title: Coleman man identified by distinctive tattoos sentenced to 720 months in federal prison for producing child sexual abuse material

body_text: A Coleman, Texas man was sentenced to 720 months in federal prison for producing child sexual abuse material, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Nancy E. Larson. According to court documents, in July 2024, a foreign partner referred child sexual abuse material posted on the dark web to the FBI’s Victim Identification Program. In the videos, an unknown male subject with several distinctive tattoos – including the word “DABBY” on his chest,” the number “197x” on his left bicep, the words “CAST NO STONES” on his left forearm, and a Texas flag in the shape of a head on his right forearm – can be seen sexually assaulting a prepubescent male. The FBI discovered a Twitter account of Coleman resident Christopher Lynn Driskill, 49, which contained photographs of Driskill and some of these tattoos. Additionally, Coleman Police Department officers investigated a complaint that Driskill had molested a child. Their recorded interview of Driskill revealed the same tattoos investigated by the FBI. Driskill was arrested on a federal complaint in November 2024, remanded into federal custody, and indicted shortly thereafter for production of child pornography. In February 2025, Driskill pled guilty to two counts of producing child pornography. In his plea documents, Driskill admitted that videos found on his phone show him engaging in sexually explicit conduct with minor male victims. Driskill also admitted that he coerced or enticed the victims to engage in the conduct so that Driskill could produce a recording of the acts. On July 29, 2025, United States Circuit Judge Andrew Oldham sentenced Driskill to the statutory maximum sentence of 360 months on each count, to run consecutively to each other, for a total of 720 months in federal prison. “The FBI’s meticulous work identifying this defendant brought an end to horrifying child abuse,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy Larson. “These types of sickening crimes deserve lengthy sentences for the sake of the victims, the safety of our communities, and to see justice served.” “The sentence imposed in this case underscores the seriousness of the crime. The defendant created child sexual abuse material and distributed it through the dark web for others to view it. A tip from a foreign partner resulted in law enforcement arresting a dangerous predator and preventing future abuse,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI does not tolerate the exploitation of children and works with our law enforcement partners to identify and arrest individuals committing these criminal acts. We will continue to prioritize the safety of the most vulnerable in our communities, which are our children, and ask that the public report any crimes against children to law enforcement.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, with the help of the Bureau’s Endangered Child Alert Program (ECAP) and the assistance of the Coleman Police Department, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Tusing prosecuted the case.


title: Nanticoke Man Charged With Pandemic Fraud Offenses

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Joseph Kaminski, age 58, of Nanticoke, Luzerne County, PA, was indicted on July 29, 2025, by a federal grand jury for pandemic fraud offenses, including wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements to the Small Business Administration (“SBA”). According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that from approximately January 2020 to approximately January 2025, Kaminski engaged in a scheme to defraud the SBA of over $850,000.00 in emergency pandemic funding made available to small business owners through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program. The indictment also alleges that Kaminski fraudulently obtained over $40,000.00 of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (“PUA”) benefits to which he was not entitled by deceiving the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigations and by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffery St John and Tatum Wilson are prosecuting the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 20 years’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office to Participate in Community Events  During National Night Out

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ROANOKE, Va. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia will join their law enforcement partners, neighbors, and communities in National Night Out events in nearly a dozen communities across the district next Tuesday, August 5, 2025. “The Western District of Virginia is one of the most geographically diverse districts in the country, spanning from the Northern Shenandoah Valley all the way down to the North Carolina border and we will have AUSAs and staff at events throughout the entire region,” United States Attorney C. Todd Gilbert said today. “National Night Out is an opportunity for folks in our community who might not know what the U.S. Attorney’s Office is, what we do, or the services we provide to meet us one-on-one. It’s a wonderful night where communities come together and reminds us, we have much more in common than we think.” Assistant United States Attorneys and professional staff will travel throughout the Western District of Virginia to attend National Night Out events in Abingdon, Bristol, Chilhowie, Albemarle County, Louisa, Pulaski, Woodstock, Vinton, Roanoke, and more. “Local law enforcement plays a crucial role in Department of Justice priorities, like Operation Take Back America, and we are proud to meet our partners in their communities to increase partnerships and trust during National Night Out,” U.S. Attorney Gilbert said. “These bonds strengthen relationships which makes our entire district safer.” National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country. National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization. Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe. For more information, visit https://natw.org/ .


title: South Florida Man Sentenced To 14 Months In Prison For Smuggling Fentanyl And Other Contraband Into Prison

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Jose Santos Pardo (25, Homestead) to 14 months in federal prison for possession of contraband by a federal inmate. Santos Pardo pleaded guilty on March 25, 2025. According to court records, Santos Pardo was an inmate at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman) in 2022. He was assigned to a low security section of the prison where inmates are not confined by fencing. On the night of November 19, 2022, a correctional officer saw Santos Pardo running along the side of the road carrying two duffle bags and a trash bag. Staff members confronted Santos Pardo and searched the bags which contained drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and cellphones. During an interview with law enforcement, Santos Pardo admitted that he had picked up the bags from the road to bring them back to his housing unit. Inmates are prohibited from possessing these items because they threaten the order, discipline, and security of the prison, as well as the life, health, and safety of federal prisoners and staff. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.


title: Brevard County Man Sentenced To 20 Years In Federal Prison For Distributing Fentanyl And Methamphetamine

body_text: Orlando, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Christopher Fitzgerald Spivey, Jr. (41, Melbourne) to 20 years in federal prison for distributing controlled substances. The court also ordered Spivey to forfeit $10,500, the proceeds of his drug distribution. Spivey pleaded guilty on March 6, 2025. According to the court records, on four occasions between November 5 and December 10, 2024, Spivey distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine to a confidential source. Following Spivey’s arrest, a search warrant was executed at his residence where law enforcement recovered additional fentanyl, drug processing materials, and five firearms. In total, Spivey was responsible for distributing or possessing with intent to distribute more than 1.2 kilograms of pure methamphetamine and over 130 grams of fentanyl. Prior to Spivey’s conduct in this investigation, he was convicted of a aggravated assault upon a law enforcement officer, which subjected him to enhanced penalties. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.


title: Lake County Convicted Felon Facing Up To 10 Years In Federal Prison For Illegally Possessing A Firearm

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Kevin Eugene Leeks, Jr. (34, Leesburg) has been arrested on an indictment charging him with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Leeks faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, Leeks has been a convicted felon since 2013. He has two prior felony convictions, including robbery with a deadly weapon. As a convicted felon, Leeks is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. On July 13, 2019, Leeks possessed a firearm and ammunition. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson. 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 Neighborhoods (PSN).


title: Osceola Man Pleads Guilty To Wire Fraud Scheme Relating To Federal Criminal Forfeiture

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Levelle Joseph Harris (38, Kissimmee) has pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud. Harris faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count. Harris is also facing a forfeiture order of $640,911.85, which represents the total proceeds he obtained through his fraudulent conduct. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court records, Harris previously committed wire fraud in 2020 by fraudulently obtaining $1,283,029.81 in COVID relief funds. He then used some of the stolen funds to purchase a residential property. Harris was federally prosecuted and convicted of 14 counts of wire fraud relating to that conduct. The United States then sought the forfeiture of the residential property Harris had purchased with the stolen COVID relief funds. Before his sentencing in that case, Harris claimed he had sold the property and gave the proceeds to the United States. Agents later determined, however, that the sale was unlawful. Between February 7, 2022, and January 31, 2023, Harris devised another fraudulent scheme to avoid paying the criminal forfeiture by obtaining a mortgage on the property through false representations. He used the fraudulent mortgage proceeds to purchase the residence and pay off his criminal forfeiture. Through Harris’s mortgage fraud scheme, he fraudulently obtained another $640,911.85. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Harrington. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by visiting the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.


title: Pueblo Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Federal Prison on Drug, Firearm Charges

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Dominick Jesus Salazar, 52, of Pueblo, Colorado, was sentenced to 180 months in prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm and ammunition despite having been previously convicted of a felony. According to the facts established at trial last year, on May 23, 2023, Salazar was arrested outside of a Pueblo-area hotel room he was staying in after Pueblo Police Officers saw him interacting with multiple people in a manner consistent with hand-to-hand drug sales. When officers arrested Salazar, he had a loaded pistol in his pocket, along with drug proceeds. Inside his hotel room, officers found 188 grams of methamphetamine and 82 fentanyl pills. Evidence on Salazar’s phone showed he had been dealing drugs out of his hotel room. “Pueblo is safer because Mr. Salazar is going to federal prison,” said United States Attorney Peter McNeilly. “We’re grateful to the committed men and women of the Pueblo Police Department and federal partners like the FBI who are invested in reducing violent crime and drug dealing in that community.” “When we bring the full force of federal prosecution against drug dealers, we're not just making arrests—we're delivering justice with real consequences,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “The FBI stands united with local law enforcement and will use every tool we have to drive violent crime out of our communities.” United States District Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney presided over the sentencing. The FBI Denver Field Office handled the investigation. The Violent Crime and Immigration Enforcement Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado handled the prosecution. Case Number: 23-CR-00310


title: PENSACOLA MAN SENTENCED FOR POSSESSION OF A FIREARM AND AMMUNITION BY A CONVICTED FELON

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

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Brandon Martez Black, 27, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 100 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. On June 8, 2024, Black, a felon with prior drug trafficking convictions, fled in a vehicle from the Florida Highway Patrol (“FHP”) after an attempted traffic stop. FHP was able to disable Black’s vehicle after performing a Precision Immobilization Technique. Black fled on foot and threw a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol over a fence into a residential backyard, which was later recovered by law enforcement. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Operation Take Back America is a promise by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi that we will do everything in our power to stop those who pose a danger to our communities, and keeping a repeat offender like this one off the streets is exactly what they meant. I am proud of the work of our brave state and federal law enforcement partners who investigated this case, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute these offenders to keep our communities safe.” The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol, Escambia County Sherriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Mexican National and Convicted Rapist Pleads Guilty to Illegally Re-Entering the United States

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Greenbelt, Maryland – Dimas Gonzalo Contreras-Nolasco, 54, a Mexican citizen and national, has pleaded guilty to illegally re-entering the United States after previously being deported. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Acting Field Office Director Nikita Baker, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), Baltimore Field Office. According to court filings, Contreras-Nolasco voluntarily and unlawfully entered the U.S. on September 18, 2005. On that date, Contreras-Nolasco applied for admission into the United States from Mexico via the vehicle primary inspection lanes in Del Rio, Texas. Contreras-Nolasco orally declared himself a U.S. citizen by birth, but he did not present identification or documentation to support his claim. As a result, United States Border Patrol deemed Contreras-Nolasco inadmissible, so they processed him for expedited removal, and then ordered him to return to Mexico. On September 9, 2021, law enforcement again found Contreras-Nolasco unlawfully in the U.S. when they arrested him for rape in Rockville, Maryland. Then on March 31, 2022, Contreras-Nolasco pled guilty to second-degree rape and a second-degree sex offense in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland. He received a 20-year state sentence, which he is currently serving, with all but 10 years suspended. Contreras-Nolasco also now faces two years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release for the illegal re-entry charges. Prior to his arrest in Montgomery County, Contreras-Nolasco did not obtain consent at any time from the Attorney General of the United States, or from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, for readmission into the country. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday, November 14, at 1 p.m. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended ICE-ERO for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney LaShanta Harris who is prosecuting this case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Chicago Man Charged With Receiving and Distributing Child Pornography

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: CHICAGO — A criminal complaint unsealed today in federal court charges a Chicago man with receiving and distributing child pornography. The complaint alleges that JARON WOODSLEY, 27, shared images of child pornography last fall with another individual on the social media application Telegram. Using Telegram, Woodsley distributed at least thirteen videos and received six videos from the other individual, the complaint states. The other individual was indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Colorado last year. Woodsley was arrested this morning. He is scheduled to make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Chicago today at 2:00 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez. The complaint was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige A. Nutini. The charge in the complaint is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in a federal prison and a maximum of 20 years. The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. woodsley_complaint.pdf


title: Grant Man Sentenced to 36 Months for Transporting Explosives and Possessing a Destructive Device

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that United States District Judge Robert J. Jonker sentenced Luke Isaac Terpstra, 31, of Grant, Michigan to three years in prison for possession of an unregistered destructive device. Terpstra also has to pay a fine of $750 and a special assessment of $100. “The sentence in this case is significant and it reinforces that individuals who build bombs with the intent to injure innocent civilians and destroy property will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey. “This conduct puts us all at risk, and my office will hold those who commit such crimes accountable.” Terpstra’s sentencing follows his guilty plea in April of this year. As part of the plea, Terpstra admitted that, in September 2023, he traveled from his home in Grant, Michigan to Salem, Massachusetts carrying with him several improvised explosive devices (IED), multiple firearms (including a shotgun and an AR-15 rifle), and ammunition. Terpstra built the IEDs sometime in late summer or early fall 2023. Two of the IEDs were comprised of a container with either coins or rifle ammunition secured to the sides of it and a piece of cannon fuse coming out of the lids of the containers. Terpstra admitted building the IEDs because he wanted to destroy the Satanic Temple by setting it on fire. “The sentencing of Luke Terpstra sends a clear and powerful message: those who threaten the safety of our nation will be held fully accountable under the law,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “This outcome reflects our steadfast commitment to protecting the American people from bad actors and violence in all its forms. I am proud of the dedicated and diligent investigative work of the members from our FBI Grand Rapids Resident Agency, alongside our law enforcement partners at the Grant Police Department, Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and Michigan State Police. I also want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, whose contributions were vital in concluding this case. We remain fully committed to collaborating with our law enforcement allies to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who pose a threat to our country.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Grant Police Department and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie M. Carowan prosecuted it on behalf of the United States.


title: Convicted Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Nearly 50 Years Imprisonment

body_text: SAVANNAH, GA: A Savannah resident has been sentenced to 595 months imprisonment following his convictions for drug, firearm, and jury tampering charges. Malik Javier McKenzie , 27, of Savannah, was convicted after a two-day trial in U.S. District Court on charges of Possession of Controlled Substances With Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Machinegun in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. During said trial, McKenzie attempted to contact a juror, through a third-party, to offer the juror payment for a not guilty verdict. This attempt was identified, and the juror was never contacted by McKenzie or any other party. Following McKenzie’s conviction at trial, and an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), McKenzie entered a guilty plea to a one-count information charging him with Obstruction of Justice by Endeavoring to Influence a Juror for this conduct. On July 22, 2025, McKenzie was brought before Chief Judge R. Stan Baker of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia for sentencing on both cases and was sentenced to serve a cumulative 595 months imprisonment followed by 5 years of supervised release. Chief Judge Baker ordered that the sentences in both cases run concurrent to each other, but consecutive to the 71-month sentence McKenzie is currently serving for an earlier drug trafficking conviction, and an 18-month sentence McKenzie received for violating the terms of supervised release following a federal conviction in 2019. There is no parole in the federal system. “Malik McKenzie is a repeat offender who refuses to learn from his past mistakes,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “This time, he tried to undermine our entire judicial system by attempting to bribe a juror in his trial. We are thankful for our federal and local partners for stopping this attempt and helping put this criminal behind bars for the next 49 plus years.” “Guns, drugs, and violence are unfortunately all too common tools of the drug traffickers operating in our communities,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Today’s announcement demonstrates DEA’s emphatic commitment to attacking the drug dealers responsible for the devastation.” "This case exemplifies the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies. By working together, we can effectively combat the threats posed by drug traffickers and keep our neighborhoods safe from violence and illegal firearms," said Beau Kolodka, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, ATF. 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 Neighborhoods (PSN). This investigation took place under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer. The case was being investigated by the ATF, DEA, FBI, and the Hinesville Police Department and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley R. Thompson. For any questions, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (912) 652-4422.


title: U. S. Attorney's Office Supports Local Law Enforcement Partners During National Night Out

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio will join their law enforcement partners, neighbors, and communities in National Night Out events in Cleveland and across the region. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country. National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization. Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe. For more information, visit https://natw.org/ . Scheduled Events: City of Cleveland’s National Night Out Tuesday, Aug. 5, 4-8 p.m. Steelyard Commons, 3447 Steelyard Dr., Cleveland OH Lake County-Painesville’s National Night Out Tuesday, Aug. 5, 6-8 p.m. Veteran’s Park, 56 S. Park Place, Painesville, OH Shaker Heights National Night Out Tuesday, Aug. 5, 6-8 p.m. 3441 Tuttle Td, Shaker Heights, OH City of Toledo’s National Night Out Tuesday, Aug. 5, 3-7 p.m. Glass City Metropark, 1505 Front St., Toledo OH


title: Mexican National Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the United States and Possessing a Firearm as an Illegal Alien

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican National illegally residing in Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced in federal court today for unlawful reentry after deportation and possession of a firearm as an illegal alien. Omar Avila-Ramirez, 38, was sentenced by United States District Judge Howard F. Sachs to 15 months in federal prison without parole followed by three years of supervised release. On Jan. 23, 2025, Avila-Ramirez pleaded guilty without a plea agreement to unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation and possession of a firearm as an illegal alien. According to government filings, Avila-Ramirez was arrested by Lee’s Summit, Mo., police officers on Sept. 26, 2024, for driving a van with license plates belonging to a stolen truck. Avila-Ramirez gave police the wrong name and claimed to not have any identification. Police recovered from Avila-Ramirez’s possession a Phoenix Arms HP, .22 caliber pistol loaded with six rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, with one in the chamber. Avila-Ramirez has twice been removed from the country. Avila-Ramirez admitted he was in the country illegally and that he was not legally allowed to possess a firearm. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Mahoney. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Lee’s Summit, Missouri Police Department. Operation Take Back America This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Billings man sentenced to 20 years in prison for possession of drugs

body_text: BILLINGS – A Billings man who possessed methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine was sentenced today to 240 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Dustin James Massey, 40, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided. The government alleged in court documents that on September 20, 2023, agents with the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation learned from a source that Dustin Massey was selling drugs in Billings and was known to have guns. Agents learned Massey was on federal supervision due to a prior federal conviction for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. On September 21, 2023, United States Probation officers, along with agents from the Montana DCI, attempted to conduct a probation search at Massey’s residence. Law enforcement went to Massey’s residence and knocked on the door, announcing their presence. Massey did not respond, and law enforcement breached the door of the residence. In response, Massey shot at officers forcing them to return fire, eventually shooting Massey. Officers disarmed Massey and noted the firearm he had been using was a Sig Sauer with an extended magazine. Agents searched the residence pursuant to a search warrant. They seized approximately four pounds of methamphetamine, more than 12,000 fentanyl pills, and 49.4 grams of cocaine. They also seized three firearms: a Sig Sauer, model P320, 9x19 mm pistol, a Taurus, model G3, 9x19mm pistol, and a North American Arms, Model NAA-22LR, .22 caliber revolver. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten prosecuted the case. ATF and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. 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 more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn . XXX


title: Fatal Shooting in October 2024 Yields 19-Year Prison Term

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Andre Clark, 34, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today in Superior Court for the October 2024 shooting of Leonard Taylor, Jr., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Clark pleaded guilty on May 5, 2025, to one count second-degree murder while armed. Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman sentenced Clark to 19 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. According to the government’s evidence, on the morning of October 20, 2024, the defendant walked out of a building in the 1500 block of 19th St., SE and towards the victim, who was sitting in the driver’s seat of a gray sedan parked on that street. Clark walked up to the driver’s side of the car, leaned down towards the driver’s side window, and used his right hand to point a firearm at the victim. As the victim started to drive away, the defendant fired his gun at him, striking the victim in the back and killing him. Clark was located and arrested in Baltimore, Maryland on December 19, 2024, and has been in custody since. Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Bromwich, who prosecuted the case.


title: Victorville Man Found Guilty of Transporting 15-Year-Old Girl from San Luis Obispo County to Mexico for Illicit Sexual Activity

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A San Bernardino County man who posed online as a teenage boy and enticed a 15-year-old girl to have a sexual relationship before bringing her to Mexico has been found guilty on all federal charges he faced at the conclusion of a four-day trial, the Justice Department announced today. Daniel Navarro, 41, of Victorville, who sometimes posed online as “Angel,” was found guilty late Thursday of two counts of sexual exploitation of a child for the purpose of producing a sexually explicit visual depiction, one count of attempted enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity, one count of transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of transportation of child pornography. Navarro was arrested in July 2022 as he entered the United States from Mexico 10 days after he brought the victim to Mexico just before her quinceañera . The victim, an Arizona girl who was spending the summer in the Central Coast town of Nipomo – was rescued by Mexican authorities from a Tijuana residence after Navarro’s arrest. He remains in federal custody. According to evidence presented at trial, Navarro had an online relationship with this victim. A review of one of his Instagram accounts revealed conversations between Navarro and this victim on her Instagram account in which Navarro professed his love for this victim and discussed having sex with her to impregnate her. Navarro transported this victim from San Luis Obispo County to Tijuana, Mexico, with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Navarro also used Instagram to distribute child pornography to this minor and with transporting child pornography on his phone as he traveled from Tijuana, Mexico, up to San Luis Obispo County before making the return trip to Tijuana. The evidence at trial also showed that Navarro used Instagram to persuade, induce, and entice another second victim to send him sexual images. United States District Judge André Birotte Jr. scheduled an October 24 sentencing hearing, at which time Navarro will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The FBI and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office are investigating this matter. The San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office provided substantial assistance. The FBI’s Legal Attaché in Mexico City and Mexican law enforcement authorities provided assistance during this investigation. DHS Homeland Security Investigations provided assistance at the southern border and during Navarro’s arrest. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Reidy of the Major Frauds Section and Assistant United States Attorney Kathy Yu are prosecuting this case.


title: Three Ohio Residents Arrested For Road Rage Shooting In Great Smoky Mountain National Park

component: USAO - Tennessee, Eastern

body_text: KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Yosiah Awomolo, 20, Alexander Legeza, 21, and Kelly White, 28, all Ohio residents, with were charged in a federal criminal complaint today on charges involving a road rage shooting within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP). They had their initial appearance today in the United States District Court in Knoxville, before the Honorable Debra C. Poplin, United States Magistrate Judge. The criminal complaint filed with the court alleges that on July 31, 2025, law enforcement officers from GSMNP and the Gatlinburg Police Department responded to a road rage incident involving the discharge of a firearm and threatening of a person with a deadly weapon on U.S. 441 South (The Spur). Law enforcement determined that Yosiah Awomolo, the driver of a 2022 gray Buick Envision, threatened the driver of a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck with a handgun and fired one round into the pickup truck. The round lodged in the driver’s lunchbox that was on the front passenger seat. During the investigation, law enforcement recovered the shell casing in the roadway on U.S. 441 South in the same area of the reported shooting. Alexander Legeza and Kelly White were passengers in the Buick Envision. The complaint further alleges that the Pigeon Forge Police Department located the suspect vehicle at the Park Tower Inn in Pigeon Forge, TN. Officers arrested all three suspects and seized two firearms from inside the suspects’ hotel room. The criminal complaint charges Awomolo with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm, assault with a deadly weapon, reckless endangerment, and communicating a threat to another person. Legeza is charged with felon in possession of a firearm and misprison of a felony. White is charged with misprison of a felony. U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement. This prosecution is the result of an ongoing investigation by the National Park Service, Gatlinburg Police Department, and Pigeon Forge Police Department. Members of the public are reminded that these are only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt. ###


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Former Soldier for Child Exploitation Offense at Fort Campbell

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury in Paducah returned an indictment on June 10, 2025, charging a former soldier with sexual abuse of a minor at the Fort Campbell military installation. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement. According to court documents, Zachary Martin Young, 54, of Swansea, South Carolina, was charged with one count of sexual abuse of a minor. Specifically, between March 1999 and February 2000, at the Fort Campbell military installation, Young knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a minor victim who had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years. According to court filings, Young was a soldier at the time of the offense and later retired from the U.S. Army in 2014. On July 29, 2025, Young was arraigned before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, he faces a sentence of not more than 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by the FBI Hopkinsville Satellite Office and the Army CID. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Louisville Man Sentenced to Over 15 Years for Methamphetamine Distribution

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Louisville, Kentucky man was sentenced on July 29, 2025, to over 15 years in federal prison for engaging in a conspiracy to distribute of over 50 grams of methamphetamine and distribution of over 50 grams of methamphetamine after having previously been convicted of a serious drug trafficking offense. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. Heuey Kirksey III, 35, admitted in a plea agreement on March 11, 2023, to one count of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine from October 4 to November 13, 2023, and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine on October 19 and November 2, 2023. Specifically, Kirksey was held responsible for distributing 907 grams of methamphetamine which were purchased through law enforcement-controlled purchases. He was arrested following the indictment on these charges on August 29, 2024. Kirksey also admitted to having previously been convicted of the following serious drug felony. On October 1, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Kirksey was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the 1st degree greater than two grams of heroin. Based on this conduct and his criminal history, the Court imposed a sentence of 15 years and 8 months prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. “Kirksey pushed significant quantities of methamphetamine onto the streets of Louisville and will now pay the price by spending more than 15 years behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Bumgarner. There is no parole in the federal system. The FBI and LMPD investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Porter prosecuted the case with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic. This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Honduran National Sentenced to Federal Prison for 2 Years and 1 Day for Illegal Reentry, Social Security Fraud, and Identity Theft Offenses

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Honduran national was sentenced on July 31, 2025, to federal prison for illegal reentry after deportation or removal, social security number fraud, and aggravated identity theft. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations, Nashville, and Sam Olson, Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago, U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement made the announcement. According to court documents, Vidal Ricardo Murillo-Zuniga, 34, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced on July 31, 2025, to two years and one day in prison for one count of illegal reentry after deportation or removal, one count of social security number fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. On or about January 22, 2025, Murillo-Zuniga was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about May 29, 2013. Additionally, on or about June 13, 2024, Murillo-Zuniga committed social security number fraud in Nelson County, Kentucky, when he used another person’s social security number to obtain employment at Mammy’s Kitchen. On that same date, he committed aggravated identity theft when he used another person’s name, date of birth, and social security number during and in relation to the social security number fraud to obtain employment. “As part of Operation Take Back America, we are committed to charging illegal immigrants who have previously been removed. That is all the more the case for defendants, like Mr. Murillo-Zuniga, who victimize American citizens by stealing their identities,” said U.S. Attorney Bumgarner. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by HSI and ICE ERO. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Ansari prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Convicted Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Procurement of Citizenship or Naturalization

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: According to court documents, naturalized U.S. citizen Carlos Fabian Velez, 54, of San Antonio, plead guilty to 1 count of Unlawful Procurement of Citizenship or Naturalization for knowingly making false, sworn statements on his naturalization application, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1425(a). Specifically, in response to the question “Have you ever committed a crime or offense for which you were not arrested” on his Application for Naturalization, Velez answered, “No”, when in fact, as he then knew, he had committed the crime and offenses of possession, receipt and distribution of child pornography in San Antonio, Texas since at least 2014. The guilty plea comes after VELEZ previously plead guilty to Distribution of Child Pornography and was sentenced to 210 months in prison. By pleading guilty to Unlawful Procurement of Citizenship charge, Velez is now subject to mandatory denaturalization. U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. The FBI’s Field Office in San Antonio, ICE-Homeland Security Investigations, US Citizen and Immigration Services-Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (USCIS-FDNS) and Bexar County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fidel Esparza III is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced For Illegal Possession of Revolver Discovered After Crashing Into a Police Cruiser

body_text: WASHINGTON – Derrick Howard, 30, a previously convicted felon from the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 21 months in prison in connection with being in illegal possession of a Rohm .38 special revolver when he crashed his unlicensed motor scooter into a marked police cruiser, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Howard pleaded guilty on Apr. 11, 2025, to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. In addition to the 21-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Beryl A. Howell ordered Howard to serve three years of supervised release. Joining the announcement of the sentencing were Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). According to court documents, on Jan. 27, 2025, at 7:15 a.m., Howard was riding a motor scooter when he ran a red light and struck a marked police vehicle that was passing through the intersection of New York Avenue and Bladensburg Road NE. The police officer called for assistance and reported that she had been involved in a traffic accident. A detective responded and observed that the motorized scooter had no tags, and that Howard was not wearing a motorcycle helmet at the time of the crash. The detective ran a check and learned Howard was not licensed to drive a motorized scooter and, in addition, that the motorized scooter was not registered. The detective placed Howard under arrest. Howard was wearing a satchel bag around his neck. During a search incident to the arrest, officers recovered a Rohm .38 special caliber revolver from the satchel loaded with five rounds of ammunition. Howard’s criminal history includes previous convictions for assault with a dangerous weapon in 2021, unauthorized use of a vehicle in 2019, and unauthorized use of a vehicle in 2017. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole. 25cr41


title: Leominster Man Indicted for Theft of Government Funds, Bank Fraud and Money Laundering in Connection With Stolen $1,355,000 Tax Refund Check

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Leominster man was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Boston in connection with an alleged scheme to steal $1,355,863 by depositing a forged tax refund check and then laundering the money using cashier’s checks payable to shell companies. Jesse El-Ghoul, 31, was indicted on one count of theft of government funds, one count of bank fraud and four counts of money laundering. El-Ghoul was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on June 6, 2025. According to the charging documents, El-Ghoul owned and operated Affordable Motor Group in Leominster, Mass., and owed back taxes for the business. On March 29, 2024, El-Ghoul allegedly deposited a tax refund check for $1,344,863, payable to Affordable Motor Group into his business bank account. It is alleged that the check had been issued by the U.S. Treasury to a Canadian company, based on its 2021 tax return, and the check had been forged and altered to be payable to El-Ghoul’s company. In the days after depositing the check, El-Ghoul returned to the bank and bought cashier’s checks for $235,280, $223,591, $202,643, and $425,000 payable to shell companies and to a law firm in connection with a third-party real estate transaction, in eastern Massachusetts. The charge of theft of government funds provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charges of money laundering each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the amount of money involved in the laundering transactions, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; Michael Carpenter, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, OIG; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil, Deputy Chief of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Louisiana Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a  Machine Gun on Grambling State University Campus

component: Criminal - Violent Crime and Racketeering Section

body_text: MONROE, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook and Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, announced that a Monroe, Louisiana, man was sentenced today for illegally possessing a machine gun and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Chief United States District Judge Terry A. Doughty sentenced Tristan Barber , 21, to 180 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and 120 months to run concurrently for possession of a machine gun, followed by three years of supervised release. According to information introduced in court, on April 16, 2024, Barber was found in possession of a Glock model handgun in a student’s dormitory on Grambling State University’s campus in Grambling, Louisiana. The handgun was loaded and equipped with an extended magazine and a machine gun conversion (MCD) device. MCDs convert semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic machine guns, capable of firing consecutive shots automatically by a single pull of the trigger. Barber was a convicted felon at the time he possessed the machine gun and was therefore not legally allowed to possess any firearm. The machine gun Barber possessed was analyzed and matched to spent shell casings that were found at the scene of a shooting in Monroe less than three weeks earlier on March 29, 2024. ATF, the Monroe Police Department, and Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Aaron Crawford and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Semmes of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Christopher Usher of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Federal Jury Finds Registered Sex Offender Guilty Of Child Exploitation Offenses

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Daniel N. Pulley (59, St. Petersburg) guilty of production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), attempted coercion or enticement of a minor, coercion or enticement of a minor, possession of CSAM, and penalties for registered sex offenders. Pulley faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 29, 2025. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Pulley was a registered sex offender following a 2009 federal conviction for possession of child pornography. In 2022, he used a social media app to communicate with a teenage minor online, coercing her to produce CSAM for him and detailing different ways he wanted to sexually abuse her. Pulley also possessed various images and videos of CSAM on his cellphone, including depictions of young children. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Probation Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abigail K. King and Muriel Moore. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Mexican National Indicted For Attempted Enticement Of A Minor To Engage In Sexual Activity

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Cain Matias Godinez (42, Mexico) with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Matias Godinez faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Matias Godinez is currently detained pending the resolution of this criminal case. According to the indictment and court records, in May 2025, a detective with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office posed online as a 13-year-old girl (UC). Matias Godinez communicated with the UC, and after learning the UC’s age, engaged in a sexually explicit conversation. Matias Godinez and the UC agreed to meet at a location in Marion County to engage in sexual activity. When Matias Godinez arrived at the location, he was arrested by law enforcement. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Lake County Man Pleads Guilty To Attempting To Entice A 13-Year-Old To Engage In Sexual Activity

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Kahlil Yanier Amilivia Rodriguez (27, Groveland) has pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Rodriguez faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement and court records, on October 5, 2023, Rodriguez had an online conversation with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 13-year-old girl. Rodriguez graphically described to the fictional child the sexual acts he wanted to perform with her. Rodriguez was arrested when he arrived at a pre-determined location to meet with the minor to engage in the sexual activity. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Road Rage Attack Results in Prison Sentence for Assault on a Senior Citizen

body_text: WASHINGTON – Ronald Hall, 56, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced in Superior Court for assaulting a senior citizen during a road rage incident, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Hall pleaded guilty on May 30, 2025, to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. On July 29, 2025, Superior Court Judge Carmen Mclean sentenced Hall to 36 months in prison, requiring Hall to serve 30 months of incarceration, and suspending the remaining six months of the sentence. Judge McLean imposed two years of supervised probation to follow his 30-month prison term, during which the Court ordered Hall to comply with substance abuse treatment and abstain from alcohol. According to the government’s evidence, on March 1, 2025, Hall and the victim got into a car accident near the 3900 block of East Capitol Street NE. Hall chased the victim through traffic and attempted to stab him with a knife. Hall was arrested at the scene. Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nickolas Reck.


title: Six DeLand Men Sentenced For Trafficking Military-Grade Firearms To Mexican Drug Cartels

body_text: Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that six individuals have been sentenced to federal prison terms for their roles in a firearms trafficking conspiracy. See chart below: Name (Age, City of Residence) Charges Number of Firearms Purchased Sentence Imposed Angel Velazquez Delgado (34, DeLand) Firearms trafficking Straw purchasing 10 9 years Jesus Hernandez (32, DeLand) Straw purchasing 10 3 years, 10 months Edgar Jimenez (30, DeLand) Straw purchasing 5 3 years Jesus Paulino (27, DeLand) Straw purchasing 4 2 years Jonathan Borja (23, DeLando) Straw purchasing 2 1 year, 6 months Jesus Andres (28, DeLand) Making a false statement on firearm transaction record 2 1 year, 6 months According to court documents, in May 2023, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating a firearms trafficking organization operating in the Middle District of Florida. The organization was comprised of at least six individuals and led by Angel Velazquez Delgado. The conspirators purchased high-caliber firearms in the United States for resale to Mexican drug cartels. These cartels were and are criminal organizations engaged in the trafficking of controlled substances into the United States. The trafficked firearms included high-caliber, armor-piercing, and anti-material weapons. For example, approximately 11 of the firearms trafficked by this organization included Barrett .50 caliber rifles, which can expel a very accurate, heavy, and fast-moving projectile that defeats all individually worn body armor, can penetrate and disable vehicles, aircraft, boats, and can even defeat some types of protection provided by armored vehicles. These rifles are highly sought after by the cartels in their efforts to control large territories. The organization also trafficked approximately 16 FN M249S rifles, which are sold in the United States as a semi-automatic weapon but are easily converted into a machinegun. The firearms were purchased at the request of the cartels and transported to the cartels soon after purchase. Using the eTrace Firearm Recovery Notification Program, Mexican authorities were able to confirm the presence of at least one of the trafficked firearms in Mexico. On March 22, 2023, Mexican State Police and Mexican Military personnel were involved in a shootout with suspected members of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación in Zitacuaro, Michoacan, Mexico. Two individuals were killed during the exchange of gunfire. After the shooting, a Barrett, model 82A1, .50 caliber rifle purchased by Jesus Hernandez on November 8, 2022, was recovered. At some point, members of the firearms trafficking conspiracy began removing the serial numbers from the firearms prior to shipment. “Dismantling this Central Florida-based firearms trafficking ring is a huge win for public safety in Mexico and America,” said Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. “The CJNG is a notoriously brutal transnational criminal organization designated as a foreign terrorist organization that now has less fuel for its violent criminal activities, thanks to this joint team.” “The investigation and prosecution of violent crime is one of the top priorities of my District,” said U.S. Attorney Kehoe. “These individuals have trafficked high-caliber, military-grade weapons into the hands of dangerous Mexican cartel members and thus have caused a serious risk to the health and safety of others. My office, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to work to hold those who jeopardize public safety accountable for their crimes.” This case was investigated by the ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Volusia Bureau of Investigations, and the DeLand Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Lyons and Noah Dorman. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Federal Jury Convicts Wildwood Man Of Attempting To Entice A 13-Year-Old Child To Engage In Sexual Activity

body_text: Ocala, Florida – U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Joseph Dibello (48, Wildwood) guilty of attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Dibello faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is set for October 17, 2025. According to evidence presented at trial, on July 23, 2024, Dibello attempted to meet with a 13-year-old girl for sex. Dibello did not realize that he was corresponding with an undercover detective from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office who was posing as a minor on a website. After sending multiple text messages in which he expressed his intention to have sex with the minor, Dibello agreed to meet her at a gas station in Marion County. When he arrived, Dibello realized the meeting was a law enforcement operation. He fled the scene, leading deputies on a high-speed chase that exceeded 100 mph. Dibello was later apprehended at his girlfriend’s home in Wildwood. Dibello later admitted that he was the person who had been corresponding with the minor and that he had intended to have sex with her. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie K. Boyer. This is another case 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.justice.gov/psc .


title: Forging Federal Judge's Signature Lands Oklahoma City Woman in Federal Prison for Six Months

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – AMANDA CHRISTINE DAILEY , 37, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve six months in federal prison for forging the signature of a federal judge, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public records, in August 2022, Dailey filed a petition for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. A year later, in August 2023, Dailey purchased a vehicle from a car dealership, which she financed in part with a loan from a federal credit union. Public records reflect that, in order to be approved for financing, Dailey presented a false order which purported to show the discharge of her Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceedings. In reality, Dailey had not been granted a discharge, and the false order she presented included the forged signature of Judge Sarah A. Hall, Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma. On October 1, 2024, a federal grand jury charged Dailey with forging a signature of a federal judge. Dailey pleaded guilty on January 16, 2025, and admitted she forged a court order with Judge Hall’s signature. At the sentencing hearing on July 31, 2025, U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin sentenced Dailey to serve six months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Goodwin noted the seriousness of the offense, and the need to deter Dailey and others from perpetrating similar offenses in the future. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Ocala Drug Trafficker Sentenced To 25 Years In Federal Prison

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Johnardo Davis (42, Ocala) to 25 years in federal prison for distributing and conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and other drugs. Davis pleaded guilty on April 11, 2025. According to documents and information presented in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted controlled buys from Davis on July 29 and August 15, 2024. Each purchase involved more than two kilograms of methamphetamine. On December 10, 2024, agents searched Davis’s apartment and storage unit and located numerous items indicative of drug sales, including several pounds of marijuana, more than 600 grams of cocaine, and nearly $9,000 in cash. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie K. Boyer. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Lake County Man Sentenced To 25 Years In Federal Prison For Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Bryce Fleetwood (26, Clermont) to 25 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Fleetwood pleaded guilty on February 27, 2025. According to court documents, Fleetwood’s cellphone was seized by law enforcement during an unrelated state investigation. A search of the phone revealed 850 videos and 120 photos depicting CSAM, primarily of very young children. Investigators further determined that Fleetwood had received CSAM over the internet on two occasions in 2022. “You can’t hide from our Homeland Security Investigations special agents and our law enforcement partners,” said HSI Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “Another child predator off our streets.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Mount Dora Man Sentenced To 15 Years In Federal Prison For Possessing And Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: Ocala, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Brett Eugene Baldwin (43, Mount Dora) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing and receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Baldwin was found guilty on March 27, 2025, following a trial. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on November 28, 2023, Baldwin’s cellphone was seized during an unrelated state investigation. Pursuant to a search warrant, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) reviewed the contents of the cellphone and discovered thousands of files depicting CSAM, primarily of young children. After his first cellphone was seized by law enforcement, Baldwin obtained a second one. The second cellphone was later seized by law enforcement and searched pursuant to a warrant. Agents discovered that Baldwin had again downloaded thousands of files depicting CSAM onto the replacement cellphone. “Our communities are safer today with this child predator off the streets,” said HSI Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “This is an example of effective collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Mount Dora Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: St. Pete Man Pleads Guilty To Production Of Child Sexual Abuse Material And Attempted Enticement Of A Minor To Engage In Sexual Activity

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that David Araujo (57, St. Petersburg) has pleaded guilty to production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Araujo faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison for the production offense and a minimum prison sentence of 10 years, up to life, for the attempted enticement offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, in July 2024, an undercover officer from the Ocala Police Department posed online as a 14-year-old prostitute (UC). Araujo messaged the UC and, after learning the UC’s age, engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with the UC. During the conversation, Araujo described to the UC a prior relationship he had had with another minor. Araujo was arrested by law enforcement when he drove from St. Petersburg to Marion County to meet with the UC to engage in sexual activity. A search of Araujo’s cellphone revealed he had produced CSAM with the previous minor victim on September 25, 2023. This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Caledonia Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting High School Girls

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced that Scott Michael Elam, 43, of Caledonia, was sentenced to 30 years in prison. He had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and admitted to exploiting eleven girls. “Mr. Elam is a sexual predator who took terrible advantage of numerous girls,” said U.S. Attorney VerHey. “This lengthy sentence sends a message about the seriousness of the conduct and the need to protect society from Elam and those like him. My office will continue to prosecute these offenders with all the resources we have.” Elam admitted to selling alcohol, marijuana, and vape to numerous minors throughout the Western District of Michigan. He offered discounts to girls who made sexually explicit pictures and videos of themselves and sent them to him, or had sex with him. “The sentencing of Scott Elam, a convicted predator, delivers the full weight of justice for the horrific crimes he committed against children,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Mr. Elam's predatory actions are reprehensible and should never be tolerated. The FBI in Michigan will remain relentless in pursuing bad actors who exploit the most vulnerable among us. I want to thank the dedicated men and women of our FBI Grand Rapids Resident Agency, the West Michigan-based Child Exploitation Task Force (WEBCHEX), the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, for their outstanding work and successful prosecution. Our community in Michigan, along with the American public should know the FBI will never waver in our mission to protect children and hold predators fully accountable for their actions.” At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Jonker ordered Elam to forfeit the Caledonia home where he had sex with one of the minors and that he used to provide contraband to others. This case was investigated by the Kent County Sheriff’s Office and FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Olivia Ghiselli and Jonathan Roth. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor's offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Individuals with information or concerns about possible child exploitation should contact local law enforcement officials. Other DOJ programs and initiatives for guidance https://www.justice.gov/our-work .


title: Justice Department Dismisses Race-Based 44-Year-Old Consent Decree

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: WASHINGTON - Today, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division ended a court-imposed decree initiated by the Carter administration, which limited the hiring practices of the federal government based on flawed and outdated theories of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In Luevano v. Ezell , the Court dismissed a consent decree based on a lawsuit initially brought by interest groups representing federal employees in 1979. The decree entered in 1981 imposed draconian test review and implementation procedures on the Office of Personnel Management—and consequently all other federal agencies—requiring them to receive permission prior to using any tests for potential federal employees, in an attempt to require equal testing outcomes among all races of test-takers. “It’s simple, competence and merit are the standards by which we should all be judged; nothing more and nothing less,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. “It’s about time people are judged, not by their identity, but instead “by the content of their character.”” “For over four decades, this decree has hampered the federal government from hiring the top talent of our nation,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division. “Today, the Justice Department removed that barrier and reopened federal employment opportunities based on merit—not race.”


title: Lake County Man Pleads Guilty To Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that John Don Bannister, Jr. (31, Clermont) has pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Bannister faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison on each count. Bannister is currently detained pending sentencing. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, on April 26 and May 4, 2023, in Lake County, Bannister produced CSAM with a 14-year-old child. An investigation by law enforcement showed that Bannister had been supplying vape pens and drugs to minors. In return for these items, Bannister asked the minors to provide him nude images and videos of themselves. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Mascotte Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. This is another case 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.justice.gov/psc.


title: Registered Sex Offender Indicted For Attempting To Meet A 13-Year-Old To Engage In Sexual Activity

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of a two-count indictment charging Trevor Hedge (56, Ocala) with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and committing a felony offense involving a minor as a registered sex offender. If convicted on all counts, Hedge faces a minimum penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. Hedge is currently detained pending the resolution of his case. According to the indictment and court records, in May 2025, a deputy from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office posed online as a 13-year-old child (UC). Hedge messaged the UC and, after learning the UC’s age, engaged in a sexually explicit conversation. Hedge and the UC agreed to meet at a predetermined location in Marion County to engage in sexual activity. Hedge was arrested by law enforcement when he arrived at that location. Hedge is a registered sex offender. He was convicted of first-degree sexual assault in 1993. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Final week of July sees Southern District of Texas charge 247 defendants in continuing effort to secure Southern border

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – In support of Operation Take Back America, the Southern District of Texas has filed another 245 cases in immigration and border security-related matters from July 25-31, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Among those cases are 21 defendants charged with human smuggling, 119 charged with illegally entering the country, and another 107 charged with felony reentry to the United States after prior removal. Most of those individuals have prior felony convictions, including offenses related to narcotics, violent crime, immigration violations, and more. Additional cases filed this week involve other immigration-related crimes. Of the new illegal reentry cases, four involve Mexican nationals who were removed after prior felony convictions, according to court documents. Juan Carlos De Alejandro-Rosales was previously convicted of possessing more than 50 pounds but less than 2,000 pounds of marijuana before he was removed from the United States on Oct. 22, 2018. Mario Alberto Almazan-Mata, Bertoldo Lopez-Varillas and Luciano Martinez-Rios, also charged with illegal reentry, are alleged to have prior felony convictions before being removed, to include possession of a controlled substance and evading arrest, as well as multiple convictions for driving while intoxicated. Despite their prior removals from the United States between 2005 and 2025, in the last week, authorities allegedly found all four men in the McAllen area without legal authorization to be in the United States. If convicted, each illegal alien faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Another person charged with illegal reentry after removal this week is Jose Santos Diaz-Valenzuela, a Honduran national. According to the charges, he has a prior conviction for assault on a federal officer and was previously removed from the United States on Dec. 4, 2018. Authorities allegedly encountered him again near La Grulla. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Criminal complaints further allege Hugo Armando Esquivel-Castro and Jose Armando Wong-Lopez with illegally reentering the United States after they were previously removed from the United States in 2022 and 2025, respectively, after each was convicted for harboring illegal aliens. Authorities allegedly encountered and arrested the men near Mission this week. In addition to the new cases, Jonathan Ray Balderas, of San Antonio, Texas, was sentenced this week in Laredo to 41 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for attempting to smuggle 10 illegal aliens . Authorities stopped his truck near the 29-mile marker checkpoint on Interstate 35 and found eight individuals hidden under a tarp in the bed and two more inside. The court cited the risk of serious harm, a loaded pistol on Balderas’s waistband, and his alleged involvement in other smuggling events as factors in the sentence. Also this week, a repeat felon and illegal alien was sentenced to serve over three years in federal prison for unlawfully reentering the United States for the fourth time. Rafael Cortez-Gonzalez , of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, had two previous felony convictions for illegal reentry, as well as a conviction for transporting an illegal alien within the United States. He was first removed from the United States in November 2000 and subsequently illegally returned three times. Authorities encountered him again on Feb. 12, 2025, in Kenedy County. In handing down the 39-month sentence, the court noted the punishment was intended to serve to deter him from continuing to commit these crimes. These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, United States Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from numerous state and local law enforcement partners. The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood . Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.