title: Members of Tacoma street gang indicted in fentanyl trafficking conspiracy

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Tacoma – Over the last 36 hours, law enforcement executed 13 search warrants and arrested eight of nine people charged in an indictment for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Five others were arrested on Complaints based on firearms and narcotics found during searches of their residences and cars. Some of those arrested identify as part of the Knoccout Crips street gang which has been tied to drug trafficking and violence in Tacoma. The drug trafficking ring was the subject of an 18-month investigation, including a two-month wiretap, led by the FBI. “Over the last 18 months, law enforcement carefully tracked the activities of this drug trafficking ring, seizing kilogram quantities of fentanyl pills and powder from checked luggage at Sea-Tac airport,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Miller. “The wiretap revealed the far-reaching scope of the conspiracy, with drug mules attempting to transport fentanyl from Arizona to Tacoma and in at least one instance on to Baltimore.” “Yesterday, the FBI’s South Sound Safe Streets Gang Task Force, together with more than a dozen partner law enforcement agencies, conducted a large-scale takedown targeting violent criminal street gangs involved in drug distribution and other violent crimes in Pierce County,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “An 18-month investigation revealed that these gang members and associates were sending couriers down to a source of supply in Phoenix to bring huge quantities of fentanyl back to Washington state in their checked luggage for redistribution. This case is an example of the FBI’s commitment to combatting violent criminals and gangs, as emphasized in Operation Summer Heat, a nationwide initiative targeting violent criminals and restoring safety in our communities.” Those indicted in the ten-count indictment include: Bryant K Moss Jr aka ‘BJ’, 29, of Tacoma Gary Williams aka “Fat Boy,” 36, of Tacoma Dominique Woods aka “Kane,” 33, of Spanaway Joshua Logsdon aka “Bird,” 38 of Lakewood Michael Lewis, 32, of Seattle Dallas Martin, 28, of Phoenix Josaphina Diaz, 30, of Tacoma Forest Neal, 31, of Tacoma Genesis Moreau, 25 of Vancouver All nine of the defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Individual defendants are also charged for specific dates in which they had possession of fentanyl and distributed it between March 2024 and April 2025. An additional 7 arrests of individuals connected to this conspiracy were made based on probable cause established in yesterday’s search warrants. These individuals were: James Whitaker, 37 of Tacoma William Young, 47 of Yelm Bryant Moss Sr., 48 of Tacoma Jaylin Irish, 30 of Tacoma Dominique Buffington, 31 of Edgewood Troy Harris, 38 of Tacoma An Do, 35 of Tacoma In the leadup to this week, law enforcement seized during the investigation: Fentanyl – 34 kg Marijuana – 45 kg Firearms – 9 Over the last 36 hours, law enforcement seized: Fentanyl – 2683.3g Cocaine – 227.9g Methamphetamine – 6,850.7g Heroin – 40.7g Marijuana – 27,593.8g Cash - $ 111,524.25 Firearms - 23 Due to the quantity of drugs seized in this case, some defendants face a mandatory minimum ten years in prison if convicted. The charges contained in the indictment and complaints are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This investigation was led by the FBI’s South Sound Safe Streets Gang Task Force in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations, the Tacoma Police Department, the Lakewood Police Department, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, and the Washington State Department of Corrections. Throughout this investigation, the following agencies assisted the primary investigators: the Federal Air Marshal Service, the Port of Seattle Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Seattle Police Department, Washington State Patrol, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Fife Police Department, the Thurston County Sheriff's Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristine Foerster and Crystal Correa. This operation is part of Summer Heat, the FBI’s nationwide initiative targeting violent crime during the summer months. As part of this effort, the FBI has launched a multi-pronged offensive to crush violent crime. By surging resources alongside state and local partners, executing federal warrants on violent criminals and fugitives, and dismantling violent gangs nationwide, we are aggressively restoring safety in our communities across the country. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Former Culver City After-School Recreation Employee Charged in Federal Indictment with Producing Sexually Explicit Photos of Child

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury today returned a three-count indictment charging a former Culver City government employee who worked in an after-school recreation program with producing sexually explicit photographs of a 7-year-old girl enrolled in the after-school recreation program. Stephen Michael Martinez, 44, of the Sawtelle neighborhood of Los Angeles, is charged with two counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Martinez has been in federal custody since July 23 and is being jailed without bond. His arraignment is scheduled for August 29 in United States District Court in Los Angeles. According to the indictment and court documents previously filed in this case, Martinez was employed by the Culver City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department as an after-school care employee for the Culver City Afterschool Recreation Program. He was employed by this program as a caretaker of young children from June 2020 to June 2025. On July 14, law enforcement learned that Martinez, while working at the Culver City Afterschool Recreation Program, coerced a 7-year-old girl in his care into producing photos depicting the girl engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Police arrested Martinez on July 16 and booked him on suspicion of committing lewd and lascivious acts on a minor. Martinez was transferred to federal custody one week later. An indictment contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted on all counts, Martinez would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. Homeland Security Investigations and the Culver City Police Department are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher M. Mills of the Domestic Security and Immigration Crimes Section and Kelsey A. Stimson of the Major Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Gang member sentenced to 40 years for role in large-scale drug trafficking operation

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON - A 25-year-old Houston resident has been ordered to federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine conspiracy and for possessing machine guns in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Kendal Alejandro Monzon Jr. was a member of Partidos Revolucionarios Mexicanos (PRM) and pleaded guilty April 18. U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge has now ordered Monzon to serve 480 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence about Monzon’s role in multi-kilogram drug seizures, including heroin and fentanyl at the Laredo port of entry, cocaine in Brownsville, heroin in Livingston and cash proceeds in Brownsville and Atlanta, Georgia. The court also noted seizures in Houston; Chicago, Illinois; and St. Louis, Missouri, all tied to the drug trafficking organization PRM. “The defendant was a key player in a nationwide drug trafficking operation, but now he’ll be spending the next four decades in federal prison. A similarly lengthy sentence awaits others that seek to make a quick buck by smuggling drugs into our country,” said Ganjei. “The message this sentence sends is clear: don’t spread your poison in our communities, because if you do, the Southern District of Texas will make sure that you pay the price.” “Monzon, who is part of a violent prison gang, was using our southern Texas border to smuggle a significant amount of dangerous drugs throughout the country more than a decade ago,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Houston Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan C. Pullen. “The Houston Division DEA agents halted his drug trafficking activities, which impacted the thriving operations of PRM within the U.S. Today's hefty sentence serves as a reminder of the punishment that awaits those who bring poison to our country.” On Nov. 24, 2020, law enforcement attempted a traffic stop on Monzon after observing traffic violations near his home. He fled at speeds up to 90 mph through residential areas, ran multiple red lights and stop signs, and eventually crashed into a law enforcement vehicle. Authorities discovered 15 plastic-wrapped cylinders inside a plastic tub in the vehicle and ultimately seized approximately 17,234 grams of methamphetamine. The investigation led to other similar seizures linked to Monzon, some also including cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, large amounts of cash, several sealed prescription bottles of Promethazine with Codeine and various weapons as well as ledgers listing methamphetamine prices and weights. Authorities later executed a search warrant at Monzon’s residence and recovered 47 kilograms of methamphetamine, 114.7 grams of heroin, 39.9 kilograms of marijuana and 13.7 kilograms of Promethazine with Codeine. They also seized more than 20 firearms, one of which had been stolen from a member of law enforcement. Several of the weapons had silencers attached, and some had been altered to be fully automatic. Monzon has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. DEA conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of the Houston Police Department and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage . Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Laurence Goldman and Christine Lu prosecuted the case.


title: Utah Man Sentenced to Two Years’ Imprisonment After Stealing $392,827 in Federal and State Funds During the COVID-19 Pandemic

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former Utah State University Student Association Muslim Student Club President, Mubarak Sulaiman Ukashat, 38, of Kaysville, Utah, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment after he engaged in a $392,900 scheme that included COVID-fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, and state unemployment benefits fraud. On February 6, 2025, Ukashat pleaded guilty to failure to file currency and other monetary instruments reports. In addition to his term of imprisonment, a U.S. District Court Judge sentenced Ukashat to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $392,827 in restitution. Ukashat has also agreed to $101,000 in forfeiture. According to court documents and admissions made at Ukashat’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, between June 2020 and July 2020, Mr. Ukashat fraudulently received approximately $333,900 in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL Loans) and wire transferred the funds into his USUSA Muslim Student Club Account. In doing so, Ukashsat submitted four fraudulent EIDL applications to the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA). He used the names of four people to whom he had no connection and directed the proceeds to be sent to the USUSA Muslim Students Club bank account at America First Credit Union, over which Ukashat had custody and control. Ukashat then used wire transfers to move the EIDL proceeds into another America First Credit Union account, over which he had ownership and control and held jointly with a relative before spending the funds on unauthorized personal expenses. Additionally, Ukashat fraudulently obtained $58,927 in state unemployment insurance benefits for which he did not qualify. As a result of Ukashat’s fraudulent behavior, he intercepted and spent the EIDL-Loan money on a $45,900 GMC Yukon; $27,000 in electronics; $21,000 to pay off a car loan; $20,000 in debt payments; $10,000 in earnest money to buy a house; and $5,200 for college expenses. Ukashat also transferred over $100,000 outside of the Unites States to foreign countries such as Nigeria and Dubai. Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation. (IRS-CI). Assistant United States Attorneys Todd Bouton and Mark Y. Hirata of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.


title: Troy Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Attempted Enticement and Coercion

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Dusty Oliver, Jr., age 36, of Troy, New York, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for attempted enticement and coercion of a minor. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Oliver admitted that he attempted to entice and coerce an individual, whom Oliver believed to be a 13-year-old girl, to perform sex acts. After responding to an advertisement on a social-networking site and communicating with someone whom Oliver believed was the child’s guardian, Oliver traveled on June 26, 2024, from Troy to a prearranged meeting location near Lake George, New York. He paid $240 to the individual he thought was the child’s guardian in order to have access to and perform sex acts on the child. United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a 10-year term of post-imprisonment supervised release and ordered Oliver to forfeit the phone he used to commit the offense. Oliver is required to register as a sex offender upon release from prison. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Oliver’s sentence ensures he will spend a decade in federal prison for his vile actions. The messages that Mr. Oliver sent to an undercover officer to buy sex from a child would turn your stomach, and he traveled from Troy to Lake George to make his sick fantasies a reality. My Office is committed to making our communities safer by prosecuting pedophiles and working with our law enforcement partners in identifying child predators like Mr. Oliver.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Oliver’s revolting intentions just landed him in federal prison for the next decade. Today’s sentence illustrates the FBI remains steadfast in our mission to protect our most vulnerable from dangerous predators, and we will continue to use every resource available to ensure these heinous individuals are brought to justice.” This case was investigated by FBI Albany’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes FBI Special Agents and investigators from state and local law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Canadian Man Sentenced to 188 Months for Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor and Possessing Child Pornography

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Alexander MacFayden, age 60, and a citizen of Canada, was sentenced today to 188 months in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, for the attempted enticement of a minor and possession of child pornography. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. As part of his guilty plea, MacFayden admitted that between May 2023 and August 25, 2023, he exchanged sexually explicit messages online with an individual in Albany whom he believed would allow him to engage in sexual contact with a 10-year-old relative. MacFayden also admitted that on August 25, 2023, he traveled from Canada to Albany with the intent to engage in sexual acts with a 10-year-old girl. MacFayden was arrested by law enforcement shortly after arriving at the location. MacFayden will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “Alexander MacFayden is a depraved person who wanted to have sex with a 10-year-old girl. He will now spend the next 15 years in federal prison. Every day, we are working with our law enforcement partners to lock up pedophiles who would seek to harm children in our communities.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Mr. MacFayden traveled from Canada to Albany, where he intended to have sex with a 10-year-old girl. That trip just landed him in federal prison for the next 15 years. The FBI’s reach is vast, and we will use every resource at our disposal to keep our children safe from these sickening predators.” This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department, the Rotterdam Police Department, and the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph S. Hartunian and Allen J. Vickey prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc


title: Former State Corrections Officer Sentenced to Prison for Assault on Inmate

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Brandon Montanari, age 34, of East Concord, New York, was sentenced today to 37 months in prison, to be followed by 2 years of supervised release, for depriving an inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility of his rights under color of law. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. When Montanari pled guilty, he admitted to assaulting an inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility in April 2023, along with fellow correction officers Rohail Kahn, age 28, and Michael Williams age 38, both of whom have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Montanari, Williams, and Khan punched and kicked the inmate without cause in a hallway in the middle of the night, and they later agreed with each other to lie about what happened to internal investigators. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “I recognize how difficult it is to work as a corrections officer in New York State, but nobody is above the law. It is unacceptable for a corrections officer to assault an inmate. With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate these types of incidents and, where appropriate, bring federal criminal charges.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Montanari admitted to assaulting an inmate and lying to cover it up. Now he is headed to federal prison. Today’s sentence proves the FBI will not look the other way when an officer violates the laws they are sworn to uphold.” Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on September 26, 2025, and Khan is scheduled to be sentenced on September 29, 2025, by Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes, who presides over all three cases. FBI investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Perry and Michael D. Gadarian are prosecuting the case.


title: Chinese Woman Arrested for Running a Prostitution Business

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Qingqin Xie, age 39, and a citizen of China, was ordered detained today after being arrested yesterday and charged with using interstate facilities of commerce to manage a business enterprise engaged in prostitution. According to the criminal complaint, Xie owned and operated spas throughout the Capital Region that purported to offer massage services but also commercial sex. Xie paid for internet-based advertisements, many of which were sexually explicit, to promote her businesses. In October 2024, law enforcement searched Xie’s Moon Spa in East Greenbush, New York, and seized evidence of commercial sex acts taking place there. Xie continued to open and operate similar spas, including by employing women to engage in sex acts with customers. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “As alleged, Xie, who does not have lawful status in the United States, ran a prostitution business out of massage parlors and failed to stop even after law enforcement searched one of those parlors last year. My Office will continue to work with our partners to ensure those who sexually exploit people for profit are held accountable.” Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Criminal Investigation (FBI), stated, “As alleged, Ms. Xie was operating an extensive commercial sex enterprise, using multiple massage parlors as a cover for prostitution. This arrest should send a message that the FBI, together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, will investigate and shut down these disturbing illicit businesses and ensure those who operate them are brought to justice.” New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James stated, “The culmination of this investigation would not have been possible without the dedication, hard work, and expertise of our partners in law enforcement. As charged, this individual had no regard for the impact their actions would have on the safety and well-being of others. Intercepting illegal businesses will continue to be a top priority and integral part of protecting our communities from the associated harm they bring.” Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), stated, “Qingqin Xie is accused of running an elaborate prostitution scheme spanning the Capital Region. The alleged crimes demonstrate a brazen disregard for the sanctity of U.S. law and wellbeing of the New York public. I commend HSI Albany and our many law enforcement partners for ensuring she faces the consequences of her alleged actions.” Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation New York, stated: “It’s alleged Xie created a business enterprise with the prostitution of women; and like with any business, IRS-CI continues to offer its expertise in following the money. We are proud of our continued law enforcement partnerships which ensure that people like Xie can no longer exploit women and their bodies for a profit.” The charge filed against Xie carries a maximum term of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The FBI, NYSP, IRS-CI, and HSI are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Kopita is prosecuting the case. This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Texas Woman Sentenced for Decade-Long Fraud Conspiracy

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Shelbra Long, age 58, of Edinburg, Texas, was sentenced today to 1 year and a day in prison for conspiring to commit mail fraud and wire fraud. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Balceniuk of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General (ED OIG) – Eastern Regional Office, made the announcement. Long previously admitted to engaging in a decade-long scheme to apply for admission and financial aid to online colleges throughout the United States – including one in Albany – in the names of people who had their identities stolen. After the Department of Education disbursed the financial aid to a school, Long and her coconspirators withdrew the purported student from enrollment. The schools refunded the balance of the disbursed financial aid that had not been used to bank accounts controlled by the conspirators. Long used some of that aid to pay utilities for her home, and she withdrew other amounts from ATMs. The Department of Education awarded $466,430 in aid based on the scheme, of which it disbursed $211,820. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “Today’s sentencing punishes Shelbra Long for using stolen identities to shamelessly divert several hundredthousand dollars in federal aid into her own coffers. My Office and our partners will rout out these financial criminals wherever they are. It is time to stop the theft of student aid and for colleges to do more to ensure that the people enrolling in classes are genuine students.” ED OIG Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Balceniuk said, “I’m proud of the work of OIG special agents and our law enforcement colleagues for shutting down yet another student aid fraud ring and holding Ms. Long accountable for her criminal actions. OIG is committed to fighting student aid fraud and we will continue to aggressively pursue those that participate in these types of crimes.” United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a 3-year-term of supervised release; and ordered Long to pay $211,820 in restitution and to forfeit $52,304. ED OIG investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted.


title: Montgomery Man Sentenced to Over Eight Years for $1 Million Fraud Scheme and Illegal Firearm Possession

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: MONTGOMERY, AL – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced that a Montgomery man has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for orchestrating a mail and bank fraud scheme that caused over $1 million in losses, as well as for illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon. On August 20, 2025, a federal judge sentenced 29-year-old Joseph Robert Milford to 105 months in prison. Following his release, Milford will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records and his plea agreements, from October 2021 through December 2023, Milford and co-conspirators solicited stolen checks from the mail using messaging apps and social media platforms. They then altered the checks to list co-conspirators as payees, often changing the check amounts as well. The altered checks were deposited into various bank accounts and the proceeds were quickly withdrawn or converted into debit cards. Investigators ultimately traced fraudulent transactions totaling $1,000,238.34. Additionally, in July 2023, officers with the Montgomery Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle Milford was driving and discovered three firearms inside. Because of a prior felony conviction, Milford is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition. On May 28, 2025, Milford pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank and mail fraud, five counts of bank fraud, five counts of mail fraud, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. “This sentence holds Joseph Milford accountable for a scheme that defrauded businesses and financial institutions of more than a million dollars, while also addressing his unlawful possession of firearms,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “Fraud schemes like this not only cause financial harm but also erode trust in our banking and mail systems. Our office, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue and prosecute those who engage in this type of criminal conduct.” "A primary component of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service mission is to ensure public trust in the mail,” said Shameka Jackson, Inspector-in-Charge of the Houston Division. “When individuals challenge that mission, Postal Inspectors will aggressively investigate and remain steadfast in our resolve to seek justice to the end.” “Today’s sentencing sends a strong message to anyone who thinks mail theft and check fraud will go unpunished,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Ulrich of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “Our special agents, along with our federal and local law enforcement partners, will aggressively investigate these federal crimes to protect the sanctity of the U.S. Mail and maintain the public’s trust.” “These efforts signify what can be accomplished when we work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to combat violent crime,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Nashville Field Division. “Through this collaboration, we were able to remove another firearm from the hands of a prohibited offender and habitual violator of the law.” The United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Montgomery Police Department, and the Auburn Police Department investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney John J. Geer, III prosecuted.


title: Former Whitehall car dealership owner pleads guilty to altering odometers on hundreds of cars

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man pleaded guilty in federal court here today to altering the odometers on vehicles he sold at his former Whitehall car dealership. Simon C. Nwaru, Jr., 38, who owned and operated S. Automotive Ltd., was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2025. It is estimated that approximately 60 percent of all vehicles sold by Nwaru at S Automotive since October 2014 had their odometers tampered with or replaced to fraudulently reflect a false low mileage. According to the plea agreement, a review of vehicle sales between January 2021 and January 2023 documented at least 300 vehicles that were sold to customers with rolled back odometers. The changes accounted for at least 31 million miles being removed from odometers. Court documents also detail that Nwaru listed false sales prices on documents submitted to the State of Ohio, causing a loss of tax revenue to the State. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the guilty plea entered today before Chief U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. This case was investigated by the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Odometer Fraud Investigation and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Investigations Section. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Prichard is representing the United States. NHTSA estimates that odometer fraud costs U.S. consumers over $1 billion every year. Odometer tampering is a serious crime that can mislead buyers about a vehicle’s true mileage and condition, leading to costly repairs and safety risks. NHTSA encourages the public to report odometer fraud by emailing odometerfraud@dot.gov or calling 800-424-9393. Learn how to spot signs of odometer tampering by visiting: https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/odometer-fraud/topic . Odometer fraud is a federal crime punishable by up to three years in prison. The Court will impose a sentence at a future hearing based on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. # # #


title: South Bend Man Sentenced to 101 Months in Prison

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

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Zai’Vohn Perry, 25 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor. Perry was sentenced on Count 2 of the Indictment to 41 months in prison and on Count 5 to 60 months in prison, those terms to run consecutively. He was also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release on Counts 2 and 5, those terms to run concurrently. According to documents in the case, in January of 2024, Perry exchanged fire in a mid-afternoon gunfight, shooting 17 rounds in a residential area in South Bend. He engaged in another gun fight a week later, firing several rounds in broad daylight in a residential area in South Bend. Officers obtained a search warrant for his residence and found two firearms, including the gun used in both shootings. Officers also found over 100 fentanyl pills and marijuana packaged for distribution. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the South Bend Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katelan McKenzie Doyle. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Ohio Siblings Sentenced for Laundering $784,045 in Drug Proceeds

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – An Ohio brother and sister, Christiopher Grover Reynolds, 52, of Toledo, Ohio, and Claudette Reynolds, 51, were sentenced on Thursday by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell to 37 months, for their roles in collecting drug proceeds in the United States and laundering those funds, or their equivalent value, back to Mexico on behalf of a cartel. According to court documents, Christopher Reynolds collected proceeds from the sale of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana in Toledo and notified a Mexico-based cartel that the funds were ready for laundering and transfer to Mexico. On six occasions, Reynolds personally delivered the money – totaling $784,045 – or enlisted his sister to do so. The money was later transferred to Mexico via cryptocurrency. A search of Christopher Reynolds’s residence and a traffic stop of Claudette Reynolds led to a seizure of $184,415 in bulk cash, several pounds of marijuana, counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, two firearms (a .40 caliber pistol and an AR-15 rifle), and a money counting machine. Under federal law, Christopher Reynolds and Claudette Reynolds must serve 85 percent of their prison sentence. Upon their release from prison, they will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. “The defendants helped Mexican drug traffickers collect and disguise the profits from selling methamphetamine and fentanyl in Toledo,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their money laundering activities fueled the importation of dangerous drugs into the Midwest. This prosecution reflects the Criminal Division’s commitment to staunch the flow of cash to cartels and protect communities from the devastating consequences of drug trafficking.” “Money launderers like the Reynolds are critical links in the cartel’s drug trafficking chain,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Paul McCaffrey. “We are grateful for the tireless efforts of our law enforcement partners in working to disrupt and dismantle that chain.” “Every dollar they laundered was done so on the backs of overdose victims and their families,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Division. “By acting as the cartel’s bankers, these siblings helped fuel the fentanyl and meth crisis tearing through Ohio. DEA will hunt down anyone who dares to wash cartel money — because if you launder blood money for drug traffickers, you will face justice alongside them.” The DEA Lexington Resident Office investigated the case, working closely with the Detroit Field Division and Rocky Mountain Field Division and assisted by DEA offices in Mexico, Toledo, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Birmingham, Chicago, Cincinnati, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Louisville, Baltimore, Des Moines, Milwaukee, Portland, Columbia, and Rapid City, with the IRS Criminal Investigation Division. Trial Attorney Elizabeth R. Rabe of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Deputy Criminal Chief Gary Todd Bradbury of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky prosecuted this 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 other transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods. – END –


title: Monongalia County Man Sentenced for Failing to Report to Federal Prison

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – James Mansfield Davis, 68, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced to an additional 12 months in prison for failing to surrender for a federal sentence. According to court documents and statements made in court, Davis failed to report to federal prison for an 82-month sentence for a child pornography charge in the Northern District of West Virginia. Davis didn’t report to prison as ordered on October 4, 2024, and was arrested on October 15 in Williamsburg, Virginia. Davis will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.


title: Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Over 4 Years in Federal Prison  for Possessing a Firearm as a Felon

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a man from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on August 18, 2025. Quincy Lamar Johnson, 35, was sentenced to four years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Johnson was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in February 2025. He pleaded guilty on May 5, 2025. Johnson was involved in a motor vehicle accident in Sioux Falls in July 2024 and was seriously injured. When he was removed from the vehicle, officers found a bag containing two 9mm pistols, which Johnson had placed on the floorboard of the car. At that time, Johnson was prohibited from possessing firearms because of felony convictions in Georgia for aggravated assault, assault with a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a felon/addict. “This case and others like it demonstrate the effective partnership between the Sioux Falls Police Department and federal law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “Working together, we are interrupting violence in the community by removing illegally possessed firearms from our neighborhoods and holding violent offenders to account in federal court.” Federal firearm prosecutions 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case. Johnson was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Last of Eight Individuals Sentenced for Scheme to Defraud Over $17M in COVID-19 Relief Funds

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Frederick Smith, 56, of Cordova, Tennessee, was sentenced yesterday for his role in an eight-defendant scheme to defraud COVID-19 disaster relief programs (including the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) of over $17 million. All eight defendants previously pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and have now been sentenced to a total of 96 months in prison and 45 months of home detention. Details of the sentencings are below: Rodrick Flowers , 49, of Memphis, Tennessee, 58 months in prison; Frederick Smith , 56, of Cordova, Tennessee, 23 months in prison; Jarvys Jones , 40, of West Memphis, Arkansas, 12 months in prison; Mary Payne , 63, of Memphis, Tennessee, six months in prison, followed by five months of community confinement, followed by five months of home detention; Cleveland Wells , 67, of Memphis, Tennessee, one month in prison, followed by five months of home detention; LaTonya Herman , 46, of Memphis, Tennessee, one month in prison, followed by five months of home detention; Brian Mays , 41, of Olive Branch, Mississippi, 18 months of home detention; and Krystall Sherrod , 36, of Memphis, Tennessee, 12 months of home detention. According to court documents, the defendants obtained funds under the EIDL program and PPP by submitting false and fraudulent loan applications prepared by Flowers and others on behalf of businesses and entities that the defendants owned, knowing that the applications contained false statements and misrepresentations about the entities’ number of employees, gross revenues, average monthly payroll, and more. The defendants then used the loan funds for purposes not authorized by the EIDL program or PPP, including for personal expenses. Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Joel Weaver of the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA); Special Agent in Charge Edwin S. Bonano of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG); and Special Agent in Charge Karston Gaardner of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG) Dallas Regional Office made the announcement. TIGTA, FHFA-OIG, and FDIC-OIG investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Ariel Glasner, David Hamstra, and Matthew Kahn of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.


title: Bullhead Man Sentenced to 3 ½ Years in Federal Prison for Slashing Another Man with a Knife

body_text: ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a man from Bullhead, South Dakota, who was convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on August 18, 2025. Martin Joseph Taken Alive, age 32, was sentenced to three years and six months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Taken Alive was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2025. He pleaded guilty on June 2, 2025. On January 4, 2024, Taken Alive and the adult male victim were lounging in a home in Bullhead, South Dakota, within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. Both were heavily intoxicated and began to quarrel. Taken Alive drew a knife and slashed the victim across the chest, then fled the home. The wound was approximately six inches long and required hospitalization. Taken Alive turned himself in to law enforcement later that evening. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case. Taken Alive was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Mobridge Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison  for Assaulting a Man with a Pistol and a Knife

body_text: ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a man from Mobridge, South Dakota, who was convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on August 18, 2025. Kendall Lee White Tail, age 34, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. White Tail was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2024. He pleaded guilty on May 19, 2025. On the evening of June 25, 2023, White Tail confronted and threatened a couple strolling in McLaughlin, South Dakota, within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. White Tail placed a pistol to the woman’s head and racked it, saying “I’ll get you.” Later that night, White Tail approached the man, who was chatting with a friend on a stoop. White Tail had a pistol in one hand and a knife in the other. White Tail slashed the man’s face and leg with the knife, then pistol whipped him. The man permanently lost sight in his left eye and suffered fractured orbital and nasal bones in the assault. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case. White Tail was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: HUSBAND AND WIFE CONVICTED OF FEDERAL CHARGES RELATING TO DRUG AND FIREARM INVESTIGATION

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – On Monday, August 18, 2025, Shantel Marie Powell, 37, of Crestview, was found guilty by a federal jury of making a false statement to a federal agent. Her husband and codefendant, Kevin Lamonte Powell Jr., 40, had earlier pleaded guilty as charged to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. The verdict and guilty plea were announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “My office is committed to fulfilling the promise of President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from violent felons and drug traffickers, and this case is yet another victory toward achieving that goal. Keeping our communities safe is our top priority, and we will not hesitate to aggressively prosecute to the fullest extent of the law the armed criminals flooding our streets with dangerous drugs and their accomplices. I am deeply appreciative of the tireless efforts of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners that led to this successful prosecution.” Evidence admitted at Shantel Powell’s trial and court documents established that on January 31, 2025, following federal search warrants executed simultaneously at an outbuilding in Crestview where Kevin Powell regularly stored and distributed drugs and the Powells’ home in Pensacola, law enforcement seized fentanyl, evidence that Kevin Powell was packaging and preparing drugs for sale, including two large kilogram presses, a total of five firearms, and various amounts of ammunition. One of the firearms was a privately made firearm with no manufacturer markings or serial number, often referred to as a “ghost gun.” While the search warrant was being executed, Shantel Powell willfully lied to a federal task force officer by falsely claiming that she had purchased the privately made firearm at a particular gun store in Crestview. Sentencing for Kevin Powell is scheduled for November 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Shantel Powell will be sentenced on November 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The defendants will be sentenced at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. Kevin Powell faces a maximum term of 45 years’ imprisonment, and Shantel Powell faces a maximum term of 5 years’ imprisonment. The convictions were the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Crestview Police Department, and the Niceville Police Department, with assistance from the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia Forbes. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Pittsburgh Felon Indicted for Possession of Firearm and Ammunition

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of violating a federal firearms law, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The one-count Indictment named Jamar Perminter, 26, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment, on or about July 31, 2025, Perminter possessed a firearm and ammunition as a previously convicted felon. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: McLaughlin Man Sentenced to Over 31 Years in Federal Prison  for Sexually Abusing a Three-Year-Old Child

body_text: ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a man from McLaughlin, South Dakota, convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child. The sentencing took place on August 18, 2025. Kurtis Charles Cross, age 67, was sentenced to 31 years and eight months in federal prison and five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Cross was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2024. He pleaded guilty on June 3, 2025. In late 2023, Cross was staying at a home in McLaughlin, South Dakota, within the Standing Rock Reservation. Several young children lived in the house. On August 4, 2024, Cross was left home alone with a three-year-old-girl for around 20 minutes. When an adult household member came home, she sensed something was wrong. She crept to Cross’ bedroom and saw the three-year-old sitting in a chair, terrified and clutching her teddy bear. With his hand, Cross had forced the child’s mouth open and forced her to perform oral sex on him. The household member yanked the girl away and promptly reported the incident to the police. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, authorizes certain crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country to be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court. This case was also 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc. This case was investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, and the Corson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case. Cross was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Former Army Soldier Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Sexually Abusing a Child and Requesting a Sexually Explicit Photograph of a Different Child

component: USAO - Georgia, Southern

body_text: Defendant was sentenced to the maximum for each charge SAVANNAH, GA: A former Army Soldier was sentenced on Tuesday after sexually abusing a child and requesting a sexually explicit photograph from a different child. Cedrick Demon Robinson , 42, Oxford, MS, was convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and Attempted Production of a Visual Depiction of a Minor Engaging in Sexually Explicit Conduct following a jury trial in the Southern District of Georgia, said Margaret E. Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, U.S. District Court Chief Judge R. Stan Baker sentenced Robinson to life imprisonment. Judge Baker also ordered Robinson to pay a $50,000 fine and $10,200 in special assessments. As described in courtroom testimony, in December of 2013, Robinson sexually abused a minor by fondling the child’s genitals when the child was merely nine years old. Later, in 2017, Robinson requested that another child text him a sexually explicit photograph when the child was fifteen years old. “Protecting children from those who would abuse them and seeking justice for sexual predators remains one of our District’s highest priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “We will continue to seek justice for those who would victimize our most vulnerable citizens.” "This conviction represents a decisive step toward justice for the victims and underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the vulnerable,” said Special Agent in Charge Ryan O’Connor, Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division at Fort Stewart. “We’re proud of the collaborative efforts with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Georgia, whose partnership was instrumental in securing this outcome." The case was investigated by the Army Criminal Investigation Division at Fort Stewart and prosecuted for the United States by the Southern District of Georgia Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Z. Spitulnik and Darron J. Hubbard.


title: Jacksonville Convicted Child Sex Offender Pleads Guilty To Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Materials Over The Internet

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Alexander James Koby (40, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to receiving child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) over the internet. Koby faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 20, 2025. Koby has been in federal custody since September 2024, after he was transported from state custody, where he was serving a sentence for failing to register as a sex offender. According to court documents, in 2014, Koby was convicted in federal court for possessing CSAM. After serving his federal sentence and being released in August 2019, Koby began serving a 25-year term of supervised release. On December 7, 2022, a search of Koby’s residence revealed that he possessed a computer, a cellphone, and an external hard disk drive. These items were seized. During an interview, Koby admitted that he used a particular internet browser to search for photos and videos depicting children being sexually abused and that he masturbated when viewing these materials. When asked why he would continue to do this, Koby stated that he gets a high from “living dangerously.” Forensic examination of the three seized devices revealed a total of 103 videos and 2,311 photos depicting young children being sexually abused. Koby had downloaded and received these materials using the internet from March through December 2022. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown. It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Tierra Verde Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Federal Prison For Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Andrew Newburg (41, Tierra Verde) to 10 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Newburg will also be required to register as a sex offender. He pleaded guilty on April 29, 2025. According to court documents, Newburg distributed videos of CSAM over a social media application in February 2020 and October 2022. Newburg also possessed CSAM through a social media platform. This case was investigated by Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Angelina County felon guilty of federal firearms violation

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas – A Lufkin felon has pleaded guilty to a federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Preston Allen, 58, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christine L. Stetson on August 19, 2025. According to information presented in court, on February 3, 2025, Allen was arrested at his Lufkin home after law enforcement officers arrived to execute a warrant. Upon arrival, deputies found Allen standing outside the home with an AR-15 style rifle. Allen was ordered to put the rifle on the ground and was taken into custody. Further investigation revealed Allen is a convicted felon and prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. Allen was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 2, 2025, and faces up to 15 years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office. 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). This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.


title: Raceland Woman Indicted in $1.5 Million Dollar Fraud Scheme

component: Office of the Inspector General

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that CHERIKAH ROBERSON, ( “ROBERSON” ), age 40, of Raceland, LA, was indicted on August 14, 2025, for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud (Count 1), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343; Making False Statements (Count 2), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2); Wire Fraud (Counts 3-6), in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343; and Theft of Government Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 641 (Count 7). A joint investigation by agents with the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (“DOL-OIG”), and the Department of Veteran Affairs, Office of Inspector General (“VA-OIG”), revealed that beginning in February 2021, ROBERSON defrauded the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) of approximately $1,446,593.00 through the submission of approximately 60 fraudulent PPP loan applications. It was part of the scheme that ROBERSON recruited associates, friends, and family members, primarily via Facebook, to prepare and file fraudulent PPP applications. ROBERSON prepared and submitted false and fraudulent PPP sole proprietor loan applications via various online portals including, but not limited, to Blueacorn and Liberty SBF. ROBERSON created false and fraudulent invoices, bank statements, and federal tax forms (“Schedule C”) in order to prepare the fraudulent PPP loan applications. ROBERSON falsely certified that the application and the information provided in the supporting documents were true and accurate when she electronically submitted the fraudulent PPP loan applications. According to the indictment, ROBERSON also filed for her own fraudulent PPP application. On April 19, 2021, ROBERSON submitted a fictitious South Louisiana Bank Statement from February of 2020 as part of her PPP loan application. Additionally, ROBERSON claimed on her PPP application that she had income of $247,546.00 for the year 2019 and submitted a fraudulent Schedule C in support of her application for a PPP loan. ROBERSON knew that the representations in her PPP application were false, and the Schedule C was fraudulent because she did not have income of $247,546.00 for the year 2019, leading to her receipt of an SBA-backed PPP loan of approximately $20,833.00. Additionally, ROBERSON is charged with defrauding, and attempting to defraud, various state offices of unemployment insurance (UI) through the submission of fraudulent UI applications. According to the indictment, ROBERSON recruited friends and family members via Facebook using the name “Rikah Marie” to file fraudulent UI applications. ROBERSON filed fraudulent UI applications for herself and others in various states, including Kentucky and Louisiana. ROBERSON charged individuals, for whom she filed fraudulent UI claims, approximately $1,200.00 to $1,500.00. For example, beginning in July 2020, ROBERSON , defrauded the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Office of Unemployment Insurance out of approximately $5,888.00 in UI benefits through the submission of a fraudulent UI applications Lastly, the indictment alleges that ROBERSON fraudulently completed a FEMA Application for Disaster Assistance in September 2021. ROBERSON claimed that her mobile home, located in Bourg, LA, was damaged following Hurricane Ida’s landfall on August 29, 2021. An investigation by FEMA revealed that the trailer ROBERSON claimed as her primary residence, was demolished in April 2021. As a result of the fraudulent claims, FEMA deposited $47,492.77 in disaster assistance into ROBERSON’s bank account. In total, the indictment alleges ROBERSON fraudulently attempted to obtain approximately $1,446,593.00 as a result of the submission of the fraudulent PPP applications and loans, as well as, $5,888.00 in fraudulent UI payments from the Commonwealth of Kentucky; and $47,492.77 in fraudulent payments from FEMA for Hurricane Ida. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . The Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, is an active member of the PRAC Fraud Task Force. “The PRAC was established to promote transparency and facilitate coordinated oversight of the federal government’s COVID-19 pandemic response. The PRAC’s 20 member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending, including spending via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. This case was also supported by the PRAC’s Pandemic Analytics Center of Excellence, which applies the latest advances in analytic and forensic technologies to help OIGs and law enforcement pursue data-driven pandemic relief fraud investigations.” Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. The United States Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; the Department of Veteran Affairs, Office of Inspector General; The Pandemic Response Accountability Committee; and the United States Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General COVID Fraud Unit. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.


title: Former Grandville Orthodontist Charged with Child Exploitation

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey today announced that Thomas Shannon, 43, was arrested in Frankfort, Michigan on charges related to child exploitation. Shannon is an orthodontist and previously had a practice in Grandville. The criminal complaint charging Shannon alleges that a therapist reported that a 16-year-old minor had been sexually exploited on Snapchat. Investigators identified the victim’s perpetrator as Thomas Shannon using SnapChat and CashApp records. Shannon hired a private forensic examiner to review his phone to prove that he did not have child pornography. The examiner, however, found child pornography and turned it over to police. Investigators reviewed the phone and Snapchat records, which revealed additional minor victims, one whom was only twelve years old. One additional minor victim came forward. She met Shannon online and he directed her to video chat with him while engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Shannon is charged with the following crimes, which carry the following penalties: Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography: mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to 20 years in prison Receipt of Child Pornography: mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to 20 years in prison Possession of Child Pornography: up to 20 years in prison Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor: mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison Sexual Exploitation of a Minor: mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, the Fuquay Varina Police Department in North Carolina, and the Prince George’s County Police Department in Maryland. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials. The charges in a complaint are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.


title: Philadelphia Man Sentenced to Over Two Years in Prison for Defrauding the Government of More Than $1 Million in SNAP, Medicaid Benefits

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that James Sessoms, 60, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Chad F. Kenney to 28 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and $398,708.58 in restitution, for his scheme to use stolen identities and Social Security numbers (SSNs) to file for government benefits, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid payments, with a total loss to the government of $1,063,633. As part of the scheme, the defendant would sell the fraudulently acquired SNAP cards for profit at a local supermarket. Sessoms was charged by indictment in October of 2024 and pleaded guilty this April to one count of SNAP fraud, seven counts of false statements in connection with health care benefits, and seven counts of Social Security fraud. As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, from approximately November 2019 through November 2023, Sessoms defrauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) of SNAP benefits, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) of Medicaid benefits, by submitting false and fraudulent benefit applications, including false and fraudulent identification documents in connection with his applications. As part of the scheme, Sessoms obtained or created the names, SSNs, and personally identifiable information for several fictitious persons, and obtained the names and personally identifiable information of other persons, including valid SSNs, which he placed on the applications for SNAP and Medical benefits, which were submitted to PA DHS under penalty of perjury. To obtain these benefits, Sessoms also submitted false and fraudulent driver’s licenses bearing his photograph under those fictitious and other persons’ names. On some of the online applications, the defendant added purported family members, such as a spouse and children, which caused for more funds to be awarded for SNAP benefits, but also caused additional Medicaid costs, including additional costs for all of the added family members. To obtain these benefits with family members on the applications, Sessoms submitted fraudulent names and personally identifiable information for a spouse and children, to include fraudulent birth certificates for the children. The Social Security numbers utilized in connection with these identities were valid SSNs, assigned by the Commissioner of Social Security, but assigned to other individuals than the names alleged by the defendant. From approximately November 2019 to November 2023, PA DHS, with joint federal funding from HHS, provided Medicaid coverage to Sessoms under his numerous aliases, as well as to his purported family members as he indicated on his fraudulent applications. Over the same time period, PA DHS, with federal funding from the USDA, provided SNAP benefits to Sessoms under his numerous aliases, as well as to his purported family members as he indicated on his fraudulent applications. “Stealing money from government programs is an awful crime,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “We will continue to prosecute fraud against the government and hold crooks like Sessoms accountable, on behalf of all the taxpayers funding these programs.” “We appreciate the collaboration with our law enforcement partners for their hard work on this investigation. Those who are involved in fraud regarding USDA taxpayer-funded programs will be investigated by our office to protect the integrity of those programs,” said USDA Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker. “Mr. Sessoms orchestrated an audacious scheme—creating fake Social Security numbers while exploiting real ones—to siphon off more than $1 million from programs meant to safeguard the most vulnerable,” said Michelle L. Anderson, Acting Inspector General, Social Security Administration. “Let this case serve as a warning; those who exploit taxpayer-funded programs will be met with aggressive investigation and prosecution.” The case was investigated by the USDA-OIG, Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, HHS Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pennsylvania Office of State Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Megan Curran.


title: Indian National Sentenced for Visa Fraud Conspiracy

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – An Indian national, unlawfully residing in New York, was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for staging armed robberies in furtherance of a visa fraud conspiracy. Rambhai Patel, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun 20 months and eight days in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, and forfeiture of $850,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In May 2025 , Patel pleaded guilty to on one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. In December 2023 , Patel was charged along with co-conspirator Balwinder Singh. Beginning in March 2023, Patel and his co-conspirator set up and carried out staged armed robberies of at least 18 convenience/liquor stores and fast-food restaurants across the United States – including at least five in Massachusetts. The purpose of the staged robberies was to allow the store clerks to claim that they were victims of a violent crime on an application for U nonimmigrant status (U Visa). A U Visa is available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who have been helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. During the staged robberies, the “robber” would threaten store clerks and/or owners with an apparent firearm before taking cash from the register and fleeing, while the interaction was captured on store surveillance video. The clerks and/or owners would then wait five or more minutes until the “robber” had escaped before calling police to report the “crime.” The “victims” paid Patel to participate in the scheme. One purported victim paid $20,000 to participate as a victim in one of the staged armed robberies. In turn, Patel paid the store owners for the use of their stores for the staged robbery. Patel earned approximately $850,000 in the scheme, all of which he is required to forfeit as part of his sentence. At least two purported victim co-conspirators submitted U Visa applications based on being victims of the staged armed robberies. Singh pleaded guilty in May 2025 , and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24, 2025. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of New York and the Western District of Washington; FBI’s New York and Seattle Field Offices; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; Massachusetts State Police; Worcester County District Attorney’s Office; and the Hingham, Marshfield, Randolph, Weymouth, Worcester, Upper Darby, (Pa.), West Pittston (Pa.), Louisville, (Ky.) and Bean Station (Tenn.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Jessica L. Soto of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking Offenses and Possessing AR-15 Pistol Inside Hospital

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –ERIC FALKINS (“FALKINS”) , age 19, was sentenced on August 14, 2025 by U.S. District Judge Nanette Jolivette Brown to 66 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, along with a $300 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with the intent to distribute, marijuana, in violation of Tile 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(D), and 846; possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(D); and possession of 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, FALKINS had been selling marijuana in New Orleans since at least 2023, and conspiring with others to help him sell drugs. On January 24, 2024, FALKINS went to Touro Infirmary hospital in New Orleans to visit a patient. FALKINS brought a backpack inside the hospital that smelled like marijuana. Inside the backpack, there were two plastic bags containing distributable quantities of marijuana; 17 sealed, pre-packaged bags of marijuana; a sealed bag of marijuana edibles; two digital scales; and a Radical Firearms Model RF-15, multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 29 rounds of ammunition. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Arizona Man Charged with Trafficking Carfentanil into Alabama

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – An indictment charging an Arizona man in a drug trafficking conspiracy has been unsealed, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. A two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Ignacio Miguel Tirado-Castillo, 19, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a fentanyl analogue and attempt to distribute a fentanyl analogue in December 2024. Castillo was arrested August 11, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, and was ordered detained in this case late last week. Evidence at the detention hearing revealed that Tirado-Castillo is alleged to have mailed approximately 25 pounds of carfentanil to Alabama. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a fentanyl analogue and attempt to distribute a fentanyl analogue is life in prison. This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Alabama Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America . HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal 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 U.S. Postal Service investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison J. Garnett is prosecuting the case. An indictment contains only charges. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Man Sentenced to Maximum Prison Time Following the Shooting of an Off-Duty Police Officer

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A Robeson County felon has been sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by an additional two years for violating his federal supervised release, following a domestic violence assault that resulted in the shooting of an off-duty Dunn Police Officer. Daniel Wayne Locklear, 41, pled guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in April 2025. “The United States will not permit violent felons to attack innocent women and citizens with guns. God bless this Dunn police officer who put his own life at risk to stop this Big Shark Bad Boy mid-crime,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Thankfully he has recovered from being shot in the leg. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his courage. The Dunn Police Department is righteously proud of this hero, as are we all.” According to court documents and other information presented in court, on September 19, 2023, a woman rushed into the Exxon Gas Station in Linden and asked the clerk to call 911. Locklear entered shortly after the woman and began yelling at her. The clerk attempted to block the woman from Locklear, but Locklear flashed a gun and pushed the clerk out of the way. Locklear then grabbed the female victim by the legs and began dragging her out of the store. An off-duty Dunn Police Officer, who was also inside the gas station, attempted to de-escalate the situation and stop Locklear from leaving with the woman. Locklear drew his firearm and shot at the officer while he fled out of the store. The officer returned fired, striking Locklear in the forearm and abdomen. Once outside of the gas station, Locklear fired 15 rounds into the store and then fled in his car. The off-duty officer was hit by a bullet in his upper leg, but he successfully kept Locklear from taking the woman. “An attack on an officer is an attack on the entire community. Violence against the brave men and women that work so hard to protect us cannot be tolerated, and ATF will continue to do everything possible to support our law enforcement colleagues,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “Domestic violence has widespread consequences that affect not only the victim but also their family, friends, communities, and workplaces. We are firmly against any form of violence in Cumberland County and stand united with the Department of Justice in addressing this issue. I commend the remarkable heroism of the off-duty officer who took swift action,” said Cumberland County Sheriff Johnathan Morgan. “On the evening of this incident, Officer Joshua Elliott’s actions saved the life of the female victim, the store clerk, and the customers inside the business. Officer Elliott’s dedication to his career, his years of training, and his calling to be a police officer — to ‘be alert and vigilant to enforce the criminal laws of this state’ — gave him the ability to act decisively in this crisis situation and save lives. By doing so, he became a hero. This heroic act demonstrates Officer Elliott’s steadfast commitment to the law enforcement oath of office, answering the call of duty without hesitation. We are thankful that justice has been served for the innocent victims, including Officer Elliott, who was directly involved in this incident,” said Dunn Police Chief Cary Jackson. As a convicted felon who was on federal supervised release, Locklear was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Despite this, when officers located Locklear’s vehicle, they found a loaded 9mm firearm with a 30-round large capacity magazine nearby. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Dunn Police Department, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Foxx prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24CR00294D-1.


title: Salvadoran National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry

body_text: BOSTON – A Salvadoran national was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation. Arsenio Valladares, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick to time served (approximately five months in prison) and one year of supervised release. Valladares is now subject to deportation proceedings. In July 2025 , Valladares pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Valladares was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2025 . Valladares was deported from the United States on or about April 23, 2008. Sometime after his removal, Valladares illegally reentered the United States without permission. Prior to his removal, Valladares was convicted of offenses including assault and battery with a deadly weapon, assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery, operating under the influence, larceny and malicious destruction of property. In November 2024, federal immigration authorities became aware of Valadares’ presence in the United States after being notified that his fingerprints were taken in connection with criminal charges in Massachusetts. Valladares was detained by immigration authorities on March 18, 2025. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Benjamin prosecuted the case.


title: Morris County Man Charged with Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer, as well as Narcotics and Firearm Offenses, including Possession of Multiple Assault Rifles

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Morris County man has been charged with attempted murder of a federal officer, as well as narcotics offenses and possession of five firearms, Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba announced. Maloy Amador, 43, is charged by complaint with attempted murder of a federal officer, discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, possession of firearms by a convicted felon, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Amador appeared on August 14, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte in Newark federal court and was detained. “Violence against federal law enforcement officers will not be tolerated in New Jersey. Those who use violence against law enforcement officers will be prosecuted using the toughest criminal statutes and penalties available.” - Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On August 13, 2025, law enforcement responded to Amador’s residence in Parsippany, New Jersey for the purpose of executing a search warrant in connection with a federal narcotics and firearms investigation. After law enforcement entered Amador’s residence, Amador fired a gun toward law enforcement. Following an extended exchange of gunfire between Amador and law enforcement, Amador eventually surrendered, and law enforcement placed him under arrest. At some point during the exchange of gunfire, Amador was struck in the arm. After Amador’s arrest, one of the officers who entered Amador’s residence discovered pieces of a projectile in the officer’s bulletproof vest from a bullet that Amador had fired. During a subsequent search of Amador’s residence, law enforcement recovered narcotics and several firearms, including multiple assault rifles. The charge of attempted murder of a federal officer carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, the charge of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison, the charge of possession of firearms by a convicted felon carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, and the narcotics offense carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The attempted murder of a federal officer and firearms offenses each carry a maximum fine of $250,000 and the narcotics offense carries a maximum fine of $1 million. Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Habba credited officers and special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr. with the investigation leading to today’s charges. Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Habba also thanks U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Port of New York and New Jersey, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Vance Kuhner; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll; the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, under the direction of Chief Richard Pantina for their assistance in this investigation. This investigation 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 government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Levin, Chief of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Javon Henry of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ### Defense Counsel: Laura Sayler, Esq. amador.complaint.pdf


title: Nicaraguan National Guilty of Misuse of a Social Security Number

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on August 13, 2025, LEONARDO PARAMO-BARBAS (“ PARAMO-BARBAS ”), age 29, a resident of Nicaragua, pled guilty to misuse of a social security number, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B). Sentencing is set for December 3, 2025, before the U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance. PARAMO-BARBAS faces up to five (5) years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release. PARAMO-BARBAS also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. According to the indictment, on July 20, 2022, PARAMO-BARBAS illegally used a social security number, that was not his, for the purpose of obtaining and maintaining employment. 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. Acting United States Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement Removal Office, Homeland Security Investigations. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit.