title: MS-13 Members Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Brutal Murders Committed at Direction of Gang Leaders in El Salvador

body_text: Eight illegal aliens and members of the violent transnational criminal organization Mara Salvatrucha, commonly known as MS-13, have been sentenced for participating in a racketeering conspiracy that included witness tampering and multiple murders of individuals as young as 14. “These defendants, acting on behalf of a transnational criminal gang, carried out brutal murders, killing victims with machetes, baseball bats, and their bare hands, and then glorifying their violent acts by sending photos of their carnage to MS-13 leaders in El Salvador,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Department commends the brave law enforcement officers and those who came forward to help law enforcement to resolve these cases. The lengthy sentences imposed send an unmistakable message that MS-13 and its accompanying violence are not welcome in the United States. The Criminal Division will relentlessly pursue MS-13 and hold those accountable who bring MS-13 violence to American communities.” “Today’s sentences send a clear message – those who carry out violence for transnational criminal organizations will be held accountable, no matter where the orders come from,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck for the Southern District of Texas. “These defendants used brutality to advance within their criminal enterprise, and now they face the consequences. The Southern District of Texas will diligently continue working to dismantle violent criminal gangs that threaten our community.” “This case centers on when MS-13 violence was at its peak in Houston. These gang members are among the most ruthless and violent criminals we’ve seen. They made our communities their killing fields,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson of the FBI Houston Field Office. “Today’s hefty sentences should send a message to other violent terrorist organizations that the rule of law and justice will eventually catch up to you. This investigation, and today’s sentences, would not have been possible if it weren’t for our partnerships with the Houston Police Department, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, and our law enforcement partners in El Salvador.” “All eight of these MS-13 gang members illegally entered the country – including Aguilar Ochoa who illegally entered the U.S. four times – and went on to reign terror on our local communities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Erin Burke of Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston. “Working in conjunction with our partners, we were able to bring an end to the lawlessness that they’ve spread and hold them accountable for their depraved actions.” Today, Edgardo Martinez-Rodriguez also known as Largo, 35, was sentenced to 50 years in prison and Wilman Rivas-Guido also known as Inquieto, 30, was sentenced to 45 years in prison. Six other MS-13 members have been sentenced to lengthy terms of imprisonment in connection with this case: Miguel Angel Aguilar-Ochoa also known as Darki, 40, Wilson Jose Ventura-Mejia also known as Discreto, 30, and Walter Chicas-Garcia, 28, each received 50-year sentences. Marlon Miranda Moran, 26, was ordered to serve 35 years in prison, while Luis Ernesto Carbajal-Peraza, 34, and Carlos Garcia-Gongora, 28, were ordered to serve 45 years in prison. All have been and will remain in custody. All are El Salvadoran nationals illegally present in the United States. They previously pleaded guilty, admitting to being members of MS-13 and participating in a criminal enterprise responsible for murders, extortion, drug trafficking, robbery and obstruction of justice in and around the Houston area from 2017 through 2018. In February 2025, the U.S. State Department designated MS-13 as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. MS-13 engages in violent criminal activity across the United States, including in Texas, Virginia, Maryland, New York and California, and throughout the countries where it operates, such as El Salvador and Honduras. MS-13 routinely uses intimidation and violence, including murder and assault with deadly weapons like machetes, baseball bats, firearms, and ligature strangulation, all to maintain power, reputation and territory. According to court documents and statements made in court, Martinez-Rodriguez and Rivas-Guido, who were sentenced today after admitting to involvement in murder ordered and approved by high-ranking MS-13 leaders in El Salvador, who at times monitored executions by phone. Members carried out the murders to increase or maintain rank within the gang and targeted individuals believed to be rival gang members, law enforcement cooperators or people working against MS-13’s interests. After the murders, members sent photos of the victims’ bodies to leadership in El Salvador as proof of the executions and in an effort to rise in rank, sometimes further mutilating or dismembering the bodies before sending the photos. Martinez-Rodriguez was a high-ranking leader in the conspiracy and initiated numerous murders ordered and approved by MS-13 leaders in El Salvador. FBI and HSI conducted the investigation with assistance from police departments in Houston and Galveston, Texas, and Prince George’s County in Maryland; Sheriff’s offices in Harris and Liberty Counties in Texas; Texas Department of Public Safety; University of North Texas Center for Human Identification; U.S. Marshals Service and Texas Office of the Attorney General. Trial Attorneys César S. Rivera-Giraud and Ben Tonkin of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Keri Fuller and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Britni Verdeja for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted this case. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force nationwide initiative, which is a White House directed, interagency effort to integrate federal, state, and local partners in targeting transnational criminal organizations, and led by the prosecutorial Joint Task Force Vulcan. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Federal Grand Jury Charges Southern Poverty Law Center for Wire Fraud, False Statements, and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: A Grand Jury in Montgomery, Alabama, today returned an indictment charging the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) with 11 counts of wire fraud, false statements to a federally insured bank, and conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama Northern Division filed two forfeiture actions to recover alleged proceeds of the organization’s fraud scheme. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated this case with assistance from the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. “The SPLC is manufacturing racism to justify its existence,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Using donor money to allegedly profit off Klansmen cannot go unchecked. This Department of Justice will hold the SPLC and every other fraudulent organization operating with the same deceptive playbook accountable. No entity is above the law.” “The SPLC allegedly engaged in a massive fraud operation to deceive their donors, enrich themselves, and hide their deceptive operations from the public," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "They lied to their donors, vowing to dismantle violent extremist groups, and actually turned around and paid the leaders of these very extremist groups - even utilizing the funds to have these groups facilitate the commission of state and federal crimes. That is illegal – and this is an ongoing investigation against all individuals involved.” The SPLC is a non-profit organization headquartered in Montgomery, Alabama, whose mission, according to its website during the relevant time period, was to be a “catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people.” According to the indictment starting in the 1980s, the SPLC began operating a covert network of individuals who were either associated with violent and extremist groups, such as the Ku Klux Klan, or who had infiltrated violent extremist groups at the SPLC’s direction. Unbeknownst to donors, some of their donated money was being used to fund the leaders and organizers of racist groups at the same time that the SPLC was denouncing the same groups on its website. “Donors gave their money believing they were supporting the fight against violent extremism,” said Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. “As alleged, the SPLC instead diverted a portion of those funds to benefit individuals and groups they claimed to oppose. That kind of deception undermines public trust and social cohesion.” "Today’s indictment reflects that no one – no organization – is above the law,” said Special Agent in Charge Sara J. Jones with the FBI-Mobile Field Office. “Charitable donors deserve transparency about how their contributions will be used, and those who betray that trust through concealment and fraudulent means must be held accountable. The alleged fraudulent activities of the Southern Poverty Law Center sowed hate-filled discord and spurred criminal conduct as set forth in the indictment. The FBI will continue to work tirelessly to protect the American public from financial crimes and to pursue justice against those who violate public trust." Between 2014 and 2023, the SPLC secretly funneled more than $3 million in donated funds to individuals who were associated with various violent extremist groups including: Ku Klux Klan United Klans of America Unite the Right National Alliance National Socialist Movement Aryan Nations affiliated Sadistic Souls Motorcycle Club National Socialist Party of America (American Nazi Party) American Front According to the indictment, the objective of the scheme and artifice was to obtain money via donations through materially false representations and omissions about what the donated funds would be used for. In order to covertly pay the individuals, the SPLC opened bank accounts connected to a series of fictitious entities. The covert nature of the accounts allowed the SPLC to disguise the true nature, source, ownership, and control of the fraudulently obtained donated money the SPLC paid the individuals. In order to keep the scheme going, the SPLC made a series of false statements related to the operation of the accounts. A conviction will result in the forfeiture of financial gains from the alleged illegal activities. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel made the announcement in Washington. The details contained in the civil forfeiture complaint are allegations only.


title: New Orleans Man Guilty of Drug Trafficking and Firearms Violations

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TYREESE QUINCY (“QUINCY”) , age 26, pleaded guilty on April 16, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to court documents, QUINCY was charged along with co-defendants in a multi-count superseding indictment with narcotics trafficking and firearms violations. According to the superseding indictment, from late 2022 until May of 2023, the men distributed fentanyl throughout the New Orleans area and possessed marijuana, cocaine, and fentanyl. Moreover, loaded firearms were found nearby the controlled substances located throughout this investigation, indicating that the firearms were being utilized to further the drug trafficking crimes. QUINCY will be sentenced on August 6, 2026 and faces the following penalties: Count 11 - Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, 21 U.S.C § § 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D) A maximum of twenty (20) years imprisonment, and/or a fine of not more than $1,000,000.00, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Count 12 - Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) A mandatory minimum of five (5) years up to a maximum of life in prison and a fine of not more than $250,000.00 (any prison sentence imposed in connection with this Count must be served consecutively to any other prison sentence), up to five (5) years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Mike Trummel of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Former Commercial Real Estate Vice President Convicted At Trial Of Fraud And Identity Theft Offenses

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Attorney for the United States, Sean S. Buckley, announced today that JARED SOLOMON, a former vice president of leasing at the commercial real estate company Vornado Realty Trust, was convicted of wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and bank fraud, in connection with a years-long scheme to defraud his former employer, forge signatures, and lie to banks. The defendant was found guilty following a one-week jury trial before U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska. “Jared Solomon engaged in a decade-long scheme to defraud his former employer of over $9.5 million,” said Deputy U.S. Attorney Sean S. Buckley. “Solomon submitted fake invoices and agreements for work never performed, concealing his identity behind forged signatures and sham businesses he set up to receive the payments. Using the fraudulent proceeds, Solomon purchased real estate and other luxury goods. This Office is committed to holding accountable those who seek to defraud, deceive, and victimize others through lies, misrepresentations, and identity theft.” According to the Indictment, statements made in public court proceedings and filings, and the evidence at trial: Beginning in 2009, SOLOMON, a Vornado leasing agent, created fake commercial real estate broker companies. Over approximately the next fourteen years, SOLOMON lied to his then-employer, Vornado Realty Trust, by claiming that brokers were owed broker fees or construction reimbursement expenses on certain commercial real estate deals that he worked on. In fact, no work had been performed on those deals, and the payments were sent to bank accounts that SOLOMON controlled in the names of his fake businesses. SOLOMON spent the fraud proceeds on a $4.5 million house in Purchase, New York; an apartment in the Upper East Side; a country club membership; and a Porsche, among other luxury expenses. SOLOMON also forged the signatures of real people on the fake agreements that he submitted to his employer, provided a fraudulent business certificate to a bank to open a business bank account, and provided false information and a doctored bank statement to a mortgage lender to obtain an $850,000 mortgage loan. SOLOMON made approximately $9.5 million from his scheme to defraud Vornado. * * * SOLOMON, 48, of New York, New York, was convicted of one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison, and two counts of bank fraud, which each carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Sentencing is scheduled for August 4, 2026. Mr. Buckley praised the outstanding investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Z. Margulies, Rita K. Maxwell, Joe Zabel, and Daniel C. Richenthal are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Saadhana Jakka and Olivia Sebade.


title: Niagara Falls man pleads guilty to distributing hundreds of packages of pills and illegal narcotics via the mail

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Edwin Miguel Batista, 46, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. to narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years. According to the plea agreement, in January 2025, the DEA executed search warrants on a vehicle, a storage unit on Fashion Outlets Blvd in Niagara Falls, and a hotel room, which led to the arrests of Batista and a co-conspirator, Victor Miguel Brito Luna. Investigators recovered numerous pills including Oxycodone, Adderall, Hydrocodone, Percocet, Tramadol, Diazepam, Alprazolam, Carisoprodol and Tapentadol, 12 pounds of Ivermectin, a non-controlled substance which does require a prescription, and 16,577 grams of methamphetamine and ketamine, 2,074 grams of methamphetamine, 548 grams of fentanyl and ketamine, and 932 grams of fentanyl. Investigators also seized mailing materials and a cell phone. The plea agreement further states that Batista received payments from customers who ordered pills via Cash App. He was supplied by an individual in India who mailed bulk parcels to Batista containing various drugs. Co-conspirator, Brito Luna assisted by helping to package up pills for mailing and driving Batista around as he mailed out parcels. Between December 11, 2024, and January 21, 2025, Batista mailed approximately 1,589 parcels. Charges remain pending against Victor Miguel Brito Luna. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration Buffalo Office, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam with additional assistance provided by the DEA Chicago Office. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. # # # #


title: Buffalo man pleads guilty to COVID fraud

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jamar Jackson, 43, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. According to the plea agreement, on June 29 2020, Jackson and his co-conspirators submitted a fraudulent application for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) through the Small Business Administration for a business that he supposedly owned. The defendant and his co-conspirators knew that the EIDL application contained materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises. The application falsely stated that Jackson was the sole proprietor of a lawn and garden business that had eight employees and $142,000 in revenue for the 12 months prior to the COVID pandemic. Jackson did not own a lawn and garden business, did not have employees and did not earn revenue. As a result, the SBA disbursed $70,900.00 in EIDL funds to Jackson. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera. Sentencing is scheduled for August 31, 2026, before Judge Vilardo. # # # #


title: Utah 10-Year-old Reunited with Biological Mother After Transgender Parent and Partner Allegedly Kidnapped Child to Cuba

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Two Utah persons are in federal custody and charged in a federal criminal complaint of International Parental Kidnapping. The pair is accused of allegedly skipping out on a planned camping trip to Canada with a shared custody child and instead took the 10-year-old to Havana, Cuba, without the biological mother’s knowledge or court approval. Rose Inessa-Ethington aka Eri Ethington, 42, and Blue Inessa-Ethington, aka Carly Ann Crosby, 32, both of Cache County, Utah, were deported from Cuba on Monday with the assistance of the FBI. Upon landing in the United States, the two defendants appeared in court for an arraignment in Richmond, Virginia, and will be transported to the District of Utah at a later date for the remainder of their court case at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. According to court documents, on March 28, 2026, a 10-year-old child was supposed to be traveling by car to Calgary in Alberta, Canada, for a planned camping trip with the minor victim’s biological father Rose Inessa-Ethington, Rose’s partner Blue and Blue’s 3-year-old child. But the group never arrived at their hotel in Calgary or the campground they planned to stay at from March 29 – April 2, 2026. As alleged, the group had not been heard from since March 28, 2026, when the 10-year-old told the biological mother via telephone they arrived in Canada. The biological mother shares custody of the 10-year-old with Rose, her former spouse. On April 3, 2026, the child was supposed to be returned to the biological mother after the camping trip to Calgary, according to the court ordered custody agreement, which did not occur. According to court documents, on March 29, 2026, the group crossed the U.S. Canada Border and took a flight from Vancouver, Canada to Mexico City, Mexico. On April 1, 2026, the group took another flight from Merida, Mexico to Havana, Cuba. Mexican immigration authorities confirmed their arrival and departures utilizing their U.S. Passports. As alleged in court documents, interviews with the 10-year-old’s family provided significant concerns for the minor’s well-being, as the child was born male, however, identified as a female child, which family members largely believed to be due to manipulation by Rose. Concerns existed that the child was transported to Cuba for gender reassignment surgery prior to puberty. On April 13, 2026, a Utah State Court ordered the 10-year-old to be returned to the child’s mother immediately and granted the mother exclusive custody of the child. On April 16, 2026, Cuban law enforcement located the group in Cuba. “We are grateful to law enforcement for working swiftly to return the child to the biological mother,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah. “Our priority in every parental kidnapping case is the safety and well-being of the child," said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. "This case reflects the strength of partnerships in locating victims, supporting reunification, and ensuring accountability.” The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. The U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Services and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations in Havana played a key role in recovering the minor victim safely, along with the FBI's Mexico City Law Enforcement Attache Office. Assistant United States Attorney Carlos Esqueda for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . A complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Attachments: ethington_et_al_complaint.pdf


title: U.S. Attorney Recognizes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, Chadwick M. Elgersma, joining with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, in recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 19-25, 2026. This year’s theme, “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities” recognizes the shared mission to listen to crime victims and advocate on their behalf. National Crime Victims’ Rights Week was established in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime. The week is an opportunity “to reflect on the importance of making the justice system work for survivors of crime,” said U.S. Attorney Elgersma. “Prosecuting offenders is only one piece of an integrated approach to recognize and support victims of crime. My office will continue to strive to honor the strength and resilience of crime victims throughout all stages of federal criminal prosecutions.” U.S. Attorney Elgersma also praised the work of those in law enforcement and in the larger community who support crime victims, “being a crime victim can have lifelong impacts on an individual’s mental and physical health. Providing emotional support and other assistance to crime victims is an invaluable part of providing justice and I applaud those who do this important work.” For more information on National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, please visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/national-crime-victims-rights-week/overview.


title: Maple Shade Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Prison for Drug and Firearm Crimes, After Admitting One-Year-Old Victim Suffered Apparent Cocaine Overdose

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – A Burlington County man was sentenced to 211 months in prison after pleading guilty to possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing three firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney Robert Frazer announced. Chief United States District Judge Renée M. Bumb imposed the sentence in Camden federal court today. “Drug trafficking fueled by firearms poisons our communities, and in this case nearly resulted in the death of a one-year-old child. The District of New Jersey will aggressively pursue traffickers who flood our neighborhoods with drugs, arm themselves to protect their profits, and put our most vulnerable lives at risk. We will hold them accountable under federal law.” - U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer Daniel Garcia Jr., 29, of Maple Shade, previously pled guilty on November 20, 2025, before Chief Judge Renée M. Bumb to a two-count information charging possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A), and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On June 23, 2024, Garcia and another individual rushed the minor victim to the hospital because the minor was not breathing, having seizures, drooling, and unresponsive. The minor received life-saving care at the hospital and was later flown to a children’s hospital. As part of the medical treatment, the victim’s urine was screened for controlled substances. The tests returned positive results for benzodiazepine, fentanyl, and cocaine. Medical personnel at the children’s hospital informed law enforcement officers that the minor had been administered benzodiazepine and fentanyl during treatment, but that cocaine had not been administered. A doctor at the children’s hospital told law enforcement that the minor’s symptoms—including seizure, cardiac arrest, and cardiac arrythmia—were all symptoms of a cocaine overdose. The one-year-old victim’s heart stopped twice during the course of the medical care, but the minor thankfully was revived and survived. While the victim was receiving life-saving treatment at the hospital, Garcia left the hospital and drove home. Surveillance video showed Garcia taking a laundry bag out of his home, putting it into the trunk of a different car than he had driven home, parking the second car across the parking lot in a location far from Garcia’s residence, and then driving the first car back to the hospital. The next day, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Garcia’s home and found approximately $4,252 in cash, rubber bands consistent with those typically used in illegal drug packaging, an empty fold of paper consistent with illegal drug packaging, and an envelope containing both 9mm and .357 magnum ammunition. The day after that, June 25, 2024, law enforcement searched the car Garcia had parked across the parking lot, finding the laundry bag, $150,000 cash, approximately 329.1g of 100% pure methamphetamine, 767g of cocaine, 41 amphetamine tablets, 102 alprazolam tablets, 272 oxycodone tablets, 2.6g of MDMA powder, 1,341g of marijuana, 9.9g of psilocin and psilocybin mushrooms, 192g of crystalline cutting agents commonly used for illegal drug preparation, three digital scales, drug packaging material, two 9mm handguns, and a .357 magnum revolver. All three firearms were loaded. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Chief Judge Bumb sentenced Garcia to two concurrent terms of five years of supervised release, to begin after the term of incarceration. Garcia also agreed to forfeit three firearms, more than 200 rounds of ammunition, and more than $155,000 that law enforcement seized in June 2024. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz, with the investigation. U.S. Attorney Frazer also thanked the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw, and the Maple Shade Police Department, under the direction of Chief Christopher Fletcher, for their assistance in the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa T. Wiygul of the Criminal Division in Camden. ### Defense counsel: Robin Kay Lord, Esq., Trenton, NJ.


title: North Carolina U.S. Attorneys Attend Ceremony to Observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 19 to 25, 2026

component: USAO - North Carolina, Middle

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – In April, the Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime leads communities all across the country in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW). This year’s observance takes place April 19 to 25, 2026. NCVRW began in 1981 to acknowledge, honor, and remember crime victims, promote victims’ rights, and recognize those who work with and advocate on behalf of victims of crime. It also serves to promote policies and programs that help victims of crime. This year’s NCVRW theme, “Listen. Act. Advocate.” reminds us to listen carefully to victims’ stories, provide them with meaningful support, and advocate for justice on their behalf. To commemorate NCVRW, the North Carolina Victim Assistance Network and the Interagency Council of North Carolina sponsored a ceremony in Raleigh remembering crime victims and recognizing outstanding individuals who have provided superior service to victims and survivors. U.S. Attorneys for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina attended the ceremony to reinforce the United States Justice Department’s commitment to securing justice for crime victims. “As we hold criminals accountable in our job to do justice, we remain acutely aware of the victims left in the wake of this violence. We recognize and support victims, and hope our actions give them some measure of peace.” said Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “Our victims and their families are at the center of everything we do,” said Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. “A lot of our work is not what you see in the headlines, but behind-the-scenes work to support our victims. After all, no one plans to be the victim of a crime; no one is prepared for it. Connecting victims to vital services is key, and this year, I am proud to formally thank our service provider partners who help us in that effort.” “Each year we observe NCVRW to honor the resilience of survivors and raise awareness of victims’ rights and the importance of community support in the healing process,” said Dan Bishop, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. “The criminal justice system plays an important role in supporting victims and removing barriers to justice. We are privileged to participate in today’s event and humbly reminded of our responsibility to fulfill the theme of this year’s NCVRW to ‘Listen. Act. Advocate.’” Elizabeth Watson, Executive Director of the North Carolina Victim Assistance Network, commented, “During Crime Victims’ Rights Week, we stand with people whose lives have been harmed by violence. Listening to their voices, believing their experiences, and collaborating with community partners who are vital to supporting victims and strengthening our communities. Together, we uphold victims’ rights and make sure their voices are heard. We are grateful to collaborate with our partners on this event.”


title: Child Pornography Distributor from Dubuque Sentenced  to 14 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who distributed child pornography to multiple people was sentenced today to 14 years in federal prison. Jonathan Reed Snow, age 26, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 24, 2025, guilty plea to distribution of child pornography. Evidence at sentencing showed that in August 2024, law enforcement officers searched Snow’s home and seized electronic devices. Officers discovered that between September 2023 and August 2024, Snow distributed, received, and possessed child pornography in Discord accounts and on multiple electronic devices. Snow traded child pornography with others online. In total, he possessed over a thousand images and videos of child pornography, which included depictions of prepubescent children and of sadistic and masochistic conduct. Snow was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Snow was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to make $24,000 in restitution to victims in this case. He must also serve a 10‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . Snow is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-CR-1018. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Carter County Resident Pleads Guilty To Assault By Strangling

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Tyler Layne Gillispie, age 32, of Dickson, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Assault of a Spouse, Intimate Partner, and Dating Partner by Strangling and Attempting to Strangle, punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Indictment alleged that on May 6, 2025, Gillispie assaulted the victim, a dating partner, by strangling. The crime occurred in Carter County, within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department. The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Gillispie will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Morgan Muzljakovich and Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.


title: Tulsa Resident Pleads Guilty To Illegally Possessing Firearm And Ammunition

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

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Brandon Jason Altamirano, age 39, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Indictment charged Altamirano with knowingly possessing one semi-automatic pistol and 38 rounds of assorted ammunition in Okmulgee County on November 23, 2024, after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment. The charge arose from an investigation by the Okmulgee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Altamirano will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis M. Reagan represented the United States.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced to 22 Years for Distribution of Fentanyl Causing Death

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Paul “Tony” Billingsley, 66, of Omaha, was sentenced on April 17, 2026, in federal court in Omaha for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and distribution of fentanyl. Chief United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Billingsley to 264 months’ imprisonment for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and 60 months’ imprisonment for distribution of fentanyl. The sentences were ordered to be served concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. After Billingsley’s release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release. Evidence at Billingsley’s January trial revealed that on May 6, 2024, Billingsley sold fentanyl to co-defendant Elissa Larson. Within the hour, Larson distributed the fentanyl to a victim who overdosed and died. A family member later found the victim. Following the victim’s overdose death, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant to conduct a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Billingsley on May 24, 2024. Law enforcement arrested Billingsley on June 3, 2024, and located more fentanyl in Billingsley’s possession. Co-defendant Larson has pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and was sentenced on March 27, 2026, to 132 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release. This case was investigated by the Overdose Drug Taskforce comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Nebraska State Patrol, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Omaha Police Department.


title: Elkhart Man Sentenced to 51 Months in Prison For Bank Robbery

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Jerry Boomershine, 62 years old, of Elkhart, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to bank robbery, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Boomershine was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment with 48 months to be served consecutively and 3 months to be served concurrently with his state sentence, followed by 1 year of supervised release and ordered to pay $8,450.00 in restitution. “The Defendant thought he got away with it when he robbed a Goshen Bank in May of 2018, as he wore a mask over his face when pointed a gun at employees and robbing them of about $8450. While police were unable to find the bank robber at the time, they did recover the sweatshirt that he was wearing. In April of 2025, the Defendant’s luck ran out when a sample of his DNA was compared to the DNA on the sweatshirt. The Defendant was caught, prosecuted, and sentenced due to the vigilance and unrelenting efforts of the FBI, the Goshen Police Department, Indiana State Police, and the United States Attorney’s Office,” said US Attorney Adam Mildred. “Regardless of age, those who choose to commit violent crimes will be held accountable. Crimes like bank robbery create fear and danger for victims who are simply going about their day,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “The FBI and our partners will continue to use every available resource to identify offenders, hold them accountable, and safeguard the communities we serve.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Goshen Police Department and the Indiana State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Commemorates National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 19-25)

component: Office for Victims of Crime (OJP)

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Benson joins the Department of Justice and communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW). During NCVRW, we recognize the accomplishments of the victims’ rights movement and reflect on how far we have come. Since 1981, NCVRW has challenged the nation to confront and remove barriers to achieve justice for all victims of crime. Every April, the Office for Victims of Crime, part of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs, leads communities throughout the country in their annual observance of NCVRW. In 2026, we will observe NCVRW with the theme: LISTEN. ACT. ADVOCATE. Protect Victims. Serve Communities. Being victimized by a crime can leave a lasting impact on individuals and the community. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine is committed to honoring the rights and experiences of crime victims. Prosecutors and victim specialists work together to ensure victims’ voices are heard. For many, this is a crucial step in healing and providing victims with some sense of justice. NCVRW is a reminder to those touched by crime that many victim services are now available through community partners and justice professionals, who are ready to listen, act, and advocate, while prioritizing safety for both individuals and communities. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine is committed to prosecuting those who violate federal law and collaborating with law enforcement to hold offenders accountable through the justice system,” said U.S. Attorney Benson. “We recognize, however, that prosecuting offenders is only one piece of an integrated approach in recognizing and supporting victims of crime.” The 2026 NCVRW Resource Guide, with outreach tools and materials to help you raise awareness in your community, is available at https://ovc.ojp.gov/news/announcements/now-online-2026-ncvrw-resource-guide . ###


title: More Than 220 New Federal Immigration Cases Added in Western District of Texas

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas filed 221 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from April 10 to April 16, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons. Charges were brought against human smugglers and illegal aliens with past convictions for kidnapping, numerous DWIs, theft, violent crime, and multiple prior removals. Among the new cases, U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended an illegal alien whom they had observed running north from the U.S.-Mexico border in the El Paso area. A criminal complaint alleges that one of the agents observed that the alien’s cell phone rang repeatedly and that, using the alien’s cell phone, the agents were led to a location on East Paisano Drive. According to the complaint, they encountered Mexican national Carlos Alberto Cardona at the location, where he had arranged to pick up the alien to assist with smuggling. Cardona stated he himself had entered the U.S. illegally on March 25 and agreed to work for a smuggling organization to avoid paying his own smuggling fee. Additionally, the complaint alleges Cardona would be paid $500 per week for taking care of illegal aliens and would transport them to a stash house. Further investigation led the USBP agents to the stash house where they allegedly located 14 illegal aliens and arrested Pedro Anaya-Anaya , an alleged caretaker who had also illegally crossed into the U.S. on March 25 and agreed to work for the smugglers in lieu of paying a smuggling fee balance of $3,500. Both Cardona and Anaya-Anaya now face human smuggling charges. Juan Carlos Andrade-Martinez , an illegal alien from Mexico, was encountered on July 4, 2023, at the El Paso County Detention Facility, where he faced state charges for kidnapping. Last month, on March 17, he was convicted and sentenced to 32 months imprisonment. Andrade-Martinez was transferred to ICE custody on April 9 and is now charged with illegal re-entry. He was previously convicted for improper entry by an alien in 2010 and was last removed from the U.S. in November 2019. A criminal complaint alleges that Mexican national Moises Velazquez-Perez was found near the Burlington North Santa Fe Railyard in El Paso after being previously deported twice, the last being on Dec. 19, 2025. In June 2023, Velazquez-Perez was convicted of resisting an officer with violence and battery on a law enforcement officer. Prior to that, he was arrested for assault and convicted of resisting an officer in 2008. Ecuadorian national Bosco Joel Idrovo-Soto was arrested in El Paso after being identified as an illegal alien. In 2004, Idrovo-Soto was convicted of aggravated assault in New Jersey and sentenced to 364 days in jail. He was removed from the U.S. in September 2009 following an arrest for shoplifting. U.S. citizen Frank Camacho was charged with transportation of illegal aliens in San Antonio. According to a criminal complaint, a USBP agent conducted a traffic stop on a pickup truck driven by Camacho on Texas State Highway 85 near Dilley. The complaint alleges that, while approaching the vehicle, the agent observed a single male in camouflage clothing lying flat on the floorboard. The individual was determined to be an illegal alien. Additionally, the complaint alleges that Camacho possessed a fully loaded 9mm handgun in in the center console of the vehicle. Cesar Reyna-Ramirez , an illegal alien from Mexico, was arrested in San Antonio and charged with illegally re-entering the United States. Reyna-Ramirez was previously encountered at the Kendall County Jail in 2024 following an arrest for an obscured license plate. Despite an immigration detainer, he was not released to ICE custody. On Wednesday, ICE Enforcement Removal Operations and USBP agents conducted a traffic stop on Reyna-Ramirez near Loop 410 North and U.S. Highway 87. A review of his criminal history revealed Reyna-Ramirez was previously convicted of transportation of an unlawful alien within the U.S. and sentenced to 15 months in federal prison. Honduran national Roger Andino Gomez-Dominguez aka Jose Jeremias Dominguez was arrested by USBP agents near Maverick and charged with illegal re-entry. Gomez-Dominguez has been deported thrice before, the last being in March 2024, following a conviction for stalking. In 2023, he was convicted of a DUI and threatening crime with intent to terrorize. ICE arrested Mexican national Felipe Marquez-Rangel in Travis County on Wednesday, charging him with illegal re-entry. Marquez-Rangel has been removed from the U.S. three times, the last being in August 2018, following his second DWI. Rodolfo Renteria-Mendez , also an illegal alien from Mexico, was found in Caldwell County on April 13. Immigration records indicated that Renteria-Mendez was previously removed for the second time in July 2017, after being convicted of his second DWI. He is now charged with illegal re-entry. Hector Perez-Sales aka Marvin Perez-Sales, an illegal alien from Guatemala was found in Williamson County on April 13. Perez-Sales has been previously removed from the U.S. seven times, the last being in September 2017. These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Lexington Man Convicted of Armed Drug Trafficking and Illegal Firearm Possession Charges

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. After a three-day trial, a Lexington man, Victorian Valdimar Hardaway, 36, was convicted on Thursday by a federal jury in Lexington for conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and a detectable amount of oxycodone; distributing fentanyl; possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, oxycodone, and methamphetamine; possessing a firearm as a convicted felon; and possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes. According to testimony at trial and items seized during a search warrant, Hardaway had large amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine throughout the apartment where he was staying. Law enforcement recovered numerous items of drug paraphernalia, including a hydraulic press, baggies, cutting agents, a blender, more than $5,000 in bundled cash, and digital scales. Evidence revealed that Hardaway was a large-scale drug trafficker in the Lexington community selling substantial amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and oxycodone. Hardway also possessed firearms during drug transactions and another one in the bedroom where many drugs and paraphernalia was recovered. Further, Hardaway’s criminal history shows he is a convicted domestic violence aggressor. Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department, jointly announced the conviction. The investigation was conducted by the DEA, KSP, and Lexington Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ron Walker and Aubrey McGuire Girouard. Hardaway will appear for sentencing in August 2026. He faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing a sentence. — END —


title: Pensacola Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Threatening a Pensacola Police Department Detective

body_text: Pensacola, Florida – Tamal W. Jenkins, 20, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison for interstate threatening communication with intent to extort. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “My office stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the brave men and women of law enforcement who are on the front lines in the fight against crime. They deserve our gratitude and respect for placing themselves in harm’s way every day to keep our communities safe. As this case demonstrates, anyone who harms or threatens to harm a law enforcement officer will be aggressively prosecuted by my office and held accountable.” Court documents reveal that, in July 2025, the Pensacola Police Department arrested suspects during a homicide investigation. Within days of the arrest, one of the responsible Pensacola Police Detectives received an electronic text message threatening to kill the Detective if she did not release the suspects who are now facing homicide charges. Through legal process and electronic investigative techniques, law enforcement identified Jenkins as the person who made the threat against the Detective for acting in the course of her official duties. Jenkins imprisonment will be followed by three years of federal supervised release. Jenkins also faces a violation of prior state-ordered probation for firearm and drug offenses. Pensacola Police Chief Eric Winstrom said: “Threats of violence against those upholding the law cannot be tolerated. The Pensacola Police Department is grateful to our federal partners for recognizing the gravity of this incident and ensuring Mr. Jenkins is held accountable.” The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Pensacola Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Tallahassee Pair Federally Indicted for Mail Theft

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: Tallahassee, Florida – Christy Cody Holgate, 49, and Kim Demetrius Benson, 52, have been indicted in federal court. Both were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail theft. Also, Holgate was charged with four counts of theft of mail and Benson was charged with one count of theft of mail. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges. Holgate and Benson appeared in federal court for their arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for June 2, 2026, before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Tallahassee, Florida. If convicted, Holgate and Benson face a maximum of five years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit mail theft. Each count of theft of mail carries a maximum of five years’ imprisonment. This case was jointly investigated by the Tallahassee Police Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. 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: New Orleans Man Guilty of  Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Distribution and Committing Federal Firearms Offense

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –LIONEL WINDING, JR. (“WINDING”) , age 20, pleaded guilty on April 14, 2026 before Chief U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to seven federal drug and gun offenses, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. WINDING pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846; two counts of distributing various quantities of fentanyl, two counts of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), (b)(1)(C), and (b)(1)(D); and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). According to court documents, over the course of five transactions between November 2024 and January 2025, WINDING, and his co-conspirators, sold fentanyl, methamphetamine, and firearms to individuals WINDING believed to be legitimate buyers. WINDING was personally armed with a handgun during two of those transactions. WINDING was arrested on January 30, 2025. Law enforcement officers searched the motel room where he was staying and recovered cocaine and marijuana that WINDING intended to sell, and a Glock Model 22 firearm equipped with a drum magazine and loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition. As to his conspiracy conviction, WINDING faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison up to life, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release up to life. As to his convictions for distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, WINDING faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison up to 40 years, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release up to life. As to his convictions for distributing a quantity of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, WINDING faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and a mandatory minimum of 3 years of supervised release up to life. As to his conviction for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, WINDING faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, which must run consecutively to any other sentence, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. Each conviction also carries a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Havana Man Indicted for Federal Crimes Related to Armed Drug Trafficking

body_text: Tallahassee, Florida – Marlo G. Davis, 47, of Havana, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge. Davis appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for May 26, 2026, at 8:30 am before District Court Judge Mark E. Walker in Tallahassee, Florida. Davis faces a minimum mandatory prison sentence of five years’ imprisonment, and up to 40 years, on the drug possession count, and a consecutive five years’ imprisonment, up to life imprisonment, for carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime. If his prior felony convictions are determined to qualify him as an Armed Career Criminal, Davis faces a minimum mandatory 15 years’ imprisonment, and up to life, if convicted of possession of a firearm by a felon. The case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Tallahassee Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Fourteen New Indictments Returned for Immigration Offenses in March

body_text: Pensacola and Gainesville – Today, United States Attorney John P. Heekin announced that 14 previously deported illegal aliens have been separately indicted by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States in the month of March. According to court records, the 14 illegal aliens indicted in the month of March include: Osman Guerrero-Torres, 45, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Alachua County in January 2026, after previously being deported in 1997, 1999, 2000, 2007, 2008, 2016, and 2021. Trial is scheduled for April 29, 2026, at 8:30am in Gainesville, Florida, before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Allen C. Winsor. Jairo Calel Vicente, 30, of Guatemala, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Escambia County in February 2026, after previously being deported in 2025 and 2026. Trial is scheduled for May 4, 2026, at 8:00am in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Romeo Escalon, 44, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in February 2026, after previously being deported in 2012. A change of plea hearing is scheduled for April 16, 2026, at 2:30 pm in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon. Juan Hernandez-Cruz, 33, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in February 2026, after previously being deported in 2015. Sentencing took place on March 24, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida. Jose Rodas-Castillo, 37, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in February 2026, after previously being deported in 2016. Trial is scheduled for May 4, 2026, at 8:00am in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Joel Perez Vasquez, 42, of Guatemala, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in February 2026, after previously being deported twice in 2013. Sentencing took place on April 8, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida. Ricardo Castrejon Lucatero, 31, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Santa Rosa County in February 2026, after previously being deported in 2018. Trial is scheduled for May 18, 2026, at 9:00am in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. Darlin Alvan-Galdamez, 32, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in March 2026, after previously being deported in 2019. Trial is scheduled for May 4, 2026, at 8:00am in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Anibal Murcia-Barrera, 27, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in March 2026, after previously being deported in 2017. Trial is scheduled for May 4, 2026, at 8:00am in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Santos Gomez-Diaz, 41, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Walton County in September 2022, after previously being deported in 2013 and 2017. Trial is scheduled for May 18, 2026, at 9:00am in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. Rodolfo Garcia Martinez, 38, of Guatemala, allegedly possessed or used fraudulent documents and reentered the United States illegally. The defendant was located in Escambia County in February 2026, after previously being deported in 2009, 2014, and 2017. A change of plea hearing is scheduled for April 28, 2026, at 11:30 am in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon. Luis Lopez Lopez, 27, of Guatemala, allegedly possessed or used fraudulent documents in February 2026. Trial is scheduled for May 18, 2026, at 9:00am in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. Ismael Martinez Domingo, 31, of Guatemala, allegedly possessed or used fraudulent documents in February 2026. Sentencing is scheduled for April 15, 2026, at 10:30am in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers. William Gary Perez Perez, 23, of Guatemala, allegedly possessed or used fraudulent documents in February 2026. Sentencing took place on April 8, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida. The penalty for illegally reentering the United States after deportation is a maximum of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Guerrero-Torres faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine pursuant to allegations of prior convictions qualifying for an increased maximum sentence. The penalty for possession or use of fraudulent employment documents is a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The cases involved investigations by Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations with the assistance of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Naval Air Station Police, the Pensacola Police Department, Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Assistant United States Attorneys Alicia H. Forbes, Thomas S.P. Geeker, Brooke A. DiSalvo, Tyler Fleming, Christopher C. Patterson, Jeffrey M. Tharp are prosecuting the cases. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Chatham County men sentenced to prison for stealing mail from postal collection boxes

component: USAO - Georgia, Southern

body_text: SAVANNAH, Georgia: Two Chatham County men have been sentenced to prison after investigators caught them stealing mail from blue collection boxes. Brandon Chavonte Mincey , 34, and Antwan Williams , 52, both of Savannah, each pled guilty to Possession of a Stolen Mail Key, said Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Chief Judge R. Stan Baker sentenced Mincey to 40 months in prison, and Williams to 15 months in prison, and each man also must pay a fine of $1,200 and serve three years of supervised release upon completion of their prison terms. There is no parole in the federal system. “This case is an excellent example of good police work stopping a crime in progress and holding the criminals accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “These sentences should send a warning to mail thieves: We will find you and put you in prison.” In July 2025, investigators from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducting proactive surveillance observed a vehicle pull up to a blue collection box at 10701 Abercorn Street in Savannah and later to another box at 1348 Eisenhower Avenue. In each incident, one of the occupants of the vehicle opened the box, removed the mail and dumped it in the rear of the vehicle. Police pulled the vehicle over, with Mincey and Williams inside, and recovered a trash bag full of mail and a U.S. Postal Service key used to access the collection boxes. Investigators determined that checks recovered from 310 pieces of mail from 58 businesses or individuals added up to more than $58,000 in potential losses. All of the mail was returned to the victims. “The theft of mail has consequences, and the sentencing of these defendants sends a message that if you steal mail then you will go to jail,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “Postal Inspectors have a duty to protect the integrity of the mail and will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to combat mail theft.” The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Savannah Police Department and the Chatham County Police Department, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan E. Bondura.


title: Nine Illegal Aliens Convicted of Immigration Offenses in March

body_text: Pensacola and Gainesville – Today, United States Attorney John P. Heekin announced that nine illegal aliens were convicted of federal immigration crimes in the month of March. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our federal immigration laws are not mere suggestions, and presence in the United States is reserved only for those who enter our country the right way in compliance with those laws. The U.S. citizens in the Northern District of Florida have a right to expect their government to secure our international borders and rigidly enforce our laws that are designed to keep our country safe, and that is exactly what my office will continue to do by aggressively prosecuting anyone who violates our immigration laws.” According to court records, nine previously indicted defendants were convicted in the month of March for being unlawfully present in the country after a prior removal. The illegal aliens convicted in the month of March include: Benancio Cuyuch-Pelico, 34, of Guatemala, who was previously removed in October 2013. He was encountered in Escambia County on January 27, 2026. Santos Gonon, 25 of Guatemala, who was previously removed in May 2019. He was encountered in Escambia County on January 21, 2026. Pablo Cuyuch-Garcia, 35, of Guatemala, who was previously removed in May 2011. He was encountered in Escambia County on January 26, 2026. Gordolias Perez-Ramirez, 32, of Guatemala, who was previously removed in February 2018. He was encountered in Okaloosa County on February 1, 2026. Antonio Isidro-Lopez, 44, of Honduras, who was previously removed in January 2025. He was encountered in Escambia County on February 5, 2026. Nicholas Mencho-Lucas, 43, of Mexico, who was previously removed in June 2011. He was encountered in Okaloosa County on September 21, 2025. Kenji Bonilla-Cubas, 30, of Honduras, who was previously removed in February 2020. He was encountered in Escambia County on February 5, 2026. Juan Hernandez-Cruz, 33, of Mexico, who was previously removed in April 2015. He was encountered in Okaloosa County on February 15, 2026. Pedro Humberto Vasquez-Guerra, of El Salvador, who was previously removed in October 2017. He was encountered in Okaloosa County on December 9, 2025. The cases involved investigations by Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations with the assistance of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Naval Air Station Police, the Pensacola Police Department, Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Assistant United States Attorneys Alicia H. Forbes, Thomas S.P. Geeker, Brooke A. DiSalvo, Tyler Fleming, Christopher C. Patterson, Jeffrey M. Tharp are prosecuting the cases. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: New Orleans Man Indicted for being Felon in Possession of a Firearm

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – On April 16, 2026, OLIN D. GRANT, JR. (“GRANT”) , 30, from Marrero, was indicted on April 16, 2026 for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to the indictment, on or about January 14, 2026, in the Eastern District of Louisiana, GRANT , knowing that that he had been previously convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year, was found in possession of a firearm, a Glock, Model 19X, 9mm caliber pistol. GRANT faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). U. S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brittany Reed of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Former Pharmacy President Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Health Care Fraud and Kickback Scheme Involving Compounded Medications

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – On April 1, 2026 Adam Brosius, 61, of Delray Beach, Florida, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for his role in a $33 million health care fraud and kickback scheme, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From 2014 through 2016, Brosius and others used Main Avenue Pharmacy, a mail-order pharmacy with a storefront in Clifton, New Jersey, to run an illegal kickback scheme involving medically unnecessary compounded drugs including scar creams, pain creams, migraine mediation, and vitamins. Brosius worked as Main Avenue’s director of business development, and later as its president. As part of the scheme, Main Avenue identified compounded drugs that would yield exorbitant reimbursements from health insurers, including both federal and commercial payers. Once Main Avenue identified lucrative formulas, it would create large prescription pads with those formulas on it and distribute the pads to marketers across the country. The marketing companies would in turn distribute the prescription pad to telemedicine companies and doctors with whom they had a financial arrangement. After filling prescriptions, Main Avenue submitted claims to health care benefit programs for reimbursement, including Medicare, Tricare, and commercial payers in New Jersey and elsewhere. After Main Avenue obtained reimbursement, it paid kickbacks to marketers who had generated the prescriptions. Main Avenue signed contracts with many of the marketers, which detailed the illicit kickback arrangement, which called for Main Avenue to pay each marketer money based on the volume of referrals of compounded prescriptions and the reimbursement amount that Main Avenue received. Main Avenue received approximately $33 million in reimbursements for compounded medications alone from health care benefit programs. Over $5.8 million of that amount was paid by TRICARE, a federal payer. In addition to the prison term, Judge Madeline Cox Arleo also ordered $33 million in restitution, $27 million in forfeiture, and a term of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited the following law enforcement organizations with the investigation leading to the sentencing: the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz; and U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Silvestro. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine M. Romano and Matthew Specht. The Department of Justice has established the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the National Fraud Enforcement Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. The National Fraud Enforcement Division will fulfill that mission by coordinating with agencies responsible for administering benefit programs; partnering with federal, tribal, state, territorial, and local law enforcement on fraud-fighting efforts; developing systems and processes that ensure efficient identification of fraud against taxpayer dollars; and equipping prosecutors and law enforcement with state-of-the-art tools and resources needed to bring criminal actors to justice. The attorneys in the National Fraud Enforcement Division will work every day to protect the financial integrity of our government and the tax system that supports it. ### Defense counsel: David A. Eskew, Esq., New York, New York. Mark A. Berman, Esq., Hackensack, New Jersey.


title: Settlement Of Fair Housing Act Lawsuit Over Access For Persons With Disabilities

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that the United States has settled a federal Fair Housing Act (“FHA”) lawsuit against LETTIRE CONSTRUCTION CORP. (“LETTIRE”) and other parties involved in the design and construction of the Chestnut Commons rental building located in Brooklyn. Through three settlements filed in federal court (two of which were filed previously), LETTIRE and other defendants in the lawsuit have agreed to make retrofits at three rental buildings: The Tapestry located in Manhattan, the Atrium at Sumner located in Brooklyn, and Chestnut Commons located in Brooklyn. The parties further agreed to provide up to $100,000 to compensate aggrieved persons who sustained damages from inaccessible conditions at The Tapestry and Chestnut Commons, the retrofits at the Atrium at Sumner having been made prior to occupancy. The parties also agreed to pay civil penalties totaling $70,000. The settlement with the parties who designed and constructed Chestnut Commons was approved today by U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein, thereby resolving the case. On April 29, 2025, Judge Hellerstein approved a settlement with the parties who designed and constructed The Tapestry, and a settlement with the parties who designed and constructed the Atrium at Sumner. “The Fair Housing Act is about whether people with disabilities can actually live in and move through their homes—in other words, Fair Access means just that,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “As alleged, these buildings were constructed with barriers—high thresholds, inaccessible bathrooms—that can make daily life difficult or even impossible for those with disabilities. New Yorkers want their neighbors with disabilities to have housing they can access and use, and we will continue to enforce the law to ensure they have it. We appreciate the cooperation of Lettire and its partners in working constructively with the government and in committing to remedying these conditions.” The FHA’s accessible design and construction provisions require multifamily housing complexes constructed after January 1991 to have basic features accessible to persons with disabilities. According to the allegations in the Complaint, the inaccessible conditions in the buildings that LETTIRE constructed included excessively high thresholds at building entrances and entrances to common use areas, common use bathrooms that lack grab bars and pipe insulation, excessively high thresholds at entrances to individual apartments and within the apartments, and bathrooms in individual apartments that lack sufficient clear floor space for people who use wheelchairs. The Complaint alleges that these features in the common use areas of LETTIRE’s buildings, as well as in the buildings’ apartment interiors, did not meet the specifications set forth in the Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines, Design Guidelines for Accessible/Adaptable Dwellings. Under today’s settlement, LETTIRE, CHESTNUT COMMONS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORP. and MHANY MANAGEMENT, INC. agreed to make retrofits to the public and common use areas as well as the individual units at Chestnut Commons to improve accessibility. The settlement also requires CHESTNUT COMMONS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORP. and MHANY MANAGEMENT, INC. to establish procedures to ensure FHA compliance at its future development projects, including to retain an FHA compliance consultant to assess the design documents and conduct site visits to identify non-compliant conditions. In addition, CHESTNUT COMMONS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORP. and MHANY MANAGEMENT, INC agreed to institute policies and training to ensure that its employees and agents will comply with the FHA’s accessibility requirements. LETTIRE agreed to these terms in a previously approved settlement. Aggrieved persons may be entitled to monetary compensation from the fund created through today’s settlement. Aggrieved individuals may include those who: Were discouraged from living at Chestnut Commons because of the lack of accessible features; Have been hurt in any way by the lack of accessible features at Chestnut Commons; Paid to have an apartment at one of Chestnut Commons made more accessible to persons with disabilities; or Otherwise were discriminated against on the basis of disability at Chestnut Commons as a result of inaccessible design and construction. The Office has reached over two dozen agreements in recent years with developers and architects to remedy inaccessible housing in this District, including suits against The Durst Organization, Glenwood Management, Silverstein Properties, Related Companies, Atlantic Development, and Toll Brothers. Any individual who may be entitled to compensation can file a claim by using the Civil Rights Complaint Form available on the United States Attorney’s Office’s website http://www.justice.gov/usao/nys/civilrights.html , or by sending a written claim to: U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York 86 Chambers Street, 3rd Floor New York, New York 10007 Attention: Chief, Civil Rights Unit The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Civil Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle J. Marryshow is in charge of the case.


title: El Salvadoran Alien Charged  With Reentry of Deported Alien

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – JOSE ANTONIO LARIO SALMERON (“SALMERON”) , age 33, a native of El Salvador, was charged via Bill of Information on April 15, 2026, for reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to court documents, SALMERON was apprehended in St. Tammany Parish on March 30, 2026, and charged with illegal reentry after removal. Immigration records further show SALMERON had been previously removed from the United States by federal authorities on January 13, 2020, and that he returned to the United States without proper authorization. If convicted SALMERON faces a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the United States Border Patrol in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution. * * *


title: Orlando Man Sentenced to Over Three Years in Federal Prison for Opening and Operating Bank Accounts in International Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, FL – Joseph Elegele, Jr. (41, Orlando) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $801,559.33, the proceeds of his criminal conduct. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. Elegele pleaded guilty on December 18, 2025. According to court documents, between August 2017 and June 2023, Elegele was part of a fraud scheme that laundered funds that had been fraudulently obtained from various businesses throughout the United States and in the Bahamas. Elegele’s role in the scheme was to establish business bank accounts in the Middle District of Florida through which large money transfers could be routed. Other members of the conspiracy, who were located overseas, used online communications and business email compromises to scam the businesses into making fraudulent transfers to accounts controlled by Elegele, who then immediately made large cash withdrawals or cashier check purchases to launder and dissipate the fraud proceeds. Elegele kept portions of the proceeds for himself and passed the remainder on to other scheme conspirators. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko.


title: Joseph E. diGenova Sworn in as  Counselor to the Attorney General

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Today, Joseph E. diGenova was sworn in as Counselor to the Attorney General, assuming a senior advisory role within the U.S. Department of Justice. In this capacity, diGenova will advise the Attorney General on significant legal, policy, and enforcement matters, drawing on decades of experience in federal prosecution, complex investigations, and national legal practice. “Joe diGenova brings a lifetime of experience, judgment, and proven leadership to this role,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “He understands the mission of the Department of Justice and the responsibility we carry to enforce the law fairly, protect the American people, and uphold the Constitution. I am confident he will serve with distinction.” diGenova has served in some of the most demanding legal roles in government and private practice. From 1983 to 1988, he was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to serve as the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, where he led one of the largest and most complex prosecutorial offices in the country. During his tenure, he supervised major public corruption, national security, and violent crime prosecutions, earning a reputation for disciplined, results-driven leadership. Following his government service, diGenova built a distinguished career in private practice, representing clients in high-stakes criminal, civil, and congressional investigations. He has also been a frequent legal commentator and advisor on matters involving federal law enforcement and constitutional issues. diGenova received his undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati and his law degree from Georgetown University. As Counselor to the Attorney General, diGenova will support the Department’s mission: to protect Americans, enforce the rule of law, and ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice. ###


title: Persistent human smuggler sentenced for using minor in new scheme involving Chinese nationals

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 27-year-old Roma resident has been ordered to federal prison for transporting illegal aliens, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck. Lizandro Monroy pleaded guilty Dec. 8, 2025. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Monroy to serve 37 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court considered that Monroy has two prior federal convictions for human smuggling and returned to the same criminal conduct approximately one month after his release from federal custody. In handing down the sentence, the court noted similarities in his prior convictions to include that all involved vehicle or foot pursuits. On June 21, 2025, authorities discovered a raft crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico near the Roma Observation Deck, a known human smuggling pickup location. Law enforcement saw a grey Ford Focus make multiple passes before parking near the deck. Monroy exited the vehicle, left it running and then instructed the minor passenger to move into the driver’s seat and pick up the aliens. Shortly thereafter, three Chinese nationals ran from the brush and entered the vehicle, prompting law enforcement to attempt a traffic stop. However, the minor driver fled, which led to a vehicle pursuit and multiple collisions. The vehicle eventually crashed into a utility pole and a law enforcement vehicle before coming to a stop. One of the aliens sustained a head laceration that required medical attention. Monroy admitted he recruited and paid the 15-year-old minor to transport the smuggled aliens from the pickup location. He also provided the travel route and supplied a cell phone to receive instructions from smuggling coordinators. He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia 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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Two Wilmington Men Arrested for Conspiring to Distribute Four Kilograms of Cocaine

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – Two Wilmington residents were arrested on April 14, 2026, for conspiring to distribute approximately four kilograms of cocaine. According to court documents, Victor Roman-Maldonado, 38, and Gilberto Alvarez III, 42, were subjects of a drug investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Delaware State Police. On April 14, 2026, law enforcement executed search warrants at Roman-Maldonado’s and Alvarez’s residences in Wilmington, a third Wilmington address, and two vehicles connected to Roman-Maldonado. The search revealed two parcels, shipped from Puerto Rico to Delaware through the United States Postal Service, containing approximately four kilograms of cocaine. The criminal complaints charged both defendants with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, Roman-Maldonado and Alvarez face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace, FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, and the United States Postal Inspection Service Philadelphia Division, Inspector in Charge Christopher Nielsen made the announcement. The FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Delaware State Police are conducting the ongoing investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin P. Pierce and Corey J. Hauser are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 26-211M (Roman-Maldonado) and 26-212M (Alvarez). The charges contained in the criminal complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ###


title: Monroe County Man Sentenced To 96 Months’ Imprisonment For Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jayson Diaz, age 35, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 17, 2026, to 96 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, between October 23, 2024, and November 19, 2024, a confidential source purchased cocaine and fentanyl on four occasions from Diaz. On November 21, 2024, investigators executed a search warrant at Diaz’s residence in East Stroudsburg. They seized 1.3 kilograms of cocaine, in excess of 250 grams of fentanyl, drug packaging and processing materials, three firearms and in excess of $220,000. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses. # # #