title: Mason City Pharmacist Sentenced to Federal Prison for Diverting Controlled Substances

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Megan Elsbury, age 43, from Mason City, Iowa, was sentenced June 17, 2025, to 1 month in federal prison, after a February 7, 2025, guilty plea to one count of Acquiring a Controlled Substance by Means of Misrepresentation, Fraud, Deception, and Subterfuge. In a plea agreement, Elsbury admitted to being employed and working at, at least three difference pharmacies located in Mason City, Iowa from 2008 to 2023. During her employment, Elsbury admitted she diverted controlled substances such as codeine, phentermine, alprazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam, pregabalin, and tramadol, for her own personal use. She created unauthorized prescriptions, and falsified prescription records/inventory, in the names of existing patients, primarily when the pharmacy was closed, filled the prescriptions, paid for the prescriptions, and took the prescriptions for her own personal use. Elsbury was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 1 month imprisonment. She must also serve a 1-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Elsbury was released on the bond previously set and is to surrender to the United States Marshals on July 14, 2025. The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Division and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ron Timmons. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-03007. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Ruther Glen man pleads guilty to federal hate crime and firearms violation

component: Civil Rights - Criminal Section

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Ruther Glen man pled guilty today to two federal hate crimes involving attempts to kill and to discharging a firearm during a federal crime of violence. According to court documents, on the evening of Feb. 28, 2024, Douglas Wayne Cornett, 58, followed a box truck driven by a victim with the initials O.G., an adult Latino male, into the Sheetz gas station along Interstate 95 in Spotsylvania County. Cornett then asked a victim with the initials J.M., also an adult Latino male and a friend of O.G., how long O.G. had been present in the United States. Upon learning that O.G. had arrived within the last two years, Cornett drew a handgun and fired six rounds, striking O.G. three times and J.M. once. “Crimes like Douglas Cornett’s, acts of hate motivated violence, victimize not just the individual, but harm families, communities, and groups by robbing them of their sense of security,” said Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Every person has a right to live free of the fear of violence and the menace of hate, and my office is committed to eliminating both.” “Hate crimes driven by bias against national origin or any other protected characteristic are a direct assault on the principles of equality and justice that define our nation,” said Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to vigorously prosecuting such acts of violence to secure a just outcome.” “Hate crimes not only harm individuals but undermine the fabric of our communities,” said Stephen Farina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office. “FBI Richmond is steadfast in its dedication to investigating these violations thoroughly and swiftly to ensure justice for the victims and to protect the American people.” Cornett later confessed to a Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Deputy to shooting the victims because of his perception of the victims’ national origin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Garnett and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. The Richmond Field Office of the FBI investigated the case, with substantial assistance from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-CR-91. This release was edited on June 18, 2025, to correct the defendant's city of residence.


title: TALLAHASSEE BROTHERS BOTH RECEIVE 10-YEARS IN PRISON IN LARGE-SCALE CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE MARIJUANA

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

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – United States Attorney John P. Heekin announces the last of four co-defendants was sentenced today in a large-scale conspiracy that distributed over 1000 kilograms of marijuana in Tallahassee. Tyquan Watson, 28, of Tallahassee, Florida, received 10 years in prison. His half-brother, Cleveland Blackshear, 26, of Tallahassee also received 10 years in prison. Dezaneil Cosby, 28, of Tallahassee received 5 years in prison. Shambresha Turner, 26, of Tallahassee received time-served and supervised release. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I applaud the substantial efforts of our state and federal law enforcement partners to investigate, arrest, and help bring these drug traffickers to justice. These offenses are not victimless crimes; the victims are the members of our community who experience the addiction and violence that too often follows from drug traffickers flooding our streets with this poison. My office will continue to aggressively pursue these cases to keep our communities healthy and safe.” Trial testimony and evidence demonstrated that Watson was purchasing hundred-pound quantities of marijuana per week from farms and brokers in California and reselling the marijuana in Tallahassee and surrounding areas. Evidence demonstrated that Watson had purchased at least 3169 pounds of marijuana between September 24, 2023, and January 10, 2024, with proceeds of at least $2.4 million during that period. “With dispensaries and smoke shops becoming more commonplace, people may falsely assume that marijuana is no big deal,” said Deanne L. Reuter, Special Agent in Charge of Drug Enforcement Administration’s Miami Field Division. “I assure you, DEA considers it a big deal. It’s stronger than ever and can pose a serious health risk, especially to children. We will continue to pursue marijuana peddlers with the same verve as any other illicit substance.” A long-term investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). On August 16, 2022, Shambresha Turner was stopped at the Panama City airport with 40 pounds of marijuana in her suitcases. Turner told officers that she was being paid to transport the suitcases. On October 13, 2022, FDLE conducted a controlled purchase of 28 pounds of marijuana from Cleveland Blackshear. During the surveillance, FDLE agents observed Blackshear obtaining the marijuana from Cosby’s residence immediately prior to the controlled purchase. Both Blackshear and Watson’s fingerprints were identified on packaging material associated with the purchased marijuana. Surveillance of Cosby’s residence between October 12, 2022, and October 28, 2022, revealed multiple people dropping off and picking up suitcases (at least 32 suitcases and 16 garbage bags). On October 28, 2022, DEA executed a federal search warrant at Cosby’s residence and seized 238 pounds of marijuana and a firearm. Watson and Cosby were arrested together on federal arrest warrants on March 11, 2024, at another residence in Tallahassee. During that arrest, law enforcement seized another 183 pounds of marijuana and a firearm. “This investigation sends a clear message: if you bring drug trafficking and violence into our communities, we’re coming for you,” said FDLE Tallahassee Special Agent in Charge Keith Wilmer. “Our special agents, working side-by-side with the DEA, spent countless hours on covert operations to take down this criminal network. I’m proud of their relentless work to protect Florida’s capital city and hold these offenders accountable.” Watson and Cosby were convicted at a jury trial on February 14, 2025. Blackshear and Turner had previously pled guilty. As part of his sentence, Watson was also ordered to forfeit $2,424,217 in drug proceeds. “This case is a clear example of how drug trafficking, even with substances like marijuana, is often linked to greater dangers in our community, including illegal firearms and violent crime,” said Chief Lawrence Revell of the Tallahassee Police Department. “We remain committed to working alongside our federal and state partners to disrupt these criminal networks and protect the safety of our neighborhoods.” These sentences were the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Tallahassee Police Department, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys James A. McCain and Harley Ferguson 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Fairfax man sentenced for attempted church shooting

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Fairfax man was sentenced today to 25 years in prison for his attempt to carry out a mass shooting at a Haymarket church, for carrying a gun during that attempt, and for transmitting threats over the internet. Rui Jiang, 36, was sentenced to 25 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Jiang was previously convicted by a jury in March 2025. According to evidence presented at trial, Jiang began posting online threats against the Park Valley Church on the evening of Sept. 23, 2023, which made clear his intention to kill congregants. The next morning, police searched for Jiang in response to a concerned citizen’s call. Officers located Jiang at the church while Sunday services were underway. Jiang was armed with a semiautomatic handgun, two magazines of ammunition, and two knives. He had additional ammunition, knives, and a canister of bear spray in his nearby car. During a search of Jiang’s apartment, police discovered copies of a manifesto, signed by Jiang, which read in part, “I am here deny (sic) the love lives blessed by God to these lucky men, by taking out these men… To the families of those men about to be slain – I am sorry for what I have done and about to do (sic).” “The freedom to worship without fear is one of the bedrock principles of our Nation,” said Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Rui Jiang set out to violate that principle by entering a church during a religious service armed with the intent to murder innocent parishioners. This unspeakable act, only thwarted by brave law enforcement officers and civilians, has no place in our Republic and will always be a priority of my office.” “This was the closest of calls. But for the determination of a concerned citizen; the exceptional police work by the Anne Arundel, Fairfax, and Prince William County Police Departments; and the steadfast vigilance of the church security team, this would have ended in unimaginable tragedy,” said Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will relentlessly investigate and prosecute attacks on our nation’s houses of worship.” “The church shooting that was thwarted because of the vigilance of concerned citizens is a reminder that when communities and law enforcement agencies work together, we can prevent targeted acts of violence,” said Steven J. Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. The FBI investigated the case with substantial assistance from the Prince William County and Fairfax County Police Departments. The Anne Arundel County Police Department also assisted. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas A. Durham and Troy A. Edwards Jr. for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-65.


title: Alaskan Individual Charged with Possessing Firearms and Ammunition as a Fugitive from Justice

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – Today, a federal grand jury returned an indictment, charging Jack Amadeus LaSota, 34, of Fairbanks, Alaska — aka Andrea Phelps; Ann Grimes; Anne Grimes; Canaris; Julia LaSota; Ziz — with being a fugitive from justice in possession of firearms and ammunition. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office. According to the indictment, LaSota possessed several firearms, including a GM6 Lynx .50 caliber rifle, a black HS Produkt, model Hellcat, 9x19mm handgun, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. At the time, LaSota was knowingly a fugitive from justice and therefore was not permitted by law to possess a firearm or ammunition. If convicted, LaSota faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, the Allegany County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared M. Beim who is prosecuting the federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach. # # #


title: Eastside Rollin 20s Crips members and associates indicted, including murder, robbery, fentanyl distribution and firearms offenses

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A twelve-count indictment was unsealed today in the Eastern District of Virginia charging nine members of the Eastside Rollin’ 20s Crips (RTC) violent street gang with crimes including a drug conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, firearms offenses, and a racketeering conspiracy involving murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, conspiring to distribute large quantities of pressed fentanyl pills, narcotics trafficking, identity fraud, and the illegal use and straw purchasing of firearms. According to the indictment, the RTC is a subunit or “set” of the Crips national street gang. The indictment alleges RTC members and associates committed numerous violent acts on behalf of the RTC, including a June 2022 murder in Alexandria; a July 2021 attempted shooting of several individuals in the District of Columbia; an August 2021 armed robbery and pistol whipping of an individual in Hollywood, Florida; and a January 2021 attempted murder of two individuals in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. To finance and promote the RTC’s criminal activities, the indictment alleges that RTC members and associates obtained and distributed multi-kilogram quantities of pressed fentanyl pills. The indictment also alleges that, as part of the gang’s criminal activity, the RTC recruited children under the age of 18 and encouraged them to commit crimes on behalf of the gang, including acts of violence and drug trafficking. “The offenses alleged in this indictment represent the spectrum of danger presented by nationwide criminal enterprises,” said Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Any of these elements alone – from violence to illegal drugs to identity theft – is enough to destroy communities and lives, and these organizations employ them without compunction. Through coordination with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we are determined to eradicate criminal gangs and protect our citizens from the detriment they bring.” “As alleged, RTC members unleashed a wave of violence across three states and the District of Columbia, extending down the East Coast to Florida,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their commission of brutal, indiscriminate acts over perceived slights on social media reflects a particularly dangerous form of gang activity. The Criminal Division remains firmly committed to prosecuting menacing gangs and ensuring the safety of our communities.” “DEA is committed to protecting Americans by investigating and taking down major violators of drug laws who operate within the United States and around the world,” said Ibrar A. Mian, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division. “As demonstrated by today’s indictments, drug trafficking, firearms, and violence are undeniably connected, which is why we continue to address these threats with the full force of the federal government. The tenacious and hard-working men and women of DEA are combatting the illicit manufacture and distribution of drugs, removing illicit firearms from American streets, helping to put public threats in jail, and restoring safety in our communities.” “Today’s announcement indicates a significant step towards making it even more clear that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with our partner agencies are committed to protecting our communities from violent crime,” said Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division. “There just isn’t a place for criminal behavior in our neighborhoods. Although this is very early on in the judicial process, we remain optimistic that all of those involved will be held accountable for their actions.” If convicted, the defendants face penalties including: up to life in prison or the death penalty for murder in aid of racketeering and use of a firearm during a crime of violence causing death; up to life in prison for racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and use of a firearm during or in relation to drug trafficking; up to 25 years in prison for straw purchasing of firearms; up to 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and up to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Virginia State Police; and Arlington County Police Department are investigating the case with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Fairfax County Police Department; Prince William County Police Department; Prince William County’s Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney; Prince William County Parks and Recreation; Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office; Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office; Stafford County Sherriff’s Office; Manassas Park Police Department; George Mason University Police Department; Chesterfield County Police Department; Del City, Oklahoma, Police Department; Valley Brook, Oklahoma, Police Department; Tonto Apache Police Department; Sumter County, South Carolina, Sheriff’s Office; Hollywood Police Department; Nash County, North Carolina, Sheriff’s Office; Winston-Salem Police Department; and Nebraska State Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edgardo J. Rodriguez and Ryan B. Bredemeier of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney César S. Rivera-Giraud of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-148.


title: Mexican national who had previously assaulted public servant imprisoned for illegal reentry

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 26-year-old convicted felon who is a Mexican national has been sentenced for unlawfully reentering the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Abelino Hernandez-Torres pleaded guilty Nov. 26, 2024. U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered Hernandez-Torres to serve 60 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. Hernandez-Torres has prior convictions for illegal reentry as well as evading arrest with a motor vehicle and assault on a public servant. He was first ordered removed from the United States in 2015 and again in 2019 and May 2, 2020, and returned illegally. He was found in Olmito following his arrest for evading arrest with a motor vehicle Jan. 20, 2021. Hernandez-Torres will remain in custody transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Immigration Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana C. Cano prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood .


title: Mexican national sentenced to six years for coordinating drug shipments into U.S.

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 55-year-old Mexican national illegally residing in Raymondville has been ordered to prison for trafficking methamphetamine and heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Reynaldo Galvan-Rico pleaded guilty April 4, 2024. U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered him to serve 72 months in federal prison. Galvan-Rico is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. Beginning in March 2019, authorities identified Galvan-Rico as a coordinator in Mexico. The investigation revealed he acted as the point of contact for the drug supplier in Mexico and the drivers transporting narcotics in the United States. Galvan-Rico was allowed to remain on bond and surrender at a later date. “A major component of Operation Take Back America is the pursuit and punishment of drug traffickers,” said Ganjei. “Those that seek a quick buck by poisoning our communities through the drug trade should be looking over their shoulder because we are coming for them.” Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage . Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt prosecuted the case.


title: Virginia Man Sentenced for Attempted Church Shooting

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: A Virginia man was sentenced today in Alexandria for his attempt to carry out a mass shooting at a Haymarket, Virginia church, for carrying a gun during that attempt, and for transmitting threats over the internet. Rui Jiang, 36, of Fairfax, Virginia, was sentenced to 25 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Jiang was previously convicted by a jury in March 2025. According to evidence presented at trial, Jiang began posting online threats against the Park Valley Church on the evening of Sept. 23, 2023, which made clear his intention to kill congregants. The next morning, police searched for Jiang in response to a concerned citizen’s call. Officers located Jiang at the church while Sunday services were underway. Jiang was armed with a semiautomatic handgun, two magazines of ammunition, and two knives. He had additional ammunition, knives, and a canister of bear spray in his nearby car. During a search of Jiang’s apartment, police discovered copies of a manifesto, signed by Jiang, which read in part, “I am here deny (sic) the love lives blessed by God to these lucky men, by taking out these men . . .To the families of those men about to be slain – I am sorry for what I have done and about to do (sic).” “This was the closest of calls. But for the determination of a concerned citizen; the exceptional police work by the Anne Arundel, Fairfax, and Prince William County Police Departments; and the steadfast vigilance of the church security team, this would have ended in unimaginable tragedy,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will relentlessly investigate and prosecute attacks on our nation’s houses of worship.” “The freedom to worship without fear is one of the bedrock principles of our Nation,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Rui Jiang set out to violate that principle by entering a church during a religious service armed with the intent to murder innocent parishioners. This unspeakable act, only thwarted by brave law enforcement officers and civilians, has no place in our Republic and will always be a priority of my office.” “The church shooting that was thwarted because of the vigilance of concerned citizens is a reminder that when communities and law enforcement agencies work together, we can prevent targeted acts of violence.” said Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the FBI Washington Field Office. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, with substantial assistance from the Prince William County and Fairfax County Police Departments. The Anne Arundel County Police Department also assisted. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas A. Durham and Troy A. Edwards Jr., for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case.


title: Nearly 2 dozen charged in large drug and money laundering operation spanning multiple jurisdictions

body_text: HOUSTON – A total of 23 people are now in custody for various drug trafficking, firearms and money laundering charges following major law enforcement operations in Houston/Galveston and Rio Grande Valley areas of Texas this week, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Some of those arrested have already begun to make their appearances U.S. Magistrate Judges Christina Bryan in Houston, Andrew Edison in Galveston and Nadia Medrano in McAllen. Others are in state custody on related charges and expected in federal court in the near future. Grand juries in Houston and McAllen returned the five separate, but related indictments in May. The charges allege crimes that occurred as early as January 2023 for some and between May 2024 and December 2024 for others and involve cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine trafficking, firearms-related offenses and money laundering. The charges allege some of the individuals were truck drivers delivering drugs north. According to information presented to the court, 10 kilograms of cocaine had been taken to Georgia and money returned to pay drivers and other expenses. The arrests are the culmination of multiple months-long Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations dubbed Operation Red Ranger, Borrowed Time and Resurrection. During the investigation and operations, law enforcement also seized over 170 kilograms of cocaine and heroin, over two thousand kilograms methamphetamine, more than 100 firearms and nearly $3 million as well as four properties valued at $1.2 million. If convicted, many charged with drug trafficking offenses face up to life in federal prison and could pay millions in fines. Those charged with money laundering offenses face up to 20 years, while the firearms convictions carry up to 10 or 15 years in federal prison. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the OCDETF operations with the assistance of U.S. Marshals Service; Texas Department of Public Safety; sheriff’s offices in Fort Bend, Galveston, Chambers, Hidalgo, Harris and Kleberg counties; Texas Attorney General’s Office - Money Laundering Unit; West Tennessee Drug Task Force and police departments in Houston, Katy and Galveston as well as Houston and South Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area programs. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leo J. Leo III, Patricia Cook Profit, Michael Day and Roberto Lopez are prosecuting the cases. 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 OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhood . An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Eastside Rollin’ 20s Crips Members and Associates Indicted, Including Murder, Robbery, Fentanyl Distribution and Firearms Offenses

body_text: A twelve-count indictment was unsealed today in the Eastern District of Virginia charging nine members of the Eastside Rollin’ 20s Crips (RTC) violent street gang with crimes including a drug conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, firearms offenses, and a racketeering conspiracy involving murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, conspiring to distribute large quantities of pressed fentanyl pills, narcotics trafficking, identity fraud, and the illegal use and straw purchasing of firearms. According to the indictment, the RTC is a subunit or “set” of the Crips national street gang. The indictment alleges RTC members and associates committed numerous violent acts on behalf of the RTC, including a June 2022 murder in Alexandria, Virginia; a July 2021 attempted shooting of several individuals in the District of Columbia; an August 2021 armed robbery and pistol whipping of an individual in Hollywood, Florida; and a January 2021 attempted murder of two individuals in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. To finance and promote the RTC’s criminal activities, the indictment alleges that RTC members and associates obtained and distributed multi-kilogram quantities of pressed fentanyl pills. The indictment also alleges that, as part of the gang’s criminal activity, the RTC recruited children and encouraged them to commit crimes on behalf of the gang, including acts of violence and drug trafficking. “As alleged, RTC members unleashed a wave of violence across three states and the District of Columbia, extending down the East Coast to Florida,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their commission of brutal, indiscriminate acts over perceived slights on social media reflects a particularly dangerous form of gang activity. The Criminal Division remains firmly committed to prosecuting menacing gangs and ensuring the safety of our communities.” “The offenses alleged in this indictment represent the spectrum of danger presented by nationwide criminal enterprises,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Any of these elements alone – from violence to illegal drugs to identity theft – is enough to destroy communities and lives, and these organizations employ them without compunction. Through coordination with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we are determined to eradicate criminal gangs and protect our citizens from the detriment they bring.” “DEA is committed to protecting Americans by investigating and taking down major violators of drug laws who operate within the United States and around the world,” said Special Agent in Charge Ibrar Mian of the DEA Washington Field Division. “As demonstrated by today’s indictment, drug trafficking, firearms, and violence are undeniably connected, which is why we continue to address these threats with the full force of the federal government. The tenacious and hard-working men and women of DEA are combatting the illicit manufacture and distribution of drugs, removing illicit firearms from American streets, helping to put public threats in jail, and restoring safety in our communities.” “Today’s announcement indicates a significant step towards making it even more clear that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with our partner agencies are committed to protecting our communities from violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the ATF Washington Field Division. “There just isn’t a place for criminal behavior in our neighborhoods. Although this is very early on in the judicial process, we remain optimistic that all of those involved will be held accountable for their actions.” If convicted, the defendants face penalties including: up to life in prison or the death penalty for murder in aid of racketeering and use of a firearm during a crime of violence causing death; up to life in prison for racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and use of a firearm during or in relation to drug trafficking; up to 25 years in prison for straw purchasing of firearms; up to 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and up to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Virginia State Police; and Arlington County Police Department are investigating the case with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia; United States Postal Inspection Service; FBI; Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI); U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Fairfax County Police Department; Prince William County Police Department; Prince William County’s Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney; Prince William County Parks and Recreation; United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina; Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office; Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office; Stafford County Sherriff’s Office; Manassas Park Police Department; George Mason University Police Department; Chesterfield County Police Department; Del City, OK, Police Department; Valley Brook, OK, Police Department; Tonto Apache Police Department; Sumter County, SC, Sheriff’s Office; Hollywood, FL, Police Department; Nash County, NC, Sheriff’s Office; Winston-Salem, NC, Police Department; and Nebraska State Patrol. Trial Attorney César S. Rivera-Giraud of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edgardo J. Rodriguez and Ryan B. Bredemeier for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs), which identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States, using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF . An indictment is merely an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.


title: Illegal Alien Found Guilty of National Defense Area Violation in El Paso Trial

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: EL PASO, Texas – On Tuesday in El Paso, Senior U.S. District Judge David Briones found an Ecuadorian national guilty of one count of improper entry by an alien and one count of entering military property. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Dario Javier Trejo-Burbano knowingly and unlawfully entered the United States on May 8, 2025, through the National Defense Area, a restricted area established by the Department of the Army. U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. The U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Susanna Martinez and Chris Skillern are 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Four months of Operation Take Back America results in criminal charges against 39 defendants in Alaska

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman announced today the immediate success of Operation Take Back America in Alaska. In just over four months since its inception, the District of Alaska has already criminally charged 39 defendants under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, repel the invasion of illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime and drug trafficking. “Operation Take Back America has already been a huge success in Alaska. By concentrating our efforts on national law enforcement priorities and aggressively charging individuals for perpetrating crimes that most significantly impact public safety, our communities are becoming safer,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “The road ahead will be challenging, but I want to thank our federal, state and local partners for these early successes and look forward to the continued mission.” “DEA’s core mission is protecting America from drug traffickers and others who seek to do harm to our communities,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “We are proud to collaborate with our partners in Alaska as we work collectively to aggressively implement Operation Take Back America. The amazing results so far speak to DEA’s commitment to work with our partners to make Alaska safe.” “Transnational criminal organizations responsible for violent crime and drug trafficking in Alaska not only endanger communities, but are also a threat to our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Through Operation Take Back America, Alaskans can expect to see continued results in our mission to disrupt and dismantle criminal enterprises in furtherance of public safety.” “When law enforcement agencies at all levels unite, each contributing its distinct strengths, the collective effort enhances the safety of all Americans in the fight against violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais of the ATF Seattle Field Division. Among the 28 cases charged between Jan. 21, 2025, and June 10, 2025, the following three cases highlight the impact of Operation Take Back America in Alaska: U.S. v. Mobley On Nov. 14 and 15, 2024, Sean Mobley, 45, allegedly distributed carfentanil to two people, one adult and one minor. Carfentanil is a highly potent opioid not approved for human use. It is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Both victims allegedly used the substance and overdosed. The adult victim was revived by Narcan, but the minor victim died. Mobley then allegedly dumped her body onto a secluded ATV trail in Wasilla in the middle of the night. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison. U.S. v. Clifton et al Between August 2024 and February 2025, Corey Clifton, 51, and Elizabeth Cruickshank, 44, allegedly conspired together, and with others, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 4.5 kilograms of fentanyl in Alaska. Specifically, on one occasion, Clifton allegedly shipped a parcel from Washington to Cruickshank in Alaska. The parcel contained over 4.2 kilograms of fentanyl pills (over approximately 42,000 pills) packaged in small baggies with stickers inside drink mix containers. The indictment also alleges that between April 2024 to 2025, Clifton and Cruickshank conspired together to launder over one-half million dollars in drug proceeds. Clifton is also accused of possessing two firearms and ammunition as a felon. If convicted, they face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison. U.S. v. Kawanishi On Oct. 21, 2024, Alexander Kawanishi, 32, allegedly purchased illegal narcotics from an individual at an Anchorage motel. Court documents allege that Kawanishi provided the individual with $100 in cash, but later demanded the money back. When the individual refused, Kawanishi allegedly shot the individual with a pistol in the lower back/hip area before fleeing the scene. On Nov. 15, 2024, law enforcement located Kawanishi slumped over the wheel of a vehicle that was stuck on a snowbank. When Kawanishi woke up and exited the vehicle, he was wearing body armor and had two pistols on his person. During Kawanishi’s arrest, law enforcement, discovered a third firearm, methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine. At the time of the alleged conduct, Kawanishi had two felony convictions in Alaska Superior Court, making him a felon in possession of multiple firearms. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison. Below is the full list of cases charged as part of Operation Take Back America in Alaska (in alphabetical order): U.S. v. Benson (DT) U.S. v. Melvin (VC) U.S. v. Santiago-Martinez (I) U.S. v. Carroll (VC) U.S. v. Miles et al. (DT) U.S. v. Schaefer et al. (DT) U.S. v. Clifton et al (DT) U.S. v. Mobley (DT) U.S. v. Cody Severance (VC) U.S. v. Cotton (DT) U.S. v. Owens (VC) U.S. v. Sergio Severance (VC) U.S. v. Facey (DT) U.S. vs. Parker (DT) U.S. v. Spann (VC) U.S. v. Garrett (DT) U.S. v. Ritchie (DT) U.S. v. Steffensen (DT) U.S. v. Greydanus et al. (DT) U.S. v. Rodgers et al. (DT) U.S. v. Walker (VC) U.S. v. Katelnikoff et al. (DT) U.S. v. Ronquillo (I) U.S. v. Washington et al. (DT) U.S. v. Kawanishi (VC) U.S. v. Rowcroft-Ivy (VC) U.S. v. Woods (DT) U.S. v. Lemana (VC) *Drug Trafficking (DT) *Violent Crime (VC) *Immigration (I) In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Heyman commends the FBI Anchorage Field Office, DEA Seattle Field Division, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Anchorage Domicile and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations for their investigations that lead to these charges. He also thanks the state and local law enforcement partners that assisted with the operations in these cases. Assistant U.S. Attorneys with the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alaska are prosecuting the cases. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 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: Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Hate Crime and Firearms Violation

body_text: Douglas Wayne Cornett, 58, of Ruther Glen, Virginia, pleaded guilty in federal court today to two federal hate crimes charges involving attempts to kill and to discharging a firearm during a federal crime of violence. According to court documents, on the evening of Feb. 28, 2024, Cornett followed a box truck driven by a victim with the initials O.G., an adult Latino male, into the Sheetz gas station along Interstate 95 in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. Cornett then asked a victim with the initials J.M., an adult Latino male and a friend of O.G., how long O.G. had been present in the United States. Upon learning that O.G. had arrived within the last two years, Cornett drew handgun and fired six rounds, striking O.G. three times and J.M. once. Cornett later confessed to a Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Deputy to shooting the victims because of his perception of their national origin. “Hate crimes driven by bias against national origin or any other protected characteristic are a direct assault on the principles of equality and justice that define our nation,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division is committed to vigorously prosecuting such acts of violence to secure a just outcome.” “Crimes like Douglas Cornett’s, acts of hate motivated violence, victimize not just the individual, but harm families, communities, and groups by robbing them of their sense of security,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Every person has a right to live free of the fear of violence and the menace of hate, and my office is committed to eliminating both.” “Hate crimes not only harm individuals but undermine the fabric of our communities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Farina of the FBI Richmond Field Office. “FBI Richmond is steadfast in its dedication to investigating these violations thoroughly and swiftly to ensure justice for the victims and to protect the American people.” “Violence based on race or nationality will not be tolerated in Spotsylvania County," said G. Ryan Mehaffey, Spotsylvania County Commonwealth’s Attorney. "Douglas Cornett found out there is a heavy price to be paid.” Cornett faces a mandatory 10-year sentence on the firearms violation and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment for the two hate crimes. His final sentence will be determined by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a sentencing hearing scheduled for Nov. 13. The Richmond Field Office of the FBI investigated the case, with substantial assistance from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Garnett for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Kyle Boynton of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. Note: The press release was updated to accurately reflect the defendant's residence.


title: Tucson Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison on Child Pornography Charges

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Sergio Herran, 47, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced on June 17, 2025, by Senior United States District Judge Raner C. Collins to a term of 8 years in prison and a term of 5 years in prison, to be served concurrently. Following a four-day trial in March, a jury convicted Herran of Distribution of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography. Herran will be on lifetime supervision upon release from prison and must register as a sex offender. Herran was also ordered to pay restitution to identified victims. Herran was previously tried and convicted in 2019 before a jury, but the conviction was reversed on appeal by the Ninth Circuit. On retrial, the evidence presented showed that Herran was responsible for downloading, viewing, and sharing images and videos of child pornography. These videos and images were located on Herran’s computer hard drive, phone SD card, and a tablet, which were found in Herran’s bedroom within an arm’s reach from where he slept. In total, there were over 10,000 images and 1,500 videos of child pornography on Herran’s devices, although only a representative sample was charged in the indictment. Herran was found guilty of distribution of two videos of child pornography, possession of 13 images of child pornography, and possession of eight videos of child pornography. Homeland Security Investigations’ Tucson Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Sandra M. Hansen and Anshul Krishn, District of Arizona, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-17-01026-TUC-RCC RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-096_Herran # # # 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: THREE BATON ROUGE MEN FACE FEDERAL CHARGES IN CONNECTION  WITH ARMED ROBBERY AND SHOOTING OF FEDERAL AGENT

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Ellison C. Travis announced that federal criminal complaints and arrest warrants were issued charging three Baton Rouge men with multiple offenses stemming from an undercover firearm-trafficking operation that turned violent on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Torion Bobbs, age 20, and Cordell Simms, age 19, are each charged with assault on a federal officer and robbery, and Caylup Anderson, age 18, is charged with robbery and aiding and abetting. The criminal complaints and supporting affidavits allege that on June 17, 2025, agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Task Force arranged two separate purchases of a firearm equipped with a machine-gun conversion device (sometimes called a “Glock switch”) outside the Triple S Food Mart on North Foster Drive. When agents moved to detain the suspects, an exchange of gunfire followed, injuring one ATF agent and Sims. All three suspects fled before Sims was arrested nearby, with Anderson and Bobb being apprehended thereafter. “Our office has zero tolerance for assaults on law enforcement officers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Travis. “When criminals raise a gun at those who protect our communities, we will answer with the full force of federal law. Yesterday’s swift federal charges reflect the seamless teamwork of the FBI, ATF, Baton Rouge Police Department, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Police. Their rapid, coordinated response ensured these defendants were taken off the streets within hours of the crime.” “ATF’s primary focus is to support public safety and address violent crime with our federal, state, and local partners. This is particularly true when it comes to crimes perpetuated through illegal possession and use of firearms,” said ATF New Orleans SAC Joshua Jackson. “These swift charges represent another example of ATF working with our law enforcement partners to hold those accountable who choose to use firearms to engage in violent crime within our communities.” “The rapid response of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to the events on North Foster Street proves that we will not tolerate any assault on law enforcement officers nor will we tolerate violent criminals who put the community in danger,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “With the continued assistance of the public, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to get violent criminals off our streets.” This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli Abad. A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.


title: Prolific Guatemalan Drug Traffickers Extradited to the United States to Face Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Charge

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Steven Ovaldino Lorenzana Alvarenga, also known as “Chipi,” and Allan Mendoza, also known as “Carnes” and “Carnitas,” both of Guatemala, made their initial appearances today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia following their June 17 extraditions from Guatemala to the United States. Lorenzana Alvarenga, 30, and Mendoza, 40, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States from Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, from 2006 through 2023, Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza were key members of the Guatemala-based Lorenzana drug trafficking organization (“DTO”), which transports multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America into Mexico and the United States on behalf of various Mexican, Honduran, and Venezuelan cartels. The Lorenzana DTO allegedly controls multiple departments in Guatemala and regularly uses violence, including murder, assault, kidnapping, assassination, and torture in furtherance of their drug trafficking activities. As alleged, Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza were part of a loyal group of associates surrounding the leader of the Lorenzana DTO, Haroldo Waldemar Lorenzana Terraza . If convicted, Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza face a maximum penalty of life in prison on the conspiracy charge and up to 30 years in prison on the firearm charge. The extraditions of Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza mark another significant step in the Justice Department’s efforts to dismantle the Lorenzana DTO and bring its members to justice. Lorenzana Terraza assumed leadership of the Lorenzana DTO in the mid-2000s, after the indictment, extradition, and conviction of multiple family members who previously served as key leaders, including Lorenzana Terraza’s grandfather, Waldemar Lorenzana Lima , who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 23 years in prison in February 2020; Lorenzana Terraza’s uncles, Eliu and Waldemar Lorenzana Cordon , who received life sentences following a conviction at trial in 2016; and Lorenzana Terraza’s aunt, Marta Julia Lorenzana-Cordon , who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 33 years in prison in March 2024. Lorenzana Terraza was charged alongside Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza with conspiring to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and he also faces two additional charges of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise and conspiring to import heroin into the United States. Lorenzana Terraza is still a fugitive, and the U.S. Department of State is currently offering a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction. Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting Administrator Robert J. Murphy of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) made the announcement. The DEA Bilateral Investigation Unit and DEA Guatemala City Country Office investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs working with Guatemalan law enforcement authorities, INTERPOL, and the DEA provided critical assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Lorenzana Alvarenga and Mendoza to the United States. Trial Attorneys Douglas Meisel and Ligia Markman of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood .


title: Prolíficos narcotraficantes guatemaltecos extraditados a los Estados Unidos para enfrentar cargos de asociación delictuosa para el tráfico de drogas

body_text: Steven Ovaldino Lorenzana Alvarenga, alias “Chipi”, y Allan Mendoza, alias “Carnes” y “Carnitas”, ambos de Guatemala, comparecieron hoy ante el Tribunal de Distrito de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito de Columbia tras su extradición el 17 de junio desde Guatemala a los Estados Unidos. Lorenzana Alvarenga, de 30 años, y Mendoza, de 40, están imputados cada uno por un cargo de asociación delictuosa para importar cinco kilogramos o más de cocaína a los Estados Unidos desde Venezuela, Colombia, México, Guatemala y Honduras, y por un cargo de poseer un arma de fuego para promover un delito de tráfico de drogas. Según los documentos del tribunal, entre 2006 y 2023, Lorenzana Alvarenga y Mendoza fueron miembros clave de la organización de tráfico de drogas (OTD) Lorenzana, con sede en Guatemala, que transporta cantidades del orden de múltiples toneladas de cocaína desde Sudamérica a México y los Estados Unidos en nombre de varios carteles mexicanos, hondureños y venezolanos. La OTD Lorenzana presuntamente controla varios departamentos de Guatemala y utiliza habitualmente la violencia, incluidos el homicidio, la agresión, el secuestro, el asesinato y la tortura para promover sus actividades de tráfico de drogas. Según se alega, Lorenzana Alvarenga y Mendoza formaban parte de un grupo leal de asociados que rodeaba al líder de la OTD Lorenzana, Haroldo Waldemar Lorenzana Terraza . Si son declarados culpables, Lorenzana Alvarenga y Mendoza enfrentan una pena máxima de cadena perpetua por el cargo de asociación delictuosa y hasta 30 años de prisión por el cargo de posesión de armas de fuego. Las extradiciones de Lorenzana Alvarenga y Mendoza marcan otro paso significativo en los esfuerzos del Departamento de Justicia para desmantelar la OTD Lorenzana y llevar a sus miembros ante la justicia. Lorenzana Terraza asumió el liderazgo de la OTD Lorenzana a mediados de la década del 2000, tras la acusación formal, extradición y condena de varios miembros de su familia que anteriormente habían sido líderes clave, incluido el abuelo de Lorenzana Terraza, Waldemar Lorenzana Lima , quien se declaró culpable y fue condenado a 23 años de prisión en febrero de 2020; los tíos de Lorenzana Terraza, Eliu y Waldemar Lorenzana Cordón , quienes fueron condenados a cadena perpetua tras un juicio celebrado en 2016; y la tía de Lorenzana Terraza, Marta Julia Lorenzana-Cordón , quien se declaró culpable y fue condenada a 33 años de prisión en marzo de 2024. Lorenzana Terraza fue imputado junto con Lorenzana Alvarenga y Mendoza por unirse en una asociación delictuosa para importar cinco kilogramos o más de cocaína a los Estados Unidos y por poseer un arma de fuego para promover el delito de tráfico de drogas, y también enfrenta dos cargos adicionales por participar en una empresa delictiva continua y por unirse en una asociación delictuosa para importar heroína a los Estados Unidos. Lorenzana Terraza sigue prófugo, y el Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos ofrece actualmente una recompensa de hasta $5 millones de dólares estadounidenses por información que conduzca a su detención y/o condena. Matthew R. Galeotti, jefe de la División Penal del Departamento de Justicia, y Robert J. Murphy, administrador interino de la Administración para el Control de Drogas (DEA, por sus siglas en inglés), hicieron el anuncio. La Unidad de Investigación Bilateral de la DEA y la Oficina de la DEA en la ciudad de Guatemala investigaron el caso. La Oficina de Asuntos Internacionales del Departamento de Justicia, en colaboración con las autoridades del orden público guatemaltecas, INTERPOL y la DEA, prestaron asistencia fundamental para garantizar la detención y extradición de Lorenzana Alvarenga y Mendoza a los Estados Unidos. Los fiscales Douglas Meisel y Ligia Markman, de la Sección de Narcóticos y Drogas Peligrosas de la División Penal, están a cargo del procesamiento del caso. Este caso forma parte de la Operación Take Back America (Recuperar a los Estados Unidos), una iniciativa nacional que dirige todos los recursos del Departamento de Justicia para repeler la invasión de inmigrantes ilegales, lograr la eliminación total de los carteles y las organizaciones delictivas transnacionales y proteger a nuestras comunidades de los autores de delitos violentos. La Operación Take Back America optimiza los esfuerzos y recursos de las Fuerzas Operativas contra el Crimen Organizado y las Drogas del Departamento y el Proyecto Vecindarios Seguros .


title: Lobbyist Who Evaded Payment of More than $2 Million in Taxes Sentenced to Prison

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Eston “Dusty” Melton III, a lobbyist operating in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties, was sentenced on June 17, 2025, to 18 months in federal prison for evading the payment of over $2 million in federal income taxes. According to court documents and Melton’s plea agreement, Melton owned and operated a lobbying business in both Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties. For tax years 2005 through 2014, Melton filed personal federal income tax returns showing a total tax liability of $1,313,840. With penalties and interest, his total tax debt rose to $2,143,381. Melton made payments totaling $62,100 toward this debt. Additionally, the IRS collected $537,231 through liens and levies. Between 2012 and 2021, in order to prevent the IRS from collecting his growing tax debt, Melton engaged in a sophisticated scheme to conceal his assets and income in an effort to prevent the IRS from collecting on his increasing tax debt. When an IRS Revenue Officer indicated the IRS intended to levy (or foreclose) on Melton’s house, Melton appeared to cooperate by attempting to sell the house. Melton purported to try to sell the house himself, while actually taking steps to undermine the sale. Melton finally sold the house six years after purporting to put it on the market. Melton also took other actions to avoid IRS collection efforts. He paid roughly $80,000 in cash from his lobbying business to his wife. He transferred all his clients to a new lobbying business that was supposedly owned by his wife, then continued providing lobbying services there for little or no pay. Melton helped his wife purchase a home solely in her name, using funds primarily from his own business, and transferred ownership of cars and life insurance policies to her as well. In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg ordered Melton to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $1,736,586 in restitution. U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Bryne for the Southern District of Florida, and Emmanuel Gomez, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Osborne for the Southern District of Florida prosecuted the case. You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 25-cr-80001. ###


title: Riverside County Woman Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison for Running $1.7 Million COVID-19 Benefits Fraud She Advertised on Instagram

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – An Inland Empire woman was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining $1.7 million in COVID-19 pandemic-related jobless benefits, federally-guaranteed small business loans, California Small Business COVID-19 relief grants, and Los Angeles County economic opportunity grants. Jasmine Unique Mallard-McCarter, 30, a.k.a. “JassyMC,” of Eastvale, was sentenced by United States District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong, who also ordered her to pay $1,765,407 in restitution. McCarter pleaded guilty on February 28 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. McCarter impersonated others to apply online for government benefits that she used for herself. McCarter also used the personal identifying information provided by her co-conspirators to apply for government benefits on their behalf, knowing those co-conspirators were not eligible for those benefits. McCarter charged fees to instruct others how to apply for government benefits for which they were not eligible without getting caught. Also, for a fee, McCarter served as a broker for counterfeit documents, such as Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, IRS Forms 1040, W-2s, bank statements, education degrees and transcripts, pay stubs, and doctors’ notes for handicapped placards. In some instances, the McCarter and her co-conspirators used the counterfeit documents to trick the government into paying unjustified benefits. McCarter advertised her fraud services on Instragram, using handles “JassyMc” and “EliteRealEstateandBusiness.” McCarter referred to herself as the “Jass of All Trades” in social media posts, because she could file fraudulent unemployment insurance applications, file grant applications, and broker counterfeit documents and identification in return for a fee. According to McCarter’s Instagram posts, she charged a fee for introducing customers to her connection at the California Department of Motor Vehicles, who could help bypass requirements for smog checks, insurance, and registration. The U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Employee Development Department Investigations Division, U.S. Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and United States Secret Service investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Brown of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolster efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . On September 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Central and Eastern Districts of California to jointly head one of the three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud. The Strike Force combines law enforcement and prosecutorial resources and focuses on large-scale, multistate pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors, as well as those who committed instances of pandemic relief fraud. The Strike Force uses prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. Additional information regarding the Strike Force may be found at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-covid-19-fraud-strike-force-teams . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Local felon sentenced for transporting illegal aliens after high-speed chase

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A 23-year-old Laredo man has been sentenced to federal prison for transporting illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Braulio Ivan Rueda pleaded guilty Feb. 27. U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña has now ordered Rueda to serve a total of 21 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. On Nov. 25, 2024, several people ran from the Rio Grande River into an SUV with fictitious plates. Rueda was driving. When authorities tried to block the vehicle, four Guatemalan nationals fled towards the river. Rueda sped away and led authorities on a three-mile chase before stopping in a commercial parking lot and attempting to escape on foot. Authorities soon took him into custody and located the four illegal aliens. He admitted he needed money and agreed to smuggle the aliens for “easy money.” One had said he arranged in Guatemala to be smuggled into the United States and picked up near Laredo. Rueda will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol, Laredo Police Department, Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Webb County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood .


title: New Orleans Man Guilty of Fentanyl Distribution Conspiracy

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that DAMERON CARMON (“CARMON”) , age 45, of New Orleans, pled guilty on June 12, 2025 to Conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, a quantity of Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21 United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846 before U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier. Judge Barbier scheduled sentencing for September 25, 2025. At sentencing CARMON faces up to twenty years imprisonment, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. There is also a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. According to the indictment, CARMON conspired with others to maintain multiple residences on Harmony Street as drug-involved premises where fentanyl and heroin were trafficked. CARMON acted as security, and assisted others in the distribution of fentanyl and heroin from these residences. He was arrested by law enforcement as he attempted to flee one of these residences. Firearms and fentanyl were later located in the residence from which CARMON fled. This case was part of Operation Big Easy. Operation Big Easy was a National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) enforcement initiative of collected firearm casings for the time period of August 1, 2023 to January 31, 2023 that produced data points of high-density shootings and homicides in seven areas of New Orleans related to individuals engaged in criminal activity. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, New Orleans Police Department, and Louisiana State Police. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit. This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballisticinformation-network-nibin. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Honduran National Sentenced for  Re-Entry of a Deported Alien

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – ActingU.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that HIBIS TURCIO-SANCHEZ (“TURCIO-SANCHEZ”) , age 45, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on June 17, 2025, for re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Sections 1326(a) and (b)(1). According to court documents, TURCIO-SANCHEZ re-entered the United States after he was previously deported on October 17, 2016. TURCIO-SANCHEZ was sentenced to time served before United States District Judge Susie Morgan. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution. * * *


title: Chicago Lab Owner Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison in Connection With $14 Million Covid-19 Testing Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal - Criminal Fraud Section

body_text: CHICAGO — The owner of a Chicago laboratory was sentenced today to seven years in federal prison for his role in a Covid-19 testing fraud scheme. ZISHAN ALVI, 46, of Inverness, Ill., owned and operated a laboratory in Chicago that performed testing for Covid-19. In 2021 and 2022, Alvi caused tens of thousands of claims to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for Covid-19 tests that were not performed as billed. As part of the scheme, the laboratory released negative test results to patients, even though the laboratory either had not tested the specimens or the results were inconclusive because Alvi diluted the tests to save on costs while making them unreliable. Alvi knew that the laboratory was releasing negative results for Covid-19 tests that were not performed or were inconclusive, but still caused the laboratory to submit claims to HRSA for those tests. Alvi also lied to laboratory directors to conceal his fraud. HRSA paid the laboratory more than $14 million because of the fraudulent claims that Alvi caused to be submitted. Alvi pleaded guilty last year to one count of wire fraud. U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr. imposed the prison sentence during a hearing today in federal court in Chicago. Judge Tharp also ordered Alvi to pay more than $14.1 million in restitution and forfeit more than $8 million in cash, a 2021 Range Rover HSE, a 2022 Tesla X, and a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB250W4, all of which were previously seized by law enforcement. The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Mario Pinto, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Region of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Hasten of the Northern District of Illinois, and Claire T. Sobczak, Trial Attorney of the Department of Justice's Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. “At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Zishan Alvi disregarded public health concerns in favor of greed and his own financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “The government’s pandemic-relief programs were intended to keep people safe, not provide an avenue for fraud and illegal profits. Our Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to root out abuse of these important programs and hold accountable those who seek to fraudulently profit from them.” “In the midst of economic uncertainty for many Americans, the defendant chose to cash in on a global pandemic by stealing millions of dollars and committing extensive fraud,” said FBI SAC DePodesta. “Further, he placed patients and the public at risk by releasing false Covid-19 test results. The FBI and our dedicated partners are committed to investigating Covid con artists and ensuring they are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Honduran National Sentenced For Re-Entry of Removed Alien

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – ActingUnited States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that ROSSEL GEOVANNY RECINOS ARITA (“ARITA”) , age 30, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on June 17, 2025, after previously pleading guilty to re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a). According to court documents, ARITA , a Honduran national, was found in St. Tammany Parish on or around February 24, 2025. He had previously been deported to Honduras on June 19, 2018. ARITA was sentenced by United States District Judge Susie Morgan to time served. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.


title: New Orleans Man Convicted of Attempted Murder Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearm

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –KYLE CONERLY , age 32, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on June 18, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to court documents, on November 20, 2023, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers were conducting surveillance on a residence in the Hollygrove neighborhood. When officers moved in to make arrests, CONERLY ran to the backyard of the residence and threw a loaded handgun over the fence. CONERLY is prohibited from possessing a handgun because of prior convictions for attempted second degree murder and manslaughter in Orleans Parish. CONERLY faces up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Foreign National Sentenced to Prison for Conducting Cyber Scams That Victimized U.S. Citizens and Businesses

body_text: CHICAGO — A foreign national has been sentenced to three and a half years in federal prison for conducting a variety of cyber fraud schemes that victimized U.S. citizens and businesses. RIDWAN ADELEKE ADEPOJU and co-schemers operated multiple fraud schemes from Nigeria, including phishing scams, romance scams, and the submission of fraudulent tax returns. The scams involved multiple spoofed email addresses, fictional social media personas, and unwitting money mules. Adepoju’s schemes victimized numerous U.S. citizens and businesses, including individuals and companies in the Chicago area. Adepoju, 33, of Lagos, Nigeria, was arrested last year in the United Kingdom and extradited to the United States. He pleaded guilty in March to federal wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly imposed a 43-month prison sentence. The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Ramsey E. Covington, Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. "Defendant’s offense involved a years-long, complex scheme, involving several types of scams and many victims,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann Marie E. Ursini argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Defendant chose to be a willing participant in the scheme over and over again.”


title: New Orleans Man Guilty of Being Felon in Possession of Firearm

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –NOLAN LONG (“LONG”) , age 33, pleaded guilty on June 17, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Darryl J. Papillion to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. According to court documents, on January 10, 2023, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) detectives observed a group of individuals, including LONG , exhibiting signs that they were carrying concealed firearms. When marked NOPD units arrived in the area to investigate, LONG fled on foot and discarded a loaded Walther P22, .22 caliber pistol before being apprehended. LONG is prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his previous felony convictions for simple robbery and for being a felon in possession of a firearm. LONG faces up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the New Orleans Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: St. Tammany Parish Man Charged with Bribery and Wire Fraud

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that, on June 13, 2025, KENTRELL MAHONEY SCOTT (“SCOTT”) , age 39, a resident of St. Tammany Parish, was charged, via bill of information, with one count of bribery of a public official, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 201, and two counts of wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. According to the charging document, SCOTT was a public official who, directly or indirectly, accepted something of value in return for being induced to do an act, and omit to do an act in violation of his official duty, and in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 201(b)(2). Specifically, in exchange for a $300 payment that he directly and corruptly sought and accepted from a supervisee under his charge, SCOTT agreed to assist a supervisee in violating the terms of supervision by obscuring the detection of the supervisee’s GPS monitoring. Additionally, SCOTT was also charged with wire fraud, for advertising and selling unlawful brake tags and temp tags. SCOTT , who was not licensed or approved by the City of New Orleans or the State of Louisiana, advertised the sale of brake tags and temp tags on Facebook and encouraged interested parties to message him. Thereafter, SCOTT met the purchasers in person to complete the transaction. Finally, SCOTT was charged with a second act of wire fraud, for making false and fraudulent submissions to the Louisiana Workforce Commission for the CARES Act Funded Unemployment Insurance Program. Specifically, in order to both remain eligible for unemployment insurance and to maximize the unemployment insurance benefits he received, SCOTT underreported his wages and later, falsely certified that he was unemployed. If convicted of the bribery charge, SCOTT faces up to 15 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. As to each of the wire fraud counts, SCOTT faces up to 20 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andre J. Lagarde of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Gorham Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A Gorham man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material. According to court records, Cody J. Merrill , 33, who had been previously convicted of unlawful sexual conduct involving a minor in York County Superior Court, sent a video file depicting child sexual abuse material to an undercover Special Agent from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) over a messaging application. In February 2025, HSI executed a search warrant at his residence, resulting in the seizure of multiple digital media devices that contained child sexual abuse material files. During a recorded interview with investigators, Merrill admitted to accessing, viewing, and distributing child sexual abuse material over the internet. Merrill faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a maximum supervised release term of life. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. HSI investigated the case. To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child sexual abuse material: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678 . If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741 . Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc . ###


title: Two Men Who Trafficked Pills Containing Meth and Fentanyl, Fentanyl Powder Mixed with Xylazine, Sentenced to Prison

component: Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that two men were sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven for offenses related to their distribution of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, and fentanyl powder laced with xylazine. MARKEYSE KELLY , also known as “Curry” and “Keyse,” 46, of West Haven, was sentenced to 138 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release, and JAQUAN PRICE , also known as “Sub,” 34, of New Haven, was sentenced to 120 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release. According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2023, the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force began investigating a drug trafficking organization led by Kelly. The investigation, which included controlled purchases of narcotics in February and March 2024, revealed that Kelly, Price, and their associate Robert Covington sold various controlled substances, including multi-colored pills pressed to look like ecstasy that actually contained methamphetamine, counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, powder fentanyl laced with xylazine, and PCP. Kelly, Price, and Covington were arrested on May 14, 2024. On that date, investigators executed multiple search warrants and seized more than a kilogram of methamphetamine pills, and an additional quantity of meth powder, more than 100 grams of fentanyl pills and powder, approximately 50 grams of cocaine, three handguns, two loaded gun magazines, ammunition, and more than $11,000 in cash. On February 21, 2025, Kelly pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. On March 21, 2025, Price pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Kelly and Price have been detained since their arrests. In April 2015, Price was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 30 months of imprisonment for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Covington pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. This matter has been investigated by the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the New Haven Police Department, the West Haven Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Task Force includes personnel from the East Haven Police Department, Milford Police Department, Wallingford Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and Connecticut Department of Correction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Nathan Guevremont through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Program. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Former JBLM soldier pleads guilty to attempting to share military secrets with China

body_text: A former U.S. Army Sergeant whose last duty post was Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in western Washington pleaded guilty on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Seattle to two federal felonies, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Joseph Daniel Schmidt, 31, pleaded guilty to attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information. He faces up to ten years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on September 9, 2025. According to records filed in the case, Schmidt was an active-duty soldier from January 2015 to January 2020. His primary assignment was at JBLM in the 109th Military Intelligence Battalion. In his role, Schmidt had access to SECRET and TOP SECRET information. After his separation from the military, Schmidt reached out to the Chinese Consulate in Turkey and later, the Chinese security services via email offering national defense information. In March 2020, Schmidt traveled to Hong Kong and continued his efforts to provide Chinese intelligence with classified information he obtained from his military service. He created multiple lengthy documents describing various “high level secrets” he was offering to the Chinese government. He retained a device that allows for access to secure military computer networks and offered the device to Chinese authorities to assist them in efforts to gain access to such networks. Schmidt remained in China, primarily Hong Kong, until October 2023, when he flew to San Francisco. He was arrested at the airport. Attempt to deliver national defense information and retention of national defense information are both punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The FBI investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command. Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Greenberg is prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.