title: Violent Repeat Offender Faces Federal Firearms Charge after Alleged Shooting at Atlanta Homeless Encampment

body_text: ATLANTA - Alexander Wood, a multi-convicted felon, faces a federal charge of illegal possession of a firearm after he allegedly shot at a homeless encampment in downtown Atlanta and was prosecuted by local authorities for related offenses. “After more than 20 years of racking up felony convictions in state court, Wood allegedly armed himself and shot at a homeless encampment, jeopardizing innocent lives with an unlawfully possessed firearm,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Unrepentant and undeterred violent criminals who possess firearms despite repeated state-court convictions will be held accountable in federal court, where there is no opportunity for parole.” “Multiple convictions at the state level have not deterred Alexander Wood from continuing his alleged life of crime,” said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will continue to find and arrest dangerous criminals who repeatedly are a danger to society.” “The Atlanta Police Department remains committed to protecting all members of our community from acts of violence and gun crime,” said Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum. “Our officers responded quickly and worked closely with our federal partners to ensure this incident was thoroughly investigated. We remain committed to protecting all who call Atlanta home and to strengthening the trust and collaboration we share with the communities we serve.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On October 10, 2025, Alexander Wood allegedly drove to a homeless encampment in downtown Atlanta and discharged a firearm at the encampment. After an Atlanta Police Department officer responded to the scene, Wood fled in a high-speed chase and allegedly tried to run into the police car pursuing him. Officers arrested Wood at an apartment shortly thereafter. Under bushes near the apartment entrance, officers located a Smith & Wesson handgun. Surveillance footage allegedly showed that, moments before officers arrived, Wood ran through the area where the police found the gun. On June 25, 2026, Alexander Wood, 43, of Atlanta, Georgia, appeared in federal court and pled not guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, after a grand jury returned an indictment charging him with that crime on April 14, 2026. Wood has multiple prior felony convictions for violent crimes and drug trafficking, such as burglary, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and armed robbery. Based on that criminal history, Wood faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment and could be sentenced to imprisonment for life. In April 2026, Wood pled guilty in the Superior Court of Fulton County to fleeing from the police and several misdemeanors arising from the October 2025 shooting and was sentenced to just one year of imprisonment with credit for time served. As a result of the federal indictment, Wood is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and is being held without bail. Members of the public are reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent of the charges contained in the federal indictment, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Atlanta Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Sara Lim 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 (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: South Carolina Man Convicted of Transporting a Minor Across State Lines for Sexual Activity

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Jackson, TN – Michael Holland, 37 , a former resident of Columbia, South Carolina, has pleaded guilty in federal court to transporting a minor across state lines with intent that the minor engage in criminal sexual activity in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(a). United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the results of the court proceedings today. According to information presented in court, in November 2024, Holland traveled from his home in South Carolina to Jackson, Tennessee to pick up a 12-year-old girl that he had been communicating with over Snapchat for several months. After picking her up, Holland drove the minor back to his home in South Carolina. Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were ultimately able to locate the minor at Holland’s residence. The minor told investigators that Holland performed several sexual acts on her after they arrived at his home. A search of Holland’s cell phone corroborated the minor’s statements, as investigators located several photographs and videos on Holland’s phone which showed him engaging in various sexual acts with the minor at his residence. This case is pending before United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson in Jackson. Holland is scheduled to be sentenced in September of this year. Holland is facing a mandatory-minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “This case demonstrates the horrifying danger posed by predators who lure, exploit, and abuse innocent children using social media and the internet. It also demonstrates our federal law enforcement partners’ outstanding abilities to track offenders and rescue victims. We will vigorously seek significant punishment for this sick and despicable offender, and any others like him.” This case was investigated by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Columbia, South Carolina and Jackson, Tennessee. Anyone with additional information as to this case or concerning Holland is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-Call-FBI or online at tips@fbi.gov . Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. ### For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Old Forge Man Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Festino, age 66, of Old Forge, Pennsylvania, pled guilty on June 22, 2026, before United States District Judge Julia K. Munley to money laundering. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, beginning in or about December 2024 and continuing through July 2025, Festino, a former field engineer employed by a multi-national telecommunications company, devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain telecommunications equipment owned by his employer and resell the property to third-party buyers. Festino advertised the sale of stolen equipment via the internet, including on eBay. In total, Festino received approximately $434,550 in his personal bank accounts from the sales of stolen equipment. During the scheme, Festino conducted a series of financial transactions involving the fraudulently obtained funds, including withdrawing large sums of cash and purchasing a new vehicle for $41,000. Festino’s former employer estimates that the value of the stolen equipment is approximately $2.2 million. The matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is ten years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. ###


title: Maryland Man Sentenced to 35-Year Prison Term for Vehicular Homicide and Assault in December of 2022

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Spiro Stafilatos, 39, of Silver Spring, MD, was sentenced today to 35 years in prison for striking two pedestrians with his vehicle in December 2022, killing Shuyu Sui and causing life-threatening injuries to Jiahui Wang, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. A jury found Stafilatos guilty on May 6, 2026, of one count each of second-degree murder, aggravated assault while armed, and fleeing. The Honorable Rainey Brandt sentenced Stafilatos to consecutive sentences of 20 years in prison for the murder and 15 years in prison for the assault. The government had asked the court for an upward departure from the sentencing guidelines, and the court agreed with respect to the assault, citing multiple aggravating factors related to the devastating injuries sustained by Ms. Wang. According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 4:28 p.m., on December 30, 2022, Stafilatos was driving a dark Buick LeSabre sedan along the 700 block of 14th Street, NW, near the White House. U.S. Secret Service police officers observed that the vehicle’s front tag was missing and the Maryland tag in the rear had no registration sticker. The Buick was then observed turning right into the 1400 block of G Street, NW, and proceeded to the 700 block of 15th Street, NW, where it stopped and let a passenger out. As officers approached the vehicle, identified themselves, and made contact with the defendant, they advised Stafilatos of his infraction, to which the defendant asked if he was going to get a ticket. Officers asked for the defendant’s license, which he did not provide. Also, during the stop, officers noticed what they believed to be an open beer container to the right of the driver. While conducting the traffic stop, the officers noticed that the vehicle was still in drive and instructed Stafilatos to put the car in park. Instead, the defendant fled the scene, travelling north on 15th Street, NW before turning onto the 1400 block of New York Avenue, NW. As the vehicle entered an intersection on a solid red traffic signal, it was struck by another vehicle that was driving on a green traffic signal and the impact caused the Buick to rotate counterclockwise and strike two pedestrians who were walking nearby in the crosswalk. Both pedestrians were thrown and fell into the road in the middle of New York Avenue, NW. Both victims were transported to local hospitals. Despite all lifesaving measures, one victim, Shuyu Sui, was pronounced dead at Medstar Washington Hospital Center. The second victim, Jiahui Wang, was transported to George Washington University Hospital, where she was treated for trauma to the body and head. Stafilatos was placed under arrest and transported to Howard University Hospital for complaints of pain in the head and back. Testing conducted several hours after the crash at the hospital revealed that Stafilatos had recently used cocaine. He has been in custody ever since. Joining in the announcement was U.S. Secret Service Police Chief Richard Macauley and Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro, Chief Macauley and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of Assistant United States Attorneys Jamie Carter and Will Lawrence, who investigated and prosecuted the case. 2022 CF1 007710


title: Portage County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Abuse Charges

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: AKRON, Ohio – A 33-year-old man has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of sending and receiving child pornography, or Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM). Joshua Whan, of Kent, pleaded guilty to the following charges in the indictment: Receipt and Distribution of Visual Depictions of Real Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct Transportation of Visual Depictions of Real Minors Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct Chief Judge Sara Lioi accepted Whan’s plea June 23. According to a criminal complaint and affidavit, in February 2026 federal agents were notified by the Streetsboro Police Department of suspected CSAM online activity occurring in Portage County. Investigators identified Whan and they learned that he regularly engaged with others through social media platforms and online forums to share CSAM and discuss his sexual interest in boys. In one conversation he indicated that he was visiting Disney World to “check out all the hot kxds (sic) while walking the parks.” Investigators seized Whan’s electronic devices during a search warrant execution at his residence. A forensic analysis of the content of the devices determined that they contained more than 2,100 images and 600 videos that depicted mostly male children, including toddlers, being raped and sexually abused. Whan is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 6. He faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case was investigated by the FBI Akron Resident Agency, the Streetsboro Police Department, the Kent Police Department, and the Portage County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Margaret A. Kane for the Northern District of Ohio. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country and 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, visit justice.gov/PSC . To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org , or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


title: Las Vegas Man With Multiple Felony Convictions Sentenced to Over Six Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of Privately Made AR-15 Pattern Pistol

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who had previously admitted to unlawful possession of an unserialized, privately made AR-15-pattern pistol was sentenced today by United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware, II to 80 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. A privately made firearm without a serial number is sometimes called a “ghost gun.” The government recommended 130 months’ imprisonment. According to court documents, Noel Lynn Waters possessed and brandished a privately made firearm eight months after he was released from state custody following his prison sentence for a firearm conviction. On October 20, 2023, Waters unlawfully possessed a loaded, privately made 5.56x45mm semi-automatic pistol incorporating an AR-15-pattern lower receiver. He admitted that he pointed the firearm at another person and threatened he was going to “shoot everybody.” Waters has multiple prior felony convictions in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. He was previously convicted of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person in Clark County, Nevada. Additionally, he was previously convicted of possession of controlled substance for sale; unlawful possession or use of tear gas; felon in possession of a firearm; possession of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm; and transportation, furnishing or sale of controlled substance, all in Los Angeles County. As a convicted felon, Waters is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm or ammunition. In September 2025, Waters pleaded guilty to one-count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge John Wester of the San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement. The ATF and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case. Anyone with information about unlawful firearms activity should call ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit an anonymous tip at www.reportit.com/ . ###


title: Dominican National Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Hartford-Area Drug Trafficking Ring

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ONIEL ACOSTA-REYES, 27, a citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 48 months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release for a fentanyl trafficking offense. According to court documents and statements made in court, an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force revealed that members of a Hartford-area drug trafficking ring were using an apartment on Franklin Avenue in Hartford as a stash location for narcotics. On August 25, 2025, investigators stopped Acosta-Reyes and an associate as they exited the apartment carrying a large cooler. On August 25, 2025, investigators stopped Acosta-Reyes and an associate after they exited the apartment and placed a large cooler in their car. When investigators searched the cooler, they found a kilogram brick of fentanyl, bags of powder fentanyl, cutting agent, and parts for a mechanical press. A subsequent search of the apartment revealed additional drug trafficking paraphernalia, a kilogram drug press, and two firearms. Acosta-Reyes has been detained since his arrest on August 25, 2025. On March 24, 2026, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. This investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Hartford Task Force, which includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Dearington. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Richford, VT Man Sentenced to 36 Months in Firearms Case

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: RUTLAND – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 25, 2026, Jeffrey Brown, 35, of Richford, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 36 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Brown previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court records, in August of 2025, Brown was in regular disputes with his neighbors in Richford, Vermont. During one of the disputes, Brown pointed a handgun at his neighbor. Children were present during this armed confrontation. Brown is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his prior felony convictions for Harassment and Threatening which he received in Connecticut state courts. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt thanked the Vermont State Police and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for their work in investigating the case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugenia Cowles. Jeffrey Brown was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Steven Barth.


title: New York City Woman Pleads Guilty for Role in Multi-State Prescription Fraud Ring

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – On June 15, 2026, Ciera Washington, age 35, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and aggravated identity theft. Washington’s guilty plea followed the creation of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. The announcement was made by First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Naomi Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Washington admitted that from April 2023 through October 2024, she worked with Raven White, Bryan Otero, and others to steal the personally identifiable information of Medicaid beneficiaries and use that information to fraudulently obtain prescription medications from pharmacies throughout the Northeastern United States. She further admitted that the conspiracy causes a loss of nearly $4 million to the New York Medicaid program and tens of thousands of dollars to pharmacies. Washington agreed to forfeit over $400,000 in proceeds she obtained in connection with her crimes and to consent to an order of restitution for the losses they caused. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said “Healthcare fraud is theft from both the taxpayers and the vulnerable individuals these programs are designed to serve. This office is committed to pursuing individuals such as Ms. Washington who abuse public benefit programs for personal gain. Working alongside our partners, we will continue to root out fraud and recover stolen funds for the American People.” “Americans suffer when criminals like Ms. Washington and her co-defendants defraud government programs. This investigation proves the FBI will not stand by while deceptive individuals compromise invaluable programs designed to help our citizens who need it most.” Said Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge Albany FBI. “This egregious fraud committed by the defendant is hazardous in several ways. Actions like hers can harm Medicaid beneficiaries by violating their benefits and privacy information, harm the Medicaid program by driving up costs for prescriptions that were not legitimate, and harm the public through the diversion of prescription medication outside of legitimate drug channels,” stated Naomi D. Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We appreciate our strong collaborative partnership with both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York State Comptroller’s Office to root out this type of fraud within HHS programs.” At sentencing on October 14, 2026, Washington faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the fraud count and a mandatory term of 2 years on the aggravated identity theft count, which must run consecutive to any term imposed on the fraud count. She also faces a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. The FBI, HHS-OIG, and the New York State Comptroller’s Office are investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikayla Espinosa is prosecuting the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Illegal Alien from the Dominican Republic Sentenced to More than Two Years in Prison for Aggravated Identity Theft and Other Crimes

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican national unlawfully residing in Hyde Park, Mass. was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for misuse of a Social Security number, passport fraud, aggravated identity theft and unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. Mariano Andujar Perez, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to two years and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In March 2026, Andujar Perez pleaded guilty to one count of misusing a Social Security number, one count of false statement in application for passport, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Andujar Perez was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2024. Andujar Perez first entered the United States in 2013 and began using the identity of the victim, a U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico, to obtain identification from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. After being convicted in state court for drug offenses, he was removed to the Dominican Republic in 2017 and, at unknown time and place, illegally reentered the United States without permission. He resumed using the victim’s identity in 2022 and used it to obtain a Real ID and apply for a U.S. passport. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Mark Comorosky, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John J. Reynolds III and Allegra K. Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.


title: A Lenoir County Social Services Employee Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing Over $100k from SNAP Benefits

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: WILMINGTON, N.C. –A federal judge sentenced Deshaune White, a Wayne County man, to 6 months in federal prison and 6 months home confinement, followed by 3 years of supervised release for his role in a scheme to defraud more than $100k in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and managed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and county Division of Social Services (DSS). He also must pay a Forfeiture Money Judgment of $102,733.80. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division . The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. “We are proud to prosecute this case as a part of the President’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. This office will continue to hold accountable anyone who defrauds any of our taxpayer funded programs. This SNAP benefits fraudster is now a felon and will have to pay back his ill-gotten gains. Hopefully, he has learned the lesson – Cheaters. Never. Win.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “It is an unconscionable betrayal of the public trust for a county employee responsible for administering federal food assistance to needy North Carolinian families to exploit his privileged access to recipient information to steal from those in need for his personal gain. USDA OIG is committed to working with the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud under VP Vance’s leadership to hold everyone who defrauds American taxpayers and exploits the vulnerable to account. OIG will relentlessly pursue insider threats who try to abuse their position for profit.” – Inspector General John Walk. White, using his position and privileges as a Lenoir County Social Services case worker, unlawfully accessed the SNAP accounts of qualified individuals and converted $102,733.80 in government funds for his own personal benefit and use. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II sentenced the defendant. The USDA-OIG and the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. A copy of this press release is located on our website . Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:25-CR-48-M.


title: Sioux City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Child

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Jorge Monrroy, age 24, from Sioux City, Iowa, was sentenced today in federal court to 15 years’ imprisonment. On February 5, 2026, Monrroy pled guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a child. At the plea hearing, Monrroy admitted that between June 30 and July 2, 2025, he sexually exploited a minor female. Monrroy admitted to providing alcohol to the minor, getting her intoxicated, recording a video of the two having sexual intercourse on the minor’s phone, and sending the video to himself. Evidence further showed that Monrroy received, possessed, and distributed child pornography. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Monrroy to 180 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Monrroy remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was investigated by the Sioux City Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-4050.


title: Indictment Charges New Haven Gang Members with Committing 2 Murders and Numerous Attempted Murders

body_text: As a result of a long-term Homeland Security Task Force investigation into gang violence in New Haven, a federal grand jury in Bridgeport has returned a 19-count indictment charging 16 alleged members and associates of the “Stand On Business” or “SOB” street gang in New Haven with various offenses, including conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, murder, attempted murder, drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, and related offenses. Today’s announcement was made by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the New Haven Judicial District; Thomas A. Greco, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Boston Field Division; P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England; New Haven Police Chief David Zannelli; and Hamden Police Chief Edward Page Reynolds. The indictment, which was returned on June 17, charges BRIAN BACKMAN , a.k.a. “Bri” and “Lil Bri,” 19 EMANUEL LOWERY , a.k.a. “Flip,” 24 SHAQUAN RAGHUBIR , a.k.a. “Quando,” 21 KERWIN ROMERO , a.k.a. “Kerbo,” 20 BRIAN REDD , 18 MAURICE BEVERLY , a.k.a. “Mo Dizz,” 21 LAMONT QUADIR SMITH-REED , a.k.a. “Steph Curry,” 23 SHYON EDWARDS , 20 GIOVANNI CABASQUINI , a.k.a. “Gio,” 22 TAQUORE GOMES , a.k.a. “Poppa,” 23 WADE JOHNSON , a.k.a. “G-wade,” 20 JOHN BROWN , a.k.a. “Man,” and “Hot Head Man,” 21 ANTWAN BALDWIN , a.k.a. “Ant” and “Lil A,” 20 OMARI MUNDLE , a.k.a. “Mari,” 19 JA’TWAN ROBINSON , a.k.a. “Foolie,” 20 JAIVON WILLIAMS , a.k.a. “Jay,” 21 The indictment was unsealed after Romero, Redd, Edwards, and Robinson were arrested yesterday. They appeared in federal court and are detained. The other defendants are presently in state custody and will be arraigned in federal court at a later date. As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, the ATF, FBI, DEA, New Haven Police Department, Hamden Police Department, and Connecticut Department of Correction, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, have been investigating an ongoing gang war. The Stand On Business or SOB street gang, which during its existence has also referred to itself as “Get Back Gang,” “Everybody Killers,” and “EBK,” originated in the geographic area of New Haven known as the “Hill” in the southwestern-most neighborhood of New Haven. In addition to the Hill, SOB has members and associates who are incarcerated, living in other areas of New Haven, and in other Connecticut cities and towns. The SOB gang has long-standing rivalries with other neighborhood gangs in New Haven, including the “Exit 8” gang, which based in the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven, as well as “24-Hour Shorty,” “Sleepy Land Bitches” or “SLB,” and “the 3s.” Violence between these groups is retaliatory in nature, and members of SOB are responsible for fatal and non-fatal shootings in the Exit 8 section and other areas of New Haven. The indictment alleges that members and associates of SOB engaged in drug trafficking, used and shared firearms and machine gun conversion devices, and, since 2019, have committed at least two murders and numerous attempted murders. SOB members and associates promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their criminal conduct, including acts of violence, through text messaging and the use of social media applications, and in rap songs and videos posted online. The indictment specifically alleges that SOB members and associates committed the following violent acts: On January 26, 2019, Lowery shot and attempted to kill an associate of a rival gang; On May 7, 2020, Backman, Cabasquini and others shot and attempted to kill a member and associate of the Exit 8 gang; On July 18, 2020, Backman and others shot and killed Kaymar Tanner after mistaking him for a member of the Exit 8 gang; On November 19, 2020, Backman, Beverly, and others shot and attempted to kill an individual they mistook for a member of the Exit 8 gang; On December 3, 2020, Romero, Lowery, and Johnson shot and attempted to kill a member and associate of the Exit 8 gang; On May 8, 2021, Cabasquini, Smith-Reed, Gomes, and others shot at and attempted to kill a member and associate of the Exit 8 gang; On May 30, 2021, Backman, Smith-Reed, and Brown shot and killed Semaj Reddick, a member and associate of the rival SLB gang. On July 33, 2022, Raghubir and others shot at and attempted to kill a member and associate of the 24-Hour Shorty gang; On February 18, 2023, Beverly and others shot and attempted to kill a member and associate of the Exit 8 gang; On May 14, 2023, in the early morning, Backman, Raghubir, and Gomes shot at and attempted to kill Exit 8 gang members in downtown New Haven; On May 14, 2023, in the evening, Backman and others shot at and attempted to kill Exit 8 gang members and struck an unintended victim in the head; On June 23, 2024, Beverly shot and attempted to kill and individual based on a mistaken belief that the victim had provided information to law enforcement leading to the arrest of an SOB associate; On November 16, 2024, Edwards shot at and attempted to kill individuals in order to protect SOB drug territory; On October 8, 2025, in the early morning, Backman and Redd directed Mundle to shoot at and attempt to kill an individual in retaliation for the murder of an SOB member. Later that day, Backman directed SOB members and associates to shoot at and attempt to kill the same individual; On October 8, 2025, in the early evening, Backman directed SOB members and associates to shoot at and attempt to kill an individual for disrespecting SOB and a deceased SOB member. The indictment charges Backman, Lowery, Raghubir, Romero, Redd, Beverly, Smith-Reed, Edwards, Cabasquini, Gomes, Johnson, and Brown with racketeering conspiracy. If convicted of this charge, Backman, Smith-Reed, and Brown face a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and the others face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. The indictment also charges Backman, Redd, and Mundle with one or more counts of conspiracy to commit murder in aid racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, all related to attempted murders on October 8, 2025. The racketeering offenses carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and the firearm offense carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least 10 years. In addition, the indictment charges Backman with illegal possession of a machine gun, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years, and with possession of a machine gun during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least 30 years; Robinson and Johnson with firearms trafficking related to their receipt of machine gun conversion devices, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years; and Cabasquini with use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, an offense that carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of at least five years. The indictment also charges each defendant, with the exception of Mundle, with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Cabasquini and Backman are also charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, which also carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. “This indictment describes a cycle of gang warfare that has plagued the streets of New Haven for years,” said U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan. “What is truly alarming, and tragic, is the collective ages of these young men who have chosen a path of extreme, unchecked violence. Their alleged actions demonstrate a reckless disregard for human life and the safety of innocent bystanders. Alongside our federal, state, and local partners, this office remains unyielding in our commitment to dismantle these violent networks and restore peace and safety to our neighborhoods.” “This investigation and prosecution represent the hard work and shared ongoing commitment of federal, state and municipal partners in using all resources available to stem violent crime in our cities,” said New Haven State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr. “These charges reflect ATF’s unwavering commitment to reducing violent crime by targeting the individuals and criminal organizations responsible for driving gun violence in our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Thomas A. Greco. “Through relentless investigation and strong partnerships with federal, state, and local law enforcement, we will continue to identify, disrupt, and dismantle those who use firearms to intimidate, injure, and kill. Today’s charges demonstrate that those who choose violence will be held accountable, and that ATF remains steadfast in its mission to protect the public and deliver justice for victims.” “Violent gangs thrive when they believe they can operate without consequence,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge P.J. O’Brien. “This investigation demonstrates that law enforcement agencies working together can penetrate these organizations, disrupt their criminal activity, and pursue justice. The FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the citizens of Connecticut by targeting those responsible for violent crime, while building lasting partnerships with the communities we serve. We will continue to bring every available resource to make our neighborhoods safer.” “Today’s indictment alleges a shocking pattern of violence that includes murders, attempted murders, drug trafficking, and the illegal use of firearms,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget. “These charges underscore the devastating impact that violent gangs have on our communities, where narcotics trafficking and gun violence often go hand in hand. The individuals charged are accused of using violence and intimidation to further their criminal enterprise, placing countless innocent lives at risk.” “The results of this long-term investigation demonstrate once again that only a small number of people commit the majority of gun violence in our community,” said New Haven Police Chief David Zannelli. “This indictment proves that we do not forget, and that those who perpetrate the most serious offenses will be identified and held accountable for their actions. We are extremely proud of NHPD Detective Cunningham and NHPD Officer Borges for all their hard work throughout this investigation. We are also grateful to the ATF, FBI and DEA New Haven field offices for their collaboration, as well as the US Attorney’s Office and our local law enforcement colleagues.” “This investigation reflects the determination, faith, and unwavering commitment of our detectives and law enforcement partners,” said Hamden Police Chief E.P Reynolds. “Although years have passed, those involved never gave up on seeking justice for the victims and their families. Today is the result of countless hours of hard work and perseverance. While our hearts and prayers remain with the victims’ loved ones, we hope this outcome brings some measure of peace and serves as a reminder that justice may take time, but we will never stop pursuing it.” This investigation is being conducted by ATF, the FBI, the DEA, the New Haven Police Department, the Hamden Police Department, the Connecticut Department of Correction and the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Nathan J. Guevremont.


title: Presque Isle Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking and Enticement Offenses

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Presque Isle man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to attempted sex trafficking of a minor, enticement of a minor and attempted enticement of a minor. According to court records, in 2024, Joseph Maile , 27, used the social media platform Snap to proposition minors for sexual images and to offer money in exchange for sex with minors. Maile faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI investigated the case. To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678 . If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741 . Project Safe Childhood: 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 the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc .


title: New Hampshire Man Charged with Assaulting Deputy U.S. Marshal

body_text: BURLINGTON– The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Christopher Palermo, 49, of Andover, New Hampshire, has been charged by criminal complaint with assaulting a federal officer. On June 23, 2026, Palermo appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Palermo be detained pending trial. According to court records, a Deputy U.S. Marshal and Vermont State Police Troopers were attempting to arrest Palermo on April 24, 2026, at a residence in Groton, Vermont. At the time, Palermo had multiple extraditable arrest warrants issued by New Hampshire state courts. Palermo attempted to flee on foot, and resisted arrest after his apprehension. While law enforcement was attempting to secure Palermo in a VSP cruiser, Palermo bit the Deputy U.S. Marshal on the bicep, causing injury. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Palermo is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Palermo faces up to 20 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its assistance investigating the case. The prosecutor is First Assistant United States Attorney Ophardt. Palermo is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sam Ansell.


title: Several Illegal Aliens Indicted in Connection With Baltimore-Area Drug Investigation

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced today, that six aliens unlawfully in the United States face indictment, stemming from a local drug investigation. The illegal aliens, along with a seventh defendant, are charged with several crimes in connection with a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Pablo Aberlardo Molina, 35, of Honduras; German Dario Aguilar Mencias, 20, of Honduras; Santos Ayala Serrano, 27, of Honduras; Hamilton Estuardo Cha Pacay, 23, of Guatemala; Brayan Juarez Cruz, 30, of Honduras; Benjamin Rivas Lopez, 39, of Honduras; and Gerson Alex Tabora-Chinchilla, 31, of Honduras; made their initial appearances to face the charges. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division, and Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD). According to the indictment, beginning in March 2025, and continuing into October 2025, the DTO members conspired to distribute five kilograms or more of a cocaine mixture along with 280 grams or more of a cocaine-base mixture. They are all charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Additionally, Molina, Serrano, Cruz, and Rivas Lopez are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, while Aguilar Mencias, Cha Pacay, andChinchilla are charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Aguilar Mencias and Cha Pacay are also charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person; and Aguilar Mencias, Cha Pacay, andChinchilla are charged with conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. If convicted, the co-conspirators face a minimum mandatory of 10 years imprisonment to life imprisonment for conspiring and possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine or 280 grams or more of cocaine base (counts one and two), and a maximum of 20 years for possession with intent to distribute cocaine (counts three and four); a maximum of 15 years for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (count five); and a maximum of 20 years for conspiracy to possess firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (count six). 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. 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. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA and BCPD for their work in the investigation, along with the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office and Baltimore County State's Attorney's Office, for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney LaRai Everett and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Godwin who are prosecuting the federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md . # # #


title: Raleigh Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving More than $60 Million in Fraudulent Claims from Paying Kickbacks for Patient Referrals

body_text: WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Raleigh man, James Shuford Price, III, 59, pleaded guilty in federal court to the crime of paying illegal kickbacks for referrals to his California-based lab and filing a false federal tax return. At sentencing, Price faces a statutory maximum of 13 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Price will also be required to pay restitution to the California Medical Assistance Program (Medi-Cal), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and others. “Stealing taxpayer dollars that should be used to help legitimate beneficiaries is lowdown, dirty pool. We have a message to fraudsters who steal federal dollars: we will catch, prosecute, and imprison you. Cheaters. Never. Win.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “This guilty plea demonstrates the FBI’s unwavering commitment to protecting federal healthcare programs and the taxpayers who fund them. Orchestrating a $60 million Medicare fraud scheme is a profound violation of public trust. This guilty plea is the direct result of meticulous investigative work conducted alongside our law enforcement and government partners," said Reid Davis, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina. “Today’s plea reflects our commitment to protecting patients, clinicians, and taxpayer funded programs from those who try to profit through deception,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “The defendant orchestrated an extensive fraud scheme generating thousands of illegitimate laboratory test claims to Medi Cal and Medicare resulting in multimillion-dollar reimbursements. This scheme not only violated federal healthcare programs but undermined trust in critical medical services.” “Effectively investigating complex fraud schemes like this one requires close coordination among federal and state agencies from coast to coast. This favorable outcome shows that HHS-OIG and its partners will aggressively pursue fraudsters who try to illegally boost profits using kickbacks, which compromise impartial medical decision-making and drive up health care costs for everyone,” said Special Agent in Charge Robb R. Breeden of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS‑OIG) Pacific Region. “This case shows how teams of dedicated investigators and prosecutors working together across jurisdictions can make a powerful impact in protecting Medicare and Medicaid and the millions of Americans served by these programs. HHS‑OIG will continue to collaborate closely with our partners to safeguard patients and defend federal health care programs from fraud.” “California is committed to protecting the integrity of our health care programs and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used appropriately,” said Department of Health Care Services Director Michelle Baass. "We appreciate our partnership with our colleagues at the U.S. Department of Justice in pursuing this case. Together, we are strengthening oversight, holding bad actors accountable, and safeguarding the Medi-Cal program so it can continue delivering vital services to the Californians who rely on it every day.” According to court documents and other information presented in court, Price owned and operated Golden Star Labs (GSL), a laboratory facility in Los Angeles, California. Between August 2023 and June 2025, GSL submitted more than $85 million in false claims to Medi-Cal and more than $11 million in false claims to Medicare for multi-panel testing for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Influenza A and B (the flu), and Respiratory Synctial Virus (RSV). The fake claims came from fraudulent test samples and resulted in Medi-Cal and Medicare’s disbursing of more than $60 million to GSL. As part of the scheme, GSL engaged so-called “collectors” in California and elsewhere to source test specimens from Medi-Cal/Medicare beneficiaries. Under Price’s direction and control, GSL unlawfully induced the collectors to supply samples by compensating them, in whole or in part, based on the volume of samples provided to the lab. Between August 2023 and January 2025, GSL paid over $17 million to these collectors. In exchange, the collectors supplied GSL with bulk quantities of bogus test samples obtained under fraudulent circumstances, including widespread identity theft. GSL then systematically billed Medi-Cal and Medicare for testing the sham samples. For example, in the first six months, approximately 96% of GSL’s Medi-Cal claims were fraudulent test authorizations from a single out-of-state physician whose personal identifiers were stolen and misapplied. In February 2024, Price purported to pause GSL’s testing operations for a month to “clean up” the billing issues. However, GSL went right back to it, basing its claims on fraudulent specimens provided by collectors after the lab resumed operations and billing in March 2024. From late March 2024 until January 2025, approximately 92% of GSL’s Medi-Cal claims were premised on phony test authorizations generated from the stolen personal information of five different clinicians. During this same period, Price directed GSL to enter written contracts with collectors specifying a fixed fee for services and prohibiting payments based on the volume or value of referrals. These fake contracts were meant to give the false appearance that GSL was complying with the law. However, the same kickback scheme with GSL paying collectors on a per-specimen basis to induce referrals continued without regard to these phony contracts, resulting in millions of dollars in Medi-Cal/Medicare payouts to GSL. During the investigation, the FBI worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to seize more than six million dollars in assets attributable to the fraud. Price also pleaded guilty to filing a false federal income tax return for the 2022 calendar year. According to the investigation, Price failed to report income from multiple sources, including money received from victims in connection with a prior investment scam. Medi-Cal is a state-administered Medicaid program funded jointly by California and the U.S. government. The law only provides for Medi-Cal and Medicare to pay private clinical labs like GSL for diagnostic testing services when an authorized treatment provider ordered such medically necessary services. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. The FBI (Charlotte Field Office, Raleigh Resident Agency) investigated this case in partnership with IRS-CI (Charlotte Field Office), the U.S. HHS-OIG (Pacific Regional Office), and the California Department of Health Care Services, Investigations Division. More information about the Healthcare Fraud Takedown can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit . A copy of this press release is located on our website . Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:26-CR-00087-M-1.


title: Walton Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child Pornography

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jerry N. Butler III, 20, of Walton, New York pled guilty yesterday to receiving child pornography. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. As part of his guilty plea, Butler admitted that in January and February 2025, he used a social media messaging application to receive child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from an out-of-state minor victim. Butler exchanged approximately 20,000 messages with the victim in which Butler persuaded the victim to create and send to Butler sexually explicit depictions of herself. Butler accomplished this by, at times, implying to the victim that he would distribute and/or “leak” sexually explicit content of her or would otherwise publicly embarrass her if she did not comply with Butler’s demands. In addition to those admissions the investigation into Butler revealed that he was involved in a nihilistic violent extremist (NVE) network, whose members seek to corrupt and exploit vulnerable populations, including minors. Butler was the administrator of an online offshoot of the “764” NVE group that operated across multiple social media channels and whose members engaged in extortion of minors, coercive self-harm, harm to animals, and the production and dissemination of CSAM. Those involved with “764” and related NVE networks methodically target vulnerable, underage populations by using social media to encourage the possession, production, and sharing of extreme gore media and child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Members of NVE groups, including 764, seek to desensitize young people to violence and break down societal norms regarding violence. They normalize the possession, production, and sharing of explicit CSAM and gore material to corrupt and groom their victims toward future violence, gain notoriety among other members of the network, and spread fear for the purpose of accelerating chaos under the NVE ideology with an aim toward the disruption of society. “When FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli brought this case to my attention, I immediately deployed the resources of the U.S. Attorney’s office, to pick up a case that had been neglected by previous administrations,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarcone. “Those involved with Nihilistic Violent Extremist (NVE) groups such as this defendant, exhibit among the most reprehensible behavior and will be met with justice. Thanks to the diligent work of our investigative partners, Mr. Butler can no longer hide behind a screen to harm children. Instead, he now faces a federal prison term of up to 20 years. My office, and our investigative partners will relentlessly pursue anyone engaged in such grotesque conduct.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: "Mr. Butler’s days of forcing minors to send CSAM and sowing chaos online are over. Nihilistic Violent Extremist (NVE) networks pose a troubling threat to our most vulnerable, but the FBI continues to dedicate every resource necessary to aggressively investigate the predators connected to these violent networks and ensure they are sent to prison for their heinous actions." At his sentencing on October 16, 2026. Butler faces a term of imprisonment of at least 5 years and up to 20 years in prison. Butler also faces a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Butler will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. This case was investigated by FBI with the assistance of the New York State Police, Walton Police Department, Broome County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI Atlanta and Milwaukee field offices. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown is currently prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Former Assistant United States Attorney and PSC Coordinator Michael Gadarian prosecuted the case. 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: Caldwell Woman Charged in the District of Idaho as Part of the National Health Care Fraud Takedown

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: BOISE – United States Attorney Bart M. Davis announced criminal charges against defendant Niki Rashel Cook in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud healthcare businesses. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. The charges stem from Cook’s alleged scheme to obtain nursing jobs at healthcare businesses by fraudulently representing herself to be a registered nurse and licensed practical nurse. The charges announced by U.S. Attorney Davis are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. The Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; the seizure of over $182 million in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and full-spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms. The coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including: Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers. 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers. Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million. 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025. The following individual was charged in the District of Idaho: Niki Rashel Cook, 47, of Caldwell, Idaho, was charged by indictment with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with an alleged scheme to obtain nursing jobs at healthcare businesses by fraudulently representing herself to be a registered nurse and licensed practical nurse. As alleged in the indictment, Cook, using victims’ names and nursing licenses, applied for and obtained jobs at healthcare facilities, including a behavioral health hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a skilled nursing facility, and businesses providing hospice services, earning over $22,000 as a result of her scheme. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Darci Crane of the District of Idaho. The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virigina participated in the investigation of federal cases announced. Descriptions of each case involved in the enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here . The District of Idaho, in particular, worked with the Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Fraud Division and the following law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the case filed during the Takedown: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Boise Police Department. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. An indictment, information or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Fort Defiance Man Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Prison for Sexually Abusing Teenager

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Earlier this month, Ernest Larry Tabaha, 65, of Fort Defiance, AZ, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan to 87 months in prison, followed by 180 months of supervised release. Tabaha previously pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a teenager on the Navajo Nation. In 2024, Tabaha provided alcohol to a teenaged girl until she became highly intoxicated and passed out. Tabaha then engaged in a sexual act with the victim while she was unconscious. Tabaha is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. The FBI Phoenix Division’s Flagstaff office and the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety conducted the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-25-8028-PCT-SPL RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-106_Tabaha # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Jury Finds D.C. Man Guilty of Murder After Argument Over a BBQ Grill

body_text: WASHINGTON – Irv Duff, 35, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty yesterday in the Superior Court for the District of Columbia, on charges of shooting and killing 26-year-old Darnell Gibson, in Southwest D.C., on August 1, 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Duff was found guilty of one count of second-degree murder while armed, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On June 23, 2026, Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan scheduled sentencing for September 11, 2026. “This was a brazen and senseless act of violence that stole a young man’s life and endangered others,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “This tragedy is especially troubling because it began with something as trivial as an argument over a grill. Our community deserves far better, and my office remains committed to pursuing accountability and ensuring that those who choose violence are held fully responsible under the law.” According to the government’s evidence, on the evening of August 1, 2023, Duff and his girlfriend got into a verbal dispute in the stairwell of the girlfriend’s walk-up apartment. During the argument, the defendant threw a grill sitting in the hallway that belonged to the victim, Darnell Gibson. The victim came out of his apartment and started arguing with Duff about him knocking over the grill. As the defendant’s girlfriend retreated into her apartment, the defendant and the victim continued to argue. Duff challenged the victim to come outside to fight, which the victim agreed to do. As the victim got ready to go outside, Duff retreated to his vehicle parked in the street and called his girlfriend to warn her there was about to be a shootout. The victim then walked outside, followed closely by the victim’s girlfriend, who stood behind him near the entrance of the building. The victim and Duff remained separated by at least 60 feet while they hurled insults at one another. Moments later, Duff took out a pistol and unleashed 22 rounds of automatic gunfire toward the victim and his girlfriend. The victim’s girlfriend dropped to the ground and narrowly avoided being hit by the hail of bullets. The victim tried to run away, but he was cut down by three shots to his upper torso, all from behind, killing him instantly. Duff then fled the scene in his vehicle. Duff was arrested on December 8, 2023, and has been in custody since. Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Hall and Wes Faulkner. 2023 CF1 009215


title: Engineering Manager Charged with $1.4 Million Insider Trading Scheme

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging a Wilmington man with securities fraud and insider trading. According to the indictment, Casey Muggleston, 44, served as an engineering manager with a publicly traded energy company that operates nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, and solar generation facilities. From in or around May 2024 until in or around September 2024, Muggleston learned of material nonpublic information about the company’s efforts to restart a nuclear reactor. The energy company owned the nuclear reactor, which had previously ceased operations in 2019. The indictment alleges that through his employment, Muggleston received progress updates and confidential internal communications about the energy company’s efforts to restart the reactor. Muggleston used this confidential information to purchase hundreds of call options in the energy company through his own brokerage account. Call options provide the buyer with the right, but not the obligation, to purchase shares of the underlying security at a specified price (the “strike price”) on or before the option’s expiration date. Muggleston purchased these call options despite his employer’s policies prohibiting insider trading and the purchase and sale of the company’s call options. On September 20, 2024, the energy company publicly announced the restart of the nuclear reactor and that it had entered into a power purchase agreement with a large technology company to purchase all of the energy produced by the reactor. That same day, Muggleston sold 550 call option contracts he held in the energy company for a total of approximately $1,480,380.67. Muggleston is charged with one count of securities fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1348, and four counts of insider trading, in violation of 15 U.S.C. §§ 78j(b) & 78ff and 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5. If convicted, Muggleston faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison for the securities fraud count and 20 years in prison for each of the four insider trading counts. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace made the announcement. Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Baltimore Field Office’s Wilmington and Dover Resident Agencies investigated the case. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission provided valuable assistance in this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corey J. Hauser and Bryan C. Williamson are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:26-cr-105-UNA. The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ###


title: Great Falls man sentenced to 12 years in prison for trafficking over 50 pounds of meth

body_text: GREAT FALLS – A Great Falls man who had 30 pounds of meth hidden in his home and was pulled over with another 25 pounds of meth in his car was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said. Cody Allen Davidson, 39, pleaded guilty in April 2026 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The government alleged in court documents that Davidson and his partner, Diane Walters, had been trafficking methamphetamine and that searches of Davidson’s home and car turned up bundles of meth, cash, and firearms. The case began in May 2025 when a source notified the DEA that Davidson had recently received a resupply of methamphetamine that was stored at his Great Falls residence. Using that information, law enforcement obtained a warrant and searched Davidson’s home. He was there when officers arrived and agreed to show them “everything,” opening up a gun safe that held roughly 30 pounds of meth, four guns and $21,479 in cash. Davidson told authorities the cash was from selling about 7 pounds of meth and that he’d been trafficking it for the last six to eight months. Two months later, on July 10, 2025, Davidson’s car was spotted traveling north of Las Vegas. Law enforcement suspected he was on a drug resupply run and put out an alert for the vehicle. The next day, law enforcement in Idaho Falls, Idaho, spotted the car and pulled it over – Walters was driving and Davidson was the passenger. Hidden in the car, officers found roughly 25 pounds of meth. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Starnes prosecuted the case. The DEA and Great Falls Police Department conducted the investigation.


title: Eight North Carolina Tax Return Preparers Plead Guilty in Almost $25M Pandemic-Relief Fraud Scheme

body_text: WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Robeson County woman who was the owner of a North Carolina tax return preparation business pleaded guilty to conspiring to prepare false returns claiming fraudulent refunds based on COVID-19 tax credits, and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. Mitchell, 48, faces a maximum term of eight years in prison, and a $500,000 fine when sentenced later this year. She will also be ordered to pay a Forfeiture Money Judgment of $13,890,697.00. Seven other tax return preparers have already pleaded guilty for their roles in the same fraud scheme. According to court documents and statements made in court, Nejlai Mitchell owned and operated a tax return preparation business out of Lumberton, North Carolina, and Hope Mills, North Carolina. From approximately April 2022 through May 2023, Mitchell and seven employees filed false tax returns seeking fraudulent refunds based on COVID-19 tax credits. As a result of the conspiracy, the IRS paid out approximately $13,890,697 in fraudulent tax refund claims. Seven other co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty to preparing federal tax returns for clients that included materially false items. Tiffany Moody and Shaneen Ray pleaded guilty in December 2025; Eyoubo McBurney and Katrena Stanback pleaded guilty in September 2025; Jeannie Negron and Sylvia Swindell pleaded guilty in August 2025, and Whitnee Leach pleaded guilty in May 2026. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II accepted the plea. IRS-CI is investigating the case. A copy of this press release is located on our website . Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:26-CR-38-M.


title: Former BOP Contractor Charged With Accepting Bribes In Exchange For Smuggling Contraband

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region Office of the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (“DOJ OIG”), Ryan T. Geach, announced the unsealing of a Complaint charging TERRI LYNN OUTER, a former contractor with the Bureau of Prisons working at a federal prison in Orange County, New York, with bribery, providing or possessing contraband in prison, and conspiracy to provide or possess contraband in prison. OUTER was arrested today and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznik. “As alleged, Terri Lynn Outer accepted bribes from federal inmates, their family members, and their associates in exchange for smuggling contraband, including drugs, into a federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The DOJ refuses to tolerate such corruption in our prisons. It makes our prisons more dangerous and makes rehabilitation more difficult.” “Outer’s alleged attempt to accept bribes and smuggle contraband jeopardized the safety and security of the institution,” said DOJ OIG Special Agent in Charge Ryan T. Geach. “The DOJ OIG is committed to working with its law enforcement partners to bring to justice any Bureau of Prisons employee or contractor who abuses their authority and attempts to smuggle illegal contraband into federal prisons.” As alleged in the Complaint:(1) From January 2024 through August 2025, OUTER was employed as a contractor at FCI Otisville, working as a dental assistant. During her time there, OUTER solicited and received payments in return for smuggling contraband and prohibited objects into the prison. OUTER received more than $163,000 from inmates’ family members and associates, and engaged in extensive communications with inmates, former inmates, and their family members and associates, including discussions with an inmate about having the contents of a package weighing over six pounds smuggled into FCI Otisville. On or about August 1, 2025, prison staff searched a specific supply room used by the Health Services Department at FCI Otisville, to which OUTER had access. During that search, prison staff found contraband that included approximately 3.2 pounds of marijuana and 6.7 pounds of loose-leaf tobacco, pictured below: Marijuana discovered at FCI Otisville Tobacco discovered at FCI Otisville * * * OUTER, 50, of Montague, New Jersey, is charged with one count of bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison; one count of providing or possessing contraband in prison, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to provide or possess contraband in prison, which also carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of OUTER will be determined by a judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of DOJ OIG; the United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Domicile; the FCI Otisville Special Investigative Services; and the New Jersey State Police. This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carmi Schickler and Timothy Deal are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and OUTER is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ^ As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Illegal alien sentenced for production of child sexual abuse material

component: Criminal Division

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Mexican national illegally residing in the United States was sentenced to 30 years in prison and lifetime supervised release for production of child sexual abuse material. He was also required to register as a sex offender. According to court documents, on several occasions in February and March 2025, Samuel Flores de Dios, 36, brought the victim, who was under 13 years old, to a bedroom he rented in an apartment in Fredericksburg on several occasions. On at least four occasions, Flores de Dios sexually abused the victim and recorded the abuse on cellphones positioned around his bedroom. One of the cellphones belonging to Flores de Dios also contained videos of a second adult male abusing the victim. Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C., investigated this case with assistance from the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Garnett of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Angelica Carrasco of the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the 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.justice.gov/psc . For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from sexual predators, visit Know2Protect.gov. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-158.


title: Fresno, California Man Sentenced to Over 4 Years in Federal Prison  for Drug Conspiracy Charge

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Court Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Fresno, California, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on June 22, 2026. Alonso Molina-Corona, 43, was sentenced to four years and two months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Molina-Corona was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in August 2025. He pleaded guilty on March 9, 2026. The charges stem from a vehicle stop made by a South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper of a vehicle driven by Molina-Corona on I-90 in August 2025. Inside the defendant’s vehicle, officers discovered over 92 kilos (approximately 200 lbs.) of methamphetamine. The defendant was found to have been transporting the drugs from the west coast for distribution in the Midwest as part of a conspiracy of which he was part. Ultimately, law enforcement authorities deemed Molina-Corona a courier of the drugs. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen prosecuted the case. Molina-Corona was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Nearly 5 Years in Federal Prison  for Possessing a Firearm as a Felon

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on June 22, 2026. Warren Allen McBride, 33, was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. McBride was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2025. He pleaded guilty on March 30, 2026. According to court records, on April 23, 2025, McBride possessed a short-barreled shotgun, even though he knew he was prohibited from possessing any firearms as a result of prior felony convictions. The shotgun had a barrel length of less than 18 inches, and it was unregistered in the National Firearms Registry. McBride possessed the short-barreled shotgun in a residence where others had direct access to it, and it was seized during the execution of a search warrant at his residence. 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). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case. McBride was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: California Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to Over Eighteen Years in Prison in Homeland Security Task Force Investigation

component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Bill Van Nguyen, a/k/a “Sau,” 57, of Garden Grove, California, was sentenced on June 22, 2026 by Senior United States District Judge Helen Gillmor to 220 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for distributing, attempting to distribute, and conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. The court also imposed a money judgment ordering Nguyen to forfeit $118,050 in drug proceeds. According to court records, between April 2023 and April 2025, Nguyen sold and distributed over thirty-four and a half pounds of methamphetamine and eleven and a half pounds of fentanyl and fentanyl-laced pills from his base of operations in California to a Hawaii purchaser, who was an undercover law enforcement employee (the “undercover”). Nguyen sold the drugs to the undercover for approximately $118,050 and shipped them from California to Hawaii, concealing the drug shipments in canned goods labeled as hominy and condensed milk. Nguyen told the undercover he had a supplier in Mexico, traveled to Mexico during the timeframe of the conspiracy, and had access to other drugs, including oxycodone cocaine, and ketamine. Over an approximately two-year period, Nguyen communicated with the undercover by text, phone calls, and in-person meetings in California. Nguyen directed and conspired with another California individual, Dylan Dang, who traveled to Hawaii on two occasions to meet with the undercover to take cash payments for the drug transactions. Dang has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and is scheduled to be sentenced in the District of Hawaii on July 7, 2026. “Bill Van Nguyen made the choice to traffic massive amounts of crystal methamphetamine and fentanyl into Hawaii, and for those efforts, he will now spend most of the next two decades doing hard time in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “The 220-month sentence in this case sends the clear message that trafficking deadly drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl in Hawaii is a one-way ticket to a long prison sentence.” “Drug trafficking organizations operate with indifference toward the communities and lives they destroy—all to make a profit,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “This sentence is a direct result of the collaboration and dogged work of our federal, state, and local partners to dismantle criminal drug trafficking networks. The FBI is committed to removing these dangerous narcotics—and the individuals who push them—from our streets.” The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Honolulu Police Department, and Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca A. Perlmutter prosecuted the case. This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Hawaii comprises agents and officers from ICE-HSI, FBI, ATF, CBP, CGIS, DCIS, DEA, DSS, IRS-CI, NCIS, USMS, USPIS and HHIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii.