title: Five Individuals Charged in Federal Court in Chicago with Assaulting or Resisting Federal Agents Engaged in Immigration Enforcement Operations

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

body_text: CHICAGO – Five individuals have been charged in federal court in Chicago with assaulting or forcibly resisting federal agents who were engaged in immigration enforcement operations in Broadview, Ill. over the weekend. The defendants were among a crowd of people who descended in front of the entrance to a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility on Saturday evening, according to criminal complaints filed today in U.S. District Court in Chicago. The charges allege that the defendants made criminal physical contact against federal agents who were working outside of the facility to ensure the safe passage of agents, detainees, and vehicles into and out of the building. Two of the defendants possessed loaded firearms while assaulting federal agents, according to the federal complaint. “Under my leadership, the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office will take swift action when law enforcement personnel are criminally assaulted or individuals cross the line from peaceful protests to criminal mischief, assaults on federal officers, obstruction of justice, or the destruction of federal property,” said Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. “We are working hand-and-glove with our federal law enforcement partners across the various federal agencies to maintain peace, respect individual rights, and prosecute those who violate federal criminal laws, including through activity that endangers officer and public safety. We will not hesitate to hold accountable those who attack and undermine the rule of law, including by resorting to violence and criminal mischief to interfere, obstruct, or impede the important work of the federal government as it is conducted in the Northern District of Illinois.” The defendants made their initial appearances today in federal court in Chicago. The charges are as follows: RAY COLLINS, 31, of Chicago, is charged with felony assault of a federal officer. Collins allegedly possessed a loaded handgun when he charged toward agents and struggled with them, causing an injury to one of the agents. JOCELYNE ROBLEDO, 30, of Chicago, is charged with felony assault of a federal officer. Robledo allegedly possessed a loaded handgun when she pushed agents who were attempting to extend a safety perimeter around the facility. PAUL IVERY, 26, of Oak Park, Ill., is charged with felony assault of a federal officer. Ivery allegedly grabbed an agent's helmet and pulled the agent's head down. Ivery allegedly told agents, "I'll [expletive] kill you right now." DANA BRIGGS, 70, of Rockford, Ill., is charged with felony assault of a federal officer. Briggs allegedly made physical contact with an agent’s arm while the agent attempted to extend the safety perimeter around the facility. HUBERT MAZUR, 21, of Medinah, Ill., is charged with forcibly resisting, opposing, impeding, and interfering with a federal officer, a misdemeanor. Mazur allegedly grabbed an agent’s arm before he and the agent ended up on the ground. Mazur allegedly continued to resist arrest while struggling with the agent. U.S. Attorney Boutros announced the charges along with Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Lucas Rothaar, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Matthew J. Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago. “Federal law enforcement officers risk their lives daily to enforce the laws of this nation and safeguard our communities,” said HSI SAC Scarpino. “Any acts of violence, obstruction, or resistance against these brave professionals will be met with forceful and unyielding action. This blatant lawlessness and baseless attacks on the integrity of ICE agents and officers are intolerable and must cease immediately.” “The FBI is committed to bringing swift and decisive action against anyone who seeks to bring harm to federal law enforcement,” said FBI Acting SAC Rothaar. “Officers who are sworn to protect and serve our communities must be able to do their jobs free from intimidation. The FBI will continue to work with our prosecutorial and law enforcement partners to investigate those who compromise the safety of our public servants.” “While assisting our federal partners in securing the ICE Broadview facility on Saturday, ATF and Border Patrol agents were assaulted by violent and armed protestors, resulting in injury to an ATF agent,” said ATF SAC Amon. “ATF takes all assaults on law enforcement seriously and will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure those responsible are held fully accountable for their actions.” The public is reminded that a complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. ivery_complaint.pdf briggs_complaint.pdf mazur_complaint.pdf collins_and_robledo_complaint.pdf


title: Philadelphia Woman Sentenced for Conspiring to Smuggle Suboxone Into Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Talia Hicks, 33, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to three years’ probation, with one month of home confinement, and forfeiture of approximately $2,900 by United States District Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge, for conspiring to distribute controlled substances. Hicks was charged with that offense by information and pleaded guilty in March of this year. As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, from at least December 2019 through November of 2020, Hicks conspired with multiple individuals to smuggle Suboxone into the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility (“CFCF”). At the time of the charged conspiracy, she was working for the Transportation Security Administration at Philadelphia International Airport. A review of video tablet calls, a recorded form of communication available to inmates at CFCF, showed that a co-conspirator, on various occasions, discussed inmates sending CashApp and Apple payments to both the co-conspirator and Hicks. A review of CashApp and Green Dot records showed that Hicks and the co-conspirator sent and received CashApp payments on behalf of the co-conspirator, from and to various individuals. There were multiple transactions for which Hicks either facilitated the payment for Suboxone or provided the drugs to a co-conspirator to smuggle the substance into CFCF. The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Grenell.


title: Mexican National Arrested with Firearms and Over 91 Pounds of Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Arizona

number: 2025-158_Castro Leon

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Last week, Jose Ismael Castro Leon, 47, a Mexican national living in the United States illegally, was charged by federal criminal complaint in Phoenix, Arizona with Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl. According to the complaint, investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force learned that a drug transaction was scheduled to take place in a parking lot in Phoenix on September 22. Investigators established surveillance at the location and watched as the driver of a GMC Acadia, later identified as Castro Leon, showed another person the contents of a black duffle bag that he had stored in his trunk. Investigators then approached and arrested Castro Leon, seizing approximately 56 pounds of methamphetamine from the duffle bag along with a firearm that they found in the center console of the Acadia. In a later search of Castro Leon’s apartment, investigators seized over 34 more pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 1.14 kilograms of fentanyl powder, and a second firearm. Possession with the Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Methamphetamine carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years to life in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Possession with the Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years to life in prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The DEA’s Phoenix East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force HIDTA conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Zander, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution. A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. CASE NUMBER: 25-MJ-9413-PHX-ESW RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-158_Castro Leon # # # 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: Oklahoma City Duo Lands in Federal Prison for More Than Nine Years Collectively after Pipe Bomb and Ammunition are Found During Traffic Stops

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – CALEB GRAVES , 33, of Del City, and ROBERT ALLEN KEEFE , 25, of Oklahoma City, have been sentenced to serve 109 months collectively in federal prison for illegal possession of ammunition and possession of an unregistered destructive device, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On November 6, 2024, Graves was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition. On April 1, 2025, he was also charged with possession of an unregistered destructive device and felon in possession of a firearm, namely, an improvised explosive bomb. On April 1, 2025, Keefe was charged with possession of an unregistered destructive device related to the same improvised explosive bomb. Firearms and pipe bombs are considered destructive devices under federal law. According to public records, on August 18, 2024, officers with the Village Police Department stopped a vehicle driven by Graves and observed a loaded firearm magazine. The following day, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant at Graves’ residence, where they several rounds of ammunition in his vehicle. While on pretrial release awaiting trial, Graves was arrested again, this time on October 14, 2024, after Oklahoma City Police Department officers stopped Graves in his vehicle and located a hidden pipe bomb. Keefe, who was the lone other passenger, was arrested, as well. On June 6, 2025, Graves, who had previously been convicted of a felony, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition and a felon in possession of a firearm, namely an improvised explosive bomb. Federal law prohibits previously convicted felons from possessing ammunition and firearms, including bombs. On June 9, 2025, Keefe pled guilty to being in possession of an unregistered destructive device. Public records further reflect that Graves has previous felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court for: Second degree burglary, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy to commit a felony in case number CF-2010-4613; possession of a methamphetamine in case number CF-2016-3849; and child neglect and possession of contraband in a penal institution in case number CF-2016-4096. At sentencing hearings this month, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Graves to serve 72 months in federal prison, and sentenced Keefe to serve 37 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for both. In announcing the sentences, Judge Russell noted the seriousness of the offense and the need to provide just punishment. This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Village Police Department, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew E. Davis prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve Nine Years in Federal Prison for Firearms Trafficking Conspiracy and Illegal Possession of a Machinegun, Methamphetamine, and Cocaine

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – KEITH TERRELL THOMPSON , 27, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 108 months in federal prison for a firearms trafficking conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine and cocaine and methamphetamine with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a machinegun, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public record, on January 17, 2024, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) executed a search warrant at Thompson’s residence. Inside, OCPD officers recovered multiple firearms, an assortment of controlled substances including cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, $9,965.00 in cash, and a machinegun conversion device (MCD). When installed, MCDs convert semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic machineguns, and possession of the devices violates federal law. Thompson was later located and arrested by OCPD officers on January 29, 2024, at a different apartment. OCPD executed a search warrant on the second residence and recovered two stolen firearms, controlled substances, and more than $10,000 in cash. On March 11, 2025, Thompson was charged by Superseding Information with a firearms trafficking conspiracy, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a machinegun, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Thompson pleaded guilty on March 20, 2025, and admitted he knowingly conspired to traffic firearms, that he knowingly and intentionally possessed cocaine and methamphetamine which he intended to distribute, that he possessed a firearm in furtherance of that drug distribution, and that he knowingly possessed an MCD. At the sentencing hearing on September 25, 2025, Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Thompson to serve 108 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge DeGiusti noted the seriousness of these offenses. This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew E. Davis prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Nigerian National Extradited from Poland to Face Elder Fraud Charges

component: Civil Division

body_text: Tochuwku Albert Nnebocha, 43, of Nigeria was extradited from the Republic of Poland and faces federal charges of engaging in a transnational criminal organization that operated an inheritance fraud scheme that cheated many American seniors out of their savings. Nnebocha made his initial appearance in federal court today in Miami. Nnebocha was arrested in April 2025 by authorities in Poland, based on an indictment filed in the Southern District of Florida, and has remained incarcerated since then. According to court documents, Nnebocha is charged with operating a transnational inheritance fraud scheme. Over the course of more than five years, he, along with others, allegedly sent personalized letters to elderly consumers in the United States, falsely claiming that the sender was a representative of a bank in Spain and that the recipient was entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance left for the recipient by a family member who purportedly had died years before in Spain. Victims were told that, before they could receive their purported inheritance, they were required to send money for delivery fees, taxes, and payments to avoid questioning from government authorities. Victims sent money to the defendants through a complex web of U.S.-based former victims, whom the defendants convinced to receive money and forward to the defendants or persons associated with them. According to the indictment, victims who sent money never received their purported inheritance funds. The defendant is charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as mail fraud and wire fraud. Nnebocha made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Enjolique Lett of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. If convicted, Nnebocha faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Two additional defendants have pleaded guilty and been sentenced in this case. The Honorable Roy K. Altman previously sentenced both Okezie Bonaventure Ogbata, who was extradited from Portugal, and Ehis Lawrence Akhimie, who was extradited from the United Kingdom, to 97 months of incarceration for their roles in the scheme. USPIS and HSI are investigating the case. This case is one example of efforts by the Justice Department to protect American seniors from domestic and foreign based scams. These efforts include cases against those who engage in, and knowingly facilitate, romance fraud, lottery fraud, tech support fraud, and grandparent scams. Romance fraud is a confidence scheme where a perpetrator feigns romantic interest with a victim only to later extract money or property under false pretenses. Lottery fraud schemes trick victims into believing they have won a non-existent lottery or sweepstakes prize in order to extract fake fees, taxes, or other fabricated charges from the victim. Tech support fraud scams involve perpetrators tricking victims into believing that their computer or phone has a problem, often through fake pop-up messages, and to later seek funds from the victims in order to “fix” the “problem.” Grandparent scams, another type of confidence scheme, involve scammers impersonating a grandchild or close family member who experiences a fictitious emergency and needs money from the victim as soon as possible. Senior Trial Attorney and Transnational Criminal Litigation Coordinator Phil Toomajian and Trial Attorney Josh Rothman of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, the Federal Bureau of Investigations Legal Attache in Poland, INTERPOL, and Polish Authorities, all provided critical assistance. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Attorney General Bondi Issues Memo on Ending Political Violence Against ICE

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: WASHINGTON – Today, Attorney General Pamela Bondi released a memorandum to the FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, and Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys focused on ending political violence against ICE. As noted in the memo, riots in Los Angeles and Portland reflect more than a 1000% increase in attacks on ICE officers since January 21, 2025, compared to the same period last year. The memo instructs Department of Justice components to: Direct officers and agents to defend ICE facilities, specifically in Portland and Chicago. Add local law enforcement entities to a temporary ICE Protection Task Force alongside DOJ law enforcement components. Provide grant funding, training, and technical assistance to support federal, state, and local law enforcement protecting ICE. Finally, the Department of Justice will “arrest and prosecute to the fullest extent of the law every person who aids, abets, or conspires to commit” crimes against ICE – including through “funding, coordination, or planning.” Please read the full memo HERE .


title: Hattiesburg Man Sentenced in Federal Court for SNAP Benefits Fraud

component: Department of Justice

body_text: Hattiesburg, MS – A Hattiesburg man was sentenced Thursday in federal court to five years’ probation for stealing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits intended for low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food. According to court documents and statements made in court, Velton Taylor Williams, Jr., 31, of Hattiesburg unlawfully acquired and used SNAP benefits in November 2023. Williams admitted to selling the benefits to others and using them for himself. SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federally funded, national benefit program to help qualifying low- and middle-income families buy food, thus reducing hunger. Williams also admitted to using TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) cash benefits intended for low-income families with children under the age of 18. Williams was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $38,963.14. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and acting Special Agent-in-Charge is Matthew Deuchler of United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General made the announcement. The United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.


title: New York Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Trafficking Fentanyl and Cocaine from New York to Midcoast Maine

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A Union man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for distributing fentanyl and cocaine. U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Kenneth Adams , 40, to 10 years in federal prison followed by eight years of supervised release for trafficking kilogram quantities of fentanyl and cocaine from New York to Maine. Adams pleaded guilty on December 20, 2024. According to court records, from at least December 2023 through June 2024, Adams trafficked fentanyl and cocaine from sources of supply in the Bronx to mid-level drug dealers in Knox County for further distribution. As determined by the court, Adams possessed at least one firearm in connection with this drug trafficking activity. Homeland Security Investigations and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency investigated the case. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. ###


title: Justice Department Sues Minnesota Over Sanctuary Policies

body_text: WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Minnesota, the City of Minneapolis, the City of St. Paul, Hennepin County, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna S. Witt over the State’s, Cities’, and County’s sanctuary city policies that interfere with the federal government’s enforcement of its immigration laws. Not only are the sanctuary city policies illegal under federal law, but, as alleged in the complaint, Minnesota’s, Minneapolis’, St. Paul’s, and Hennepin County’s refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities results in the release of dangerous criminals from police custody who would otherwise be subject to removal, including illegal aliens convicted of aggravated assault, burglary, and drug and human trafficking, onto the streets. “Minnesota officials are jeopardizing the safety of their own citizens by allowing illegal aliens to circumvent the legal process,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will continue to bring litigation against any jurisdiction that uses sanctuary policies to defy federal law and undermine law enforcement.” “Shielding illegal aliens from federal law enforcement is a blatant violation of the law that carries dangerous consequences,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Civil Division will continue to vigorously uphold the rule of law by holding sanctuary jurisdictions fully accountable.” On her first day in office, Attorney General Bondi instructed the Department’s Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies, and practices that facilitate violations of federal immigration laws or impede lawful federal immigration operations. On August 5, 2025, Attorney General Bondi published a list of sanctuary jurisdictions, which included Minnesota, and vowed to bring litigation to end these policies nationwide. Today’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of lawsuits brought by the Civil Division targeting illegal sanctuary city policies across the country, including in Boston , New York City , Rochester, New York , New Jersey , Colorado , and Los Angeles . Recently, the Department announced a new Memorandum of Understanding to fully collaborate with Nevada on immigration enforcement, and the Mayor of Louisville revoked the city’s sanctuary policy after the Justice Department threatened legal action.


title: Texas Woman Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining Tens of Thousands of Eaton Fire Disaster Money and COVID Jobless Funds

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Texas woman pleaded guilty today to fraudulently obtaining more than $28,000 in federal disaster relief money by falsely claiming that she was a Pasadena resident living in a property damaged by the Eaton Fire and to fraudulently obtaining more than $54,000 in jobless benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Joyce Turner, 57, of Rosharon, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits and one count of mail fraud. On January 7, 2025, the Eaton Fire ignited and burned through a residential area in Los Angeles County, killing 18 people and destroying more than 10,000 structures. A presidential disaster declaration was issued on January 8, making emergency federal financial assistance and benefits available to individuals and families affected by the Eaton Fire and to other wildfire victims in the Los Angeles area. Victims who suffered losses because of the Eaton Fire, including renters who lost personal property and/or the use of their rental residences could qualify for benefits from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The benefits included money for home repair, personal property damage, transportation, medical expenses, and housing assistance. According to her plea agreement, on January 10, Turner submitted a fraudulent disaster benefits application to FEMA, falsely claiming she lived in Pasadena in a rental property that had been damaged by the Eaton Fire. In fact, Turner did not live in California and did not qualify for the benefits. FEMA, relying on Turner’s false and fraudulent claim, sent her $28,195 in wildfire disaster relief money. Turner further admitted in her plea agreement that in August 2020 she submitted a fraudulent claim for California unemployment insurance falsely claiming she had been working in California and lost work because of the COVID-19 pandemic and was entitled to unemployment insurance benefits. Following this false and fraudulent claim, California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) provided Turner with $54,360 in jobless benefits to which she was not entitled – providing these benefits through a debit card mailed to Turner at an address in Los Angeles. United States District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald scheduled a January 26, 2026, sentencing hearing, at which time Turner will face a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for the disaster benefits fraud count and up to 20 years in federal prison for the mail fraud count. Turner remains free on bond. The Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Kerry L. Quinn of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Adult Film Actor Justin Heath Smith, A/K/A “Austin Wolf,” Sentenced To 19 Years In Prison For Child Sexual Exploitation

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that JUSTIN HEATH SMITH, a/k/a “Austin Wolf,” was sentenced to 19 years in prison for enticing a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and for engaging in a pattern of activity involving prohibited sexual conduct. SMITH’s sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, who also presided over the guilty plea. “Justin Heath Smith’s crimes against children are horrible,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “He targeted kids as young as seven, and every New Yorker wants him and those like him off our streets for as long as possible and never again near our children. The women and men of our Office, and our law enforcement partners, are laser focused on ridding our streets of those who sexually exploit our children. The message to predators from our Office is clear: there is no place for you in New York other than prison.” According to the Information, the plea agreement, and statements made in court: Since at least 2023, SMITH has repeatedly preyed on and tried to sexually exploit minor victims. In late 2023 or early 2024, SMITH and an adult male (“Male-1”) met with a 15-year-old minor, during which Male-1 performed oral sex on the minor while SMITH masturbated. SMITH also had sex at least three times with an individual whom SMITH believed was 15 years old, but who was in fact an adult. SMITH recorded one such encounter, a threesome with Male-1. SMITH tried to make other arrangements to meet with other minors to engage in sexual activity. In January 2024, SMITH made plans with another male (“Male-2”) to sexually abuse a purported nine-year-old child that Male-2 claimed to be babysitting. SMITH traveled to Male-2’s building for the encounter, which Male-2 called off while SMITH was waiting downstairs. In February 2024, SMITH also made plans to meet a purported 14-year-old for sex, including discussing the specific sex act that the purported minor would perform on SMITH. SMITH provided his cross-streets so that the purported minor could travel to SMITH’s apartment. The planned encounter did not ultimately occur. SMITH also solicited child sexual abuse material from at least one minor and multiple individuals who purported to be minors. For example, SMITH communicated with a 15-year-old minor and, after the minor told SMITH his age, SMITH asked the minor for sexually explicit materials. The minor then sent SMITH a video showing the minor’s penis and anus. SMITH also communicated with an individual online whose username contained the phrase “12M,” suggesting that the user was a 12-year-old male. SMITH and the purported minor appear to have exchanged sexual photographs and discussed a possible meeting location. Prior to his arrest, SMITH made plans to meet with an individual who claimed to be the father of a seven-year-old child and who offered to make the child available to SMITH for sexual abuse. Federal law enforcement executed a search warrant on SMITH’s residence before the planned encounter could occur. Following that search, SMITH was found in possession of approximately 1,291 files containing child pornography, including around 75 files showing infants or toddlers and some videos depicting the violent rape of young children. SMITH also shared child pornography with at least 15 other individuals. Anyone who believes they have information concerning the exploitation of children is urged to contact the FBI at 1-212-384-1000 or https://tips.fbi.gov/. * * * In addition to the prison term, SMITH, 44, of New York, New York, was sentenced to 10 years of supervised release and a $40,000 fine. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Getzel Berger is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Multi-State Child Exploitation Investigation Results in the Arrest of Men in Washington and Iowa on State and Federal Charges

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: On September 24, 2025, the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (SER-ICAC) Task Force, comprised of detectives from the Richland and Kennewick Police Departments, Deputies from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations, executed search and arrest warrants in Richland, Washington, and Mason City, Iowa, arising from child exploitation investigations in the Tri-Cities area. Joseph Ralland Whipple, 34, was arrested in Mason City, Iowa, on federal charges of producing, distributing, receiving, and possessing sexually explicit images of minor children in Tri-Cities, Washington. A search warrant was executed at Whipple’s residence in Iowa and multiple electronic devices were seized. The SER-ICAC was assisted by the Mason City Police Department and the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Whipple made an initial court appearance in federal court in Iowa and was detained pending further proceedings in federal court in the Eastern District of Washington. Whipple has also been charged in Benton County Superior Court with two counts of Rape of a Child in the First Degree with the Aggravating Circumstance of Pattern of Sexual Abuse and two counts of Child Molestation in the First Degree for his alleged conduct with multiple minor children. His bail has been set at one million dollars. Charles Lon Seltz, 57, was arrested in Richland, Washington, on state charges of Rape of a Child in the First Degree. The SER-ICAC and Richland Police Department executed a search warrant at Seltz’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. Seltz was subsequently charged in Benton County Superior Court with four counts of Rape of Child in the First Degree with the Aggravating Circumstance of a Pattern of Sexual Abuse. His bail has also been set at one million dollars. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Washington and the Northern District of Iowa and the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office.


title: Former Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Pleads Guilty to Conspiring with Corrupt Cryptocurrency Figure to Extort and Falsely Arrest Rivals

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A former deputy and helicopter pilot with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) pleaded guilty today to federal conspiracy charges for helping a now-jailed, self-styled cryptocurrency businessman extort a rival and arrange the sham illegal drug possession arrest of another adversary in Paramount in 2021. Michael David Coberg, 44, of Eastvale, pleaded guilty to a two-count information charging him with conspiracy to commit extortion and conspiracy against rights. According to his plea agreement, Coberg – then employed as an LASD deputy and helicopter pilot – worked on the side with Adam Iza, 25, formerly of Beverly Hills and Newport Coast. Iza, a self-proclaimed “Godfather,” was engaged in fraudulent marketing and cryptocurrency schemes and has been in federal custody since September 2024. He has pleaded guilty to federal charges and awaits a December 15 sentencing date. Coberg’s contract with Iza allowed him to work as a business partner and advisor, as opposed to simply working security shifts. Coberg and Iza at one point planned to start a business selling anabolic steroids. Iza paid Coberg at least $20,000 per month for his services. Participation in Extortion In October 2021, Coberg accompanied other security guards to pick up a victim whose business partner was having a financial dispute with Iza. After transporting the victim – identified in court documents as “L.A.” – to Iza’s residence, Iza placed a firearm on the desk and displayed an assault rifle, which was placed on the ground near the desk. Coberg informed the victim that he was an active-duty law enforcement officer and interrogated the victim about the financial dispute Iza had with L.A.’s business partner. While Coberg stood watch over the victim, Iza demanded – and recorded a video of – the victim transferring $127,000 to a bank account Iza controlled. Iza then directed his security guards to take away the victim’s passport and told them to drive the victim back to the victim’s hotel. The next day, Coberg continued to interrogate the victim about the financial dispute and the location of the victim’s business partner. Later that day, Coberg took Iza and the victim to a shooting range in Iza’s residence and left the two individuals alone. Iza then held the victim at gunpoint and demanded the victim’s business partner transfer money to him, which the victim’s business partner did later that day. False Traffic Stop and Arrest In September 2021, Coberg conspired with Iza and others to lure another victim – identified in court documents as “R.C.” – from Miami to Los Angeles to set up the victim and cause him to be arrested with illegal narcotics. During the previous month, Coberg learned of a dispute between Iza and the victim and that Iza and two corrupt LASD deputies working for Iza forced the victim at gunpoint to transfer $25,000 from the victim’s bank account to an account Iza controlled. Coberg and other co-conspirators set up a plan in which the victim’s ex-girlfriend called the victim and pretended to be interested in pursuing a romantic relationship to convince the victim to fly to Los Angeles to meet with her to use drugs together. At Coberg’s advice and counseling, the co-conspirator purchased the airplane ticket for the victim, picked him up at Los Angeles International Airport in a white Tesla, drove the victim to obtain drugs, and later traveled to a location in Paramount where an LASD deputy would make the traffic stop and arrest. Christopher Michael Cadman, 33, of Fullerton, a corrupt LASD deputy who had participated in the intimidation of the victim in August 2021 resulting in the $25,000 payment to Iza, also helped set up the false arrest. Cadman pleaded guilty on August 7 to federal criminal charges and awaits sentencing in January 2026. With Cadman’s assistance, Coberg lied to a fellow LASD deputy that a confidential informant was driving a white Tesla with an individual who had an outstanding arrest warrant and possessed illegal drugs. That deputy later conducted the traffic stop, searched the Tesla, found cocaine in the car and psilocybin mushrooms inside the victim’s backpack, and arrested the victim. During the arrest, Coberg slowly drove past the scene in a black Cadillac Escalade SUV – with the window rolled down – as Iza watched from the back passenger seat. Iza took videos and photographs of the victim’s arrest. After the arrest, Coberg texted Cadman to thank him for facilitating the traffic stop and stated, “the kid enjoyed it,” referencing Iza. Iza later taunted the victim by sending him a photograph of the victim’s arrest in progress and the victim’s booking photo, and texting him, “[f]or a drug dealer, you [expletive] with the wrong people.” United States District Judge Percy Anderson scheduled a February 17, 2026, sentencing hearing, at which time Coberg will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison on the extortion-related count and up to 10 years in federal prison on the conspiracy against rights count. The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating this matter. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has provided assistance. Assistant United States Attorney Maxwell K. Coll of the National Security Division is prosecuting this case.


title: US Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones Attends “Passing of the Gavel” Ceremony Honoring Chief Judge Ariana Fajardo Orshan

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI - U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones joined colleagues, judges, and community leaders at this year’s Passing of the Gavel ceremony, marking the investiture of Chief Judge Ariana Fajardo Orshan as Chief Judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida. Chief Judge Fajardo Orshan, who previously served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida during President Donald J. Trump’s first administration (Trump 45), led the Office in landmark prosecutions that strengthened the district’s reputation as one of the nation’s most active and impactful. Prior to her federal appointment, she served with distinction as a circuit judge in Miami-Dade County. U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones reflected on their long professional connection: “I had the privilege of serving as a line prosecutor under Judge Ariana’s leadership during her tenure as U.S. Attorney. Later, we served together on the bench as judges. Today, it is a deep honor to return to this Court, now as U.S. Attorney myself, and to celebrate Judge Ariana’s elevation by her peers to Chief Judge and her career of service to justice and to our community.” The Passing of the Gavel ceremony, a longstanding tradition in South Florida’s legal community, recognizes the installation of the new Chief Judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit and the continuity of leadership within the judiciary. ###


title: Portland Man Charged with Assaulting Federal Law Enforcement Officer Near Local ICE Office

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man made his first appearance in federal court today after assaulting a federal officer near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland. Tomas Plancarte-Benson, 37, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer. According to court documents, on the evening of September 27, 2025, federal officers attempted to clear the driveway at the ICE facility. Plancarte-Benson was among a group of agitators blocking the driveway. Federal officials gave repeated verbal commands to “move” or “clear the driveway.” Rather than move when directed, Plancarte-Benson shoved a federal officer and retreated into the crowd. Federal officers subsequently found Plancarte-Benson near the ICE facility and arrested him for assaulting a federal officer. “Violence at the ICE building or any other federal building will not be tolerated. If you assault a federal law enforcement officer, you will be arrested and prosecuted,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Since June 13, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon has charged 27 defendants with federal crimes for offenses committed at the ICE building, including assaulting federal officers, failure to comply, and depredation of government property. Plancarte-Benson made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was released on conditions pending further court proceedings. Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to eight years in federal prison. A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Man Sentenced To 210 Months For Production Of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A Mobile man was sentenced today to 210 months in prison for Production of Child Pornography and Attempted Enticement of a Child. According to court documents, throughout 2024, Jason Jones, 46, would pose as an attractive teenage boy on various online applications such as Snap Chat and manipulate young girls to produce and send pornographic images to him. Jones communicated with two minor victims, ages 11 and 13. Jones also distributed items of child pornography and obscene material through internet-based applications to underage girls to entice them to engage in sexually explicit conduct. After a search warrant, child pornography was found on three of Jones’ devices. Jones will be placed on a 15-year term of supervised release after incarceration and is prohibited from possessing internet capable devices. He is also ordered to have no contact with minors. Jones will be required to register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tandice H. Blackwood prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/publications-resources


title: Mobile Man Sentenced to 18 months for Felon in Possession of a Firearm

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A Mobile man was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. According to court documents, on August 18, 2024, Mobile Police Department responded to a local hotel in reference to a shooting. Reginald Thompson, 50, fired rounds into the wall in the bathroom area, claiming someone was breaking in. Surveillance footage showed that no one was near the room Thompson was occupying prior to law enforcement’s arrival. Thompson admitted to possessing the firearm. Thompson has several prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Thompson was ordered to a 3-year supervised release term upon release from incarceration and must pay a $100 special assessment. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. Mobile Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tandice H. Blackwood prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Illegal Immigrant Sentenced to 8 Months in Prison

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A Honduran national was sentenced today to 8 months in prison for illegally reentering the United States after previously having been deported. According to court documents, Oscar Guillen Orellana, 60, was arrested by Foley Police Department on March 13, 2025, for domestic violence offenses. At that time, his identity was confirmed and Homeland Security was able to determine that Guillen Orellana had previously been convicted of Armed Robbery in Georgia and Illegal Reentry in both the Northern and Southern Districts of Alabama. He was most recently sentenced on September 21, 2020, to 41 months in prison in the Southern District of Alabama for the crime of Illegal Reentry. He was then deported on November 11, 2022. He was found back in the United States on March 13, 2025, when he was arrested for domestic violence. Guillen Orellana has been removed from the United States three times and been convicted of Illegal Reentry three times. At sentencing, Chief Judge Beaverstock imposed the 8-month sentence of incarceration and a 3-year term of supervised release to follow his imprisonment. Upon his release from prison, Guillen Orellana is to be referred to immigration officials for deportation proceedings. Guillen Orellana was ordered to pay $100 in special assessments. Guillen Orellana also admitted that he had violated the terms of his supervised release for the 2020 conviction and was sentenced to 8 months’ incarceration for that violation, to be served concurrently to the term of incarceration in the pending matter. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, and Foley Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kacey Chappelear prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Ecuadorian man arrested, charged with illegal reentry

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Luis Antonio Loja Quizhpi, 40, a citizen and national of Ecuador, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal reentry, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, On February 28, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations discovered that Loja Quizhpi was unlawfully present in the United States. An investigation determined that he owned a roofing company based in Olean, NY. On September 26, 2025, HIS conducted a traffic stop of Loja Quizhpi’s vehicle. He did not possess the proper documentation to remain in the United States and was taken into custody. Further investigation determined that Loja Quizhpi was physically removed from the United States in November 2007. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Loja Quizhpi made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained. The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Member of Vast International Alien Smuggling Organization Extradited from Mexico

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Mexican man made his initial appearance in court in Del Rio today after being extradited to Texas from Mexico to face charges relating to his role in an international alien smuggling organization. In September 2023, a federal grand jury in the Western District of Texas returned an indictment against Efrain Zuniga-Garcia, 37, of Mexico, for conspiring to smuggle aliens from multiple countries into the United States for financial gain. Beginning in November 2020 and continuing through September 2023, the defendant and others were part of a vast international alien smuggling organization (ASO) that illegally brought thousands of aliens from Afghanistan, Yemen, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Columbia, Guatemala, Honduras, and Ecuador into the United States across the border with Mexico. The ASO operated stash houses in Monterrey, Mexico, and Piedras Negras, Mexico. A Pakistani smuggler based in Brazil originally contracted with aliens to enter the smuggling venture. In turn, this Brazilian-based smuggler worked with a San Antonio, Texas-based smuggler and Honduran national Enil Edil Mejia-Zuniga to facilitate travel of the aliens from South America to the United States. Mejia-Zuniga directed operations, as well as paid armed “coyotes,” load drivers, and stash house operators. According to court documents, Mejia-Zuniga admitted that the ASO smuggled between 2,500 to 3,000 aliens into the United States in just two years. Mejia-Zuniga stated the organization charged between $6,500 to $12,000 per alien, totaling approximately $16 to $30 million in financial gain. Efrain Zuniga-Garcia operated the stash house in Monterrey and coordinated with other members of the ASO to transport aliens to the stash house and then into the U.S. illegally. The defendant worked with others to house aliens for a period, after which the aliens would meet foot guides, ‘coyotes’, who led them across the U.S.-Mexico border by crossing the Rio Grande River. Zuniga-Garcia was arrested in Mexico in October 2024 at the request of the U.S. government. Zuniga-Garcia’s extradition was the result of extensive coordination and cooperation between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities. Zuniga-Garcia is charged with one count of conspiracy to bring illegal aliens to the United States and three counts of bringing in illegal aliens for profit. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison. Zuniga-Garcia’s co-defendant, Monica Hernadez-Palma was extradited to the United States from Mexico in January 2025. She pleaded guilty to smuggling offenses in April 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced in November 2025. Defendant Mejia-Zuniga was sentenced in July 2025 to the statutory maximum of 120 months in prison. Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting Special Agent in Charge Mark Lippa of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio Field Office made the announcement. HSI Del Rio led U.S. investigative efforts, working in concert with the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, and U.S. Border Patrol. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Zuniga-Garcia. Trial Attorneys Jenna Reed and Bethany Allen of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) are prosecuting the case. The indictment and extradition are the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) and the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) Program. JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Colombia, Canada, and the Caribbean. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, the Northern District of New York, the District of Vermont, and the Southern District of Florida. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 415 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 355 U.S. convictions; more than 305 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Lackawanna County Woman Sentenced To 21 Years In Prison On Drug Distribution Resulting In Death Charges

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kaylee Ann Widmer, age 25, of Thornhurst, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on September 23, 2025, to 21 years’ imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute oxycodone and 40 grams and more of fentanyl resulting in death. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between January 2022 and February 2023, Widmer and her boyfriend, Christopher Potter, and others conspired to distribute controlled substances throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. Widmer supplied fentanyl to her co-conspirator Santino Bellucci, who on December 18, 2022, sold a person fentanyl which caused the individual’s death. At the time of the incident, Widmer was receiving large amounts of fentanyl from individuals residing in the Hazleton, PA area throughout the conspiracy. Senior Judge Mariani previously sentenced both co-conspirators Santino Bellucci, age 28, of Dickson City, PA, and Christopher Potter, age 30, of Scranton, PA, to 21 years’ imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Dunmore Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny Roberts prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses. # # #


title: ILLEGAL ONLINE DRUG MARKET DISMANTLED AND MORE THAN $28 MILLION IN CRYPTOCURRENCY FORFEITED

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Matthew Simon Grimm, 51, a citizen of the United Kingdom, was sentenced to nine years in prison after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to import a controlled substance into the United States, four counts of importation of a controlled substance into the United States, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Dismantling this criminal enterprise required close collaboration between our federal and international law enforcement partners, and I am incredibly proud of the successful prosecution of this offender by my office. This is yet another step toward fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the drug traffickers flooding our communities with poison, and this substantial forfeiture of the criminally obtained proceeds of this drug distribution operation resoundingly confirms that my office will ensure that offenders cannot profit from their crimes.” From 2015 until November 8, 2022, Grimm ran a website offering federally controlled substances for sale online. Grimm, along with co-conspirators, would receive orders and then ship controlled substances into the United States. The controlled substances varied, but included synthetic cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids, and analogues of methamphetamine. Records from Grimm’s website indicated he had shipped at least 44,000 orders. The Drug Enforcement Administration in Gainesville, Florida, began investigating Grimm, and ordered multiple controlled substances from his website, which were shipped to Gainesville. Grimm would receive payment in the form of various cryptocurrencies. As part of his sentence, Grimm was ordered to forfeit cryptocurrency worth more than $28,000,000. Co-defendant Carrie-Ann Tooley, 54, of Northport, Maine, worked for Grimm and was previously sentenced on April 14, 2025. “Technology brings more ways for criminals to flood our streets with poison,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “DEA pursues cyber criminals with the same energy as street-level drug distributors. We will not stop until they have been brought to justice.” “The United States Postal Inspection Service is proud to stand with our domestic and international partners in identifying, disrupting, and dismantling transnational drug tracking organizations,” said Bladismir Rojo, Postal Inspector in Charge, Miami Division. “We will pursue those who use the U.S. Mail to transport and distribute deadly drugs which impact the safety of postal employees and the communities they serve.” “This defendant and his co-conspirators pushed poison into our communities, profiting off the addiction, violence, and destruction these dangerous substances bring,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “HSI and our partners remain relentless in our mission to dismantle these networks and protect our communities from the devastating impact of controlled substances.” These sentences were the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the United States Marshals Service, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, the United Kingdom Metropolitan Police, and the Netherlands National Police Corps. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and July 2024 extradition of Grimm from the UK. Assistant United States Attorneys James A. McCain, Adam Hapner, and Kaitlin Weiss prosecuted the case, along with former Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Elsey and David P. Byron. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: MEXICAN NATIONAL SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR STEALING IDENTITY OF U.S. CITIZEN

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Alfredo Mendoza Montero, 45, of Mexico, was sentenced to two years and one day in federal prison after having pleaded guilty to charges of passport fraud, false impersonation of a citizen, and aggravated identity theft. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the investigative work of our incredible federal law enforcement partners, this criminal illegal alien will be held accountable for stealing the identity of a U.S. citizen that he used to conceal his unlawful presence in our country. Prison and a swift removal from our country awaits him, and should be a warning to others that violations of our immigration laws will not go unpunished.” Court documents reflect that Montero illegally entered the United States in 2019 and purchased identification documents belonging to a real American citizen. He knowingly used those documents to fraudulently apply for a United States passport in 2022 and obtain a Florida driver’s license in 2023. Montero lived under that assumed citizen’s identity while living in the Pensacola area until he was arrested by federal authorities on April 1, 2025. “Safeguarding U.S. passports and visas is critical to the Diplomatic Security Service mission and supporting the Trump administration's goal to make America safer,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan McSeveney of the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service Miami Field Office. “We are firmly committed to prosecuting criminals who misuse U.S. travel documents to commit fraud, further criminal activity, and endanger the security of our nation.” “This sentencing highlights the seriousness of identity theft, and the extent individuals will go to falsely claim U.S. citizenship to obtain government credentials.” said Acting Inspector General Michelle L. Anderson. “By working closely with our law enforcement partners, SSA OIG helped uncover the true victim in this case—a U.S. citizen living in Puerto Rico—who had their identity misused. We remain committed to protecting the integrity of Social Security records and ensuring that those who commit identity-related crimes are brought to justice.” “Identity theft is a serious crime that can have devastating, long-lasting effects on the lives of its victims,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “It is not a victimless crime; it affects real people, causing emotional distress, financial instability, and legal complications that can take years to resolve. HSI is committed to protecting the integrity of U.S. identification systems and safeguarding the personal information of American citizens.” The sentence was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia H. Forbes. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC NATIONAL DETAINED ON FEDERAL DRUG AND IMMIGRATION CHARGES

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: St. Thomas, VI –Acting United States Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that on September 24, 2025, Carlos Alexis Olivares-Taveras, 34, of the Dominican Republic, was ordered detained pending trial, or until the defense seeks a reopening of his detention hearing, following his arrest on federal drug and immigration offenses. According to court documents, on September 22, 2025, agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and partner law enforcement agencies conducting an immigration enforcement operation in St. Thomas stopped a vehicle driven by the defendant. During the stop, agents observed a white powdery substance in the driver’s side door panel. A search of the vehicle revealed eleven baggies containing a white powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine and approximately $4,000 in U.S. currency. During an interview, the defendant admitted that the cocaine and money belonged to him. He also admitted that he had entered the United States unlawfully by boat from Tortola to St. John in February 2025 without presenting himself at a lawful port of entry. Olivares-Taveras is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), and with illegal entry into the United States, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1325(a)(1). If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment on the drug charge. This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorney Cherrisse R. Amaro is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Hillsborough County Man Sentenced To 24 Years For Sex Trafficking Of A Minor

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington has sentenced Jessie Thomas Taylor (43, Tampa) to 24 years and 4 months in federal prison for sex trafficking of a minor. Taylor pleaded guilty on June 6, 2025. According to court documents, beginning in April 2021, and continuing through December 2022, Taylor created and posted advertisements of the 16-year-old victim on adult escort websites advertising sexual acts with the victim. Taylor coordinated and managed communications and reserved hotel rooms for the minor to engage in commercial sexual activity and received proceeds from the victim’s sex acts. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: FCC Allenwood Inmates Indicted On Assault, Conspiracy And Weapons Charges

body_text: WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that multiple inmates of the Federal Correctional Center Allenwood, Allenwood, Pennsylvania, were indicted yesterday on assault, conspiracy and weapons charges. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on June 2, 2023, at FCC Allenwood, Darwin Abudeye-Perez, Alex Ferrufino, Miguel Lopez, Ronald Montano-Ramirez, Miguel Abrego, Cristian Rios-Jarquin, Juan Villalobos, David Nolasco-Soriano, Guadalupe Sanchez-Cruz, Erick Aguilar-Motino, Jose Garcia-Bonilla, Jose Garcia, Jose Torres-Garcia, Henry Guittierez-Andrade, William Espinoza, and Walter Ejcalon-Xalcut conspired to assault a group of other inmates with dangerous weapons, including locks and other heavy objects attached to strings, belts and socks. In addition to a conspiracy charge, these inmates face individual counts of assault. The indictment also charges Jose Garcia, William Espinoz, Guadalupe Sanchez-Crus, Erick Aguilar-Motino and Darwin Abudeye-Perez of possessing prohibited objects (weapons) inside a prison facility. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: U.S. Attorney Announces Immigration Enforcement Actions

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: TOLEDO, Ohio – The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) has announced immigration enforcement actions in the Northern District of Ohio, Western Division. These are separate cases and not related. The following individuals have been sentenced to time served by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey J. Helmick after each previously pleaded guilty to illegal reentry (Title 8 U.S. Code 1326), after being found in the Northern District of Ohio without the consent of the U.S. Attorney General or the Secretary for Homeland Security for readmission. They remain detained pending deportation from the United States. Gonzalo Diaz-Resendiz, 29, a citizen of Mexico, was previously removed from the United States on at least one occasion with the most recent being Sept. 6, 2013. He was found in Putnam County, Ottawa, Ohio. Edin Oneil Carrillos-Rodriguez, 36, a citizen of Honduras, was previously removed from the United States on at least two occasions with the most recent being Dec. 11, 2014. He was found in Sandusky County, Clyde, Ohio. Raul Samano-Fuerte, 49, a citizen of Mexico, was previously removed from the United States on at least four occasions with the most recent being March 10, 2009. He was found in Huron County, Norwalk, Ohio. Additionally, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jaime Sanchez-Tlehuactle, 43, a citizen of Mexico, with illegal reentry. He has previously been removed from the United States with the most recent being April 21, 2021. He was found in Wood County, Bowling Green, Ohio. The investigations in these cases were conducted by U.S. Border Patrol-Sandusky Bay Station. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Gene Crawford , Matthew Simko , and Ava Rotell Dustin for Northern District of Ohio. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Allentown Man Charged With Drug Trafficking Offense

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Urena-Capellan, age 40, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on a drug trafficking offense. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment charges Urena-Capellan with attempted possession with intent to distribute 400 grams and more of fentanyl in Franklin County, on July 30, 2025. This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The maximum penalty under federal law for the offense is life imprisonment, a fine, and a period of supervised release following imprisonment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged by indictment are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Second Defendant in Lows Gang Fraud Case Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – Peter Amondo Anderson, a/k/a “Nacho,” 24, pled guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and one count of Aggravated Identity Theft, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. Anderson and three other members and associates of the Lows, a violent Minneapolis-based street gang, were charged by indictment in May 2025 with engaging in a fraud scheme designed to enrich the defendants and also to enrich the Lows street gang. Anderson is the second defendant in the case to enter a guilty plea. “The murderous Lows gang has ravaged the North Side with its violence while using fraud to fuel its crimes. No more,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “We are good at prosecuting fraud and will continue to use every federal tool at our disposal to dismantle these violent street gangs.” Per the indictment, the defendants engaged in their fraud scheme for more than four years, from April 2019 to January 2024. The scheme involved the defendants creating fraudulent checks, depositing those fraudulent checks, and then withdrawing real fraud proceeds. To accomplish this scheme, Anderson and other co-conspirators used social media to recruit individuals (“money mules”) who had bank accounts at various institutions to assist in depositing fraudulent checks. The money mules provided their personal banking information to Anderson and his co-conspirators, who created false checks made out to the money mules. The false checks were then deposited into the money mule’s bank accounts, and the funds quickly withdrawn and provided to Anderson and his co-conspirators. Although the banking information for the money mules was readily provided, Anderson and his co-conspirators also used deceptive means to steal victims’ personal identifying and banking information. In August 2024, Anderson and his co-conspirators stole the banking information of a 65-year-old victim in North Carolina. Through the fraudulent use of the victim’s identity, Anderson and his co-conspirators stole approximately $39,000. In total, Anderson and his co-conspirators deposited at least 28 fraudulent checks and attempted to withdraw nearly $220,000. Anderson pled guilty before Judge Kate M. Menendez. Anderson’s co-defendant, Faysal Mohamed, a/k/a “G Money,” 27, pled guilty on August 5, 2025. Sentencing hearings for Anderson and Mohamed will be held at a later date. A related RICO indictment against the Lows criminal street gang is currently pending in federal court. In that case, 14 members of the Lows are charged in an 23-count indictment with crimes including racketeering (RICO) conspiracy involving murder, attempted murder, gun trafficking, drug trafficking, and the use of a firearm in furtherance of crimes of violence resulting in death. “Anderson and his co-conspirators executed an extensive fraud scheme to exploit victims’ financial information for their own profit and to fund the Lows campaign of violence and terror against the Minneapolis community,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “This years-long conspiracy would have resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars fueling Low's criminal activity. The FBI and our federal, state, and local partners will continue to seek out and stop all gang-related fraud, violence, and crime that threatens the safety of our streets.” This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Minnesota Department of Corrections. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Garrett S. Fields and David M. Classen for the District of Minnesota and Trial Attorney Jared Engelking of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. An indictment is merely an allegation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Egyptian National Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearms Charges

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Egyptian man pleaded guilty to federal firearms offenses for threatening a victim with a gun at a Las Cruces gas station. According to court documents, on the morning of May 12, 2025, Moustafa Mahmoud Abdelnabi Salem , a citizen and national of Egypt, threatened an individual at a gas station by pulling a handgun, chambering a round, and pointing it at the victim. After the incident, the victim flagged down an officer from the Las Cruces Police Department and reported the assault. When the officer questioned Salem , who was still at the location, he alleged that the victim had assaulted him with a large knife and denied pointing a handgun at the victim. Salem refused to allow the officer to retrieve the handgun from his vehicle, leading the officer to believe that there was an issue with the firearm. Upon further investigation, the officer determined that Salem was an alien illegally or unlawfully present in the United States after overstaying his visitor visa. The incident was captured by CCTV footage from the gas station in which Salem appears to be the aggressor. Salem pleaded guilty to being an illegal alien in possession a firearm and ammunition. At sentencing, Salem faces up to 15 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Salem will be subject to deportation as an aggravated felon. Acting 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 Las Cruces Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations El Paso. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Tonkin is prosecuting the case. View the Plea Agreement (Salem).pdf


title: Mexican national sentenced to 21 months in prison for illegally reentering United States

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – A Mexican national was sentenced in federal court here to 21 months in prison for illegally reentering the United States after being convicted of a felony crime. Gelacio Macias-Olivares, 42, was found by law enforcement in Lebanon, Ohio, in April. The defendant has three prior felony convictions for illegal reentry of a removed alien. His prior convictions occurred in the Western District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, and the District of Arizona. Macias-Olivares had most recently been deported from Texas in April 2020. Dominick S. Gerace, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Kevin Raycraft, Acting Field Office Director, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Detroit Field Office; announced the sentence imposed on Sept. 25 by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Susan J. Dlott. Assistant United States Attorney Ebunoluwa Taiwo is representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Retired New York Financier and his Personal Assistant Charged with Sex Trafficking and Transporting Women to Engage in Commercial Sex Acts

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: A 10-count indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging retired New York-based financier, Howard Rubin, also known as “Howie” and “H,” along with his personal assistant, Jennifer Powers, with sex trafficking and transporting women in interstate commerce for sex acts with Rubin. Rubin was also charged with bank fraud in connection with misrepresentations made to a bank in the course of financing Powers’s mortgage for the Texas home of Powers and her husband. Rubin was arrested this morning in Fairfield, Connecticut and will be arraigned this afternoon in federal court in Brooklyn before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo. Powers was arrested in Texas this morning and is scheduled to make her initial appearance on Monday in federal court in the Northern District of Texas. Powers will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date. Joseph Nocella Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, New York Field Office (FBI), and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI New York) announced the arrests and indictment. “As alleged, the defendants used Rubin’s wealth to mislead and recruit women to engage in commercial sex acts, where Rubin then tortured women beyond their consent, causing lasting physical and/or psychological pain, and in some cases physical injuries,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Today’s arrests show that no one who engages in sex trafficking, in this case in luxury hotels and a penthouse apartment that featured a so-called sex ‘dungeon,’ is above the law, and that they will be brought to justice. Human beings are not chattel to be exploited for sex and sadistically abused, and anyone who thinks otherwise can expect to find themselves in handcuffs and facing federal prosecution like these defendants.” “For many years, Howard Rubin and Jennifer Powers allegedly spent at least one million dollars to finance the commercial sexual torture of multiple women via a national trafficking network. The defendants allegedly exploited Rubin’s status to ensnare their prospective victims and forced them to endure unthinkable physical trauma before silencing any outcries with threats of legal recourse,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “The FBI will continue to apprehend any trafficker who sexually abuses others for twisted gratification.” “It’s alleged Rubin directed a sex trafficking enterprise, exploiting women who were transported from across the country to his Manhattan penthouse that was equipped with a soundproof sex room filled with BDSM equipment, including a device used to shock the women,” stated Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI Chavis. “This was not a one-man show. While Rubin dehumanized these women with abhorrent sexual acts, Powers is alleged to have run the day-to-day operations of the enterprise and got paid generously for her efforts. IRS-CI and FBI partnered to see fit that all the facts are detailed in this case and ensure that this pair realizes the full consequences of their ghastly behaviors.” Rubin, now retired, built his wealth in New York City working in finance. Powers, became his personal assistant around 2011, and managed the logistical aspects of their commercial sex operation. As alleged in the indictment, between 2009 and 2019, Rubin and Powers recruited multiple women to travel to New York City to engage in commercial sex acts with Rubin involving bondage, discipline, dominance, submission and sadomasochism, referred to as “BDSM” sex , and some of the women were trafficked. The commercial sex acts initially took place in luxury hotels, and then later in Rubin’s two-bedroom penthouse apartment (the “Penthouse”) in midtown Manhattan where he and Powers converted one of the bedrooms into what they referred to as a sex “dungeon” that was painted red, soundproofed and furnished with BDSM equipment and devices, including a device to shock or electrocute the women. Rubin also used force, fraud and coercion to traffic another woman in 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Additionally, while fully embroiled in civil litigation related to this same conduct, Rubin falsely told a bank that he was not a party to litigation to secure a mortgage for Powers’s Texas home, which he financed. As alleged, Rubin and Powers, together with others, recruited women to engage in commercial sex acts with Rubin. Powers frequently arranged the women’s flights to New York to LaGuardia or John F. Kennedy International Airports in Queens and then transported them to the Penthouse. During many of these encounters, Rubin brutalized women’s bodies, causing them to fear for their safety and/or resulting in significant pain and injuries. As further alleged in the indictment, Rubin and Powers required the women to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), which purported to require the women to assume the risk of the hazards and injury of the BDSM encounters with Rubin, prohibit the disclosure of information about the BDSM sex with Rubin and require the payment of damages in the event of a breach. Rubin used the NDAs to threaten the women with legal consequences and public shaming if they sought legal recourse. After the sexual encounters, Rubin and/or Powers used Rubin’s money to pay the women by wire transfer or a payment service such as PayPal or Venmo. At times, Powers structured the payments to avoid sending a single transaction of $10,000 or more, to avoid triggering reporting obligations by the bank. The indictment alleges the defendants spent at least $1 million of Rubin’s money operating and maintaining the trafficking network. The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of sex trafficking, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment. If convicted of transporting women to engage in commercial sex acts, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment on each count. If Rubin is convicted of bank fraud, he faces a maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment. If you believe you have been victimized by or have information about Howard Rubin or Jennifer Powers, please contact the FBI at fbi.gov/HowardRubinVictims , HowardRubinVictims@FBI.gov or 212-384-3600. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Kayla Bensing, Tara McGrath, and Raffaela S. Belizaire are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Marlane Bosler and Timothy Migliaro The Defendants : HOWARD RUBIN (also known as “Howie” and “H”) Age: 70 Fairfield, Connecticut JENNIFER POWERS Age: 45 Southlake, Texas E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-281 (MKB) rubin_and_powers_indictment.pdf


title: Bradford County Man Pleads Guilty To Wire Fraud

body_text: WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Richard Burke, age 76, of Milan, Pennsylvania, plead guilty on September 24, 2025, before Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann to a criminal information charging him with wire fraud. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, from April 2005 until March 7, 2022, Burke withdrew $350,634.23 of his deceased mother’s Social Security Retirement, Survivors and Disability (RSDI) benefits and Veterans Affairs death pension benefit payments from her bank account. Burke’s mother died in 2005, and no other individual was entitled to the benefits designated to her. Burke used his deceased mother’s bank card to make regular cash withdrawals over the years following her benefits deposits, never notifying the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) nor the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that she died. This case was investigated by the SSA and VA, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty under federal law for the offense is 20 years and a fine. A sentence for this offense may also include a period of supervised release following imprisonment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Burke’s sentencing is not yet scheduled. # # #


title: Mexican National who Imported Nearly $360K in Fentanyl Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison and Deportation

body_text: FLORENCE, S.C. — Francisco Villa-Garcia, also known as Francisco Villa-Dominguez, Andres Busto, and Jesus Pineda Dominguez, 68, a Mexican national illegally residing in the United States, has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for his role in the importation of more than 8 kilograms of fentanyl from Mexico to South Carolina. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Villa-Garcia illegally entered the United States in or around 2022, having been previously deported to Mexico in 2019 after serving 15 years in federal prison on a prior drug trafficking conviction in California. Once in the United States, he ordered two shipments of what was supposed to be heroin but contained fentanyl. The drugs, valued at $45,000 per kilogram, were supposed to be provided to co-conspirators in Kingstree for further distribution. Investigators learned of this plan, however, and set up a sting operation that caught the conspirators in the process of receiving the second shipment. Records reflect that Villa-Garcia has prior convictions dating back to 1984, including possession of cocaine, illegal reentry, driving under the influence, hit and run causing injury, extortion, and sale of methamphetamine. He was also deported to Mexico in 2019 based on 2005 federal convictions for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and illegal reentry in the Central District of California. The Court sentenced Villa-Garcia to 97 months in federal prison on his new conviction, and to a concurrent sentence of 51 months for violating the terms of his release from his 2005 convictions. He will be deported to Mexico upon the completion of the service of his sentences. Co-defendants Eriberto Navarro Lopez of Mexico City, Mexico, and Marone Lawatis Nesmith of Kingstree also pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office in close coordination with the Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian prosecuted the case. ###