title: Inmates Charged in Brutal Assault on Correction Officer at Doña Ana County Detention Center

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Three inmates accused of violently attacking a correction officer assisting the U.S. Marshals Service at the Doña Ana County Detention Center have been charged federally after the officer was beaten unconscious and tased during a 22 second assault. According to court documents, on May 11, 2026, John Doe was assisting the U.S. Marshal Service as a correction officer at the Doña Ana County Detention Center when he walked up the stairs to the top level to monitor six inmates who were supposed to be locked in their cells, including a federal inmate whom John Doe was required to observe and monitor on behalf of the U.S. Marshal Service. At the top of the stairs, however, John Doe was met by inmates Juan Gabriel Torres , Sergio Seanez , and Titus Josiah McGaw Bulger , who were not allowed to be in that location, or anywhere else on the second floor. When John Doe reached the top of the stairs, Torres lunged at him and tried to punch him, but Doe was able to duck and evade the strike. Seanez and Bulger then attacked John Doe, punching and bringing him to the ground. Seanez held John Doe down while Torres and Bulger punched, kicked and stomped on John Doe’s body, head and neck, causing John Doe to lose consciousness. The three inmates then continued to strike John Doe, even though he was unconscious and no longer responding. Finally, Torres unholstered John Doe’s taser and tased his unconscious body. The attack lasted approximately 22 seconds, during which time the defendants punched him approximately 3o times and kicked him approximately 15 times before additional guards entered the housing pod in response to the assault. John Doe was immediately provided with medical care and transported to the hospital. He survived the attack and eventually regained consciousness. Torres , Seanez and Bulger are charged with assault involving a dangerous weapon and the infliction of bodily injury on a person assisting officers of the United States and will remain in federal custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, all three men face up to 20 years in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Doña Ana County Detention Center, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Las Cruces Police Department Task Force Officers. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Grant Gardner and Mark Saltman are prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former Greenwood Policeman Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: GREENVILLE, MS - Jamario Sanford, 38, of Greenville, MS, was sentenced today to seven and a half years in federal prison after pleading guilty on a previous date to conspiracy to aid and abet, and to attempt to aid and abet, the possession, transportation and distribution of illegal narcotics. According to court documents, the defendant was arrested on October 30, 2025. At the time of the offense, Sanford received multiple bribes while being employed as a law enforcement officer with the Greenwood Police Department. United States Attorney Scott Leary stated, “This conviction resulted from the hard work and dedication of agents with the FBI who invested time and resources to bring this case home. Our citizens expect dedication and professionalism from law enforcement, and in this case, they got it. A special thanks also to the prosecutors in this case, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Mims and Sam Stringfellow, they are excellent prosecutors who are driven to protect their fellow Mississippians.” Chief Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Sanford to 90 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Sanford was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following sentencing. FBI Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-Jackson Field Office Robert Eikhoff said, “We hold positions of trust and serve as stewards of authority within our community. Sanford betrayed his oath to protect and serve when he chose instead to shield criminals from accountability. We will continue working alongside our community partners to rebuild and strengthen public trust in law enforcement. The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to aggressively investigate and bring to justice those who abuse their authority." Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Mims and Sam Stringfellow prosecuted the case.


title: Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on May 26, 2026. John Brave Bird, age 52, was sentenced to 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. Brave Bird was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2026. He pleaded guilty on February 25, 2026. Brave Bird was convicted of Sexual Abuse in United States District Court, District of South Dakota in June 2007. As a result of his conviction, he is required to register as a sex offender and update his registration within three business days of relocation or change in employment or student status. In October 2025, Brave Bird updated his sex offender registration to reflect that he was residing at a residence in Sioux Falls. Brave Bird left that residence in early October and did not update his registration. An arrest warrant was issued, and on November 25, 2025, Brave Bird was arrested in Sioux Falls. This case was brought as a 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 the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Unit prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Zachrison prosecuted the case. Brave Bird was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Palmetto Man Indicted for Making False Statements in Connection with a Firearm Purchase

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – Desmin Terrell Belvin, Jr. (21, Palmetto) has been charged by indictment with making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to the indictment, on March 21, 2026, Belvin falsely represented to a federally licensed firearms dealer on an ATF Form 4473 that he was the actual transferee or buyer of a Glock handgun, when in fact he knew he was buying the handgun on behalf of someone else. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.


title: Bogalusa Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy and Federal Gun Violations

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that on May 13, 2026, BENJAMIN HOLMES , (“HOLMES”) a Bogalusa resident, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sarah Vance to 240 months imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release. This sentence came after HOLMES was found guilty by a jury last year, of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 846, one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl and an amount of marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(D), one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), being a convicted felon in possession of firearms, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 856(a). According to the evidence at trial, HOLMES utilized his Bogalusa residence to store illegal narcotics, including fentanyl and marijuana, and firearms, in addition to working with others at this location to sell fentanyl and marijuana. During a September 2023 search of this residence, law enforcement officials seized four firearms and over 300 grams of fentanyl. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Louisiana State Police, and the Bogalusa Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Stuart Theriot and Lynn E. Schiffman, both of the Narcotics Unit, were in charge of the prosecution. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Jamaican National Extradited to the United States Pleads Guilty in Lottery and Romance Scheme Targeting Elderly Arizona Resident

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Tucson, Ariz. – On May 20, 2026, Sherwayne Benjamin Bellinfantie, aka “Ice Man”, 40, a Jamaican national, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud. Bellinfantie was indicted in March 2022 and subsequently extradited to the United States on June 12, 2025, for prosecution in the District of Arizona. In his plea agreement, Bellinfantie admitted that from December 2015 to January 2019, he and his coconspirators engaged in a romance and sweepstakes scheme targeting an 85-year-old Arizona resident. Bellinfantie and a co-conspirator lured the victim into the scheme by pretending to be romantically involved with her. In furtherance of the scheme, the co-conspirator would send flowers with love messages to the victim’s residence. They also led the victim to believe that she had won the lottery and a new vehicle and convinced her that in order to claim the prize she would need to pay fees and taxes. The victim was told to mail funds to locations across the United States and to transfer money to various money runners. Bellinfante admitted that he received portions of the scheme proceeds. As a result of the scheme, the victim lost approximately $469,302 that Bellinfantie agreed to pay in restitution. Bellinfantie’s sentencing hearing is scheduled August 18, 2026. The FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson Office conducted the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance with securing the arrest and extradition of Bellinfantie to the United States. CASE NUMBER: 4:22-CR-0523 RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-084_Bellinfantie # # # 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: Panama City Man Indicted for Attempted Enticement of a Minor

body_text: Tallahassee, Florida – Austen Scott Tucker, 29, of Panama City, Florida, has been federally charged with attempted enticement of a minor. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge. Tucker appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Charles A. Stampelos in Tallahassee, Florida. His jury trial is scheduled for July 20, 2026, before District Court Judge Mark E. Walker. If convicted, Tucker faces a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment. The case was jointly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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: Two Non-Profits Agree to Pay Over $450,000   to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Involving   Paycheck Protection Program Loans

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced today that it has reached civil settlement agreements with two non-profit organizations to resolve allegations that the organizations violated the False Claims Act when they applied for and received loans under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, Inc. (the JWV) is a Section 501(c)(4) non-profit organization that supports Jewish uniformed service members and veterans in the United States. In 2020, JWV applied for and received a first draw PPP loan in the amount of $125,654 and later sought and received forgiveness for that loan. Section 501(c)(4) organizations, however, were never eligible for PPP loans. JWV has agreed to pay $210,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by obtaining a PPP loan for which it was not eligible. Center for International Policy (the Center) is a Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization described as a center for research and advocacy on U.S. foreign policy. In early 2021, the Center applied for a second draw PPP loan in the amount of $192,447 and subsequently applied for and received complete forgiveness of that loan. Congress, however, had prohibited second draw PPP loans to entities primarily engaged in political or lobbying activities, including those entities organized for research or for engaging in public policy advocacy or political strategy or publicly referring to themselves as think tanks. After an analysis of the Center’s ability to pay pursuant to a settlement, the Center agreed to pay $243,571.25, plus interest, to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by obtaining a PPP loan for which it was not eligible. The civil settlements resulted from investigations by Assistant United States Attorney Sean M. Tepe and Auditor Timothy C. Hurley. The United States Attorney further wishes to commend attorneys Caitlin J. Kelly and Kandace Zelaya of the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of the General Counsel for their assistance in the investigations. Tips and complaints regarding potential fraud affecting COVID-19 government relief programs can be reported by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or by submitting a NCDF Web Complaint form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . 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. The claims resolved by the civil settlements are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Chicago Man Found Guilty by Jury For Wire Fraud

body_text: HAMMOND – Morrell Steven Neely, 65 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, was found guilty of wire fraud after a two-day jury trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Sentencing is scheduled for October 6, 2026. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Francis Sohn and Philip Benson.


title: Kevin R. Holmes Takes Office as United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas

component: USAO - Arkansas, Western

body_text: FORT SMITH – Kevin R. Holmes has taken the oath of office to become the United States Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas. Mr. Holmes was nominated by President Donald Trump on January 5, 2026, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 18, 2026. He took the oath of office on May 22, 2026, at 1 p.m. from United States District Court Judge David Clay Fowlkes, and began work immediately after the ceremony. “It is an honor to hold this position, and I appreciate President Trump for the trust he has in me to fill this important role,” said U.S. Attorney Holmes. “I also want to thank Senator Boozman and Senator Cotton for their support. I look forward to leading our incredible staff during this pivotal time in our Nation’s history. We stand ready to hold those committing crimes in the Western District of Arkansas accountable and restoring law and order to our communities.” As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Holmes is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Western District of Arkansas, which includes six divisions and 34 counties within Arkansas, with its primary office in Fort Smith. He oversees a staff of 41 employees, including 21 attorneys and 20 non-attorney support personnel. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States. Born in Van Buren, Mr. Holmes is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the University of Arkansas School of Law. Mr. Holmes succeeds Kimberly D. Harris, who had served as the U.S. Attorney since February 6,2026.


component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: Jefferson County Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography ALBANY, NEW YORK – James Yerdon, age 55, of Adams Center, New York, pled guilty in federal court May 7 th , to charges of receiving and possessing child pornography. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement. As part of his guilty plea, admitted that on May 13, 2025, he possessed multiple images and videos of child pornography that he had downloaded from the internet including material depicting the sexual abuse of children as young as five months old. The defendant also possessed nude images of a 7-year-old child Yerdon had created during a trip Yerdon took with the child to the Albany, New York area. At sentencing, which is currently scheduled for September 8, 2026, in Syracuse, New York, Yerdon faces 15 to 40 years in federal prison for the receipt charge and 10 to 20 years for the possession charge. Both charges carry a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release between 5 years and life. Yerdon will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. “This defendant will now face 15-40 years behind the walls of federal prison for his unconscionable actions” said First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “When caught before, New York State allowed Mr. Yerdon to face probation, furthermore, release him from supervision after serving only one-third of his sentence. This soft on crime approach allowed this defendant to continue preying on young children and reoffend. Thanks to the efforts of the New York State Police and Homeland Security Investigations for catching this predator yet again, my office was able to aggressively prosecute Mr. Yerdon and ensure will now truly face justice for his crimes.” Yerdon was previously convicted on October 22 nd , 2004, in Jefferson County Court for Promoting an Obscene Sexual Performance by A Child less than 17 Years of Age. Mr. Yerdon was sentenced to 10 years’ State Probation and received an early discharge February 15 th , 2007. HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan: “James Yerdon’s reprehensible conduct—including his deliberate exploitation of a child in his care and his collection of images depicting the abuse of extremely young children—lays bare the profound threat posed by predators who target those least able to protect themselves. HSI Albany, in close coordination with our law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding vulnerable communities and upholding the safety and trust of the public we serve.” New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Although these types of investigations are difficult, we will continue to seek justice for those who have been victimized. No child should be placed in harm’s way of sexual exploitation and endure the physical, emotional, and psychological suffering it inflicts. I thank our State Police members, the United States Attorney’s Office, and the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations for their firm, proactive work on this case.” The case was investigated by HSI and NYSP with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adrian LaRochelle as part of Project Safe Childhood. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 .


title: A Romanian National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding Elderly Victims

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A Romanian national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for defrauding elderly victims by stealing their bank cards and taking money from their bank accounts. Rexona Caldararu, 34, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release. According to court documents, beginning in the summer of 2023 and continuing through the summer of 2025, Caldararu and her co-conspirators would memorize the debit card pin numbers of elderly victims as they checked out at the grocery store. Caldararu or one of her co-conspirators then followed each victim back to the parking lot, told the victim they dropped cash and insisted on helping place the cash back in their wallet while at the same time removing their debit card. Caldararu and her co-conspirators would then proceed to the victim’s bank and remove as much money as possible and sometimes also use the debit card to make purchases. Caldararu defrauded 12 victims from the District of Oregon and elsewhere and stole more than $73,500. Caldararu had been previously arrested for similar conduct throughout the country, in the United Kingdom, and in France. On Oct. 7, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 12-count superseding indictment charging Caldararu and her co-conspirators. On Jan. 22, 2026, Caldararu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine A. Rykken prosecuted the case.


title: Troy Rivetti Sworn in as United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania Following Appointment by U.S. District Court

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Acting pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546(d), the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania has appointed Troy Rivetti to serve as the United States Attorney for the District. After being appointed to the role by the Court’s Board of Judges last week, Rivetti was sworn in yesterday afternoon by Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. The appointment is effective May 28, 2026, and follows a 120-day appointment in January 2026 by the United States Attorney General. “It is a tremendous honor to be appointed United States Attorney by the judges of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania; I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve this office and the citizens and law enforcement partners of our district,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “The Court’s decision is encouraging, as it assures consistency in the leadership of our office and recognizes the ongoing hard work and outstanding commitment to public service and public safety by our attorneys and staff, both individually and collectively.” Rivetti has led the office since the resignation of United States Attorney Eric Olshan in January 2025, with Rivetti serving as Acting United States Attorney until November 2025 and then as First Assistant United States Attorney—the role Rivetti held prior to being named as Acting United States Attorney—until his appointment as United States Attorney by then-Attorney General Pamela Bondi in late January 2026. Rivetti’s career in the Department of Justice has spanned nearly 30 years and has included a series of leadership positions in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In addition to previously holding the positions of Acting United States Attorney (February 2023 to June 2023) and First Assistant United States Attorney (November 2021 to January 2025), Rivetti served as Chief of the office’s Criminal Division from 2019 to 2021. He joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 1997. Throughout his career as a federal prosecutor, Rivetti’s primary area of concentration has involved the investigation and prosecution of violent crime, including large-scale drug trafficking organizations and firearms offenses. Of particular note, Rivetti co-led the multi-year investigation and prosecution of United States v. Robert Bowers, the perpetrator of the worst antisemitic mass shooting in U.S. history. He served as first chair for the trial team throughout the three-month capital jury selection, trial, and sentencing. Rivetti obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dickinson College and his Juris Doctor from Georgetown University. Following graduation from law school, Rivetti was employed for five years as a litigation associate at a large Pittsburgh law firm. He then served as a law clerk for two years for the Honorable D. Brooks Smith.


title: Denver Man Sentenced to 45 Years in Federal Prison  for Drug and Gun Charges

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Denver, Colorado, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. The sentencing took place on May 22, 2026. Juan Sertuche, 43, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison on the charge of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl charges and five years in federal prison on the firearm charge. The sentences were ordered to be served consecutively. Sertuche was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release following service of his term of imprisonment, and to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Sertuche was indicted for all three charges by a federal grand jury in June 2025 and was subsequently convicted by a federal trial jury of all charges following a three-day jury trial in January of this year. Between 2002 and September 2023, Sertuche led a drug distribution conspiracy and provided approximately 500 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 33,000 fentanyl pills to multiple sub-distributors to be further distributed in the Rapid City and Pine Ridge areas of South Dakota. On one occasion, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of couriers who Sertuche had directed to travel from Denver to the Rapid City area. During the traffic stop, law enforcement discovered 19 pounds of methamphetamine intended to be further distributed in the Rapid City area. In September 2023, Sertuche was arrested following a traffic stop in Jackson County where he was found to be in possession of approximately 1,500 fentanyl pills that he intended to further distribute. Following his arrest, Sertuche continued to direct others he was conspiring with to continue the drug distribution efforts, including by collecting money and making trips to Denver to pick up methamphetamine and fentanyl. Sertuche also directed another person on several occasions to collect numerous firearms that were part of his drug dealing to Denver to be traded for methamphetamine. Law enforcement was able to recover those firearms, including two fully automatic machine guns, before they could be taken and used as currency for drugs. This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Wyoming State Highway Patrol, and the North Metro Denver Drug Task Force. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen prosecuted the case. Sertuche was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Hartford Drug Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that TYSHAWN COLEMAN, also known as “Ty” and “Mazi,” 36, formerly of New Britain and Hartford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 81 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for trafficking narcotics and for violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior federal conviction. According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force revealed that Tyshawn Coleman and his brother, Troy Coleman, were selling fentanyl and crack cocaine in Hartford. In November and December 2020, investigators made five controlled purchases of fentanyl, totaling 900 dose bags of the drug, from Troy Coleman. On April 13, 2021, Troy Coleman was shot multiple times outside of a restaurant located at 2393 Main Street in Hartford. Troy Coleman, who possessed fentanyl and crack cocaine at the time of the shooting, was released from the hospital approximately one week later. As the investigation continued, an undercover law enforcement officer purchased fentanyl from Tyshawn Colman in late April and early May 2021. On May 5, 2021, investigators conducted a court authorized search of Tyshawn Coleman’s apartment on Sisson Avenue in Hartford. The search revealed distribution quantities of fentanyl and crack cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics for street sale, a .40 caliber “ghost gun” with a loaded high-capacity magazine, a loaded 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number, and additional loaded gun magazine, ammunition, and $4860 in cash. Troy Coleman was located and arrested on unrelated charges later that day. Tyshawn Coleman remained a fugitive until his arrest on July 16, 2025. Tyshawn Coleman has been detained since his arrest. On January 21, 2026, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl. Tyshawn Coleman’s criminal history includes two convictions for conspiracy to commit murder, three convictions for accessory to first-degree assault, a conviction for first degree assault, a conviction for sale of a controlled substance, and a federal firearm conviction in 2020 for which his was sentenced to 46 months of imprisonment. Tyshawn Coleman was on federal supervised release at the time of this offense. Judge Shea sentenced him to 57 months of imprisonment for the fentanyl distribution charge, and a consecutive 24 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release. Troy Coleman, also known as “Hoy” and “TJ,” pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 67 months of imprisonment. This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe.


title: Defendant Sentenced for Role in Alien Smuggling and Kidnapping Scheme

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A Texas man, who conspired with others to kidnap, transport, and hold multiple victims at gunpoint for ransom that culminated in a deadly 2023 shootout in a quiet, Charlottesville neighborhood, was sentenced yesterday in federal court as part of Operation Take Back America. Jordan Perez, 21, of Lockhart, Texas, was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in federal prison. Perez pled guilty in June 2025 to one count of conspiracy to kidnap and one count of transporting an alien resulting in death. Perez’s co-conspirator, Ricardo Ordaz, 26, of Cedar Creek Texas, was sentenced to more than 18 years in prison in January 2026 for his role in the conspiracy. “Human trafficking is an affront to human decency and dignity. This sentence should send a clear and unmistakable message that the scourge of human trafficking will be aggressively prosecuted in the Western District of Virginia,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci. “As a result of outstanding cooperation among the Charlottesville Police Department, Albemarle County Police Department, DHS Homeland Security Investigations, and the commitment of Assistant United States Attorney Sullivan, justice was served in this case.” “This case highlights the relentless efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners to disrupt dangerous criminal networks that threaten public safety,” said Eric Weindorf, Special Agent in Charge of HSI’s Washington DC Field Office. “We will continue to pursue those who engage in kidnapping, human smuggling, and violence, ensuring they face justice for their actions.” According to court documents, in early January 2023, Ordaz, Perez, and other co-conspirators who had ties to transnational criminal organizations, kidnapped multiple victims and held them for ransom, knowing these individuals had entered the United States illegally. As part of the scheme, Ordaz arranged to transport victims from an area near the United States-Mexico border and bring them to a stash house near Austin, Texas. Once there, Ordaz, and others, held the victims against their will and under armed guard, then called and messaged the victims’ families and friends demanding cash ransom in exchange for their release. Ordaz exchanged one of the victims in Texas for $5,000 cash, and on January 8, 2023, at Ordaz’s direction, Perez and a co-conspirator transported another victim to Charlottesville, Virginia, where they arranged to exchange that victim for $10,000 in cash. During the exchange, when it was revealed that the full $10,000 ransom was not available, an argument and shootout ensued, during which Perez, and another co-conspirator, brandished firearms, and instigated a shooting that resulted in the death of one of the kidnappers and the serious wounding of Perez. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Homeland Security Investigations in Harrisonburg investigated the case with assistance from the Charlottesville Police Department, Albemarle County Police Department, and HSI Austin, Texas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally J. Sullivan prosecuted the case for the United States.


title: Zuni Man Charged with Sexual Abuse of a Minor

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man has been charged in federal court for allegedly sexually abusing a minor. According to court documents, between March 2013 and March 2015, Anthony Kaamasee , 40, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, engaged in sexual acts with a minor who had not then attained the age of 12 years. Kaamasee is charged with aggravated sexual abuse and will remain in custody pending trial which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Kaamasee faces not less than 30 years in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Pueblo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Rankin County Woman Sentenced to 37 months for Misappropriating  Disabled Veteran Benefit Funds

component: Department of Justice

body_text: Jackson, MS – A Rankin County woman was sentenced to 37 months in prison on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, for misusing Veterans Benefit Administration money entrusted to her to benefit a disabled Army Veteran. The total loss of taxpayer funds was $276,450.31. As part of the sentence, the loss amount was ordered payable as restitution to the veteran victim. According to court documents and statements made in court, Darla Storey, 57, began serving as a fiduciary on March 18, 2016, and was responsible for managing the financial affairs of her adult son who was permanently disabled and wheelchair-bound due to service-connected disabilities. As part of her fiduciary duties, Darla Storey had agreed and was required to use funds entrusted to her solely for the veteran’s benefit, to file regular accountings, and to never commingle the funds. During her five years as a fiduciary, Darla Storey misappropriated VA funds by using them for her own benefit through transferring the money to her personal bank account, purchasing a vehicle the beneficiary never used, paying bills, and taking trips even when the beneficiary was not living with her. She routinely failed to file proper accountings and used funds entrusted to her for the disabled veteran for her own benefit. United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement. The Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham prosecuted the case.


title: Indictments, Convictions through Guilty Pleas, and Sentencings in Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) Prosecutions

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

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney, in conjunction with our partner agencies in the Homeland Security Task Force (“HSTF”) announce the following investigative and prosecutorial results for the week of May 18 through May 22, 2026. The HSTF is a permanent, interagency law enforcement task force created by executive order to combat transnational criminal organizations—including cartels, trafficking networks, and foreign terrorist organizations. Indictments: On May 20, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Wadimir Ibáñez-Quiñones and Christian Rivera-Cardona with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. According to court documents, in May 2026, the defendants knowingly and intentionally conspired with each other and others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Lani E. Lear is in charge of the prosecution of the case. Convictions through Guilty Pleas: On May 19, 2026, Xavier Omar Maldonado-Negroni pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances in case 24-170 (RAM). According to the indictment, the defendant was charged with participating in a violent drug trafficking organization that operated principally in the Jardines de Sellés Public Housing Project in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Defendant’s initial appearance in court was on May 22, 2024. The court set defendant’s sentencing date for August 19, 2026. AUSAs Joseph Russell and Andrés Orr are in charge of the prosecution of the case. Sentencings: On May 20, 2026, defendant Roberto Zorrilla-Caminero was sentenced by United States District Court Judge María Antongiorgi-Jordán to a term of imprisonment of 18 months and 1 year of supervised release for an illegal re-entry offense after being previously removed from the United States subsequent to a felony conviction. According to court documents, defendant was charged by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico on October 30, 2025, in Criminal Case No. 25-452 (MAJ) and pleaded guilty on February 25, 2026. AUSA Manuel Muñiz-Lorenzi is in charge of the prosecution of the case. On May 20, 2026, Rey Ivan Freytes was sentenced by Chief Judge Raúl Arias-Mauxuach to 119 months and 18 days of imprisonment to be followed by 10 years of supervised release for his participation in a violent drug trafficking organization that operated principally in the Jardines de Sellés Public Housing Project in San Juan, Puerto Rico. According to court documents, defendant was charged by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico on May 8, 2024, in Criminal Case 24-170 (RAM), and pleaded guilty on February 4, 2026. AUSAs Joseph Russell and Andrés Orr are in charge of the prosecution of the case. On May 21, 2026, defendant Gelson Adrián De La Cruz-Nolberto was sentenced by Judge Aida M. Delgado-Colón to a term of imprisonment of 8 months and 1 year of supervised release for an illegal re-entry offense after being previously removed from the United States subsequent to a felony conviction. According to court documents, defendant was charged by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico on November 18, 2025, in Criminal Case No. 25-482 (ADC) and pleaded guilty on March 12, 2026. AUSA Manuel Muñiz-Lorenzi is in charge of the prosecution of the case. These prosecutions are 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 San Juan comprises agents and officers from the following federal partners: FBI, ICE-HSI, CBP (OFO, AMO and Border Patrol), the U.S. Marshals Service for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, DEA, ATF, IRS, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of State, and the U.S. Secret Service, the Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands HIDTA, TSA, FAA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The HSTF also has the following state and local law enforcement partners as participating agencies: the Puerto Rico Police Department; the San Juan, Carolina, Guaynabo, Barceloneta, and Ponce Municipal Police Departments, the Puerto Rico National Guard – Counter Drug Program; the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Service (Hacienda); the Puerto Rico Port Authority; and the Virgin Islands Police Department. ###


title: Former Dallas Housing Authority Employee Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Stealing Government Funds

component: USAO - Texas, Northern

body_text: A former Dallas Housing Authority (DHA) maintenance supervisor who stole from DHA was sentenced to 2 years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould. Joel Ipina, 50, pled guilty in November 2025 to theft concerning programs receiving government funds. He was sentenced on May 21, 2026, by United States District Judge Jane J. Boyle, who also ordered him to pay $473,641 in restitution. “This defendant abused a position of trust to steal public funds intended to serve the Dallas community. This sentence reflects our commitment to protecting taxpayer-funded programs and holding accountable those who exploit them,” said U.S. Attorney Raybould. According to court documents, Ipina was employed by DHA from 1995 to 2024. DHA receives federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As a maintenance supervisor, Ipina was responsible for approving maintenance work orders and selecting contractors to perform work on properties under his supervision. From approximately August 2019 through February 2024, Ipina carried out a scheme to enrich himself by steering maintenance contracts to a company he owned and controlled without DHA’s knowledge. As part of the scheme, he submitted fabricated competing bids to ensure contracts were awarded to his company and caused DHA to pay for work that was never performed. “Joel Ipina’s selfish actions diverted almost $500,000 in federal funds intended to provide housing services to vulnerable community members and also took away the opportunity for other actual hard-working companies to compete for contracts and provide services to the Housing Authority of the City of Dallas,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Aaron McCullough with the HUD, Office of Inspector General (OIG). “HUD OIG will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to diligently pursue and hold accountable individuals who take advantage of their positions of trust and misuse public funds.” The HUD Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elise Aldendifer prosecuted the case.


title: United States Attorney Andrew S. Boutros Announces Sweeping Reforms to Internal Grand Jury Practices and Disclosures; Remediation Plan Includes Most Substantial and Significant Changes in Decades

component: USAO - Illinois, Northern

body_text: CHICAGO — Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today announced a series of sweeping internal reforms to the Office’s grand jury practices and disclosures that took effect yesterday. The remediation plan, which represents the most substantial and significant internal changes to the Office’s grand jury procedures in decades, will streamline the Office’s grand jury processes and disclosures. The new process moving forward will be more transparent, effective, and impactful while greatly reducing the likelihood of mistakes and errors. The important reforms, which took effect yesterday for all grand jury presentations in the Northern District of Illinois, establish clear and unequivocal expectations and rules for federal prosecutors related to grand jury disclosures and the timing of those disclosures. Among the many changes in the remediation plan are increased and expanded education about grand jury presentations, including extensive, deep-dive training from national experts outside the Office. U.S. Attorney Boutros and the Department of Justice have also taken swift action related to internal personnel matters. “One of the benefits of being the first Chicago U.S. Attorney to have previously been Chair of White Collar in private practice is that I have represented and advised as my own personal clients some of the largest public and other companies and their audit committees, boards, C-suite executives, and others in highly sensitive and bet-the-company government and internal investigations,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “Everybody who has handled high-stakes corporate cases knows that in addition to the importance of thorough, honest, and objective investigations, there must also be remediation, reforms, and process improvements to allow organizations to accept responsibility and make sure that the same mistakes don’t happen again. What I have formulated and thereafter implemented on Tuesday of this week are among the most sweeping reforms to address root-cause issues in the Northern District of Illinois’s federal prosecutorial practices and procedures, especially as they relate to the grand jury and grand jury disclosures. They also make the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office among, if not the leading district in the country on grand jury disclosures. These remediations should also be deeply curative and put to rest once and for all the divergent practices that have existed across the Office for decades, including from one Assistant U.S. Attorney to another as well as from one generation to the next. That’s because these are clear, bright line rules that everyone must abide by, which should streamline and simplify the decision-making and disclosure process, as opposed to bedevil it. It also should all but eliminate points of contention between federal prosecutor and defense counsel as it relates to these grand jury issues.” After learning of certain conduct by the government in the grand jury during a recent case, the U.S. Attorney’s Office immediately moved to dismiss the indictment in that case and proactively initiated an immediate review of other grand jury presentations that could have been impacted in a similar fashion. The inquiry has included both a root cause analysis into the Office’s practices and procedures generally, as well as an exam of any cases by the AUSAs who went into the grand jury in that case that could have been impacted by similar conduct. The Office’s review is far along but remains ongoing. In addition, the Office has proactively reached out to the defendants’ attorneys in other cases handled by those AUSAs and has agreed to give them the “minutes” from the grand jury sessions in those cases. “Minutes” from a grand jury session include the highly secretive portion where AUSAs, as legal advisor to the grand jury, speak to grand jurors about the law—and sometimes the application of the law to the facts—without a witness present. The reforms announced today, many of which are being implemented for the first time anywhere in the country, will transform and modernize the Office’s procedures, while continuing to adhere to the longstanding tradition that a prosecutor serves as “one of the most beneficent forces in our society,” as then-Attorney General (and later Supreme Court Justice) Robert H. Jackson shared in his seminal 1940 address, “The Federal Prosecutor.” Attorney General Jackson remarked that the prosecutor’s “powers have been granted to our law-enforcement agencies because it seems necessary that such a power to prosecute be lodged somewhere. This authority has been granted by people who really wanted the right thing done—wanted crime eliminated—but also wanted the best in our American traditions preserved.” In announcing his reforms to the Office, U.S. Attorney Boutros thanked the Office’s Assistant U.S. Attorneys for all that they do for the people of the Northern District of Illinois: “Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for being on the front lines keeping our communities safe, making sure our victims are heard, protecting the public fisc, and working to hold accountable those defendants who commit serious crimes, all while doing so in the very best traditions of the Office and the Department. After all, the motto of the Department is ‘Qui Pro Domina Justitia Sequitur,’ meaning, ‘Who prosecutes on behalf of Justice.’” ~~~~ This statement is not intended to, does not, and may not be relied upon to create any rights, substantive or procedural, that are enforceable at law by any party, in any criminal, civil, or administrative matter. This statement does not purport to offer legal advice nor is it intended to substitute for the advice of legal counsel. It does not in any way limit the enforcement intentions or litigating positions of the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, or any other U.S. Attorney’s Office or component of the Department, or any other U.S. government agency or department.


title: Peoria County Deputy Receives Hometown Hero Award

component: USAO - Illinois, Central

body_text: PEORIA, Ill. – As part of the United States Freedom 250 celebration, U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country have been honoring community members during the month of May. The honorees have shown exemplary service going above and beyond in their capacity as law enforcement, public safety, or victim support. The Central District of Illinois has recognized Peoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Jack Evans who, on January 31, 2026, conducted a lawful traffic stop and subsequent foot pursuit of a fleeing suspect on West Garden Street in Peoria. During the pursuit, the suspect abruptly turned and fired multiple rounds at Deputy Evans at close range, striking him in the leg and torso. Despite being ambushed, wounded, and knocked to the ground, Deputy Evans remained composed and mission-focused, providing information to other law enforcement officers that helped lead to the suspect’s arrest. Deputy Evans’s commitment to protecting the community even while gravely injured reflects the highest traditions of law enforcement service. In honor of his steady professionalism while wounded, Deputy Evans accepted the Hometown Hero Award from Acting U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Gilmore on May 18, 2026. “Deputy Evans’s brave actions and commitment to public safety during a moment of personal peril made him a natural choice for the Hometown Hero Award,” said Acting United States Attorney Gilmore. “We are immensely grateful for his service and for his recovery.” “Deputy Evans demonstrated true bravery under fire, and we’re thankful he continues to recover.” said Peoria County Sheriff Chris Watkins. “I want to thank Acting U.S. Attorney Gilmore for coming to Peoria to recognize his actions and present the Hometown Hero Award.”


title: Federal Jury Convicts Two Out-of-State Residents in Pandemic Relief Fraud Scheme

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – On May 21, 2026, a federal jury convicted a South Carolina man and an Oregon woman for their roles in a fraud scheme that generated more than $9.1 million in disaster-relief loans for dozens of businesses across the country. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Devlon Porter, 51, conspired with Jady Solano, a Wilmington tax preparer, to submit fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. The PPP was a COVID-19 relief program designed to safeguard jobs during the pandemic. Porter paid Solano to prepare two applications on behalf of companies that had no actual employees. The applications falsely claimed that the companies maintained substantial annual payrolls exceeding $1 million and relied on fabricated tax forms. As a result of the scheme, Porter received over $287,000 in wrongful disbursements, paid Solano more than $50,000 in kickbacks, and never repaid the loans. The jury convicted Porter of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Amber Baldwin, 56, received over $280,000 after Solano submitted a PPP loan application falsely claiming a shell company she owned had an annual payroll exceeding $1 million. Like Porter’s applications, Baldwin’s submission relied on false tax documents. Baldwin never repaid her loan and paid over $95,000 in kickbacks to co-conspirators. The jury convicted Baldwin of conspiracy to commit money laundering. “The Paycheck Protection Program was designed to provide an economic lifeline to American workers and small businesses during a historic crisis,” said Benjamin L. Wallace, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware. “Instead of using these emergency funds for their intended purpose, Devlon Porter and Amber Baldwin exploited a public-relief program to line their own pockets. This verdict demonstrates that those who attempt to defraud federal programs will be held accountable. We remain deeply committed to protecting taxpayer dollars, and we thank our partners at the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation for their exceptional work in dismantling this nationwide scheme.” “I am proud of the diligent investigative work which led to these convictions,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul. “Devlon Porter, Amber Baldwin and their co-conspirators stole from American taxpayers, treating pandemic relief like a personal slush fund. The FBI will continue to work with our partners to identify, investigate and hold accountable criminals defrauding critical government programs and abusing public trust.” “Devlon Porter and Jady Solano deliberately carried out a scheme to defraud a program that was designed to assist people during the pandemic,” said Philadelphia Field Office Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty. “This verdict serves as a warning to others that IRS-CI and our law enforcement partners stand ready to investigate those who attempt to fleece the government.” Porter faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for his bank-fraud conspiracy conviction and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for his money-laundering conspiracy conviction. Baldwin faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Agents of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and the FBI Baltimore Field Office’s Wilmington Resident Agency investigated the case. U.S. Attorney Wallace and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan C. Williamson prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-109-JLH. ###


title: Romanian National Sentenced for Selling Access to Networks of Oregon State Government Office and Other U.S. Victims

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.— A Romanian national was sentenced to 56 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release in connection with an online intrusion into an Oregon state government office in 2021 and other cyber attacks on U.S. victims, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, here and abroad, to disrupt and dismantle malicious cyber criminal activity and to bring cyber criminals, wherever they may be, to account for their crimes in federal court in Oregon,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. According to court documents, Catalin Dragomir, 46, formerly of Constanta, Romania, sold access on the dark web to a computer on the network of an Oregon state government office after obtaining unauthorized access to it in June 2021. During the sale, Dragomir provided the prospective buyer with samples of personal identifying information from the computer. He also sold access to the computer networks of numerous other victims in the United States and across the world, causing losses of at least $250,000. Dragomir operated on the dark web, using aliases to obscure his identity. In November 2024, Dragomir was arrested in Romania and extradited to the United States in January 2025. On February 19, 2026, Dragomir pleaded guilty to obtaining information from a protected computer and aggravated identity theft. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine A. Rykken for the District of Oregon and Trial Attorneys Benjamin A. Bleiberg and Alison M. Zitron of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Romanian Ministry of Justice, Directorate for International Law and Judicial Cooperation, and the Romanian Judiciary to secure the arrest and extradition of Dragomir. The Department of Justice also thanks Darkweb IQ for its assistance with the investigation. CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cyber and IP criminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.


title: Fort Erie man pleads guilty to sneaking meth and fentanyl across the border

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Eric Hagen, 57, of Fort Erie, Canada, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to importation of controlled substances, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1,000,000. In June 2024, Hagen was convicted of possessing child pornography in St. Catharines, Ontario. On the morning of August 1, 2025, Customs and Border Protection encountered Hagen at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry, and he was referred for a secondary inspection. During Hagen’s secondary screening, CBP found multiple cellular telephones, hard drives, a laptop, and a baby monitor, as well as two plastic containers, which contained methamphetamine and fentanyl. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler and Sasha Mascarenhas. The plea is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone. Sentencing is scheduled for September 22, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara. # # # #


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana Celebrates “Freedom 250” with Hometown Hero Award and Office Charity Drive

component: USAO - Louisiana, Western

body_text: LAFAYETTE, LA – In celebration of Freedom 250, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana presented the Alexandria Police Department’s Chief of Police Chad Gremillion with the Freedom 250 Hometown Hero Award on May 20, 2026. The award recognizes public officials who have demonstrated steadfast commitment to service and who embody the spirit upon which our Nation was founded. “Freedom 250 is an opportunity to recognize and reflect upon the values that define our Nation: service, sacrifice, and community,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Chief Gremillion exemplifies those values through his dedication to public safety and his continued commitment to serving the citizens of Alexandria.” Police Chief Gremillion began his law enforcement career at the Alexandria Police Department in 1995. While working for the Alexandria Police, Chief Gremillion worked as a patrol officer and was assigned to the traffic division. In 1999, Chief Gremillion graduated from the Louisiana State Police Training Academy and began his career as a Louisiana State Trooper assigned to Troop E. While employed with the Louisiana State Police, Chief Gremillion served in uniform patrol, criminal investigations, intelligence division, and the special victims unit. During his time as a trooper and federal task force officer, Chief Gremillion was awarded the Louisiana State Police “Trooper of the Year” and received a lifesaving award, among other commendations. Chief Gremillion retired from the Louisiana State Police in 2023, and, that same year Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy appointed him as the Interim Chief of Police for the Alexandria Police Department. Chief Gremillion is a past board member of the Rapides Children’s Advocacy Center and Metanoia Manor for victims of human trafficking, and he and his family attend Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church where he is the chair of the Pastoral Council. The United States Attorney’s Offices in Shreveport and Lafayette also celebrated Freedom 250 by participating in the gift-in-kind charity drives by collecting and donating food and clothing to individuals and families in need. In Lafayette, the clothing collected was donated to the Lovewell Center, while business attire was donated to the University of Louisiana Career Closet to assist individuals preparing to enter the workforce. In Shreveport, the Office collected over 400 pounds of food as part of a non-perishable food drive to support the Northwest Louisiana Food Bank. ### CONTACT Public Affairs United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Louisiana USALAW-News@usdoj.gov www.justice.gov/usao-wdla Twitter @USAO_WDLA


title: Arizona Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Charge

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – An Arizona man was sentenced on May 26, 2026, to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Raul Misael Lopez Murrieta, 23, delivered approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine in May 2025 to Richard Allen Tuan Casey, 37, of Coralville. In July 2025, law enforcement stopped Lopez Murrieta and found approximately 117 pounds of methamphetamine in the tires of a vehicle he was towing. Lopez Murrieta admitted he was compensated for transporting methamphetamine from Arizona to the Midwest for distribution. After completing his term of imprisonment, Lopez Murrieta will be required to serve a four-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Casey is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24, 2026, following his plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, and use of a communication facility. United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The University of Iowa Police Department, Johnson County Drug Task Force, Iowa City Police Department, Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.


title: Mounds Resident Sentenced To Ten Years For Sexual Abuse Of A Minor

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Ned Elmer Johnson, age 37, of Mounds, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian country. The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Lighthorse Tribal Police Department. On August 12, 2025, Johnson pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, from April 2021 until April 2023, Johnson knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a person who had attained the age of 12 years but not yet attained the age of 16 years, and who was at least four years younger than Johnson. The crime occurred in Okmulgee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Johnson will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Paladino represented the United States.


title: Conspirators sentenced to prison for using darknet marketplace to distribute dangerous counterfeit pills in Homeland Security Task Force case

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Four Massachusetts men have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a conspiracy to manufacture counterfeit pills and distribute them across the United States. According to court documents, from at least May 2022 to June 2025, Daniel John Blaney, 28; Kenneth Emmanuel Lora, 27; David Robert Kable Jr., 27; and Javier Alexander Bermudez, 31, all from Lynn, Massachusetts, engaged in a massive conspiracy to manufacture and distribute counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl, N-pyrrolidino etonitazene (Pyro), methamphetamine, and Bromazolam. The conspirators transported the pills in kilogram quantities from the Northeast to a redistributor in New York and then distributed them primarily via darknet marketplaces and the U.S. Postal Service to customers nationwide. Blaney was sentenced today to 18 years and 4 months in prison. Kable was sentenced on April 29 to 12 years in prison. Bermudez was sentenced March 18 to 12 years in prison. Lora was sentenced on Dec. 17, 2025, to 15 years in prison. The defendants previously pled guilty: Blaney on Jan. 7; Kable on Dec. 2, 2025; Bermudez on Dec. 9, 2025; and Lora on Aug. 27, 2025. The conspirators used industrial pill presses to manufacture counterfeit Oxycodone, Adderall, and Xanax pills. Instead of the pharmaceuticals’ normal content, however, the conspirators’ pills contained differing substances depending on the batch. For example, the conspiracy’s counterfeit oxycodone pills contained a number of substances, including fentanyl and Pyro. Counterfeit Adderall pills typically contained methamphetamine, while counterfeit Xanax pills typically contained Bromazolam, a synthetic benzodiazepine. The conspirators typically received payment from customers in the form of cryptocurrency. Estimates of the conspiracy’s reach show that the conspiracy was responsible for at least 9,000 sales of pills containing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and/or Pyro. Pyro is in the Nitazene class of synthetic opioids commonly sourced from China and mixed into other drugs. The most common Nitazenes are approximately five times the strength of fentanyl. The Pyro in this case is approximately 20-40 times stronger than fentanyl. Over a dozen fatal overdoses were related to the conspiracy’s pills. On June 4, 2025, Lora was arrested in New York. During a search of his drug premise, investigators recovered over 39 kilograms of controlled substances. USAO Eastern District of Virginia USAO Eastern District of Virginia USAO Eastern District of Virginia On June 17, 2025, law enforcement searched a storage unit maintained by Bermudez and Blaney and recovered five industrial pill presses, pill press attachments used to imprint counterfeit pharmaceutical brandings onto pills, over 33 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 41 kilograms of binding material, and manufacturing paraphernalia. USAO Eastern District of Virginia On July 12, 2025, Blaney fled through Canada and ultimately to Thailand in an attempt to avoid prosecution. In advance of his flight, he fraudulently obtained a rush U.S. Passport. Blaney was expelled from Thailand and taken into federal custody on August 25, 2025. The case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service New York Division, New York City Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Homeland Security Investigations. Significant investigative assistance was provided by the FBI Boston Field Office, DEA New England Division, and the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather D. Call and Christopher M. Carter prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in Blaney’s return to the United States. 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 Manassas is comprised of agents and officers from the FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); DEA; the Diplomatic Security Service; USMS; the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service; the Naval Criminal Investigative Service; the Transportation Security Administration Federal Air Marshals Service; CBP; Enforcement and Removal Operations; and Washington Baltimore HIDTA. Prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. This case is also 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. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 1:25-CR-221 (Blaney), 1:25-CR-227 (Lora), 1:25-CR-317 (Kable), and 1:25-CR-322 (Bermudez).


title: Texas Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison For Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

body_text: FORT WAYNE – Khalid Ahamad, 55 years old, of Little Elm, Texas, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Ahamad was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release, and he was ordered to pay $2,617,107.82 in restitution to the victims of the offense, including a victim company in Fort Wayne. As part of the sentencing judgment, Chief Judge Brady ordered the forfeiture of the fraud proceeds derived from the offense, further ordering a money judgment against Ahamad in the amount of $2,617,107.82. “The Defendant knowingly conspired with others to defraud victims throughout the United States and taxpayers of millions of dollars and then laundered the fraud proceeds through his bank accounts. Starting in 2020, and extending through April of 2023, Ahamad and his conspirators engaged in several fraud schemes, including business email compromise schemes, unemployment benefits fraud from state agencies, and Small Business Administration loan fraud. The conspiracy primarily deceived victim businesses and some individuals into wiring money to accounts under Ahamad’s control. After laundering the money through his accounts, Ahamad sent fraud proceeds via cryptocurrency to other conspirators. In total, the conspiracy tried to steal over $6 million, and Ahamad and his conspirators obtained over $2.6 million in fraud proceeds. Thanks to the professional investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colony (Texas) Police Department and work of Assistant United States Attorneys Justin Sheridan and Anthony Geller, the Defendant has been caught, prosecuted, and sentenced,” U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred said. This conspiracy victimized many businesses through business email compromise schemes. With this type of scheme, conspirators gained access to a business’s emails and obtained inside information about existing invoices and account payments. Conspirators then sent emails that looked legitimate and purported to change existing payment information, with the new payment account being under the control of a conspirator such as Ahamad. In wiring money, victims believed that they were sending payment to their vendors, clients, and business associates, but they were instead deceived into sending money to Ahamad. “This 70-month prison sentence is another example of the FBI and our law enforcement partners working tirelessly to protect victims from fraudsters and scammers,” said Timothy J. O’Malley, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Office. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from The Colony, Texas, Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Justin Sheridan and Anthony Geller. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports 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.


title: Father’s Murder Yields Guilty Verdict for D.C. Man

body_text: WASHINGTON – D’Andre Montgomery, 20, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty yesterday in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, on charges of shooting and killing 28-year-old Kenneth Barksdale in Southeast D.C., in December 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Montgomery was found guilty, on May 26, 2026, of one count of second-degree murder while armed, one count of conspiracy, and one count of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle during a crime of violence, by a Superior Court jury. Judge Michael Ryan scheduled sentencing for August 21, 2026. According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 8:07 p.m., on December 16, 2023, Montgomery and his co-defendants Kevin Hider, 20, and Eric Sheffield, 21, were driving around the 1200 Block of 44th Place, Southeast, pulling the door handles of parked cars to see if the cars were unlocked and available to steal. The victim, Kenneth Barksdale, had parked his car on the street and taken his one-year-old son inside his family’s home. Once inside the home, Mr. Barksdale realized he forgot his phone in his car. He went back outside to his car at the exact moment the defendants were breaking into it. When Mr. Barksdale confronted the defendants, they responded by shooting him. The defendants continued to shoot at Mr. Barksdale even as he ran away, back up the stairs to his mother’s home. Mr. Barksdale died later that evening. Montgomery was arrested on July 31, 2024, and has been in custody since. Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory Evans and Shauna Payyappilly. The case was initially prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles Jones.


title: Civil Division Moves to Fast-Track Benefits Fraud Enforcement

component: Civil Division

body_text: Today, the Civil Division announced reforms to accelerate the review of False Claims Act whistleblower complaints alleging fraud against federally funded, state-administered benefits programs. These reforms will empower the Department to move quickly on meritorious qui tam cases, maximize finite enforcement resources, and focus on dismantling sophisticated fraud schemes that exploit taxpayer-funded programs. The False Claims Act (FCA) is one of the government’s most powerful weapons for fighting fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars. Most FCA cases begin as qui tam actions filed under seal by whistleblowers, known as relators, in federal district court. Successful relators may receive a significant share of the government’s recovery. The Civil Division will now prioritize qui tam complaints alleging fraud against public benefits programs by performing its initial review within 60 to 120 days. At the conclusion of that review, the Department will decide whether to: Permit the relator to proceed with the action and to assume primary responsibility for litigating it, subject to the government’s ongoing supervision and ultimate control of the matter; Conclude the allegations warrant further government investigation; or, Determine the qui tam should be dismissed under 31 U.S.C. §3730(c)(2)(A) because the allegations lack adequate specificity or are legally deficient. “Bad actors who exploit federal benefits programs count on fragmented information and sheer volume of claims to try and avoid scrutiny,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “By accelerating review of qui tam complaints alleging benefits fraud, we can more rapidly identify and disrupt emerging schemes, strategically deploy enforcement resources to recover taxpayer money, and strengthen the government’s broader fight against fraud.” This year, the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. Every dollar lost to fraud in federal benefits programs is a dollar diverted from the Americans those programs are intended to serve. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. As detailed in the Executive Order entitled “Establishing the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud” (March 16, 2026) (EO on Eliminating Fraud), American taxpayers fund a vast benefits system for citizens in need that includes housing, food, medical care, cash assistance, and more. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Department will also leverage a whole-of-government approach to ensure that new benefits fraud matters receive accelerated review and evaluation for all available enforcement options. New matters will be promptly referred to the Criminal Division and/or the National Fraud Enforcement Division for evaluation of potential criminal violations. In addition, new matters will be shared with the affected agency to evaluate potential administrative action, including payment suspension. Throughout its review, the Department also will seek information from the agency about the operation of the impacted program, data analysis, and other information to assist in corroborating the whistleblower’s allegations. The Civil Division will continue to assess how it can enhance processes and procedures to support prompt resolution of benefits fraud qui tams.


title: Orlando Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stalking and Interstate Threats

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – Abdalla Hatim Elhakiem (30, Orlando) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed to 27 months in federal prison for stalking and interstate transmission of a threat to injure. Elhakiem pleaded guilty on February 13, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, Elhakiem previously attended the Biochemistry Ph.D. program at the University of Utah. After slashing the tire of a car owned by the victim, a fellow student in the program, Elhakiem was suspended from the University of Utah and returned to Orlando. In November 2024, in violation of a Utah protective order, Elhakiem began sending threatening and harassing emails to the victim from email accounts created using foreign email services based in Switzerland and Germany. Elhakiem sent the victim threats that he would sexually assault and kill her. He used a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and other methods to hide his identity as the source of the threats. On August 6, 2025, Elhakiem sent a threat to kill the victim using a Gmail account that Federal Bureau of Investigation agents were able to tie directly to Elhakiem. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Salt Lake City Police Department and the University of Utah Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Flanigan.


title: Berks County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficking

body_text: JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Reading, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 120 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on John Rickenbach Jr., 44. According to information presented to the Court, from in and around June 2024 to in and around August 2024, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Rickenbach conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine. Further, in and around August 2024, Rickenbach distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl. Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rickenbach.


title: Wichita bank robber sentenced to prison

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 21 years in prison for using a firearm to rob three banks during which he pointed the gun at employees. According to court documents, Zane Tilcock, 21, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of brandishing and using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence and to two counts of bank robbery. • On December 11, 2024, Tilcock entered Intrust Bank on South Webb Road in Wichita wearing a black mask and carrying a semi-automatic handgun. He pointed the firearm at bank employees and demanded money. They handed him money, and he left. • On December 16, 2024, Tilcock entered Emprise Bank on East Harry Street in Wichita with a handgun and pointed it at the tellers. He told them to put their hands in the air and give him all the money. Tilcock asked for large bills and no dye packs or bait money. The tellers removed cash from their drawers and handed it to Tilcock. • On December 27, 2024, Tilcock, entered Sunflower Bank in Junction City carrying a silver handgun. He pointed the firearm at customers and ordered them to stand to the side of the lobby. He then pointed the gun at tellers and demanded they empty their cash drawers. The money Tilcock took included bait bills. Law enforcement determined through investigation that the vehicle used in the crimes to be a gray Volkswagen Jetta belonging to Tilcock’s girlfriend. On December 28, 2024, investigators conducting surveillance observed Tilcock shopping and using a large amount of cash. Days later, investigators followed Tilcock to the Sedgwick County Tag Office where Tilcock paid for a tag in cash. Investigators obtained the money he spent at the Tag Office and identified three of the bills as bait bills taken during the Sunflower Bank robbery. Tilcock was arrested and admitted to the bank robberies. Investigators found additional evidence while executing search warrants on the Jetta and the apartment where Tilcock lived. “This case sounds like something out of the 1930s with these repeated and unhinged, dangerous bank robberies. Mr. Tilcock robbed banks to get fast cash until he was stopped by law enforcement. Nonetheless, during his crime spree, he inflicted terror by pointing a gun at innocent people who unlike himself were simply trying to make an honest living.” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Yesterday, victims stood in a federal court room and delivered powerful testimony on the impact of the violent nature of these crimes. Mr. Tilcock has received a lengthy prison sentence because of the brave work of the victims, the prosecutors and the men and women in law enforcement who are committed to ensuring justice in these matters. The public should know it takes a dedicated team to see these cases to their resolution, and the FBI is fully invested in securing justice for victims of these crimes," said Jeff Berkebile, FBI Kansas City Acting Special Agent in Charge. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Wichita Police Department, Junction City Police Department, and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kari Burks and Aaron Smith prosecuted the case. ###


title: Federal Judge Sentences Armed Convicted Detroit Felon to 200 Months in Prison

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – A Detroit man with multiple felony convictions and on federal supervised release was sentenced to over 16 years’ imprisonment today for possession of firearms, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. announced. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by ATF Detroit Field Division Assistant Special Agent in Charge Justin Meyer. Cartez Howard, 38, of Detroit, Michigan was convicted by a jury of two counts of possession of firearms as a felon in December 2025. On May 26, 2026, United States District Judge Laurie J. Michelson sentenced Howard to 200 months in federal prison. According to court records, in September 2025, Howard, a convicted felon with a violent criminal history, was on federal supervised release and got into an argument over a parking spot outside a business. The argument ended when Howard pulled an AR-style rifle from his car, pointed it at the victim, and fired a shot at the victim’s feet. Howard then tried to grab the victim’s glasses before driving away. The victim followed Howard to report him. Howard drove into a residential neighborhood and fired approximately 30 shots. Eleven days later, Howard drove the same car to a gas station with the same rifle in the backseat, and abandoned the car when police located it. After Howard was arrested, agents searched Howard’s apartment, where they found a second gun hidden in his bedroom closet—tucked under a baby blanket in the room he shared with his infant child and the child’s mother. “This man is the kind of hell-raiser that can make a neighborhood unlivable. He did just about everything wrong with a gun, except kill somebody. We are thankful that the ATF took him off of our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon. “Howard repeatedly showed a complete disregard for human life and the safety of those around him — including children inside the home where firearms were hidden. Violent felons who continue to arm themselves and terrorize our communities will be held accountable. This 16 years plus sentence sends a clear message that ATF and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue armed violent offenders.” — ATF Detroit Field Division Assistant Special Agent in Charge Justin Meyer. The ATF investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas McIntyre and Nhan Ho prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.


title: Providence Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking Charges

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Providence man pleaded guilty in federal court in Rhode Island for his role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. Carlos Rodriguez, 32, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Rodriguez is scheduled to be sentenced on August 18, 2026. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Rodriguez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment, a maximum sentence of 40 years imprisonment, and a term of at least four years to life of supervised release According to court documents, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Safe Streets Task Force was conducting an investigation into drug trafficking in and around the Providence area and, during the investigation, law enforcement determined that Rodriguez and his co-conspirators were involved in the distribution of fentanyl pills. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey A. Erickson and Peter I. Roklan. The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island FBI Safe Streets Task Force. The Safe Streets Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, the Rhode Island State Police, the Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.