employee of a local bar and a fight broke out. A GDL member was arrested and charged with aggravated assault for hitting the bar employee repeatedly using a metal flagpole with a swastika affixed to the top. While in Nashville, GDL members routinely posted about their activities on various social media platforms, including Telegram. Following the arrest of the GDL member, a Telegram user associated with GDL posted threats against DA Funk that included a photograph of DA Funk with the caption, “Getting the rope,” and an emoji finger pointed towards Funk’s image. Alt text: Graphical user interface with text including Glenn R. Funk’s name, title, professional biography and message stating “Getting the rope.” Credit : Unites States v. David Aaron Bloyed, Case 3:24-mj-2295. Document 1, Filed 09/20/24. The posts also included a photograph of a person hanging by the neck from a gallows, with the phrases, “The ‘Rope List’ grew by a few more Nashville jews today,” and “Will you survive the day of the rope?” Alt text : Picture containing graphic of person hanging from a gallows, with the phrases, “The ‘Rope List’ grew by a few more Nashville jews today,” and “Will you survive the day of the rope?” Credit : Unites States v. David Aaron Bloyed, Case 3:24-mj-2295. Document 1, Filed 09/20/24. Law enforcement subsequently identified another social media account with an almost identical username, belonging to Bloyed and containing threats nearly identical to those posted on the Telegram account. At sentencing, Bloyed faces up to five years in federal prison. The FBI Nashville Field Office and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department are investigating the case. # # # # #


title: Georgia Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Transporting a Minor Across State Lines to Engaging in Sex Acts

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: Montgomery, AL – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the sentencing of a man for transporting a young girl from Alabama to Georgia to commit an act of child sexual abuse. On May 7, 2025, a federal judge ordered that 28-year-old Darvin Jerrell Williams, from Douglasville, Georgia, serve 240 months in prison. The judge also ordered that Williams remain on supervised release for five years following his 20-year prison term and to register as a sex offender. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole. According to his plea agreement and other court records, in December 2023, Williams established a relationship with a pre-teen girl in the Middle District of Alabama by communicating with her via text messages and a popular social media application. On multiple occasions, Williams communicated his desire to have a sexual relationship with her. Then, in January 2024, Williams traveled to Alabama to pick up the young girl and take her back to Georgia. The victim was reported missing the same day Williams picked her up and law enforcement immediately began searching for her. Law enforcement located the victim back in her hometown the next day. In August of 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Williams for unlawfully transporting a minor across state lines and for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. On January 29, 2025, Williams pleaded guilty to the charges. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Tallassee Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Tara S. Ratz prosecuted.


title: Three Men Charged in Southern District of Indiana for Illegally Reentering the United States after Previous Deportation Following Criminal Convictions or Charges

body_text: Southern District of Indiana—Last week, three illegal aliens were arrested and charged federally with unlawfully reentering the United States after previously being deported following immigration proceedings. The charges follow an immigration and enforcement removal operation that took place in Evansville and Bloomington, Indiana between April 29 and May 1. According to court documents, each of the three men are Mexican nationals who illegally returned to the United States and were found by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the Southern District of Indiana. As outlined below, court documents allege that each man had previously been convicted of crimes they committed in the United States, or had charges pending against them, or both. Martin Cortez-Lopez , 36, was arrested on April 29 in Bloomington. Cortez-Lopez had previously been convicted in Florida on charges of resisting an officer with violence, possession of a controlled substance, and disorderly intoxication in a public place causing a disturbance. He currently faces charges in Monroe County, Indiana, following two incidents, one resulting in charges of possession of cocaine and operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and the other resulting in charges of possession of cocaine and operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person. He has previously been removed from the United States on at least one occasion. Jaime Ortiz-Guzman , 46, was arrested on May 1 in Bloomington. Ortiz-Guzman had previously been convicted in Indiana on charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He currently faces charges in Monroe County, Indiana, for operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury. He has previously been removed from the United States on at least one occasion. Amin Reynosa-Diaz , 28, was arrested on April 29 in Evansville. Reynosa-Diaz had previously been convicted in Indiana of domestic battery. He currently faces charges in Hampton County, Virginia, for driving while intoxicated, and is wanted on multiple warrants for failing to appear in court. He has previously been removed from the United States on at least one occasion. If convicted, each man faces up to between two and ten years in prison. These charges and arrests are the latest prosecutions of illegal aliens who were found in the Southern District of Indiana after unlawfully re-entering the United States after having been previously deported. Specifically, these prosecutions involve illegal aliens who were previously convicted of crimes they committed in the United States, or who are facing pending charges, or both, for offenses including rape, domestic violence resulting in serious bodily injury, child molestation, burglary, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The following investigative agencies collaborated to make this investigation and recent warrant execution possible: Immigration and Customs Enforcement Federal Bureau of Investigation Drug Enforcement Administration Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Homeland Security Investigations U.S. Marshals Service Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Haney, Meredith Wood, Todd S. Shellenbarger, and Matthew B. Miller, who are prosecuting these cases. These changes and arrests are part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Castle Shannon Felon Charged with Drug and Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of violating federal narcotics and firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The three-count Indictment named Vaughn James, 40, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment, on or about June 14, 2023, James possessed with intent to distribute quantities of mixtures and substances containing fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, protonitazene, heroin, MDMA, cocaine, and crack cocaine. The Indictment also alleges that James possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime and possessed a firearm and ammunition after having been convicted of multiple prior felonies, including for state drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10.5 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Pennsylvania State Police Drug Law Enforcement Division’s Southwest Strike Force Unit and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Baltimore County Businessman Sentenced to Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining More Than $1.3 Million in COVID-19 Cares Act Loans

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced David Epstein, 46, of Owings Mills, Maryland, to one year and one day in federal prison and 12 months of home incarceration. The sentence is in connection with his previous guilty plea to one count of wire fraud for submitting fraudulent CARES Act loan applications. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington, D.C. Field Office. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act — a federal law enacted in March 2020 — provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It gives financial assistance including forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and other expenses. Established by the CARES Act, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) — administered through the Small Business Administration (SBA) — along with the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), helped businesses meet their financial obligations. According to his plea agreement, and other court documents, beginning in May 2020, and continuing through February 2021, in the District of Maryland, Epstein engaged in a scheme to defraud financial institutions, including Cross River Bank, Bluevine, Celtic Bank, and the SBA, to obtain fraudulent loans for his business PEI Staffing (PEI), a temporary staffing company, under the PPP and EIDL programs. On April 30, 2020, Epstein submitted a false and misleading PPP loan application in the name of PEI, seeking approximately $1,307,170 in funds. The application contained false statements and omissions relating to PEI including its number of employees. According to the application, PEI employed 382 workers but had only listed 79 on an IRS Form 941 for the second quarter of 2020. Other inaccuracies listed on the application were wages paid to employees and how funds would be used, such as for payroll and business rent and utilities. Epstein also falsely stated that he did not have common management with any other businesses, but he was a common manager of both PEI and Stafquik. In February 2020, Epstein submitted a fictitious SunTrust Bank statement, claiming the account belonged to PEI. Instead, the account was connected to Stafquik. Epstein admitted that he altered the bank statement to submit PPP applications for PEI. Then on May 4, 2020, approximately $1,307,170 in PPP loan proceeds were disbursed to the SunTrust Stafquik account. Within four days, Epstein opened four personal bank accounts at two separate banks where he subsequently transferred the PPP loan money that he eventually used for impermissible personal and other unauthorized expenses. For example, one day after receiving the PPP funds, Epstein transferred $110,356.48 from the SunTrust account to Mercedes-Benz Financial in connection with a payment for a 2019 Mercedes-Benz GT43C4 automobile that he previously purchased. In addition, beginning on May 20, 2020, through August 2020, Epstein transferred approximately $138,522.22 in PPP funds to a contractor to complete extensive renovations on his home, including the installation of a pool. Epstein also admitted he used the PPP funds to pay a $100,000 settlement agreement; $344,341.05 debt to a business partner; and for various other personal expenses, including a trip to a luxury golf resort and personal debts. Epstein also attempted to repeatedly add individuals whom he owed money to PEI’s payroll to make it appear that they were employees. Epstein attempted to hiding the PPP loan amount he received from family members, PEI employees, and various business partners he owed money. The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the IRS-CI for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Riley, who is prosecuting the case, and recognized Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber and the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force for their valuable assistance. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: New Orleans Man Caught with Eight Firearms and Over $100,000 Cash Sentenced For Federal Drug and Weapons Violations

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that SHANE BOLDEN (“BOLDEN”) , age 36, was sentenced on April 30, 2025 by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to eighty-seven (87) months in prison followed by three (3) years of supervised release, along with a $200 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D), and to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to court documents, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) executed a search warrant at BOLDEN ’s residence on April 8, 2024. NOPD recovered over a pound of marijuana that BOLDEN intended to sell, and eight firearms that belonged to BOLDEN : a Glock Model 33, .357 caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 15 armor-piercing rounds; a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 22 hollow point rounds; a Zastava Arms Model PAP M85 NP, 5.56 millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol; a Stag Arms Model Stag-15, multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol; a Romarm/Cugir Model Mini Draco, 7.62 millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 30 rounds; a Glock Model 19x, nine-millimeter caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 16 red-tip hollow point rounds; a Diamondback Arms Model DB380, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with eight rounds; and a stolen Glock Model 22, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. BOLDEN is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions, including a conviction for possession with intent to distribute marijuana. NOPD also recovered over $108,000 in cash belonging to BOLDEN . Pursuant to a plea agreement, BOLDEN agreed to forfeit all the firearms and cash to the United States government. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit. ###


title: Phoenix Man Sentenced to 52 Months in Prison for Alien Smuggling Resulting in Death

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Cesar Abraam Velasquez-Munoz, 20, of Peoria, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Angela M. Martinez to 52 months in prison for his role in transporting two illegal aliens in March 2024, one of whom suffered fatal injuries after jumping out of the vehicle while it was moving. Velasquez-Munoz previously pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit Placing in Jeopardy the Life of Any Person and Resulting in Death. On March 6, 2024, Velasquez-Munoz and his co-defendant, Steven Beltran-Lugo, picked up two illegal aliens near the Mexican border with the intent to smuggle them further into the United States. Velasquez-Munoz drove the vehicle while he and Beltran-Lugo communicated with a Phoenix-based smuggling coordinator. When law enforcement began to follow them, the illegal aliens were told to get out of the vehicle. The first illegal alien jumped out of the moving car while it was traveling approximately 45 miles per hour. Velasquez-Munoz then accelerated as the second illegal alien attempted to exit the vehicle, causing him to violently strike the pavement. As a result, he suffered a brain hemorrhage and internal bleeding, ultimately succumbing to these injuries two days later in the hospital. The sentencing is the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs (OIA), among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 360 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 330 U.S. convictions; more than 275 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: 24-CR-01674-TUC-AMM (EJM) RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-073_Velasquez-Munoz # # # 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 X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Parmelee Man Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Parmelee, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. The sentencing took place on May 7, 2025. Leonard Little Thunder III, a/k/a Yamni Little Thunder, age 19, was sentenced to six years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Little Thunder was indicted by a grand jury in February 2024. He pleaded guilty on February 5, 2025. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in November 2023 within the boundaries of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. On November 29, 2023, the victim, an adult male, was outside his residence near Mission, South Dakota, with multiple family members. Little Thunder drove past the residence multiple times before stopping and producing a short barrel shotgun. Little Thunder fired at the victim, causing a wound to the victim’s head. Little Thunder then fled the scene, but he was arrested a short time later at a residence south of Mission. The shotgun was seized as evidence, and Little Thunder will forfeit ownership of the shotgun to the United States. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. This case was investigated by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case. Little Thunder was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Restore Justice: 205 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in FBI-led Nationwide Crackdown, Including One Arrest in the Eastern District of Arkansas

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—On May 7, 2025, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country. “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.” “Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.” If you harm or exploit a child and we can find a way to federally prosecute you, we will,” said Jonathan D. Ross, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. “Protecting children from predators is one of the most important responsibilities we have at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The partnership among federal, state, and local law enforcement is crucial to bringing justice to the victims of these crimes.” “This operation is a testament to the efforts of the FBI and our dedicated law enforcement partners to protect children in our communities,” said FBI Little Rock Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Corder. “FBI Little Rock will continue to prioritize these investigations, seek justice for victims and hold predators accountable for their actions.” As part of Operation Restore Justice, on May 6, 2025, the FBI in the Eastern District of Arkansas arrested a defendant that is alleged to have distributed large amounts of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in a chatroom dedicated to the sexual exploitation of children. The day he was arrested, the defendant possessed a cellular telephone that had multiple images of CSAM to include an image depicting a fully nude pre-pubescent female laying on her back. The image also depicted the pre-pubescent female’s hands and feet tied together with a white cord or rope and blindfolded. Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims. In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y. This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education. The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. Other online resources: Electronic Press Kit Violent Crimes Against Children How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: U.S. Attorney announces immigration case updates for the Eastern District of Virginia

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, announced today case updates on seven immigration cases in the district. On Jan. 20 the President signed executive orders addressing the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Protecting the American People Against Invasion recognized that enforcing our Nation’s immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States, and that it is the policy of the United States to faithfully execute the immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens, particularly those aliens who threaten the safety or security of the American people. The order tasked the Department of Justice with prioritizing the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the unauthorized entry or continued unauthorized presence of aliens in the United States. Securing Our Borders prioritizes the pursuit of criminal charges against illegal aliens who violate immigration laws and against those who facilitate their unlawful presence in the United States. On Nov. 19, 2009, pursuant to a final order of removal, Salvadoran national Oscar Adolfo Serpas Cruz, 39, was removed from the United States. On Sept. 7, 2014, Serpas Cruz illegally reentered the United States. On Oct. 14, 2014, pursuant to the prior order of removal, Serpas Cruz was removed from the United States again. Following his second removal, Serpas Cruz again illegally reentered the United States. On April 27, 2020, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) learned that Serpas Cruz had been arrested in Arlington County. On April 8, Serpas Cruz pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He was sentenced on April 24 to time served and remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-cr-74 On Jan. 28, 2013, Mexican national Juan Manuel Rocha-Romo, 31, was removed from the United States. Rocha-Romo later illegally reentered the United States and on Aug. 1, 2013, was removed again. On Sept. 11, 2023, ICE learned that Rocha-Romo had illegally reentered the United States. On April 9, Rocha-Romo pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9 and remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 25-cr-83-1 On July 4, 2018, Guatemalan national Jaime Lopez-Yanes, 25, was removed from the United States. On Sept. 6, 2018, Lopez-Yanes illegally reentered the United States and was removed again on Sept. 20, 2018. On June 24, 2024, following Lopez-Yanes’ arrest for felony strangulation, ICE agents learned that he had illegally reentered the United States. On April 1, Lopez-Yanes pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States, and he remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 25-cr-66 On Oct. 17, 2008, Salvadoran national Saul Recinos Dueñas, 47, was removed from the United States. After Recinos Dueñas’ arrest in Fairfax County for felony rape by force on Oct. 22, 2020, ICE agents learned that Recinos Dueñas had illegally reentered the United States. On April 4, Recinos Dueñas pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States, and he remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 25-cr-72 On Feb. 21, Kenyan national Christin Nyabate Nyandemo, 33, arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport on a flight from Accra, Ghana. Upon arrival, Nyandemo presented a passport and travel visa, both in her sister’s name, to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. An inspection of her bags revealed that Nyandemo was carrying two passports, a marriage license, birth certificate, Kenyan tax registration document, Kenyan identification card, and three bank cards, all in her sister’s name. On April 2, Nyandemo pled guilty to willfully and knowingly attempting to use a passport issued or designed for the use of another. Case No. 25-cr-77 Marcos Gregorio Mateo, 35, was first encountered by ICE on Jan. 31, 2011, in Stafford County. Mateo was removed from the United States to Mexico on Feb. 25, 2011. Mateo illegally reentered the United States and on Sept. 23, 2021, was convicted for assault and battery on a family member. On Oct. 19, 2022, Mateo was again convicted of assault and battery on a family member as well as a protective order violation. On Feb. 9, 2023, Mateo was convicted for abduction; assault and battery of a family member; felony and misdemeanor protective order violations; and statutory burglary. On Jan. 10, 2025, Mateo pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States. On April 17, Mateo was sentenced to eight months in prison and remains subject to a standing order of removal. Case No. 24-cr-259 Honduran national Enrique Ortiz-Hernandez was previously prosecuted in the Eastern District of Virginia in 2023 for illegal reentry into the United States after a prior deportation and for failing to register as a sex-offender. Ortiz-Hernandez was sentenced to two years in prison to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Among the conditions of his supervised release was the requirement that he not illegally reenter the United States. Following his release from prison on Aug. 29, 2024, Ortiz-Hernandez was removed on Sept. 30, 2024. Ortiz-Hernandez was found illegally present in Louisiana on Dec. 3, 2024. On April 24, Ortiz-Hernandez was found to be in violation of the terms of his supervised release and sentenced to a year in prison. Case No. 1:23-CR-12 Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for the case number provided above.


title: Illegal Aliens Plead Guilty to Illegally Re-Entering the United States after Multiple Deportations

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — Three illegal aliens have pleaded guilty to illegally re-entering the United States after being deported multiple times. Luis Alberto Nunez Campos, 41, and Marco Antonio Martinez-Vences, 44, both of Mexico, each face a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison. Both also face a fine of up to $250,000 and will be deported after serving their sentence. Jose Diaz Morales, 30, also of Mexico pleaded guilty to illegally re-entering the United States after he was deported following a conviction for a felony offense. Due to his previous conviction in state court for a felony offense, he faces an increased maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. He also will be deported after serving his sentence. Evidence obtained in the investigation and in public records revealed that Diaz Morales was arrested by the North Charleston Police Department on Dec.19, 2014 for criminal sexual conduct 3 rd and later pleaded guilty to assault and battery 1 st degree. He was deported following his sentence on Oct. 19, 2017. At some point, he again illegally re-entered the United States and was again arrested by NCPD for assault and battery 3 rd degree. On Nov. 13, 2024, he was found guilty at a bench trial in the North Charleston Municipal Court of assault and battery 3 rd degree. Martinez-Vences has been removed, or expulsed, or deported from the U.S. at least seven times. The first time was on June 26, 2008. He has had several arrests by state and local police in the U.S. during these re-entries. Most recently, he was arrested by the City of Charleston Police Department for felony traffic violations in November 2024. Nunez Campos was initially deported on March 13, 2001. Most recently, he was arrested by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 15 on illegal drug charges. United States District Judge David C. Norton accepted the three guilty pleas and will sentence each defendant after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. These cases were a 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. These cases were investigated by deportation officers from the Criminal Alien Program and Fugitive Operations from Enforcement and Removal Operations of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Kittrell is prosecuting the cases. ###