title: Colombian National Pleads Guilty for Role in Dangerous Human Smuggling Organization

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Luis Enrique Linero Pinto, also known as “El Calvo,” 41, of Colombia, has pleaded guilty in court in El Paso, Texas, today after being extradited from Colombia for his role in a dangerous human smuggling conspiracy that left 40 aliens and two boat captains missing. “Linero Pinto played a critical role in a prolific human smuggling conspiracy that used corruption and illicit means of transport to move aliens from Colombia to the United States for money,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “During the transport, dozens of people disappeared at sea, never to be seen or heard from again. This conviction serves as the latest example of how Joint Task Force Alpha continues to lead the Department’s efforts to aggressively crack down on transnational human smuggling and trafficking networks that threaten the lives of those transported, as well as the security of our citizens and border.” “While we grieve the lives lost due to this defendant’s conduct, it is right and good to applaud the tireless work of our special agents and prosecutors that secured this conviction and to highlight yet another successful international partnership,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “Human smuggling organizations, by definition, engage in cross-border operations, so they can only be dismantled through cross-border partnerships. By cooperating in this way, we ensure that our border is secure, which is a key component in making certain that this country is one where Americans cannot merely survive, but thrive.” “Human smuggling organizations put profit over human life, exploiting vulnerable people and placing them in dangerous, often deadly conditions,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan G. McRae of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso. “HSI’s mission is to protect the American people and safeguard our borders by dismantling the transnational criminal networks that threaten public safety and national security. This guilty plea reflects HSI’s commitment to working with our domestic and international partners to identify, investigate and bring to justice those who facilitate these dangerous smuggling schemes.” According to the indictment and court documents, Linero Pinto participated in a conspiracy to unlawfully smuggle aliens, transporting them through Central America and Mexico to the United States. Linero Pinto advised the migrants on how to get to San Andres Island, Colombia, where he personally received them, arranged for their accommodation, and brought them to boats that transported them to Nicaragua so they could illegally enter the United States. Linero Pinto bribed members of the Colombian Navy to acquire real-time intelligence about the position of Navy patrol vessels located between San Andres Island and Nicaragua, enabling the boats to avoid detection. On Oct. 21, 2023, a boat carrying approximately 40 aliens and two boat captains disappeared on its way to Nicaragua after leaving San Andreas Island. Linero Pinto has admitted his role in smuggling the aliens on that boat. Linero Pinto was charged in October 2024 for conspiring to encourage and induce aliens to come to, enter, and reside in the United States. He was arrested in Colombia in December 2024 at the request of the U.S. government. Linero Pinto’s extradition followed extensive coordination and cooperation between U.S. and Colombian law enforcement authorities, and he made his initial appearance in federal court in El Paso in December 2025. Linero Pinto pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit alien smuggling and placing lives in jeopardy. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Linero Pinto faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. HSI led the investigation, with assistance from their McAllen, El Paso, and Cartagena field offices. HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, the Justice Department’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT), Office of International Affairs (OIA), and Judicial Attaché Office in Bogotá provided valuable assistance. The Justice Department thanks Colombian law enforcement officials, who were instrumental in furthering this investigation. The investigation and indictment were coordinated and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated prosecutors from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other U.S. attorneys’ offices throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, HSI, CBP, Border Patrol, and Office of Field Operations, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 483 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 436 U.S. convictions; more than 371 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets. Trial Attorneys Danielle Hickman of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Daria Andryushchenko of the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Luis Acosta for the Western District of Texas 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 TCOs, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: California Man Pleads Guilty to Bombing Santa Barbara County Courthouse in Retaliation for Law Enforcement Seizing His Firearms

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: A Santa Barbara County, California, man pleaded guilty today to detonating a bomb at a Santa Maria courthouse in 2024 in an attack that injured three people, damaged the building, and was intended to kill law enforcement officers in retaliation for local law enforcement seizing his firearms earlier that year. “McGuire launched a vicious, terroristic assault on a court of law with the intent to kill law enforcement officers and a judge,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “His attack injured three people and, were it not for the quick action of court security and law enforcement, it could have been far worse. McGuire will now face the consequences of his actions.” “This defendant’s brazen act of terror resulted in physical, structural, and emotional harm, and could have had tragic consequences,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “Individuals who use bombs against law enforcement officials, judges, and other government personnel must be held accountable and face severe punishment for their actions.” Nathaniel James McGuire, 22, of Santa Maria, pleaded guilty to one count of use of a weapon of mass destruction and one count of malicious destruction of a building using an explosive. McGuire has been in federal custody since September 2024. According to his plea agreement, on Sept. 24, 2024, McGuire knowingly detonated a bomb in the Santa Maria courthouse, which serves the Santa Barbara County Superior Court. McGuire walked in the door of the courthouse and threw a backpack containing an explosive device past the courthouse’s security screening device and towards Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies, The bomb slid between a victim’s legs and detonated in the building outside a courtroom. Five people were hospitalized and released the same day. The bomb resulted in personal injuries to three victims. McGuire admitted in his plea agreement that he detonated the bomb with the intent to kill the sheriff’s deputies. After the bomb exploded, McGuire left to retrieve two long guns and 10 Molotov cocktails from his vehicle and intended to re-enter the courthouse to kill sheriff’s deputies and “splatter” (kill) a judge. A courthouse security guard and several law enforcement officers stopped McGuire at his vehicle. McGuire admitted to maliciously damaging the courthouse, which sustained approximately $35,000 in damages and had to be closed for several days. He also admitted to detonating the bomb at the courthouse in retaliation for various alleged government wrongs, including Santa Barbara County sheriff’s deputies seizing his firearms earlier that year. McGuire intended to harm the judge and the sheriff’s deputies on account of their status as government employees and officials. A search of McGuire’s residence resulted in the seizure of other materials related to his bomb making. McGuire is scheduled to be sentenced on March 1, 2027, and will face a maximum penalty of life in prison. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, and Santa Maria Police Department are investigating this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark P. Takla and Kathrynne N. Seiden for the Central District of California are prosecuting this case with substantial assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Su for the Central District of California and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.


title: Accenture Agrees to Pay $25M to Resolve Alleged Employment Discrimination Violations

component: Civil Division

body_text: Accenture Federal Services (AFS), Accenture plc, and Accenture LLP (Accenture) have agreed to pay the United States $25 million to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act for failing to comply with anti-discrimination requirements in federal contracts and discriminating against employees and applicants for employment because of race or sex. Most federal contracts contain a provision that requires contractors to provide equal opportunity to employees and applicants for employment. As a condition to being a federal contractor, the company must certify that it will not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment because of race or sex and must further certify that it will take steps to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment, “without regard to” race or sex. The settlement resolves allegations that from 2017 to the present, AFS falsely certified compliance with these conditions, while engaging in discriminatory employment practices. “Opportunity and promotion in the workplace must be earned through merit,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. “Today’s resolution makes unmistakably clear that the Department will continue to aggressively pursue unconstitutional discriminatory employment practices.” “Federal contractors have a straightforward obligation: make employment decisions without regard to race or sex,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “A company cannot take taxpayer dollars, certify that it is following that simple principle, and then use race or sex as a factor in deciding who gets an opportunity.” The United States alleged that AFS took race or sex into account when making hiring decisions to achieve progress toward non-public workforce composition goals. Business unit leaders within AFS received monthly summaries of the specific percentage of each race and sex within the unit, with the figures highlighted green, yellow, or red to indicate whether representation was at or exceeded AFS’ goal, was within 5 percent of AFS’ goal, or was below 5 percent of AFS’ goal, respectively. These demographic goals were designed to, and did, drive changes in hiring practices based on race and sex. For example, at the end of 2020 and beginning of 2021, AFS engaged in a round of entry level employee hiring to make further progress towards the company’s racial representation goals. The United States further alleged that AFS took race or sex into account when making promotion decisions. For example, when considering managing director promotions, AFS conducted a separate discussion of candidates who furthered AFS’ race or sex demographic goals to ensure that these candidates received extra visibility with AFS leaders responsible for making promotion decisions. AFS also highlighted in color the names of candidates who furthered the company’s demographic goals to distinguish them from other candidates during the promotion review process and developed a separate “pipeline” of potential promotion candidates who would advance AFS’ demographic goals. Finally, the United States alleged that AFS offered certain training, mentoring, leadership development programs, and educational opportunities where eligibility for these resources was limited by race or sex. For example, from August 2022 to February 2025, AFS ran the Amplify to Elevate training program, which reserved participation for employees based on race and was designed to boost the career prospects of these employees over others through mentorship and networking. This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois. The claims resolved by the United States in the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Abbott Agrees to Pay Over $384M to Settle Allegations Related to Contaminated Infant Formula

body_text: Abbott Laboratories (Abbott), an Illinois-based healthcare company that manufactures and sells infant formula and nutritional therapy products, has agreed to pay $384,999,040 to resolve allegations that it caused false claims to be submitted between Jan. 1, 2018, and Dec. 31, 2022, to federal and state programs arising from its failure to manufacture certain powder infant formula and nutritional therapy products at its Sturgis, Michigan, and Casa Grande, Arizona, facilities in compliance with federal and state statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements. On Nov. 13, 2025, the United States filed its Complaint in Intervention alleging that Abbott caused government programs to purchase powder infant formula manufactured at the Sturgis facility despite the products’ failure to meet statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements. The Complaint alleged that Abbott knowingly manufactured infant formula purchased with taxpayer dollars in an environment that put the products at unacceptable risk of microorganism contamination and significantly impacted the products’ reliability, quality, and safety. “Today’s settlement is a victory for American families and makes clear the safety of our children is not negotiable,” said Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter. “Abbott will pay a substantial sum to resolve serious allegations it violated federal health and safety requirements designed to protect babies. The Justice Department will act decisively against anyone who puts American families at risk and ensure misconduct carries serious consequences.” “No company should be gambling on the health and safety of our Nation’s infants by allowing unsanitary conditions to persist at a facility manufacturing baby formula,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward, Jr. “The Department will hold accountable bad actors that knowingly misrepresent compliance with essential health and safety standards designed to protect American families.” “It is critical that infant formula manufacturers adhere to regulatory and contractual requirements to ensure that the products they manufacture are safe for the babies who consume them,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey for the Western District of Michigan. “This settlement demonstrates our commitment to holding manufacturers accountable when the United States pays for noncompliant products.” “Parents rely on companies like Abbott Laboratories to responsibly follow the rules and ensure their products – especially baby formula – are safe. USDA OIG remains vigilant against those that would compromise public health and safety by failing to comply with legal standards and put infants at risk,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk. “This behavior is inexcusable and will not be condoned.” As described in the complaint, roof leaks were a common occurrence in the Sturgis plant, leading to water running and dripping over equipment. Rather than permanently addressing the root causes, Abbott used temporary solutions, such as roof leak umbrellas, to try to divert leaks in product processing areas even though Abbott corporate leadership understood that the wet environment put the products at increased risk of microorganism contamination. Similarly, the complaint alleged that Abbott continued to run spray dryers, where liquid formula was transformed into a dry powder, even after Abbott documented cracks and pits in the dryers, which also increased the risk of “micro” contamination, particularly in the presence of moisture. Further, the Department alleged that Abbott made its spray dryer conditions worse by lengthening the number of product batches that passed through the dryers between cleaning cycles — enabling Abbott to increase production. The complaint also alleges that Abbott intentionally did not test for bacterial growth to avoid obtaining positive test results showing contamination, and that in certain instances where testing demonstrated “micro” contamination, Abbott failed to disclose the test results when responding to requests from FDA during 2019 and 2022 inspections at the Sturgis facility. Under the civil settlement agreement, Abbott will pay $348,700,868 to the United States to resolve the False Claims Act allegations and an additional $36,298,172 to certain States for claims settled by their State Medicaid and WIC programs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture funds and regulates the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides nutritional support — including infant formula — to eligible participants. More than half of all infant formula purchased in the United States is paid for with USDA funds through WIC. State Medicaid Programs also cover and pay for certain infant formula. The civil settlement resolves claims brought under the False Claims Act’s qui tam provisions, which allow private individuals to bring suit on behalf of the United States for false claims submitted to federal programs and to share in any recovery. Relators Scott Millard, Kristine Cooper, and Loren Cooper, who were Abbott employees, will receive $69 million as their share of the federal settlement. The qui tam action, filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, is captioned United States, et al., ex rel. Scott Millard, et al., v. Abbott Laboratories , No. 1:22-cv-994 (W.D. Mich.). The resolution was the product of a coordinated effort by the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Civil Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, with assistance from USDA’s Office of Inspector General. This year, the Trump Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s False Claims Act enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. False Claims Act matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s False Claims work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The matter was handled by Civil Fraud Section Trial Attorneys Asha Natarajan and Erin Colleran of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whitney Schnurr and Jacob Carlton for the Western District of Michigan. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: SDTX continues Take Back America efforts with 212 new cases

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas has charged another 218 people in immigration and border security-related matters from Sept. 4–10. The cases include charges against 21 individuals—nine of whom are illegal aliens—allegedly involved in human smuggling. A total of 36 criminal complaints were filed for illegal entry, while another 150 people face charges of felony reentry after prior removal. Most of those individuals have prior felonies related to narcotics, violent crime, immigration offenses, and more. The remaining five cases charged this week relate to other immigration-related crimes. As part of the newly filed complaints, Albanian national Arben Cima has been charged with illegal reentry into the country. According to the charges, authorities previously removed him March 12, 2022, before discovering him again near Mission. According to his complaint, he has a prior conviction for possession with intent to distribute heroin. Two others—Jose Yojcom-Rocche and Antonio Rubio-Zuniga—were also allegedly found near Roma despite having been previously removed. According to the charges, Yojcom-Rocche has a prior conviction for lewd or lascivious acts with a child, while Rubio-Zuniga has a prior conviction for aggravated robbery. All face up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted. In addition to the new cases, Mexican national Erik Guadalupe Ibarra Venegas was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm. Authorities responded to a report of a suspicious man carrying tools and pushing two bicycles. During the encounter, law enforcement discovered a 5.56-caliber pistol on him. The investigation revealed Venegas had overstayed his visa and was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. The cases are referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners. The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigrants, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the Southern District. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal histories, including convictions for human trafficking, sexual assault, and violence against children. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than 10 million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen, and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state, and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Federal grand jury indicts four in two related fraud schemes targeting elderly and vulnerable victims

body_text: DALLAS — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that four defendants — Donella Locke, Suekya Whitney (aka Suekya Locke), Shakoya Crenshaw (aka Shakoya Locke), and Krystle Locke (aka Krystle Edwards / Krystal Locke) — were indicted in two related fraud schemes involving the exploitation of elderly or vulnerable individuals entrusted to their care. According to the Aug. 26 indictments, the family of alleged fraudsters operated unlicensed boarding homes across North Texas that housed elderly and disabled residents. Investigators allege that the defendants used their positions of trust to carry out schemes involving financial exploitation, fraudulent property transactions and theft of government benefits. “Safeguarding our senior citizens is among the Justice Department’s most solemn obligations,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Whether through the manipulation of an elderly woman’s home or the theft of a deceased resident’s Social Security benefits, the alleged exploitation of vulnerable individuals under the defendants’ care represents a profound breach of trust and a serious federal offense. Social Security is not a personal piggy bank to exploit at the expense of the American taxpayer, and we will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to claw back any federal dollars lost to fraud, waste and abuse, and to ensure those who target our most vulnerable community members face swift justice.” Fraud Scheme Involving Sale of Elderly Woman’s Home A federal grand jury charged Donella Locke, Suekya Whitney, and Shakoya Crenshaw with one count of conspiracy to make false statements to a financial institution and four counts of making false statements to a financial institution. The indictment alleges the defendants obtained power of attorney over a 79‑year‑old woman, W.S., residing in one of their unlicensed boarding homes. They allegedly orchestrated the sale of W.S.’s longtime Garland residence to Whitney and Crenshaw, funneling more than $156,000 in proceeds through multiple accounts before transferring $147,000 to Locke. Locke then allegedly used these funds to purchase a new home, misrepresenting the money as a “cash gift” from her daughter. The defendants also allegedly made false statements to Capital Fund 1 and CrossCountry Mortgage, claiming the real estate transactions were arm’s‑length and that Locke received legitimate gift funds, assertions the indictment states they knew were false. In reality, the indictment asserts the defendants knew the transaction involved close family members and the funds originated from the sale of W.S.’s property. If convicted, each defendant faces up to five years in federal prison on the conspiracy count and up to 30 years on each false statement count. The indictment seeks forfeiture of any property traceable to the offenses. “This indictment demonstrates the actions these defendants took to defraud elderly victims in their care,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI remains committed to investigating those that engage in fraudulent schemes that target the most vulnerable members of our communities.” Social Security Benefits Theft Scheme In a related matter, the grand jury also indicted Krystle Locke for allegedly stealing more than $50,000 in Social Security benefits belonging to a deceased resident of one of her unlicensed boarding homes. Locke is charged with four counts of theft of government money and one count of aggravated identity theft. The indictment alleges Locke owned and operated John Thomas Residential Care Home and other unregistered boarding homes. In December 2022, the victim — identified as S.T. — executed a durable power of attorney naming Locke as his agent. Locke allegedly applied for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income on S.T.’s behalf, later redirecting S.T.’s benefit payments into her own account. Social Security Administration records show deposits of $42,638.29 on Oct. 17, 2024, and $2,302.00 the next day. S.T. died on Oct. 19, 2024. Despite being notified of his death, Locke allegedly withdrew tens of thousands of dollars in the days that followed and failed to return the funds after being directed to do so. If convicted, Locke faces up to ten years in federal prison for each count of theft of government money, plus a mandatory consecutive two‑year sentence for aggravated identity theft. The FBI Dallas conducted the investigation into the mortgage‑fraud scheme. The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, Veteran’s Administration OIG and Texas Attorney General’s Office – Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the Social Security benefits theft scheme. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elise Aldendifer and Chad Meacham from the Fraud section are prosecuting the cases. An indictment is an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. ###


title: Activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office Recent Sentencings

component: Criminal - Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section

body_text: Narcotics Joseph Randall Summerlin, 52, of Billings, Montana, was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for distribution of methamphetamine. According to court documents, in May 2025, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) learned that Summerlin was selling methamphetamine on the Wind River Reservation. Special agents conducted a controlled buy, purchasing more than one ounce of methamphetamine from him. DCI investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. Summerlin was indicted Sept. 16, 2025, and pleaded guilty May 27, 2026. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence Sept. 9, 2026, in Cheyenne. Case No. 25CR00137-01KHR About the United States Attorney’s Office The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include: Project Safe Childhood Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious. Operation Take Back America Operation Take Back America is 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. It also streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Victim Witness Program The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect. To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime


title: Homeland Security Task Force investigation leads to 10-and-a-half-year sentence for local distributor for cartel connected drug ring

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 40-year-old repeat offender with a long history of drug and gun crimes was sentenced Friday in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 10.5 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Levi Frank Graham, most recently of Everett, Washington, was identified as a drug redistributor for the Camargo Banuelos brothers of Sinaloa, Mexico. The brothers arranged the transportation of kilos of meth and fentanyl to the Pacific Northwest, sometimes using semi-trucks to get the drugs up Interstate 5. Graham was heard on the wiretap ordering up pound quantities of methamphetamine, thousands of fentanyl pills, and repeatedly trying to obtain fentanyl powder. At the sentencing hearing Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo said, “The amount of controlled substances that you likely were distributing…is significant. You, yourself, Mr. Graham, know what the impact of those controlled substances has on…individuals, their family, community…. You know the devastation that those types of substances have because you lived it.” “Mr. Graham has been relentlessly engaged in criminal activity since the age of 18. He has 26 criminal convictions in the past 22 years, most recently a lengthy sentence for illegal gun possession,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “This latest federal conviction involves deadly drugs, packaged for distribution, while he once again illegally possessed a firearm. His previous 110-month sentence did not deter him, so this longer prison sentence is required to protect the public.” “Despite numerous convictions, including a 10-year sentence for drug trafficking, Mr. Graham continued to show a complete disregard for the law and the safety of our communities by trafficking thousands of pounds of fentanyl and other deadly narcotics into Western Washington,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “This sentence will help protect the public and hold him accountable for the harm caused by his actions. Through Fentanyl Free America, DEA, along with our federal, state, and local partners, is committed to disrupting the fentanyl supply chain, reducing the availability of these deadly drugs, and saving American lives.” According to records filed in the case, Graham came onto law enforcement’s radar in September 2022, as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began conducting a criminal investigation of a Mexican drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating out of Tacoma, Washington, with ties to Nevada, Oregon, and California. Agents determined this DTO, led by two brothers, Rosario Abel “Joaquin” Camargo Banuelos and Francisco “Fernando” Camargo Banuelos, was responsible for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in the Western District of Washington and elsewhere. As early as June 2024, Graham was picked up on the wire and via text message ordering thousands of fentanyl pills and pounds of methamphetamine from the Camargo Banuelos brothers. He was arrested by local police in September 2024 with some of the drugs and cash from drug sales. Despite that arrest, Graham continued to be in contact with the Camargo Banuelos DTO until the investigation culminated in coordinated arrests of numerous individuals on August 4, 2025. Graham was picked up with drugs and a gun at an Everett hotel about a month later, on September 3, 2025. During the coordinated arrests and searches on August 4, 2025, law enforcement seized seven pistols and three rifles, as well as nine kilograms of methamphetamine, more than 5 kilograms of fentanyl, nearly 4 kilograms of cocaine, and more than a kilogram of heroin. Law enforcement seized more than $342,000 in suspected drug trafficking proceeds. This investigation produced significant seizures even before the coordinated arrests in early August 2025. Past seizures included approximately 465 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 269 pounds of fentanyl, approximately 23 pounds of cocaine, and approximately 6.4 pounds of heroin. In addition, investigators seized over $309,522 USD in assets and seized an approximate 11 firearms. In asking for a 15-year sentence, prosecutors noted that sentences of ten years or less, and multiple state arrests have not impacted Graham’s criminal activity. “In this case, Graham engaged in drug trafficking over the course of at least 15 months while the investigation went on, re-arming himself with another firearm and body armor, and bringing his drug trafficking base of operations to a hotel in Everett where it endangered the residents and the broader community,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Seattle Police Department with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). This investigation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Seattle comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), The United States Marshals Service (USMS), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the United States Secret Service (USSS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Max Shiner and Crystal Correa.


title: Western District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office Reaches 500 New Immigration Cases Through First 2 Weeks of September

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas filed 500 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from August 28 through September 10, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons. 449 of those new cases were split between the district’s Del Rio and El Paso offices. Charges were brought against alien smugglers and illegal aliens with past convictions for child sex crimes, numerous DWIs, violent crimes, thefts, and numerous prior removals. Among the new cases, two U.S. citizens are charged with bringing in and harboring aliens after they were arrested on Sept. 4 near Fort Hancock. A U.S. Border Patrol agent camera operator observed six individuals walking north from the direction of the Rio Grande River in an area known to be utilized by transnational criminal organizations for the illegal entry and rapid pickup of smuggled aliens. Around the same time and in the same remote area, according to a criminal complaint, another USBP agent encountered a vehicle traveling south. The agent stopped the vehicle and inquired about the occupants’ destination, redirecting them to the gas station they claimed to be looking for, located in the opposite direction. Soon after that encounter, another agent conducted an investigatory stop on the vehicle while it was traveling north toward I-10. The criminal complaint alleges that during the investigatory stop, the USBP camera operator observed the group of six individuals began running south. The complaint alleges that the two vehicle occupants, identified as George Soledad-Lucero and Sarah Nicole Olivas , agreed to be transported to the Fort Hancock Border Patrol Station for questioning about their whereabouts that morning. It further alleges that while Soledad-Lucero provided conflicting statements, Olivas stated the two were driving enroute to pick up illegal aliens and expected to be paid $2,000. Soledad-Lucero allegedly recruited Olivas for the use of her vehicle and the two communicated through Instagram. An illegal alien from Mexico was charged with illegal re-entry after being arrested approximately 10 miles west of the Tornillo Port of Entry. Jorge Herrera-Vargas was recently deported from the U.S. for the ninth time on July 16. In June, he was convicted for his third DUI. Christian Ernesto-Lopez , also an illegal alien from Mexico, was found approximately four miles west of the Fort Hancock POE after being removed from the U.S. on Aug. 3, through Jacksonville, Florida. In April 2025, Ernesto-Lopez was convicted of assault by strangulation and assault with a deadly weapon in Raleigh, North Carolina. His criminal record also includes two convictions for domestic violence, including one for assaulting a pregnant woman. Santos Gomez-Delacruz , an illegal alien from Guatemala, was found approximately 20 miles east of the Fort Hancock POE after being removed for the seventh time in March. He now faces an illegal re-entry charge. In Del Rio, USBP agents arrested Johan Alexander Moncada-Narvaez , an illegal alien from Venezuela, and charged him with illegal re-entry. Moncada-Narvaez was deported for the first time in August. In July, he was convicted of engaging in prostitution with a 14 to 15-year-old and engaging in electronic communication relating or describing sexual conduct with a child. For those two convictions in Clay County, Minnesota, Moncada-Narvaez was sentenced to five years of probation. Iden Escobar-Loaiza , an illegal alien from Guatemala, was arrested and charged with illegal re-entry. In 2023, he was convicted of his third DUI. Escobar-Loaiza has also been convicted of inflicting corporal injury and disorderly intoxication. Illegal alien from Mexico Adrian Missael Gonzalez was also charged with illegal re-entry in Del Rio. Gonzalez has been removed from the U.S. twice before and has a criminal record that includes two convictions for burglary of a vehicle, vehicle theft, and property theft. Jorvin Joseph Ramos-Orellana , an illegal alien from Honduras, was arrested in Eagle Pass and charged with illegal re-entry. Ramos-Orellana was deported for the first time in February, after being convicted in 2025 of terroristic threats and acts, reckless conduct, and aggravated assault. Oscar Ernesto Romero-Aravelo , an illegal alien from El Salvador who has been deported four times, was arrested in Eagle Pass. His criminal record contains three DUI convictions. These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico. Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. ###


title: Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of Firearms

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 37 months of imprisonment on his conviction of possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak imposed the sentence on Aquay Mitchell, 26, on September 10, 2026. According to information presented to the Court, on September 24, 2024, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police detectives observed and attempted to stop Mitchell, suspecting that he possessed a firearm. Mitchell fled and was ultimately located hiding in a stairwell, with officers also finding a firearm, keys, and a cell phone along Mitchell’s flight path. The firearm was a loaded semi-automatic pistol with an obliterated serial number that had been reported stolen, and the cellular telephone and keys belonged to Mitchell, who has multiple felony convictions. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Mitchell was indicted in connection with the incident and a warrant issued for his arrest. On February 4, 2026, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officers were conducting a proactive patrol of Pittsburgh’s Knoxville neighborhood when they observed Mitchell at a convenience store and took Mitchell into custody on the federal arrest warrant. In a search incident to arrest, officers recovered from Mitchell’s person a loaded semi-automatic pistol that also had been reported stolen, a knotted plastic baggie containing 11 grams of crack cocaine, a digital scale, and a cellular telephone. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Mitchell.


title: Federal jury convicts Wellsville man on multiple charges, including distribution of fentanyl causing death, kidnapping and witness intimidation

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal jury has convicted Simon Gogolack a/k/a Greek, 42, of Wellsville, NY, of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of fentanyl, which resulted in a death, narcotics conspiracy, maintaining a drug involved premises, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, kidnapping and witness tampering. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a maximum of life. According to testimony presented by the Government, between July 2 and October 17, 2023, Gogolack conspired with others to sell fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, Xanax, and Adderall. Between July 31 and August 1, 2023, Gogolack distributed fentanyl, which resulted in the death of Crystal Quinn. During the course of the conspiracy, Gogolack used a Scott Avenue residence in Wellsville to conduct his drug trafficking activities. In addition, Gogolack possessed firearms during the conspiracy. He was previously convicted of a felony in 2007 and is legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Gogolack was also convicted of kidnapping and threatening an individual and threatening a second individual to prevent them from cooperating with investigators. “Today’s verdict ensures that Simon Gogolack is being held accountable for the violence and devastation his drug trafficking brought into our community and reflects the commitment by my office to pursue and prosecute those that engage in such conduct” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas T. Cooper, Casey L. Chalbeck, and Katerina Powers. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II. Sentencing is scheduled for February 9, 2027, before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, who presided over the trial of the case. # # # #


title: Buffalo man previously convicted of possessing child pornography going to prison on new charge

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jamie Anderson, 27, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession of child pornography by a person having a prior conviction relating to the possession of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 120 months in prison and 40 years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. In January 2022, Anderson was convicted of Possessing a Sexual Performance by a Child in New York State Court. In December 2024, the New York State Police executed a search warrant at Anderson’s Buffalo residence, after receiving a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that he uploaded files containing child pornography to Kik. During the search, law enforcement seized a tablet, which contained at least 10 images of child pornography. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen M. McCarthy. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II. Additional assistance was provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. # # # #


title: Springfield Man Sentenced to Over 20 Years for Meth and Firearms

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court yesterday for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Roy Dewayne Reed, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Megan Blair Benton, to 262 months in federal prison without parole, followed by four years’ supervised release. On Sept. 10, 2025, an officer with the Springfield Police Department (SPD) conducted a traffic stop on a silver Dodge Ram pickup truck driven by Reed at a gas station on East Division Street. As an officer attempted to contact Reed, he reversed his vehicle toward the officer and fled into midday traffic at a high rate of speed, driving in the median, and taking Interstate 44 briefly. Officers pursued Reed but ultimately abandoned the pursuit in the interest of public safety. Less than an hour later, officers with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office located Reed’s truck at a residence on East Division. Officers located two loaded handguns and six plastic baggies of methamphetamine with a combined weight of approximately 111.84 grams inside two crossbody bags located in the back of the truck. Surveillance footage from the residence showed Reed throwing both bags, one at a time, into the back of the truck. Reed is a career offender, with eleven previous felony convictions, including multiple assaults, manufacture and distribution of drugs, unlawful possession of firearms, resisting arrest, and motor vehicle theft. At the time that he committed the federal offenses, he was on probation for delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, and tampering with a motor vehicle. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Greene County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, and the Springfield, Missouri Police Department. Project Safe Neighborhoods This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Man Involved in Shooting Sentenced to 96 Months Imprisonment for Illegally Possessing Stolen Firearm

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Sedalia, Mo., man who was involved in a shooting in downtown Springfield, Mo., on July 20, 2025, was sentenced today for illegally possessing a stolen semi-automatic pistol equipped with a high-capacity magazine during the incident. Kenkori Lenell Grant Jr., 25, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Megan Blair Benton for being a felon illegally in possession of a firearm. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who is convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Grant Jr., who has prior felony convictions for harassment in the first degree, assault in the second degree, unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm, pleaded guilty on Feb. 23, 2026. On July 20, 2025, officers with the Springfield Police Department heard shots fired near the intersection of S. Patton Ave. and W. Walnut St. slightly after midnight. Officers responded and found a victim who had suffered a life-threatening gunshot wound. Officers located a blood trail on the pavement of the parking lot near a gold, 2014 Chevy Cruze. The officers observed that there was blood on the Cruze and located an “AR” style pistol underneath the car. The firearm was a Fort Barnes Armory, semi-automatic pistol equipped with a 30-round, high-capacity magazine and loaded with 19 rounds of assorted ammunition in the magazine and one round in the chamber. The shooting was captured on Great Southern Bank surveillance cameras, which depicted Grant Jr. walking through a crowd, approaching an individual, and lifting the front of his shirt, revealing a firearm in the front of his waistband. Later investigation revealed that Grant Jr. made threats against the individual that he approached. Grant Jr. then placed his right hand on the firearm and began pulling it from his waistband, while exchanging words with the individual, who then pulled a pistol and shot multiple rounds toward Grant Jr. and his companion, striking both. As innocent bystanders ran from the area, Grant Jr. fled northbound, removing the firearm from his waistband. After snaking his way through the parking lot, Grant Jr. can be seen kneeling by the Cruze and placing the gun under the car before walking away from the scene as officers were beginning to arrive. The firearm possessed by Grant Jr. was found to have been stolen. On the day of the shooting, Grant Jr. was already on probation for felon in possession of a firearm out of Pettis County, Mo., and had only been released from prison approximately two months prior to July 20, 2025. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Christian County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department. Operation Take Back America This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Leesville Man Sentenced to Over 14 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Conspiracy

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: LAFAYETTE – On September 1, 2026, United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays sentenced Earl Thompson , a.k.a. “Nook,” 45, of Leesville, to 174 months in federal prison for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine with five years of supervised release after serving his sentence. Thompson had previously pled guilty. “Traffickers of methamphetamine and fentanyl have no place in our society, and justice demands punishment that reflects their total disregard of the lives, the families, and the communities that they devastate,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “With our state and federal partners, this Office will continue to use every tool available to investigate, prosecute, and dismantle these criminal organizations that poison our neighborhoods with illegal narcotics.” In 2024, federal, state, and local agencies launched an investigation into a multi parish narcotics trafficking organization operating throughout Vernon Parish and Central Louisiana. Eleven defendants were indicted on January 21, 2026, for their involvement in a drug network responsible for moving large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. Thompson played a significant role in the conspirators’ distribution activities. According to court documents, between July 11, 2025, and November 2, 2025, Thompson entered into a conspiracy with 12 others to obtain distribution-level quantities of methamphetamine for resale in and around Vernon Parish. Further investigation revealed that on July 25, 2025, one of Thompson’s co-conspirators delivered ten pounds of methamphetamine to him. Thompson eventually admitted that all methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy was intended for distribution. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Louisiana State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Attorney’s Office, the United States Forest Service, and the United States Army Criminal Investigations Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney LaDonte A. Murphy, with assistance from Legal Assistant Christy Angelle. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole of government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 6:26-CR-00027-05. ### CONTACT: Public Affairs: USALAW-News@usdoj.gov United States Attorney’s Office: www.justice.gov/usao-wdla X: @USAO_WDLA Facebook: USAO_WDLA (337) 262-6704


title: Downsville Man Previously Convicted of Receiving Child Pornography Indicted Again for Receiving Child Pornography

body_text: MONROE – On September 10, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Randy Allen Powell, 46, of Downsville, with Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography. As a re-offender, Powell faces an enhanced sentence if convicted of all charges that carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to a combined 60 years in federal prison. He was previously convicted of receiving child pornography in 2014, which led to a sentence of 15 years in federal prison and four years of supervised release. Powell was serving his term of federal supervision at the time of this alleged offense. “As alleged, Powell’s receipt of child pornography while knowing he was being supervised by federal probation officers displays a level of desperate perversion that should concern every member of our community,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Protecting our children is the most sacred and urgent duty that this Office and our federal and state partners perform every single day. We will aggressively investigate and prosecute recidivist offenders, seeking federal prison sentences that reflect the need to deter this sick conduct and protect the public.” As alleged in the indictment, Powell possessed child pornography on April 2, 2026, after having received it from between March 21 and 23 of 2026. Property subject to forfeiture as a result of the offense include a laptop, flash drive, smartphone, and tablet. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Probation Office investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amy Miller, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Stephanie Stewart. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. Learn more at https://www.justice.gov/psc/about-project-safe-childhood An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is currently pending assignment. ### CONTACT: Public Affairs: USALAW-News@usdoj.gov United States Attorney’s Office: www.justice.gov/usao-wdla X: @USAO_WDLA Facebook: USAO_WDLA Cara Alexander: (337) 262-6704


title: Two Dallas-area women sentenced in nationwide identity theft fraud scheme

body_text: HOUSTON – Two women have been ordered to federal prison for participating in an aggravated identity scheme that targeted JCPenney stores across the country. Cabria Cunningham, 27, Rowlett, and Mykiah Furlough, 27, Dallas, pleaded guilty Sept. 5, 2025, and Feb. 19, 2026, respectively. U.S. District Judge David Hittner has ordered both Cunningham and Furlough to serve 24 months in federal prison. Both must also serve one year of supervised release following their prison terms and pay restitution to the victims. In imposing the sentences, the court noted that Furlough’s relative, Ashley Urune, recruited both women into the scheme. In 2022 and 2023, the three women traveled to JCPenney stores across the country and posed as legitimate customers who had JCPenney-branded credit cards. They used fraudulent identification and customers’ personal information to access credit accounts at the register. They then used those accounts to purchase merchandise and gift cards, which they later sold on social media. Furlough and Cunningham were permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Urune, 34, Dallas, was also charged and previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. She is set for sentencing Dec. 3. U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Bauman prosecuted the case.


title: Gang task force arrests Cincinnati man allegedly tied to multiple shootings

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – Federal agents arrested a Cincinnati man this morning who allegedly possessed firearms connected to at least two homicides and three total shootings. Lamont Champion, 27, appeared in federal court for an initial appearance this afternoon. “As alleged in the complaint, Champion possessed a firearm that had previously been used to murder two individuals in Cincinnati and himself used a second firearm to commit two other shootings,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “We continue to work with our partners at the ATF and the Cincinnati Police Department in leveraging the capabilities of the Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) to identify these crime guns and hold shooters to account.” According to charging documents, law enforcement officials recovered a firearm from Champion in June 2026 from which ballistics results matched casings from a February homicide of two victims at the Villages of Roll Hill. Law enforcement seized this firearm. This morning, agents recovered a second firearm from Champion that he allegedly used in two separate subsequent shootings. Champion allegedly shot a victim on East Clifton Avenue in July 2026. In the second shooting, in August, Champion allegedly fired gunshots at the occupants of a car in the area of the Enclave Event Center. Analysis from National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) indicates the same firearm was used in the July and August shootings. Agents executed a search warrant at Champion’s residence this morning and recovered both the 9mm handgun allegedly used in the July and August shootings and a second firearm. Champion’s phone was searched and allegedly contained a series of text and audio messages in which Champion referred to himself as the “reaper,” explained how good he is at shooting/killing people, how he does it with a smile on his face and how “hittin a mother***er” would make him happy for a whole month. The messages also contained Champion describing the events of one of the shootings and mockingly describing the way the victim reacted to being shot. Champion has prior felony convictions for fentanyl and firearms crimes. Possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon is a federal crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Frederick C. Shadley and Special Assistant United States Attorney Allison Oswall from Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson’s Office are representing the United States in this case. A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. # # #


title: Registered Sex Offender Charged With Sexual Exploitations Of Children And Receipt And Distribution Of Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, announced today that DUSTIN TOMPKINS, a registered sex offender, was charged with sexual exploitation of children by persuading, and attempting to persuade, them to create and send him sexually explicit images, receipt and distribution of child pornography, and committing offenses against children while being a registered sex offender. TOMPKINS, who is currently detained on charges that he violated the terms of his supervised release, was presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause in White Plains federal court. “The Southern District of New York will use every available tool to protect children,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “Dustin Tompkins represents every parent’s greatest fear: an adult who allegedly used social media to gain access to children and exploit them for his own sexual gratification. As alleged, while on supervision for a prior conviction for receipt and distribution of child pornography, Tompkins used social media to communicate with minors and persuade them to create and send him sexually explicit images. Tompkins is also alleged to have amassed additional child pornography via social media applications. If you have information to report, please immediately contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or https://tips.fbi.gov .” As alleged in the Complaint:(1) On or about March 18, 2015, TOMPKINS pled guilty in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York to receiving and distributing child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(2) and (b)(1), and was subsequently sentenced to 77 months in prison to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. On or about January 30, 2026, officers from the U.S. Probation Office conducted a routine supervisory visit and discovered hidden in TOMPKINS’s bedroom an unsanctioned smartphone. A subsequent court-authorized search of that smartphone found images comprising child pornography. The search of the smartphone further revealed that, on or about January 24, 2026, TOMPKINS had created a messaging group using a social media application by which he received and viewed approximately 55 files containing child pornography. Finally, the smartphone search found that TOMPKINS, using a second social media application, had posed as an adult woman and exchanged messages with minors. Specifically, on or about October 14, 2025, Tompkins directed a 13-year-old to engage in sexually explicit conduct, photograph the conduct, and transmit the photograph to him. Then, on or about December 26, 2025, Tompkins directed, and attempted to direct, a 16‑year-old to engage in sexually explicit conduct, photograph and record the conduct, and transmit the photograph and video to him. There may be other victims. If you have information to report, please contact the FBI at 1‑800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or https://tips.fbi.gov. * * * TOMPKINS, 38, of Mount Kisco, New York, is charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, which each carry a minimum sentence of 25 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison. TOMPKINS is also charged with one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography, which carries a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. TOMPKINS is finally charged with one count of committing the offenses charged in Counts One and Two while being a registered sex offender, which requires a sentence of 10 years in prison to be served consecutively to any sentence imposed pursuant to Counts One and Two. The statutory minimum and maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. McDonald thanked Homeland Security Investigations of the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Probation Office. This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha Briggs and John Wynne are in charge of the prosecution. ^ As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Hedge Fund Founder Charged With Scheme To Misrepresent Fund Performance To Investors

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., and the Inspector in Charge of the New York Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), Ketty Larco-Ward, announced the unsealing of a Complaint charging VUK VUKOVIC, founder of the hedge fund Oraclum Capital LLC (“Oraclum”) and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of the Orca Bason Fund, L.P. (the “Orca Bason Fund” or the “Fund”), with securities fraud and wire fraud. VUKOVIC was presented yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis. “We will continue working with our committed law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who use deception to put investors’ money at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “As alleged, Vuk Vukovic attracted investors to his fund and lulled them into keeping their money invested by reporting high rates of return that were not real. Investors deserve honest and accurate information when deciding where to put their hard-earned money.” “Vuk Vukovic allegedly used interstate commerce to carry out a deceptive scheme involving the purchase and sale of securities,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “These allegations represent a serious breach of market integrity, and the FBI remains committed to enforcing securities laws to protect investors.” “When individuals allegedly mislead investors and defraud them, the consequences extend far beyond their immediate crimes—they threaten the economic stability and livelihoods of American citizens,” said USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward. “While investing always carries inherent risk, a breach of trust adds an unacceptable layer of deception. Postal Inspectors remain steadfast in holding accountable anyone who violates protective laws and compromises that trust. We urge the public to recognize the red flags of fraud, resist high-pressure tactics, and carefully assess every investment opportunity before acting.” As alleged in the Complaint unsealed in Manhattan federal court:(1) Oraclum is a New York-based hedge fund that operates and manages the Orca Bason Fund. The Orca Bason Fund purports to make investment decisions “using wisdom of crowds and a network analysis of social media bubbles to predict where markets will end up.” Since at least 2024, however, VUKOVIC has engaged in a scheme to obtain investor money by misrepresenting the Orca Bason Fund’s returns to investors. VUKOVIC’s misrepresentations include: sending false monthly account statements to investors that show their investment in the Orca Bason Fund earning greater returns than it actually did; and sending falsified brokerage account statements to a potential investor reflecting a higher net asset value and greater returns than actually existed. * * * VUKOVIC, 38, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of securities fraud and one count of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding work of the FBI and the USPIS. Mr. McDonald further thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Maggie Lynaugh and Kyle Wirshba are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ^ As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitutes only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Founder And Former CEO Of Artificial Intelligence Company Pleads Guilty To Securities Fraud

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced today that ILIT RAZ, the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Joonko Diversity, Inc. (“Joonko”), pled guilty to securities fraud for her role in a scheme to defraud investors and mislead them about core aspects of the company she founded, including the identity and quantity of Joonko’s customers and Joonko’s revenue. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein. “Fraud in the startup space hurts investors and makes it more difficult for other enterprising businesses to raise money,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “Ilit Raz lied to investors about key aspects of her startup company, Joonko Diversity, Inc., and fabricated documents to support those lies, to obtain $27 million in investments. Her now-bankrupt company left victim investors with millions of dollars in losses.” “The guilty plea makes clear that defrauding investors and misrepresenting essential facts about a company will not be tolerated,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “By admitting to her role in the scheme, Ilit Raz has acknowledged the seriousness of her actions and the harm caused to investors. Victims deserve justice, and the FBI will continue to work to ensure they receive it.” According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment and other public filings in this case: Joonko was a company that purported to offer an artificial intelligence-based product designed to help prospective employers identify and hire job candidates from diverse backgrounds. To induce prospective and existing Joonko investors to invest approximately $27 million in funding rounds in 2021 and 2022, RAZ made false claims regarding central aspects of Joonko’s business, including falsely representing how many customers Joonko had at the time, and falsely representing the identity of those customers. For example, RAZ falsely represented that Joonko’s customers included some of the world’s largest companies, including a credit card company, sports apparel brand, online travel company, and luxury fashion brand. In truth and in fact, and as RAZ knew, these companies were never Joonko customers. In addition to overstating the number of customers that Joonko had and the identity of those customers, RAZ also made false representations about Joonko’s actual and anticipated revenues. After RAZ made false and misleading statements regarding Joonko’s customers and revenue, several investors who received those statements invested in a series of funding rounds with Joonko. Specifically, on or about June 1, 2021, several investors, including venture capital firms, invested a total of approximately $10 million in a Series A round with Joonko. On or about June 2, 2022, several investors, including venture capital firms, invested a total of approximately $17 million in a Series B round with Joonko. In or about 2023, a Joonko investor (“Investor-1”) became suspicious about Joonko’s performance and requested certain information from Joonko, including bank statements. In response, on or about April 3, 2023, RAZ emailed Investor-1 a purported Joonko bank statement, which depicted that the company had an average balance of over $5,000,000. In truth and in fact, and as RAZ well knew, the bank records that RAZ emailed to Investor-1 were forged, and the actual bank records showed that Joonko’s true account balance was millions of dollars lower. Less than a week later, on or about April 8, 2023, RAZ emailed Investor-1 a set of purported purchase orders for Joonko customers. RAZ knew that many of the purchase orders she emailed to Investor-1 were fictitious, contained forged signatures, and were executed on behalf of purported customers that had no business relationship with Joonko. * * * RAZ, 40, an Israeli citizen, pled guilty to securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. McDonald also expressed appreciation for the assistance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Burnett and Peter Davis are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Jackson County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

component: Department of Justice

body_text: Gulfport, MS – A Jackson County, Mississippi man was sentenced on September 9, 2026, to 15 years in prison, the maximum amount of prison time provided by federal law, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, Curtis Lee Craven, 46, was found possessing a firearm by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department on June 22, 2025, after they were called to his home for a domestic disturbance. Craven was captured on an audio recording physically and verbally abusing a female victim while holding her at gunpoint. U.S. Attorney J.E. Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Smith prosecuted the case. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.


title: Former Indiana Medical School Student Petitions to Plead Guilty to $325K COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Jonathan Andrew Jones, 31, of Lafayette, has petitioned to plead guilty to two counts of wire fraud for a $325,000 COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. The charges were brought as part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. Jones is currently scheduled to formally enter his guilty plea and be sentenced on November 19, 2026. According to court documents, during the relevant period, Jones was a medical student in Indiana and the sole owner of a purported tutoring business called Med School Side Hustle. Between January 2021 and December 2022, Jones defrauded the federal government by submitting fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications in his own name and in the names of others. In one instance, Jones submitted an EIDL application falsely claiming that his business generated thousands of dollars in revenue and had significant payroll costs. In reality, Med School Side Hustle had no customers, no employees, no revenue, and no expenses. To support these claims, Jones submitted fabricated invoices for tutoring services that were never provided to clients who did not exist. As a result, he received $197,000 from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Jones also submitted three PPP loan applications on behalf of himself, claiming he was the sole proprietor of a business with average monthly payroll costs exceeding $8,000. Two of the applications were approved, resulting in $38,148 in disbursed funds. Additionally, Jones filed fraudulent PPP loan applications using the identities of five friends and family members for a total of approximately $69,629. Within days of the funds being deposited into accounts under those individuals’ names, Jones transferred the money into his own personal bank accounts. In total, Jones submitted 11 fraudulent EIDL and PPP applications in his name and the names of others, illegally obtaining $326,510.41 in federal relief funds. He used the money for personal expenses, including gambling and purchasing cryptocurrency. The U.S. Secret Service, Small Business Administration-OIG, the Department of Transportation-OIG, and the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee investigated this case. U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kyle Sawa and Adam Eakman, who prosecuted this case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. ###


title: Portland Man Found Guilty of Stealing Pandemic Relief Funds

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A federal jury found Beniamin Lucescu, age 57, a Portland resident, guilty today of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between April 2020 and May 2022, during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Beniamin Lucescu and his wife, Georgeta Lucescu, conspired to steal almost $500,000 in pandemic relief funds by lying to the Small Business Administration about their intended use of the funds. Beniamin Lucescu repeatedly lied on the applications for the relief funds, claiming they would only use them for economic injuries their business, Rose City Senior Care, suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In reality, Beniamin Lucescu planned to use the pandemic relief funds for personal expenses and investments. As soon as they received the pandemic relief funds, Beniamin Lucescu used almost all of the $500,000 to pay off their old personal federal tax debt and invest in cryptocurrency. “The pandemic was a time of unprecedented hardship, when Americans needed their government’s help most. Beniamin Lucescu chose to exploit that crisis for his own gain. His fraud stole critical taxpayer-funded resources from Americans who were counting on them. We will not tolerate those who abuse government relief programs for personal profit. Thanks to the dedicated work of the SBA-OIG and my office, Lucescu was held accountable and brought to justice,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. On September 17, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an eight-count superseding indictment charging Beniamin and Georgeta Lucescu with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Beniamin Lucescu was also charged with money laundering. Beniamin Lucescu will be sentenced on December 14, before a U.S. District Judge. Georgeta Lucescu is scheduled for trial on February 8, 2027. Georgeta Lucescu is charged by indictment. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General with assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Bateman and Special Assistant United States Attorney Ethan Bodell.


title: Mexican Man Charged for Smuggling Illegal Aliens Into the United States

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Mexican man made his initial appearance in court Thursday for allegedly smuggling two illegal aliens from Mexico into the United States. “Human smuggling is a direct violation of our nation's laws that compromises the security of our borders and puts human lives at risk for corporate-style profit,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “This criminal complaint sends a clear message to smugglers: we will aggressively pursue, disrupt, and dismantle operations that treat human beings as cargo. Our office, alongside our dedicated federal and local law enforcement partners, remains unyielding in our mission to secure our borders and hold smugglers fully accountable under federal law.” According to allegations in the criminal complaint, on April 14, 2025, a Border Patrol Agent initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Adrian Najera-Santos. When the vehicle came to an abrupt stop, Najera-Santos and two passengers fled into the desert. After a brief foot chase and search of the area, law enforcement apprehended Najera-Santos and the two others. During their interviews, the two passengers stated that they had paid to be smuggled into the United States and to California. They were picked up by a vehicle and taken to an unknown town where Najera-Santos picked them up to take them to Santa Maria, California. They were to pay Najera-Santos $700 for driving them. Najera-Santos is charged with one count of transporting illegal aliens. If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is 10 years in prison. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is investigating the case; and the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Two Mescalero Men Plead Guilty to Assault

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Two Mescalero men pleaded guilty to federal assault charges stemming from an unprovoked attack that left a victim with serious head injuries. According to court documents, on September 11, 2025, John Doe was at a residence within the exterior boundaries of the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation when he was assaulted by Harlyn Cody Geronimo , 50, and Raymond Shaun Chee , 28, both enrolled members of the Mescalero Apache Tribe. Geronimo and Chee struck John Doe in the head during the assault. Geronimo also struck John Doe with his fists and a pair of rain boots and kicked him while he was on the ground. The assault caused significant contusions and a 4-centimeter scalp laceration to John Doe’s head and resulted in serious bodily injury. Witnesses reported that Geronimo , who was wearing steel-toed boots, kicked John Doe in the head. After the incident, Chee fled the scene. Following his arrest, Geronimo ’s steel-toed boots were recovered and found to contain dried blood. Geronimo later denied assaulting John Doe, despite witness statements to the contrary. Geronimo and Chee pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. At sentencing, they face up to 10 years in prison followed by up to three years of supervised release. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. The Las Cruces Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.


title: Dairy Manager Sentenced for Role in Polluting Waterway With Waste That Caused a Fish Kill

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: TOLEDO, Ohio – A 54-year-old man employed at a northern Ohio dairy was sentenced after he admitted responsibility for environmental pollutants that were dumped into a waterway. Teunis Jan Willemsen, a citizen of the Netherlands residing in Frankton, Indiana, was sentenced to 15 months of probation and ordered to pay a $25,000 fine, as well as serve 100 hours of community service. U.S. Magistrate Judge Darrell A. Clay imposed the judgment Sept. 8 after Willemsen pleaded guilty in May to negligently discharging a pollutant in violation of the Clean Water Act. The discharge was dumped into the Little Black Creek, which is a tributary of Saint Mary’s River that flows to the Maumee River. According to court documents, in December 2022 Willemsen was serving as the manager of Heartland Dairy , when investigators found that a discharge was being pumped from a settling basin on the dairy’s property into a nearby ditch that drained into a waterway. The discharge was analyzed and found to consist of manure and silage leachate, which contained concentrated amounts of ammonia—a pollutant—that resulted in the death of approximately 789 fish and 1,371 other aquatic animals. “Reckless and careless business practices that threaten Ohio’s environment and wildlife will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “Let this sentence serve as a reminder that we will aggressively enforce federal environmental laws, and anyone found contributing to the diminishment of the quality of our land, air, and water will be prosecuted.” “The defendant oversaw a discharge of ammonia-laden wastewater to Little Black Creek in the Maumee River, Ohio watershed that poisoned the water for miles and killed thousands of fish and other aquatic animals,” said Special Agent in Charge Allison Landsman of the EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Ohio. “Clean water is one of Ohio’s and America’s most valuable resources. This sentencing demonstrates that the EPA and our enforcement partners will investigate violations that pollute interstate waterways and hold polluters accountable.” “Ohio’s waterways are vital to our communities, our wildlife and our economy. This case sends a clear message: those who pollute Ohio’s waterways will be held accountable,” said Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson. The case was investigated by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Criminal Investigation , and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Special Investigations Unit, with support from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources . This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew D. Simko for the Northern District of Ohio, with assistance from Sasha Reyes, U.S. EPA Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel. If you have information or see activity that you believe is a potential or immediate environmental problem, please call the Ohio EPA 24-hour Hotline at 800-282-9378 or the National Response Center at 800-424-8802. Potential environmental violations can be reported at https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations .