title: Virginia Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Traveling to Engage in Sex with a Minor

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — Carlin M. Krause, 28, of Roanoke, Virginia, has been sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor and transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in October 2024, Krause began communicating with a 13-year-old girl over social media. Krause requested that the minor send him child sexual abuse material. He also informed her that he planned to travel from Virginia to South Carolina and bring her back to Virginia to have sex with her. On Oct. 17, 2024, Krause drove from Roanoke, Virginia, to South Carolina to pick up the minor. After Krause picked her up, he began driving her back to Virginia, but law enforcement apprehended him before he made it home. United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks sentenced Krause to 195 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cole Shannon prosecuted the case. ###


title: Man sentenced for eight-year tax fraud

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A local man has been sentenced for filing fraudulent and false statements on his federal tax returns causing a quarter of a million in losses, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Joseph Patrick Butler pleaded guilty April 23, 2025. U.S. District Judge Sim Lake has now ordered Butler to serve 21 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by one year of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard how Butler provided false wage and withholding information in his tax returns over a span of eight years to induce the IRS to pay him refunds. The fraudulent refunds were Butler’s primary source of income during this timeframe, and he affirmatively sought to claim these refunds even after the IRS caught on to his scheme and placed a hold on payments. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that Butler’s conduct was particularly willful and involved year after year of false submissions. The court also stated that “eight years of continuous fraud cries out” for an appropriately significant sentence. Butler admitted that, for the 2013 to 2020 tax years, he filed false joint Form 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns and received inflated tax refunds to which he was not entitled. As part of the plea, Butler acknowledged creating shell companies that issued W-2 forms to himself, falsely reporting hundreds of thousands of dollars in wages and significant tax withholdings each year. In reality, he earned no such wages, and no taxes had been withheld. Butler’s scheme resulted in a total tax loss of over $260,000 in fraudulent refunds. He was permitted to remain on bond pending and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad Gray and Shirin Hakimzadeh prosecuted the case.


title: Shiprock Man Sentenced for Unlawfully Possessing a Shotgun

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to 78 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a loaded shotgun, which he obtained by stealing and attempting to sell it. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records, on August 10, 2022, Crandall Craig Martin , 42, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, stole a loaded firearm with the intention of trading it for alcohol or money to buy alcohol. As both a previously convicted felon and misdemeanant convicted of a crime of domestic violence, Martin was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Martin subsequently pleaded guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Upon his release from prison, Martin will be subject to three years of supervised release. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.


title: Collin County man indicted for sex trafficking in the Eastern District of Texas

body_text: SHERMAN, Texas – A Frisco man has been indicted and charged with federal sex trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Nolan Anthony Ritchie, 29, was named in a six-count indictment returned by a federal grand in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with sex trafficking violations. If convicted, Ritchie faces up to life in federal prison. This case is being investigated by the FBI and the Frisco Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Calli Bailey. A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: D.C. Man Arrested and Charged with Murder for the Death of 17-Month-Old Child

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Lawerence Perryman, 76, of Washington, D.C., was arrested and charged today, with first-degree cruelty to children and first-degree felony murder for the death of a 17-month-old child on March 12, 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Perryman made his initial appearance before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Dorsey Jones on January 23, 2026, where Judge Jones found probable cause that Perryman committed the offense of first-degree cruelty to children and felony murder and ordered that Perryman be held without bond pending a preliminary hearing which is scheduled for February 2, 2026, before Judge Neal Kravitz. According to court documents, on March 12, 2025, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Perryman contacted 911 for an unconscious 17-month-old child. A post-mortem examination was conducted on the child’s remains and his cause of death was determined to be “Combined Toxic Effects of Diphenhydramine and Methadone.” Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emma McArthur. These charges are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 2026CF1001259


title: Springfield Woman Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft,  and Money Laundering associated with submitting false documents to the Missouri Department of Revenue

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday for her role in a mail fraud scheme in which false documents were submitted to the Missouri Department of Revenue to obtain mechanics liens and titles for vehicles that had previously been reported stolen. Christie Engle, 49, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Willie J. Epps, Jr., to one count of mail fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of money laundering. According to the plea agreement, Engle worked as an employee for Dennis Cleveland, the owner of Affordable Towing. Cleveland directed his employees, one of which was Engle, to submit fraudulent documents to the Missouri Department of Revenue. The purpose of the documents was to obtain substitute or replacement mechanics liens and vehicle titles that would allow Cleveland, through Affordable Towing, to sell the vehicles. In each instance, the documents submitted by Engle, at the direction of Cleveland, claimed to have received permission from the vehicle’s owner. Upon reviewing the documents, it was discovered that none of the listed vehicle owners gave Engle, Cleveland, or Affordable Towing permission to seize or sell their vehicle. Further, in all these documents, a signature in the name of the vehicle’s owner was provided and was confirmed to be a forgery. In those instances that Engle was successful in obtaining a replacement lien or title at Cleveland’s direction, from the Missouri Department of Revenue, Cleveland sold the vehicles at his used car dealership. In those instances that Engle was unsuccessful in obtaining a replacement title or mechanics lien at Cleveland’s direction, the vehicle was sold to a local scrapyard. Under either circumstance, Engle carried out criminal acts at Cleveland’s direction, who then took all the proceeds from the vehicle’s sale or scrapping of these vehicles for himself. Each of the vehicles involved in this scheme were confirmed to have been reported stolen and Engle, Cleveland or Affordable Towing did not have permission to possess, sell, or scrap any of these vehicles. In December 2025, Cleveland also pleaded guilty to the same charges and is awaiting sentencing. Under federal statutes, Engle is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole for the offense of mail fraud. Further, Engle is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole for the offense of money laundering. Finally, Engle is subject to a sentence of 2 years, to run consecutively to the mail fraud and money laundering, for the offense of aggravated identity theft. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney It was investigated by the Missouri Department of Revenue, Compliance and Investigation Bureau, the United States Post Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the Environmental Protection Agency.


title: St. Charles County Man Admits Possessing, Selling Methamphetamine

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Charles County on Friday admitted being caught with 2.7 kilograms of methamphetamine after selling meth twice to someone working with law enforcement. Christopher P. Decker, 47, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. After learning that Decker was involved in drug trafficking, the Multi-County Narcotics Violent Crime Enforcement Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration bought meth twice from Decker in June of 2021. Each time, Decker sold two ounces of meth for $1,400 from his home. Following the purchases, DEA investigators applied for and obtained a search warrant for Decker’s home and found a large amount of meth in a safe in his bedroom and in his washing machine, totaling 2.7 kilograms. They also found a handgun. Decker was convicted in 2005 in U.S. District Court in St. Louis of conspiracy to possess pseudoephedrine, having reasonable cause to believe that it would be used to manufacture methamphetamine. Decker’s sentencing has been set for April 22. Franklin County's Multi-County Narcotics and Violent Crime Enforcement Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip Voss is prosecuting the case.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico Weekly Immigration and Border Crimes Report

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced its immigration enforcement statistics for this week. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies. In the one-week period ending January 23, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico: 35 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326) 9 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324) 48 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325) 11 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), violation of a military security regulation (50 U.S.C. 797) and Entering Military, Naval, or Coast Guard Property (18 U.S.C. 1382), arising from the newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico. Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1326 had prior criminal convictions for child sexual assault, DUI, alien smuggling, statutory rape, and prior immigration offenses. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. These statistics represent prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process. Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children. The District of New Mexico consists of 33 counties and shares 180 miles of international border with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Albuquerque and Las Cruces work directly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prosecute immigration-related and other federal offenses.


title: District Man Charged with Distributing Child Pornography

body_text: WASHINGTON – A complaint was unsealed today charging Angel Anthony Rios, 29, of the District of Columbia, with distribution of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “Those who exploit children will find no refuge,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “My office will pursue swift and decisive prosecution of anyone involved in the creation, possession, or distribution of child sexual abuse material.” According to court documents, starting on Dec. 18, 2025, Rios exchanged messages with another user on X regarding a variety of topics including politics. Rios ultimately stated that he has a sexual interest in children. He further stated that he communicated with the father of a three-year-old boy who sent Rios videos depicting his sexual abuse of his son. Rios distributed five videos depicting the abuse of the three-year-old son. During the course of his communications, Rios stated, “Kids are here to be used.” Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office. This case is being investigated by FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Janani Iyengar. This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . Charges in a complaint are merely allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ##


title: Third New Bedford, Massachusetts Man Charged for  February 2024 Saco Shooting Pleads Guilty

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

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A third New Bedford, Massachusetts man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to using a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Jason Johnson-Rivera (a/k/a “Ouda”), 20, pleaded guilty to one count of the superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury on March 19, 2025. Johnson-Rivera’s codefendants, Joshua Estrada (aka “Mac”), 20, and Yancarlos Abrante (aka “Glizzy”), 22, pleaded guilty on September 25, 2025. According to court records, on February 9, 2024, Johnson-Rivera, Estrada and Abrante fired at least five rounds from a 9mm handgun into another vehicle in a drug trade dispute. Shortly after they fired on their drug rivals and fled the scene, they drove their vehicle against traffic and through a red light, crashing into another passenger vehicle and a school bus. Video footage captured by another driver who witnessed the accident showed them exiting their vehicle and fleeing the scene on foot. Court records reflect that Estrada, Abrante and others had been trafficking cocaine in and around Saco and Biddeford since at least January 2024. Johnson-Riverafaces a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Saco Police Department, FBI’s Southern Maine Gang Task Force, U.S. Border Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from the New Bedford (Mass.) Police Department. Project Safe Neighborhoods: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psn .


title: Orange County couple receives lengthy federal prison sentences in methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas – A Vidor couple has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Dustin Lacouture, 43, and Deborah Lagrone, 44, both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. On January 22, 2026, U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone sentenced Lacouture to 168 months in federal prison. Lagrone was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison. According to information presented in court, on January 29, 2025, an Orange County Deputy conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Lagrone with Lacouture in the front passenger seat. After smelling marijuana, officers conducted a search of the vehicle and found three firearms, two bags of marijuana, methamphetamine, and a scale containing narcotics residue. While enroute to the jail, a deputy observed Lagrone slip from her handcuffs and move closer to Lacouture. At the jail, a baggie containing 184 grams of methamphetamine was found concealed in Lagrone’s bra. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Quinn and Chris Jackson. ###


title: Rio Linda Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Possessing Explicit Images of Children

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: Kenneth Wayne Lorenz, 82, of Rio Linda, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta to 14 years in prison for possessing visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, Lorenz came to the attention of law enforcement during an undercover operation in July 2024. Kevin Gipson, 60, of Oroville, a friend of Lorenz, responded to an undercover agent who had assumed the identity of a man who was interested in finding people to have sex with his 8‑year-old daughter. Gipson told the undercover officer that Lorenz might also be interested in having sex with the minor. Later in the operation, the undercover officer spoke with Lorenz by phone, and Lorenz confirmed that he would cancel a poker game so that the undercover officer could bring his daughter to Lorenz’s residence. A search warrant was later executed at Lorenz’s residence, and two thumb drives and a laptop computer were seized. Forensic examination of the devices revealed that they contained child sexual abuse material, including videos involving infants and bestiality. Lorenz admitted to law enforcement that he possessed the material on the two thumb drives and admitted that he viewed the material with his friends, including Gipson. (Gipson has pleaded guilty in a separate case in this district and awaits sentencing, case no., 2:24-CR-272-TLN.) The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office, and the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force/Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Delaney 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.


title: Dominican National Living in Waterbury under False Identity Charged with Passport Fraud, Identity Theft Offenses

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Brian Wood, Special Agent in Charge, Diplomatic Security Service, New York Field Office, today announced that JOSE LUIS RODRIGUEZ, 46, a citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Waterbury, has been charged by indictment with passport fraud and identity theft offenses. As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in June 2025, an individual who had been recently released from prison (the “victim”) applied for a Connecticut identification card at the Waterbury branch of the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”). When processing the victim’s application, the DMV determined that there was already an active driver’s license for the victim that had been issued in 2001 and renewed multiple times. An investigation determined that Rodriguez was the unlawful holder of the driver’s license and had assumed the victim’s identity. It is further alleged that on March 5, 2020, Rodriguez used the name, date of birth, and place of birth of the victim to apply for a U.S. passport in Waterbury. He received the passport and used it for travel and identification purposes. Rodriguez was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on December 30, 2025, after he submitted the false passport to the U.S. Department of State and falsely represented himself as a U.S. citizen. On January 13, 2025, a federal grand jury in New Haven returned an indictment charging Rodriguez with one count of making a false statement in a passport application and one count of using a passport secured by a false statement, charges that carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count, and one count of aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years. Rodriguez has been detained since his arrest. He appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport and pleaded not guilty to the charges. U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles and the Waterbury Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Chen. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Eastern District of Texas recognizes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas – Today the Eastern District of Texas observes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and joins the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Homeland Security (DHS) in reaffirming the administration’s commitment to combating all forms of human trafficking and protecting victims and survivors. Human Trafficking Prevention Month presents an opportunity for DHS and DOJ, through Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTF) to intensify operational efforts, raise public awareness, and strengthen partnerships across federal, state, and local agencies to disrupt trafficking networks, protect vulnerable individuals, and ensure traffickers are brought to justice. “This Department of Justice is working tirelessly alongside our partners to dismantle human trafficking networks, help survivors, and protect vulnerable populations from being exploited,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Under this administration we have seen an increase in human trafficking prosecutions, and during Human Trafficking Prevention Month we reaffirm our commitment to prosecuting traffickers and encourage Americans to report instances of human trafficking in their communities.” “Through the Homeland Security Task Force, President Trump is taking the fight directly to human trafficking networks and disrupting their modern-day slave trade while seizing their assets and arresting their kingpins and foot soldiers. The American people should not have to live in fear of cartels, gang bangers, and foreign terrorists preying upon the most vulnerable among us,” the United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in a statement. “The Homeland Security Task Force is the largest coordinated campaign against transnational criminal organizations in U.S. history, and I’m proud to co-lead it with Attorney General Bondi.” “During Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the FBI reiterates our work with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and national victim-based advocacy groups in joint task forces to protect our communities across the country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The horrifying reach of human trafficking spreads far and wide. Homeland Security Task Forces are fighting back to disrupt these perilous networks and put a stop to that reach. The FBI will continue our investigations and bring justice to those exploited by human traffickers. “The premise of Operation Take Back America is protecting our Homeland, which is particularly fitting today as we recognize Human Trafficking Prevention Month,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “There is no greater fight than this, but regardless of the month, from January 1 st to December 31 st every year, we will continue to seek justice for all victims of Human Trafficking.” In January 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. Section 6 of this order directed the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to jointly establish HSTFs in every state nationwide. The HSTF objective is to end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) throughout the United States; dismantle cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks; end the scourge of human smuggling and trafficking, with a particular focus on such offenses involving children; and ensure the use of all available law enforcement tools to faithfully execute the immigration laws of the United States. Since January 20, 2025, the Eastern District of Texas has handled multiple cases involving Human Trafficking, including: Obtained convictions against sex traffickers who forced women to engage in commercial sex by means of force, including beatings, tasers, shock collars, frigid showers, unwanted tattoos, and acts of humiliation. Secured Seven Life sentences for a man who trafficked teenage girls, some as young as 13, for commercial sex Successfully prosecuted an individual for trafficking women across the country for prostitution and severely beating them when they attempted to leave Charged an individual with sex trafficking violations In January 2026, DHS and DOJ are surging resources to fight and raise awareness about human trafficking, including: Identifying ongoing investigations and prioritizing featured operations across 45 federal locations and 10 state locations with an emphasis on border states. Coordinating with FBI Human Trafficking Squads and multi-agency Human Trafficking Task Forces to conduct victim recovery. Partnering with AMTRAK and FAMS to increase law enforcement resources and distribute posters with QR codes for reporting human trafficking in all station bathrooms and trains. Running advertisements related to $250 million recovery from Backpage to distribute to victims and additional victim restitution efforts by DOL-OIG. Organizing Human Trafficking seminars and outreach events with DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking at high schools and colleges to highlight the role of HSTFs in addressing human trafficking. On August 25, 2025, HSTF officially launched its effort to protect the Homeland with a September Surge encompassing 400 operations nationwide. In just 43 days, HSTF nationwide operations resulted in 3,266 arrests and seizures including: 1,041 Sinaloa members, 856 Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (“CJNG”) members, 641 MS-13 members, 456 Tren de Aragua members, 1,067 weapons More than $3,250,000 in currency Approximately 91 metric tons of narcotics


title: Lincoln Man Charged with Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: A federal grand jury returned an indictment Thursday against Carlos Andrew Dominguez, 25, of Lincoln, charging him with distribution of child sexual abuse material, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, between March 6, 2025, and Jan. 9, 2026, Dominguez used peer-to-peer messaging apps to distribute hundreds of depictions of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Malinski is prosecuting the case. Dominguez is currently in federal custody following his arrest on a criminal complaint. If convicted, Dominguez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 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 those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.


title: Twice-Deported Illegal Immigrant Who Caused Fatal O.C. Car Crash Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Reentering U.S.

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: SANTA ANA, California – A Mexican national and twice-deported illegal immigrant whose criminal history includes nine arrests and a vehicular manslaughter conviction for killing two teenagers in Orange County, was sentenced today to 46 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after being deported. Oscar Eduardo Ortega, 44, a former resident of Garden Grove, was sentenced by United States District Judge John W. Holcomb. Ortega pleaded guilty in October 2025 to one count of being an illegal alien found in the United States following removal. “Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state of California failed the families of the two victims this defendant killed in a DUI accident,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “The federal government under this administration delivered justice where the state would not. We hope today’s sentence brings some measure of healing to those devastated by this criminal’s acts.” According to court documents, Ortega was removed from the United States in December 2016 and June 2018. In November 2021, Ortega – while under the influence of alcohol and drugs and driving at speeds of 100 mph on the 405 freeway in Seal Beach – crashed into another car, killing the two 19-year-old victims inside. In 2022, Ortega was convicted in Orange County Superior Court of two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and was sentenced to 10 years in California state prison. He was released from California state prison after serving less than four years of his sentence. Ortega has been in federal custody since July 2025. His criminal history also includes felony convictions in October 2005 in Los Angeles Superior Court for grand theft of personal property and unlawful taking of a vehicle. In February 2014, Ortega was convicted in Orange County Superior Court of a felony charge of false imprisonment by violence and deceit. United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Lawrence E. Kole of the Domestic Security and Immigration Crimes Section prosecuted this case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Former local resident convicted for possessing over 500 images of child sexual abuse material

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 26-year-old Virginia man who previously resided in Corpus Christi has been found guilty despite claiming he was unaware it was illegal to possess child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei The jury deliberated for approximately nine hours before convicting Anthony Porche following a three-day trial. The investigation began in October 2023 when authorities discovered Porche had been engaging in activity involving images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material. At trial, the jury heard how law enforcement executed a search warrant at Porche’s residence and seized his electronic devices. A physical search of his cellphone resulted in the discovery of several pornographic images. Porche admitted he downloaded child pornography on his phone over a few months and that there were at least five images of child pornography on his device. Forensic analysis resulted in the discovery of approximately 500 images and videos depicting CSAM. Evidence further revealed that some of images depicted prepubescent children engaging in sexually explicit conduct and in lewd or lascivious poses. The defense attempted to convince the jury Porche was insane due to his autism diagnosis, therefore not fully aware of his conduct and unable to understand his viewing and possessing CSAM was illegal. The jury did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged. U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over the trial and set sentencing for April 23. At that time, Porche faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Porche was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Overman and Izaak Bruce are prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page .


title: Mexican National Residing in Sacramento Indicted for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

body_text: A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment Thursday against Roberto Hernandez, 35, a Mexican national unlawfully in the United States and residing in Sacramento, charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, on Sept. 2, 2025, Hernandez was found to be in possession of at least 400 grams of fentanyl and two loaded Glock handguns. Hernandez is prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions in California including reckless evasion of a peace officer causing injury, driving under the influence causing injury, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a controlled substance. Additionally, in May 2021, Hernandez was deported from the United States, and on Nov. 6, 2025, was charged in a separate indictment for being a deported alien found in the United States. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Ng is prosecuting the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nchekube Onyima is prosecuting the illegal reentry case. If convicted in the drug trafficking and firearms case, Hernandez faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; in each case, the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Sacramento is composed of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, the Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California. This case is also part of the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney program, a partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local District Attorney’s Offices. Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys remain employed by local District Attorney’s Offices, but they work on federal investigations and can prosecute cases in both state and federal court. This partnership allows the U.S. States Attorney’s Office and local District Attorney’s Offices to partner to fight transnational organized crime and violent crime that impacts the region. The U.S. Attorney’s Office currently has Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the District Attorney’s Offices of Yolo, Placer, Fresno, and Sacramento Counties.


title: Georgia Chiropractor Convicted Of Healthcare Fraud

component: Criminal Division

body_text: NEW ORLEANS,LOUISIANA –United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that STEVEN D. PEYROUX (“PEYROUX”) , age 56, of Canton, Georgia, pled guilty on January 15, 2026 to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1347 and 1349, in connection with a scheme to bill Medicare millions of dollars for over-the-counter (“OTC”) COVID-19 tests that were neither requested nor eligible for reimbursement. According to court documents, PEYROUX , a chiropractor, conspired with others to pay and receive kickbacks in exchange for Medicare beneficiary information nationwide, including names, Medicare identification numbers, and fabricated recordings of individuals posing as beneficiaries and requesting OTC COVID-19 tests, which they used to bill Medicare for OTC COVID-19 tests that were not requested. In an attempt to avoid Medicare scrutiny, PEYROUX and co-conspirators solicited multiple providers to join the scheme, who they directed to enter into sham agreements and make false statements in response to Medicare audits, to conceal the misconduct. Under the terms of PEYROUX ’s plea agreement, PEYROUX agreed to over $6.5 million in restitution owed to Medicare. United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter set sentencing for May 14, 2026. At sentencing, the maximum penalty PEYROUX may receive is ten years of imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000 or the greater of twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to any person under 18 U.S.C. § 3571, or both. PEYROUX also faces a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas D. Moses, of the Financial Crimes Unit and Health Care Fraud Coordinator, and Trial Attorney Kelly Z. Walters, of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Rochester man arrested on multiple child pornography charges

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Rashad Rabah, 33, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with the production, receipt, and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a lifetime period of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, Rabah came to the attention of the United States Postal Inspection Service when he attempted to collect a package containing a large amount of fentanyl from the Jefferson Road Processing and Distribution Center in Henrietta, NY, which was shipped from Arizona. The Postal Inspection Service intercepted the package and staged a controlled delivery to Rabah in August 2025. He received the package, at which time investigators took possession of his cellular phone. Search warrants executed on the phone uncovered Rabah’s involvement in illegal activity, to include child pornography and child exploitation crimes involving minors in the Rochester, NY area. The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force conducted further analysis of Rabah’s phones and executed multiple search warrants of his online accounts and home. According to the complaint, between April 2022, and August 7, 2025, Rabah engaged in sexually explicit online and text conversations with a Minor Victim, a child in the Rochester area. During these conversations, Rabah solicited the Minor Victim to create and send him sexually explicit images and videos. In addition, Rabah paid the Minor Victim to engage in this conduct and solicited other minors in the Rochester area. Rabah was also part of an online forum on a particular social media platform that was dedicated to the abuse and exploitation of minors. The defendant made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland and was held pending a detention hearing on January 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. The criminal complaint is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Boston Division Acting Inspector-in-Charge Nicholas J. Bucciarelli, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Amherst man going to prison for selling cocaine and fentanyl that resulted in serious bodily injury to two individuals

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Lloyd Smith, 26, of Amherst, NY, who was convicted of distribution of cocaine and fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan, who handled the case, stated on May 27 and 28, 2023, Smith communicated by Snapchat and text message with an individual identified as K.W about purchasing narcotics. On May 28, 2023, Smith met K.W., and another individual identified as J.D., to sell them narcotics. After using the narcotics, J.D. lost consciousness. Smith carried J.D. out of his vehicle to J.D.’s vehicle, where he left J.D. K.W. also lost consciousness at the time. After receiving a 911 call from a good Samaritan, Amherst Police responded to the scene of the overdose, finding K.W. and J.D. unconscious and unresponsive in a vehicle. Both individuals survived. Amherst Police found two baggies in K.W.’s pocket, which both tested positive for cocaine and fentanyl. The baggies were purchased from Smith. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Chamberlin and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Enforcement Division. # # # #


title: Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty To Aiming Laser Beam At Police Helicopter

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man pleaded guilty Wednesday to pointing a green laser beam at a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department helicopter as it was responding to a call. According to court documents and admissions made in court by Sergio Octavio Sanchez, on January 2, 2025, he aimed the beam of a laser pointer at a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department helicopter several times as the helicopter was providing aerial support for officers on the ground. Due to the laser beam striking the helicopter, the helicopter was forced to divert from its assignment and flight path. Aiming a laser beam at an aircraft in the sky poses a serious safety risk. Laser beams can cause disorientation, temporary blindness - potentially causing a midair collision or other incident - and in some cases permanent vision problems or blindness. According to the FAA , in 2025, pilots reported 10,993 laser strikes. Sanchez faces the maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for May 12, 2026. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Tina Snellings is prosecuting the case. First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI’s Las Vegas Division made the announcement. If you spot someone aiming a laser at the sky in a suspicious manner, you can report it to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or visiting tips.fbi.gov . You can also report laser strikes to the FAA . ###


title: Hammond Man Guilty of Fentanyl Distribution

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – KENYARIE GUZMAN (“GUZMAN”) , age 30, of Hammond, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo on January 14, 2026, to distribution of a quantity of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) (Count 1). GUZMAN also pled guilty to distribution of forty grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B) (Count 2), as well as possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C) (Count 3), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to court documents, in 2024, the Hammond Police Department learned that GUZMAN was distributing narcotics in Hammond and Pontchatoula, Louisiana. On February 27, 2025, under the direction of the Hammond Police Department (HPD), a person GUZMAN believed to be a legitimate buyer, purchased 8.39 grams of heroin and fentanyl from GUZMAN at a residence in Pontchatoula. On March 11, 2025, under the direction of the HPD, the confidential source purchased 43.01 grams of fentanyl and heroin from GUZMAN . After the two purchases, law enforcement executed a search warrant at GUZMAN’S residence and seized 15.61 grams of heroin and fentanyl. For Counts 1 and 3, GUZMAN faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years. For Count 2, GUZMAN faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years, a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and term of supervised release of at least 4 years. GUZMAN also faces a mandatory special assessment fee of $300.00. This case is being investigated by the Office of Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the Hammond Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit is in charge of the prosecution. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Orleans comprises agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. * * *


title: Israeli man pleads guilty to, sentenced on immigration charge

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Elazar Wigdorowitz, 33, a citizen of Israel, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer to improper entry by an alien. He was then sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan W. Fitzgerald, who handled the case, stated that in the early morning hours of January 08, 2026, during the secondary inspection of a vehicle at the Rainbow Bridge Port of Entry, officers noticed multiple pieces of luggage in the back of the vehicle. As an officer began removing the luggage, she noticed what appeared to be a person’s back. The remaining luggage was removed and officers discovered defendant Wigdorowitz. Subsequent investigation discovered that Wigdorowitz had obtained a visa in 2010, which was revoked in 2017 due to his criminal history in Israel. Wigdorowitz’s visa was then refused in 2023 because of his criminal history in Israel, which includes convictions for conspiracy to commit a felony, assault, extortion, threats, false imprisonment, and malicious damage to a vehicle. In addition, pending charges include receipt of an item by deceit, conspiracy to defraud, forgery with intent, use of a forged document, fabricating evidence, and obstruction of justice. On January 5, 2026, Wigdorowitz attempted to apply for Electronic System for Travel Authorization but was denied. Wigdorowitz stated to officers that he was in the back of the vehicle because he wanted to visit his rabbi’s grave in the United States. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. # # # #


title: Niagara Falls man going to prison for selling meth

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Asaad Rivers, 38, of Niagara Falls, NY, who was convicted of distribution of methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who handled the case, stated that on March 7 and March 12, 2024, investigators conducted controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Rivers in Niagara Falls. On March 26, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Rivers residence, during which they seized a .22 caliber rifle and .22 caliber ammunition, and approximately 12 ounces of suspected methamphetamine and eight grams of suspected crack cocaine. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the Niagara County Drug Task Force, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti. # # # #


title: Honduran National Guilty of Illegal Reentry of a Removed Alien

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MIGUEL ANGEL LOPEZ-MEJIA (“ LOPEZ-MEJIA ”), age 34, pled guilty on January 15, 2026, to illegal reentry of a previously removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to the charging document, LOPEZ-MEJIA was found in the United States on October 16, 2025, having reentered the United States, without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on August 18, 2008. LOPEZ-MEJIA faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two (2) years, followed by up to one (1) year of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Customs and Border Protection in investigating this case. Special Assistant United States Attorney Frederick Veters, Jr., of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution. * * *


title: Oakland Man Sentenced To Five Years In Federal Prison For Robbing Two East Bay Banks

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: OAKLAND – An Oakland man was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison for bank robbery. U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar handed down the sentence. Naikano Tuipulotu, 32, was charged by complaint on Feb. 7, 2024, and pleaded guilty on Feb. 28, 2025, to two counts of bank robbery. According to the plea agreement, Tuipulotu admitted that, on Oct. 23, 2023, he robbed a bank in San Leandro by passing a note to a teller that read, “I have a gun give me the money.” After the bank teller handed him $210 in cash, Tuipulotu demanded all the money in the bank’s vault, but departed after the teller informed him that she did not have access to the vault. On Jan. 6, 2024, Tuipulotu robbed a bank in Fremont of approximately $1,370 by passing a note that read, “This is a robbery, I have a gun. Give me all the $$ money $$.” United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement. In addition to the prison term, Judge Tigar also sentenced the defendant to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered that the defendant pay restitution. The defendant was immediately remanded into custody. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonah P. Ross is prosecuting the case. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Fremont, San Leandro, Hayward Police Departments.


title: Buffalo man pleads guilty to his role in narcotics conspiracy

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ernest Brown, a/k/a Wayne Perry, a/k/a Wayne Brown, 43, Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr to narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that during the conspiracy, Brown was a source of supply for Joseph Zaso. Zaso met Brown through co-defendant James Jackson, a middleman for narcotics transactions. Brown met his co-conspirators at various locations in Buffalo, including Zaso’s and Jackson’s residences. At times, Jackson delivered fentanyl to Zaso on behalf of Brown. Joseph Zaso was previously charged and convicted and is awaiting sentencing. Charges remain pending against James Jackson. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The plea is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Enforcement Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone. Sentencing is scheduled for May 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. before Judge Sinatra. # # # #


title: Honduran Man Charged With Re-Entry of Removed Alien

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – CARLOS ALBERTO ESCOBAR-LOZA (“ESCOBAR-LOZA”) , age 47, a native of Honduras, was charged on January 21, 2026, by bill of information with re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to the charging document, the defendant was found in the United States on December 26, 2025, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on July 2, 2012. ESCOBAR-LOZA faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for re-entry of a removed alien. U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution. * * *


title: Managing Director of Maywood, New Jersey Elderly and Disabled Housing Facility Admits to Embezzling Over $544,000

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Bergen County woman admitted to embezzling more than $544,000 from a residential facility located in Maywood, New Jersey where she was employed, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced. Elaine Benanti, 69, of Garfield, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo, on January 20, 2026, to embezzling, stealing, and obtaining by fraud more than $544,000 of funds belonging to and under the care, custody and control of the Maywood Senior Citizens Housing Corporation (MSCHC) which operated Lydecker Manor, in Maywood, New Jersey, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A). According to the documents filed in this case and statements by the defendant in open court: From in or about January 2017 through in or about December 2021, Benanti served as the Managing Director of Lydecker Manor, a residential facility with approximately 136 units that provided housing for individuals over 62 or with disabilities. Benanti’s responsibilities included supervising Lydecker employees, providing information to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which provided significant funding for Lydecker Manor, and paying Lydecker Manor’s bills. Benanti also issued salary and bonus checks to herself and at least four other Lydecker employees in amounts set by Lydecker Manor’s Board of Trustees. Benanti admitted that she issued salary checks that significantly exceeded the amounts the Board approved on an annual basis, including checks to herself and four other employees. For example, Benanti admitted that, in 2021, she issued salary payments to herself exceeding her approved annual salary of $132,613.00 by more than $40,000.00, and that she inflated her approved bonus for the prior year by more than $2,500.00. She also admitted that she issued salary, bonus, and retirement account checks that exceeded the Board’s approved amounts for four other employees from 2017 through 2021. She further admitted to issuing a supplemental insurance payment to a relative who was not employed by Lydecker Manor. In total, Benanti admitted to embezzling approximately $544,289.95 from Lydecker Manor via these various means. As part of her plea agreement with the Government, Benanti agreed to forfeit this amount. The embezzlement charge is punishable by a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 23, 2026. Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello credited special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of special agent in charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark as well as special agents with the Office of Inspector General with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Northeast Region, under the direction of special agent in charge Shawn Rice. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. McCarren of the Office’s Special Prosecutions Division in Newark. ### Defense counsel: Anthony J. Iacullo, Esq., Roseland benanti.information.pdf


title: St. John The Baptist and Jefferson Parish Residents Guilty of Fentanyl Conspiracy and Distribution

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JESSICA PORTWAY , age 42, of St. John the Baptist Parish, RACHEL PORTWAY , age 23 of Jefferson Parish, and TYLER SALADINO (“SALADINO”) , age 25, of Jefferson Parish, pled guilty before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo, to an indictment charging them with drug conspiracy, drug distribution and possession with intent to distribute drugs, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. JESSICA PORTWAY pled guilty on January 7, 2026; and RACHEL PORTWAY and SALADINO pled guilty on January 21, 2026. All three defendants were charged in Count 1 of the indictment with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846. All three defendants were also charged in Count 2 with distribution of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and Title 18, United States Code, Section 2. Count 3 charged RACHEL PORTWAY and SALADINO with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). Count 4 charged JESSICA PORTWAY with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 841(b)(1)(C). According to court documents, in August 2023, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office was investigating an overdose death in Jefferson Parish. The investigation revealed that SALADINO, RACHEL PORTWAY , JESSICA PORTWAY , and others. conspired to distribute fentanyl in the Eastern District of Louisiana. As part of the conspiracy, SALADINO and RACHEL PORTWAY sold pills containing fentanyl to the victim in Jefferson Parish. The investigation further revealed that RACHEL PORTWAY had obtained the pills from JESSICA PORTWAY in the weeks leading up to the transaction, and that JESSICA PORTWAY had received the pills from another individual from California. A search warrant was executed on SALADINO and RACHEL PORTWAY’S shared residence, and additional pills containing fentanyl were recovered. A search warrant executed on JESSICA PORTWAY’S residence in LaPlace, Louisiana by law enforcement yielded 26 doses of LSD, a quantity of methamphetamine, and a quantity of fentanyl. The defendants face up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least three years of supervised release for Count 1. As to Count 2, the defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000.00 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. As to Count 3, SALADINO and RACHEL PORTWAY face up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least three years of supervised release. As to Count 4, JESSICA PORTWAY faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten years and up to a maximum term of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and up to five years of supervised release. The defendants, individually, also face payment of a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee for each count. Sentencing for JESSICA PORTWAY is set for April 8, 2026, and sentencing in this matter for RACHEL PORTWAY and TYLER SALADINO is scheduled for April 22, 2026. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration – Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (FORT), the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Briana Williams and Andre Jones of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Massachusetts Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Conspiracy

component: USAO - Iowa, Southern

body_text: DES MOINES, Iowa – A Malden, Massachusetts man was sentenced on January 20, 2026, to eight years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl. According to public court documents, Michael Thomas D’Orlando, 47, sent packages with a powder containing fentanyl to a person in the Southern District of Iowa. On November 27, 2023, the Norwalk Police Department located a deceased victim. Further investigation showed that the victim ingested the powder D’Orlando sent to Iowa and the fentanyl caused the victim’s death. After completing his term of imprisonment, D’Orlando will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains committed in its collaboration with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who distribute lethal doses of fentanyl are held accountable,” said Bryan Musgrove, Inspector in Charge of the Denver Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “This sentencing emphasizes the impact of fentanyl distribution in our communities and our commitment in relentlessly pursuing those responsible for distributing the deadly drug.” Greg Staples, Chief of Police for the City of Norwalk, said “The distribution of narcotics presents a severe risk to the community and resulted in the death of a community member in the City of Norwalk in November 2023. Thank you to our partners, the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa for assisting with this investigation. These partnerships are crucial to maintain public safety, quality prosecutions, and justice for the citizens of Norwalk.” United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The United States Postal Inspection Service, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and City of Norwalk Police Department investigated the case.


title: Lincoln Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years for Drug Charge

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Julius Phillips, 40, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 22, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln for one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine actual. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Phillips to a total of 146 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Phillips’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. On November 21, 2024, following a series of controlled buys, Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force (LLCNTF) served a search warrant for Phillips’s residence. Prior to serving the warrant, law enforcement contacted Phillips outside the residence. A search of his person resulted in $7,201 in U.S. currency, a used syringe in his pants pocket, keys to the residence, and two cell phones. Investigators proceeded with the search of the residence. In the kitchen freezer, they found a Ziploc baggie of marijuana. Under the marijuana, they found a second baggie containing methamphetamine. The Nebraska State Crime Lab confirmed the substances as 151 grams of marijuana and at least 280 grams methamphetamine actual. On the kitchen table, investigators found a digital scale and about 3 grams of marijuana. In Phillips’s bedroom, investigators found a methamphetamine pipe, a sticky note with suspected methamphetamine residue, some marijuana shake, a CashApp debit card in Phillips’s name, and a pistol grip. They also found a Marlin Model 60 .22 Long Rifle, a BB gun designed to look like an assault rifle, .22 LR ammunition, and Winchester .38 special bullets. This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force.


title: Illegal Immigrant Sentenced to Time Served in Prison

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A Mexican national was sentenced today to time served in prison for illegally reentering the United States after previously having been deported. According to court documents, on October 18, 2025, Gulf Shores Police Department (GSPD) responded to a “shots fired” call and determined that Hernandez-Modesto, 38, had discharged a firearm multiple times. Following his arrest, GSPD contacted Homeland Security Investigations and Immigration and Customs Enforcement who determined that Hernandez-Modesto had previously been removed from the United States in 2020. At sentencing, Judge Dubose imposed the time served sentence of incarceration and a one-year term of supervised release upon his future release. Upon his release from prison, Hernandez-Modesto is to be referred to immigration officials for deportation proceedings. Hernandez-Modesto was ordered to pay $100 in special assessments. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, and the Gulf Shores Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. Hutchins III prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Three Defendants Convicted at Trial Involving Multimillion-Dollar Cocaine and Fentanyl-Trafficking Organization That Used Children as Couriers

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A federal jury convicted three defendants for their roles in a multimillion-dollar drug-trafficking organization (“DTO”) that distributed bulk cocaine and fentanyl and used children as couriers. According to court documents and evidence presented at a three-week trial, Glennie Antonio McGee, 42, and his wife, Echandza Dianca Maxie (“Echandza”), 43, each of Mobile, were members of a lucrative, Mobile-based DTO that distributed hundreds of pounds of cocaine and tens of thousands of fentanyl pills between 2017 and 2024. The DTO sourced cocaine from cartel-connected suppliers in Texas and, ultimately, Mexico. The DTO’s fentanyl pills—counterfeited “M30” pills pressed to look like oxycodone—came from various sources in Alabama, Florida, Washington, and other locales. McGee’s sister-in-law, Exavieria Deagnes Maxie (“Exavieria”), 37, also of Mobile, aided the conspiracy by trafficking a firearm and tampering with evidence. During the trial, the jury reviewed court-authorized wiretap recordings, CCTV videos from a covert camera installed in McGee’s Cadillac Escalade, pole camera and aerial surveillance videos, text messages and other phone data, financial records, tax records, and DNA evidence, among other things. The jury heard evidence that the defendants used their illicit proceeds to travel the world, including trips to exotic locations including France, Greece, the Maldives, Mexico, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. In December 2022, Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) agents arrested one of McGee’s cocaine suppliers following a dangerous high-speed chase in midtown Mobile. Agents seized 9.5 kilograms of cartel-sourced cocaine from the supplier, who was scheduled to deliver one kilogram of the cocaine to McGee that same evening. Weeks later, FBI agents executed a search warrant at McGee’s and Echandza’s house in west Mobile. Agents seized a backpack containing cocaine residue from a vehicle that Echandza was driving. They also seized bulk cash, custom jewelry and other proceeds of the defendants’ drug crimes, a money-counting machine, drug ledgers, documents linking the defendants to other members of the DTO, and a Draco AK-47-style pistol from the house. Echandza lied to FBI agents and claimed the pistol belonged to her, but an FBI DNA analyst found McGee’s DNA on the weapon and other evidence showed that one of McGee’s drug couriers had illegally bought the weapon for him because he is a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing guns. McGee’s prior felonies include state convictions for shooting into occupied buildings and vehicles, as well as a federal conviction for trafficking crack cocaine. While agents were still on-scene searching the house, Echandza left the residence and traveled to multiple bank branches in Mobile and withdrew $138,000. In January and February 2024, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) agents obtained multiple recordings of McGee discussing his DTO’s procurement and distribution of hundreds of pounds of cocaine and thousands of fentanyl pills. In those recordings, McGee explained how he took his drug profits and laundered them through real estate properties that he and Echandza had acquired, including properties they rented out on Airbnb. On February 17, 2024, agents recorded McGee selling 1,018 fentanyl pills to a cooperating defendant. In March 2024, HSI agents began a court-authorized wiretap of several cell phones used by McGee. Agents intercepted more than 8,000 calls during three months’ worth of monitoring. The jury reviewed more than 100 recorded calls and videos from the covert CCTV camera installed in McGee’s Escalade. On those calls and videos, agents captured McGee making dozens of drug deals for bulk cocaine and fentanyl pills. Agents also intercepted Echandza brokering a drug deal on McGee’s behalf. In one instance on March 18, 2024, McGee sold a kilogram of cocaine to a customer for $18,000 in the driveway of his mother’s house on Euclid Avenue in Mobile. A pole camera captured a 15-year-old child hand delivering the brick of cocaine to McGee. On March 30, 2024, agents arrested one of McGee’s drug couriers, Tierra Tocorra Hill, in possession of a kilogram of cocaine, a quarter-kilogram of fake cocaine (boric acid), and a loaded pistol. McGee had unknowingly purchased several kilograms of fake cocaine and instructed Hill to mix the boric acid into real cocaine for resale on the street to recuperate his losses for the bad cocaine deal. Boric acid is a household cleaner and detergent. When McGee learned that Hill had been arrested, he traveled to a stash house on Harvey Court in Mobile. There, as recorded on the wiretap, McGee instructed several young children, including an eight-year-old boy he described as “game,” to remove a backpack that contained bulk cocaine from the house and throw it over a fence. Agents responded to the house and encountered the children, including a three-year-old boy who was wearing the backpack filled with pounds of cocaine. Inside the house, agents found additional bulk cocaine and loaded firearms that McGee was storing there. After the raid, agents intercepted calls in which McGee attempted to coach the children to lie to Alabama Department of Human Resources personnel about the incident. In June 2024, agents intercepted several calls involving McGee and his Houston, Texas-based suppliers, Eric Anthony Aguilar and Jonathan Maurice Hackworth, arranging a shipment of five kilograms of cocaine to the DTO in Mobile. During a traffic stop in Mobile on June 13, 2024, agents seized $24,000 in bulk cash that McGee had paid Aguilar for a portion of the drugs. Later that same day, agents arrested McGee after he and one of his DTO lieutenants, Antonio Dwone Reed, attempted to flee in a brief high-speed chase. Agents boxed in the vehicle and encountered McGee with three kilograms of cocaine sitting in his lap. McGee then confessed in a videotaped interview that he had been dealing bulk cocaine since 2017 and earned $20,000 per month in profits. Following McGee’s arrest, agents intercepted Echandza and Exavieria plotting to conceal evidence while operating the bugged Escalade. Specifically, Echandza gave Exavieria, a convicted felon, a shoebox full of custom jewelry and a loaded .380 caliber pistol. Exavieria took the jewelry and gun and stashed them in her apartment in west Mobile. Thereafter, on CCTV recordings, Echandza and Exavieria directed a 15-year-old child to find the gun and toss it from a balcony before agents could enter the apartment. When Echandza’s teenage son tried to instruct the 15-year-old, her nephew, how to remove the clip from the loaded weapon, Echandza stated, “No, tell him don’t do all that. Just drop it off. . . . [H]e ain’t got time to do that. We ain’t got time to coach him.” Exavieria was intercepted admitting that she told her 15-year-old son to toss the gun from the balcony. Agents found the loaded pistol near a softball field behind the apartment. Exavieria then admitted to agents that she had brought the gun to her apartment from McGee’s and Echandza’s house. Exavieria has previously been convicted of a federal methamphetamine-trafficking offense and is prohibited from possessing firearms. The jury convicted McGee of participating in a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiracies to traffic cocaine and fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, use of minors in drug operations, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug-trafficking crimes, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Terry F. Moorer and faces a maximum sentence of life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years and a fine of up to $20,000,000. The sentencing will be scheduled after a separate trial before Judge Moorer in March 2026 involving alleged fraud, identity theft, and money laundering. McGee is presumed innocent in that case until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Echandza was convicted of participating in a cocaine-trafficking conspiracy, a firearms-trafficking conspiracy, distribution of a firearm to a convicted felon, and tampering with evidence. She faces a maximum sentence of life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Judge Moorer will sentence Echandza after the fraud trial in March 2026, in which she is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Exavieria was convicted of participating in a firearms-trafficking conspiracy and tampering with evidence. She faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Judge Moorer will sentence Exavieria after the fraud trial in March 2026, in which she is not a defendant. The jury forfeited several items of property to the United States, including real property, high-end vehicles, custom jewelry worth more than $400,000, and money judgments totaling $500,000. The court forfeited the firearms to the United States. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, the Mobile Police Department, the Prichard Police Department, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency are investigating the case. The United States Marshals Service and several local agencies in Houston, Texas are assisting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Roller and George May are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Mobile comprises agents and officers from, among others, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.


title: Muskogee Resident Pleads Guilty To Distributing Methamphetamine

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Drew Alexander Ragsdale, a/k/a Drew Alexander Ragsdale-Smith, a/k/a Drew Down, a/k/a Skat, age 28, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine, each punishable by 5 to 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine, and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, punishable by a minimum of 10 years in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. The Indictment alleged that on February 4, 2025, and again on February 26, 2025, Ragsdale knowingly and intentionally distributed 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, and that on March 4, 2025, Ragsdale knowingly and intentionally possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. The charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Muskogee Police Department. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Ragsdale will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard J. Lorenz and Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.


title: Hunterdon County Man Charged with Wire Fraud and Money Laundering in Connection with Multimillion Dollar Liquor License Fraud Scheme

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Hunterdon County, New Jersey man made his initial appearance on January 23, 2026 following his arrest on charges of wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a scheme involving liquor licenses, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced. Sameh Aboelata, 50, of Raritan Township, New Jersey, was charged in a four-count criminal complaint with one count of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. Aboelata had his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge James B. Clark, III in Newark federal court. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in Court: As alleged, between 2016 and 2023, Aboelata obtained more than $17 million from a victim investor by claiming he would use the victim’s money to acquire and maintain liquor licenses. In reality, Aboelata used the money to line his own pockets, including for casino-related transactions, transfers or checks to family members or associates, rental payments for Aboelata’s restaurant, and transfers to other related bank accounts. Financial records show that only several thousand dollars of the $17 million was actually used to acquire and maintain liquor licenses. The charge of wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross amount of any pecuniary gain that anyone derived from the offense or of any pecuniary loss sustained by any victims of the offense, whichever is greatest. Each charge of money laundering carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of criminally derived property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater. Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello credited agents of the IRS Criminal Investigation Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Philadelphia Division, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher Nielsen, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanks the USPIS Newark Division, Homeland Security Investigations Newark, and Raritan Township Police Department for their assistance with the investigation. The Government is represented by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachelle M. Navarro and Mark Pesce of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ### Defense counsel: Rahul Sharma, Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark


title: FLORIDA INMATE INDICTED FOR DISTRIBUTION, RECEIPT, AND POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Edward G. Winn, 47, an inmate at Okaloosa Correctional Institution, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with one count of distribution of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today. Winn appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for February 24, 2026, before Chief District Judge Allen C. Winsor. If convicted, Winn faces a mandatory 15 years’ imprisonment and up to 40 years’ imprisonment on the distribution count; a mandatory 15 years’ imprisonment and up to 40 years’ imprisonment on the receipt count; and up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the possession count. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Florida Department of Corrections-Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: PANAMA CITY MAN INDICTED FOR POSSESSION OF A FIREARM BY A CONVICTED FELON

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Kendrick R. Parham, 48, of Panama City, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge. Parham appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for February 23, 2026, at 8:30 am before District Court Judge Mark E. Walker in Tallahassee, Florida. Parham faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment if convicted. The case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, human and drug trafficking. As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .