title: Former Massachusetts State Trooper Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy to Falsify CDL Test Scores

body_text: BOSTON – A former Massachusetts State Police (MSP) trooper was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for his role in a conspiracy to falsify records by giving passing scores to certain Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) applicants even if they failed the CDL test or took less than the full test required by federal law. Calvin Butner, 64, of Halifax, Mass., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to three months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release with the first three months in home confinement. The government recommended a sentence of 15 months in prison. In April 2025, Butner pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to falsify records, three counts of falsifying records and aiding and abetting and five counts of making false statements. In January 2024 , Butner was charged in a 74-count indictment along with five others in the conspiracy and related schemes. Members of MSP’s CDL Unit were responsible for administering CDL skills tests. Test requirements for CDLs are established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The CDL skills test is a demanding, in-person test which includes: Vehicle Inspection, in which an applicant is tested on their knowledge of the vehicle; Basic Control Skills, in which an applicant is tested on their ability to perform certain maneuvers; and the Road Test, in which an applicant is tested on their ability to drive a commercial vehicle on an open roadway. Only drivers who pass the test and thereby prove they are qualified to drive a commercial vehicle may be issued a CDL, with the primary goal of public safety. Between in on or about May 2019 and January 2023, Butner and three other members of the CDL Unit conspired to give preferential treatment to at least 17 CDL applicants by agreeing to give passing scores on their CDL tests regardless of whether or not they actually passed. Butner and the co-defendants used the code word “golden” to identify these applicants. Butner gave passing scores to applicants and texted the following comments to a co-conspirator: • “This guys a mess. . . . Lol. He owes u a prime rib 6inch.” • “Golden mess. ??????” • “He’s a mess Class A truck 2psi loss with truck running truck cut our again while timing ????” • “Total mess this guy[.] i think some time[s] we should just do what we can but not golden. I’ll tell you about it later.” In addition, Butner gave passing scores to three applicants who failed the CDL test, and to five applicants who did not take the test at all. All CDL recipients identified as not qualified during the course of this investigation have been reported to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine J. Wichers and Adam W. Deitch of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case.


title: New York Man Who Made Numerous Threatening Communications is Sentenced

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that ELIJAH WHYTE, 30, of White Plains, New York, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to five years of probation for making numerous harassing and threatening communications. According to court documents and statements made in court, between August and October 2023, Whyte sent a Connecticut resident 1,330 text messages, made 72 phone calls, and left three voicemail messages. Many of the messages were threatening and harassing, discussing the victim getting killed and raped, the victim’s children, and the victim’s home and hometown. Whyte has been detained since November 1, 2023. On May 16, 2025, he pleaded guilty to making repeated harassing telephone communications. This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel George.


title: Guatemalan National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry into the United States

component: Department of Justice

body_text: Jackson, MS – A Guatemalan national was sentenced on August 6, 2025, to seven months in federal prison for unlawfully reentering the United States after being removed from the country. According to court documents and statements made in court, Felino Fernando Perez-Jimenez, 25, was found by law enforcement officials to be unlawfully present in the country on or about January 11, 2025, when he was arrested by the Carthage Police Department for simple assault, resisting arrest, public drunk, and failure to comply with an officer. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) encountered Perez-Jimenez at the Leake County Jail in Carthage, Mississippi, on January 12, 2025. A records check identified the defendant to be a citizen of Guatemala by virtue of birth, and not in possession of valid immigration documents allowing him to be or remain in the United States legally. Perez-Jimenez had been previously removed from the United States in 2023. Perez-Jimenez was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 4, 2025, and pleaded guilty on May 2, 2025. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Patrick A. Lemon; Eric P. DeLaune, Special Agent-in-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Louisiana; and Brian Acuna, Acting Field Office Director of ICE/ERO in New Orleans, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Wade Allen and Kimberly T. Purdie prosecuted the case. This case was investigated by Homeland Security investigations as part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Spanish Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering the Country After Prior Removal

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Spanish man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to reentry after removal. According to court records, Jose Angel Hidalgo-Torres , 20, was found in Calais shortly after illegally entering the United States on July 18, 2025. He was previously removed from the country in May 2024. Hidalgo-Torres faces up to two years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. 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 U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case. Operation Take Back America: This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Deming, Washington man sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for receipt and possession of images of child sexual abuse

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 47-year-old resident of Deming, Whatcom County, Washington was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 160 months in prison for two federal felonies related to his receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Robert J. Howell Jr. came to the attention of law enforcement in late 2019 when a foreign country police organization alerted Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) that an IP address associated with Howell Jr’s residence had accessed a website devoted to child sexual abuse material. Following a two-day jury trial in April 2025, jurors deliberated about an hour before finding Howell Jr. guilty. U.S District Judge John C. Coughenour ordered Howell Jr. to pay $141,000 in restitution to the 47 child victims exploited in the sexual abuse imagery. Judge Coughenour imposed the sentence of more than 13 years in prison saying it was driven by the quantity and violent nature of the child sexual abuse material. Judge Coughenour noted Howell Jr. “poses a danger to the community and has a complete lack of contrition.” Howell Jr. will be on twenty years of supervised release following his prison term. According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, after getting the tip from a foreign law enforcement organization, HSI agents sought information on the account associated with the IP address. The IP address was linked to Howell’s home in Deming. On September 15, 2020, federal agents executed a search warrant and seized several dozen electronic devices. A forensic review determined there were more than 90,000 files depicting child sexual abuse on some 21 electronic devices. Many of the images were of the sexual abuse of very young children and included depictions involving extreme violence. At trial, prosecutors proved that between 2016 and 2019, Howell Jr. received five specific files of child sexual abuse material and knowingly possessed many more. In all, more than 75 electronic assets including computers, phones, tablets, hard drives, storage devices, gaming devices, and CDs were seized by law enforcement and have been forfeited to the government. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Hampton and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica M. Ly. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Kanawha County Woman Sentenced for COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Krista Marie Menchaca, 32, of Cross Lanes, was sentenced today to three years of federal probation and ordered to pay $21,963.96 in restitution for receipt of stolen money. Menchaca received $19,395 in proceeds from a criminally derived Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loan, guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). According to court documents and statements made in court, on May 12, 2021, an individual submitted a PPP loan application on Menchaca’s behalf to a program lender in Arizona. As part of her guilty plea, Menchaca admitted that the application and an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1040, Schedule C Profit or Loss from Business, filed with it falsely represented that Menchaca was a self-employed health practitioner who received $93,100 in gross income during 2000. Menchaca further admitted that the IRS Form 1040 was fake and created solely to obtain a fraudulent PPP loan. The lender approved the fraudulent loan application and $19,395 was deposited in Menchaca’s personal bank account on or about July 2, 2021. While in West Virginia, Menchaca spent more than $5,000 of the PPP loan proceeds on her personal expenses. The CARES Act made forgivable PPP loans available to qualifying sole proprietors, independent contractors and self-employed individuals adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, to replace their normal income and for certain other expenses. Applicants were required to certify that they were in operation on February 15, 2020, and provide documentation showing their prior gross income from either 2019 or 2020. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case. Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-68. ###


title: Justice Department Finds Suffolk County Police Department in Substantial Compliance with 2014 Agreement

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: CENTRAL ISLIP, NY – The Justice Department announced today the successful completion of an agreement between Suffolk County, New York, Police Department (SCPD) and the Department of Justice. Entered into in 2014, the agreement called for SCPD to improve bias-free policing, increase community engagement, and develop additional policies and training, among other things. With support from the Justice Department, as set forth in a report issued today, SCPD has now achieved sustained substantial compliance with all of the agreement’s terms. “The Suffolk County Police Department is to be commended for taking the steps necessary to achieve the objectives of the 2014 agreement with the Department of Justice and our Office,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. “Policing in Suffolk County has been enhanced and become more responsive to community needs. The partnership between our Office and the SCPD has strengthened the safety of all residents of the County.” “Suffolk County Police Department’s commitment to protecting the public in a constitutionally compliant way is commendable,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This Department of Justice is committed to collaborating with law enforcement to make American communities safer.” SCPD implemented language assistance policies and deployed resources to ensure that people with Limited English Proficiency have meaningful access to police services. It improved reporting and supervision throughout the department. It also improved policies, training, and tracking to better handle hate crimes and misconduct complaints. Please click here to read the Cover Letter and Final Suffolk Report .


title: New York Man Sentenced for Firearm and Religious Hate Crimes Involving the Firing of Shots Outside of Temple Israel in Albany

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, 29, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for conspiring to illegally straw purchase a firearm, obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs with a dangerous weapon, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. On Dec. 7, 2023, Alkhader took an Uber from his home to Temple Israel, a synagogue in Albany. Upon arriving at the synagogue, at approximately 2:00 p.m., Alkhader walked up the walkway toward the front entrance, brandished the Kel-Tec shotgun, and then twice fired the shotgun into the air while shouting “Free Palestine!” Alkhader attempted to fire a third time, but the shotgun jammed. After the shotgun jammed, Alkhader attempted to tear an Israeli flag from a flagpole in front of Temple Israel. Albany Police Officers responded to the scene and arrested Alkhader outside of a nearby hospital. As a result of Alkhader’s actions, Temple Israel was forced to cancel a planned concert and candle lighting ceremony to celebrate Chanukah that evening, and its congregants were afraid to return to their place of worship. “The Department of Justice stands firmly against antisemitism and all hate crimes,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We are committed to protecting everyone in our communities and upholding the freedom of religion as enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution.” “This shooting, outside of a synagogue on the eve of a Channukah celebration, was unfortunately emblematic of the anti-Semitic violence, rhetoric and practices that have swept this country over the last few years,” Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York. “This year, the Justice Department has emphatically said – through its words and actions – no more. My office, with our law enforcement partners, will do everything within our powers to make sure everyone in the Northern District of New York can exercise their right to practice their religion without fear of violence and hatred.” “Mr. Alkhader’s violent actions were fueled by hatred for individuals simply because of their faith. That hatred caused tremendous terror within the Temple Israel community – and the Jewish community as a whole – as they were preparing for the first night of Channukah,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli of the FBI Albany Field Office. “We hope this sentence can play an important part in the community’s continued healing process, but can also serve as a notice that violence, especially borne from hate, will not be tolerated by the FBI. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate these hateful incidents and bring justice to the victims, so no one has to live in fear.” “This sentencing reflects our commitment to stopping those who unlawfully obtain firearms to cause fear and chaos in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller of the ATF New York Field Division. “When individuals conspire to bypass gun laws and use firearms to intimidate others, they will be held accountable. This case highlights the importance of our ongoing work to disrupt illegal firearm activity before it turns deadly. I’m grateful for the partnership between ATF NY Albany Field Office, FBI Albany, the Albany Police Department, the New York State Police and U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of NY — a united front in keeping our communities safe.” “The sentencing in this case sends a clear message that violence and crimes of hate targeting any community, including those of our Jewish community, will not be tolerated,” said Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox. “The Albany Police Department remains committed to protecting all communities and to hold those accountable who seek to spread fear and hate.” As part of his prior guilty plea, Alkhader admitted that, between Nov. 1 and Nov. 6, 2023, he and Andrew Miller agreed that Miller would purchase a shotgun for Alkhader by lying to a firearms dealer and falsely representing that Miller was the purchaser of the gun. On Nov. 5, 2023, Alkhader and Miller drove to a federal firearms dealer in Albany and illegally purchased a Kel-Tec KS7 12-gauge pump-action shotgun. U.S. District Judge Anne M. Nardacci for the Northern District of New York also imposed a five-year term of supervised release to begin after Alkhader is released from prison. Andrew Miller previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 14 months of in prison for his role in the straw purchase of the shotgun. The FBI’s Albany Field Office, in conjunction with the ATF and the Albany Police Department, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Belliss and Alexander Wentworth-Ping for the Northern District of New York, Trial Attorney Trevor Kempner of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division prosecuted the case. Additionally, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Perry and Michael Gadarian for the Northern District of New York provided counsel in the investigation and prosecution of this case.


title: Former Maritime Training School Owner  Pleads Guilty to Defrauding the Coast Guard

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – A St. Clair County man pleaded guilty today to a felony charge related to falsifying records connected to a course he administered to students seeking to become credentialed merchant mariners, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Captain Richard Armstrong, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit, and Special Agent in Charge Josh Packer, Coast Guard Investigative Service, Central Field Office, Detroit. Mel Stackpoole, 62, entered his guilty plea this afternoon, before United States District Judge Terrence G. Berg, to one count of knowingly altering and falsifying records and documents with the intent to impede the proper administration of a matter within the jurisdiction of the United States Coast Guard. According to court records, Stackpoole was the owner and lead instructor of Great Lakes Charter Training, a marine training school that offered Coast Guard approved training courses for the issuance of merchant mariner credentials (MMC). In August of 2020, Stackpoole provided the students enrolled his Master 100 Ton Captain’s Course with less than 50 hours of classroom instruction, rather than the required 80 hours. He also instructed the students to provide false information regarding their prior sea service, medical history, and recreational drug use on their MMC applications to the Coast Guard. Further, Stackpoole improperly provided the students with the answers to certain examination questions; changed students’ incorrect test answers into correct answers; and inflated the students’ test scores in order to reflect passing, rather than failing, grades. Stackpoole ultimately issued course completion certificates to the students, falsely signifying their successful completion of the course to the Coast Guard. “Mel Stackpoole has endangered the safety of everyone who uses the waterways of our Great Lakes by deliberately circumnavigating the Coast Guard’s training and certification protocols and facilitating the issuance of credentials to unskilled and unqualified mariners.” U.S. Attorney Gorgon said. “Integrity is the cornerstone of our maritime profession. When that trust is broken, it jeopardizes individual careers and the safety and security of our waterways. The U.S. Coast Guard stands firm in ensuring that those who choose to deceive or falsify their merchant mariner credential, or those who subvert the credentialing process, will be held accountable” said Captain Richard Armstrong, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit. “As the leading maritime investigative agency, CGIS plays a vital role in investigating complex fraudulent schemes perpetrated against the U.S. Coast Guard and the public. This plea represents our investigative commitment to the maritime community in ensuring CGIS pursues those that would seek to take advantage of programs designed to enhance maritime safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Packer. The sentencing hearing is set for December 18, 2025, at 2pm, at which Stackpoole faces a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. This case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Investigative Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Wyse and Special Assistant United States Attorney Corinne M. Lambert


title: Former First Community Bank Vice President Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Embezzlement Scheme

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A Cullman woman has been sentenced for her involvement in an embezzlement scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. U.S. District Court Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced Kellie L. Johnson, 54, of Cullman, Alabama, to 60 months in prison followed by 60 months supervised release. In May, Johnson pleaded guilty to bank embezzlement. According to the plea agreement, Johnson was employed with First Community Bank for approximately 25 years. Between July 2013 and June 2023, Johnson embezzled money from First Community Bank’s Federal Reserve account to pay personal expenses, primarily credit card bills. To conceal her scheme, Johnson falsified transactions to reconcile the balance of the Federal Reserve account in the bank’s general ledger and deleted her ACH transactions. Johnson also altered account statements sent by the Federal Reserve that she was required to provide to the bank president, auditors, and others. The scheme ended when the bank president received a call from the Federal Reserve notifying him that the bank’s ACH account was overdrawn. When the bank president asked Johnson to provide the latest account statement, she provided a fraudulent statement showing a positive balance in the account. Over the decade that she stole money from the bank, Johnson conducted approximately 273 fraudulent ACH transactions totaling over $2.3 million. Additionally, Johnson deprived the bank of $138,185.40 in interest income to the Federal Reserve account. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura D. Hodge prosecuted the case.


title: Resident of Trinidad and Tobago Extradited to U.S. to Face Drug Charges

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Shurlan Guppy, aka Shurlan Gorin, Rafael Oquendo, Christopher Hughes Matthews, and Marc Roman, 48, of Trinidad and Tobago, was arrested and charged by indictment with conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin and cocaine and related drug offenses. Guppy made his initial appearance in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania last week, following his extradition from Trinidad and Tobago. He was ordered detained in federal custody at a detention hearing this afternoon. The indictment alleges that, from approximately 2017 to July 2022, in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the District of Delaware and elsewhere, Guppy conspired with others to distribute bulk amounts of various controlled substances, including heroin and cocaine. The indictment further alleges that Guppy distributed such controlled substances in person and by other means, including through various delivery services in exchange for cash. Guppy and the others communicated with each other in person and via cell phones, the indictment alleges, sometimes on Facetime and through encrypted internet/phone application WhatsApp, to discuss pricing, availability, and delivery and payment arrangements for controlled substances, sometimes using coded language to describe their drug trafficking activities. If convicted of all charges, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment, with a mandatory minimum term of 10 years’ imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lizmar Bosques. Significant assistance with the extradition was provided by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and its Transnational Organized Crime Unit, the Trinidad and Tobago Central Authority of the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs, Trinidad and Tobago Customs and Immigration, the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, the U.S. Marshals Service, Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.


title: Schenectady Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Firearm and Religious Hate Crimes Involving the Firing of Shots Outside of Temple Israel

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, age 29, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for conspiring to illegally straw purchase a firearm, obstructing the free exercise of religious beliefs with a dangerous weapon, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon stated, “The Department of Justice stands firmly against antisemitism and all hate crimes. We are committed to protecting everyone in our communities and upholding the freedom of religion as enshrined in the First Amendment of the Constitution.” Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “This shooting, outside of a synagogue on the eve of a Channukah celebration, was unfortunately emblematic of the anti-Semitic violence, rhetoric and practices that have swept this country over the last few years. This year, the Justice Department has emphatically said – through its words and actions – no more. My Office, with our law enforcement partners, will do everything within our powers to make sure everyone in the Northern District of New York can exercise their right to practice their religion without fear of violence and hatred.” As part of his prior guilty plea, Alkhader admitted that, between November 1 and November 6, 2023, he and Andrew Miller agreed that Miller would purchase a shotgun for Alkhader by lying to a firearms dealer and falsely representing that Miller was the purchaser of the gun. On November 5, 2023, Alkhader and Miller drove to a federal firearms dealer in Albany and illegally purchased a Kel-Tec KS7 12-gauge pump-action shotgun. On December 7, 2023, Alkhader took an Uber from his home to Temple Israel, a synagogue in Albany. Upon arriving at the synagogue, at approximately 2 p.m., Alkhader walked up the walkway toward the front entrance, brandished the Kel-Tec shotgun, and then twice fired the shotgun into the air while shouting “Free Palestine!” Alkhader attempted to fire a third time, but the shotgun jammed. After the shotgun jammed, Alkhader attempted to tear an Israeli flag from a flagpole in front of Temple Israel. Albany Police Officers responded to the scene and arrested Alkhader outside of a nearby hospital. As a result of Alkhader’s actions, Temple Israel was forced to cancel a planned concert and candle lighting ceremony to celebrate Chanukah that evening, and its congregants were afraid to return to their place of worship. United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release to begin after Alkhader is released from prison. FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated, “Mr. Alkhader’s violent actions were fueled by hatred for individuals simply because of their faith. That hatred caused tremendous terror within the Temple Israel community – and the Jewish community as a whole – as they were preparing for the first night of Channukah. We hope this sentence can play an important part in the community’s continued healing process, but can also serve as a notice that violence, especially borne from hate, will not be tolerated by the FBI. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate these hateful incidents and bring justice to the victims, so no one has to live in fear.” ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller stated, “This sentencing reflects our commitment to stopping those who unlawfully obtain firearms to cause fear and chaos in our communities. When individuals conspire to bypass gun laws and use firearms to intimidate others, they will be held accountable. This case highlights the importance of our ongoing work to disrupt illegal firearm activity before it turns deadly. I’m grateful for the partnership between ATF NY Albany Field Office, FBI Albany, the Albany Police Department, the New York State Police and U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of NY — a united front in keeping our communities safe.” Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox stated, “The sentencing in this case sends a clear message that violence and crimes of hate targeting any community, including those of our Jewish community, will not be tolerated. The Albany Police Department remains committed to protecting all communities and to hold those accountable who seek to spread fear and hate.” Andrew Miller previously pled guilty and was sentenced to 14 months of imprisonment for his role in the straw purchase of the shotgun . The FBI’s Albany Field Office, in conjunction with the ATF and the Albany Police Department, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Belliss and Alexander Wentworth-Ping for the Northern District of New York, Trial Attorney Trevor Kempner of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, and Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division prosecuted the case. Additionally, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Perry and Michael Gadarian provided counsel in the investigation and prosecution of this case.


title: Michigan resident sentenced for cross-country narcotics deal

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 61-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 14 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Walter Lee Houze pleaded guilty March 31. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Houze to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the seriousness of Houze possessing a firearm in connection with a narcotics offense. On May 9, 2023, Houze drove his Volkswagen Tiguan to the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint in Sarita. Jose Taurus Burks was in the passenger seat. Authorities referred them to secondary inspection where a K-9 alerted to the rear cargo area of the vehicle. There, law enforcement discovered 14.26 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a black suitcase intermingled with clothing and laundry detergent beads belonging to Houze. Burks admitted he was to be paid for traveling from Michigan to assist Houze in the purchase and transportation of cocaine from Hidalgo County. Previously released on bond, Houze was taken into custody following the sentencing where he will remain pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Burks, 52, Harrison Township, Michigan, pleaded guilty March 31. He also remains in custody pending his sentencing Sept. 9. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell prosecuted the case.


title: Federal Operation Targets Nebraska Human Trafficking Ring at Area Hotels

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that five people were charged by complaint for a range of federal violations that center around their alleged conspiracy to engage in labor trafficking, sex trafficking, and harboring of aliens at several hotel locations across the Omaha metro area and into central Nebraska. The defendants own, operate and manage several hotels in the Omaha metro area located at the following locations where federal search warrants were executed in the early morning hours of August 12, 2025: The AmericInn, 2920 S 13 Ct., Omaha; The Inn (formerly Super 8), 9305 S 145th St., Omaha; The New Victorian, 10728 L St., Omaha; and Roadway Inn, 1110 Fort Crook Rd S, Bellevue, NE. The five charged and arrested on August 12, 2025, are: Kentakumar Chaudhari, a/k/a Ken Chaudhari, age 36, of Elkhorn, NE; Rashmi Ajit Samani, a/k/a Falguni Samani, age 42, of Elkhorn, NE; Amit Prahladbhai Chaudhari, a/k/a Amit, age 32, of Omaha; Amit Babubhai Chaudhari, a/k/a Matt, age 33, of Omaha; and Maheshkumar Chaudhari, a/k/a Mahesh, age 38, of Norfolk, NE. The redacted complaint affidavit contains a more complete summary of the allegations. Criminal Complaints are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Federal, state, and local law enforcement partners worked together today to safely execute search warrants at 14 business premises and two residential locations associated with the defendants. Four of those premises were either hotels or motels, and the remaining businesses were “Brow and Lash” salons located in the Westroads Mall and at other Omaha metro area locations. During the operation, law enforcement officers rescued 10 minors from an alleged labor trafficking conspiracy that involved putting children under the age of twelve years old to work at the hotels for long hours with little to no pay. Seventeen adult victims were also rescued from the same conspiracy. The complaint affidavit details the allegedly exploitative conditions these victims were subjected to while being required to pay the defendants for their lodging at the hotels. The lodging accommodations were unclean, unsafe, and unhealthy. Online reviews for the hotel locations detail the firsthand accounts of travelers who occupied the same locations briefly. On one occasion, a source working with the federal government entered a hotel room where immigrant victims were sleeping on the floor of the room with cockroaches crawling on the victims as they slept. Separately, the United States Attorney’s Office has alleged that one or more of the defendants were engaged in a sex trafficking conspiracy that allegedly victimized both minors and adults. Sex trafficking was not only allowed at the hotels according to complaint affidavit allegations but also encouraged, protected from law enforcement detection, and sex trafficking victims at the hotels were subjected not only to the traditional perpetrators of a sex trafficking scheme but also to hotel management and employees victimizing them as well. Beyond these allegations, multiple defendants are alleged to have maintained these hotels as premises to conduct drug trafficking freely. Drug traffickers allegedly received protection from law enforcement in the same manner in which human traffickers were also shielded by the hotel owners and managers. Overdoses were a common problem, and at least one hotel had to keep Narcan at the front desk as a result. One source cited described a stairwell of one of the hotels as being littered with drug needles. Drug use was open and notorious in the parking lots according to eyewitnesses and to some online guest reviews. At least one of the defendants is charged with a conspiracy to defraud the United States government by instigating a criminal scheme designed to obtain U visas under fraudulent circumstances. The U nonimmigrant status (U visa) is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. Allegations in the complaint affidavits reveal that one hotel owner hired a worker at a hotel to stage a fictitious robbery of one of the Brow and Lash salons in 2022. The goal was to secure a U visa for one of the other defendants by making her a “victim” of the robbery. The complaint further alleges one of the defendants engaged in conversations involving questions about what it would cost to bring someone from India to America and negotiating various prices. A number of hotel employees crossed the Arizona border several years ago and reported to Customs and Border Patrol they would be residing at one or more of the defendant’s hotels, thereby indicating those arrangements were made prior to entering the country illegally. Furthermore, the complaint alleges that aliens were being transported by co-conspirators between the State of Nebraska and the State of Washington for the purpose of fraudulently obtaining Washington state driver’s licenses for around $1,000 per identification document. The various alleged conspiracies generated significant illegal proceeds, and as part of today’s operation, significant cash assets were seized to include more than $565,000 in U.S. currency that are alleged to be involved in money laundering. The United States filed a notice of pending lawsuit on the hotel properties to prevent their sale or transfer while this investigation is ongoing. The United States Marshals Service is actively recovering assets in this investigation alleged to have been illegally acquired and hoarded by the defendants. Also, seized during this operation was an undetermined amount illicit drugs that will be quantified as this investigation progresses. Several vigilant citizens made complaints to Human Trafficking Hotlines about child workers and sex trafficking issues at one or more of these hotels, and we commend the members of our community who help shine a light on these unspeakable crimes and give a voice to the voiceless. Due to the number of victims already identified in this ongoing federal investigation and the breadth and combination of the alleged charges, the FBI has requested that anyone having additional information on the crimes occurring at these locations or other business locations in Nebraska where similar crimes occurred, please contact the Omaha FBI field office to report that information. United States Attorney Lesley Woods said, “There is no evil greater than the evil that seeks to trap, oppress, and exploit human beings for profit or pleasure. Where that evil exists, Nebraska law enforcement working together at the federal, state, and local levels, as occurred in this case, will seek it, find it, root it out, and ensure every rescued victim has an opportunity to obtain justice and freedom from their captors.” U.S. Attorney Woods commends the unparalleled investigative coordination and accomplishment of this case achieved by the combined efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office, the Omaha Police Department, the Nebraska State Patrol, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Branch, the United States Marshals Service, and the Nebraska State Attorney General’s Office. U.S. Attorney Woods added, “When so many law enforcement agencies come together as one team, united in their relentless pursuit of justice, there is no organized crime network operating within Nebraska’s borders that can escape identification and accountability.” Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel, leader of the Omaha FBI Field Office, stated, “Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. This investigation revealed victims right here in the heart of the heartland forced into sexual activity, living and working in dangerous and filthy conditions, and extorted to work in grueling jobs with little to no pay. We will always stand shoulder to shoulder with our partners to aggressively identify and apprehend perpetrators of human trafficking, hold them accountable, and obtain justice for victims. Our approach to these horrific cases is always centered on the victims. We encourage anyone who may be a victim or have information about human trafficking to call us. We will continue to surge resources to arrest violent offenders in our community as part of the FBI’s Summer Heat Initiative.” “There is nothing more reprehensible than exploiting human beings, particularly children, for sex, abusive labor conditions or deliberately violating U.S. immigration laws to profit from their suffering,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark Zito of ICE HSI Kansas City, which covers Nebraska. “These criminals hide in the shadows, prey on the vulnerable and show no regard for the laws or values of our nation. Their crimes are calculated to be difficult to uncover but HSI and our federal partners have no intention of stopping until these predators are brought to justice and every victim is freed from their grip. ”


title: Honduran National Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the Country

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A Honduran national was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for reentry after removal. U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Maynor David Casalegno Escobar , 29, to time served (124 days). He pleaded guilty on May 30, 2025. According to court records, on April 10, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol Agents encountered Casalegno Escobar in Portland during a traffic stop. Post-arrest, Casalegno Escobar acknowledged that he was born in Honduras, was not a U.S. citizen, and that he did not have any authorization to be in the country. Casalegno Escobar also admitted that he had been previously deported from the U.S., which was confirmed through records checks. Operation Take Back America: This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Three Chinese-Owned Companies to Pay More Than $21.6M to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Paycheck Protection Program Loans

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: WASHINGTON — BWI North America Inc., BWI Indiana Inc., and BWI Chassis Dynamics (NA) Inc. (together, the BWI Entities), have agreed to pay $21,660,983 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for which they were not eligible. Congress created the PPP in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible businesses could receive forgivable loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Regulations provide various eligibility requirements for the PPP, including limitations on the number of individuals the borrower and its affiliated entities employed and exclusions for certain types of businesses, like those that are owned by government entities. In their loan applications, borrowers were required to certify that they were eligible for the PPP and that the information they provided was accurate. The BWI Entities are part of a large multinational corporation that supplies automotive brake and suspension systems worldwide. At the time they applied for and received their PPP loans, the BWI Entities were each majority-owned and controlled by government enterprises of the People’s Republic of China, including the State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of Beijing. In applying for their PPP loans, the BWI Entities certified that they were eligible for the PPP The United States alleges that the BWI Entities were not eligible for their PPP loans because they were affiliated with other companies in China, Europe, and elsewhere, and together with their affiliates across the globe, the BWI Entities employed more individuals than permitted by SBA’s size standard for their industry. The United States also contends that the BWI Entities were not eligible because they were ultimately owned by a government entity. The BWI Entities cooperated with the United States’ investigation by identifying individuals involved in or responsible for the conduct and disclosing facts and documents gathered during their own investigation. As a result, the BWI Entities received credit under the Department’s guidelines for taking disclosure, cooperation and remediation into account in False Claims Act cases. “The United States Attorney’s Office takes seriously its obligation to combat fraud and protect American taxpayers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard G. Frohling for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. “This settlement demonstrates that businesses and individuals who abuse government programs like the Paycheck Protection Program will be held accountable.” “The SBA is committed to rooting out every dollar of PPP fraud,” said SBA General Counsel Wendell Davis. “Alongside the Department of Justice Civil Fraud Section, US Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and our other law enforcement partners, the agency will aggressively pursue bad actors to hold them accountable and recover pandemic relief funds improperly obtained from the program.” The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The lawsuit was filed by GNGH2 Inc., which will receive $2,166,098.30 in connection with this settlement. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel and Office of the Inspector General. Trial Attorney Lindsey Roberts of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Carter for the Eastern District of Wisconsin handled the matter. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. ### For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero (414) 297-1700 Follow us on X


title: Traffic stop results in conviction for Guatemalan national illegally in U.S.

body_text: VICTORIA, Texas – A 32-year-old Guatemalan man who illegally resided in College Station has been convicted of felony reentry after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The federal jury sitting in Victoria returned the guilty verdict against Miguel Angel Puac-Ramirez following a one-day trial and approximately 23 minutes of deliberation. The jury heard that Osvaldo Vasquez-Vasquez was driving a 2015 Jeep near Yoakum May 9 when he disregarded traffic signals. Puac-Ramirez was the passenger. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and requested Vasquez-Vasquez’s driver’s license as well as identification from Puac-Ramirez. Both men provided Guatemalan identification cards which indicated an address in College Station. Authorities determined both men were Guatemalan citizens with no legal documentation to be in the United States. Testimony revealed Puac-Ramirez told Vasquez-Vasquez he had been deported. He replied by saying he should not have said he had identification or shown it to authorities and that doing so caused their “problem.” The defense attempted to convince the jury the case against Puac-Ramirez lacked the foundation for a conviction by literally piling bricks at the jury box. The illustration was ineffective. They did not believe those claims and found Puac-Ramirez guilty as charged. U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over the trial and has set sentencing for Nov. 21. At that time, Puac-Ramirez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. Vasquez-Vasquez is considered a fugitive, and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest. Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation with the assistance of Lavaca County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patti Hubert Booth is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood .


title: Former Chief Deputy for Stone County Sheriff's Office Sentenced to Federal Prison for Selling a Stolen Firearm and Extortion Under Color of Official Right

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—Zachary Hunter Alexander, former Chief Deputy for the Stone County Sheriff’s Office, will spend the next 33 months in federal prison for selling a stolen firearm and extortion under color of official right. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge Lee P. Rudofsky. On May 3, 2022, a federal grand jury indicted Alexander, 40, of Lakeview, in an 11-count indictment. Count 1 and counts 8 through 11 of the indictment charged Alexander with bank fraud, count 2 charged Alexander with selling a stolen firearm, and counts 3 through 7 charged Alexander with extortion under color of official right. On August 14, 2023, Alexander plead guilty to selling a stolen firearm and extortion under color of official right. An investigation revealed that on May 31, 2019, Alexander purchased two Remington 700, 6.5 Creedmore sniper rifles. On June 3, 2019, Alexander received a cashier’s check from the Stone County Sheriff’s Foundation for $1,465.90 for the purchase of two Remington 700, 6.5 Creedmore sniper rifles for the Stone County Sheriff’s Office. In December 2019, Alexander sold one of the sniper rifles that belonged to the Stone County Sheriff’s Office for his personal benefit. On approximately February 19, 2020, Alexander misused his authority as the Chief Deputy for the Sheriff’s Office to obtain $3,809.10 from the Stone County Treasurer. Alexander stated it was to reimburse a pawn shop for rifles, ammunition, and equipment purchased for the Sheriff’s Office. However, Alexander took the check to the owner of pawn shop, who accompanied Alexander to the bank, then endorsed the check and let Alexander keep the cash. As in other similar instances alleged in the indictment, no items were actually purchased from the pawn shop. In addition to the 33-month sentence, Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Alexander to two years’ supervised release. Judge Rudofsky also ordered Alexander to pay restitution in the amount of $153,786.84, which primarily reflects pawn shop checks improperly cashed and dispensed to Alexander, fraudulent credit card purchases for personal items by Alexander on a Sheriff’s Office credit card, and Alexander’s fraudulent check kiting at various banks. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the Arkansas State Police, with assistance from the Stone County Sheriff’s Office, Stone County Sheriff’s Foundation, Stone County Treasurer’s Office, 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Alta Iowa Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who illegally possessed a firearm pled guilty August 11, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City. Taxavier Ford, 29, from Alta, Iowa, was convicted of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Ford was previously convicted of possession of a narcotic drug, in the State of Indiana in 2017, and possession of marijuana, with intent to deliver and possession of a firearm by a felon, in the Iowa District Court for Buena Vista County in 2021. Both of these convictions prohibit a person from possessing any firearm. At the plea hearing, evidence showed that on March 14, 2025, in Storm Lake, Iowa, law enforcement observed a vehicle, driven by Ford, with illegal window tint and initiated a traffic stop. Officers measured the window tint which revealed it was in excess of Iowa state law. When measuring the window tint, officers smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle and Ford, officers found a metal object in Ford’s waistband. Ford admitted he had a loaded firearm in his waistband. 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. This case is also part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Ford remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Ford faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and no more than three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Storm Lake Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-4028. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Mexican citizen sentenced to 10 years following discovery of child-sized dolls and sexual abuse material

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 36-year-old Mexican man who resided in McAllen has been sent to prison for receipt of child pornography involving infants and toddlers, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Jose Julian Garcia Garza pleaded guilty April 2. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Garza to serve a 120-month prison term. At the hearing, the court heard additional information detailing Garza’s use of a virtual private network to hide his illegal activity and the likelihood that he used child sex dolls to recreate videos he was downloading. Garza was further ordered to pay a total of $104,500 in restitution to 14 victims and will be on supervised release for 10 years following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. Not a U.S. citizen, Garza is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In July 2024, law enforcement discovered Garza was using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download and upload files of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The files included videos of infants and toddlers engaged in sexual conduct. Authorities conducted a search of Garza’s bedroom and discovered the bottom portion of an infant-sized doll as well as two child-sized, lifelike sex dolls and various sex toys. A forensic examination of his custom hard drive revealed a total of 997 images and videos of CSAM. “The facts underlying this investigation are as telling as they are disturbing,” said Ganjei. “By all accounts, Garza appears to be the kind of person who would not be satisfied by only passively viewing CSAM. Fortunately, law enforcement was able to locate and arrest Garza before he could start physically preying on children.” Garza has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Alexis Garcia prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) 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: Fugitive Extradited from Mexico to Face Drug Trafficking Charges After Almost Seven Years on the Run

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Rosa De Arcos, an alleged drug trafficker who fled to Mexico in 2018, was extradited from Mexico Friday and arraigned in federal court on a four-count indictment charging her with importation of, and conspiracy to distribute, methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine. According to public records, De Arcos was arrested in May 2017 for concealing more than 34 pounds of fentanyl in her 2008 Jeep Wrangler. De Arcos was released on bond over the United States’ objection. Unbeknownst to De Arcos, law enforcement had previously obtained and received wiretap communications of De Arcos, and her co-defendant Maria Elena Urena Cervantes and others, discussing their drug trafficking exploits. This included the importation of methamphetamine and cocaine by Urena, aided by De Arcos, months earlier in January 2017, which was later seized by law enforcement. Urena was arrested months later in December 2017 and was also released on bond. Both defendants made court appearances in 2017 and 2018. The case was scheduled for a jury trial on December 11, 2018, with a status hearing set for November 19, 2018. However, neither of the defendants appeared at the status hearing. Instead, both fled to Mexico. A judge issued no bail arrest warrants. The United States moved to forfeit the bonds. On December 4, 2018, the grand jury returned the indictment against the women which included bail jumping charges. The United States sought extradition of both defendants. Following Urena’s arrest in Mexico in September 2023, she was extradited to the United States in December 2023 and pleaded guilty in July 2024, admitting to drug trafficking offenses with De Arcos. She is scheduled to be sentenced on December 15, 2025. For two more years, law enforcement continued to search for De Arcos until April 2025 when she was arrested in Mexico. On August 8, 2025, De Arcos was extradited to the United States. De Arcos is scheduled for a status hearing on August 25, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. before the Honorable Thomas J. Whelan. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Orabona and Shauna Prewitt. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Mexico. DEFENDANT Case Number 17CR1409-W Rosa De Arcos Age: 45 Jalisco, Mexico SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841(a) and 846 Maximum penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum of ten years in prison, $10 million fine Importation of Methamphetamine, and Cocaine – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 952 and 960 Maximum penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum of ten years in prison, $10 million fine Importation of Fentanyl – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 952 and 960 Maximum penalty: Life in prison, mandatory minimum of ten years in prison; $10 million fine Bail Jumping – Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. 3146 Maximum Penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations Drug Enforcement Administration Customs and Border Protection United States Marshal Service Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department San Bernardino Police Department U.S. Department of Justice’s, Office of International Affairs *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Mexican National Charged with Assault on a Federal Officer and Destruction of Government Property

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Rolando Nava PACHECO, a Mexican National, was charged in federal court today for assaulting a federal officer and damaging government property. According to a complaint, on August 11, 2025, agents assigned to the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) conducted a joint operation to arrest an individual, suspected of immigration violations. During their operation, federal agents conducted a traffic stop on a white truck. Agents wearing visible law enforcement identifiers verbally announced themselves as federal agents and requested identification from vehicle’s driver. The driver of the white truck attempted to flee by accelerating the truck and striking a federal agent and federal government vehicle. As the white truck recklessly tried to flee the area, a federal agent driving a government vehicle attempted to block the path of the white truck. The driver of the white truck proceeded to strike the federal agent’s vehicle head on. Shortly after, the driver of the vehicle was arrested and identified as Rolando Nava Pacheco. “Our office is committed to protecting our federal law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon, “Put plainly, those who attempt to injure or evade law enforcement will face federal charges.” “This operation demonstrates the commitment of ERO officers to enforcing federal immigration laws and protecting public safety,” said ERO San Diego Field Office Director Patrick Divver. “Despite the challenges encountered, our officers remain dedicated to carrying out their duties with professionalism.” DEFENDANTS Case Number 25cr-MJ-04358 Rolando NAVA PACHECO Age: 19 Mexico SUMMARY OF CHARGES Assault on a Federal Officer – Title 18, U.S. C., Section 111 (a)(1) Maximum penalty: 8 years in prison; a maximum $250,000 fine Assault on a Federal Officer resulting in bodily injury – Title 18, U.S. C., Section 111 (b) Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison; a maximum $250,000 fine Destruction of Government Property – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1361 (Felony) Maximum penalty: 10 years in prison; a maximum $250,000 fine INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Homeland Security Investigations *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Mexican National Sentenced to Imprisonment for Fentanyl Trafficking in Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Sabino Osvaldo Gomez-Perez, 36, of Mexico, was sentenced today to 57 months’ imprisonment by a U.S. District Court Judge after he admitted to trafficking fentanyl, specifically 58,000 fentanyl pills seized by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force. In addition to Gomez-Perez’s sentence of imprisonment, upon his release, he will be remanded to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation proceedings. Gomez-Perez pleaded guilty on May 29, 2025 to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. According to court documents and statements made at Gomez-Perez’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on October 9, 2024, he knowingly possessed 5,857 grams of fentanyl (approximately 58,000 fentanyl pills) and had distributed narcotics in Arizona and Utah prior to his arrest in Utah. Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case was investigated by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Guatemalan man arrested, charged with illegal re-entry

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Edin Julian Hernandez Mejia, 22, a citizen and national of Guatemala, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint on August 5, 2025, Hernandez Mejia was a passenger in a vehicle pulled over by law enforcement. When questioned regarding citizenship and legal status in the United States, Hernandez Mejia confirmed that he is a citizen and national of Guatemala, and not a national of the United States. He was physically removed from the United States on two prior occasions, in February and March of 2024. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Hernandez Mejia made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained. The complaint is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent-in-Charge David Banks. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. # # # #


title: Two Estonian fraud defendants sentenced for  $577 million fraud scheme

body_text: Seattle – Two Estonian nationals were sentenced today to 16 months in prison for orchestrating a massive cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme that defrauded hundreds of thousands of victims worldwide, including in the United States. The men have already served 16 months in custody; in addition to the custodial term, U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik ordered each to pay a $25,000 fine and complete 360 hours of community service while on supervised release. The men are expected to return to Estonia to serve their terms of supervised release. The sentences also incorporated the forfeiture of cryptocurrency, funds, vehicles, real property, and cryptocurrency mining equipment—seized by the United States and its foreign law enforcement partners—which are collectively valued at over $450 million. The forfeited assets will be available for a remission process to compensate victims of the crime. Details about the remission process will be announced at a later date. According to court documents, Sergei Potapenko and Ivan Turõgin, both 40, operated a purported cryptocurrency mining service called HashFlare, which sold contracts promising customers a share of the profits generated from cryptocurrency mining. Cryptocurrency mining is the process of using specialized computers to validate and record transactions on a blockchain network in exchange for a reward of newly generated cryptocurrency. Between 2015 and 2019, Hashflare sales totaled more than $577 million, relying on fake online dashboards that falsely reported mining activity and returns. HashFlare lacked the computing capacity to mine the vast majority of cryptocurrency it claimed to generate. Potapenko and Turõgin used investor funds to purchase real estate, luxury vehicles, and to fund investment and cryptocurrency accounts for their personal use. The United States has seized or restrained the majority of those assets, which have been preliminarily forfeited. “These defendants were operating a classic Ponzi scheme, involving a glitzy asset: a mirage of cryptocurrency mining,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. “And just like a classic Ponzi, they diverted millions of dollars to their own benefit, purchasing their own bitcoin, real estate, luxury cars, expensive jewelry, and more than a dozen trips on chartered private jets. Meanwhile, the vast majority of their victims suffered losses — in many cases, losses that had a serious impact on their financial and emotional well-being.” Prosecutors had argued for a ten-year prison term. The Department of Justice is considering whether to appeal the sentence. The Criminal Division thanks the Cybercrime Bureau of the Estonian Police and Border Guard for its support with this investigation. The Estonian Prosecutor General and Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs provided substantial assistance with the extradition. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided extensive assistance with the investigation and the extradition of the defendants. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Friedman and Sok Tea Jiang for the Western District of Washington are prosecuting the case with Trial Attorneys Adrienne E. Rosen and David Ginensky of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jehiel Baer for the Western District of Washington is handling asset forfeiture aspects of the case. Individuals who believe they may have been a victim in this case should visit www.fbi.gov/hashflare .


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Federal Drug and Gun Charges

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson, announced that FLOYD JONES (“JONES”) , age 38, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on August 5, 2025, by United States District Judge Greg Gerard Guidry, after previously pleading guilty to Counts Three, Four, and Five of an eight-count superseding indictment pending against him. Counts Three and Four charge JONES with distribution of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). Count Five charges JONES with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). JONES was sentenced to eighty (80) months imprisonment as to Counts 3, 4, and 5, to be served concurrently. Judge Guidry also ordered that JONES be placed on supervised release for four (4) years and pay a $300 mandatory special assessment fee. According to court documents, on October 3, 2024, JONES was arrested for suspected narcotics and firearm trafficking. On July 15 and August 22, 2024, JONES distributed over 50 grams or more of methamphetamine to undisclosed persons. Additionally, JONES sold a Ruger Model Security-9, nine-millimeter caliber pistol, loaded with 8 rounds of ammunition. JONES knew he was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition. 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. Acting United States Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the New Orleans Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy Bell of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Oklahoma Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking in Southwest Missouri

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – An Oklahoma City, Ok., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine in southwest Missouri. Edward Uribe, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 300 months in federal prison without parole. Uribe was also ordered to forfeit $210,000 in drug trafficking proceeds to the government. On Nov. 25, 2024, Uribe pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Uribe admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Barry, Stone, Polk, Lawrence, Green, Jasper, and Newton counties which lasted from Nov. 1, 2020, to April 28, 2022. According to court documents, Uribe served as a main source of methamphetamine supply for the drug trafficking organization from Feb. 1, 2022, to April 28, 2022. During that time, Uribe facilitated the distribution of more than 460 pounds of methamphetamine from Oklahoma into southwest Missouri. Uribe, who was incarcerated in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections for a previous methamphetamine trafficking conviction, used a contraband cell phone to communicate with his co-conspirators. He used a messaging app on the phone to schedule transportation and delivery of the methamphetamine and provide instructions on how to prepare the drug for sale. Uribe also used the app and proceeds from his drug trafficking to arrange the purchase of a drone with the intent to smuggle drugs and other contraband into prison. Uribe is among 20 defendants in this case who have pleaded guilty. Uribe is the eighteenth defendant to be sentenced. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, the Barry County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Stone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Combined Ozark Multi-Jurisdictional Enforcement Team (COMET), the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Ottawa County, Okla., Sheriff’s Department, the Bolivar, Mo., Police Department, the Cassville, Mo., Police Department, the Kimberling City, Mo., Police Department, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force This case 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. ###


title: Scott County Man Sentenced for the Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Georgetown, Ky., man, George Michael Brock Jr., 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell to 348 months in prison, for the production of child pornography. In 2016, law enforcement received reports that an adult male, later identified as Brock, used a social media application, MeetMe, to lure underage victims into nude modeling. In 2018, Brock was convicted of use of an electronic communication system to procure a minor. When he was released from prison, in July 2019, Kentucky law subjected Brock to sex offender supervision and registration requirements for five years. According to his plea agreement, on January 11, 2023, while still subject to sex offender registration requirements, Brock used Skype to begin communication with a minor victim. Brock directed the minor to capture sexually explicit images of themselves. The victim complied with Brock’s requests and Skype records also revealed similar conversations with multiple other minors. Brock shared with his friend many of the sexually explicit images that he obtained from the minor victims via the internet. Under federal law, Brock must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life. Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Darin Allgood, Georgetown Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Georgetown Police Department with assistance from the Kentucky Division of Probation and Parole. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. – END –


title: Albany Man Sentenced to 42 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing a Toddler

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: EUGENE, Ore.— An Albany, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for sexually abusing a toddler on at least five separate occasions and sharing videos of the abuse online. Kevin Walter Taylor, 35, was sentenced to 504 months in federal prison and a life term of supervised release. “The sexual abuse of this young child is reprehensible and is deserving of every month of the sentence that has been imposed by the court,” Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office recognizes and thanks the Albany police officers and HSI special agents for rescuing this child within hours of learning of the abuse.” “HSI is unwavering in our commitment to protecting children and ensuring that those who exploit them are brought to justice,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle Acting Special Agent in Charge Colin Jackson. “I am proud of the dedication and expertise demonstrated by our agents, analysts, and law enforcement partners in rescuing the victim from horrific sexual exploitation.” According to court documents, on the morning of September 8, 2023, special agents from HSI discovered material online depicting child sexual abuse and determined that Taylor was likely committing the abuse from his home in Albany. Within hours, HSI agents obtained and executed a federal search warrant on Taylor’s residence with the assistance of officers from the Albany Police Department. The same night, HSI and Albany Police arrested Taylor and rescued the toddler victim, who was still wearing the clothes depicted in the abuse material produced and distributed by Taylor just hours earlier. Upon review of Taylor’s cell phone, agents discovered evidence of the abuse that occurred the day of his arrest as well as videos taken almost every day during the preceding week. Agents also discovered chats in which Taylor openly discussed his abuse of the toddler victim and shared the videos he made. Agents discovered additional chats in which Taylor discussed his plans to kidnap and rape other children as well as his interest in filming children in stores in the community. Consistent with those chats, agents discovered videos taken in what appeared to be grocery stores, focused and zoomed in on children’s mid-sections. Agents also discovered videos in which Taylor recorded himself tossing fluids onto unaware women in public. The children and women filmed without their knowledge could not be identified. On October 19, 2023, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a ten-count indictment charging Taylor with sexually exploiting a child, distributing child pornography, and possessing child pornography. On December 10, 2024, Taylor pleaded guilty to sexually exploiting a child, distributing child pornography, and possessing child pornography. This case was investigated by HSI Portland in conjunction with HSI Charlotte, the Boone Police Department in North Carolina, and the Albany Police Department. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Oregon, in coordination with the Linn County District Attorney’s Office. Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org . Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org . 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Former Rochester bus driver going to prison for 10 years on child pornography charge

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Tomas Rosario, 76, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of attempting to receive child pornography, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison and seven years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire, who handled the case, stated that Rosario was a school bus driver in Monroe County. On March 11, 2022, without any other adults or children present, Rosario transported a 13-year-old (victim) to school. During the ride, Rosario allowed the victim to sit in the front seat and proceeded to engage her in personal and sexually explicit conversation, including asking the victim if she had ever engaged in sexual conduct with her boyfriend. At the end of the day, Rosario picked the victim up from school and again allowed her to sit in the front seat. Rosario continued to engage in sexually explicit conversation with the victim and ultimately subjected her to instances of sexual contact. In addition, Rosario gave the victim his phone number, showed the victim his home, and encouraged the victim to call and visit if she ever wanted to skip school. Rosario’s actions were recorded on the bus surveillance system. In one instance, Rosario instructed the victim to take sexually explicit photos of herself and send them to him. On the following day, Rosario encountered the victim in a convenience store and warned her not to tell anyone what he had done the day before. That encounter was captured by the store’s security cameras. The sentencing is the culmination of an investigation by the Rochester Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief David Smith, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Acting Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm. # # # #


title: Salem Sex Offender Sentenced to Prison for Receiving Child Pornography

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.— A previously-convicted sex offender was sentenced to federal prison today after pleading guilty to one count of receiving child pornography. U.S. District Judge Michael Simon sentenced John Christopher Christensen, 49, to 210 months in prison, followed by a 15-year term of supervised release. According to court documents, in December 2022, investigators with the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) gained access to an online chatroom dedicated to trading in images of child sexual abuse. Christensen was one of many participants in the chatroom. Investigators eventually determined Christensen’s true name, and discovered that he was a registered sex offender living in Salem, Oregon who had previously been convicted of a sex offense against a minor. They also learned he had been arrested by Salem police on January 1, 2023, and charged with new offenses involving minors. In mid-January 2023, investigators served a federal search warrant at Christensen’s residence and recovered several devices that contained child pornography, including some of the same child pornography that had been posted in the chatroom. Christensen appeared in federal court in August 2024 after serving a state sentence for luring a minor. He pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography in federal court in May 2025. The federal case was investigated by HSI, with assistance from the Salem Police Department. It was prosecuted by Gary Sussman, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org. Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org . 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Springfield Man Sentenced for Producing Child Pornography

body_text: EUGENE, Ore.—Dusty Jacaway, 29, of Springfield, Oregon, was sentenced to 250 months in federal prison today for producing child pornography. According to court documents, in October 2024, Lane County Sheriff’s Office deputies located Jacaway in a vehicle with a 13-year-old child (MV1). Officers secured the cell phones of Jacaway and MV1. Subsequent analysis of the cell phones revealed two videos Jacaway had curated, displaying him sexually assaulting MV1 in the back seat of his car. A forensic interview with MV1 revealed the extent of Jacaway’s abuse. Jacaway met MV1 online when the child was 12 years old and began sexually abusing MV1 soon after. Jacaway also provided MV1 with methamphetamine. He would regularly traffic MV1 to a local pornography shop where he accepted money and drugs from men in exchange for allowing them to sexually abuse MV1. Jacaway kept the money and threatened to kill MV1 if he were ever arrested. Following the completion of his prison sentence, Jacaway will begin a life term of supervised release. He must also pay $3,000 in restitution to the victim. The case was investigated by the Lane County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. It was prosecuted by Adam Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.