title: Individual Arrested for Child Exploitation and Weapons Charges

component: USAO - Puerto Rico

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On March 25, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Rafael Ángel Méndez-Nieves, a 51-year-old man from Bayamón, Puerto Rico, for child exploitation and weapons charges, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. On March 26, 2026, Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested Méndez-Nieves. According to court documents, from on or around May 2025 to on or around March 2026, Rafael Ángel Méndez-Nieves knowingly received and distributed child exploitation material using his cellular phone. Méndez-Nieves was in possession of and transported child images of child exploitation material, including child exploitation material depicting a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age, using his cellular device. In addition to the child exploitation charges, the defendant was charged with illegally possessing a Taurus Caliber .380 Model PT738 firearm, and 13 rounds of ammunition, after he had been convicted of a crime punishable for a term of imprisonment exceeding one year. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to continuing our joint efforts with our state, local and federal partners to identify these offenders and ensure that they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “I thank the dedicated HSI agents and prosecutors who investigated and charged this case for their tireless efforts to protect the most vulnerable in our community.” “This arrest demonstrates the dedication and expertise of HSI agents and forensic analysts, whose meticulous investigative work was vital in identifying and gathering crucial evidence. Their advanced skills in digital forensics enabled us to uncover and document nearly 2,000 files of child sexual abuse material, including disturbing images and videos of minors, some as young as infants. The gravity of this case highlights the significance of our mission and our unwavering commitment to securing the evidence necessary to bring offenders to justice. We remain steadfast in our efforts to protect children and ensure those responsible are held fully accountable,” said HSI San Juan Acting Special Agent in Charge Yariel Ramos. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emelina Agrait Barreto of the Crimes Against Children, Human Trafficking and Immigration Unit, is prosecuting the case. The Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force led by HSI is in charge of the investigation. If convicted for the charges the defendant faces the following penalties: (1) distribution/receipt of child exploitation material - a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; (2) transportation of child exploitation material - a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; (3) possession of child exploitation material - a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years; and (4) possession of a firearm by a prohibited person – a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. All charges of conviction for the child exploitation offenses are to be followed by a term of supervised release after imprisonment of no less than 5 years up to life. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from sexual predators, visit Know2Protect.gov . To report suspicious activities, call 787-729-6969. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


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

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OSCAR FRANCISCO AVILA-NORALES (“ AVILA-NORALES ”), age 47, was sentenced on March 24, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to Illegal Re-entry of a Removed Alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326 (a), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to the charging document, AVILA-NORALES was found in Texas in 2012, having reentered the United States, without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on October 3, 2012. United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced AVILA-NORALES to time served, one (1) year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. AVILA-NORALES was also ordered removed back to Honduras. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Special Assistant United States Attorney Frederick W. Veters Jr., of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution. * * *


title: Former State Senator Convicted of Scheming to Obtain Public Election Funds

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found former Connecticut State Senator DENNIS A. BRADLEY, JR., 43, of Bridgeport, guilty of defrauding Connecticut’s program for publicly funding political campaigns during his 2018 run for State Senate. According to the evidence presented during the trial, in his 2018 campaign for State Senate representing the 23rd District, Bradley and others conspired to defraud the Connecticut State Election Enforcement Commission (“SEEC”), the Citizens’ Election Fund, and the State of Connecticut by making material misrepresentations concerning Bradley’s compliance with state election law and the requirements and restrictions of the Citizens’ Election Program (“CEP”), a voluntary public election-financing program under which candidates can apply to SEEC for grants to fund their primary and general election campaigns. Bradley and his co-conspirators violated CEP rules, then engaged in a scheme to trick SEEC into awarding his campaign undeserved CEP grants by making misrepresentations and omissions to disguise the nature of a March 15, 2018, campaign launch event at Dolphin’s Cove restaurant in Bridgeport. Although CEP rules imposed a $2,000 limit on Bradley’s expenditure of personal funds, Bradley used more than $7,000 in personal funds to pay for the Dolphin’s Cove campaign event, including an open bar, food, printed invitations, a band, a DJ, and a videographer. In an attempt to hide the Dolphin’s Cove campaign event from SEEC, Bradley and his co-conspirators claimed it was a “Thank You Party” for Bradley’s law firm. At least eight donors gave to Bradley’s campaign at the Dolphin’s Cove event, but Bradley and his co-conspirators altered and falsified the contribution cards so that none were dated March 15, 2018. CEP rules required complete and truthful disclosures of Bradley’s campaign contributions and expenditures. In April, May, and June 2018, Bradley’s campaign filed disclosure statements with SEEC that fraudulently omitted that Bradley had held the Dolphin’s Cove campaign event, omitted that Bradley had incurred or paid more than $7,000 in expenses for that event, omitted that Bradley’s campaign had accepted contributions at the event, and misrepresented the dates of those contributions. On May 24, 2018, Bradley applied for a CEP grant to fund his Democratic primary campaign. On July 10, 2018, relying on the false and misleading information contained in Bradley’s filings, SEEC issued the campaign $84,140 in public funds. On August 14, 2018, Bradley won the Democratic primary with approximately 55 percent of the vote. After issuing a CEP primary grant to Bradley, SEEC began investigating a citizen complaint regarding Bradley’s campaign, including the Dolphin’s Cove campaign event. On August 21, 2018, Bradley emailed a letter to SEEC in which he denied all the allegations in the citizen complaint as “frivolous and manipulative” and falsely stated, “This was in no shape or form a political event. … In fact, we did not collect any donations at this event and have no donations dated 03/15/2018.” On October 12, 2018, after Bradley attempted to obtain an additional $95,710 CEP grant to fund his general election campaign, his campaign treasurer, Jessica Martinez, repeated similar false statements under oath to SEEC. Bradley then once again repeated those lies at a SEEC meeting considering whether to award his campaign the general election grant. SEEC eventually denied Bradley that grant. On November 6, 2018, Bradley won the general election. The jury found Bradley guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and five counts of wire fraud. Each offense carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Bradley is released on a $300,000 bond pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. Martinez pleaded guilty to a related charge and has been sentenced . A cooperating campaign volunteer also pleaded guilty to a charge stemming from her role in the offense and awaits sentencing. This case has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan N. Francis and David E. Novick.


title: Indian National Guilty of Transportation and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On March 18, 2026, ASHISH KAPOOR, a/k/a “ Romy Kapoor ,” (“ KAPOOR ” ) age 28, a national of India, pled guilty on March 18, 2026 to Transportation of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(1), (a)(4)(B), (b)(1), and (b)(2), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to the factual basis, KAPOOR traveled from Bombay, India to New Orleans, Louisiana on or about February 21, 2024, with a cellular phone containing digital videos and computer images containing visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In addition, on April 11, 2024, KAPOOR downloaded a video depicting the sexual abuse of a child from an Internet Protocol address at his residence in New Orleans. On December 20, 2024, Special Agents with the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and officers with the New Orleans Police Department arrested KAPOOR . In a recorded statement, KAPOOR confessed that he had seen and received child pornography using WhatsApp on his cellular phone. In his factual basis, KAPOOR admitted that he possessed more than 600 images depicting the sexual abuse of minors and further admitted that these items contained sadistic or masochistic conduct and sexual abuse infants and toddlers. As to Count One, KAPOOR faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison, and as to Count Two, KAPOOR faces a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of 20 years. As to each count, KAPOOR also faces a fine of up to $250,000.00, a period of supervised release for up to life, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. KAPOOR will also be required to register pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry presided over and set KAPOOR’s sentencing for June 17, 2026. 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.projectsafechildhood.gov. The case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Customs and Border Protection, and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni of the Public Integrity Unit. * * *


title: Would-Be Sex Trafficker Sentenced for Attempted Coercion of a Child, Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Young Adult

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Steven Terrell Lewis of El Cajon was sentenced in federal court today to 19.5 years in prison for attempted coercion and enticement of a 14-year-old high school student and attempted sex trafficking by force or coercion of a 22-year-old woman. At today’s hearing, the adult victim addressed the court, describing the devastating harm human traffickers inflict and how they deliberately target society’s most vulnerable – including children and, in her case, individuals experiencing homelessness. The mother of the minor victim provided a written statement to the court, sayng the defendant’s “predatory behavior” caused “immeasurable trauma.” Lewis was convicted by a federal jury on May 2, 2025. According to evidence presented at trial, on April 22, 2024, as the 14-year-old victim was walking to a friend’s house after school around 3 p.m. in El Cajon, Lewis used his vehicle to block her path on the sidewalk, exited his vehicle and snatched her cellphone from her hand to get her cellphone number. Lewis then proceeded to send sexually explicit text messages to the victim before she was able to block his phone number. The next day, on April 23, 2024, Lewis continued texting the victim, except this time from a different phone number through TextFree, a mobile application and web service. When Lewis identified himself as “Pimpin,” sent a sexually explicit photograph and invited the minor to “go get some money” with him, the minor victim immediately notified a coach at her high school. The El Cajon Police Department and San Diego Sheriff’s Office responded. The case was further investigated by the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force. After Lewis’ attempt to sex traffic the minor victim failed, one week later, on April 28, 2024, he began recruiting the 22-year-old victim through MegaPersonals and sent her to Roosevelt Avenue in National City, known as “the blade,” to work street-based prostitution for his financial benefit. On April 29, 2024, the adult victim was picked up by an undercover National City police officer posing as a commercial sex buyer and was offered resources to leave prostitution. However, Lewis continued to message the adult victim, threatening to kill her if she did not continue to engage in commercial sex for his benefit. “Sex traffickers prey on the most vulnerable,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “This sentence is a strong reminder that federal prosecution awaits those who attempt to traffic human beings for profit.” This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndzie M. Carter and Derek Ko. If you believe you or someone you know has had an encounter with Lewis, investigators ask that you contact the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr1349-JES Steven Terrell Lewis Age: 40 El Cajon, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Attempted Coercion/Enticement of a Minor – 18 U.S.C., Section 2422(b) Maximum penalty: Ten-year mandatory minimum up to life Attempted Sex Trafficking by Force/Coercion, 18 U.S.C., Section 1591(a) Maximum penalty: Fifteen-year mandatory minimum up to life INVESTIGATING AGENCIES San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force Homeland Security Investigations National City Police Department El Cajon Police Department San Diego Sheriff’s Office San Diego District Attorney’s Office The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force is a cooperative effort involving the California Department of Justice, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, National City Police Department, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, San Diego City Attorney’s Office, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego County Probation Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego Police Department, Southwest Border High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Special Victims Unit. Formed in April 2025, the SVU is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving sex trafficking and child exploitation, civil rights, and labor trafficking. The SVU oversees the Southern District of California liaisons to the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force and Project Safe Childhood


title: Two Illegal Aliens with Prior Felony Convictions and Multiple Deportations Charged for Illegally Reentering the United States

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – Two Mexican nationals unlawfully residing in Las Vegas made their initial court appearances today to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country. Ismael Bernal Olguin and Jaime Adalberto Espinosa-Ramos are both charged with one-count of deported alien found in the United States. Preliminary hearings for both defendants are scheduled for April 10, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts. According to allegations contained in the criminal complaints and statements made during court proceedings, Olguin and Espinosa-Ramos are both citizens and nationals of Mexico and were both previously deported and removed from the United States and reentered the United States illegally. On March 9, 2026, Nevada Highway Patrol arrested Olguin for Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and False Statement to Obstruct Public Officer. On March 11, 2026, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police arrested Espinosa-Ramos for Driving Under the Influence. Olguin and Espinosa-Ramos were both turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody based on immigration detainers, and ICE referred them for Federal prosecution. Olguin had previously been deported by ICE on two prior occasions; on or about December 11, 2018, and again on March 1, 2022. Olguin has three prior separate felony convictions for Attempt Possession of Stolen Vehicle, Attempt Battery with Substantial Bodily Harm, and Deported Alien Found Unlawfully in the United States, the third being the same offense he is currently charged with. Espinosa-Ramos had previously been deported by ICE on four prior occasions; on or about March 2, 2006, September 16, 2016, October 22, 2020, and July 24, 2024. Espinosa-Ramos has a prior felony conviction from the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, for Illegal Reentry after Deportation, the same offense he is currently charged with. If convicted, Olguin faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. If convicted, Espinosa-Ramos faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Ruben Levya made the announcement. The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case. Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form . 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. A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ###


title: Former Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority Executive Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for Fraud, Conflict of Interest, False Statements, and Money Laundering

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: St. Thomas, VI –United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that former Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (“VIHFA”) Chief Operating Officer Darin Richardson was sentenced today to 36 months of imprisonment by United States District Judge Mark A. Kearney following his convictions for criminal conflict of interest, bank fraud, making false statements to a federal agent, making false statements on a loan and credit application, and money laundering. According to evidence presented at trial, Richardson used his position as a senior executive at VIHFA to engage in a series of fraudulent and self-dealing transactions for his personal financial gain. While serving as Chief Operating Officer, Richardson participated in the award of a multi-million-dollar contract to a company whose owner later provided him with $107,000 under the guise of a business investment. Richardson failed to disclose this financial relationship in a timely or truthful manner and continued to take official actions affecting that company, including approving payments under the contract. The evidence further established that Richardson used those funds—along with additional money obtained through a fraudulently secured construction loan—to purchase a property in the Fortuna area of St. Thomas through a United States Marshals Service auction. Rather than using the funds for their stated purpose, Richardson diverted the money to finance his personal real estate venture. The evidence also showed that Richardson made materially false statements to federal investigators in order to conceal the true nature of his financial dealings. In addition, he defrauded a financial institution by submitting fraudulent documents in support of a construction loan application, including an estimate that he falsely represented as having been prepared by a licensed contractor. After obtaining the loan, Richardson further misrepresented how the funds would be used. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General (HUD-OIG), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cherrisse R. Amaro and former Assistant United States Attorney Dan Huston.


title: Sioux City Man With History of Violence Sentenced to Federal Prison For Firearm Discovered During Domestic Abuse Investigation

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Issac Rayford, age 32, from Sioux City, was sentenced March 26, 2026, to 4 years in federal prison after an October 21, 2025, guilty plea to Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Drug User, and Domestic Abuse Misdemeanant. Evidence in the case revealed that on November 2, 2024, Rayford’s girlfriend found his loaded firearm sitting on the toilet bowl as he showered. Scared of what he might do with the gun, she hid the weapon. Rayford discovered it was gone and violently attacked his girlfriend. He threw her to the ground, put his whole-body weight on her face, picked her up and threw her on the floor, put his hands around her neck, and broke her clavicle. When he began searching for the gun elsewhere, she escaped the apartment, and a neighbor called police. Rayford fled the scene on foot prior to officers’ arrival. On November 4, 2024, the girlfriend called law enforcement and reported that she had seen Rayford on her security camera entering her home. Officers arrived and Rayford was taken into custody without further incident. Rayford’s criminal history includes convictions for two serious assaults, domestic abuse assault causing bodily injury, disorderly conduct where actually “he grabbed and choked” a female, disorderly conduct where he actually jeopardized a baby and threatened others, interfering with official acts by running from police to avoid arrest, driving while barred or suspended, and failing to appear for court. Rayford was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 48 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. 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. Rayford is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and the United States Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-4017. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Maryland Convicted Felon Sentenced for Firearm Crimes

body_text: Greenbelt, Maryland – A St. Mary’s County, Maryland, man is headed to federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Jerod Adam Taylor, 40, of Lexington Park, Maryland, to 30 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, today, in connection with the charge. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Sheriff Steven A. Hall, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office. According to court documents, on November 7, 2024, officers responded to a reported incident at Taylor’s Lexington Park residence. Upon arrival, an owner of the residence let law enforcement into the house and informed them that Taylor lived in the basement. Taylor later confirmed to law enforcement that he lived in the basement of the residence for slightly more than three years. When officers searched the area of the basement where Taylor lived, they uncovered at least 10 firearms that he knowingly possessed. Taylor is a convicted felon, so he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Law enforcement also found 69 privately made firearms, more than 1,000 rounds of various caliber ammunition, dozens of machinegun conversion devices, two 3D printers, body armor, and various gun-manufacturing tools. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Sarma and Caroline A. Schechinger who prosecuted this federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md . # # #


title: Brooklyn Park Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson sentenced a Brooklyn Park man to prison in connection with a federal investigation that led to a drugs and firearms seizure. Steven Keith Staggers Jr., 31, received a 79-month prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. As a result of the investigation, law enforcement seized two firearms, at least 180 rounds of ammunition, and cocaine. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Police Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD). Beginning in mid-2023, BPD started investigating Staggers after law enforcement observed him posting public videos of himself with a firearm on social media. Staggers, who is a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. In September 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Staggers’ Brooklyn Park residence that yielded two Glock pistols, approximately 96 rounds of ammunition, an extended firearm magazine, approximately 28 grams of cocaine, a digital scale, and cutting agents used to prepare controlled substances for distribution. Additionally, investigators seized a cell phone, the contents of which revealed that Staggers was also attempting to sell firearms to other individuals. Then in November 2024, investigators seized a second cell phone that belonged to Staggers. A court authorized search of this cell phone revealed that Staggers continued attempting to transfer firearms to other individuals. It is believed that he knew these individuals were prohibited from possessing firearms. On February 4, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at the new residence where Staggers lived in Curtis Bay, Maryland. During this search warrant, investigators seized approximately 98 rounds of 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. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and BPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. O’Donohue III, who prosecuted the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md . # # #


title: Prior felon going to prison on new child pornography charge

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Oscar F. Hernandez III, 24, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor following a prior conviction under New York law relating to possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 10 years in prison and 10 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A.C. Penrose, who handled the case, stated that in December 2022, Hernandez was convicted of Attempted Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child in New York State Court and sentenced to serve six years of probation. On June 18, 2024, Hernandez used Instagram to share two child pornography videos with another Instagram user, who he believed to be a minor. Hernandez used a cellular telephone to upload the videos to Instagram and share them with the other user. On May 14, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Hernandez’s residence, during which law enforcement seized a number of electronic devices, including a cellular telephone, which contained 15 images of child pornography. The sentencing of the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. # # # #


title: PhD student arrested, charged with multiple child pornography charges and enticement of a minor

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Tristan Bass-Krueger, 32, of Rochester, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production, distribution and possession of child pornography and enticement of a minor. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on February 12, 2026, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a mother that her 14-year-old child (minor Victim 1), had sent and received sexual images to and from an adult male, and may have been having a sexual relationship with the adult male. The mother turned minor Victim 1’s cell phone over to investigators. An initial search of the cell phone revealed a Tinder Account created by minor Victim 1 and a Tinder profile user identifying as “Tristan,” who was messaging with minor Victim 1. The bio of “Tristan’s” account stated: “PhD at UR, love art and literature, good food, travelling and gathering new experiences.” Investigators also discovered conversations between minor Victim 1 and “Tristan” that were sexual in nature. The two then began to message off the Tinder application and through WhatsApp. Subsequent investigation determined that “Tristan” was Bass-Krueger. The complaint further states that late on the night of February 4, 2026, Bass-Krueger is suspected of picking up minor Victim 1 at home with the two spending approximately five hours together before minor Victim 1 returned home. On February 8, 2026, Bass-Krueger sent minor Victim 1 a message stating: “I really like you an am looking forward to hanging out tomorrow, but tbh I see this relationship ending in heartbreak for you, the age gap just too big to work out long term and I’m risking serious jail time that’ll start to weigh on me more and m.” On February 9, 2026, Bass-Krueger and minor Victim 1 exchanged messages, discussing the fact that someone may have found out about their sexual relations. Bass-Krueger sent a message stating: “If you suspect anything delete all our communication and vids.” Investigators also discovered messages that minor Victim 1 exchanged with a friend, during which minor Victim 1 stated: “I had sex with him . . .” Minor Victim 1 also stated that Bass-Krueger took videos of their encounter. Investigators located the video on minor Victim 1’s phone. Bass-Krueger was arrested in Atlanta, GA, on March 25, 2026, and made an initial appearance in the Northern District of Georgia. He is being detained and will be returned to the Western District of New York at a later date. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Jamestown man going to prison on meth charge

body_text: BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Aaron Miller, 32, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated that Miller bought and sold methamphetamine and cocaine for profit and for his own use. He received large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from co-defendant Jun Martinez, a Jamestown drug dealer, and from others. Miller then distributed the drugs to other individuals in the Jamestown area, for profit. Co-defendants Jun Martinez, La Huynh, and Antasia Babcock were previously convicted and are awaiting sentencing. 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). The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Scott Forster. # # # #


title: West Virginia U.S. Attorney’s Offices Partner to Further Elder Justice  Work with Local Stakeholders

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey and U.S. Attorney Moore Capito, in collaboration with Modell Consulting, have partnered to offer a two-day training to further the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative. West Virginia SAFE (Safe and Accessible Forensic Interviewing with Elders) is being held at the FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) facility in Clarksburg, West Virginia. The training, conducted by Karen Hill, Ed.D., LCPA, with Modell Consulting Group, is designed for elder justice professionals seeking to gain additional information on communicating with older adults who are alleged victims of crime. Centered in skills development, this training strengthens forensic interviewing with considerations for age related declines in cognition, underlying neuropathology, like dementia and Alzheimer’s, language capacity and cultural background. “Those who target older Americans for financial gain should be on notice: we will use every tool available to investigate and prosecute these crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew Harvey. “By investing in this training, we are standing up for our seniors and making clear that exploitation of the elderly will not be tolerated in our communities.” “Elder abuse is a coward’s crime — preying on those least able to fight back,” said U.S. Attorney Moore Capito. “Here in West Virginia, our seniors are the best of the best. They should be able to retire knowing they are both physically and financially safe. That’s why this training matters — it sharpens our ability to spot it, stop it, and hold offenders accountable. We will not overlook it, we will not excuse it — we will prosecute it, every time.” Law enforcement partners from across the state, along with federal and state prosecutors, and social workers who work with the elderly population will be in attendance. Each participant will gain education credits within their field. AARP is a limited sponsor of the event. For more information about the DOJ Elder Justice Initiative contact Elder Justice Coordinators Kimberley Crockett (NDWV) and Jonathan Storage (SDWV) at their respective United States Attorney’s Offices. Legal education credits are provided by the West Virginia State Bar. Law enforcement education credits are provided by the West Virginia Division Law Enforcement Professional Standards Program (LEPS). Social work education credits are provided by Crittenton Services, Inc. in Wheeling, West Virginia.


title: El Salvador Resident is Found Guilty for 1997 Double Murder

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Oscar Diaz Romero, aka Oscar Alonzo Salguero, 47, of El Salvador, was found guilty yesterday in D.C. Superior Court, for charges related to the shooting deaths of 21-year-old Jose Roberto Molina and 22-year-old Jose Noel Coreas on August 9, 1997, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine F. Pirro. Diaz Romero was found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder on March 25, 2026. Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman scheduled sentencing for June 5, 2026. “This verdict reflects the unwavering commitment of our justice system to pursue accountability, regardless of how much time has passed, as this criminal killed two men and fled to El Salvador,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “It should serve as a reminder that even when delayed, justice is never forgotten—and never denied.” According to the government’s evidence, in the early morning hours, on August 9, 1997, Diaz Romero and several friends were hanging out on the 2nd floor of the then-Las Rocas restaurant in the 2400 block of 18 th Street, NW. A little before 2 a.m., a group of young men came in, and a fist fight started. Soon after, Diaz Romero pulled out a revolver and fired several times. One round hit and killed Jose Molina, a 22-year-old father of two. Another round hit and killed Jose Coreas, who was out celebrating his 22nd birthday. The defendant fled the scene and the country. Diaz Romero was arrested in El Salvador in 2024 and extradited to the United States in January 2025. He has been in custody since. Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs worked with the Government of El Salvador to secure the arrest and extradition of Diaz Romero. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dennis Clark and Richard Carlton. 2025 CF1 000555


title: Chinese National Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Elderly Victims Throughout Florida

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Gainesville, Florida – Xin Liu, 40, a Chinese national living in Apopka, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the guilty plea today. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Elder fraud is a devastating crime that is growing increasingly common, as fraudsters like this alien and her China-based co-conspirators prey upon our vulnerable retiree population to enrich themselves. Stopping elder fraud depends upon educating the public about schemes like this, and encouraging victims to report these crimes to law enforcement as quickly as possible. My office will continue to investigate and aggressively prosecute every member of these fraud schemes to hold them accountable for their heinous crimes and achieve justice for their victims.” Court records show that while Liu was in the United States pursuant to an H-1B visa, she conspired with a person from the northern region of China and others to defraud elderly victims by using fraudulent telephone calls and electronic messages. Liu’s role in the conspiracy was to pick up packages of cash and deliver them to other conspirators. Between July 22, 2025, and July 30, 2025, on at least six separate occasions, Liu drove to various locations throughout Florida and picked up or attempted to pick up more than $95,000 from the victims. One of the victims lived in an assisted living apartment complex for seniors in Gainesville, Florida. Liu personally verified the contents of each package and was paid with a portion of the fraud proceeds. Liu’s actions resulted in substantial financial hardship to at least one victim. Liu faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment and is expected to be transferred for deportation proceedings at the conclusion of her sentence. Sentencing is scheduled for June 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville, Florida before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and the Gainesville Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner is prosecuting the case. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice . For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . Elder fraud complaints can be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, at www.ovc.gov . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Illegal Alien from Venezuela Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm

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

body_text: Gainesville, Florida – Robinson Abrahan Esparragoza Regalado, 26, a Venezuelan national, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm and ammunition by an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the plea. United States Attorney Heekin said: “ Operation Take Back America was launched by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to devote the full might of the Department of Justice toward removing dangerous criminal illegal aliens from our communities. This successful prosecution delivers on that goal, and we will continue aggressively prosecuting dangerous aliens like this defendant to ensure our citizens have the safe streets they deserve.” Court documents reflect that on November 25, 2025, Esparragoza Regalado was in possession of a 9mm pistol equipped with a 33-round extended magazine, which was almost fully loaded with ammunition. The firearm was located during a traffic stop on Interstate 75. Esparragoza Regalado is illegally present in the United States, and was therefore prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition. Esparragoza Regalado faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Esparragoza Regalado is also likely to be deported at the conclusion of serving his sentence. Sentencing is scheduled for June 16, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in Gainesville, Florida before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor. The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Florida Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner 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 (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Rock Hill Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Transporting a Minor with Intent to Engage in Sexual Activity

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Dai Quan Matthew Felix, 27, of Rock Hill, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Felix traveled with a 14-year-old girl from August 2024 through November 2024 through North Carolina and South Carolina. During that time, Felix engaged in sexual intercourse with the minor victim. Law enforcement recovered Felix’s phone, which contained sexually explicit videos of himself and the minor victim. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Felix to 120 months imprisonment, to be followed by a 10-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. Felix will be required to register as a sex offender for life. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lothrop Morris and Elle E. Klein prosecuted the case. ###


title: Georgetown Woman Sentenced for   Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Georgetown, Ky., woman, Mabel Francis Soto, 70, was sentenced on Tuesday to 60 months by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. According to her plea agreement, Soto conspired with her co-defendant, Taylor Burden, to sell drugs out of Soto’s residence in Georgetown, Kentucky. On October 19, 2022, after while surveilling Soto’s residence, a search warrant was obtained for Soto’s residence. A search of Soto’s residence recovered more than 100 grams of fentanyl pills, crushed fentanyl pills, and a distribution quantity of methamphetamine. Law enforcement also found a handgun and approximately $251,100 in drug proceeds. Burden was previously sentenced in January 2026 to 60 months in prison for his role in the fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. Under federal law, Soto must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence. Upon her release from prison, she will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 4years. Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Darin Allgood, Georgetown Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Georgetown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cynthia Rieker is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Mexican National Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Illegally Re-entering the United States

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – An illegal alien has been sentenced for illegally re-entering the United States after deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Catherine L. Crosby. Felipe Omar Hernandez-Gonzalez, 36, and a citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty in January 2026 to having been found in the United States after being deported. U.S. District Judge Annemarie C. Axon sentenced Gonzalez to 18 months in prison. According to court records, Gonzalez was deported in April 2018, after he was charged with DUI and assaulting his girlfriend in Hoover in February 2018. Hernandez-Gonzalez came to law enforcement’s attention again in the summer of 2025 after he beat and choked his current girlfriend in Walker County, Alabama. Court records also revealed that, in September 2017, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to and was sentenced for assault of his four-month-old daughter. The baby was taken to Children’s of Alabama where she was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma from severe head trauma. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Walker County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Cross prosecuted the case.


title: Justice Department Secures the Denaturalization of Convicted Gun Trafficker and Health Care Fraudster, and Files Complaint Against Marriage Scammer

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Department of Justice announced today that it has secured the denaturalization of two individuals who obtained U.S. citizenship through fraud and sued to revoke the citizenship of a third person that secured naturalization by marriage fraud. “American citizenship is a sacred privilege — not a cheap status that can be obtained dishonestly,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “These actions reflect this Department of Justice's ongoing efforts to strip citizenship from people who conceal crimes or defraud the American people during the immigration process.” Ukrainian Arms Smuggler Concealed Conspiracy to Smuggle Firearms Parts Abroad On March 23, the Justice Department secured the denaturalization of Vladimir Volgaev, a native of Ukraine who concealed and misrepresented his involvement in a conspiracy to smuggle over a thousand firearms components out of the United States and ship them to foreign markets. “This case sends a clear message,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department's Civil Division. “The United States provided Volgaev with safety, housing, and citizenship, and he returned those gains with malice, including by defrauding one of the federal agencies that provided him benefits. We will not reward this kind of behavior by allowing such an individual to retain U.S. citizenship that should not have been granted in the first place.” Starting in 2011, Volgaev engaged in the clandestine purchase, packaging and smuggling of firearm components to individuals in Ukraine and Italy. Also, beginning in 2013, Volgaev engaged in federal housing benefits fraud by underreporting his assets and income on applications for federal housing benefits. A federal court convicted him of Smuggling Goods from the United States and Theft of Government Money or Property in 2020, after he had naturalized as a U.S. citizen on January 11, 2016. On Sept. 30, 2025, the Justice Department filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida seeking Volgaev’s denaturalization based on his crimes and his failure to disclose them during his naturalization process. On March 23, the court entered an order revoking Volgaev’s U.S. citizenship. The court held that Volgaev committed unlawful acts during the period prior to his naturalization in which he was required to show good moral character, thus making him ineligible for naturalization. Also, the court found that Volgaev provided false testimony regarding his criminal background and procured his U.S. citizenship by willfully misrepresenting these facts. This case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christopher Lyerla of the Justice Department’s Office of Immigration Litigation, Affirmative Litigation Unit, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent Felix Romero and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor. Miami-Dade Resident Was Convicted of Swindling Over $6 Million In Medicare Claims The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida issued an order on March 24 revoking the 2017 naturalization of Mirelys Cabrera Diaz, a native of Cuba and resident of Hialeah, Florida. Cabrera Diaz illegally procured her citizenship because she committed unlawful acts — namely a health care fraud conspiracy — before she naturalized that disqualified her from United States citizenship. In 2019, Cabrera Diaz, then 42, was convicted in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida of conspiring to commit health care fraud. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 29 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of over $6 million. When she pleaded guilty, she admitted that she willfully conspired to commit health care fraud in the years before she became a United States citizen. She specifically admitted that, between August 2011 and March 2014, she and her co-conspirators paid kickbacks to patient recruiters for referring fraudulent prescriptions to the pharmacy where she worked. She admitted to maintaining a log of how much money was owed to each recruiter for fraudulent prescriptions. She also admitted that she was aware that the pharmacy was submitting reimbursement claims for the fraudulent prescriptions to the Medicare Part D program, for which the government paid over $6 million in reimbursements for prescription drugs that were not dispensed. The U.S. district court held that Cabrera Diaz illegally procured her naturalization. Among the requirements for naturalization, Cabrera Diaz was required to show that she was a person of good moral character during the “statutory period” from five years before she applied for naturalization until she took the oath of citizenship. The court concluded that she could not establish the required good moral character for naturalization because she conspired to commit health care fraud, which reflected adversely on her moral character, and there were no extenuating circumstances to excuse her actions. The case was investigated by ICE and litigated by the Affirmative Litigation Unit of the Civil Division’s Office of Immigration Litigation. Justice Department Sues to Revoke U.S. Citizenship Because Of Immigration Fraud In U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the Justice Department filed a civil denaturalization complaint on March 17 against Alec Nasreddine Kassir, also known as Alec Kassir and Ali Nasreddine Kassir. Kassir is a native of Lebanon and resident of Miami. The United States seeks an order revoking Kassir’s naturalization based on his false statements made under penalty of perjury on his naturalization application and under oath in his naturalization interview. Kassir falsely represented that he had been living with a U.S. citizen spouse, during the three years immediately preceding the filing of his naturalization application in March 2010. On Nov. 14, 2018, he pleaded guilty to passport fraud in the Southern District of Florida. In his criminal proceedings, Kassir admitted that he obtained his U.S. passport through the fraudulent procurement of his naturalization. Specifically, he admitted that he was not living in martial union — or even in the same state — with his purported U.S. citizen spouse; rather, but they separated in 2009 and Kassir moved to Florida. Kassir’s immigration fraud was uncovered during an investigation into his trafficking of counterfeit goods after he naturalized , for which he was convicted of conspiring to commit money laundering. The complaint alleges that Kassir should be denaturalized for three reasons. First, he illegally procured U.S. citizenship because he was not living in marital union with his U.S. citizen spouse for the three years before he applied for naturalization as required by statute. Second, he illegally procured naturalization because he was statutorily barred from showing that he was a person of good moral character during the statutory period of his naturalization. He was unable to demonstrate good moral character because he falsely testified under oath at his naturalization interview that he was living in Michigan, when, in fact, he had moved to Florida. Third, he procured his naturalization by concealing his separation from his U.S. citizen spouse and his move to Florida. The case was investigated by ICE-HSI and will be litigated by the Affirmative Litigation Unit of the Civil Division’s Office of Immigration Litigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. The claims made in the complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Nine Charged in Benefit Fraud Crackdown

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – Nine individuals have been charged in a coordinated federal crackdown on benefit fraud schemes that exploited stolen identities to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer-funded programs – including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), MassHealth and Social Security benefits. Nearly $9 million in benefit fraud has been uncovered since December 2025. The following defendants have been charged over the past nine weeks as part of the United States Attorney’s ongoing enforcement priority to investigate and prosecute benefit fraud involving federal and state assistance programs: Juan Felipe Chalas, 58, a Dominican national unlawfully residing in Salem, N.H., was charged with making a false statement in a passport application, aggravated identity theft and unlawfully obtaining SNAP benefits; Efrain Rivera, 54, a United States citizen from Puerto Rico, living in New Bedford, Mass., was charged with unlawfully obtaining SNAP benefits, misuse of a Social Security number and aggravated identity theft; Danis Piron Lara, 51, a Dominican national unlawfully residing in Dorchester, Mass. was charged with aggravated identity theft, unlawfully obtaining SNAP benefits and making false statements relating to a health care program; Erpawi Roque Collado, 53, a Lawful Permanent Resident living in Boston, Mass. who was born in the Dominican Republic, was charged with unlawfully obtaining SNAP benefits; John Doe aka Wilkin Emilio Pimental Pereyra, 44, a Dominican national unlawfully residing in Boston, Mass., was charged with aggravated identity theft, theft of government benefits and unlawfully obtaining SNAP benefits; John Doe, an individual whose true identity is unknown, who was living in Hyde Park, Mass., was charged with unlawfully obtaining SNAP benefits, misuse of a Social Security number and aggravated identity theft; Mercedes Soto Capellan, 53, a Dominican national unlawfully residing in Lawrence, Mass., was charged with unlawfully obtaining SNAP benefits; Oscar Gonzalez Melo, 59, a Dominican national unlawfully residing in Boston, Mass., was charged with unlawfully obtaining SNAP benefits, making false statements related to health care benefits, making false statements related to Social Security benefits and aggravated identity theft; and Cruz Augusta Pena Arias, 58, a Dominican national unlawfully residing in Salem, Mass., was charged with making a false statement in an application for a United States passport, aggravated identity theft and unlawfully obtaining SNAP benefits. As alleged, the defendants used stolen identities – often belonging to U.S. citizens from Puerto Rico – to obtain government-issued identification, including Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) credentials and, in some instances, U.S. passports, which were then used to apply for and receive public benefits. In some cases, the defendants are alleged to have used stolen identities over extended periods of time – including one individual who allegedly lived under a stolen identity for more than 20 years. Certain defendants are further alleged to have obtained benefits across multiple programs, including SNAP, MassHealth and Social Security. In multiple instances, the defendants allegedly provided stolen identities to law enforcement during prior arrests, and at least one defendant has a prior conviction under the same identity. According to the charging documents, the alleged schemes resulted in approximately $943,197 in total losses to public assistance programs – including approximately $149,775 in SNAP benefits, approximately $776,715 in MassHealth benefits and approximately $16,707 in Social Security benefits. The charge of unlawfully obtaining SNAP benefits provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft provides for a mandatory two-year sentence to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of misusing a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of theft of government property provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of making a false statement in an application for a United States passport provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of making false statements relating to a health care program provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; Nathan Hebert, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; and Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Grady, Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus, David G. Tobin, Jennifer Zacks, Allegra Flamm, Eric Hawkins, Julissa Walsh and Aidan Lang of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the cases. The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced to Over 14 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Firearm Used in a Brundidge, Alabama Shooting

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the sentencing of a Montgomery, Alabama man for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On March 24, 2026, a federal judge sentenced 43-year-old Brian Oneal Guice to 174 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records, on April 7, 2024, law enforcement officers responded to reports of shots fired at a convenience store in Brundidge, Alabama. Upon arrival, officers learned that the individuals involved had fled the scene. One bystander sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and received medical treatment. Investigators quickly identified Guice as a person of interest in the shooting. On May 1, 2024, members of the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Guice at an apartment in Troy, Alabama. At the time of his arrest, Guice was found in possession of a handgun. Due to his prior felony convictions, Guice is prohibited under federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition. A forensic examination of the recovered firearm linked it to shell casings collected from the April 7 th shooting. In imposing the sentence, the court considered the firearm’s connection to the shooting, Guice’s criminal history, and other relevant factors. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Brundidge Police Department, and the Troy Police Department investigated this case, with assistance from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences. Assistant United States Attorney Christine Levi prosecuted the case.


title: Justice Department Notifies California and Maine of Investigations into Whether Housing Biological Men in Women’s Prisons Violates Constitution

body_text: Today, the United States Department of Justice notified California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Maine Gov. Janet Mills of the initiation of federal investigations into California’s and Maine’s practice of housing men in women’s prisons. The Justice Department will investigate whether California engages in a pattern or practice of violating the constitutional rights of female prisoners incarcerated at the California Institution for Women (CIW) in San Bernardino County and the Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Madera County. The Justice Department also will investigate whether Maine similarly engages in a pattern or practice of violating constitutional rights of women incarcerated at Maine Correctional Center in Windham (MCC Windham). “Keeping men out of women’s prisons is not only common sense – it’s a matter of safety and constitutional rights,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Trump Administration will not stand by if governors are facilitating the abuse of biological women under the guise of inclusion.” “Under my leadership, the Civil Rights Division will not allow women incarcerated in jails or prisons to be subject to unconstitutional risks of harm from male inmates,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “These investigations will uncover whether the dangerous national trend of housing men in women’s prisons has resulted in violations of women’s constitutional rights.” “California’s Transgender Respect, Agency, and Dignity Act has provided none of these qualities to the female inmates of state prisons who have been forced to share space with biological men who are violent felons,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California. “Our Constitution protects women from having their civil rights violated by harmful state legislation wrapped in the language of ‘equity’ and ‘progress.’” “Incarcerated individuals can be particularly susceptible to having their rights violated,” said Andrew B. Benson, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the civil rights of all Maine citizens, no matter where they live, and will work with our colleagues in the Civil Rights Division to ensure that this vulnerable population is protected from harm while housed in state custody.” In California, the Justice Department will investigate widely reported allegations of deprivation of female prisoners’ rights, including the First Amendment’s guarantees of freedom of speech and free exercise of religion, the Eighth Amendment’s protection from cruel and unusual punishment, and the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. There have been allegations of sexual assaults, rape, voyeurism and a pervasive climate of sexual intimidation due to the presence of males in the women’s prison. Under California law, men in state prisons, including violent felons charged with sex crimes and who have intact genitals, can request transfer to women’s prisons based on self-identification as transgender. In Maine, the Justice Department will investigate allegations that Maine has allowed a biological male inmate to remain housed with women despite complaints that the male inmate has assaulted or harassed several female inmates. The Department has not reached any conclusions regarding allegations in these matters. The Department will investigate CIW, CCWF, and MCC Windham pursuant to its authority to enforce the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA). Under CRIPA, the Department has the authority to investigate violations of prisoners’ constitutional rights that result from a “pattern or practice of resistance to the full enjoyment of such rights.” The Department has conducted CRIPA investigations of many correctional systems, and where violations have been found, the resulting settlement agreements have led to important reforms. The Department will also investigate CIW and CCWF under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA), 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc. Individuals with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Department via civilrights.justice.gov/report/. The Department is also collecting information on men housed in women’s jails and prisons anywhere in the country. Individuals can reach the National Initiative Examining the Housing of Biological Men in Women’s Prisons at (202) 616-5939 or SingleSexPrison.Initiative@usdoj.gov . Additional information about the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt . Today’s notice to California is separate and unrelated to an existing CRIPA investigation into alleged abuse of female inmates by prison staff at CCWF and CIW.


title: Fentanyl Traffickers Sentenced to Federal Prison

body_text: POCATELLO – U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today that Marcos Gallegos, 43, of Pueblo, Colorado, and Morgan Galloway, 25, of Pocatello, Idaho, were sentenced to federal prison for possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute it. U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Gallegos to 188 months in federal prison and Galloway to 60 months in federal prison. According to court records, on August 22, 2024, probation and parole officers with the Idaho Department of Correction searched an apartment where Gallegos and Galloway were living in Pocatello after receiving a tip from the Pocatello Police Department that both Gallegos and Galloway were selling drugs. During the search, law enforcement found and seized 122.78 grams of fentanyl along with a firearm. The Pocatello Police Department obtained a warrant to search a storage unit rented by Gallegos and Galloway where they found and seized $28,000 in drug proceeds. Judge Nye ordered Gallegos’ 188-month prison sentence to be served consecutively to the sentences that he is currently, which are two seven-year sentences for two Bannock County drug-related cases. Judge Nye also ordered Gallegos to complete five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Judge Nye ordered Galloway to complete four years of supervise release following her 60-month prison sentence. Both Gallegos and Galloway pleaded guilty to the charge on December 11, 2025. U.S. Attorney Davis commended the work of the Idaho Department of Corrections Probation and Parole, Pocatello Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney Blythe McLane prosecuted the case. The Pocatello Police Department is part of the BADGES HIDTA Task Force. HIDTA is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives. The BADGES HIDTA Task Force is made up of federal, state, and local police agencies including the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, Pocatello Police Department, Chubbuck Police Department, and the Idaho State Police. ###


title: Justice Department Sues SeaWorld and Other Theme Parks over Wheeled Walker Ban

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Today, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (collectively, the “Department”) filed a lawsuit against United Parks & Resorts Inc. and its subsidiaries (UPR), alleging UPR’s policy banning guests with disabilities from using wheeled walkers with seats, including rollators, violates Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). UPR is a global theme park and entertainment company that owns, leases, or operates twelve parks and experiences in the United States, including SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Discovery Cove Orlando, and Aquatica Orlando. “The ADA requires equal access for people with disabilities, and theme parks such as SeaWorld are no exception,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Under my leadership, the Division is committed to defending the rights of all Americans with disabilities, as the law requires.” “The ADA requires theme park companies like UPR to provide guests with equal access, regardless of ability,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “This complaint reinforces our commitment to holding public accommodations in the Middle District of Florida accountable when they engage in disability discrimination.” The ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability by public accommodations, including UPR and its theme parks. The ADA requires UPR to permit individuals with disabilities to use manually powered mobility aids, including walkers, in areas open for pedestrian use. The Department sued UPR based on complaints from many people with disabilities alleging UPR would not allow them to enter its parks with their wheeled walkers with seats. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, alleges that UPR’s policy banning wheeled walkers with seats prevented children, veterans, and other individuals with disabilities from accessing the parks, facially violating the ADA. The civil complaint also alleges that UPR imposes impermissible surcharges on guests with disabilities in the form of rental fees and refuses to reasonably modify UPR’s policies, practices, or procedures, where necessary, to avoid discriminating against guests with disabilities. The lawsuit seeks a court order to force UPR to stop discriminating against individuals with disabilities, to modify its policies to comply with the ADA, and to train its staff on the ADA. The lawsuit also seeks monetary damages to compensate aggrieved individuals subjected to UPR’s discrimination and demands UPR pay a civil penalty to vindicate the public’s interest in eliminating disability discrimination. If you believe you have been a victim of disability discrimination by United Parks & Resorts Inc., including parks such as SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Discovery Cove Orlando, and Aquatica Orlando, please file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division online at www.civilrights.justice.gov , or by calling the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 (1-833-610-1264 (TTY)). For more information on the ADA and the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.ada.gov or www.justice.gov/crt .


title: Illegal Alien Federally Charged With Assault After Allegedly Hitting Deputy U.S. Marshal With Pickup Truck While Fleeing Traffic Stop

body_text: An illegal alien who allegedly hit a uniformed Deputy U.S. Marshal with his pickup truck while trying to flee the scene of a traffic stop in Dallas has been federally charged with assaulting a federal officer, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould. Senel Galiano Sagastume, 43, a citizen of Guatemala illegally residing in the United States, was charged by federal complaint on March 24, 2026. According to the complaint, officers initiated a traffic stop and had Sagastume pull to the side of the road. When Sagastume and his passengers refused to roll down the windows, officers breached the truck windows. Sagastume then allegedly put the Silverado in drive and accelerated toward a uniformed Deputy United States Marshal, wedging him between Sagastume’s truck and a law enforcement vehicle and causing bodily injury to the Marshal. Sagastume’s actions also caused visible damage to the Marshal’s uniform, as depicted in the photos contained in the complaint: As alleged in the complaint, Sagastume fled the scene to a Richardson, Texas apartment complex and ran inside an apartment. Officers arrested him following an hours-long standoff. If convicted, Sagastume faces a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison for the charge of forcibly assaulting a federal officer and inflicting bodily injury. Sagastume appeared before a United States Magistrate Judge in Dallas on March 25, 2026, for an initial appearance on the charges. He remains in federal custody pending further court proceedings. The Federal Bureau of Investigation—Dallas Field Office and United States Marshal Service conducted the investigation. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas is handling the prosecution. A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: New Bedford Couple Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Clients of Over $750,000 in Connection with Their Insurance Business

body_text: BOSTON – A married couple from New Bedford pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to a scheme to defraud individuals seeking insurance coverage through the couple’s business, BL Insurance Brokerage, LLC. Brendan Lawler, 58, and Lisa Lawler, 46, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun scheduled sentencing for July 22, 2026. The Lawlers were charged by criminal complaint in August 2025 . From March 2023 through March 2024, the Lawlers solicited and collected insurance payments from BL Insurance’s clients, which should have been paid to the clients’ insurance providers. Instead of paying the insurance companies, the Lawlers pocketed their clients’ payments and used the money for their own purposes. To conceal this theft of client funds and to keep their BL Insurance afloat to perpetuate the scheme, the Lawlers used incoming client funds to pay outstanding balances due to other clients’ insurers. The Lawlers also created and distributed certain insurance documents to clients that falsely suggested that the clients were insured. In total, through this scheme, the Lawlers defrauded at least 50 individuals or insurance providers and stole more than $750,000 from insurance providers, premium finance companies and hard money lenders. Members of the public who believe they may be a victim of this case or have any relevant information related to this case are requested to please fill out the attached form to be contacted by a member of law enforcement: https://forms.fbi.gov/victims/BLInsuranceVictims/view . The charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gain to the defendant or loss to the victim. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance and Insurance Fraud Bureau. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Cleary of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.


title: Hamilton County Man Pleads Guilty to Meth Charges

body_text: Anthony Neuroth, 49, from Kamrar, Iowa, pled guilty March 25, 2026, in federal court in Sioux City. Neuroth was convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of distributing methamphetamine. Neuroth was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution and aiding and abetting another in the distribution of methamphetamine, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, in September 2007. At the plea hearing, Neuroth admitted that between about November 2022 through about February 2024 he and others conspired to distribute more than 150 grams of methamphetamine. On four occasions in 2022 and 2023 Neuroth distributed ½ ounce quantities of methamphetamine to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Neuroth remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Neuroth faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $8,000,000 fine, and at least eight years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa DCI Laboratory, Iowa State Patrol, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, and Webster City Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-3035. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Jury Convicts Tampa Resident for Sending Instagram Death Threat

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Elizabeth Danielle Rowe (25, Tampa), a/k/a Simon Roe, guilty of transmitting interstate a threat to injure. Rowe faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 24, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to evidence presented at trial, on January 24, 2025, Rowe sent the following message on Instagram to New York victim A.A.: “I am coming to kill you. I will kill your pets first while you watch. Die c*nt.” The victim, who did not recognize the Rowe’s account, immediately notified her family of the threatening message and sought protective services from security personnel. Around the same time as sending the threatening message to A.A., Rowe sent several threatening messages to other Instagram users. Rowe later admitted in a separate set of messages that Rowe got “banned for dming [Zionists] telling them to kill themselves.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Risha Asokan.


title: Justice Department Sues New York-Presbyterian Hospital for Anticompetitive Contracts That Increase Healthcare Costs for New Yorkers

body_text: The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, filed a civil antitrust lawsuit today challenging The New York and Presbyterian Hospital’s (New York-Presbyterian) anticompetitive contract restrictions that deny New Yorkers the choice of lower cost healthcare options. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, charges New York-Presbyterian with violating Section 1 of the Sherman Act. New York-Presbyterian is the largest and most powerful hospital system in New York City. It owns and operates eight hospitals and many outpatient facilities in the New York City area. The suit seeks to enjoin New York-Presbyterian from imposing contractual restrictions that preclude insurers and employers from offering New Yorkers budget-conscious health insurance plans. This is the second case the Division has brought this year to ensure that Americans can access healthcare markets with robust competition and receive high quality, affordable care. “Millions of New Yorkers pay more for healthcare because of these anticompetitive practices,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “At the direction of President Trump, this Justice Department will fight relentlessly to ensure that Americans get the healthcare they need without facing exorbitant costs.” “Healthcare is a vital sector of our nation’s economy that touches the life of every single American,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “New York-Presbyterian has known for years that the American consumer wants budget-conscious health plans that reduce healthcare costs. But rather than offer consumers choice, New York-Presbyterian uses its market power to protect its margins, impede competition from rival hospitals, and prevent employers and unions from creating these plans. The Antitrust Division will continue to hold hospitals violating the antitrust laws accountable. I am grateful for the dedicated work of our staff and the Southern District of New York in this matter.” “The high cost of healthcare is frustrating to every New Yorker,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York. “Our Office will continue to work with our partners in the Antitrust Division to investigate and confront anticompetitive practices that contribute to higher healthcare costs.” As alleged in the complaint, New York-Presbyterian imposes plan restrictions in its contracts with payors that prevent payors from offering plans that, for example, do not include New York-Presbyterian or do not feature New York-Presbyterian in the most favored tier of the plan. New York-Presbyterian even forbids payors from offering lower copays when patients chose to receive care at New York-Presbyterian’s — often lower priced — rivals. These unlawful restrictions insulate New York-Presbyterian from price competition, limiting its rival hospitals from competing for patients based on lower prices or better value, and prevent the development of budget-conscious plans for New Yorkers that are available in other parts of the United States.


title: Fort Dodge Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for  Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Distributing Child Pornography

body_text: Pry’Shayn Mosley, 21, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, was sentenced March 23, 2026, to 25 years’ imprisonment, in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa. Mosley pled guilty November 12, 2025, to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of distribution of child pornography. At the plea hearing, Mosley admitted that between May 2022 and October 2022 he enticed two minors under the age of 18 to engage in sexually explicit conduct in order to produce visual depictions of such conduct. Mosley further admitted to possessing and distributing this child pornography to other persons, including children. During the investigation, a search warrant was executed at Mosley’s residence. Law enforcement seized several electronic devices along with marijuana, drug distribution paraphernalia, cash, and two loaded firearms. Also, during the search, Mosley convinced a juvenile at the residence to retrieve a package of drugs from another room and attempt to discard the drugs - cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl – so the police would not find them. Officers observed the juvenile and stopped him before he could destroy the evidence. The child pornography created and distributed to children by Mosely involved material that portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct. United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Mosley to 300 months’ imprisonment and 5-years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Mosley must also pay $700 in fines and assessments. Mosley remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” The case was investigated by the Fort Dodge Police Department and Webster County Sheriff’s Office and was 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 25-3002. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Newcomb Man Charged with Child Abuse

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Newcomb man is facing federal child abuse charges after a young child in his care was found with extensive bruising and injuries consistent with repeated physical abuse. According to court documents, on September 15, 2025, officers with the Navajo Police Department responded to a report from school personnel after a young child was found to have extensive bruising and injuries consistent with abuse. Medical personnel documented numerous bruises and welts across the child’s body in various stages of healing, including injuries with linear patterns consistent with being struck by an object. At the time the child was residing in the household of Dominic Thomas Jabalera , 40, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and was under his care at the time the injuries were discovered. Investigators spoke to Jabalera , who provided inconsistent explanations for the child’s injuries, initially claiming no knowledge of any harm and later attributing the injuries to accidents and other children in the household. As the investigation progressed, forensic interviews and prior social services records revealed multiple earlier reports of suspected abuse involving the same household, including prior observations of unexplained bruising and disclosures of fear and physical harm. Jabalera is charged with child abuse and will remain in third party custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charge, Jabalera faces up to six years in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Burkhead is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Jackson Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation Offenses

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Jackson, TN – Peter Anthony Pappas, 41 , of Jackson, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for his online exploitation of several minors from January to March 2024. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. According to information presented in court, Pappas was federally indicted for using deception to manipulate several minors into providing him with confidential information which he used for fraudulent purposes. Specifically, Pappas used the information to gain unauthorized access to online accounts belonging to the minor victims – including social media, cloud storage, and email accounts. Pappas then used the information obtained from those accounts to both exploit the victims and to target new victims. Pappas’s goal was to obtain sexually explicit images and/or videos from the victims, many of whom he knew were minor children. Following his guilty plea to two counts of attempted production of child pornography, United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Pappas to 30 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, "Production of child pornography is a disturbing crime that endangers and harms real child victims. We will always seek significant and mandatory minimum sentences for such despicable and predatory behavior, and this successful prosecution has incapacitated a real threat to our children and our community in West Tennessee." This case was investigated by the FBI Memphis Child Exploitation Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.