title: New York Man Pleads Guilty to Impersonating Crypto Influencers in Investment Scam

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Greenbelt, Maryland – Noman Saleem, 38, of Queens and Levittown, New York, pled guilty today, in connection with his role in a wire fraud scheme. Saleem conspired to steal the victims’ money — including a victim in Maryland — under the guise of a crypto staking or crypto investment opportunity with guaranteed returns. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office. According to the plea agreement, beginning in December 2020, and continuing through at least March 2021, Saleem engaged in the investment scheme by promoting himself as popular online crypto influencers, convincing several victims to send crypto to virtual wallets that he owned and controlled. The victims invested with Saleem under the guise of a crypto staking or crypto investment opportunity with guaranteed returns. After Saleem took control of the victims’ crypto, he ceased communicating with them and disappeared with their crypto. Cryptocurrencies are not tied to any nation’s fiat currency. The owner of cryptocurrency is assigned a mathematical encryption key pair consisting of a public key and a private key. A public key, also known as an address, is visible to the public. The public key allows the public to verify the owner of virtual currency and to send and receive cryptocurrencies. A private key, also known as a secret key, utilizes a password to complete cryptocurrency transactions. Secret keys are typically only shared with the owner of the public key. A wallet can hold multiple public keys for a user and an account can hold multiple wallets for a user. Crypto staking involves holding cryptocurrency holdings for a period of time to earn interest or rewards. Crypto staking is often accomplished through groups of people or pools, with participants earning passive income on their holdings, ranging from 5 to 20 percent. In 2020, Saleem began using Telegram as a messaging application. Saleem created a handle on Telegram used by a popular crypto influencer. Thousands of people joined Saleem’s public channel, and Saleem also created a VIP sub channel by subscription in exchange for approximately $500 to $600 of crypto. Saleem led members to believe that he was the influencer, as VIP channel members could direct message him. He also created a second handle using another popular crypto influencer’s handle and offered channel members the option to join his VIP channel by subscription. Saleem advertised staking rewards through his Telegram channels, with terms of 30 to 90 days. He then enticed potential investors with promises that the more crypto that they invested, the greater the returns. Saleem never actually staked any crypto. While conducting the crypto influencing and staking scheme, Saleem obtained at least $1,798,529 in U.S. currency. The Government seized much of these losses back in the form of crypto and U.S. currency, as identified in the plea agreement. Saleem is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud. His sentencing is set for March 3, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean R. Delaney and Evelyn L. Cusson, who are prosecuting the case, and recognized Paralegal Specialist Shelbe Mascaro for her valuable assistance. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: High School Baseball Coach Accused of Drug Trafficking

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A high school baseball coach in Illinois has been indicted and accused of drug trafficking crimes. Demetrius Combs, 33, of Sauget, Illinois, was indicted in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on August 27 with one count of distribution of fentanyl, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute in excess of 400 grams of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment accuses Combs of conducting the drug sales between June and August of 2023. Combs was arrested on September 25 and pleaded not guilty. A motion seeking to have Combs held in jail until trial says an undercover officer with the St. Louis County Police Department purchased fentanyl on one occasion from Combs and meth on two occasions. During a court-approved search of Combs’ home in Bellefontaine Neighbors, officers found $3,746 in cash and capsules containing fentanyl in Combs’ possession. In his car, police found a pistol, three cell phones and more capsules containing fentanyl. In his home they found multiple firearms, two cell phones, thousands of dollars in cash, a pill press, fentanyl, meth and drug paraphernalia. One of the handguns was equipped with an auto sear or “switch” that converted it into a fully automatic weapon, the motion says. Charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. The St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Christian Goeke is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.


title: Springfield Man Sentenced to 15 Months Imprisonment  for Theft of Mail

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – On Sept. 30, 2025, a Springfield, Mo., resident, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen Bough, to a period of imprisonment for 15 months, for his theft of mail matter from residential post office boxes. Anthony Renell Williams, 45, pleaded guilty to a single count indictment on March 31, 2025, charging him with theft of mail on March 16, 2023. Williams was observed by several Springfield, Mo., residence walking throughout various neighborhoods and stopping at the post office boxes of several residence. Witnesses contacted the Springfield, Missouri, Police Department to report the suspicious behavior. Springfield Police officers responded and were ultimately able to locate Williams and found he had stolen mail on his person. Inspectors with the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted a further investigation and located security videos from local residences that captured images of Williams stealing mail from the post office boxes of local residences. Williams ultimately confessed to stealing mail, admitting that he had stolen the mail in order to commit fraud, and obtain money that could pay for his drug addiction. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the Springfield, Missouri, Police Department.


title: North Carolina Man Who Posed as Investment Adviser Pleads Guilty in Connection With Investment Fund Theft Scheme

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – Hunter Haithcock, 24, aka Hunter Elliott, of Matthews, North Carolina, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of investment adviser fraud in connection to the theft of at least $650,000 in funds from at least 64 investors in the District of Maryland. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office. According to his plea agreement, beginning in September 2019, and continuing through October 2022, Haithcock stole at least $657,138.93 from at least 64 individual investors. The victims entrusted Haithcock with their funds after he fraudulently represented himself as an investment advisor. Haithcock deceptively claimed he worked for Company #1 with a registered investment adviser (the “victim investment advisor”). Then Haithcock told the victim investors if they invested with him, he would guarantee their investment principal and provide them significant returns on their investments. In connection with the scheme, Haithcock routinely provided investors with fabricated reports that purported to show investors’ portfolio gains. But Haithcock created the fictitious documents to perpetuate and conceal his scheme. Instead of investing his clients’ investment funds, Haithcock stole them. Haithcock funneled the money to accounts he controlled and used the funds for his own purposes. Specifically, he used the stolen funds to pay for credit card bills, meals, entertainment, car payments, travel expenses – including hotels and flights, and to trade cryptocurrency for his own benefit. As described in the plea agreement, Haithcock met his victims in a variety of ways, including through a local church and by word-of-mouth referrals. Haithcock routinely represented himself as Hunter Elliott, a licensed securities broker for Company #1, who could invest their money in securities and provide them with very large, 100-200 percent or larger, returns. But Haithcock has never been employed with Company #1 or any other broker-dealer. Haithcock also never had a license to trade securities and does not know the victim investment advisor. Additionally, Haithcock promised investors that their investment principal was protected from loss regardless of the risk of the performance of the market and the size of their initial investment. Some victims invested tens of thousands of dollars while others invested $10,000 or less. Haithcock routinely lied about the future projected performance of anticipated investments. After victims invested funds with Haithcock, he routinely provided investors with fraudulent “Statement Reports,” often on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. These reports purported to list, among other things, each investor’s portfolio value and purported stock trades Haithcock made on their behalf. Eventually, when investors began to ask for the return of their funds, Haithcock fabricated reasons why he could not return their money. Haithcock then stopped returning their calls and text messages. But he did use a small portion of the client investor funds he received from other investors to pay a few of them back. Haithcock is facing a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud offense and five years for the investment adviser fraud offense. U.S. District Judge Matthew Maddox scheduled sentencing for Friday, February 6, at 10 a.m. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and praised the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Cecil County Sherriff’s Office, and the Office of the Attorney General for the State of Maryland for their assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Riley, LaShanta Harris, and Joseph Wenner who are prosecuting the federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Pennsylvania man charged with attempting to defraud the 2022 PFD

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A Pennsylvania man was criminally charged by information today with seven counts of wire fraud connected to a 2022 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) fraud scheme. According to court documents, beginning in January 2022 and continuing through February 2022, Adepoju Babatunde Salako, 33, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, allegedly devised a scheme to defraud the Alaska Department of Revenue (DOR) PFD program. Specifically, Salako fraudulently obtained the personal identifying information (PII) for legitimate Alaskan residents and submitted seven separate applications to the Alaska DOR to obtain their PFD funds. Salako was never an Alaskan resident and has never traveled to Alaska. Court documents detail that Salako allegedly created new email accounts that he controlled for each legitimate Alaska resident whose PII he fraudulently obtained. Using the PII, Salako allegedly gained control of at least seven already established “myAlaska” online accounts—the platform Alaska residents use to apply for the PFD. Once inside the accounts, Salako allegedly changed the account information to route communications from “myAlaska” directly to the email accounts he controlled for each individual. Salako also allegedly changed each applicant’s bank information to route the PFD payments to bank accounts he controlled. Court documents further allege that Salako tried to shield his identity and location by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to appear as though six of the seven application submissions were submitted from an Internet Protocol (IP) address in Alaska. The other application was submitted using an IP address in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Records from Salako’s personal email account showed logins from the same Philadelphia IP address. The State of Alaska determined the applications to be fraudulent and denied the applications. Salako faces up to 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine for each count of wire fraud. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska, Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Acting Commissioner Janelle Earls of the Alaska Department of Revenue made the announcement. The FBI Anchorage Field Office and State of Alaska Department of Revenue, Criminal Investigations Unit investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ainsley McNerney is prosecuting the case. If you suspect you've been a victim of PFD fraud, contact the Alaska Department of Revenue, Criminal Investigations Unit. Online Fraud Tips can be filed at https://pfd.alaska.gov/fraud-tip-form . You can also contact the Fraud Hotline: (907) 500-0360. ###


title: Maryland Accountant Sentenced to Federal Prison in Connection With $24-Million COVID Relief Fraud Scheme

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Harold Dotson, 54, of Gaithersburg Maryland, to three years in federal prison, followed by three years supervised release — including six months of home confinement — in connection with a conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting financial institutions. The fraud involved submitting more than $24 million in fraudulent CARES Act loan applications. Judge Bennett also ordered Dotson to pay $24,807,432 in restitution. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act — a federal law enacted in March 2020 — provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It gives financial assistance including forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and other expenses. Established by the CARES Act, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) — administered through the Small Business Administration (SBA) — along with the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), helped businesses meet their financial obligations. An EIDL advance does not have to be repaid, and small businesses can receive an advance, even if they are not approved for an EIDL loan. The maximum advance amount is $10,000. According to the plea agreement and other court documents, beginning in April 2020, and continuing through January 2022, Dotson engaged in multiple wire fraud conspiracies. These conspiracies involved submitting fraudulent loan applications for various COVID-19 relief benefits, including EIDL and PPP loans. Dotson, an accountant and tax preparer, served as the owner and principal of H&M Tax Service LLC (H&M Tax), doing business as H&M Financial Group, LLC — a tax preparation business — during the time frame of the conspiracies. He used his accountant expertise to assist with preparing numerous false and fraudulent EIDL and PPP applications for purported businesses that did not exist in any legitimate capacity. The fraudulent loan applications included false information about the phony businesses’ number of employees, monthly payroll costs, and revenue. Dotson also routinely created false and fraudulent Internal Revenue Service tax forms. He created the fraudulent tax forms for co-conspirator Ahmed Sary, 47, of Brooklyn, Maryland, and other co-conspirators to submit with the false PPP applications. In return, Dotson received a percentage of the fraudulent loan proceeds, ranging from 2 to 27 percent. Through the scheme, Dotson received more than $828,498.95 from the co-conspirators. Then Dotson primarily used the fraudulent funds to gamble at various casinos in Maryland, including Maryland Live, the Horseshoe, and MGM National Harbor. He also used the money for a gambling trip to Las Vegas. Dotson’s conspiracy with Sary resulted in the disbursement of $14,807,609.37 in fraudulently obtained PPP funds in connection with more than 85 fraudulent PPP loans. Additionally, Dotson’s conspiracy with another co-conspirator resulted in the disbursement of at least 30 fraudulent PPP loans valued at least $6,499,823.12. More than $3,500,000 was funded and disbursed in connection with Dotson’s submission of fraudulent EIDL applications. In June 2024, Judge Bennett sentenced Sary to seven years in federal prison in connection with the conspiracy. The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the CARES Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit justice.gov/coronavirus . 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: justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, SBA-OIG and the Baltimore County Police Department for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul A. Riley and Joseph L. Wenner, who are prosecuting the case, and recognized Paralegal Specialist Julie Jarman and Joanna Huber for their valuable assistance. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Federal grand jury indicts Niagara Falls man on drug and gun charges

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Charles Barker, 70, of Niagara Falls, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, attempt to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life and a $10,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between June 11 and June 17, 2025, Barker conspired with others to receive large amounts of methamphetamine at his Niagara Falls residence and then sell the methamphetamine. On June 17, 2025, a search of Barker’s residence recovered large amounts of methamphetamine, along with drug paraphernalia and a large amount of cash. Barker also possessed a shotgun and ammunition. In April 2012, he was convicted of a felony in Niagara County Court and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Barker was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was released on home confinement. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division and the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco Ward, Boston Division. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Buffalo man arrested on drug and gun charges

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Julius M. Hatten, 35, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of ammunition. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years and a $5,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on September 25, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at Hatten’s Eckhert Street residence. During the search, they seized 2,251 grams of suspected cocaine, 321 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 100 grams of suspected pressed/engraved fentanyl pills, drug paraphernalia, two metal kilogram presses, 30 rounds of ammunition, two cell phones, and $21,740 cash. Law enforcement also searched Hatten’s vehicle, recovering 37 grams of crack cocaine, 11 grams of suspected fentanyl pills, and 17 grams of suspected methamphetamine. In August 2011, Hatten was convicted of two felonies in Erie County Court and in August 2018, he was convicted of a felony in Federal Court. As a result, he is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. Hatten made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was held pending a detention hearing. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Alphonso Wright, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Previously Deported Illegal Alien Sentenced To 5+ Years For Illegal Reentry And Violating Federal Supervised Release

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Eunorio Cortez Cortez, 52, of Mexico, was sentenced to 64 months in prison for illegal reentry by a deported alien and violating the terms of his federal supervised release, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth D. Bell granted the government’s motion for an increased sentence based on Cortez’s extensive criminal history in Texas state courts, including a conviction for Indecency with a Child by Exposure and multiple convictions for Assault Causing Bodily Injury to Family Member. According to filed documents and court proceedings, Cortez had been ordered removed from the United States to Mexico on four prior occasions (October 17, 2008, December 31, 2008, July 17, 2012, and November 8, 2021). Cortez had also been allowed to return voluntarily back to Mexico three times, and he has two federal convictions in the Western District of Texas for illegal reentry by an alien. On August 8, 2023, the Monroe Police Department arrested Cortez for an outstanding extradition arrest warrant out of Texas. Earlier, on December 5, 2022, Texas law enforcement authorities had issued a warrant against Cortez for 1 st Degree Felony Sex Abuse of Child Continuous: Victim Under 14. At the time of the defendant’s arrest in Monroe, law enforcement also determined that Cortez was a previously removed alien. Court record show that, following his arrest, Cortez was extradited to Texas, where he was convicted of Indecency with a Child by Exposure, sentenced to two years of confinement, and required to register as a sex offender. Cortez was also charged in the Western District of North Carolina with illegal reentry of a deported felon. On June 2, 2025, Cortez pleaded guilty to the federal charge. In sentencing Cortez, the Court considered the government’s upward departure motion, which was based on the argument that the defendant’s criminal history category under the federal sentencing guidelines did not fully represent the nature and extent of the violence and harm he had committed against his victims. Judge Bell granted the government’s upward departure motion, and he sentenced Cortez to 54 months in prison. The Court also found that Cortez, while on federal supervised release, had violated the terms of his release when he unlawfully returned to the United States and obtained another criminal conviction, and he ordered Cortez to serve an additional term of 12 months, for a total active sentence of 64 months in prison. In announcing his sentence, Judge Bell said, Cortez “is a danger to anyone he’s related to,” and “he’s just a dangerous person.” In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations unit for leading the investigation. He also thanked the Monroe Police Department for its assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenny Smith of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to Federal Prison

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A Cedar County man who distributed methamphetamine was sentenced on September 29, 2025, to almost 12 years in federal prison. Shane Robert McDowell, age 44, from Clarence, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 14, 2025 guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance. Evidence at the sentencing hearing showed that, between 2016 and 2022, McDowell obtained methamphetamine from several different sources of supply and distributed it to drug customers. On February 5, 13, and 28, 2024, law enforcement officers conducted controlled purchases of methamphetamine from McDowell. In total, McDowell agreed that he was involved with at least 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine. McDowell was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. McDowell was sentenced to 135 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a five‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. McDowell is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by former Special Assistant United States Attorney Jared Manternach and Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, the Tipton Police Department, the Muscatine County Drug Task Force, and the Cedar Rapids Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24‑CR‑00070‑CJW. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Ontario man arrested for illegal entry into the United States

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alexander Straub, 27, of Mississauga, Ontario, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal entry into the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a $5,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Irvin Jefferson, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on August 30, 2025, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Straub was encountered by law enforcement near a residence in Lewiston, NY. United States Border Patrol Agents located an Ontario, Canada, driver’s license in Straub’s possession. A records check determined he was in the country illegally and Straub did not possess any immigration documents allowing him to be lawfully present in the United States. The investigation also determined that he had attempted to enter the United States at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls on August 25 and on August 26, 2025, and was denied entry both times. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The complaint is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol Niagara Falls Station, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Brady Waikal. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Mexican man arrested, charged with illegal reentry

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Agustin Meza Lopez, 30, a citizen and national of Mexico, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal reentry, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Irvin Jefferson, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, in the early morning hours of August 31, 2025, Lopez was encountered by a Customs and Border Protection officer at the Lewiston Bridge Port of Entry in Lewiston, NY. He was an occupant in a Virigina plated vehicle that made a wrong turn onto the bridge. Lopez claimed to be a Mexican citizen but did not present any identity documents at the time. He was referred to secondary inspection to determine his identity and immigration status in the United States. A records check determined that Lopez was physically removed from the United States in August 2021. 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. Lopez made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained. The complaint is the result of an investigation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Allegany County man going to prison for possessing child pornography

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ronald J. Chapman, III, 42, of Wellsville, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who handled the case, stated that between May and November 30, 2023, Chapman possessed a cellular telephone, which contained approximately 45 images and videos of child pornography. The images included depictions of toddlers and prepubescent minors. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto. # # # #


title: Olean man pleads guilty to distribution of child pornography

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Philip Young, 29, of Olean, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years. Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that on June 22, 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTipline Report that an image of a naked prepubescent girl was uploaded to the internet. The image was later traced back to Young. Investigators executed a search warrant at Young’s residence, seizing, among other items, a cellular telephone. The investigation determined that Young used the Telegram application on his phone and the internet to seek out, receive, and distribute child pornography. A forensic review of Young’s cell phone recovered a video constituting child pornography. The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera. Sentencing is scheduled for January 26, 2026, before Judge Sinatra. # # # #


title: Man and woman arrested for stealing mail

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alexandria E. Duncan, 22, of West Seneca, NY, and Timothee S. Tidwell, 25, of Buffalo, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit mail theft, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Franz M. Wright, who is handling the case, stated that in October 2024, law enforcement began focusing on specific U.S. Postal Service blue collection box locations that were identified as being regular targets of suspected mass mail theft. One location was adjacent to 35 Main Street, and a second was a small shopping plaza on Sunset Drive, across Camp Road, both in Hamburg, NY. Between October 9, 2024 through October 12, 2024, law enforcement observed an individual, later identified as Tidwell, use a key to access a mailbox outside 35 Main Street in Hamburg. On October 14, 2024, a Village of Hamburg Police officer on patrol observed Duncan drop off Tidwell near the entrance to the Hamburg Post Office on Camp Road. She then drove to a gas station across the street and parked. The officer approached the vehicle and activated his patrol vehicle police lights. As he did this, Tidwell fled from the are of the mailboxes into a nearby wooded area behind the post office. Investigators executed a search warrant on the vehicle, recovering various opened and unopened mail taken from the mailboxes that did not belong to Duncan or Tidwell. Later in the day on October 14, 2024, a witness contacted the Town of Hamburg Police to report a suspicious encounter with an individual, later identified as Tidwell, earlier that morning. The witness stated that Tidwell came into the witness’ business seeking shelter. He was soaking wet and muddy, teeth chattering, and requested a cup of coffee. According to the witness, Tidwell stated that he has a key, was at the post office, and told the witness not to put anything in “those boxes” because they are not secure. Tidwell then used the business’s phone, and later, Duncan came and picked Tidwell up. That same day, Duncan’s father posted a Facebook message on the Town of Hamburg Police Department’s Facebook page, stating that his daughter was arrested for mail fraud and that her boyfriend abandoned her while she was getting arrested. Duncan and Tidwell made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and were released on conditions. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Village of Hamburg Police, under the direction of Chief Richard Schara, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco Ward, Boston Division. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Convicted felon going to prison on new child pornography charge

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Joshua Zak, 46, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison and 30 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Franz M. Wright and Colleen M. McCarthy, who handled the case, stated that in May 2018, Zak was convicted of receipt of child pornography and sentenced to serve 72 months in prison and 20 years supervised release, which began in May 2022. In March 2023, a United States Probation Officer interviewed Zak during a home visit, during which he admitted to using a smart phone that he found at his mother's residence to view pornography. Zak also admitted that he found an old SD card that was not located by law enforcement when he was previously arrested. A few days later, U.S. Probation met Zak at his mother's residence, where he led officers to a trash bag that contained several electronic devices, as well as an SD card. A review of the SD card recovered more than 600 images and videos of child pornography, some of which included depictions of violence against children. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Probation Office, under the direction of Chief Probation Officer Timothy Englert, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera. # # # #


title: Buffalo man going to prison for selling fentanyl

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that James Clemons, a/k/a James Brown a/k/a Womp, 45, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan, who handled the case, stated that in February and March 2023, investigators with the New York State Police conducted four controlled purchases of fentanyl from Clemons. On March 4, 2023, Clemons was operating a Porsche Cayenne in Lancaster, NY. A Lancaster Police officer conducted a stop on the vehicle because the Porsche did not have an up-to-date inspection. The officer discovered that Clemons’ license had been revoked, and he was arrested. The officer search Clemons and recovered $1,720.50 in cash. A search of the vehicle recovered plastic bags of suspected fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia. On March 31, 2023, Clemons was arrested on a federal arrest warrant by the FBI, which seized multiple bags of suspected narcotics from Clemons. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Lancaster Police Department, under the direction of Chief William Gummo. # # # #


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

body_text: Salem Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with Possession of Unregistered Firearms and Possession of Firearms by a Prohibited Person CONCORD – A Salem man pleaded guilty on September 30, 2025, in federal court for possessing unregistered firearms in violation of the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Act and for being a prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Daniel Fratus, age 39, pleaded guilty in federal court in Concord to one count of 26 U.S.C. §§ 5841, 5845(a), 5861(d), 5871, and one count of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). U.S. District Court Chief Judge Landya B. McCafferty scheduled Fratus’s sentencing for January 15, 2026. According to the charging documents and statements made in court, Daniel Fratus was indicted after an investigation that began on January 23, 2024. During that investigation, the Salem Police Department received a call from a concerned neighbor for shots fired coming from Fratus’s residence. Salem Police Department and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) law enforcement members later executed a search warrant and entered the residence where they observed several firearms along with approximately 12,870 rounds of ammunition. Fratus had previously been convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Possession of unregistered firearms has a maximum sentence of 10 years’ confinement, and possession of firearms by a prohibited person has a maximum prison term of 15 years. Both charges can have a maximum fine of $250,000. ATF led the investigation. Salem Police Department provided valuable assistance. Special Assistant U.S Attorney Christopher Marin and Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherniske are prosecuting the case.


component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Dominican Authorities Extradite to the United States an International Drug Supplier Who Coordinated Local Distribution Through Encrypted Messaging Apps CONCORD – A Dominican man has been extradited from the Dominican Republic and arrested in connection with his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl to New Hampshire residents, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Starlin Alexander Valdez De Los Santos, 35, was charged in a superseding indictment with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, specifically more than 40 grams of fentanyl. He appeared in federal court on September 30, 2025. According to the charging documents and statements made in court, during the course of the conspiracy, the defendant operated a significant drug distribution network, which involved coordination of suppliers and local distributors over an extended period and utilized sophisticated communication methods to avoid detection while residing outside the United States. The years-long investigation into the defendant’s activities resulted in the total seizure of more than 750 grams of fentanyl during eight undercover purchase operations in 2022, 2023, and 2024. The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. The Hudson Police Department provided valuable assistance. Valuable assistance was provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and law enforcement partners in the Dominican Republic in securing the arrest and extradition from the Dominican Republic of Valdez De Los Santos. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cesar Vega is prosecuting the case. This effort 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 details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: Former School Employee Pleads Guilty to Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with a Student CONCORD – A Lawrence man pleaded guilty September 30, 2025, to travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Jesus Moore, 36, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante scheduled sentencing for January 13, 2026. Moore will be detained pending sentencing. According to the charging documents and statements made in court, on March 7, 2022, Moore, a basketball coach at Lawrence High School, ordered a rideshare to transport a Lawrence High School student to the Super 8 Motel in Manchester, New Hampshire. Moore also traveled from Massachusetts to the Super 8 Motel. Moore provided the student with alcohol and then engaged in sexual conduct with the student when the student was incapable of consenting. The Department of Homeland Security, the Lawrence Police Department, and the Manchester Police Department led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski is prosecuting the case. In February 2006, the Department of Justice introduced Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: FORT WALTON BEACH MAN CHARGED WITH DISTRIBUTION OF METHAMPHETAMINE

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Travaess McLemore, 41, of Fort Walton Beach, was indicted by a federal grand jury, charging him with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today. McLemore appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho on September 23, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for November 10, 2025, before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. If convicted, McLemore faces up to life imprisonment. The case was joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Tharp is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: TALLAHASSEE FELON PLEADS GUILTY TO POSSESSION OF A MACHINEGUN

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Anthony Lamorris Davis Jr., 21, of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of illegal possession of a machinegun. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I appreciate the excellent work of our local and federal law enforcement partners to remove this violent felon from our streets. My office remains committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the violent criminals victimizing our communities, and this successful prosecution is yet another step toward achieving that goal.” Court documents reflect that Davis was the passenger in a car stopped by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office on July 21, 2024. Under Davis’s seat, deputies found a stolen Glock 9-millimeter pistol which had a machinegun conversion device attached and an extended magazine. Davis was not arrested at the time. On October 25, 2024, the Tallahassee Police Department observed Davis wearing a ski mask and jacket, despite it being 87 degrees outside, and stopped him for pedestrian violations. Officers found a pistol with an attached machinegun conversion device in Davis’s jacket pocket. The conversion devices attached to the July 21 and October 25 were both 3D-printed and bore identical markings. Davis has prior felony convictions for aggravated assault, burglary, and criminal use of personal identification information. Davis faces imprisonment for up to 15 years per count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and 10 years per count of illegal possession of a machinegun. The case involved an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tallahassee Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain. Sentencing is scheduled for December 8, 2025, at 11:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle. 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). As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors. 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: VIOLENT CRIMINAL ALIEN SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR ILLEGALLY REENTERING THE COUNTRY

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Elpidio Abelardo Perez-Perez, 33, of the country of Mexico, was sentenced to a year and one day in federal prison for illegal reentry by a removed alien. The sentenced was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This violent criminal alien repeatedly illegally re-entered our country after numerous prior deportations, and while unlawfully present here he continued to violate our laws. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases to fulfill the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from violent criminal aliens like this defendant who amply demonstrate a complete disregard for our national and state laws.” Court records reflect that, on February 17, 2025, Perez-Perez was arrested for aggravated assault with a weapon and discharging a firearm in Escambia County. Through various record checks, investigators learned that Perez-Perez is a citizen of Mexico and was illegally in the country after having previously been encountered and deported by immigration authorities in 2010, 2012, and 2013. The sentence was the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: El Paso Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Abusing Multiple Minors in Mexico

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man was sentenced in federal court to 240 months in prison for transporting a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor across the international border. According to court documents, on January 10, Enrique Ruvalcaba-Mendez, 71, was referred to secondary inspection at the Bridge of the Americas Port of Entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers discovered that his phone contained several videos and photos of Ruvalcaba engaged in sexual activity with minor females. The investigation revealed Ruvalcaba would travel to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, where he would pay to have sex with minors. He would videotape himself with the minors and save them on his phone. Ruvalcaba was found to have abused at least three minors in Mexico. Ruvalcaba pleaded guilty on July 3 and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David Briones on Sept. 24. U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. ICE Homeland Security Investigations and CBP investigated the case with assistance from the HSI Assistant Attaché Office in Ciudad Juarez. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shane Romero prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Oneida County Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Receive and Distribute Child Pornography and for Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – John Kelly, age 83, of Rome, New York, was sentenced on Wednesday to 60 months in federal prison for conspiring to receive and distribute child pornography and for possessing child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). As part of his prior guilty plea, Kelly acknowledged that in August 2022 he began conspiring with his co-defendant, Richard Hockersmith, about exchanging child sexual abuse material. Kelly further acknowledged that he and Hockersmith decided to exchange the material by mailing an SD card containing child sexual abuse images and videos back and forth, which each of them did. Kelly also acknowledged that during a search of his residence on February 23, 2024, he possessed numerous images and videos of child pornography on a laptop computer. United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also sentenced Kelly to serve a 10-year term of supervised release to begin after Kelly is released from prison, and to pay a total of $15,000 in restitution. Kelly will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release. Hockersmith was previously sentenced on July 8, 2025, to six years in federal prison and a 10-year term of post-release supervision . Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “It is beyond disturbing that an 83-year-old man would seek out depictions of the sexual abuse of our most vulnerable population. Thanks to the diligent work of HSI, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, and New York State Police, this defendant will now be spending his twilight years in federal prison—where he belongs.” HSI Special Agent in Charge Keegan said, “Today's sentence underscores how coordinated, targeted investigative efforts disrupt the distribution of child sexual abuse material and ensure offenders are held accountable. Protecting children from sexual exploitation is one of HSI's highest priorities, and we will relentlessly investigate and disrupt those who trade in child sexual abuse material. HSI Syracuse's strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York—and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners—has proven essential to holding these child predators accountable and strengthening public safety across New York.” The case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle 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: Onondaga County Woman Sentenced for Firearms and Drug Offenses

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Alexis Miranda, age 30, of Syracuse, was sentenced on Thursday to 60 months in prison for possessing defaced firearms and for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement. As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Miranda admitted that from August to October 8, 2019, she agreed with Christopher Montano to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. On September 12, 2019, Miranda travelled from the Rome, New York, area to meet Montano, where they distributed more than 80 grams of methamphetamine to another person. A few months later, in August 2020, Miranda was stopped for a traffic violation on Interstate 90, in Rensselaer County, New York, and law enforcement found heroin and fentanyl in her purse as well as a roller suitcase in her trunk containing four semiautomatic pistols with defaced serial numbers. Last year, Montano was sentenced to 76 months in prison for unlawfully selling unregistered firearms and drug trafficking crimes. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Alexis Miranda was engaged in trafficking deadly substances and weapons, each of which contribute to drug addiction and gun violence in the community. We will relentlessly pursue and prosecute individuals like her to get rid of deadly firearms and drugs from our streets.” ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan Miller stated: “Those who traffic in illegal firearms and deadly drugs will be held accountable. These defaced and stolen weapons pose a serious threat to our communities, and we remain committed to working with our federal and local partners to disrupt this kind of dangerous criminal activity.” New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James stated, “Strong partnerships are crucial for intercepting the illegal drugs and weapons that sustain a cycle of violence and threaten the quality of life in our communities. The collaborative multi-agency efforts of the United States Attorney’s Office, ATF, and New York State Police has resulted in the sentencing of Mr. Miranda and has eradicated an unprincipled gun and drug trafficking operation. We will continue to make it a priority to find those who commit these acts and dismantle the dangerous chain of activities they perpetuate.” Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a 5-year term of post-release supervision. ATF and the NYSP investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander Wentworth-Ping prosecuted this case. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn .


title: Lincoln County Man Sentenced for Child Pornography Charge

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LONDON, Ky. – A Kings Mountain, Ky., man, Zackary Keith Jones, 35, was sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Claria Horn Boom to 194 months in prison, for transporting a minor over state lines with the intent that the minor engage in sexual activity. According to his plea agreement, Jones transported a minor victim over state lines, from North Carolina to Lincoln County, Ky., with the intent to engage in sexual activity. Jones used Snapchat to communicate with the victim and lied to the victim about his age to induce the victim to engage in prohibited sexual conduct. Jones also admitted that he engaged in sexual acts and sexual contact with the minor victim during and after the interstate transportation of the victim. The victim, who was reported missing from North Carolina on December 8, 2023, was found by law enforcement on December 25, 2023 in a hidden compartment in the floor of a bedroom at Jones’ residence. Under federal law, Jones must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 20 years. Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; Russell Coleman, Kentucky Attorney General; and Sheriff Shawn Hines, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by FBI, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. David Dalton, Commonwealth Attorney for the 28th Judicial Circuit, also provided significant assistance to the investigation and prosecution of the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented in the case by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case 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 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov . – END –


title: Louisville Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Louisville, Kentucky man was sentenced on September 22, 2025, to 9 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and over 40 grams of fentanyl. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement. On September 22, 2025, Christopher Payne, 30, was sentenced to 9 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Payne pled guilty on June 12, 2025, to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, between April 3, 2024, and July 9, 2024. There is no parole in the federal system. The FBI and KSP investigated the case, with assistance from the Louisville Metro Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Frank Dahl III prosecuted the case with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic. This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Nespelem Man Sentenced to 216 Months in Federal Prison for Sex Crimes Involving Children on the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington – United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Lance Scott Michel, age 31, of Nespelem, Washington, to 216 months in federal prison after Michel pleaded guilty to Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country and Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. Judge Dimke also ordered that, following his sentence, Michel be placed on a lifetime term of supervised release. According to court documents, in early 2023, Michel began communicating with various minor females on the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation over social media. Michel, a then twenty-nine-year-old, provided the minor females with items such as vaping products and cartridges. After engaging in this grooming behavior, Michel sexually abused two 15 year old victims. District Court Judge Dimke noted the aggravated nature of Defendant’s crimes and applied a sentencing enhancement due to Michel’s forcible conduct against both minor victims. “Mr. Michel targeted minors from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation with the explicit intent to sexually abuse them. Protecting children and holding accountable those who seek to exploit and harm them are top priorities of my office,” said United States Attorney S. Peter Serrano. “We will continue to seek out and prosecute these heinous crimes thanks to our dedicated team and our FBI and tribal partners.” "Through social media, Mr. Michel gained the trust of minors on the Colville Reservation, trust he later took advantage of in the most unthinkable way,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “There is no question that his heinous actions were entirely deserving of today's sentence. Protecting the lives and wellbeing of our nation's children from those who seek to prey on them is, and remains, a top priority for the FBI and our partners." The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colville Tribal Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Michael J. Ellis, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. 2:24-cr-00028-MKD


title: Akron Drug Dealer Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison

body_text: AKRON, Ohio – An Akron-area career criminal has been sentenced to prison for his role in distributing controlled substances throughout Northeast Ohio. Antoine D. Cook, 46, of Akron, was sentenced to 420 months (35 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Donald C. Nugent after a federal jury found him guilty in June of the following charges as outlined in the indictment: One count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, One count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, One count of Felon in Possession of Ammunition; prior convictions include Domestic Violence in 1996, 2010, 2012, and 2014; Distribution of a Controlled Substance in 2002; Aggravated Assault in 2012 and 2015; and Felonious Assault in 2018. Cook was also ordered to serve eight years of supervised release after imprisonment. According to court documents, on May 1, 2024, Cook knowingly possessed and intended to distribute two Schedule II controlled substances. He was found with approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine as well as three grams of cocaine, all packaged for sale. Cook also unlawfully possessed more than 80 rounds of ammunition. Because Cook was previously convicted of a number of serious drug and violent felonies, he received a significant sentencing enhancement as a career offender and an armed career criminal. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), with assistance from the Ohio Adult Parole Authority. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter E. Daly for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – James Robert McKinney, 40, of Charleston, pleaded guilty on Friday, September 26, 2025, to failure to register as a sex offender, as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), after traveling from West Virginia to New York and Florida. According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 28, 2025, McKinney left West Virginia without notifying authorities as required. As part of his guilty plea, McKinney admitted that he traveled by bus from West Virginia to New York and by bus from New York to Tampa, Florida. McKinney further admitted that he planned to remain in Florida until late May 2025, and made no attempt to notify relevant authorities of his presence in Florida. On April 22, 2025, law enforcement officers encountered McKinney trespassing on the property of a St. Petersburg, Florida, church. McKinney lied to the officers about his identity. While arresting McKinney for trespassing, officers found his West Virginia identification card bearing his true identity. McKinney knew he was required to comply with the provisions of SORNA because of his conviction on three counts of third-degree sexual assault in Doddridge County Circuit Court on September 4, 2012. At the time of his current offense, McKinney was on supervised release after pleading guilty to failing to update his sex offender registration as required by the SORNA in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on March 16, 2022. McKinley also has two prior convictions in West Virginia for failing to comply with West Virginia sex offender registration requirements. McKinney is scheduled to be sentenced on January 5, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Marshals Service (USMS). United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage is prosecuting the case. SORNA is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 and provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States. SORNA seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs, in part by requiring registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-130. ###


title: Government Secures Forfeiture of Illegally Smuggled Ancient Egyptian Artifacts

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – The United States government secured a default judgment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, completing the forfeiture of 14 ancient Egyptian artifacts illegally smuggled into the United States. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the judgment with Acting Special Agent in Charge Evan Campanella, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Baltimore, and Executive Director Stephen Maloney, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) National Targeting Center. The smuggled artifacts include amulets, stone figurines, a vase, and an “Old Kingdom Limestone Funerary Statue.” The Funerary Statue alone is appraised at approximately $6 million U.S. Dollars. It likely originated from an archaeological site in Saqqara or Giza, which are royal cemeteries near the ancient city of Memphis, located in present-day Egypt. CBP officers discovered and seized these ancient artifacts at several international airports in the U.S., where they were in transit from overseas shippers destined for private collectors. As alleged in the government’s complaint, between August 2020, and April 2021, CBP identified the artifacts while inspecting numerous parcels from overseas shippers transiting through airports in Anchorage, Alaska, Cincinnati, Ohio, and New York City. The ultimate destination for at least one of these shipments was a private collector in Edgewater, Maryland. Shipping paperwork for each parcel that housed artifacts contained deceptive and inaccurate descriptions of their contents, including “home décor,” “stone garden statue,” or “decoration,” and did not state the true origin or value of the ancient artifacts. Historians and antique appraisers, working with CBP, later confirmed the true nature of each ancient Egyptian artifact. In similar cases, the Justice Department has worked through appropriate channels to return smuggled ancient artifacts to their rightful owners – the people of the country of origin. “This litigation highlights one of the benefits of civil asset forfeiture and is an important milestone toward eliminating smuggled cultural property from the U.S. art market,” Hayes said. “This office is committed to combating the black-market sale of cultural property and the smuggling of ancient artifacts, and will use all available tools, including asset forfeiture, to disrupt illicit trade in antiquities.” “These ancient artifacts are more than just relics of the past; they are irreplaceable pieces of global cultural heritage that tell the story of human civilization,” Campanella said. “The deceptive practices used to smuggle these treasures into the United States not only violate our import laws but also undermine efforts to preserve and protect the integrity of cultural history. HSI remains steadfast in its commitment to working alongside our partners to ensure that those who seek to profit from the exploitation of cultural heritage are held accountable. By recovering these artifacts, we’ve helped preserve priceless pieces of history and reaffirmed our commitment to protecting the world’s shared heritage for generations to come.” “This case exemplifies the fine work of the women and men of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and our National Targeting Center in identifying and dismantling illicit networks that exploit global trade routes,” Maloney said. “The recovery of this ancient Egyptian statue, valued at $6 million, underscores CBP’s commitment to protecting cultural heritage and, working collaboratively with our partners, to identify those who seek to profit from theft and smuggling.” U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI’s Cultural Property, Art and Antiquities Unit for investigating this case. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven T. Brantley, who litigated the case, along with law clerk Amy Rappole and paralegal Nicole Orlovitz, who provided invaluable support. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Appleton Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Richard G. Frohling of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on September 25, 2025, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Jason J. Evans (age: 42), formerly of Appleton, Wisconsin, to 120 months in federal prison after being convicted of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. According to court records, on Christmas Day in 2024, officers with the Appleton Police Department responded to a report of an ongoing domestic disturbance. When they arrived, they observed a female lying face down on the floor in a pool of blood as Evans was kicking her head. Evans was arrested and four firearms were seized, which he was prohibited from possessing because of a prior felony conviction. The seized firearms were test fired and entered into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). One of the firearms was determined to be connected to a shooting in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on November 1, 2024, which involved a suspect who fired a handgun at occupied vehicles after a verbal altercation. After further investigation following the NIBIN lead, investigators identified Evans as the shooter. This case was investigated by the Appleton Police Department, the Oshkosh Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alex Duros. # # # For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero (414) 297-1700 Follow us on X


title: Zachary A. Keller Appointed to Serve as United States Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana

component: USAO - Louisiana, Western

body_text: MONROE, La. – Zachary A. Keller has been appointed to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Mr. Keller took the oath of office in Monroe before Chief United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty on September 29, 2025, where he was joined by family, friends, law enforcement partners, and students from West Monroe High School, his alma mater. “I am grateful for the honor and privilege of serving my home district in this role,” said Mr. Keller. “Together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will work tirelessly to make Louisiana a safer place to live, work, raise a family, and run a business by combatting violent crime, gangs, child predators, immigration and financial fraud, and other criminal activity.” Mr. Keller joined the Department of Justice as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida in 2021, serving in civil, criminal, and appellate sections before concluding his service as a Deputy Chief in the Major Crimes section. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, he investigated, prosecuted, and tried federal crimes involving firearms, violence, immigration, drugs, child exploitation, and a wide range of other criminal offenses. Mr. Keller also served as the Project Safe Neighborhood coordinator for the Major Crimes section at the time of his departure, where he worked with local and federal law enforcement to prosecute gun crime. Before serving at the Department, Mr. Keller worked as a consumer protection staff attorney for the Federal Trade Commission and an associate attorney in private practice. Mr. Keller grew up attending public schools in West Monroe, Louisiana, and attended college at Louisiana State University, where he earned his degree summa cum laude while attending on full scholarship. Mr. Keller then earned his law degree from Yale Law School. As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Keller is responsible for overseeing federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the United States in the Western District of Louisiana. Mr. Keller will lead a dedicated team of approximately 70 federal prosecutors and staff located in Shreveport and Lafayette. The Western District of Louisiana covers 42 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes and roughly half its population, with offices in Shreveport, Lafayette, Alexandria, Monroe and Lake Charles. # # #


title: Federal Jury Finds Tennessee Man Guilty Of Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, And Making A False Claim To The IRS

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Clarence Christofer Ward, a/k/a Khaled Yaqud Mansur-El, guilty of 1 count of wire fraud, 10 counts of money laundering, and 1 count of making a false claim to the IRS. Ward faces a maximum penalty of 125 years in federal prison. His sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the evidence presented at trial, in November 2020, Ward electronically filed a tax return on behalf of a Trust in his name. He falsely claimed on the return that the Trust had paid over $7 million in taxes in 2019. Ward then asked for a $4.1 million refund from the IRS. The tax return was filed from the Middle District of Florida, and it was possessed in Utah, affecting interstate commerce. Despite Ward’s claim that the Trust had paid over $7 million in federal taxes in 2019, IRS records showed the Trust had never paid any federal taxes. Before the IRS realized that Ward’s claim was untrue, the agency issued the $4.1 million refund. Ward immediately spent the funds on four residential properties, a luxury automobile, vacations, and investment brokerage accounts. As a part of the trial, the jury determined that the residential properties purchased by Ward could be forfeited to the United States. This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.


title: Man Sentenced To Over 25 Years In Federal Prison For Transporting A Minor From Mexico For Sexual Activity

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Christian Hernandez (27, New Port Richey) to 24 years and 6 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity. Upon release from custody, Hernandez will be required to register as a sex offender. Hernandez pleaded guilty on July 1, 2025. According to court documents, in 2019, Hernandez began sexually abusing the minor victim when she was approximately 12 years old while the two were in Mexico. In 2022, when the minor victim was 15 years old, Hernandez facilitated the minor victim’s illegal entry into the United States so she could live with him in New Port Richey. While in Florida, Hernandez physically and sexually abused the victim and forced her to work to repay her debt to him for her illegal entry into the United States. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Clearwater Police Department and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abigail K. King. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Detroit Man Convicted of Leadership Role in Drug Trafficking Operation

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Emmitt Renand Richardson, 52, of Detroit, Michigan, was found guilty of multiple methamphetamine and fentanyl charges. After a four-day trial, a federal jury convicted Richardson on six methamphetamine and fentanyl charges. According to court documents and statements made in court, Richardson was leading an organization responsible for the illegal sale and distribution of methamphetamine in Harrison County. Richardson faces at least five and up to 40 years in prison for five of the charges and faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the remaining charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Cogar and Will Rhee prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.


title: Salvadoran National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Salvadoran national residing in Lynn pleaded guilty on Sep. 26, 2025 in federal court in Boston to unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. Emelio Neftaly Pineda, 46, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. Senior District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Oct. 30, 2025. In July 2025 , Pineda was indicted by a federal grand jury. According to the charging documents Pineda was deported on or about July 20, 2016, after having been convicted of a felony. The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien, having previously been convicted of a felony provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Riley of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.


title: Florida Man Sentenced to 17.5 Years in Prison as Leader of Cocaine Conspiracy That Shipped Cocaine from Puerto Rico to Syracuse

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Juan Correa Sr. age 49, of Lady Lake, Florida was sentenced on Wednesday to 210 months in prison for money laundering and conspiring to possess with intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement. As part of his prior guilty plea, the defendant admitted that from July 2021 through July 2024, he conspired with others to distribute cocaine in Onondaga County. As part of the conspiracy, the defendant directed Alex Calcano-Carrasquillo to mail packages with kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Syracuse. He then arranged for the packages to be picked up and delivered to Juan Correa, Jr. and Ashley Correa, who re-distributed the cocaine to others in the Syracuse area. Correa Sr. also arranged for them to mail cash from the cocaine sales back to Calcano-Carrasquillo for the purpose of purchasing more cocaine. All four of these co-conspirators were charged in an indictment last year and have since pled guilty to various offenses. Alex Calcano-Carrasquillo was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment; Juan Correa, Jr. was sentenced to 7 years’ imprisonment; and Ashley Correa was sentenced to over 7 years’ imprisonment. Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered the defendant to serve a 5-year term of supervised release following his release from prison. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Bringing the head of this dangerous organization to justice is a testament to the close collaboration of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies up and down the East Coast. This defendant had 5 prior state felony drug convictions and didn’t learn his lesson. 17 years in federal prison should do the trick. We remain committed to ensuring repeat offenders like this defendant, who make money from flooding our community with deadly drugs, get taken off our streets.” DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III stated: “The sentencing of Juan Correa Sr., is the result of the hard work and determination the DEA and our law enforcement partners have when targeting those individuals looking to transport illicit narcotics through the northeast corridor. The DEA remains focused on disrupting these supply chains and preventing these dangerous narcotics from reaching our streets.” Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation New York, stated: “Juan Correa Sr. is just another predator who chose to bring highly addictive drugs into our neighborhoods, continuing to prey on the vulnerable. IRS-CI New York is proud to continue its work with the DEA and our law enforcement partners in ridding our communities of those who have no regard for the welfare of its people. This sentencing does exactly that.” Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, stated: “Through our joint enforcement efforts, we’ve dismantled a criminal organization that posed a serious public safety threat to New York communities. As this sentence demonstrates, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is working closely with its law enforcement partners to prevent dangerous and addictive drugs from reaching our streets and ensuring that perpetrators of such attempts are brought to justice.” Joseph L. Cecile, Chief of the Syracuse Police Department, stated: “Law Enforcement is never stronger than when we partner together. Together, we represent an omnipresent threat to criminal enterprises such as this one. On behalf of the Syracuse Police Department, I would like to both thank and congratulate the U.S. Attorney’s Office and all of our law enforcement partners who successfully dismantled this drug trafficking organization. Well done!" This case was investigated by the DEA, U.S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Syracuse Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Brown prosecuted the case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Bloomfield Man Charged with Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Bloomfield man is facing federal charges after allegedly trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine from Albuquerque and Phoenix into San Juan County. According to court documents, the Region II Narcotics Task Force initiated an investigation into Joseph Stevens , 41, in early 2025 for suspected drug trafficking in San Juan County from Albuquerque and Phoenix. On September 24, 2025, deputies from the San Juan Sheriff’s Office executed a high-risk felony traffic stop on Stevens in reference to an arrest warrant issued the day before. Stevens was detained and a K9 officer from the Farmington Police Department was deployed to perform a free air scent pass of Stevens ’ vehicle. The Police Service Dog alerted to the presence of controlled substances and the vehicle was impounded. Later that day, deputies executed a search warrant on Stevens ’ vehicle. Inside, they located and seized 19 firearms (two of which were reported stolen), 329.89 grams of suspected fentanyl pills, 10.89 grams of suspected fentanyl powder, 59.34 grams of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Stevens is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Stevens and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Stevens faces 45 years in prison. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and Farmington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case. The Region II Narcotics Enforcement Task Force is a multi-agency, multijurisdictional taskforce whose purpose is to investigate, apprehend and prosecute violators of the New Mexico Controlled Substances Act and related offenses. View the Criminal Complaint (Stevens).pdf A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Rambling Man Sentenced for Threatening Christians

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – Isaac Sissel, 26, a man who intentionally bounces from place to place committing crimes and skipping town afterwards to avoid the consequences, was sentenced today to thirty months for threatening to kill conservative Christians with an AR-15 assault rifle, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Reuben C. Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). According to court documents, in September 2024, Sissel created Reddit accounts with names like “ShootUpTrumpRally” and “PlanningToKillTrump.” And then, on November 2, Sissel sent an anonymous tip to the FBI claiming that he would “carry out an attack against conservative christan filth in the event trump wins the election,” and said that he had a “stolen ar15.” Sissel sent his threat two days before President Trump’s campaign rally in Michigan, three days before the 2024 Presidential election, and four months after President Trump was shot at a campaign rally with an AR-style weapon. As a convicted felon, Sissel is prohibited from possessing firearms, however there was no evidence that Sissel actually possessed a weapon, including an AR-15. In April 2025, Sissel pleaded guilty to one count of transmitting threats in interstate commerce. The government also charged Sissel with a Hate Crimes Motivation enhancement, meaning that he selected his victims because of their actual or perceived religion. The Court agreed and applied the enhancement to Sissel’s sentence. “We live in evil times,” U.S. Attorney Gorgon said. “Even in America, Christians are routinely targeted for death by violent extremists like this man. The First Amendment is a safeguard of religious liberty and free speech—and so it does not protect true threats that undermine religious liberty.” "The sentencing of Issac Sissel reflects the FBI’s zero tolerance for individuals who threaten Americans, including leadership at the highest levels of government,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “I would like to thank the dedicated members of the FBI Detroit Joint Terrorism Task Force, alongside the FBI Ann Arbor Resident Agency, who worked tirelessly throughout this investigation. This effort would not be possible without the crucial assistance of the United States Secret Service, University of Michigan Police Department, and the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office in apprehending Mr. Sissel and supporting this investigation. I send my sincerest appreciation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan for their successful prosecution. The FBI will remain committed to protecting our communities across America and investigate those who seek to instill fear and violence.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hank Moon and Micah Wallace.