title: California Man Sentenced for Half Million Dollar Charles Loloma Jewelry Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – After posing for years as a source of rare Native American art, a California man was sentenced to 37 months in prison and ordered to pay $134,443.60 in restitution for running a counterfeit jewelry operation that exploited the reputation of famed Hopi artist Charles Loloma and siphoned roughly five hundred thousand dollars from collectors nationwide. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Robert Haack , 59, carried out a years long scheme to defraud collectors by selling counterfeit jewelry falsely represented as authentic works by renowned Hopi artist Charles Loloma. The evidence established that between approximately 2008 and 2015, Haack manufactured dozens of fake Loloma jewelry pieces in his California home and sold them through eBay and direct sales. Haack marketed the items as genuine pieces made in Loloma’s workshop in Hotevilla, Arizona. Those representations were false. An investigation by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service later confirmed that the jewelry was not made by Loloma. In total, Haack sold the forged pieces to more than ten victims across the country for approximately five hundred thousand dollars. In 2018, federal authorities began criminal proceedings after undercover United States Fish and Wildlife Service agents purchased two forged pieces from Haack . In 2019, a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Haack with multiple fraud related offenses arising from his counterfeit jewelry scheme. In 2021, Haack entered guilty pleas to three fraud counts pursuant to a plea agreement that contemplated a sentence of home confinement. As sentencing approached, Haack refused to provide required financial information to the United States Probation Office. As a result, the court rejected the plea agreement, and Haack later withdrew his guilty pleas. After the case was set for trial, Haack delayed the proceedings by feigning a cognitive medical condition, which raised competency concerns and resulted in a significant continuance. Following a thirty-day inpatient forensic evaluation, the court determined that Haack had been malingering and was competent to proceed. In June 2024, after a four-day trial in Santa Fe, New Mexico, a federal jury found Haack guilty of two counts of wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud and two counts of violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. “When individuals falsely claim jewelry as authentic Native American art for personal gain, they distort the marketplace and exploit both artists and consumers,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “I commend the professionals whose diligence brought this case to verdict and justice for those harmed. Upholding the integrity of our markets and holding accountable those who undermine public trust remains a priority for this office.” "Robert Haack’s counterfeit operation victimized customers and directly harmed the economic and cultural livelihood of Native American artists," said Assistant Director Doug Ault, of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “Protecting American Indian and Alaska Native culture and traditions is a critical part of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. Our dedicated team of special agents, working in partnership with the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, diligently safeguards both American Indian and Alaska Native artists, as well as the consumers who seek genuine Native American art and crafts. This sentencing underscores the importance of these protections, and we thank our partners at the Department of Justice and the Indian Arts and Crafts Board for their invaluable assistance in this investigation." “The Indian Arts and Crafts Board of the U.S. Department of the Interior (IACB) administers and enforces the Indian Arts and Crafts Act (IACA), a truth-in-marketing law,” said the Board’s Director Meridith Stanton. “The IACA is intended to rid the Indian arts and crafts marketplace of fakes to protect the economic livelihoods and cultural heritage of Indian artists, craftspeople, and their Tribes, as well as the buying public. Authentic Indian art and craftwork is an important tool for passing down cultural traditions, traditional knowledge, and artistic skills from one generation to the next. The IACB commends the U.S. Attorney - District of New Mexico and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s IACA Investigative Unit for their outstanding work that led to today’s sentencing of Robert Haack for his manufacture and sale of counterfeit Charles Loloma (Hopi) jewelry. As the father of contemporary Indian jewelry, Charles Loloma not only broke many Indian art industry barriers with his masterful work, he also inspired his Indian artist contemporaries and generations that followed to excel, push boundaries, and elevate Indian jewelry to new levels as never before. Mr. Haack’s sales of counterfeit Indian art demean and rob authentic Indian artists who rely on the creation and sale of their artwork to put food on the table, make ends meet, and pass along these important cultural traditions and skills from one generation to the next. His actions undermine consumers’ confidence in the Indian art market in the Southwest and nationwide. Now Mr. Haack has been brought to justice, and his sentencing should send a strong message to IACA violators that we will diligently work to find you and prosecute you under the IACA.” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Doug Ault, Southwest Region Director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, made the announcement today. The U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, Office of Law Enforcement investigated this case with assistance from the Indians Arts and Crafts Board. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.


title: Minnesota Man Charged with Forcibly Assaulting Representative  Ilhan Omar while She Engaged in Performance of her Official Duties

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – Anthony James Kazmierczak, age 56, made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court today, charged in a criminal complaint with forcibly assaulting and interfering with United States Representative Ilhan Omar while she conducted an official town hall meeting in Minneapolis on January 27, 2026. According to documents filed in federal court, Kazmierczak was seated at a Minneapolis town hall officiated by Rep. Omar, when he stood up, and quickly approached Rep. Omar as she was speaking. Kazmierczak allegedly held a syringe in his hand, which he used to spray Rep. Omar with an initially unknown liquid substance, later identified as apple cider vinegar, which landed on Rep. Omar’s clothing and skin. Kazmierczak gestured at Rep. Omar and shouted at her before being brought to the floor by two security officers. “Assaultive behavior and acts of intimidation directed at officers and employees of the United States will not be tolerated,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. “Persons who engage in this criminal conduct can expect a swift response from law enforcement and federal prosecutors.” “An assault on a member of Congress is an assault on the democratic values that underpin this nation,” said Interim Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec of FBI Minneapolis. “The men and women of the FBI will work tirelessly to defend the safety of public officials as they serve the people of this great country. FBI Minneapolis stands alongside our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and ensure accountability for anyone who thinks they can assault, intimidate, or interfere with those serving our nation." Defendant Kazmierczak was ordered held in federal custody, pending a detention hearing and preliminary hearing, both scheduled for February 3, 2026. A complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent. As a felony trial cannot be held on a complaint, a decision to seek an indictment will be made in the near future.


title: Two Mexican Nationals With Prior Felony Convictions And Multiple Deportations Charged For Illegally Reentering The United States

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – Two Mexican nationals unlawfully residing in Las Vegas made their initial court appearances today to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country. Victor Alfonso Cabada-Landeros, 33, and Ezequiel Lopez-Fuentes, 42, are both charged with one-count of deported alien found in the United States. Preliminary hearings for both defendants are scheduled for February 12, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Nancy J Koppe. According to allegations contained in the criminal complaints and statements made during court proceedings, Cabada-Landeros and Lopez-Fuentes are both citizens and nationals of Mexico and were both previously deported and removed from the United States and reentered the United States illegally. On January 21, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Fugitive Operations Team arrested both Cabada-Landeros and Lopez-Fuentes in targeted operations. Cabada-Landeros had previously been deported by ICE on or about February 18, 2015, and again on or about November 9, 2019. Cabada-Landeros has prior felony convictions for Conspiracy to Violate Uniform Controlled Substances Act and for Illegal Reentry after Deportation, the same offense he is currently charged with. Both convictions are out of Clark County, Nevada. Lopez-Fuentes had previously been deported by ICE on four prior occasions with the last deportation being on or about or about June 18, 2023. Lopez-Fuentes has prior felony convictions for Unlawful Delivery of Heroin, out of Portland, Oregon, and for Trafficking in Controlled Substance out of Clark County, Nevada. If convicted, both Cabada-Landeros and Lopez-Fuentes each face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Brian Henke made the announcement. The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case. Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form . A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ###


title: Indian National Indicted for Smuggling Illegal Aliens  Across Canadian Border into United States

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal grand jury in the Northern District of New York returned an indictment on Jan. 28, 2026, charging an Indian national for his role in a scheme to smuggle Indian nationals from Canada across the northern border into the United States. According to court documents, Shivam Lnu, 22, directed smuggling operations from January 2025 through June 2025, coordinating the illegal transport of aliens across the U.S.-Canada border into Clinton County, New York. On Jan. 26, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents attempted to stop two vehicles traveling in tandem near the U.S-Canada border. Both vehicles accelerated to avoid agents, triggering a pursuit. One vehicle went off the road and became immobilized, while the other was later stopped in Mooers, New York. The vehicles contained a total of 12 undocumented aliens. WhatsApp messages between one of the drivers and a number connected to Shivam allegedly revealed coordination of smuggling illegal aliens into the U.S. from Canada on numerous occasions in and prior to January 2025, including exchanging proof of life photographs and directions to safe houses in upstate New York. Shivam is charged with one count of conspiracy to illegally bring aliens to the United States and four counts of illegally bringing aliens to the United States for the purpose of private financial gain. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count. If convicted of all four counts of illegally bringing aliens to the United States, Shivam faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of fifteen years. Shivam was initially charged by criminal complaint on June 13, 2025, with one count of conspiracy to transport aliens. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement. The investigation and charges are supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant United States Attorney-detailees from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/ HSI and CBP/BP and OFO, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 435 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 385 U.S. convictions; more than 330 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood . The HSI Rouses Point and U.S. Border Patrol Burke Station are investigating the case, with substantial assistance from HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. and CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force. Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt of the Northern District of New York are 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: Ozark Timeshare Salesman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempted Tax Evasion

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – An Ozark, Mo., timeshare salesman was sentenced in federal court today for attempting to evade taxation. Ryan J. McMillin, 52, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 18 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. McMillin was ordered to pay $460,283.00 in restitution and an additional $149,396.68 in interest. McMillin, who pleaded guilty on June 18, 2025, admitted that he did not report income he received while employed as a timeshare salesman with four different companies from 2018 to 2023. McMillin submitted eight different forms to his employers falsely claiming exempt status during those years. Because McMillin claimed exempt status on his W-4s his employers did not withhold taxes from McMillin’s paychecks. McMillin then failed to make an income tax return or pay the $581,981.00 in income taxes he owed to the IRS for those six calendar years. “This time of year, IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) is especially focused on investigating tax fraud. This sentence is an important victory for every taxpayer who plays by the rules, and it sends a message to those who attempt to shirk their responsibilities,” said Special Agent in Charge William Steenson, IRS-Criminal Investigation, St. Louis Field Office. “Thanks to our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, those who defraud the U.S. government through tax evasion will be held accountable.” “Don’t become a convicted felon because you think you can get away with cheating the government on paying your fair share of taxes,” said R. Matthew Price, United States Attorney. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.


title: Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to His Role in Conspiracies to Distribute Fentanyl and Cocaine and to Launder the Proceeds

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Tucson, Ariz., man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston in connection with his role in distributing, and laundering the proceeds of, truckloads of fentanyl and cocaine. Reginel Cazares, a/k/a “Junior,” 37, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances (involving 400 grams or more of fentanyl and five kilograms or more of cocaine) and money laundering conspiracy. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for May 6, 2026. Cazares was indicted on June 13, 2024. According to court filings, in August 2023, a cooperating witness told law enforcement about an individual he knew as “Junior” – later identified as Cazares – based in Tucson, Ariz., who organized multi-kilogram deliveries of fentanyl and cocaine from California to Massachusetts. The kilograms were driven by tractor trailer from the area of Ontario, Calif., to Massachusetts. In November 2023, and again in December 2023, Cazares directed the cooperating witness to pick up drug proceeds in Massachusetts from two co-defendants, with approximately $600,000 in drug proceeds picked up in Tewksbury, Mass., at Cazares’ direction. On Feb. 16, 2024, Cazares directed the cooperating witness to pick up four kilograms of fentanyl and nine kilograms of cocaine in Ontario, Calif., which were to be driven to Massachusetts and the Carolinas. The narcotics were intercepted by law enforcement. In 2012, Cazares was convicted of cocaine conspiracy in the District of New Jersey and sentenced to 57 months in prison. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances (involving 400 grams or more of fentanyl and five kilograms or more of cocaine) provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved, 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 and Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Riverside (Calif.), Bakersfield (Calif.) and Tucson (Ariz.) DEA Offices; San Bernadino County (Calif.) Sheriff’s Department; Inland Regional Narcotics Enforcement Team; the Methuen Police Department; and U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Poplar man pleads guilty to murder and gun charges on Fort Peck Indian Reservation

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: GREAT FALLS - A Poplar man accused of murder and using a firearm in the commission of the murder admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. The defendant, Michael J. Ackerman, 74, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder and one count of use of a firearm during a crime of violence. Ackerman faces a maximum term of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for June 3, 2026. Ackerman was detained pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that in the early morning hours of September 14, 2025, law enforcement officers in Billings responded to a call and were advised Ackerman had admitted to killing three people – Jane Doe 1, John Doe, and Jane Doe 2. Deputies initiated contact with Ackerman inside the house in Billings. After the deputies read his Miranda rights, Ackerman agreed to speak with law enforcement. He said on Thursday, September 11, 2025, he and the rest of the people in the house were using methamphetamine. Ackerman believed Jane Doe 1, John Doe, and Jane Doe 2 were “setting him up.” Ackerman said he was in the bedroom with Jane Doe 1, and Jane Doe 1 had a pistol in her hand. Ackerman picked up his Smith and Wesson 9 mm pistol and shot Jane Doe 1 twice in the head. The defendant heard John Doe and Jane Doe 2 moving in the next room. Michael walked into the room where John Doe and Jane Doe 2 were sleeping and shot them both. Ackerman told officers they would find the deceased inside his house in Poplar. Fort Peck Law and Justice Department officers went to the house in Poplar and received no response. They were granted a telephonic search warrant from the Fort Peck Tribal Court and went inside the house at around 5:30am. Inside they found the deceased individuals mentioned by Ackerman – Jane Doe 1, John Doe, and Jane Doe 2. All three of the bodies had gunshot wounds and four 9 mm casings were close to the bodies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The FBI, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice, and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Dominican National Charged with Illegal Reentry

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican national residing in Lawrence, Mass. has been indicted by a federal grand jury for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. Jose Alberto Tejeda Turbi, 46, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Tejeda Turbi will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. In July 2015, Tejeda Turbi was convicted in federal court in Boston of heroin distribution and conspiracy, for which he was sentenced to five years in prison and four years of supervised release. Tejeda Turbi was deported from the United States in March 2020 upon his completion of the sentence imposed. According to the charging documents, sometime after his March 2020 removal, Tejeda Turbi illegally reentered the United States without permission. In June 2024, Tejeda Turbi was sentenced in Lawrence District Court to two years in prison for assault and battery resulting in serious bodily injury and three years of probation for remaining charges. The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad A. Rocheville of the Narcotics & Money Laundering 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: Buckner Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking, Illegal Firearms

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Buckner, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine and for possessing firearms in furtherance of drug distribution. Charles J. Dunne, 62, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to more than 15 years in federal prison without parole. Dunne will serve 125 months for drug distribution and 60 months, consecutive, for possessing 29 firearms in connection with his drug distribution. In early 2023, law enforcement received information that Dunne was distributing large quantities of narcotics from his home. Between March 2023 and Sept. 2023, law enforcement intercepted numerous individuals who purchased narcotics from Dunne. After obtaining a search warrant, law enforcement searched Dunne’s home and discovered large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana. They also discovered dozens of weapons, including six functional hand grenades. When law enforcement arrived, Dunne ingested a lethal dose of fentanyl. Law enforcement, assisted by emergency medical services, administered lifesaving care to Dunne. On March 27, 2025, Dunne pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense. Dunne has many prior narcotics-related convictions, including a federal conviction for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine in 1998. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kirkpatrick. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Jackson County Drug Task Force.


title: Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Coercion and Enticement of Minors

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Steven LaBianca was sentenced by United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly to 12 years’ imprisonment for coercion and enticement of minors and possession of child pornography. LaBianca communicated with multiple minor victims over the internet and coerced them into creating and sending him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves. LaBianca pleaded guilty to the charges in September 2024. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence. “Today, the defendant received a significant and deserved jail term for using manipulation and deception to exploit vulnerable victims, wrongly believing he could act without consequence,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This prosecution makes clear that coercion and enticement and possession of child pornography—particularly when directed at minors—will be met with the full force of federal law. Our Office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect victims and hold sexual predators accountable.” “For years, Steven LaBianca prowled online platforms to exploit minor victims by forcing them to engage in sexually explicit conversations and create pornographic material. Not only did his coercion abuse the innocence of young girls, it also revictimized those whose recordings were shared in other threads for LaBianca’s twisted desires. The FBI will continue its mission to protect children from online sexual predators and investigate anyone who attempts to exploit them,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. As set forth in court filings, in 2017, LaBianca communicated online with a 15-year-old girl who resided in Cyprus (Jane Doe 2). LaBianca induced Jane Doe 2 to send him photographs and videos of herself nude and engaging in sexual activities, and instructed her to watch pornographic videos involving other young girls. LaBianca threatened to leave Jane Doe 2 for a younger girl once she grew up and advised Jane Doe 2 to delete incriminating evidence from her devices if she was ever approached by law enforcement authorities. Over the course of their communications, Jane Doe 2 sent LaBianca hundreds of photographs and videos of her engaged in sexual activities. Additionally, from September 2017 through May 2020, LaBianca communicated with multiple young girls—some as young as 13-years-old—and coerced them into sending him sexually explicit photographs and videos through social media platforms such as Omegle, Skype, and Instagram. This prosecution is 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, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorney Andy Palacio is in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant : STEVEN LABIANCA Age: 53 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-206 (AMD)


title: Buffalo woman pleads guilty to meth charge

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Stephanie Kroh, 40, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, which carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that in April 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Kroh’s residence on Edson Street, recovering 232 grams of methamphetamine and 91 grams of fentanyl. In November 2023, Kroh traveled to the Fishkill Correctional Facility in Beacon, NY, with two packages, which she concealed with the intent of distributing them to an inmate in the correctional facility. The first package contained approximately 24 grams of marijuana, and the second contained approximately 10 grams of an unknown crystal white substance. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Enforcement Division and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Acting Commissioner Craig Macy. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. # # # #


title: Rochester man pleads guilty to attempting to have sex with 11- and 13-year old girls

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Tony Rodriguez, 40, of Rochester, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca to attempted enticement of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $250,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that between February 26 and March 12, 2025, Rodriguez engaged in graphic sexual conversations online with a person he believed to be an 11-year-old girl. Rodriguez was actually communicating with a member of the community group “Predator Poachers.” In addition to online conversations, Rodriguez also arranged a meeting with the 11-year-old girl in person, to engage in sexual activity. He arranged for the 11-year-old to meet him at the Fairport Public Library on March 12, 2025. However, when Rodriguez arrived at the library, he was confronted by the community group member. He left the location prior to the arrival of law enforcement. On April 15, 2025, law enforcement responded to a residence in the Town of Perinton and apprehended Rodriguez for attempting to meet a 13-year-old female to engage in sexual contact. In reality, the 13-year-old was a member of an unrelated community group called “Child Predator Hunter.” Rodriguez was then taken into custody for this incident and arrested for the March 12, 2025 incident at the Fairport Library. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Todd Baxter, the Fairport Police Department, under the direction of Acting Police Chief Matt Weber, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera. Sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2026, at 10 a.m. before Judge Vacca. # # # #


title: Justice Department Requires Columbus McKinnon to Divest Assets to Proceed with Acquisition of Kito Crosby

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division announced today that it will require Columbus McKinnon Corporation (CMCO) to divest its power chain hoist and chains businesses and related assets to resolve antitrust concerns arising from its proposed $2.7 billion acquisition of Kito Crosby Limited (Kito Crosby) from funds managed by global investment firm KKR. The Antitrust Division today filed a civil antitrust lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to block the proposed transaction. At the same time, the Division filed a proposed settlement that, if approved by the court, would resolve the Division’s competitive concerns. “Today’s settlement is a structural solution to an acquisition that would have harmed competition for important equipment that facilitates the safe and efficient movement of heavy loads in a wide range of industries across the American economy,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The settlement, which includes two manufacturing facilities, will ensure that American customers and industries will continue to benefit from competition between the leading providers of this important equipment.” As alleged in the complaint, CMCO and Kito Crosby are two of the leading manufacturers in the markets for electric chain hoists and overhead lifting chain in the United States. Electric chain hoists, a type of power chain hoist, use a chain driven by an electric motor to lift, lower, and position heavy materials. Electric chain hoists are designed to be durable and can be used independently or integrated into a small overhead crane. Industries across the economy – including automotive, aerospace, energy, construction, and logistics – rely on electric chain hoists daily to increase efficiency and reduce strain on operators. Overhead lifting chain is exclusively made from forged alloy steel and meets ASTM standards for chain strong enough to ensure safe lifting operations. CMCO and Kito Crosby compete head-to-head to develop, manufacture, distribute, and sell electric chain hoists and overhead lifting chain. Without the proposed divestiture, CMCO’s acquisition of Kito Crosby would likely result in higher prices, lower quality, and reduced innovation to the detriment of customers. The proposed settlement requires CMCO to divest its power chain hoist business, including electric chain hoists, and its chain business, including overhead lifting chain, to Pacific Avenue Capital Partners LLC, an American company with significant experience in industrial manufacturing. Pacific Avenue Capital Partners is expected to hire certain key CMCO employees that today support the divested businesses. CMCO is an American multinational company, with its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. In 2024, CMCO had revenues of approximately $1 billion. Kito Crosby is a U.K. multinational company with its headquarters in Arlington, Texas. In 2024, Kito Crosby reported $1.1 billion in revenue. KKR is an American multinational company with its headquarters in New York, New York. As required by the Tunney Act, the proposed settlement, along with a competitive impact statement, will be published in the Federal Register . Any person may submit written comments concerning the proposed settlement within 60 days following the publication to Soyoung Choe, Acting Chief, Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace Section, Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 450 Fifth Street NW, Suite 8700, Washington, DC 20530 or via email at ATR.Public-Comments-Tunney-Act-MB@usdoj.gov. At the conclusion of the public comment period, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia may enter the final judgment upon finding it is in the public interest. Note: View the Proposed Final Judgement here ; the Complaint here ; and the Competitive Impact Statement here .


title: Essex County Man Pleads Guilty to Producing Child Pornography

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County man pled guilty today to a three-count Information for his online enticement and exploitation of minors, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced. Abdur-Razzaaq Henderson, 29, of East Orange, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Katharine S. Hayden, in Newark federal court, to an Information charging him with two counts of producing child pornography and one count of possessing prepubescent child pornography. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: In April 2023 and July 2023, respectively, Henderson texted with two different minor victims located outside of New Jersey. On both occasions, at Henderson’s request, the minor victims created and texted him videos of themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Additionally, Henderson engaged the second minor victim in a conversation about sexually assaulting a younger sibling. On March 5, 2024, law enforcement found Henderson with a cell phone that contained multiple videos depicting child pornography in the “Hidden” folder among his photos. In his plea agreement, Henderson also accepted responsibility for enticing seven additional minor victims to produce sexually explicit material. The production of child pornography charges are each punishable by a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The prepubescent child pornography possession charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, with the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli Jacobs of the Criminal Division in Newark. 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 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . ### Defense counsel: John Yauch, Esq. henderson.information.pdf


title: Execution of Federal Search Warrants at 14 Phoenix-Area Zipps Restaurants Results in Illegal Employment and Identity Fraud Charges

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Special Agents with Homeland Security Investigations and the IRS-Criminal Investigation executed federal search warrants at 14 Zipps restaurants in the Phoenix area, Monday, Jan. 26., after a year-long investigation into unlawful employment of aliens, identity theft, and document fraud. As a result of the investigation, Diego Gonzalez-Rosales, 36, a Mexican national illegally residing in the United States, was charged by criminal complaint with Pattern and Practice of Knowingly Employing Unauthorized Aliens, Knowingly Making False Attestations on a Form I-9, Knowingly Transferring Mean of Identification Without Authority, and Aggravated Identity Theft. As the individual responsible for hiring kitchen staff for all Zipps locations in Arizona, Gonzalez-Rosales is alleged to have recruited and hired illegal aliens at multiple locations, using fraudulent identification documents to verify their eligibility to work via the E-Verify online employment verification system. Employees Edwin Flores Rosales, 28, Salvador Villenueva-Rosas, 48, and Ludwin Benjamin Perez Velasco, 22, all unlawfully present in the United States, have also been charged in criminal complaints for lying when filling out the Form I-9, stating they were U.S. citizens and using false identification and social security numbers. In total, 39 individuals unlawfully present in the United States and working at Zipps were taken into custody during the operation. According to the complaint and probable cause documents, in March 2025, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) served 14 Zipps locations, plus corporate headquarters, with a notice of inspection requiring the company to produce their Forms I-9, after receiving information alleging that employees may have been using fraudulent identification documents to verify their eligibility to work using the E-Verify system. HSI later reviewed documents provided by the company that revealed alleged instances in which the name, social security number and date of birth on the forms were being misused to gain employment. A review of employee wages identified 76 employees who had suspicious patterns of employment, showing between three and 42 active employers other than Zipps Sports Grill during the second quarter of 2025. These individuals certified themselves as U.S. citizens, which meant they were not required to list an Alien Registration Number on their Forms I-9, a form that verifies work eligibility of employees. The review further showed multiple jobs and extremely high wages earned in the same quarter which is consistent with aggravated identity theft. In line with the patterns identified, Gonzalez-Rosales is alleged to have knowingly employed illegal aliens and assisted individuals in lying on their I-9 forms, claiming the individuals were U.S. citizens and using other individual’s names and identification to complete the forms for employment. A criminal complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. HSI Arizona is continuing the investigation based on information seized during the execution of the search warrant with support from IRS-Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Marshals Service. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, Phoenix, is prosecuting the case. CASE NUMBERS: 26-3019MJ, 26-3017MJ, 26-3015MJ, 26-3016MJ 26mj3019_complaint_as_to_diego_gonzalez_rosales.pdf us_dis_azd_2_26mj3017_complaint_as_to_edwin_flores_rosales_0_0.pdf us_dis_azd_2_26mj3016_complaint_as_to_ludwin_benjamin_perez_velasco_.pdf us_dis_azd_2_26mj3015_complaint_as_to_salvador_villenueva_rosas.pdf RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-011_ Gonzalez-Rosales, Flores Rosales, Villenueva-Rosas, and Perez Velasco # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az / Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Fugitive methamphetamine dealer sentenced to 20 years in federal prison

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: VICTORIA, Texas – A 43-year-old Rockport man has been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and failure to appear, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Daniel Wayne Dobbs pleaded guilty Aug. 20, 2025. U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Dobbs to serve 240 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. The investigation began May 19, 2022, after law enforcement observed multiple traffic violations involving a Nissan Sentra. Dobbs was the passenger. Authorities conducted a traffic stop, at which time Dobbs acknowledged there was marijuana inside the vehicle. Law enforcement conducted a search and discovered a black backpack containing six clear plastic bags of a crystal-like substance, syringes, a digital scale, and marijuana. The bags tested positive for methamphetamine and had a total weight of over 3.4 kilograms. Dobbs admitted to making many additional methamphetamine deliveries. Dobbs was initially permitted release pending his sentencing hearing. While on bond, he was arrested with an additional kilogram of methamphetamine and a firearm and failed to appear for his sentencing. Authorities located him in San Antonio and took him into custody where he remains pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Victoria County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patti Hubert Booth prosecuted the case.


title: Undocumented Alleged Drug Traffickers Indicted After Agents Seized 177,000 Fentanyl Pills in the District of Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Three undocumented Mexican nationals, living in Utah, appeared in court today after they were indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with multiple drug crimes. The charges come after law enforcement seized large quantities of fentanyl and heroin from defendants’ homes and hidden compartments of their vehicles. Silvano Gonzalez Venavidez, aka Eduardo Torres-Zepeda, 34; Edgar Ulises Torres Cervantes, aka Juan Maldonado Garcia, 38; and Carlos Roberto Limon Martinez, 21, all from Mexico, living in Salt Lake City were charged by complaint on January 15, 2026. According to the allegations in court documents, beginning in November 2025, the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF) initiated a criminal investigation into Venavidez, Cervantes, and Martinez and other members of a drug trafficking organization. Agents believed the defendants and the organization were distributing large quantities of narcotics into Utah. On January 13, 2026, agents executed search warrants on residences and vehicles believed to be used for drug trafficking by Venavidez, Cervantes, and Martinez. Agents first located Martinez in his vehicle and seized approximately 135.08 grams of field-tested positive heroin and 513.35 grams of field-tested fentanyl (approximately 5,000 fentanyl pills) in a concealed area of the vehicle. Agents also seized approximately 1472.49 grams of field-tested positive fentanyl (approximately 14,000 fentanyl pills) and 427.03 grams of field-tested positive heroin. As alleged in court documents, during a subsequent search of Venavidez’s residence, agents located approximately 14,982 grams of field-tested positive fentanyl (approximately 150,000 fentanyl pills) and 427.03 grams of field-tested heroin. Lastly, according to court documents, agents located Cervantes in his vehicle and seized approximately 204.54 grams of field-tested positive heroin and 879.04 grams of field-tested fentanyl (approximately 8,000 fentanyl pills) in a concealed compartment of the vehicle. Venavidez, Cervantes, and Martinez are charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute heroin, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and possession of heroin with intent to distribute. A three-day jury trial is scheduled for April 6, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 8.3 before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Special Assistant United States Attorney Peter Reichman of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Dayton man sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for 12 armed robberies

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: DAYTON, Ohio – A Dayton man was sentenced in federal court here today to 240 months in prison for committing 12 separate armed robberies at businesses throughout southwest Ohio. In December 2024, Timothy Farr, 44, brandished a firearm at local gas stations, convenience stores and drive thru stores, demanding cash and cigarettes. During the robberies, Farr often wore a dark jacket, pants and shoes, as well as gray two-tone style gloves and a black balaclava mask covering part of his face. In some instances, Farr also wore an N-95 style mask. He brandished a black firearm. As the crime spree progressed, the defendant became more aggressive with his verbal commands to store clerk victims and his use of the firearm. Law enforcement was able to identify a vehicle of interest using the Flock Safety Camera System and identified a 2011 red Ford Taurus linked to armed robbery locations. When Dayton police officers initiated a traffic stop of the red Taurus on Dec. 16, 2024, Farr was in the front passenger seat wearing the outfit described in the armed robberies, had an N-95 style mask on the floorboard and gray two-tone gloves in his pocket. Farr also had a 9mm pistol in his waistband. Farr admitted to committing armed robberies on: Dec. 3, 2024, at Sunoco gas station on Wayne Avenue in Dayton, Dec. 4, 2024, at Marathon gas station on Linden Avenue in Riverside, Dec. 6, 2024, at Ray’s Xenia Avenue Market on Xenia Avenue in Dayton, Dec. 7, 2024, at Free Pike Drive-Thru on Free Pike in Dayton, Dec. 8, 2024, at Sunoco gas station on Selma Road in Springfield, Dec. 8, 2024, at Family Dollar on Salem Avenue in Trotwood , Dec. 10, 2024, at Mini Mart on N. Main Street in Dayton, Dec. 11, 2024, at Marathon gas station on E. Fifth Street in Dayton, Dec. 12, 2024, at White Oak Deli on Cheviot Road in Green Township, Dec. 14, 2024, at Family Dollar on West Main Street in Springfield, Dec. 15, 2024, at Sammy’s Drive-thru store on Woodman Drive in Riverside, and Dec. 15, 2024, at United Dairy Farmers on Vine Street in Cincinnati. The defendant was charged federally in December 2024 and pleaded guilty in October 2025. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); Springfield Police Chief Allison Elliott; Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal; Green Township Police Chief James Vetter; Cincinnati Police Interim Chief Adam Hennie; Trotwood Police Chief Erik Wilson; and Riverside Police Acting Chief Angela Jackson announced the sentence imposed today by Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders and Christina E. Mahy are representing the United States in 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 (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. # # #


title: Illinois Woman Sentenced to Over 25 Years in Prison for Her Role in Iowa Drug Ring

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Nichole Marie Schmidt, age 43, from Galesburg, Illinois, was sentenced today to over 25 years in federal prison. Schmidt received the prison term after a June 3, 2025, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and 50 grams of pure methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice.” Evidence at the sentencing showed that between February 2024 and September 2024, Schmidt received pound quantities of methamphetamine from her source in Chicago, Illinois. Schmidt then distributed the methamphetamine to others in Iowa, knowing they would redistribute the drugs throughout the state. In September 2024, Schmidt met her ex-husband in Davenport, Iowa, where Schmidt rented a car. Schmidt’s ex-husband drove the rental car to Chicago, where he picked up drugs and a gun for Schmidt and a co-conspirator. Schmidt’s ex-husband then returned to Davenport, where he gave the drugs and gun to Schmidt and the co-conspirator. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement officers stopped the car Schmidt was driving. Her co-conspirator was in the passenger seat. During a search of the car, officers found approximately 12 pounds of pure methamphetamine, oxycodone, LSD, MDMA, cocaine, marijuana, and a loaded gun. Schmidt admitted that she intended to distribute the drugs to people throughout Iowa. In total, the court found Schmidt’s role in the conspiracy involved over 9,000,000 kilograms of converted drug weight, which included over 450 kilograms of pure methamphetamine, an amount the judge described as “astronomical.” Schmidt has two prior felony drug convictions, including a prior federal conviction for conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. Schmidt was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Schmidt was sentenced to 304 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Corkery, and investigated by the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, and the Dubuque Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-CR-1021. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Four Individuals from Oahu Sentenced in Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that four individuals from Oahu were sentenced this week in federal court by Senior United States District Judge J. Michael Seabright for their roles in a tax refund fraud scheme following their convictions by a federal jury on August 27, 2025. Rosemarie Lastimado-Dradi, 52, formerly of Kapolei, was sentenced to 108 months in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States, aiding in the preparation or filing of false tax returns, and money laundering. Marciaminajuanequita Dumlao, 61, of Honolulu, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States, money laundering, and making a false statement under oath in a bankruptcy proceeding. Finally, married couple Elvah Miranda, 64, and Daniel Miranda, 64, of Waipahu, were sentenced to 48 months and 30 months in prison, respectively. Elvah Miranda was convicted of conspiring to defraud the United States, filing a false tax return, and money laundering. Daniel Miranda was convicted of conspiring to defraud the United States and making a false statement under oath in a bankruptcy proceeding. All four defendants were also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from at least January 2015 through September 2018, the defendants conspired to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). As part of their tax refund fraud scheme, the defendants filed fraudulent individual tax returns and other tax documents that reported false withholdings from mortgage lenders and then claimed substantial refunds from the IRS. After processing the false returns, the IRS issued refunds to Dumlao and the Mirandas totaling over $1 million. The defendants created trusts, opened new bank accounts in the names of business entities and the trusts, and transferred the criminal proceeds between the accounts to conceal the funds from the IRS. Lastimado-Dradi, Dumlao, and Elvah Miranda laundered the fraudulently obtained refunds through a series of bank transactions. The defendants also engaged in conduct to obstruct IRS efforts to recover the fraudulently obtained refund money, including sending frivolous correspondence to the IRS, filing retaliatory liens against the IRS employee assigned to recover the fraudulently obtained funds, and filing for bankruptcy. Dumlao and Daniel Miranda each filed for bankruptcy and made false statements under oath in relation to their respective bankruptcy proceedings. Lastimado-Dradi successfully promoted the tax fraud scheme to at least five participants in the District of Hawaii, which caused a total tax loss of at least $2,122,837.24. In exchange for her assistance promoting the fraud scheme and obstructing IRS collection efforts, Lastimado-Dradi received a cut of the fraud proceeds totaling approximately $998,261. In sentencing Lastimado-Dradi to a term of imprisonment of nine years, Judge Seabright called Lastimado-Dradi the “mastermind of the scheme in Hawaii” and said that “her fingerprints are just everywhere in this scheme.” In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Seabright ordered Lastimado-Dradi to pay $1,724,503.94 in restitution to the United States, Dumlao to pay $325,981.86 in restitution, and both Elvah and Daniel Miranda to jointly and severally pay $567,789.55 in restitution. “Today’s sentences send a strong warning to those who seek to evade our nation’s tax laws – there is nowhere for you to hide,” said United States Attorney Ken Sorenson. “The United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue and convict those who seek to steal from our country, and its honest tax paying citizens, through the operation of schemes to frustrate the lawful assessment and collection of taxes.” “For years, Ms. Lastimado-Dradi directed her co-conspirators to conceal this theft from the public through trusts and business entities,” said Carrie Nordyke, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Seattle Field Office. “In the end, our agents followed the money, and this ruling has given that money back to taxpayers.” IRS Criminal Investigation, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Paris Yates and Trial Attorney Sarah A. Kiewlicz of the Criminal Division Tax Section are prosecuting the case.


title: Hawaii Woman Sentenced to 27 Months in Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

body_text: HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Brigida Chock, 65, of Ewa Beach, a Filipino national and Hawaii resident, was sentenced today in federal court by Senior United States District Judge J. Michael Seabright to 27 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release for conspiring to defraud the IRS by fraudulently obtaining a tax refund and then thwarting efforts to recoup it. Chock was also ordered to pay $39,791.76 in restitution. Chock pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement on March 16, 2023. According to court documents and statements made in court, Chock filed an amended 2014 tax return with a false Form 1099-MISC attached, claiming false income and withholding amounts. The fraudulent tax return caused the Treasury to issue a refund that Chock was not entitled to receive. In addition, Chock took repeated action to thwart the IRS from recovering the fraudulently obtained refund. For example, to conceal the funds from the IRS, Chock helped to create a nominee trust and opened bank accounts to facilitate the transfer of the fraudulently obtained criminal proceeds. She also mailed false and frivolous correspondence to the IRS to impede collection efforts. In total, Chock caused a tax loss of $232,221.53. IRS Criminal Investigation, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Yates and Trial Attorney Sarah A. Kiewlicz of the Criminal Division Tax Section are prosecuting the case.


title: Illegal Alien Sentenced For Unlawful Reentry

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Augustin Borja-Gaona, a/k/a Augustine Borja, a/k/a Augustine Bara, a/k/a Agustin Borja, a/k/a Augustin Gaona Borja, a/k/a Austin Borja, a/k/a Austin Gaona Borja, a/k/a Agustin Borja-Gaona, a/k/a Genaro Borja-Reynoso, age 56, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien. The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office. On August 18, 2025, Borja-Gaona pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on March 19, 2025, Borja-Gaona, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed in 1999, 2002, 2007, and 2012. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The Honorable Robert J. Shelby, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the District of Utah, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Borja-Gaona will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States at sentencing.


body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jose Luis Jimenez-Hernandez, a/k/a Jose Luis Jiminez-Hernandez, age 45, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien. The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division. On September 15, 2025, Jimenez-Hernandez pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on July 24, 2025, Jimenez-Hernandez, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on January 10, 2012, June 14, 2013, and October 25, 2013. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The Honorable Robert J. Shelby, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the District of Utah, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Cornell represented the United States at sentencing.


body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Ivone Monforte Leal, aka Yvonne Monforte, aka Ivonne Monforte Stefany, age 34, a Mexican national unlawfully present in Wagoner County, Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien. The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office. On May 22, 2025, Leal pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on March 26, 2025, Leal, an alien, was found in the United States after having been previously removed twice without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The Honorable Robert J. Shelby, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the District of Utah, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Assistant U.S. Attorney T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States at sentencing.


title: McCurtain County Resident Sentenced For Federal Firearm Charge

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

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dale Warren Gribnitz, age 67, of Valliant, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 5 years of probation for one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm. The charge arose from an investigation by the Valliant Police Department, the Choctaw County Sheriff's Office, the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On April 8, 2025, Gribnitz pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on October 20, 2024, Gribnitz knowingly possessed a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The Honorable Robert J. Shelby, U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the District of Utah, sitting by assignment, presided over the hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.


title: Florida Man Sentenced to 48 Months For Role In $1.5 Million Cross-Country Scheme to Defraud National Cellular Provider

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Florida man was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment for his role as one of the leaders and organizers of large scheme to defraud a national cellular provider that spanned multiple states, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced. Defendant Arrantes Garrincha Green, a/k/a “Don Gucci,” a/k/a “Gucci,” 47, of Margate, Florida had previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with his role in the scheme. U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton imposed the sentence on January 28, 2026, in Newark federal court. Seven other defendants have previously been sentenced in connection with the same scheme. Six more have also pleaded guilty in the case and are awaiting sentencing. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From June 2015 through June 2017, the defendants and others, led by Green, conspired to steal electronic equipment, including new smartphones, from a national cellular service provider. Members of the conspiracy used stolen personal identifiers, including stolen Social Security numbers, as well as stolen debit and credit card information to place orders with the victim company. Green alone was responsible for placing fraudulent orders for over $200,000 in stolen equipment. Green and others then transmitted anticipated delivery dates and locations of the fraudulently-ordered products to other conspirators who were employed as drivers with a major parcel delivery company. These drivers were paid to divert the products mid-delivery to other members of the conspiracy. Proceeds generated through the scheme were shared by wire transfer or depositing the funds in designated bank accounts. The scheme compromised the identities of hundreds of residents in multiple municipalities across multiple states, including Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, and caused losses in excess of $1.5 million to the victim company. In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Green to three years of supervised release. Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the Upper Saddle River Police Department, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, the NYPD, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, the West Hartford Police Department and the Connecticut State’s Attorney’s Office, Hartford Judicial District, for their assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sammi Malek, Peter Laserna, and Michael Hardin of the Criminal Division in Newark. ### Defense counsel: John McMahon, Esq.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Collects $21,776,549 In Criminal And Civil Actions, And $8,278,063 In Asset Forfeiture Actions In Fiscal Year 2025

component: USAO - Tennessee, Eastern

body_text: KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee collected $21 , 776,549 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2025. Of this amount, $7,570,426 was collected in criminal actions and $14,206,123 was collected in civil actions . Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee worked with other U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $8,579,057 in matters pursued jointly with these offices. Of this amount, $15,563 was collected in criminal actions and $8,563,494 was collected in civil actions. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $8,278,063 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2025. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. ###


title: Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison  for Defrauding Elderly Victims

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced an Indianapolis, Indiana, man convicted in a federal jury trial of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. The sentencing took place on January 26, 2026. Abdul Waheed Mohammed, age 33, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $163,000 in restitution. Mohammed was indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud by a federal grand jury in November 2024. Mohammed was found guilty on the Conspiracy charge after a three-day jury trial in October 2025. In September 2023, Mohammed and several co-conspirators, including co-defendant Shalinee Vyas, were involved in a scam targeting elderly victims across the United States and fraudulently taking money from them. The victims were told and convinced by these scammers that they had committed a crime or had their bank accounts hacked. In September 2023, those working with Mohammed contacted an elderly victim in the Rapid City area and falsely claimed to be law enforcement officers. The victim was told she had been involved in a crime and would be arrested if she did not do exactly what she was told, which included paying over cash and gold to resolve the non-existent criminal matter. The scammers also told the victim she could not speak about the matter to anyone, or she would be arrested. Over the course of a week, the victim lost more than $100,000 to the scammers when they came to the victim’s home to pick up cash and gold. After these events, the victim’s friends noticed a change in her behavior that ultimately led to uncovering the scam. The victim notified law enforcement of the communications and law enforcement learned that another $95,000 in gold was to be picked up by a scammer. Law enforcement then conducted an operation and arrested Mohammed when he arrived at the victim’s home to pick up the gold. Following Mohammed’s arrest, law enforcement located numerous messages in Mohammed’s phone from Vyas to Mohammed and others directing Mohammed to various locations throughout the United States to collect cash from elderly victims who were being scammed, including the pick-up of gold in Rapid City. “This defendant and his ring of thieves systematically preyed upon the elderly and vulnerable to rob them of their life savings and hard-earned retirement funds,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “It really takes a special kind of rotten to make a living scaring, threatening, stealing from, and impoverishing our senior citizens in what are supposed to be their golden years. I’m so proud of these law enforcement officers for catching these criminals and holding them accountable.” This case was investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case. Mohammed was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. If you or someone you know is asked to do any of these things mentioned in the above case, you are dealing with a fraudster, and you should do the following immediately: • Do not send any more money • Save copies of your communications, receipts, bank records, etc. • Call your local police department, sheriff’s office, or the FBI • Submit a complaint online at IC3.gov In addition, an individual employed by the federal government will never: • Tell you to withdraw any of your money from your bank accounts. • Ask you to convert your money into gold bars or some other form of currency. • Come to your house or meet you at a predetermined location and take money from you. • Ask you to wire money to an account. • Ask you to send money via CashApp, Zelle, Apple Pay, or any other peer-to-peer platform. • Ask you to send cryptocurrency. • Ask you to buy gift cards and send them. (either by mailing the physical cards or by scratching them off and sending pictures of the redemption information) • Tell you they need remote access to your computer or any of your accounts. • Ask you for your social security number, bank account information, or any other sensitive information over phone or email.


title: Wanblee Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Federal Prison  for Failing to Register as Sex Offender

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler sentenced a Wanblee, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on January 26, 2026. Bradlee Doyle, age 22, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Doyle was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2025. He pleaded guilty on October 24, 2025. Doyle was convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in November 2023 in United States District Court, District of South Dakota. Based on his conviction, he is required to register or update his registration every time he moves or changes his address. Doyle registered his address in Rapid City, SD, in July 2025. Doyle subsequently left his address and did not update his address within three days. Doyle was aware of his obligations to register and knowingly failed to do so. Doyle was later located and arrested in August 2025, on the Pine Ridge Reservation. 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . The U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen handled the prosecution. Doyle was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: MEMBERS OF A LOCAL HEROIN AND DRUG TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATION SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: United States Attorney Kurt L. Wall announced the sentencing of five individuals by U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick in connection with a large-scale cocaine and heroin trafficking network based in East Baton Rouge Parish. Francisco Palma, age 45, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced to 156 months in federal prison following his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, unlawful use of communication facilities, unlawful travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and money laundering. The Court further sentenced Palma to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. Chief Judge Dick previously sentenced four other individuals in connection with this scheme. Juan Villareal, age 40, of Roma, Texas, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison following his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin and unlawful use of communication facilities. The Court further sentenced Villareal to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and entered a forfeiture money judgment of $100,000 against him, representing the amount of proceeds that he obtained from the offenses. Richard Antunez, age 36, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison following his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, distribution of cocaine and heroin, and unlawful use of communication facilities. The Court further sentenced Antunez to serve three years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. Marco Antonio Filos, age 44, of Marrero, Louisiana, was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison following his conviction for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, unlawful travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise, and unlawful use of communication facilities. The Court further sentenced Filos to serve two years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. Clarence Corey Anderson, age 44, of Prairieville, Louisiana, was sentenced to two years of probation following his conviction of unlawful use of communication facilities. According to admissions made during his plea, beginning in or before October of 2017, and continuing until January 31, 2019, Palma conspired with others to obtain, distribute, and possess with the intent to distribute large quantities of cocaine, in excess of five kilograms, and heroin in the Middle District of Louisiana. As part of the conspiracy, Palma, along with Juan Villareal, purchased or obtained kilogram quantities of cocaine and heroin from sources in Mexico and supplied these drugs to each other if one or the other ran out before the next shipment came in. Palma distributed cocaine and heroin to Richard Antunez, Marcos Antonio Filos, and Corey Anderson for further distribution in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and elsewhere. Palma and other members of his organization used telephones, which were listed in their names and the names of others, to discuss, negotiate, and arrange the purchase and sale of heroin. They also used telephones to facilitate the exchange of monies related to the buying and selling of heroin. Palma and the other members used public and private places to carry out the exchange of cocaine and heroin and cash from the drug transactions. Agents seized over $250,000 in illegal drug proceeds, luxury vehicles, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, and thirteen firearms during the investigation. The United States separately obtained forfeiture judgments for proceeds from the sale of a 2010 Rolls Royce Ghost and $253,110 in cash through civil forfeiture. This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, Iberville Parish Sheriff's Office, and Baton Rouge Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eli J. Abad. Assistant United States Attorney J. Brady Casey litigated the associated forfeiture proceedings.


title: Luzerne County Man Sentenced To 20 Years’ Imprisonment For Drug Distribution Resulting In Death

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christian Barnes, age 38, of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on January 27, 2026, to 20 years in prison by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury and death. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on November 4, 2021, Barnes sold approximately 1.3 grams of fentanyl to Jennifer Giuli, age 43, of Luzerne County. Giuli, in turn, then sold a half gram of the fentanyl that she received from Barnes to a Kingston, Luzerne County, resident, who later died after ingesting the fentanyl. Both Barnes and Giuli pleaded guilty to the charge of drug delivery resulting in death. On May 27, 2025, Judge Mehalchick also sentenced Jennifer Giuli to 240 months’ imprisonment. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kingston Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case. 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. ###


title: HUSBAND & WIFE SENTENCED FOR FEDERAL FENTANYL & FIREARM CRIMES

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Kevin Lamonte Powell Jr., 41, of Crestview, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after having previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. His wife and codefendant, Shantel Marie Powell, 38, of Crestview, was sentenced to one year of home confinement as a part of a five-year probationary term after having been found guilty by a jury of making a false statement to a federal agent. The sentences were announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Fentanyl has an undeniably devastating impact on our communities. Anyone caught peddling this deadly weapon of mass destruction will be aggressively prosecuted by my office as we continue to work arm-in-arm with our state and federal law enforcement partners to rid our streets of this poison. This case is yet another successful prosecution under Operation Take Back America, through which President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi have deployed the full might of the Department of Justice to take down and eliminate the drug traffickers terrorizing our communities.” Evidence admitted at Shantel Powell’s trial and court documents established that on January 31, 2025, following federal search warrants executed simultaneously at an outbuilding in Crestview where Kevin Powell regularly stored and distributed drugs and the Powells’ home in Pensacola, law enforcement seized fentanyl; evidence that Kevin Powell was packaging and preparing drugs for sale, including two large kilogram presses; a total of five firearms; and various amounts of ammunition. One of the firearms was a privately made firearm with no manufacturer markings or serial number, often referred to as a “ghost gun.” While the search warrant was being executed, Shantel Powell told law enforcement that all the firearms were hers, and she willfully falsely told a federal task force officer that she had purchased the privately made firearm at a particular gun store in Crestview, which was a lie intended to obstruct the investigation of this case. “This joint operation highlights our law enforcement partners and the relationships we have with them,” said DEA Miami Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Bobbitt. “Our collaborative effort brought this drug trafficker to justice.” The convictions were the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Crestview Police Department, and the Niceville Police Department, with assistance from the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia Forbes. 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, human and drug trafficking. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Mexican National Couple Sentenced for Making and Selling Thousands of Counterfeit Identifications

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – A Mexican national couple sentenced for making and selling thousands of counterfeit identifications to clients throughout the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Karina Garcia-Salazar , 47, for Conspiracy to Transfer Identification Documents and Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Use or Transfer Five or More Documents. Judge Hill ordered Garcia-Salazar to 60 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Garcia-Salazar’s co-defendant, Jorge Augusto Prieto-Gamboa , 41, was sentenced in December 2025 for Conspiracy to Possess Fire or More Documents with Intent to Transfer. Judge Hill ordered Prieto-Gamboa to serve 15 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. From August 2020 through their arrest in February 2025, Garcia-Salazar and Prieto-Gamboa worked together to create thousands of fake immigration documents. Court records show that the defendants sold the fake documents in several controlled buys orchestrated by agents. During those buys, agents confirmed that Garcia-Salazar and Prieto-Gamboa were working together to sell identification cards and Social Security cards. A search warrant was served on their home in Tulsa. During that search, agents found at least 67 fake completed documents and seized several electronic devices for further search. After searching their devices, agents found more than 2,000 different identification documents, including Social Security cards, lawful permanent resident cards, state driver’s licenses and ID cards, foreign ID cards, and passports. Screenshot communications found showed conversations with clients that included photos, dates of birth, other information needed to complete the false documents, and photos verifying that the documents were completed. Agents also found client ledgers and images of envelopes mailed across the United States. Bank records and surveillance obtained by agents show that Garcia-Salazar used a fake Mexican passport to open a local checking account rather than her permanent resident card. Cash deposits made by both defendants and peer-to-peer transactions showed that the couple charged $120 to $150 for fake cards. The fake passport used by Garcia-Salazar and more than $32,000 in cash were also found during the search warrant. During the investigation, agents confirmed that at least one ID was made and sold to a separate defendant charged in the Northern District of Oklahoma. He admitted to smuggling and trafficking three kilograms of methamphetamine and three kilograms of black tar heroin into the United States. Court records show that Garcia-Salazar obtained a lawful permanent resident card and that Prieto-Gamboa entered the United States unlawfully in 2002. The couple will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Greenough prosecuted the case. This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Dallas Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America . HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: SOPCHOPPY MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ARMED TRAFFICKING OF METHAMPHETAMINE

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Howard Neil Martin, 46, of Sopchoppy, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts: possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking offense; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “When President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi launched Operation Take Back America to deploy the full might of the Department of Justice toward eliminating the threats to our community posed by violent felons and drug traffickers, this was precisely the kind of criminal they had in mind. I am extremely proud of this successful prosecution that will keep a dangerous, drug-peddling felon off our streets, and we will continue to aggressively prosecute offenders like this defendant until our communities are drug-free and safe.” Court documents reflect that deputies with the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report about a burglary in progress at a residence. When they arrived, the defendant was parked in the driveway and was engaged in a verbal dispute with someone watching the residence for the homeowner. Officers could see a firearm in plain view inside the defendant’s truck and, upon running his criminal history, learned that he was a convicted felon. Officers ultimately searched the truck and located approximately half a pound of crystal methamphetamine. Martin faces up to life imprisonment, as well as a sentencing enhancement because he had previously been convicted of a serious violent felony, specifically, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain. Sentencing is scheduled for April 3, 2026, at 10:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor 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, human and drug trafficking. As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .