title: San Francisco Man Sentenced To Seven Years In Federal Prison For Bank Robbery And Carjacking

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – James Michael Garrison was sentenced yesterday to 84 months (7 years) in federal prison for a series of bank robberies and a carjacking that occurred in late 2024 and early 2025 in the Northern District of California. U.S. District Judge Rita F. Lin handed down the sentence. Garrison was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 17, 2025. Garrison pleaded guilty on February 12, 2026, to three counts of bank robbery in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2113(a), and one count of carjacking in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2119(1). According to the plea agreement and other documents filed in the case, beginning in December 2024, Garrison embarked on a spree of bank robberies in Rohnert Park, California, and San Francisco, California. Garrison robbed banks in Rohnert Park on December 5, 2024, and January 2, 2025. During those robberies, he demanded cash and threatened to shoot the tellers. Garrison robbed another bank in San Francisco on December 27, 2024, during which he held a knife in his hand and threatened to shoot “everybody.” In total, he stole approximately $20,000 from the three banks. Following Garrison’s third bank robbery, he was spotted by San Francisco Police Officers in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco. Garrison fled from officers and carjacked a rideshare driver in an attempt to escape. While in the car’s backseat, Garrison pulled out a black knife shaped like a handgun and held the weapon to the driver’s head and threatened to shoot him. Garrison initially refused to leave the car and resisted arrest. Garrison has been in custody since his arrest in 2025. He will begin serving his prison term immediately. In addition to the prison term, Judge Lin also ordered Garrison to serve 3 years of supervised release that will begin after his term of imprisonment. United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Scott Schelble made the announcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sophia Cooper with the assistance of Soana Katoa. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the San Francisco Police Department.


title: Federal Prosecutors Add Nearly 300 New Immigration Cases in Western District of Texas

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas filed 297 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from May 29 to June 4, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons. Charges were brought against human smugglers and illegal aliens with past convictions for numerous DWIs, violent crimes and unlawful carrying of weapons, thefts, sex crimes, and multiple prior removals. In Austin, illegal alien Hilario Benitez-Mondragon was charged with illegal re-entry after being found in the Travis County Jail. According to publicly available Travis County court records, in May, he was convicted of second-degree felony sexual assault and sentenced to 10 years deferred adjudication in Travis County’s 299th District Court. He was previously removed from the U.S. to Mexico in 2014. Of the nearly 300 new cases, 172 were filed in Del Rio, including an illegal re-entry charge against Neptaly Reyes-Reyes , an illegal alien from Honduras. U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended Reyes-Reyes near Eagle Pass and discovered that he has been previously deported three times, the last being on March 14, 2025, through Louisiana. Reyes-Reyes is a convicted felon with a criminal record that includes multiple petit theft convictions, third degree grand theft, illegal re-entry, and cocaine possession. Miyagui Maclen Aleman Herrera , also an illegal alien from Honduras, was arrested near Eagle Pass on May 30 after being deported for the third time on Feb. 25. Aleman Herrera was previously convicted of indecency with a child by exposure and sentenced in Harris County to two years in prison. An illegal alien from Nicaragua was also arrested by USBP agents near Eagle Pass. Jimmy Jose Mena-Aleman has been convicted of multiple felonies in Miami, Florida, including carrying a concealed weapon robbery, burglary of a motor vehicle/grand theft, and aggravated battery. He was deported for the second time on Sept. 5, 2024. In San Antonio, Adolfo Lopez-Alcaraz aka Adolfo Lopez was encountered at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center following his arrest for unlawful carrying of a weapon. Lopez was convicted on May 29 and subsequently transferred to ICE custody on June 1. Lopez now faces a federal charge of illegal re-entry. He was previously removed from the U.S. in November 2019. Illegal alien from Mexico, Jorge Jesus Cuellar-Ortiz , was charged in El Paso with fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents after he allegedly presented a Texas driver’s license bearing the personal information and photo of another person at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry. A criminal complaint alleges Cuellar-Ortiz told the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer that he was an El Paso-born U.S. citizen who was traveling to work construction after visiting family in Mexico. According to the complaint, further inspection resulted in Cuellar-Ortiz admitting his true identity as a Mexican national. The complaint also alleges he had previously lived illegally in the U.S. for 21 years. Cuellar-Ortiz’s criminal record contains two DWI convictions. Florentino Soto-Esquivel aka Florentino Escobar, an illegal alien from Mexico, was charged with illegal re-entry in Austin. Soto-Esquivel has been removed from the U.S. only one time, but has been previously convicted of assault and four DWIs. In Austin, illegal alien Hilario Benitez-Mondragon was charged with illegal re-entry after being found in the Travis County Jail. According to publicly available Travis County court records, in May 2026, he was convicted of second-degree felony sexual assault and sentenced to 10 years deferred adjudication in Travis County’s 299 th District Court. He was previously removed from the U.S. in 2014. These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Jury Finds Former Sacramento Man Guilty for Knowingly Misusing Money Stolen from a School District

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After a four-day trial, a jury found former Sacramento resident, William A. Sassman, 58, guilty of knowingly engaging in monetary transactions with criminally derived property, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to the evidence at trial, in September 2019, the Tukwila School District in Washington mistakenly wired more than $6.5 million into Sassman’s bank account. District employees were duped into sending the funds to Sassman’s account instead of the account of a legitimate construction contractor. Sassman then used part of the stolen funds to buy two luxury watches — a Patek Philippe for $195,000 and a Richard Mille for $318,324 — plus other personal items. After the school district discovered the fraud and reported it to Sassman’s bank, the bank froze Sassman’s account and informed Sassman that it had been funded with fraudulent proceeds. Even after knowing the money was stolen, Sassman resold the watches and deposited the resulting checks into an account at another bank in Sacramento. “The evidence at trial showed that after being told by his bank that this money didn’t belong to him, Sassman nevertheless chose to spend it on high-end watches rather than return it to its rightful owner,” said U.S. Attorney Grant. “Today’s verdict demonstrates that those who knowingly profit from stolen funds will be held accountable.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Veronica M.A. Alegría and Zachary B.L. Malinski are prosecuting the case. Sassman is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins on Sept. 25, 2026. Sassman faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or up to twice the amount of the laundered money. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.


title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Spring Cleaning

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice today announced the results of Operation Spring Cleaning, a nationwide initiative spearheaded by the FBI to combat gang-related threats and enhance public safety. The operation coordinated with federal, state, and local law enforcement and targeted the illegal flow of firearms and narcotics in our communities. The operation began on March 1 and ended May 31. In total, Operation Spring Cleaning led to over 1100 arrests, over 600 charges filed, and almost 600 search warrants conducted. The operation also resulted in the seizure of: Almost 1000 illegal firearms, dozens of which were equipped with machine gun conversion devices (MCDs) as well as over 75 stand-alone MCDs; Over 2,700 pounds of illegal narcotics including Over 500 kilograms of cocaine or more than 1100 pounds, Nearly 700 pounds of methamphetamine, Over 550 pounds of marijuana, Nearly 50 kilograms of fentanyl or more than 100 pounds, Almost 40 kilograms of heroin or more than 85 pounds, More than 7 kilograms of crack cocaine or more than 16 pounds, and More than 13,200 pills of MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly. “When our neighborhoods are safe from the scourge of deadly drugs, individuals and families can prosper,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The Trump Administration has made significant progress in removing this poison from our streets, a key step in our commitment to making America safe again.” “This FBI understands that communities across our country have been ravaged by gangs and the firearms and narcotics they flood our streets with,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Spring Cleaning represents our total commitment to crushing this kind of violent crime and eliminating the criminal networks who facilitate them – with over 1,000 arrests, 1,000 firearms seized, and 3,000 pounds of narcotics removed from our neighborhoods. Righteous operations like this show this FBI is only getting started and will continue delivering the most prolific run of crime reduction in U.S. history.”


title: Sarasota Man Sentenced to 25 years for Producing, Distributing, Receiving, and Accessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – Sean Christie (43, Sarasota) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven to 25 years in federal prison for production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), distribution of CSAM, receipt of CSAM, and access with intent to view CSAM. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. A jury found Christie guilty on January 15, 2026. According to court documents, Christie used Kik, a social media application, to solicit, receive and distribute CSAM depicting minors under 12 years of age. Christie also used Snapchat to meet minor girls, including a 12-year-old victim whom he used to produce CSAM. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.


title: Man Sentenced to More Than 26 Years in Prison for Using the Dark Web To Distribute Narcotics

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: CHICAGO — A man has been sentenced to more than 26 years in federal prison for distributing drugs through a dark web marketplace known as the “Nemesis Market.” DARREN HUGHES operated a vendor store offering free samples of methamphetamine on the Nemesis Market, one of the world’s largest dark web markets. When an undercover law enforcement agent contacted the vendor store, Hughes agreed to mail the law enforcement agent a free sample of meth from California to Chicago. Thereafter, on five occasions in 2023, Hughes sold the law enforcement agent meth and fentanyl pills in exchange for cryptocurrency. Hughes was arrested in Redwood City, Calif., in June 2023 after agreeing to sell additional meth to undercover agents in Chicago. Local police searched the vehicle Hughes was driving and discovered, among other items, approximately 672 grams of meth, a loaded “ghost gun” with no identifiable serial number, and various narcotics paraphernalia. Law enforcement shut down the Nemesis Market in 2024 after a multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional investigation. From 2021 to 2024, Nemesis Market processed more than 400,000 orders, including more than 55,000 orders for stimulants, including meth, cocaine, crack cocaine, and other controlled substances, and 17,000 orders for opioids, including fentanyl, heroin, and oxycodone. A federal jury in November 2025 convicted Hughes, 39, of San Jose, Calif., on drug trafficking charges. On May 26, 2026, U.S. District Judge John F. Kness sentenced Hughes to more than 26 years in federal prison. The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Todd C. Smith, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the DEA, Nicholas Bucciarelli, Postal Inspector in Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago. Substantial assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations and the Redwood City, Calif., Police Department. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Kelly, Michael Maione, and Hayley Altabef. “Having been part of the original multi-agency, multi-Office Task Force that took down the Silk Road almost 13 years ago, I know firsthand the seriousness of criminals operating on dark web marketplaces,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “Criminals selling poison on the dark web often act with impunity and brazenness because they mistakenly believe that they are beyond the reach of federal law enforcement. The Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will identify, investigate, and prosecute drug traffickers regardless of where they operate—and, even if they operate on the dark net.” “Today’s sentencing announcement reflects the strength of coordinated law enforcement partnerships, through the Homeland Security Task Force, and DEA’s continued commitment to targeting drug traffickers operating in both the physical and digital worlds,” said DEA SAC Smith. “This investigation brought together DEA, FBI, CBP, USPIS, IRS-CI and our law enforcement partners at Chicago High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area to identify, track and dismantle a dark net drug trafficking operation responsible for distributing dangerous narcotics across the country. DEA will continue leveraging investigative tools to follow the money, identify criminal networks and hold traffickers accountable wherever they operate.” “The sentencing of Darren Hughes sends a clear message in how critical a role the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and its law enforcement partners play in protecting American consumers from illegal narcotics being shipped via the U.S. Mail,” said USPIS Inspector in Charge Bucciarelli. “Postal Inspectors are committed to continuing our work to dismantle drug trafficking operations to keep USPS customers and employees safe from drug traffickers who favor profit over human lives.” “Drug dealers once relied on street corners; today, they use the internet to reach customers worldwide,” said IRS-CI SAC Jobes. “Dark web marketplaces may seem anonymous, but no platform is beyond law enforcement’s reach. Darren Hughes used the internet to profit from addiction and distribute dangerous drugs. IRS Criminal Investigation special agents worked with our law enforcement partners to follow the financial trail, expose his crimes, and hold him accountable. Whether drugs are sold on the street or online, we will continue identifying traffickers, disrupting their operations, and bringing them to justice."


title: 18th Street Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry and Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – An illegal alien has pleaded guilty to illegally selling a firearm and ammunition while he was unlawfully residing in Chelsea, Mass. The defendant, a Mexican national, was previously deported from the United States twice. Luis Angel Rodriguez-Celaya, a/k/a “Menor,” a/k/a “La Gargola,” 27, pleaded guilty to one count of being an alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition and one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. United States District Judge Myong J. Joun scheduled sentencing for Sept. 22, 2026. According to charging documents, Rodriguez-Celaya met with a cooperating witness in Chelsea on Feb. 26, 2025 to conduct an illegal firearm transaction. Rodriguez-Celaya sold the witness a .22 caliber semiautomatic “Draco” pistol and eight rounds of .22 caliber ammunition for $1,500 cash. Rodriguez-Celaya was illegally present in the United States at the time of the transaction. He was deported from the United States twice before and warned not to return: first in March 2017 and again in May 2022. The charge of being an alien unlawfully present in the United States in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. 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; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations; Suffolk County and Middlesex County District Attorney’s Offices; and the Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Falmouth, Lynn, Medford, Nantucket and Revere Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred Wyshak of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood .


title: Five Men Plead Guilty to Distributing Large Quantities of Child Sexual Abuse Material on Peer-to-Peer Networks

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – This week, five men pleaded guilty to distributing thousands of violent and sadistic child sexual abuse material (CSAM) across peer-to-peer networks. “The relentless pursuit of child sex predators is one of the FBI's top priorities,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “Victimization and abuse of our most vulnerable, our community's innocent children, is unacceptable. Through initiatives such as Project Safe Childhood, we are committed to identifying, investigating, and bringing to justice anyone who violates federal laws designed to protect our children.” On June 1, Andrew Padilla , of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty to making available for download by other users of a peer-to-peer network more than 4,000 images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Padilla admitted that he possessed about 160 images and videos depicting sadistic or masochistic, including infants and toddlers and children under the age of 12. Padilla pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The statutory maximum penalty is 20 years for distribution of child pornography and 20 years for possession of child pornography. On June 1, Jimmy Franklin Dearman , of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty to making available for download by other users of a peer-to-peer network approximately 239 files of child sexual abuse material and distributing at least 39 of the files. Additionally, he admitted to possessing over 1,600 images and 242 videos of child sexual abuse material depicting sadistic or masochistic conduct of infants and toddlers, and children under the age of 12. Dearman pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The statutory maximum penalty is 20 years for distribution of child pornography and 20 years for possession of child pornography. On June 5, James Donovan, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty to distributing child sexual abuse material at least 11 times with other users and channels of the social media application Discord. Donovan admitted that he also transported child sexual abuse material to an Amazon Cloud account using the internet. He also possessed about 70 printed images and over 50,000 digital images and videos of child sexual abuse material depicting sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence, infants and toddlers, and prepubescent minors under the age of 12. Donovan pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography, one count of transportation of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. The statutory maximum penalty is 20 years for distribution of child pornography, 20 years for the transportation of child pornography, and 20 years for possession of child pornography. On June 5, Randall William Rushton , of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty to making available for download, on two separate occasions, over 600 total images and videos of child sexual abuse material for download by other users of a peer-to-peer network. He also admitted that he possessed over 11,000 images and videos depicting sadistic or masochistic, including infants and toddlers and children under the age of 12. Rushton pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The statutory maximum penalty is 20 years for distribution of child pornography and 20 years for possession of child pornography. On June 5, Travis Ehlers, of Las Vegas, pleaded guilty to making available for download by other users of a peer-to-peer network more than 500 images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Ehlers admitted that he possessed approximately 13,420 images and about 1,784 videos of child sexual abuse material depicting sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence, infants and toddlers, and prepubescent minors under the age of 12. Ehlers pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The statutory maximum penalty is 20 years for distribution of child pornography and 20 years for possession of child pornography. First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office made the announcement. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Afroza Yeasmin is prosecuting these cases. These cases are a 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 . ###


title: Kansas man indicted for murder threat & child pornography possession

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas returned an indictment charging a Kansas man for threatening to rape and kill a victim and charging him with various offenses related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM). According to court documents, Christian Page, 24, of Tonganoxie was indicted on one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, two counts of possession and access with intent to view child pornography, and one count of interstate communications with a threat to injure. On multiple occasions in 2025 and 2026, Page allegedly received, possessed, and distributed CSAM. He is also accused of using an electronic device to threaten to physically injure a victim. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Rask and Audrey McCormick are prosecuting the case. Project Safe Childhood 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc . OTHER INDICTMENTS Rosendo Aguirre-Arreola, 42, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of reentry by a previously removed alien. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Victor Alamilla-Juarez, 46 an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of reentry by a previously removed alien. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Pedro Antonio-Perez, 30, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case. Jose Manuel Barrara-Acevez, 47, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case. Ralfeal E. Carr, 46, of Topeka was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Debenham is prosecuting the case. Mario Del Toro-Sandoval, 46, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indited on one count of illegal reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case. Zenon Garcia Basurto, 36, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of reentry of a previously removed alien. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug is prosecuting the case. Gustavo Adolfo Guardado-Menjivar, 39, an illegal alien from El Salvador, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case. Mario Perez-Morales, 48, an illegal alien from Guatemala, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting the case. Jamin Pitchford, 54, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Debenham is prosecuting the case. Henry Ramirez-Nicolas, 34, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of illegal reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Noe Rodriguez-Navarro, 36, an illegal alien from Honduras, was indicted on one count of reentry by a previously removed alien. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Yimy Francisco Reyes-Guzman, 45, an illegal alien from Honduras, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case. Miguel Angel Toledo-Landa, 45 and illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – The Department of Justice today announced the results of Operation Spring Cleaning, a nationwide initiative spearheaded by the FBI to combat gang-related threats and enhance public safety. The operation coordinated with federal, state, and local law enforcement and targeted the illegal flow of firearms and narcotics in our communities. The operation began on March 1 and ended May 31. In total, Operation Spring Cleaning led to over 1100 arrests, over 600 charges filed, and almost 600 search warrants conducted. The operation also resulted in the seizure of: Almost 1000 illegal firearms, dozens of which were equipped with machine gun conversion devices (MCDs) as well as over 75 stand-alone MCDs; and Over 2,700 pounds of illegal narcotics, including: o Over 500 kilograms of cocaine or more than 1100 pounds, o Nearly 700 pounds of methamphetamine, o Over 550 pounds of marijuana, o Nearly 50 kilograms of fentanyl or more than 100 pounds, o Almost 40 kilograms of heroin or more than 85 pounds, o More than 7 kilograms of crack cocaine or more than 16 pounds, and o More than 13,200 pills of MDMA, also known as ecstasy or molly. “When our neighborhoods are safe from the scourge of deadly drugs, individuals and families can prosper,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The Trump Administration has made significant progress in removing this poison from our streets, a key step in our commitment to making America safe again.” “This FBI understands that communities across our country have been ravaged by gangs and the firearms and narcotics they flood our streets with,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Spring Cleaning represents our total commitment to crushing this kind of violent crime and eliminating the criminal networks who facilitate them – with over 1,000 arrests, 1,000 firearms seized, and 3,000 pounds of narcotics removed from our neighborhoods. Righteous operations like this show this FBI is only getting started and will continue delivering the most prolific run of crime reduction in U.S. history.” “Operation Spring Cleaning represents a significant step in Hawaii and across the country toward dismantling and disrupting drug trafficking and the violent gangs that plague our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “We will continue to hunt down and bring to justice those who victimize Hawaii with drug trafficking and the use of firearms to protect their illicit criminal operations.” “As reflected in the record number of arrests, seizures, and disruptions across the country, the message sent by Operation Spring Cleaning is deliberate and unequivocal—to the violent gangs operating in our communities: your time is up,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “Through enforcement operations and the removal of illegal firearms and lethal narcotics from our streets, we haven’t just disrupted criminal networks—we have actively prevented violence and saved lives. The FBI, alongside our dedicated federal, state, and local partners, will continue to relentlessly track down those who flood our communities with poison and traffic in fear. We live here. We work here. This is our home, and we refuse to cede our neighborhoods to violent criminals.” Guns, drugs, and money seized by FBI Honolulu Field Office during Operation Spring Cleaning. FBI Honolulu, with assistance from federal and local law enforcement partners, conducted 1 largescale takedown and 2 additional operations during Operation Spring Cleaning, which led to the arrests and indictments of 11 individuals, including 10 alleged members of a drug trafficking organization . After executing 27 warrants, investigators seized approximately 8 kilograms of methamphetamine, 5 kilograms of cocaine, 4 kilograms of other miscellaneous illegal drugs, 10 firearms, 11 firearm accessories, and $150,000 in U.S. currency. Operation Spring Cleaning comes on the heels of another significant FBI Honolulu-led operation that led to the seizure of over 40 firearms – including an Uzi submachine gun, short-barreled rifles, and an AR-style pistol – and the arrest of two brothers. FBI Honolulu and its enforcement partners seized approximately 14 kilograms of illegal narcotics as part of Operation Spring Cleaning. Investigators during Operation Spring Cleaning.


title: Buffalo man pleads guilty to gun possession

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Nazir Binhuguley, 24, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of life. On May 6, 2025, law enforcement executed the search warrant at Binhuguley’s Trent Square apartment, seizing three firearms, ammunition, a high-capacity pistol magazine, drug paraphernalia, a quantity of suspected fentanyl, and approximately $2,165 in cash. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford, and the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster. Sentencing is scheduled for September 28, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara. # # # #


title: Bristol Man Sentenced for Attempted Murders of ATF Agents

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

body_text: Tallahassee, Florida – John Caleb Allen, 26, of Bristol, Florida, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for two counts of attempted murder of a federal agent; two counts of forcibly assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon; two counts of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; two counts of transfer of a machinegun; possession of an unregistered or unmarked silencer; and making a false statement to a federal firearm licensee. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The case exemplifies the incredible danger our brave men and women in law enforcement face as they keep our communities safe from violent offenders like this defendant. The bravery of these ATF agents is matched only by the incredible professionalism with which they acted when they came under withering fire from the defendant. As the substantial sentence imposed on this defendant shows, attacks on law enforcement will be prosecuted by my office to the fullest extent of the law.” Evidence at trial demonstrated that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) had been investigating the defendant for the illegal sale of machine gun conversion devices (MCDs). On June 3, 2025, ATF used a confidential source to purchase a firearm and a MCD from the defendant. One June 23, 2025, ATF used a confidential source to purchase 13 MCDs and two firearms from the defendant. Officers watched the defendant pick up the two firearms he sold to the confidential source from a federal firearms licensee (FFL), where he lied on ATF Form 4473. Based on their investigation, ATF obtained a federal search warrant for the defendant’s house. While attempting to execute the search warrant, the defendant fired at the ATF agents approximately 14 times as they approached his front door. One of the officers had a bullet pass through his shirtsleeve and another officer was struck by a bullet in his body armor, but neither was seriously injured. Without returning fire, agents were able to get the defendant to peacefully exit the residence with his hands up several minutes later. Agents located numerous firearms, including an unregistered firearm silencer, during the residential search. “This investigation revealed extreme criminal behavior deserving of a steep penalty,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. “Florida residents are much safer with violent criminals like this individual in federal prison.” Liberty County Sheriff Dusty Arnold said: “This sentence sends a clear message that violence against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated. Every day, law enforcement officers at the local, state, and federal levels put their lives on the line to protect our communities. In this case, ATF agents came under gunfire while simply carrying out their sworn duties, yet they responded with incredible professionalism, restraint, and courage. I am grateful that no officers lost their lives during this incident and commend the ATF, DEA, and all agencies involved for their outstanding work throughout this investigation. The Liberty County Sheriff's Office was proud to assist in this case, and we remain committed to standing alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure violent offenders are held accountable for their actions.” The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain prosecuted the case. “The men and women in law enforcement serve daily to protect our communities, state, and nation. Attacks on law enforcement officers, like the one committed in this case, will not be tolerated.” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass “The safety of our law enforcement brothers and sisters is essential to our families, communities, visitors, and the great state of Florida.” 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: Oahu Man Indicted on Multiple Drug and Gun Charges

body_text: HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Craig Domingo, 60, of Mililani, Oahu, was indicted on June 4, 2026, on firearm and drug charges including two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and/or ammunition, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Domingo was previously charged by criminal complaint on March 28, 2025 and has been detained since his arrest on federal charges. According to court records, Domingo was arrested on state burglary charges in November 2023. A narcotics detection canine alerted to the presence of drugs during an inspection of Domingo’s vehicle, and a subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered ten rounds of ammunition and glass pipes containing methamphetamine residue. Domingo, who had a previous conviction for Robbery in the First Degree, was charged federally in 2025 with being a felon in possession of ammunition. Following additional investigation, he was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury on additional charges of possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a short-barreled shotgun in furtherance of that crime, as well as possessing the shotgun and ammunition as a felon. If convicted, Domingo faces up to life imprisonment, including a mandatory minimum sentence of twenty years, and fine of up to $20,000,000, plus a term of supervised release. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines. FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Eucker 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.


title: Illegal Alien Found with More Than a Kilogram of Cocaine and a Firearm Sentenced to Serve Nine Years in Federal Prison as Part of Homeland Security Task Force Investigation

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – RAMON ZUNIGA-MAGDELANO , 48, a Mexican alien residing in Oklahoma City illegally, has been sentenced to serve 108 months in federal prison for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public records, on December 19, 2024, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department conducted a traffic stop and arrested Zuniga-Magdelano on an outstanding warrant. During the arrest, officers recovered cocaine from Zuniga-Magdelano’s person and later executed a search warrant at his Oklahoma City residence. During the search, law enforcement recovered more than 1,100 grams of cocaine and a firearm. On July 30, 2025, Zuniga-Magdelano was charged by superseding information with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Zuniga-Magdelano pleaded guilty on September 4, 2025, and admitted he was unlawfully present in the United States, possessed more than 500 grams of cocaine intended for distribution, and possessed a firearm despite his status as an illegal alien. At a sentencing hearing on May 29, 2026, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Zuniga-Magdelano to serve 108 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, Judge Wyrick specifically noted a lack of respect for the law demonstrated by Mr. Zuniga, who illegally entered the country to sell drugs. Upon his release from prison, Zuniga-Magdelano will be deported. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth M. Bagwell prosecuted the case. This operation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Oklahoma City comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the United States Marshals Service. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: New River Couple Sentenced for $12 Million AHCCCS Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Thvoughn Lynden Curry, 34, and Alexis Daneen Curry, 34, both of New River, Arizona, were sentenced Monday by Senior U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow for their role in a scheme to defraud the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona’s Medicaid Agency, of over $12 million. Both defendants were previously convicted at trial of one count of Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud, three counts of Health Care Fraud, and eight counts of Transactional Money Laundering following a four-day bench trial earlier this year. Thvoughn Curry was sentenced to 88 months in prison, and Alexis Curry was sentenced to 70 months in prison. Both were also ordered to three years of supervised release and to pay restitution of over $12 million to AHCCCS. “The President tasked us to eliminate fraud and recoup every taxpayer dollar possible, and we’ve delivered in this case, bringing the Currys to justice for stealing millions from the government,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “Beyond their own fraud, the Currys also preyed upon Arizonans fighting deadly addictions, placing them in imminent danger, with some victims overdosing on illicit drugs under 1 Family Clinic’s care. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will use every legal means available to track down and prosecute fraudsters and protect vulnerable citizens.” “Healthcare fraud is a direct attack on our community’s safety net,” said IRS-CI Phoenix Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown. “The Currys diverted millions from Arizona’s Medicaid program to line their own pockets, depleting vital resources from those who depend on these services. These sentences reflect the seriousness of that harm and reinforce IRS-CI commitment to protecting the integrity of taxpayer funded healthcare programs. Those who abuse these systems and violate the public’s trust can expect to be held accountable.” "Fraud on this scale is not just a financial crime, it directly harms the vulnerable populations AHCCCS exists to serve,” said Roberta Harrison, Interim Director of AHCCCS. “This sentencing reflects the strength of our partnerships with law enforcement and underscores our commitment to aggressively pursuing those who attempt to misuse public funds.” “The successful conviction and six-year prison sentence in this case are the direct result of outstanding collaboration between our law enforcement partners," said Mesa Police Chief Dan Butler. "Complex investigations often extend beyond the jurisdiction of a single agency, and this case highlights the importance of sharing resources, information, and expertise. We appreciate the efforts of every investigator, prosecutor, and agency involved in bringing this case to a successful conclusion and ensuring justice was served.” The Currys defrauded AHCCCS through “1 Family Clinic, LLC,” their purported outpatient behavioral health clinic in Mesa, Arizona. They first defrauded AHCCCS by submitting a fraudulent application to enroll as an AHCCCS provider, falsely claiming that Alexis Curry was the sole owner and manager. In the application, the Currys did not disclose Thvoughn Curry’s role in the business, even though they were required to do so because he was an owner and managing employee. At the time, Thvoughn Curry had an active, outstanding warrant for state felony fraud charges. Once approved by AHCCCS based on the fraudulent application, the Currys engaged in fraudulent billing practices. Between approximately Feb. 1, 2021, and March 31, 2023, the Currys routinely billed AHCCCS in a uniform, nearly identical pattern for services that were not actually provided. The Currys targeted AHCCCS’s American Indian Health Plan for fraudulent billing. Throughout the course of the scheme, 1 Family billed an average of more than 12 hours of service per member per day. The clinic, however, was open for far fewer hours than that, and even when the clinic was open, 1 Family failed to provide the licensed substance abuse therapy they billed to AHCCCS. Prosectors further argued in court documents that the Curry’s conduct preyed on vulnerable, low-income Arizonans with real treatment and rehabilitation needs. According to medical records, residents were often left unsupervised, with several overdosing and experiencing life threatening health emergencies. As a result of their fraudulent billings, AHCCCS paid 1 Family Clinic more than $12 million—funds that were intended to be used for legitimate healthcare services for low-income individuals. The evidence at trial showed that the Currys spent much of the money they received from AHCCCS on themselves. They purchased properties and luxury vehicles, including a 2019 Lamborghini Urus for more than $300,000. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation in this case and received substantial assistance from the Mesa Police Department and AHCCCS-Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Corbet and Lindsay Short, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: 23-CR-1293 RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-091_Curry # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Uzbek Nationals Charged In Human Smuggling And Money Laundering Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., and Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Pete Gizas, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging AKMAL RASULOV and ISKANDER SHUKUROV, both Uzbek nationals, with alien smuggling and money laundering. RASULOV and SHUKUROV were arrested this morning. SHUKUROV was ordered detained, and RASULOV has been released on bond. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken. “Smuggling foreign nationals into the United States is a serious crime that puts every American at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Human smuggling also often involves exploitation, drug trafficking, and sexual abuse. It must be stopped. Drug cartels, foreign terrorist organizations, and anyone else who seeks to undermine our sovereignty and security through human trafficking and smuggling will be prosecuted.” “Akmal Rasulov and Iskander Shukurov allegedly jeopardized our country’s security by providing foreign nationals illegal entry into the United States for a hefty fee,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “Alongside our federal partners, the FBI is committed to disrupting networks attempting to infiltrate our nation's borders.” “These charges reflect an alleged calculated effort to move people illegally into this country and wash the profits through our financial system, with no regard for the risks to our communities or our national security,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Pete Gizas. “By arresting these defendants, we are cutting into the command structure of an alleged smuggling operation that treated our borders as a business model. HSI New York, as a leading member of the Homeland Security Task Force, will continue to relentlessly pursue human smugglers and the money they need to operate.” As alleged in the Indictment: Between at least 2021 and 2025, RASULOV and SHUKUROV operated an alien-smuggling business. RASULOV, SHUKUROV, and others charged thousands of dollars per person for each foreign national—principally citizens of Uzbekistan—in order to illegally transport them into the United States. RASULOV, SHUKUROV, and their co-conspirators arranged for the foreign nationals to either arrive at a U.S. port of entry without prior permission to enter the United States, or sneak across a land border without the required examination or inspection by immigration officers. RASULOV and SHUKUROV worked with co-conspirators, including a Mexican citizen living in Mexico (“CC-1”). RASULOV and SHUKUROV repeatedly sent money to CC-1 so that CC-1 would connect aliens and smugglers in Mexico and then facilitate the transportation of the aliens from Mexico into the United States. RASULOV and SHUKUROV used international wire transfers to pay CC-1 for these services, including transfers from financial accounts in New York, New York. Some of the wire transfers included false information indicating that the payments were for “loan repayment” or “legal fees” to conceal the true purpose of the transactions. * * * RASULOV, 39, and SHUKUROV, 52, both of Brooklyn, New York, are each charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and conspiracy to commit alien smuggling, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The statutory maximum and minimum penalties in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge. Mr. Clayton praised the investigative work of the FBI and HSI. He added that the investigation is ongoing. The case is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Josiah Pertz is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ^ As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Austin Woman Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison for Theft of More Than $1.7 Million from a Federally Funded Non-Profit Organization

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—Star Rana Jackson, who was employed for more than ten years at the American Indian Center of Arkansas (AICA) and for a period of time served as the Executive Director before her termination, will spend the next 48 months in federal prison for wire fraud. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, by United States District Judge D.P. Marshall, Jr. On January 14, 2026, an Information was filed with the federal district court charging Jackson, 50, of Austin, with one count of wire fraud. Jackson pleaded guilty that same day to the charge in the Information. Judge Marshall also sentenced Jackson to three years’ supervised release and ordered Jackson to pay $1,788,858.99 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system. The AICA is a non-profit organization entirely funded by federal grants from the Department of Labor, Department of Education, and the Department of Health and Human Services. The AICA provides services to indigenous people living in Arkansas, as well as others in need. After having been employed by AICA for several years, Jackson was appointed executive director in October 2022 before being terminated in May 2025. While serving as Executive Director, Jackson was the sole person with access to the federal payment management system and who completed withdrawals for grants that were awarded to AICA. An investigation revealed that during her tenure as Executive Director of AICA, Jackson completed a withdrawal of funds on approximately June 24, 2024, from the Department of Education grant in the amount of $30,000. The grant funds were deposited into an account opened by Jackson and without the knowledge of AICA’s Board of Directors. On or about June 27, 2024, Jackson completed another withdrawal of funds from a Department of Health and Human Services grant in the amount of $40,000. Those grant funds were deposited into a non-active AICA account that Jackson still had access to, along with grant funds from the Department of Education in the amount of $15,000 on or about July 1, 2024. Through the investigation, it was determined that Jackson used an online payment platform to send a payment of $10,000 to a separate financial institution using a bank account that was in the name of Jackson and her husband. Jackson made several withdrawals of grant funds over a period of three months while serving as Executive Director and completed approximately 180 deposits directly from AICA accounts for her own personal use. The investigation also revealed Jackson purchased cashier’s checks with AICA funds to make unauthorized purchases and used AICA funds to pay for unauthorized subscription streaming services. Jackson embezzled over $1.7 million of the grant funds. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: ILLEGAL ALIEN VENEZUELAN CHILD MOLESTER CHARGED WITH IMMIGRATION FRAUD

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – On June 2, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging an illegal alien born in Venezuela, Francisco Javier Chacoa-Pineda, 50, with immigration fraud. The indictment alleges that Chacoa lied about his criminal history on his application to obtain Temporary Protected Status in the United States. According to the indictment and previously issued court documents, Chacoa allegedly knowingly made materially false statements under penalty of perjury on his application to obtain Temporary Protected Status when he submitted it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) on April 24, 2024. In response to the questions “Have you EVER been convicted of or have you EVER committed acts which constitute the essential elements of…[a] crime (other than a purely political offense)?” and “Have you EVER ordered, incited, called for, committed, assisted, helped with, or otherwise participated in any of the following:…[e]ngaging in any kind of sexual conduct or relations with any person who was being forced or threatened?” he answered “No.” On November 18, 2024, in the Superior Court of North Carolina in Wake County, a grand jury returned two separate indictments against Chacoa. The first indictment charged him with three counts of taking indecent liberties with a child on January 1, 2024. The second indictment charged him with three counts of first-degree sexual exploitation against a minor on April 21, 2024. On March 18, 2026, a North Carolina State jury convicted Chacoa of one count of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and three counts of taking indecent liberties with a child. The State Judge sentenced him to a term of imprisonment of up to 11.5 years in State prison and ordered him to register as a sex offender. Chacoa confessed to committing those crimes against a 13-year-old victim in January and April 2024. If convicted, Chacoa faces a maximum penalty of more than 10 years in prison. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. ICE ERO officers are investigating the case as part of Operation False Haven , an ongoing initiative designed to target child molesters and other egregious felons who fraudulently obtain immigration benefits. Additional information about ICE and DOJ’s partnership to aggressively combat benefit fraud is available at ICE.GOV/FalseHaven . Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Warlick is prosecuting the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:26-cr-00099-FL-RN . An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.


title: Shelton Woman Pleads Guilty to Fraud Offense Stemming from $739K Embezzlement Scheme

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PAMELA AGUILAR, 65, of Shelton, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to an offense stemming from her embezzlement of more than $739,000 from a Connecticut company. According to court documents and statements made in court, Aguilar was employed as Chief Financial Officer of a Danbury-based software company, identified in court documents as “Company A.” Between approximately 2018 and 2025, Aguilar defrauded Company A by making ACH and wire transfers from Company A’s account to personal bank accounts, writing checks and making cash withdrawals from Company A’s account, and by making PayPal and credit card payments from Company A’s account for her own benefit. Through this scheme, Aguila stole more than $739,466.44 from Company A. She attempted to cover up her criminal behavior by providing false weekly cash reports and false monthly financial statements to Company A’s Chief Executive Officer. Aguilar pleaded guilty to wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Aguilar is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for August 27. This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.


title: New York City Man Indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Gerry Lasain Hardy, age 43, of New York City, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for failing to register as a sex offender after relocating to New York City. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that from June 2024 and continuing to March 2026, despite being required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), upon relocating to New York, Hardy failed to register his address as required by SORNA. The United States Marshals Service (USMS) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Former Mercer County Pharmacist Sentenced to 120 Months’ Imprisonment After Convictions for Illegally Distributing Oxycodone from Trenton Pharmacy

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: TRENTON, N.J. – A former Mercer County pharmacist was sentenced yesterday for her role in a conspiracy to distribute and dispense outside the course of professional practice large quantities of Schedule II controlled substances, including oxycodone, from a pharmacy formerly located in Trenton, New Jersey, United States Attorney Robert Frazer announced. Florence Ndubizu, 66, of Princeton Junction, New Jersey, was convicted on January 22, 2025 following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court on two counts of an indictment charging her with conspiracy to unlawfully distribute and dispense Schedule II controlled substances, including oxycodone, between 2014 and 2017 and maintaining a premises for the illegal distribution of controlled substances. Judge Quraishi imposed the 120-month sentence on June 2, 2026 in Trenton federal court. According to documents filed in this case and the evidence presented at trial: Between 2014 and 2017, Ndubizu was the co-owner and pharmacist-in-charge of Healthcare Pharmacy in Trenton. She and her employee conspirators, acting at her direction, filled fraudulent prescriptions outside the usual course of professional practice, knowing that the drugs would not be used for a legitimate medical purpose, but instead would be illegally diverted, including to street-level drug dealers. Ndubizu, operating a single-location pharmacy, purchased and distributed millions of dosage units of oxycodone, including over 800,000 pills in 2014; over 900,000 pills in 2015; over 800,000 pills in 2016; and over 200,000 pills in 2017, the year that the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) suspended the pharmacy’s registration. Ndubizu diverted oxycodone pills and then evaded state and federal reporting requirements by manipulating the pharmacy’s records. The DEA conducted an audit of Healthcare Pharmacy’s inventory and found that between April 2015 and August 2017 alone, Ndubizu and Healthcare Pharmacy diverted more than 64,000 oxycodone containing pills. In addition to the prison term, Judge Quraishi sentenced Ndubizu to three years of supervised release following Ndubizu’s term of imprisonment and ordered a fine of $350,000. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents, diversion investigators, and task force officers of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James; special agents of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer Piovesan; officers of the Trenton Police Department, under the supervision of Director Steve Wilson, members of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey, and members of the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns, with the investigation leading to the sentencing. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton. 26-110 ### Defense counsel: Shrey Sharma, Esq., of Oberheiden P.C.


title: Buffalo man pleads guilty to machinegun charge

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jeremy Hinman, 26, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to possession and transfer of a machinegun, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. On April 27, 2023, an individual working with law enforcement met with Hinman to purchase a firearm and a “Glock switch,” also known as a machine gun conversion device. Hinman gave the individual a Glock 43x handgun and a conversion device in exchange for $1,400. Hinman explained the operation of the conversion device, specifically stating which actions would make a firearm operate in a semiautomatic versus automatic manner. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, and Tobacco and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo. Sentencing is scheduled for October 1, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara. # # # #


title: South Bend Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Prison For Controlled Substance Offense

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Michael Carpenter, 39 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Carpenter was sentenced to 151 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. “The Defendant will spend over twelve years in prison because he chose to distribute about 352 grams of methamphetamine. Thanks to the efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse, the Defendant was prosecuted and sentenced for peddling this poison,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.


title: Clairton Resident Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 216 months in prison, to be followed by 12 years of supervised release, on his convictions of production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Joseph Primiero, 28, on June 3, 2026. According to information presented to the Court, on or about January 24, 2022, Primiero produced images and a video of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and then produced an image and videos of another minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct on or about June 27, 2022. Further, on or about May 22, 2024, Primiero possessed images and videos of other prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Allegheny County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Primero. 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.justice.gov/psc .


title: Maryland Man Admits to Trafficking Firearms Into New Jersey

body_text: TRENTON, N.J. – A Maryland man admitted to the transportation of a stolen firearm in Ocean County, New Jersey, United States Attorney Robert Frazer announced today. “Trafficking illegal firearms poses a direct threat to the safety of our communities. Vargas admitted to selling firearms, including a handgun stolen out of Texas, for his own profit. This Office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who bring illegal weapons into New Jersey.” - U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer Luiz Vargas, a/k/a, “El Biggie,” 26, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner to a one-count Information charging him with transportation of a stolen firearm. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Beginning in January 2025, law enforcement investigated Vargas for trafficking firearms into New Jersey from, among other places, Texas and Maryland. Using a confidential source acting at the direction and supervision of law enforcement, officers conducted four controlled purchases of firearms, which yielded a total of eight firearms: two semiautomatic rifles and six handguns. Two of the handguns were reported stolen out of Texas and Colorado, respectively, and the two semiautomatic rifles had no serial numbers or other identifiable markings on them. On at least one occasion, Vargas provided cocaine to the confidential source after being unable to follow through with a promised sale of firearms. Vargas has never held a federal license to deal or manufacture firearms. The transportation of a stolen firearm charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for September 30, 2026. United States Attorney Frazer credited special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. U.S. Attorney Frazer also thanked the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark, under the direction of Acting Field Office Director Arthur J. Wilson Jr., the Howell Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police John Storrow, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy, the Asbury Park Police Department, under the direction of Police Director John B. Hayes, the Freehold Borough Police Department, under the Direction of Chief of Police Chris Colaner, the Lakewood Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Gregory H. Meyer, the Little Silver Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Paul Halpin, the Marlboro Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Peter Pezzullo, the Middletown Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police R. Craig Weber, the Monroe Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Griffin N. Banos, and the Wall Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Sean O’Halloran, for their assistance in the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton. ### Defense counsel: Andrea Aldana, Esq., Federal Public Defenders. vargas.information.pdf


title: Guam Prison Inmate Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking; Co-Conspirators Receive Federal Sentences

body_text: Hagåtña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that the following defendants were sentenced in the District Court of Guam: Edward Glen Demapan , age 54, from Guam, was found guilty after a jury trial on November 19, 2025. He was sentenced on June 3, 2026, in the U.S. District Court of Guam to life imprisonment for Conspiracy to Distribute 50 or More Grams of Methamphetamine and Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(a)(1). The Court also imposed five years of supervised release and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee. Allan Dale Bernal, age 53, of Dededo, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on June 4, 2026, to 108 months imprisonment for Conspiracy to Distribute Fifty or More Grams of Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(a)(1). He was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Zerxes Jabidando Viva , age 47, of Dededo, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on March 10, 2026, to 63 months imprisonment for Conspiracy to Distribute Fifty or More Grams of Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(a)(1). He was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release, 100 hours of community service, and pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Liana Joelene Cabrera , age 43, of Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on April 2, 2026, to 180 months imprisonment for Conspiracy to Distribute Fifty or More Grams of Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(a)(1), and Unlawful Use of the Mail to Distribute the Proceeds of Drug Trafficking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1952(a)(1). She was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release, 100 hours of community service, and pay a $200 mandatory special assessment fee. Federal court documents describe how Demapan—already serving a life sentence for aggravated murder in local court—built and directed a sophisticated methamphetamine trafficking network from inside the Guam Department of Corrections. Working with Texas‑based co‑conspirator Cabrera and multiple Guam‑based associates, Demapan coordinated the shipment of methamphetamine to Guam and the return of drug proceeds to Texas. As part of the investigation, federal law enforcement seized a mail parcel containing $80,160 in cash and several additional parcels containing over fourteen pounds of methamphetamine. Investigators discovered that, while incarcerated, Demapan obtained cell phones, chargers, controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia. Outside the prison, he maintained a network of individuals and addresses to receive drug parcels and carry out his instructions. Testimony revealed that Demapan enforced his authority through intimidation; co‑conspirator Viva stated he feared for his own safety and that of his family. Despite spending nearly 30 years in prison, Demapan continued to engage in criminal activity. Authorities recovered a substantial cache of contraband from his cell—evidence of long‑term illicit operations—and additional items even after he was moved to a more secure housing unit. The three intercepted drug parcels represent only a portion of the broader trafficking scheme involving Cabrera and other associates. “This case ends Demapan’s lengthy history of drug trafficking,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “Federal and territorial agencies are now working to transfer him off island to a federal facility, far away from our communities and his drug den at Guam DOC. We expect prisons to be drug free. Where reality is otherwise, we will take aggressive enforcement action.” “This hardened drug criminal was intent on continuing a life of crime, even while behind bars. Despite prior convictions, Edward Demapan instinctively relapsed,” said, Anthony Chrysanthis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division, which oversees Guam. “With the help of co-conspirators, he managed to run a sophisticated drug trafficking operation from inside prison. But today’s sentencing should serve as a reminder that you can’t outsmart the justice system. You will be held accountable for your crimes, irrespective of location or jurisdiction.” “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service protects our communities by keeping illegal drugs out of the mail and bringing traffickers to justice,” said Stephen Sherwood, Postal Inspector in Charge of the San Francisco Division. “I want to thank the members of the Guam Interdictions Anti‑Narcotics Trafficking Task Force (GIANT TF)—including the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, the Guam Police Department, and the Guam Army National Guard Counterdrug Program. I also extend my appreciation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Guam and our federal law‑enforcement partners for their invaluable teamwork in this case.” This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration Guam Resident Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Marshals Service, and assistance from the Guam Police Department Special Investigations Section. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin K. Petersburg prosecuted these cases in the District of Guam. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Abbeville Man Who Fled to Mexico Convicted on Federal Drug and Gun Charges

body_text: Today, United States Attorney Thomas Govan announced the conviction of an Abbeville, Alabama, man on federal methamphetamine and firearms charges. On June 2, 2026, a federal jury convicted 42-year-old Cassime Dion Lingo of possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and receipt of a firearm while under indictment for a 2017 felony drug offense in Houston County, Alabama. “The defendant’s decision to flee to Mexico delayed justice, but it did not prevent it,” said U.S. Attorney Govan. “I commend the United States Marshals Service and our law enforcement partners for their diligence in locating the defendant, securing his return to the United States, and ensuring that he was held accountable for his crimes.” According to court records and evidence presented at trial, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Lingo’s residence in April 2021. During the search, officers recovered more than 100 grams of methamphetamine, two firearms, and additional controlled substances, including cocaine, MDMA tablets, and marijuana. Following his arrest on state charges, Lingo was released on bond and fled to Mexico. After a federal indictment was returned, the United States Marshals Service (USMS) worked with law enforcement partners to locate Lingo in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2022. In 2025, Mexican authorities deported Lingo to the United States, where he was taken into USMS custody. Following a two-day trial in Dothan, Alabama, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all three counts charged in the indictment. Lingo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, consisting of a 10-year mandatory minimum term for the methamphetamine offense and a consecutive 5-year mandatory minimum term for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. A federal district court judge will determine Lingo’s sentence after considering the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Alabama Drug Task Force, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Eufaula Police Department, and the Abbeville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Christine Levi and John J. Geer III are prosecuting the case.


title: Man and Woman Sentenced for Child Neglect on Menominee Indian Reservation

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Brad D. Schimel, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that a man and woman were recently sentenced after convictions for child neglect on the Menominee Indian Reservation. On May 15, 2026, Louis Tucker (age 24) of Neopit, Wisconsin, was sentenced to three years in federal prison for child neglect, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1153(a) and Wisconsin Statutes §§ 948.21(2) and 948.21(3)(b)(1). Tucker entered a guilty plea on February 19, 2026. Following his term of imprisonment, Tucker will spend three years on supervised release. On May 29, 2026, Nyomi L.D. Acosta (age 21) of Neopit was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for the same offense. Acosta entered her guilty plea to child neglect on February 26, 2026. Following her term of imprisonment, Acosta will also spend three years on supervised release. According to court records, tribal social services and tribal law enforcement received a report of possible child abuse of a then 8-month-old child. The child suffered a burn, broken bones, and bruising to the head and body. Tucker and Acosta were responsible for the child’s welfare and did not seek medical attention for the child after the child was abused. Senior United States District Court Judge William C. Griesbach noted the serious nature of the offense and the harm to the child. He also remarked that, while Tucker and Acosta had distinct rehabilitative needs, the offense deserved punishment and the sentence of each of them had to promote deterrence to others. “It is heartbreaking that this very little child suffered so greatly due to neglect by people who were supposed to care for and protect them,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Schimel. “Acts that result in serious harm to a child deserve prison, and thankfully the court saw it that way.” "Louis Tucker and Nyomi L.D. Acosta abused an innocent child causing significant bodily harm. Their actions were reprehensible, and these sentencings ensure they will be held to account," said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Alan Karr. "The FBI remains committed to working with our Tribal partners to combat violent crime on Tribal lands." The Menominee Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier. For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero (414) 297-1700 Follow us on X


title: Eugene Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Enticing a Minor Online

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: EUGENE, Ore.—A Eugene, Oregon, man was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison Wednesday for enticing a minor and the father of another minor to send sexually explicit images, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon. Gino J. Hinojos-Castle, 34, was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison and 5 years supervised release. He was ordered to pay restitution to the victims depicted in child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that agents learned he had exchanged with others online. “The exploitation of children is among the most reprehensible crimes we prosecute,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Today’s 12-year sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct and the lasting harm these offenses inflict on victims. Our office, together with our law enforcement partners, remains committed to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting those who exploit children, and to ensuring that offenders are held fully accountable under federal law.” According to court documents, on August 12, 2024, and October 14, 2024, Hinojos-Castle used the social media platform Kik to chat with a minor and a father of another minor where he requested sexually explicit images of the minors. From June 2024 through July 2025, Hinojos-Castle sent CSAM to users on Kik and also sent several messages describing past instances in which he said he had sexually abused minors in a Eugene park. On July 24, 2025, pursuant to a search warrant, agents seized Hinojos-Castle’s cellphone upon his arrival at the Eugene airport from an out of state trip. Agents found CSAM-related chat applications and CSAM, which he had traveled with from the state of Wyoming. On September 18, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a six-count indictment charging Castle with attempted enticement of a minor, attempting to use a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct and transportation, distribution, and receipt of child pornography. On January 28, 2026, Hinojos-Castle pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor. The FBI investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren. Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org . This case was brought in collaboration with 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty for Role in Shipping Half-a-Million Fentanyl Pills Across the United States Following Homeland Security Task Force Investigation

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Reginald Jones, 36, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to 15 counts of drug trafficking offenses and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, Jones and his fellow conspirators shipped hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills around the country for more than a year. On several occasions, law enforcement seized packages shipped by Jones and his co-conspirators, and found fentanyl pills, often hidden inside children’s toys. In total, law enforcement seized approximately 450,000 fentanyl pills connected to the conspiracy through seized shipments and search warrants. Based on additional evidence, law enforcement estimates that members of the conspiracy have shipped more than one million fentanyl pills to customers in several different states. During searches connected to the conspiracy, agents found hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills, more than $80,000 in cash, and 17 firearms. Some of the pills and a firearm were hidden inside a secret compartment in Miller’s vehicle. Jones is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on Oct. 8, 2026. Jones faces a mandatory sentence of at least 10 years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Sacramento is composed of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with assistance from the Sacramento Police Department, the Folsom Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Citrus Heights Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Pearson is prosecuting the case.


title: Agency Village Man Sentenced to 21 Years in Federal Prison for  Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a man from Agency Village, South Dakota, convicted of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death. The sentencing took place June 1, 2026. Canaan Renville, 27, was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Renville was indicted for of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death by a federal grand jury in May 2025. He pleaded guilty on November 17, 2025. On October 9, 2024, law enforcement responded to a residence in Sisseton, where they found a deceased male victim in the living room of his apartment. Near the victim’s body was a small piece of aluminum foil with trace amounts of fentanyl powder. An autopsy confirmed the victim’s cause of death as fentanyl toxicity. A search of the victim’s cell phone revealed a series of messages between him and Renville indicating that the victim had been purchasing fentanyl from Renville. The messages showed that the victim had purchased fentanyl from Renville only hours before his death. Investigators executed a search warrant on Renville’s residence and found both fentanyl pills and fentanyl powder. Renville admitted selling the fentanyl powder to the victim that resulted in the overdose and death. “At the Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, we depend on strong partnerships to confront the fentanyl crisis,” said Deputy Associate Director Tom Atkinson. “The significant sentence in this case reflects the deadly harm caused by fentanyl and highlights our outstanding partnerships with the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe.” This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the FBI, the Sisseton Police Department, and the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribal Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case. Renville was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: New Hampshire Man Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Robbing Five Massachusetts Banks

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A New Hampshire man was sentenced in federal court in Boston for committing a string of five bank robberies across Northern Massachusetts. Reinaldo Ortiz, 47, of Manchester, N.H., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to 57 months in prison, to be followed three years of supervised release, with six months in home confinement. In November 2025, Ortiz pleaded guilty to five counts of bank robbery. Ortiz was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in January 2023 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2023 . Between March 9 and March 24, 2022, Ortiz drove from New Hampshire to Massachusetts and robbed a string of banks in Fitchburg, Lowell, Chelmsford, Wilmington and Lexington, obtaining approximately $21,709. Ortiz entered each of the banks disguised in a mask and demanded cash from the teller’s drawer. When the tellers complied, Ortiz made off with several thousand dollars in cash and fled the scene of the robbery. A subsequent investigation found Ortiz’s fingerprints on a glove discarded outside one of the robbed banks and that his cellphone movement was consistent with the robbery route. 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 Manchester (N.H.) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin A. Tolkoff and Jessica L. Soto of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.