title: Hedge Fund Manager Indicted on Tax Fraud Charges

body_text: An indictment was unsealed today in the Western District of Texas charging a Cayman national who renounced his U.S. citizenship with tax evasion, filing false returns and willfully failing to file tax forms disclosing foreign assets. According to court documents and statements made in court, Justin Ryan Schmidt previously resided in Austin, Texas, where he managed a hedge fund focusing on cryptocurrency investments. Between 2020 and March 2022, Schmidt allegedly earned a total of more than $6 million from his hedge fund but did not report any of this income on his 2020, 2021 or 2022 tax returns. In fact, the indictment alleges, in each of those years, Schmidt falsely reported total income of $5,000 or less, while he held millions of dollars in foreign bank accounts. Even though he was required by law to report these foreign bank accounts to the IRS, Schmidt is charged with willfully failing to do so. In November 2021, Schmidt became a British citizen, subsequently renouncing his U.S. citizenship in March 2022. Individuals who expatriate from the United States are required to report certain information to the IRS about their net worth, income, assets, and liabilities as of the date of their expatriation. The indictment alleges that Schmidt willfully filed a false expatriation statement reporting that his net worth was $25,000 at the time of expatriation, when in fact it exceeded $2 million. According to court documents, in 2023, Schmidt paid approximately $5.8 million to purchase real property in Snowmass Village, Colorado, and sold the property a few months later for approximately $9 million. The indictment alleges that Schmidt did not report the gains from this sale on his 2023 income tax return and evaded payment of taxes by submitting false documents to prevent taxes from being withheld on the sale of the property. Schmidt faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for tax evasion, three years in prison for each count of filing false tax forms and five years in prison for each count of willfully failing to file forms disclosing foreign bank accounts. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Senior Litigation Counsel Michael C. Boteler and Trial Attorney Michael Jones of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Operator Of Lucrative Online Pornography Marketplace “The Ho Zone” Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that KYLE WHITE was sentenced to 20 years in prison for advertising and distributing child pornography on his online marketplace he called “The Ho Zone.” On October 21, 2025, WHITE pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon, who imposed today’s sentence. “Kyle White’s operation of the large-scale online pornography marketplace he callously dubbed ‘The Ho Zone’ caused immeasurable harm to his over one thousand child and adult victims whose sexual abuse materials he distributed to thousands of paying customers,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “White’s high-volume, illegal pornography enterprise earned him a staggering profit at the expense of innocent children and young women whose sexual trauma he broadcast to the world. There is a clear message from today's 20-year sentence: anyone who seeks to profit from the sexual exploitation of children will face justice for their heinous crimes. Every New York family wants Kyle White's 'Ho Zone' operation shut down and Mr. White off the streets.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in related court proceedings: WHITE ran an online pornography marketplace known as “The Ho Zone” on the messaging application Telegram, earning a profit of over $387,000. WHITE categorized the pornography he advertised and sold on “The Ho Zone” into dozens of groups and channels with thousands of members and subscribers, such as “Other Teen (18+) Leaks,” “THZ Black Market,” “MOST POPULAR GIRLS LISTS,” “Tiktoker Private Leaks,” “ATHLEAKS,” and more. Within each of these groups and channels, WHITE further categorized the pornography by the name of the woman or minor girl featured in the sexually explicit content. Each group and channel on “The Ho Zone” featured a variety of free content as a preview of what users could get if they were to pay WHITE for full access. Such access cost between $15 and $75 depending on the pornography purchased. Once a user paid WHITE for the content of a specific woman or minor girl available on “The Ho Zone,” the user gained permanent access to numerous sexually explicit photographs and videos of that woman or minor girl that WHITE had compiled, enhanced, and edited. WHITE advertised and sold child pornography on “The Ho Zone,” which depicted minor victims as young as 11 years old, as well as minor victims engaging in sexually explicit conduct with their minor victim siblings. WHITE also sold illegally obtained adult pornography on “The Ho Zone,” including pornography that had been hacked from women’s cellphones and pornography that was the product of blackmail and extortion. Most of the women featured were between 18 and 23 years old. In total, WHITE advertised and distributed illegal pornography of over one thousand adult and minor victims. WHITE knew that running “The Ho Zone” was illegal but he continued to sell child pornography and illegally obtained adult pornography on the marketplace because it was lucrative. For example, WHITE claimed in a message to another Telegram user that he “made over 300k in the first year” of operating “The Ho Zone.” [1] WHITE also stated that he did not want to stop selling child pornography because “[i]t’s just easier said than done givin up $1,000’s,” and WHITE was “sure the feds got more important things to worry abt [sic] lol.” After the FBI searched WHITE’s home and seized his electronic devices, WHITE engaged in obstruction of justice. Although WHITE pretended to assist the FBI in shutting down “The Ho Zone,” in reality, WHITE continued running “The Ho Zone” on a backup account from a new cellphone. Victims of WHITE and “The Ho Zone” are encouraged to visit https://forms.fbi.gov/victims/THZVictims to learn about available resources that may assist them. * * * In addition to the prison term, WHITE, 27, of Louisville, Kentucky, was sentenced to 20 years of supervised release. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and in particular, the victim specialists with FBI’s New York Division. This case is being supervised by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chelsea L. Scism is in charge of the prosecution. [1] Communications referenced herein are described in substance and in part.


title: Former General Manager for U.S. Defense Contractor Sentenced to 87 Months for Selling Stolen Trade Secrets to Russian Broker

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: WASHINGTON — Peter Williams, 39, an Australian national who was employed by a U.S. defense contractor, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 87 months in federal prison for selling his employer’s trade secrets to a Russian cyber-tools broker, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “Williams took trade secrets comprised of national security software and sold them for up to $4 million in crypto currency. These incredibly powerful tools would have allowed Russia to access millions of digital devices,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “By betraying a position of trust and selling sensitive American technology, Williams’ crime is not only one of theft, it is a crime of national security. Our nation’s defense capabilities are not commodities to be auctioned off. People like Williams who endanger our national security will be met with swift and decisive consequences.” “Peter Williams stole a U.S. defense contractor’s trade secrets about highly sensitive cyber capabilities and sold them to a broker whose clients include the Russian government, putting our national security and countless potential victims at risk,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “The FBI and our partners remain unwavering in our commitment to protecting America’s critical technologies, and we will ensure any who attempt to profit at our nation’s expense face the full weight of the criminal justice system. Let this be a clear warning to all who consider placing greed over country: If you betray your position of trust and sell sensitive American technology to our foreign adversaries, the FBI will not rest until you’re brought to justice.” “Williams’ self-serving actions caused significant loss and harm to his employer, the United States government, and its partners,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul of the Baltimore Field Office. “Today’s sentencing serves as a warning for anyone who knowingly endangers our national security. The FBI will pursue all such individuals and ensure justice is served." Williams, who resides in the District, pleaded guilty on Oct. 29, 2025, before Judge Loren L. AliKhan to two counts of theft of trade secrets. In addition to the 87-month prison term, Judge AliKhan ordered Williams to serve three years of supervised release, to pay $1.3 million in restitution and $1.3 million in forfeitures. According to court documents, the trade secrets were comprised of national-security focused software that included at least eight sensitive and protected cyber-exploit components. Those components were meant to be sold exclusively to the U.S. government and select allies. Beginning in April 2022 and continuing through August 2025, Williams used his access to the defense contractor’s secure network to steal the cyber exploit components that constituted the trade secrets. Williams resold the stolen components in contracts worth up to $4 million in cryptocurrency, and he received $1.3 million for the specific exploits he provided. To initiate these sales, Williams entered into multiple written contracts with the Russian broker, which involved payment for the initial sale of the components, and additional periodic payments for follow-on support. Williams transferred the eight components and trade secrets to the Russian broker through encrypted means. Williams’ transactions with the Russian broker continued even after he was aware the FBI was investigating the activity and had interviewed him about the theft of trade secrets. Williams used the illegal proceeds to buy himself high-value items that included a 2022 Tesla Model X, a 2018 Porche Panamera, jewelry, watches, clothing, and properties. In addition, he spent $5,000 for four pieces of luxury luggage and over $715,000 for luxury vacations between 2022 and 2025. Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in making the announcement were U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul of the Baltimore Field Office. This case was investigated by the FBI Baltimore Field Office. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tejpal Chawla for the District of Columbia, Trial Attorney Prava Palacharla for the National Security Division’s (NSD) National Security Cyber Section, and Trial Attorney Nicholas Hunter for NSD’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. 25cr322


title: Manchester Resident Charged with the Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer

body_text: CONCORD – A Manchester resident has been charged in connection with a shooting that occurred over the weekend in Pittsburg, New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Blu Zeke Daly, a/k/a Cullan Zeke Daly, 26, was charged by complaint with one count of attempted murder of a federal officer and one count of assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon. Daly is currently obtaining medical treatment at a New Hampshire hospital and is under guard. According to the complaint, on the evening of February 21, 2026, a Border Patrol agent encountered Daly driving alone in Stewartstown, New Hampshire, near the Canadian border. The agent asked whether Daly had used any other names, at which point Daly drove away. The Border Patrol agent followed at a distance. Shortly after midnight on February 22, 2026, Daly arrived at the Pittsburg Port of Entry on the border between the United States and Canada. The crossing was closed and the gate was locked. The Border Patrol agent activated his emergency lights and exited his vehicle, at which point Daly started to turn. Daly then fired a handgun at the Border Patrol agent. The agent returned fire with his own service weapon and shot Daly. The charge of attempted murder of a federal officer carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of assault of a federal officer with a deadly weapon also carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The FBI is leading the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the complaint are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Guilty Verdict Handed to Shooter for Killing a Man Over Feud

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Khalid Claggett, 42, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty this afternoon by a Superior Court jury for charges stemming from a shooting that killed 30-year-old Isaac Aull, Jr., in June 2021, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine F. Pirro. Claggett was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter while armed, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence and unlawful possession of a firearm (prior felony conviction). Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz scheduled sentencing for May 15, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. According to the government’s evidence, on the morning of June 11, 2021, an exchange of gunfire occurred between Aull and Claggett due to a feud about the previous murder of Aull’s brother. Aull and another man followed Claggett to a nearby Walgreens parking lot on Rhode Island Avene, NE and opened fire on him while he was sitting in an SUV. Claggett exited the SUV and returned fire to Aull as Aull was running away from the parking lot towards the 1600 block of Frankin Street NE, striking him once in the neck causing him to immediately fall into the street. Claggett then returned to the parking lot, got into another vehicle, changed his appearance, switched weapons, dawned a mask and drove back to Frankin street to pursue Aull. Claggett exited the vehicle approached Aull as he lay on the ground in front of an ambulance and tried to shoot him again, but the weapon jammed. Claggett then left, was able to unjam his weapon and return to Aull and finish him off by shooting him eight times while he was helpless, unarmed and still alive on the ground. Claggett was arrested on June 25, 2021, and has been in custody ever since. Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rashmika Nedungadi and Dan Seidel. 2021 CF1 003577


title: Lewis County man charged federally with unlawful weapons possession

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Tacoma – A 47-year-old Lewis County man appeared today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma charged with unlawfully possessing firearms, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Michael Lee Draper is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior criminal convictions. In 2009, Draper was sentenced to 13 years in prison for unlawfully possessing firearms, including a stolen firearm. Prosecutors will ask the court to detain Draper pending trial at a hearing scheduled for Monday March 2, 2026. According to records filed in the case, Draper was under investigation for theft from his former employer, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. On January 22, 2026, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office pursued a truck driven by Draper for reckless driving. The truck crashed through a fence on a rural property. A passenger in the truck was taken into custody at the scene. Draper fled from police but was located by a Washington State Patrol surveillance aircraft and was taken into custody in a muddy, wooded ravine. Investigators learned that Draper was under investigation for making fraudulent purchases using credit accounts of his former employer. Some of the purchases were recovered in the back of the truck. Also in the truck were two polymer firearms – a handgun and an AR style rifle. Both guns are “ghost guns” – firearms without serial numbers that have been manufactured using a 3D printer. The truck also contained some drug paraphernalia and some suspected crystal methamphetamine. Draper has been in state custody in Thurston County until he appeared on the federal charge today. Unlawful possession of a firearm is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, no more than three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Law enforcement continues to investigate the theft charges related to Draper’s employment with the Cowlitz Tribe. Draper currently faces five state counts of first-degree theft in Lewis County. The case is being investigated by the Cowlitz Tribal Police, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Department, and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Victoria Cantore. draper_complaint.pdf


title: Former General Manager for U.S. Defense Contractor Sentenced to 87 Months for Selling Stolen Trade Secrets to Russian Broker

component: National Security Division (NSD)

body_text: Today, Peter Williams, 39, an Australian national, was sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to 87 months in prison for selling his employer’s trade secrets — sensitive and protected cyber-exploit components — to a Russian cyber-tools broker, announced the Department of Justice. In addition to the 87-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge AliKhan for the District of Columbia ordered Williams to serve three years of supervised release with special conditions, to forfeit a money judgment of $1.3 million, cryptocurrency and property to include a house, and luxury items such as watches and jewelry. The Court also set a restitution hearing for May 12, 2026. “Williams exploited his senior role at a U.S. defense contractor to enrich himself at the expense of the United States and his employer,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “The tools he compromised were intended to protect this Nation; instead, he auctioned them off to a Russian bidder. We are committed to ensuring that those who abuse their access to sensitive information and thereby harm our national security face severe consequences.” “Peter Williams stole a U.S. defense contractor’s trade secrets about highly sensitive cyber capabilities and sold them to a broker whose clients include the Russian government, putting our national security and countless potential victims at risk,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “The FBI and our partners remain unwavering in our commitment to protecting America’s critical technologies, and we will ensure any who attempt to profit at our nation’s expense face the full weight of the criminal justice system. Let this be a clear warning to all who consider placing greed over country: If you betray your position of trust and sell sensitive American technology to our foreign adversaries, the FBI will not rest until you’re brought to justice.” “Williams took trade secrets comprised of national security software and sold them for up to $4 million in crypto currency. These incredibly powerful tools would have allowed Russia to access millions of digital devices,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia. “By betraying a position of trust and selling sensitive American technology, Williams’ crime is not only one of theft, it is a crime of national security. Our nation’s defense capabilities are not commodities to be auctioned off. People like Williams who endanger our national security will be met with swift and decisive consequences.” On Oct. 29, 2025, Williams pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to two counts of theft of trade secrets. As part of his plea agreement, Williams admitted that he stole eight cyber-exploit components over a three-year period from the U.S. defense contractor where he worked. This national-security focused software was meant to be sold exclusively to the U.S. government and select allies. Williams admitted that he sold the trade secrets to a Russian cyber-tools broker in exchange for cryptocurrency payments, which he used to buy valuable items, such as luxury vacations, jewelry, watches, clothing, and properties. To effectuate these sales, Williams entered into multiple written contracts with the Russian broker, which involved payment for the initial sale of the components, and additional periodic payments for follow-on support. Williams transferred the eight components and trade secrets to the Russian broker through encrypted means. This cyber-tools broker publicly advertises itself as a reseller of cyber exploits to various customers, including the Russian government. Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Department of State took separate actions to disrupt a Russian cyber-tools broker and its operators. Williams admitted that his actions cost the government contractor a financial loss of $35 million dollars. Williams’ conduct also had significant impact on the government contractor’s customers, to include U.S. government and allied government customers. In issuing her sentence today District Court Judge AliKhan stated, “Theft of trade secrets from a company that sells national security-focused cyber and intelligence software to the U.S. government and allied governments necessarily implicates national security, and Mr. Williams indeed acknowledges that his actions caused harm to the intelligence communities, both in the U.S. and Australia.” This case was investigated by the FBI Baltimore Field Office. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tejpal Chawla and Jason McCullough for the District of Columbia, Trial Attorney Prava Palacharla for the National Security Division’s (NSD) National Security Cyber Section, and Trial Attorney Nicholas Hunter for NSD’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. Substantial assistance was also provided by U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford for the District of Oregon prior to his current appointment, and by paralegal Mariela Andrade.


title: Activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Assault Dustin Vance Big Medicine, Jr , 24, of Riverton, Wyoming, was sentenced to four months and 11 days imprisonment with three years of supervised release for assaulting a federal officer. According to court documents, on June 4, 2025, a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) officer was dispatched to tribal housing on the Wind River Reservation for a report of the defendant being violent towards emergency medical services employees. The officer arrested the defendant, and while the officer was walking the defendant to the patrol car, he gathered saliva in his mouth and then spat saliva on the officer’s ear and face. The BIA investigated the crime and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case. Big Medicine was indicted on Sept. 16, 2025, and pleaded guilty on Dec. 10, 2025. Chief U.S. District Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Feb. 18, 2026, in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00134 Owen Thunder Kennedy , 25, of Farmington, New Mexico, was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment with one year of supervised release for assault by striking, beating, or wounding. According to court documents, the defendant and the victim in the case were seasonal workers at Yellowstone National Park in the Old Faithful area. On the night of Sept. 15, 2021, while the defendant was visibly intoxicated, he forcibly shoved his hand under the victim’s shorts and grabbed her genitalia hard enough to cause the victim pain. Yellowstone National Park Law Enforcement investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case. The defendant was indicted on Sept. 16, 2025, and pleaded guilty on Dec. 5, 2025. Chief United States District Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Feb. 20, 2026, in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00133 Drug Trafficking Christine Holly Jensen, 55, from Fort Lupton, Colorado, was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release to follow for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation was investigating Gerald White, of Medicine Bow, Wyoming (Case No. 25-00057) on drug trafficking charges. The investigation showed that on February 2, 2025, White drove to the defendant’s home in Fort Lupton, Colorado. Upon his return to Wyoming, officers stopped him and found approximately 670.4 grams (about 1.5 pounds) of methamphetamine in his truck. On October 9, 2025, the defendant was arrested at her home in Fort Lupton. She admitted to selling methamphetamine to White since 2023. The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and Albany County Sheriff’s Office investigated the crime. Jensen was indicted on Sept. 16, 2025, and pleaded guilty on Dec. 19, 2025. Chief U.S. District Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Feb. 17 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-CR-00127 The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include: Project Safe Childhood Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious. Operation Take Back America Operation Take Back America is 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. It also streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Victim Witness Program The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect. To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime


title: Suspect Arrested and Charged with Attempting to Set Fire to a Building Utilized by DHS

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

body_text: BOISE – Sarah Elizabeth George, 43, of Boise, was arrested Monday in Boise on federal criminal charges, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. According to the criminal complaint, on February 18, 2026, George stole and then drove an ambulance into the Portico building in Meridian, Idaho, before she dumped gasoline in the ambulance and building intending to light a fire. News outlets had reported that the Department of Homeland Security leased a portion of the Portico building prior to George’s actions. Yesterday, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging George with two counts of attempted malicious damage by fire. The first count alleges that George maliciously attempted to damage or destroy federal property by means of fire, that created a substantial risk of injury, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(f)(2). If convicted, George faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years and up to 40 years in federal prison. The second count alleges that George maliciously attempted to damage or destroy, by means of fire, property used in and affecting interstate commerce, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(i). If convicted, George faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 20 years in federal prison. Both charges also carry a fine up to $250,000. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. “The United States Attorney’s Office will vigorously prosecute any crime that places government employees in danger or is aimed at destroying federal property,” said U.S. Attorney Davis. “The FBI worked swiftly alongside our law enforcement partners to identify and arrest the person allegedly responsible for this crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Given the potentially devastating consequences of this defendant’s actions, this case was a priority. The FBI remains steadfast in ensuring the safety of our personnel and the public.” U.S. Attorney Davis commended the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Meridian Police Department; and the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office, which led to the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys David Robins and Francis Zebari are prosecuting the case. An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: First Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarcone and Ophardt Meet in Vermont

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – On January 29, 2026, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone and leadership from FBI Albany met with District of Vermont First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt at his office in Burlington. They discussed combating drug and human trafficking and collaboration to shut down drug trafficking and human smuggling networks across the New York–Vermont border. First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone stated, “The close partnership between the Northern District of New York and the District of Vermont is essential to disrupting the criminal networks that exploit our shared border. By strengthening coordination among federal prosecutors and our law enforcement partners, including the FBI, we are better positioned to dismantle drug trafficking and human smuggling organizations that threaten the safety and well-being of our communities. Together, we will continue to pursue these cases aggressively and hold offenders accountable.” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt stated, “Coordination with our colleagues in the Northern District of New York is vital to countering criminal organizations who undermine the safety of Vermonters and New Yorkers alike. I’m grateful for our partnership with the dedicated federal prosecutors in Plattsburgh and Albany, and the support of the FBI in investigating and prosecuting these networks.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli stated, “FBI Albany is fortunate to have such tremendously strong partners in both the Northern District of New York and the District of Vermont. By working together, we can ensure we are dedicating the appropriate resources to identify, investigate, and bring to justice the dangerous criminals crossing our state borders to bring harmful narcotics into our communities and threatening our most vulnerable.” Pictured above (left to right): Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Albany Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli, Northern District of New York First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Vermont First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Albany Assistant Special Agent in Charge Luis Alvarez.


title: First Assistant U.S. Attorney Speaks at the New York State Sheriff’s Association Winter Training Conference

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – On January 21, 2026, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III gave remarks at the New York State Sheriff’s Association Winter Training Conference. At the conference, First Assistant Sarcone discussed collaboration across the 32 counties in the Northern District of New York to investigate crimes, protect local communities, and ensure dangerous criminals are prosecuted and detained. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “The partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement across the 32 counties of the Northern District of New York is essential to protecting our communities and one of my top priorities. By working closely with our sheriffs and investigators, we strengthen our ability to disrupt violent crime, combat narcotics trafficking, and ensure that dangerous offenders are prosecuted and held accountable. I truly appreciate the opportunity to give remarks highlighting the critical collaboration between federal and state law enforcement that has taken place in the Northern District of New York.” Juan Figueroa, Ulster County Sheriff and President of the Sheriff’s Association, stated “The New York State Sheriff’s Association was honored to have the First Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District to discuss prosecution of criminals committing felonies in New York State and how we can collaborate on sensitive investigations.” John Sarcone speaking at New York State Sheriff’s Association Winter Training Conference


title: Lancaster man going to prison for receiving child pornography

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alexander Grupp, 33, of Lancaster, NY, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison and 10 years supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who handled the case, stated that in March 2018, Grupp was convicted in New York State Court of Possessing Obscene Sexual Performance by a Child less than sixteen years of age, and sentenced, in part, to 10 years' probation. In October 2022, Grupp communicated with a 15-year-old girl using the instant messaging application, Discord. During these conversations, Grupp persuaded the victim to send him nude pictures of herself. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera. # # # #


title: Kodiak man sentenced to 20 years for role in 2022 fatal fentanyl overdose

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Kodiak man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute deadly drugs that resulted in a fatal overdose in August 2022. While on pretrial release for state felony charges he committed in March 2022, Gerry Pugal, 38, agreed to receive and distribute drugs in Kodiak on behalf of a drug trafficking organization allegedly run by a California inmate serving a life sentence at the time. Court documents detail that members of the drug trafficking organization would mail drugs to Pugal in Kodiak, and Pugal would then distribute the drugs to a series of lower-level dealers who worked for him. Ashley Katelnikoff, 38, and Kalani Coyle, 33, were two dealers working for Pugal. On Aug. 25, 2022, a male victim messaged Katelnikoff that he was in town. Katelnikoff responded asking, “You need anything?” They messaged about purchasing drugs, specifically “blues,” which is a slang term for M-30 fentanyl pills. Katelnikoff agreed to sell the victim five pills for $300. Later that evening, Katelnikoff sold the pills to the victim after picking him up at a local hotel he was staying at. Around 4 a.m. on Aug. 26, the victim’s mother discovered his body in their hotel room bathroom. Investigators found evidence that the victim used some of the blue pills. Lab testing confirmed the victim had a lethal amount of fentanyl in his bloodstream. Court documents further explain that months after the fatal overdose, Pugal continued dealing drugs for the organization. On Oct. 23, 2022, Kodiak Police officers responded to Pugal’s residence to execute an arrest warrant following a petition to revoke his state supervision. They searched the house and found Pugal hiding in the refrigerator in possession of fentanyl pills and methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Alaska. U.S. v. Katelnikoff et. al. Case #3:25-cr-00005 Pugal was arrested and later released by the state on bond. On Nov. 21, 2022, U.S. Postal Inspectors identified a suspicious parcel shipped from California to Kodiak. Inspectors obtained a search warrant for the parcel and discovered over 880 grams of methamphetamine, over 50 grams of cocaine and almost 5,000 fentanyl pills. These drugs had a street value of over $500,000. Agents seized the drugs and replaced them with a tracking device. Roughly a week later, law enforcement officers delivered the package to its intended address as part of the investigation. They observed co-defendant Coyle arrive in a vehicle, pick up the package and bring it back to his trailer. Later that day, Coyle transferred the package to Pugal’s residence. Pugal instructed Coyle to take the package somewhere else and open it to make sure they were not being “set up.” Coyle opened the package in a different location and discovered the tracking device. Coyle returned to Pugal’s residence with the device before officers entered to detain both defendants. On Oct. 28, 2025, Pugal pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death. During sentencing, the Court also ordered Pugal to serve the rest of his life on supervised release upon completion of his custodial sentence. “Mr. Pugal recruited those close to him to do his dirty work and profited off the vulnerable population in Kodiak with zero regard for consequences or for the rule of law. Now, he will spend the next two decades behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “This case is a tragic reminder of the phrase, ‘One Pill Can Kill,’ because it is likely that one pill originating from Mr. Pugal had just enough fentanyl in it to kill this victim.” “Fentanyl traffickers like Mr. Pugal make a profit by peddling poison and while he distributed the fentanyl that led to a fatal overdose, that didn’t stop him, he continued dealing drugs,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “The sentence today shows these actions have grave consequences and Mr. Pugal will not be a threat to the health and safety of our community for many years. DEA remains unwavering in our commitment to saving American lives and making America Fentanyl Free.” Co-defendants in this case are as follows: Katelnikoff, of Kodiak, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances resulting in death on Aug. 4, 2025. Katelnikoff is scheduled to be sentenced on April 2, 2026. Coyle, of Kodiak, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute on July 2, 2025. Coyle was sentenced to five years in federal prison on Nov. 20, 2025. The DEA Seattle Division Office and Anchorage District Office investigated the case, with significant assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Anchorage Domicile, IRS Criminal Investigation Seattle Field Office, Alaska State Troopers and the Kodiak Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alana Weber, Chris Schroeder and Stephan Collins prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of drug trafficking and violent crime. ###


title: Falconer man is going to prison for 20 years for his role in a cold case murder

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Anthony Neubauer, 39, of Falconer, NY, who was convicted of aiding and abetting a kidnapping, was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Adler and Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that on May 27, 2014, Neubauer and Matthew Rudy kidnapped Joseph Anthony and then traveled from Jamestown, NY, to Rudy’s property in Pennsylvania. Anthony was tricked into traveling to Pennsylvania by an offer of cocaine. Neubauer and Rudy took Anthony to Pennsylvania because they believed he was a cooperator. After arriving in Pennsylvania, Neubauer and Rudy told Anthony they did not have any cocaine, before shooting and killing him, and then burying him on Rudy’s property. Matthew Rudy was previously convicted and sentenced to prison. “Anthony Neubauer and his co-defendant went to great lengths to silence a person they believed was cooperating in a law enforcement investigation, including kidnapping, crossing state lines, murder and disposing of a body” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “A lot of time may have passed, but our law enforcement partners demonstrated perseverance and unwavering determination, which ultimately resulted in uncovering Neubauer’s actions. As a consequence, he will now spend the next two decades in prison.” “Today’s sentencing of Anthony Neubauer reflects the FBI’s unwavering commitment to pursuing justice, no matter how much time has passed,” said Philip Tejera, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI’s Buffalo Field Office. “When the Jamestown Police Department requested assistance with this cold case murder investigation, the FBI surged resources across Western New York and northern Pennsylvania. By combining investigative technology and proven tactics, we were able to secure justice for the victim and his family.” The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Interim Chief Scott D. Forster and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera. Additional assistance was provided by the Warren County, PA, District Attorney’s Office. # # # #


title: Felon Sentenced To 12 And A Half Years In Prison For Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today by United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 150 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release for possessing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine with intent to sell from his apartment. According to court documents, on or about June 29, 2023, Elijah Sylee Shelton possessed with the intent to distribute over 300 grams of methamphetamine, over 45 grams of fentanyl, and nearly six grams of cocaine. Shelton has prior felony convictions including burglaries and using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. He was on federal supervised release at the time of the current crimes. In October 2025, a jury convicted Shelton of three counts: (1) possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; (2) possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and (3) possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Shelton hid most of the drugs in women’s purses inside his apartment’s ventilation system. First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Division made the announcement. This case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys James Gaeta and Joshua Brister prosecuted the case. ###


title: Anchorage man sentenced to 14 years for drug trafficking, firearms crimes

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced last week to 14 years in prison for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl and for possessing a firearm as a felon. According to court documents, prior to the charged conduct, Christopher Nickalaskey, 34, had one state felony drug conviction and one 2017 federal conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon. In that case, Nickalaskey instigated a violent altercation with APD officers, pulling a loaded firearm during the struggle. Nickalaskey was sentenced to four years in federal prison for his conduct in the 2017 case. On Sept. 7, 2023, Nickalaskey possessed two pistols and a backpack containing over a kilogram of methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Alaska, U.S. v. Nickalaskey, Case #: 2:24-cr-00026 Nickalaskey planned to sell those drugs, as he received text messages asking about them on the day he was arrested. Nickalaskey was later released on state bail. On Oct. 1, 2023, APD received information that Nickalaskey was trespassing and possibly armed. APD arrived on scene and tried to pat down Nickalaskey, but he resisted, pulled out a gun and dropped to the floor. He struggled with several APD officers who were trying to tase and disarm him. The gun went off, and the bullet passed through Nickalaskey’s hip before hitting an APD officer in the knee. After the gun went off, an APD sergeant managed to pull the gun from Nickalaskey’s hand, but only after he bit the sergeant’s finger forcefully. Both officers recovered despite the serious injuries Nickalaskey caused. In handing down the sentence, the Court also ordered Nickalaskey to serve 10 years on supervised release upon release from prison. The Court noted the defendant’s serious criminal history, including prior drug-related and violent convictions, when delivering the sentence. “Mr. Nickalaskey is a repeat and dangerous criminal,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska. “His lawlessness peaked when he brandished a prohibited weapon and injured two dedicated Anchorage police officers, earning himself 14 years behind bars. My office takes the threat of repeat, undeterred offenders seriously and will ensure they face the full weight of the law.” “The defendant’s crimes involved drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, and acts of violence against law enforcement in our community – none of which will be tolerated by the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Those who commit such crimes will be removed from our streets and met with decisive justice.” “APD is grateful to all parties involved in the curtailing of drugs and illegal firearms within the community,” said Anchorage Police Department Chief Sean Case. “This decision by the court continues to send the strong message that APD and our Federal partners are committed to keeping our streets and communities safe. APD would also like to thank the FBI for helping during this investigation. Our partnership reflects the highest standards of law enforcement services provided in Anchorage.” The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Ivers and Mac Caille Petersson prosecuted the case. ###


title: Durham Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Kilograms of Fentanyl

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: GREENSBORO, N.C. – On February 23, 2026, Kevin Johnson, age 43 of Durham, was sentenced to 204 months in prison for multiple felony drug offenses. In October 2025, Johnson pled guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, one count of distributing cocaine, and two counts of distributing fentanyl. Johnson appeared before Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. and was also sentenced to 5 years of supervised release following his prison term. According to evidence presented at yesterday’s sentencing hearing, Johnson sold cocaine and fentanyl in Durham. He received a kilogram of fentanyl for distribution in early 2025 and purchased two additional kilograms of fentanyl that were intercepted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in May 2025 during the search of a tractor-trailer truck. Agents also recovered twenty kilograms of cocaine destined for another member of the conspiracy. Johnson was employed by Bull City United from June 2023 to January 2024. Dan Bishop, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina, made the announcement and thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation and partner agencies for their work that led to the seizure and prosecution. Bishop said, “Kevin Johnson held himself out as someone who cared about his community but then sold poison in that same community. We will continue to address the scourge of fentanyl through federal prosecution.” This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The HSTF agencies involved in this case include agents and officers from FBI Raleigh Durham Safe Streets Task Force, Durham County Sheriff’s Office, Chapel Hill Police Department, Durham Police Department, NC DAC Special Operations and Intelligence Unit, NC State Bureau of Investigation, Wake County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole R. DuPré and Eric L. Iverson. ###


title: Pennsylvania Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Minor

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Pennsylvania man has been sentenced on charges related to the sexual exploitation of children, announced Acting United States Attorney Catherine L. Crosby. United States District Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Robert John Newman, Jr., 29, of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, to 480 months in prison followed by a life term of supervised release. Newman was also ordered to pay a $5,000 special assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Act. In October 2025, Newman pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of children, coercion and enticement of a minor, and travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. According to court documents, from on or about December 30, 2024, through January 4, 2025, Newman targeted the 14-year-old victim online through social media, befriended her through deceit, and relentlessly coerced her into sending him child sexual abuse material at his direction. On January 4, 2025, Newman travelled over 700 miles from his residence in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania to the minor victim’s residence in northern Alabama with the intent to engage in unlawful sexual activity with her. The minor’s mother found Newman, a man unknown to her, lying on the bed in her daughter’s bedroom and confronted him. Newman fled the residence back to Glenshaw, Pennsylvania. On January 22, 2025, Newman was arrested in Pennsylvania on Alabama state warrants for electronic solicitation, traveling to meet a minor for an unlawful sex act, production of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. At the time of his arrest, officers seized Newman’s iPhone. After obtaining a federal search warrant, FBI agents reviewed his iPhone which revealed communications between Newman and the minor victim as well as child sexual abuse material involving the victim. Additional digital evidence recovered from Newman’s iPhone revealed that this minor was not Newman’s only victim. After returning to Pennsylvania from the minor victim’s residence in Alabama, Newman was in communication with another victim who the FBI identified as an 11-year-old female in Colorado. This case was part of Operation Restore Justice , a coordinated enforcement effort by FBI field offices across the country, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorneys’ Offices around the country to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators, and in connection with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . If you suspect or become aware of the possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. To alert the FBI Birmingham Office, call 205-326-6166. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org . The Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018 (AVAA) created new penalties and made several changes to existing child pornography laws. In the passage of this legislation, Congress intended for victims of child pornography to be compensated for the harms resulting from every perpetrator who contributes to their anguish. The amounts received as AVAA special assessments are deposited in the Child Pornography Victims Reserve to pay defined monetary assistance to victims. The FBI Birmingham Field Office investigated the case along with the FBI Pittsburgh Division (PA), FBI Denver Division (CO), Winston County, Alabama, Sheriff’s Office and the Shaler, Pennsylvania, Township Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White prosecuted the case.


title: Three Defendants Charged with Federal Immigration Crimes

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – A federal grand jury in Birmingham has charged three individuals with immigration crimes, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby. The following defendants were indicted for illegally reentering the United States after having previously been deported: Jacob Garcia Martinez, 41, a citizen of Mexico; and Jose Sanchez-Flores, 31, a citizen of Mexico; Jorge Alexis Campos-Dolores, 30, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm. 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. An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.


title: Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska-February 2026

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 15 unsealed Indictments charging 17 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Melvin M. Dortch , age 33, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about February 5, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Adrien M. Goodall , age 19, of Papillion, Nebraska, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about December 13, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Jose Luis Guzman , age 45, of New Virgina, Iowa, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine on or about September 30, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Wes L. Nunn , age 21, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Nunn with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about July 18, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Nunn with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about November 12, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Vershan Collins , age 34, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about January 20, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Rosemary Hart , age 34, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine mixture on or about February 6, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 5 years’ and up to 40 years’ imprisonment, a $5,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 4 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Chase Larsen , age 35, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine on or about December 23, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Avankeene Perry a/k/a Avonkeene Perry , age 48, of New Jersey, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl on or about August 30, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Shane Martin , age 38, of Kearney, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count indictment. Count I charges Martin with disposing of or selling a firearm to a felon on, about, or between March 11, 2024, and July 18, 2024. Count II charges Martin with disposing of or selling a firearm to a felon on, about, or between July 7, 2024, and July 18, 2024. The maximum possible penalty for Counts I and II if convicted are 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Miles Bohac , age 46, Matthew House a/k/a Cheyenne House , age 25, and Justin Ericson , age 42, all of Lincoln, Nebraska, have been charged in an eight-count indictment. Count I charges House with straw purchasing a firearm, on or about August 21, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and $100 special assessment. Count II charges House and Bohac with making a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm on or about August 21, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and $100 special assessment. Count III charges House with straw purchasing a firearm, on or about September 11, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and $100 special assessment. Count IV charges House and Bohac with making a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm on or about September 11, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and $100 special assessment. Count V charges House with straw purchasing a firearm, on or about October 17, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and $100 special assessment. Count VI charges House and Bohac with making a false statement during the acquisition of a firearm on or about October 17, 2025. Count VII charges Bohac with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about December 12, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and $100 special assessment. Count VIII charges Ericson with being a felon in possession of a firearm on or about December 12, 2025. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 15 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and $100 special assessment. The following individuals were charged with being an alien, who previously had been excluded, deported and removed from the United States and were found in the United States, without the Attorney General of the United States or her designated successor having expressly consented to the defendant’s reapplication for admission into the United States: Victor Rodriguez-Ramirez , age 46 Carlos Alonzo-Coc , age 45 The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The following individuals were charged with being an alien, who previously had been excluded, deported and removed from the United States following a felony conviction and were found in the United States, without the Attorney General of the United States or her designated successor having expressly consented to the defendant’s reapplication for admission into the United States: Marlon Meza-Romero , age 43 The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. The following individuals were charged with being an alien, who previously had been excluded, deported and removed from the United States following an aggravated felony conviction and were found in the United States, without the Attorney General of the United States or her designated successor having expressly consented to the defendant’s reapplication for admission into the United States: Jose Erives Rios , age 36 Erick Hernandez-Hernandez , age 40 The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Contact Amy Donato at 402-661-3700 for further information.


title: Lowell Man Sentenced to Time Served

body_text: HAMMOND – On February 24, 2026, John Andrew Smriga III, 24 years old, of Lowell, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to transmitting threatening communications, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Smriga was sentenced to time served followed by 1 year of supervised release with a term of home detention for 8 months. Smriga was also ordered to pay a $2,000.00 fine. According to documents in the case, Smirga used anonymizing internet-based phone services to send threatening text messages and images to an elected official in Crown Point, Indiana and a law enforcement officer in Cedar Lake, Indiana. As part of the threat, messages to both victims included pictures of individuals holding and/or mimicking the possession of firearms. “Public servants are the backbone of the American justice system. Working in tandem, federal and state law enforcement will ensure that individuals who threaten officials online—as John Andrew Smriga III did—are held strictly to account,” said United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. “Today’s sentence proves that these threats are not mere pranks, but crimes requiring real consequences. I want to thank the FBI and the Indiana State Police for their swift work in neutralizing these serious threats.” “Threats against elected officials and law enforcement, especially those involving images of firearms, are taken extremely seriously,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “The FBI is committed to investigating these threats and holding anyone who seeks to intimidate public servants or endanger our communities fully accountable.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Francis Sohn prosecuted the case.


title: Ohio Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sexual Assault on Cruise Ship

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — Antonio Salazar Munos, 23, of Columbus, Ohio has been sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for assaulting a dating partner by suffocation. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in April 2023, Munos, the victim, and other family members traveled from their home in Ohio to Charleston, South Carolina for a three-day cruise. While onboard the Carnival Sunshine, Munos physically assaulted the victim at various locations onboard the ship before the two returned to their cabin. Upon returning to the cabin, Munos sexually and physically assaulted the victim. The victim notified the Sunshine’s onboard security team, who investigated the incident and then reported it to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Munos to 30 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whit Sowards prosecuted the case. ###


title: OHIO MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO PRODUCING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA –Ronald Pate Newman, III, 27, of Youngstown, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of the production of child pornography. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case exemplifies the threats our kids face online from disgusting predators like this defendant who seek to sexually exploit and victimize them. My office is committed to aggressively prosecuting cases like these, and will seek maximum punishments to keep monsters like him locked away in prison and unable to exploit more children.” Court documents reflect that on April 28, 2025, law enforcement became aware that a previously convicted sex offender was using an 11-year-old child from Florida to produce images of the child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The defendant met the victim on a “safe for work” account, meaning all posts must be publicly appropriate, but he soon convinced the child to message him privately where he began grooming and then directing the child to create explicit photographs, which he posted in other accounts. The defendant was arrested in Ohio, and a subsequent forensic analysis of seized devices identified over 500 images of child pornography. Due to his prior convictions, Newman faces a mandatory minimum of thirty-five years’ imprisonment and up to Life imprisonment, and a lifetime of supervision upon release. The case involved a joint investigation by the Levy County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt. Sentencing for is scheduled for April 28, 2026, at 3:00 pm, at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville, Florida before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: TALLAHASSEE SEXUAL PREDATOR SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR DISTRIBUTION AND RECEIPT OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Richard Alan Spivey, a/k/a “Rick”, 62, of Tallahassee, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for distribution of child pornography and receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The threats posed to our children from sexual predators like this defendant demand our constant vigilance to ensure more innocent minors are not victimized and exploited, and fortunately our local and federal law enforcement partners are up to the task of finding these disgusting criminals wherever they lurk online. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute these crimes and seek maximum punishments to keep our kids safe and these offenders locked away in prison.” Court documents reflect that in July 2024, the Tallahassee Police Department received a Cybertip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children alleging that the defendant uploaded child pornography to a social media platform when sending it to another user as part of his chat messages. The investigation revealed that the defendant was a registered sexual predator based on his prior convictions for sex crimes. Law enforcement obtained search warrants for the defendant’s social media account and cell phone, which led to the discovery of online communications between the defendant and others during which he received and distributed child pornography videos. “This case reinforces the FBI’s unwavering commitment to investigate child exploitation crimes and safeguard children from those who seek to exploit them,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “Through strong collaboration with our state and local law enforcement partners, we are working to ensure there is one less predator targeting the most vulnerable members of our community.” Spivey’s imprisonment will be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, meaning if he violates any of the conditions of his supervision, he will potentially face an additional period of incarceration. The case involved a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Tennessee Man Pleads Guilty in Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ABINGDON, Va. – A Tennessee man, who trafficked fentanyl-laced pills and fentanyl powder into Southwest Virginia, pled guilty recently in U.S. District Court in Abingdon. Jermaine Crayton Jr., 20, pled guilty recently to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. According to court documents, following a law enforcement operation in August 2025, investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, City of Bristol Virginia Police Department, Washington County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration developed intelligence that Crayton was trafficking fentanyl-laced pills and powder fentanyl. The intelligence indicated that Crayton had repeatedly brought large quantities of fentanyl pills into Smyth County for further distribution. In August 2025, law enforcement arranged a controlled purchase of 1,000 fentanyl pills and two ounces of fentanyl powder from Crayton at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Bristol, Virginia. Following a positive identification of Crayton, law enforcement converged on Crayton’s vehicle, at which time Crayton fled on foot. While fleeing, Crayton dropped several items, including a baggie containing pressed fentanyl pills and a baggie containing powder fentanyl. Following his arrest, it was determined that Crayton possess 2,372 fentanyl pills and 58.72 grams of fentanyl powder. The type of pills Crayton was distributing are increasingly common, and extremely dangerous. They are known as “pressed” pills or “M30” pills, and they are designed to resemble a pharmaceutical preparation of oxycodone pills. However, they often contain fentanyl, often in inconsistent doses that can lead to overdose and death. Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, made the announcement. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Smyth County Sheriff’s Office, City of Bristol Virginia Police Department, Washington County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Whit Pierce is prosecuting the case for the United States.


title: Dominican National Previously Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Identity Theft Charged with Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican national who used the alias, “Jose Perez Antonio,” and who unlawfully resided in Dorchester has been charged with illegally reentering the United States after having been deported on three separate occasions. The defendant has previously been convicted of drug trafficking, aggravated identity theft and wire fraud dating as far back as 1997. Wilson Radhames Peguero Brea, a/k/a Jose Perez Antonio, 56, was charged with one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien with a prior felony conviction. The defendant is currently in ICE custody. According to the charging documents , Peguero has illegally entered the United States at least four times, and used numerous aliases, including aliases belonging to U.S. citizen victims. In 1997, under an alias associated with a U.S. citizen victim, Peguero was convicted of drug trafficking. He was removed from the United States in 2005 and thereafter illegally reentered the country. In 2016, Peguero was arrested and charged by the state for possession of a fraudulently obtained driver’s license. That criminal case remains in default status. He was removed from the U.S. a second time in 2016. After Peguero allegedly illegally entered the U.S. a third time, he was charged in Dorchester District Court with trafficking cocaine and fentanyl in a criminal case that remains in warrant status. According to court documents, his Massachusetts criminal history is associated with his alias Jose Perez Antonio. In 2021, Peguero was arrested and charged with his true name in federal court for aggravated identity theft and wire fraud. He was convicted of both charges on Jan. 11, 2023, and sentenced to more than two years in prison. In 2023, Peguero was removed a third time. Peguero then illegally reentered the United States a fourth time and was encountered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials on Feb. 5, 2026, while using a false identity document. The charge of illegal reentry by an alien with a prior felony conviction provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julissa Walsh of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: Three Mexican Citizens Charged with Trafficking Agricultural Workers into Servitude on Farms in Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal grand jury returned a 35-count indictment, unsealed Friday, charging three Mexican citizens for trafficking Mexican farmworkers into forced labor and harboring them in the United States after their visas expired for the defendants’ financial gain. “Three individuals have been indicted for exploiting the H-2A visa program to lure vulnerable workers from Mexico to the United States with promises of legitimate employment, only to then confiscate their identity documents and force them to labor in inhumane conditions,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These charges reflect the Department’s commitment to protecting the integrity of our lawful immigration system and holding accountable those who corrupt it to exploit and abuse foreign workers. The Criminal Division will continue to investigate and prosecute forced labor and human trafficking wherever it occurs.” “We will find and eradicate any illegal immigration we find here in the EDNC,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle for the Eastern District of North Carolina (EDNC). “We do not tolerate abuse of the system to hurt unsuspecting victims of human trafficking.” According to court documents, Martha Zeferino Jose, 42, a permanent resident of the United States and citizen of Mexico, owned and operated Las Princesas Corporation (Las Princesas), a farm labor contracting company based in Washington, North Carolina that recruited workers from Mexico to come to the United States on temporary H-2A agricultural visas. She ran Las Princesas alongside her partner (John Doe), identified at the time of arrest as Jose Rodriguez Munoz, a citizen of Mexico illegally residing in the United States, and her son Jeremy Zeferino Jose, 23, a permanent resident of the United States and citizen of Mexico. Between approximately August 2021 and July 2022, Martha Zeferino Jose allegedly submitted fraudulent applications to the Department of Labor and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in which she falsely certified that Las Princesas would comply with all required employment conditions and labor laws – including promises not to charge workers recruitment fees, not to confiscate their documents, and to provide proper wages, meals, housing, and transportation. According to the indictment, Martha Zeferino Jose never intended to honor those commitments. Recruiters working for Las Princesas allegedly charged the workers significant fees for the opportunity to come to the United States, saddling them with debt before they even arrived. Once the workers were in the country, the defendants allegedly confiscated their passports, visas, and identification documents to prevent them from leaving. The workers were then allegedly compelled to perform physically demanding labor at farms and plant nurseries across three states under degrading conditions. According to the indictment, the defendants made the workers labor for extensive hours without adequate breaks or access to water; housed them in crowded, unsanitary residences that lacked heat, air conditioning, hot water and bedding; failed to pay required wages; withheld food; and denied medical care. The defendants allegedly imposed strict rules to keep the workers isolated and under their control – prohibiting them from leaving, going anywhere alone, or speaking with people outside the group. They allegedly monitored the workers’ activities and created a climate of fear by threatening to report workers to immigration authorities, have them arrested and deported, and ensure they lost future employment opportunities. When some workers’ H-2A visas expired, the defendants allegedly told workers to stay in the country rather than informing them of their legal obligation to depart and then harbored the workers with expired visas in residences and at worksites for the defendants’ own financial benefit. When the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division launched an investigation into Las Princesas, Martha Zeferino Jose and her partner allegedly obstructed the investigation. According to the indictment, Martha Zeferino Jose returned the workers’ confiscated passports and identification documents before investigators arrived and instructed the workers to tell investigators that everything was fine and that Las Princesas had never taken their documents. Munoz allegedly threatened the workers that they would be deported if they told investigators the truth. Each of the defendants is charged with forced labor, conspiracy to commit forced labor, alien harboring for financial gain, conspiracy to commit alien harboring for financial gain, and document servitude offenses. Additionally, Martha Zeferino Jose is charged with visa fraud, Munoz is charged with obstruction, and they are both charged with conspiracy to obstruct proceedings before agencies. If convicted, the defendants face maximum penalties of 20 years in prison for each count of forced labor and conspiracy to commit forced labor, 10 years in prison for each count of alien harboring for financial gain and conspiracy to commit alien harboring for financial gain, and five years in prison for document servitude. Additionally, Martha Zeferino Jose faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for visa fraud, Munoz faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for obstruction, and Martha Zeferino Jose and Munoz face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy to commit obstruction. Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General are investigating the case. The U.S. Marshals Service provided valuable assistance. Trial Attorney Matthew Thiman of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Blondel for the Eastern District of North Carolina are prosecuting the case. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org . Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Salvadoran Child Predator Gets 20 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Re-Entry

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: DEL RIO, Texas – A Salvadoran national was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to the statutory maximum 20 years in prison for illegal re-entry, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons. According to court documents, Celso Rivas-Gonzalez was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents on July 26, 2025 . In 2024, Rivas-Gonzalez was convicted of both illegal re-entry and indecency with a child. Prior to that, in 2021, he was convicted of a harassment felony that had been reduced from one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child. Rivas-Gonzalez has been deported from the U.S. twice, the last time being on Feb. 19, 2025. U.S. District Judge Ernest Gonzalez sentenced Rivas-Gonzalez exactly one year later. “I hope the message is now clear, but if not, I’ll say it plainly. If you’re an illegal alien that has committed the types of heinous offenses that were committed by the defendant in this case, we will hold you to account.” said U.S. Attorney Simmons. “The 20-year max imprisonment imposed here rightfully demonstrates that we will not let convicted sexual predators come into this country illegally and jeopardize the safety of Americans. I appreciate our law enforcement partners who vigilantly patrol our borderlands for their dedication to the mission to combat illegal immigration and keep Americans safe from this and many other types of criminals.” “This case reflects the hard work of the men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol to keep our communities free of sex offenders and other criminals,” said Chief Patrol Agent Anthony S. Good, Del Rio Border Patrol Sector. “It also highlights the cooperation with other entities to bring those criminals to justice.” The U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carli Tuttle and Daisy Gonzalez prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. ###


title: Texas Tech Professor and Two Others Federally Charged With Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy

body_text: A Texas Tech University marketing and supply chain management professor and two others were federally charged for their roles in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould. Daniel Taylor, 50, of Lubbock, Texas, was charged by federal complaint on February 18, 2026, with conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Taylor is an assistant professor of marketing and supply chain management with Texas Tech’s Rawls College of Business. Also charged are Alisha Red-Eagle, 21, and Mackenzie Gilcrease, 28, both of Lubbock. According to the complaint, Taylor distributed two variations of fentanyl powder: one called “Pink Flamingo” and the other called “Ghost.” The complaint alleges that Taylor has been under investigation for drug distribution over the last several months. Specific instances of alleged drug activity include January 12, 2026, when law enforcement agents saw Alisha Red-Eagle enter and exit Taylor’s vehicle at a Lubbock convenience store, and then Red-Eagle entered a white SUV that left the location. When a Lubbock County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped the SUV for a traffic violation, the SUV’s occupants—which included Red-Eagle—advised that a male in the back seat was overdosing on suspected fentanyl supplied by Red-Eagle. Narcan and EMS services were administered. While searching the SUV, officers found five fentanyl pills, a clear baggie containing fentanyl, five aluminum foil wrappers containing fentanyl residue, and a pink baggie containing fentanyl powder. “Instead of focusing on teaching students supply chain management, the defendant, as alleged, was developing and implementing his own supply chain of lethal fentanyl into the streets of Lubbock,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “As alleged, at least in one instance, the fentanyl the defendant peddled through his drug trafficking organization caused an overdose. We hope the students of Texas Tech and the Lubbock community understand that my office will vigorously prosecute drug dealers and drug traffickers no matter if you are a professor or a street level dealer.” “This arrest underscores the stark and troubling irony that an individual entrusted with educating others instead chose to distribute one of the deadliest drugs facing our communities today,” said DEA Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Joseph B. Tucker. “While this conduct is in no way reflective of Texas Tech University, it highlights that fentanyl trafficking can emerge from any corner of our society, and DEA, alongside our federal, state, and local partners, remains committed to identifying and holding accountable those who choose to profit from this poison.” The complaint further alleges that on the evening of February 17, 2026, agents saw Mackenzie Gilcrease meet Taylor at his residence, enter and exit his apartment, and leave the location in a pickup truck. A Lubbock County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped the truck for a traffic violation and identified Gilcrease as the driver and sole occupant. After a K-9 alerted to the vehicle for the odor of narcotics, deputies searched the truck and found three pink plastic baggies of fentanyl inside of a pink envelope that contained a pink flamingo graphic. They also found a pink plastic baggie containing methamphetamine. Just after midnight on February 18, 2026, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant for Taylor’s home, locating multiple quantities of white powder and a crystal-like substance that tested positive for methamphetamine, along with pink envelopes, plastic baggies with pink flamingo stickers, and baggies containing a ghost graphic. All three defendants appeared before a United States Magistrate Judge in Lubbock this morning for initial appearances on the charges. They remain in federal custody pending further court proceedings. If convicted, each defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of twenty years in federal prison. This investigation was a joint operation of the Texas Anti-Gang Center and the Caprock Hi-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. This group is composed of agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lubbock Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Rancourt is prosecuting the case. A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law . taylor_-_complaint_-_affidavit.pdf


title: First Assistant U.S. Attorney Swears In Special Assistant U.S. Attorney

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – On February 3, 2026, Saratoga County Assistant District Attorney William G. Berger was sworn in as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York. SAUSAs are able to prosecute cases in federal court under the supervision of the U.S. Attorney’s Office while remaining employed as ADAs. Other ADAs recently sworn in as SAUSAs include: First ADA Michael T. Johnson (Herkimer County); Chief ADA J. Sam Rodgers (Madison County); ADAs Manpreet Kaur and Kathleen Hofmann (Montgomery County); and Chief ADA Christopher Bednarski and Senior ADAs Sara Fitzpatrick and Alphonse L. Williams III (Onondaga County). First Assistant United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “We are proud to welcome William Berger as a Special Assistant United States Attorney. His experience as an Assistant District Attorney in Saratoga County and his commitment to public safety will strengthen our efforts to combat violent crime and complex criminal organizations throughout the Northern District of New York. Partnerships like this exemplify the strong collaboration between state and federal law enforcement, ensuring that we use every available resource to protect our communities and uphold the rule of law.” Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby stated: “Our ongoing collaboration with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York is essential to our mission of dismantling complex criminal enterprises that threaten the safety of our communities. By working hand-in-hand with our federal partners, we can leverage shared resources, intelligence, and expertise to pursue justice more effectively and keep the people of Upstate New York safe. These strategic partnerships strengthen every level of law enforcement.” Pictured above (left to right): Saratoga County Assistant District Attorney William G. Berger, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, and Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby.


title: Orlando Man Convicted for Extensive Child Sextortion Scheme Involving More than 50 Child Victims

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida– A federal jury has found Montrey Roseberry (20, Orlando) guilty of three counts of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, three counts of production of child sexual abuse material, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Roseberry faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 28, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, from at least July 14, 2023, through at least April 2024, Roseberry operated a scheme to extort, intimidate, and threaten children into producing CSAM. Roseberry, while impersonating a woman, coerced young victims he identified on social media into producing images and videos of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct. After obtaining the CSAM, Roseberry used the images and videos to extort the victims into producing increasingly perverse content involving, sadomasochism, coprophilia, bestiality, and the sexual abuse of other children. If the child victims did not comply, Roseberry threatened to disseminate prior images and videos they had sent him that were sexual in nature to the child victims’ family members, friends, and classmates. In some cases, Roseberry threatened the child victims with death. As part of the scheme, and to further scare and extort the victims into complying with his demands, Roseberry sent the child victims photographs of their homes and names of their schools, friends, and family members. As a result of this scheme, Roseberry obtained CSAM of over 50 victims. This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Noah P. Dorman and Kaley Austin-Aronson. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.