title: Bovine Artificial Insemination Manager Pleads Guilty to Multi-Year Bid-Rigging Conspiracy

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: A South Carolina manager of a bovine artificial insemination firm pleaded guilty today to rigging bids for the purchase of cattle used either for the direct production of semen or for the development of animals for future semen production. According to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court in Columbus, Ohio, Herbert D. Lutz, 56, of Chester, SC pleaded guilty to conspiring to rig bids between at least as early as October 2018 and at least as late as May 2024. In advance of cattle auctions, Lutz and his co-conspirators agreed which company would win the bid. During the sales, the agreed-upon losing firm would either not bid or would submit an intentionally-losing bid before bowing out to permit the agreed-upon winner to prevail. Through the efforts of Lutz and his co-conspirators, Lutz’s employer was able to acquire cattle worth over $1.6 million through rigged sales. Bovine artificial insemination firms produce, market, and sell bovine semen for artificial insemination, research, and genomics. As part of their business, such firms purchase cattle from third parties, including through competitive public auctions, either for the direct production of semen for sale or to develop animals for future production. “The tireless work of our Nation’s ranchers and farmers is essential to everyday affordability for all Americans,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. “This Department of Justice will never stand for collusion that cheats hardworking, honest producers and raises prices for American families putting food on the table. Collusion and bid rigging is criminal, and we will prosecute it to the fullest extent of the law.” “Collusion in the agricultural industry ultimately leads to higher food prices for consumers,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Daniel Glad of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division is dedicated to stamping out such collusion and prosecuting those responsible, thereby ensuring that our food supply remains affordable and plentiful for all Americans.” “Bid rigging harms not only consumers, but also hard-working ranchers and farmers who are cheated out of competitive prices for their cattle,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Salvador Gonzalez of the Agriculture Department’s Office of Inspector General Midwest Field Office. “We will continue to work alongside our partners at the Antitrust Division to safeguard the rural way of life from corporate greed.” Lutz is the first defendant to be charged and to plead guilty in the ongoing investigation into bid rigging in the bovine artificial insemination industry. Lutz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rig bids in violation of Section 1 of the Sherman Act and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine. The maximum penalty for corporations is a $100 million criminal fine. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office is prosecuting the case, which was investigated with the assistance of the Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General. Anyone with information in connection with this investigation, or other antitrust and competition crimes, should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center by visiting www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations . Whistleblowers who voluntarily report original information about antitrust and related offenses that result in criminal fines or other recoveries of at least $1 million may be eligible to receive a whistleblower reward. For more information on the Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program, visit www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards .


title: Casper man sentenced to over 12 years on meth distribution charges

component: USAO - Wyoming

body_text: CASPER, CASPER, Wyo. — A Casper man will serve more than 12 years in federal prison for his role as a primary distributor in a multicounty drug trafficking ring, federal officials said. Bryan James Hackleman, 44, of Casper, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence July 28 in Casper. According to federal court documents, the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI), with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and multiple state and local agencies, investigated a drug trafficking organization operating in Wyoming and Colorado. Investigators identified Hackleman as one of the conspirators selling large quantities of methamphetamine in and around Natrona County. Law enforcement intercepted Hackleman Nov. 10, 2025, near Casper. A search of his vehicle found scales, syringes and nearly half a pound, or about 205 grams, of methamphetamine. Agents determined Hackleman distributed more than 16 pounds of methamphetamine during the conspiracy. Hackleman was arrested Nov. 10, 2025, on related state charges that were later dismissed. A federal complaint was filed Jan. 23, and he was taken into federal custody Jan. 27. Hackleman pleaded guilty to an information May 4. The DCI, with assistance from the DEA, HSI and multiple state and local law enforcement agencies in Wyoming and Colorado, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. U.S. Attorney Darin Smith said, “Cases like this demonstrate our commitment to disrupting the flow of dangerous drugs into Wyoming communities and holding repeat offenders accountable. Methamphetamine trafficking fuels addiction, violence and instability, and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of those harms. This outcome underscores the importance of strong partnerships between federal, state and local agencies working together to protect the safety and well-being of the public.”


title: Leader of drug trafficking organization that sold fentanyl, cocaine, and meth in ‘The Jungle’ and International District sentenced to ten years in prison

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – The leader of a wide-ranging drug distribution network that was uncovered when law enforcement focused on Seattle’s International District and nearby homeless encampments was sentenced to ten years in prison today, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Octavio Salazar Palma, 34, of Federal Way, Washington was arrested in May 2025 following a lengthy wire-tap investigation. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Tana Lin said, “You were a leader in the drug conspiracy, you were the source of an extraordinary amount of drugs in our community…. Despite multiple seizures by law enforcement you did not stop, only the arrest made you stop.” “This case began with officers on the street working their way up the supply chain until prosecutors had enough evidence to get a court approved wiretap,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “The wiretap allowed us to identify the leaders, and more importantly, interdict drug shipments before they hit our streets. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is keenly aware of the law enforcement problems facing the International District and is committed to doing all we can to address them.” “Led by his own greed, Mr. Salazar Palma piloted an interstate conspiracy to distribute obscene and lethal amounts of dangerous drugs through the International District and homeless encampments in Seattle. No amount of profit can justify the cost of putting members of our own community at such a risk,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “I am thankful for the diligence and hard work of FBI Seattle and our partners as we remain dedicated to disrupting violent crime and making our streets a safer place.” In this investigation in March 2025 alone, law enforcement seized 100 pounds of methamphetamine, 111 kilos of cocaine, 19 kilos of fentanyl powder, 250,000 fentanyl pills, and four kilos of heroin. The street value of the narcotics was nearly $3 million. On May 29, 2025, law enforcement moved to take down Salazar Palma’s network. They executed 16 search warrants in Federal Way, Vancouver, Everett, Pacific, Tukwila, Kent, Issaquah, Seattle, Woodlake California and Beaverton, Oregon. Investigators seized more than seven kilograms of cocaine, 18 kilograms of methamphetamine, more than 57,000 fentanyl pills, and 17 firearms. They also seized more than $353,000 in cash. On April 15, 2026, Salazar Palma pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to engage in money laundering. In asking for a sentence of 140 months prosecutors wrote to the court, “… Salazar Palma engaged in drug trafficking not to support an addiction to controlled substances, but for his personal profit. And profit he did. When investigators searched his residence, they found nearly $20,000 in United States currency, which Salazar Palma admits were proceeds of his drug trafficking enterprise. Salazar Palma is also agreeing to forfeit a 2024 BMW M3 Competition xDrive, a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe LT, and jewelry, because that property was proceeds of his enterprise.” “Mr. Salazar Palma led the drug trafficking organization that targeted some of Seattle’s most vulnerable, living in encampments in ‘The Jungle’, while he bought expensive cars and jewelry with the profits,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Today’s sentence and the seizure of massive amounts of fentanyl, meth, and cocaine demonstrate DEA’s commitment to dismantling these criminal networks along with our federal, state, and local partners. Through our Fentanyl Free America, we are disrupting the fentanyl supply chain, reducing its availability, and protecting American lives.” “Our streets are safer today as Mr. Salazar Palma faces the consequences of his crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Carrie Nordyke, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Seattle Field Office. “Illicit drugs have no place in our communities, and IRS-CI is committed to bringing those who choose to harm our friends and neighbors to justice.” Salazar Palma is a U.S. citizen who will be on four years of supervised release following prison. 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 investigation was led by the FBI, Seattle Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with significant assistance from the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program (HIDTA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Washington National Guard Counterdrug Program. Investigators also worked with the Oregon State Police and Clark County, Washington Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Casey Conzatti and Brian Wynne.


title: Canadian pleads guilty to hacking U.S. cloud storage provider and extorting its customers for millions

body_text: Seattle – Connor Riley Moucka, 26, of Kitchener, Ontario, pleaded guilty today to a widespread computer hacking conspiracy that resulted in the compromise of over 165 victim organizations, the theft of billions of sensitive customer records and the extortion of numerous victims. “Connor Moucka hacked over 150 companies and organizations, obtained extremely sensitive information, and extorted the victims for millions of dollars,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Moucka was arrested just six months after these breaches began, demonstrating this Department’s firm commitment to investigating and prosecuting sophisticated cybercriminals who cause extensive harm to American businesses and consumers. Today’s guilty plea serves as a reminder to all cybercriminals, regardless of where they live, that they cannot hide behind a wall of anonymity. You will be found and brought to justice.” “As this case demonstrates, the cybercrimes unit in the Western District of Washington acts quickly and with precision when these hacks and intrusions impact victims in our district and around the world,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd for the Western District of Washington. “I commend the work of the FBI and our counterparts in the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section in DC for the teamwork that resulted in Mr. Moucka taking responsibility today for his actions.” “Hiding behind a screen is no shield from justice,” said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of the FBI’s Cyber Division. “Connor Moucka learned that when he was arrested just months after he began targeting U.S. companies, stealing sensitive information, and extorting victims for millions of dollars. His guilty plea highlights the FBI’s commitment to protecting American businesses and consumers from cybercrime and reflects our strong partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other international law enforcement agencies. The FBI will continue to identify, locate, and hold cybercriminals accountable, wherever they operate.” “Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message to cybercriminals: you cannot hide from justice, no matter how hard you may try to cover your tracks.,” said Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington of the FBI Seattle field office. “Connor Moucka’s threats and re-extortion tactics were calculated and predatory, and his actions did real harm to his victims, be they companies targeted for theft and extortion or the millions of everyday people who are their customers. Ultimately, though, Mr. Moucka’s schemes were no match for the tenacity of FBI Seattle and this international investigative team. I am incredibly proud of their work. Let this outcome serve as a reminder: actions have consequences, and the FBI will continue to relentlessly pursue those who target American businesses and individuals in cyberspace, wherever they may be.” According to court documents, between February and October 2024, Moucka and his co-conspirators used stolen login credentials to compromise cloud-hosted data belonging to at least 165 customers of a U.S.-based software-as-a-service company. Moucka and others used their unauthorized access to these customers’ computer systems to steal billions of sensitive customer records and download terabytes of information, including individuals’ non-content call and text history records, banking and other financial information, payroll records, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration numbers, driver’s license numbers, passport numbers, social security numbers and other personally identifiable information. They then extorted victims by threatening to publish data online. The conspirators profited from the scheme, receiving over $2.5 million in ransom payments. In at least one instance, Moucka re-extorted a victim with threats of further disclosure of the victim’s stolen data. Moucka used the stolen data of a government officer and members of a then-former government officer’s immediate family in this re-extortion attempt. In addition to extorting victims, Moucka and his co-conspirators advertised the victims’ data for sale online, including on the cybercrime forums BreachForums , Exploit.in and XSS.is, as well as on Telegram. Through these actions, Moucka personally obtained at least $495,000. The harm to the conspirators’ victims was much greater, with victim companies suffering over $9.5 million in actual losses — a number that does not include losses suffered by the companies’ customers, totaling at least 100 million individuals. Moucka pleaded guilty to four counts of the indictment, including computer fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and a related conspiracy. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 27 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison on the aggravated identity theft count and a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on the remaining counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Louisa K. Becker and George S. Brown of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sok Tea Jiang for the Western District of Washington are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in obtaining the arrest and July 2025 extradition of Moucka from Canada. Several foreign law enforcement agencies provided substantial assistance in the investigation and arrest of Moucka, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Australian Federal Police, Spain’s Guardia Civil, the Security Service of Ukraine and the Turkish National Police. CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cyber and IP criminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds. This action is part of Operation Riptide, an FBI campaign targeting the criminal actors, infrastructure, and financial networks behind cybercrime, cyber-enabled crime, and fraud against the American people. Last year, Americans reported over $20 billion in losses to cybercrime, a 26 percent single-year increase. Operation Riptide is the FBI’s sustained enforcement response to that threat.


title: Pflugerville Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding PPP Loan Program

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: WACO, Texas – A Pflugerville woman was sentenced in federal court today to 21 months in prison for submitting fraudulent Paycheck Protection Loan (PPP) applications, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. According to court documents, on March 10, 2021, Aisha Jackson, 34, doing business as Logo Boosters, submitted a PPP application to a loan processor. The application contained false statements and documentation, including a fabricated voided check stub. Federal agents found that Jackson had opened the bank account reflected on the check stub in her own name but used the stolen social security number of a minor victim. Bank records showed that no checks were written from the account. Further investigation revealed that Jackson used the same victim’s social security number in 2016 to obtain a vehicle loan. Agents also found that Jackson had submitted a false 2019 Schedule C, Profit or Loss from Business, using the business name Logo Boosters, and listing nearly $80,000 in net profit. Jackson did not file a 2019 Form 1040. Jackson received the PPP load deposit of $16,628 on March 15, 2021. Less than two weeks later, on March 24, 2021, Jackson dba WCS Consulting, submitted another PPP loan application containing false statements and documentation. A review of Jackson’s bank records showed Jackson did not open the bank account until March 16, 2021, and used the same social security number belonging to a minor to open the account. As with her business, Logo Boosters, Jackson provided a false 2019 Schedule C with the business name WCS Consulting, listing a net profit of $53,900, and she did not file a 2019 Form 1040. Jackson completed and signed a PPP Loan Forgiveness Application Form on Oct. 5, 2021, indicating that she had complied with all requirements of the PPP rules. The total loss to the U.S. Government amounted to $43,980 over three PPP loans received by Jackson. Jackson used the proceeds from her fraudulently received loans to purchase jewelry such as tennis bracelets and necklaces, two Rolex watches and a Cartier Santos watch. Jackson was arrested on Jan. 15, 2025, and released on bond. On Jan. 13, 2026, she pleaded guilty to one count of false statement on a loan or credit application and one count of theft of government property. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Christopher Wolfe sentenced Jackson to serve 21 months in federal prison and pay the $43,980 in restitution. Judge Wolfe also ordered Jackson to forfeit the fraudulently purchased jewelry. The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Gloff prosecuted the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. ###


title: Honduran Sex Offender Sentenced in Del Rio to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Re-Entry into the U.S.

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: DEL RIO, Texas – An illegal alien and convicted sex offender from Honduras was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 20 years in prison for attempting to enter the United States illegally, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. According to court documents, on Nov. 17, 2025, Noel Jose Funez-Antunez, 41, was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol agents near Eagle Pass. Funez-Antunez was questioned regarding his citizenship status, and he freely admitted to being a citizen of Honduras, and without legal permission to be present in the United States. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Eagle Pass South Border Patrol Station for processing. Further investigation into his criminal history revealed that Funez-Antunez was previously convicted of kidnapping, illegal re-entry into the United States, and sexual assault. “This is the message that we need to send to anyone who is thinking of coming into the United States illegally,” said U.S. Attorney Simmons. “Here we have an illegal alien who has already been convicted multiple times in our country, who thought he would be able to sneak in and live a life of freedom. He instead was met by federal agents and Lady Justice, and will spend the next two decades in federal prison before he’s deported yet again.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Nallely Duarte prosecuted the case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Shilling handled the sentencing. 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: BCSO Investigator Receives Freedom 250 Hometown Hero Award from U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – In celebration of Freedom 250, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Justin R. Simmons presented Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Sergeant Che Lopez with the Freedom 250 Hometown Hero Award. In honor of America’s 250 years of independence, the Hometown Hero award is being presented by U.S. Attorneys across the country. The award recognizes public officials who have demonstrated steadfast commitment to service in their communities and who embody the spirit upon which our Nation was founded. “Here in the Western District of Texas, we pride ourselves on our partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Simmons. “Sergeant Lopez’s work exemplifies the same pride in partnership and has led to a safer community. This Freedom 250 Hometown Hero Award serves as a token of gratitude from the United States for Lopez’s selfless service and dedication as a law enforcement officer.” Sgt. Che Lopez (left), Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, receives the Freedom 250 Hometown Hero Award from U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Justin R. Simmons (right) at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Antonio, Aug. 5, 2026. “Sergeant Lopez spearheads multi-agency investigations, collaborating closely with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners,” said Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar. “His professionalism, effective communication, and commitment to teamwork embody the values of the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.” For more information on the award and the Freedom 250 initiative, visit the Department of Justice news page or White House Freedom 250 Page . ###


title: U.S. Attorney Announces District Election Officer to Ensure Voting Integrity in West Tennessee

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Will Crow will serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Western District of Tennessee for the upcoming general and primary elections on August 6, 2026. United States Attorney Dunavant said, "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will always act appropriately to protect the integrity of the election process." In this capacity, DEO Crow will be responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. DEO Crow will be on duty while the polls are open to respond to complaints and concerns during the upcoming election and ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities. He can be reached by phone at 901-544-4231. In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will have special agents available throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The Nashville Division of the FBI, which covers the entire state of Tennessee, can be reached by the public at 865-544-0751. However, if you witness a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency. Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying, and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English). The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations. Anyone with specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud should make that information available to the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ . ###


title: Federal Jury Finds Armed Career Criminal Guilty of Firearm Possession

body_text: Memphis, TN – After a two-day federal trial, a jury found Rodriquez Henley, 33 , of Memphis, guilty of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and made a special finding that Henley’s extensive criminal history qualified him for enhanced punishment as an Armed Career Criminal (ACC). United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the verdict today. According to information presented in court, on May 19, 2025, officers with the Memphis Police Department located Henley at the Know-It-All Market on Park Avenue while responding to a disturbance call. Upon detaining Henley based on an outstanding warrant, officers recovered a black Ruger .380 caliber handgun from his front waistband. During the trial, the jury heard evidence of Henley’s criminal history, which includes two separate convictions for Aggravated Robbery as well as a conviction for Aggravated Burglary. The jury found Henley guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm and made a finding that he had committed at least three violent felonies on different occasions, triggering the enhanced sentencing penalties under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA). A sentencing hearing is scheduled to be held on November 10, 2026 before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. As a result of the verdict and ACC designation, Henley faces a mandatory minimum sentence of at least 15 years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Henley’s lifestyle of lawlessness has finally caught up with him. He has devoted most of his life to repeated violent crimes, and now the federal system will do what should have been done a long time ago – impose a real consequence that will prevent him from victimizing anyone else for years to come.” The case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department (MPD) as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. Special Assistant United States Attorneys Yosef Hochheiser and Kesha Zaffino, both of the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. 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 . ### For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearm Charges

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to drug and firearm charges, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Darion Ethridge, 26, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV to one count of possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and heroin and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on June 24, 2021, state and local law enforcement conducted a drug suppression detail in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, after authorities received information that a male operating a black Jeep Cherokee with tinted windows would be bringing 10 bricks of heroin to a hotel. Upon the arrival and parking of the vehicle, a detective positioned his vehicle with lights and siren activated behind the Jeep, exited his vehicle, identified himself as police, and directed the driver to exit. The driver responded by starting his vehicle, reversing the Jeep into the detective’s vehicle, and driving through the parking lot until law enforcement boxed in the Jeep, at which point, the driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot, with officers pursuing and arresting the driver. A search incident to arrest resulted in the seizure of approximately $3,952. From the vehicle, authorities seized 991 bags containing a fentanyl and heroin mixture, a loaded .40 caliber handgun which was determined to have been reported stolen, and a medical marijuana card and Pennsylvania Department of Corrections card both bearing Ethridge’s name. Ethridge had previously been convicted of four felonies in the Court of Common Pleas in Allegheny County. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for September 14, 2026. The law provides for a total maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both for the drug trafficking crime and not less than five years and up to life in prison to be served consecutively to the drug trafficking sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, or both on the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime count. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the Court ordered Ethridge remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Monroeville Police Department and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ethridge.


title: Ohio Felon Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Checking Luggage Containing Concealed Firearms and Ammunition

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Youngstown, Ohio, has been sentenced in federal court to 51 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of possessing a firearm as a felon and carrying a weapon on an aircraft, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Luis Rojas Cay, 29, on July 29, 2026. According to information presented to the Court, on or about April 26, 2024, Rojas Cay was attempting to travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico, from the Pittsburgh International Airport on a commercial airline when agents discovered in his checked luggage a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun, an unloaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun, an unloaded 40 SW caliber semiautomatic handgun, and approximately 204 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The firearms and ammunition were concealed in packages wrapped in multiple layers of foil-backed tape and contained inside a metal briefcase that was also lined with sheet metal. The briefcase was then placed inside a suitcase that Rojas Cay checked with the airline. Rojas Cay was previously convicted in Kansas on robbery and attempted kidnapping charges. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States. United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Allegheny County Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Rojas Cay. 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: Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Firearm Used in Drive-By Shooting

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – MARREE KAVON CURRIE , 43, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 144 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public records, on August 22, 2025, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department stopped a vehicle driven by Currie after observing he was not wearing a seatbelt. During the stop, Currie told officers there was a firearm inside the vehicle, which officers recovered. At that time, Currie had numerous prior felony convictions, including convictions in Oklahoma County District Court for: malicious injury to property in case number CF-2001-69; placing bodily fluids on a government employee in case number CF-2001-70; possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, possession of drug proceeds, and destruction of evidence in case number CF-2007-5267; and felon in possession of a firearm in case number CF-2022-5350. Ballistics testing later tied the firearm to a drive-by shooting eight days earlier, during which shots were fired into an occupied residence. Currie’s vehicle was captured by the Flock surveillance system within blocks of the scene several minutes before the shooting, and a digital extraction of his phone showed that it was powered off ten minutes before the shooting and powered back on ten minutes after the shooting, consistent with someone attempting to avoid detection. At a sentencing hearing on August 4, 2026, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Currie to serve 144 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Russell noted Currie’s disregard for the law and the danger he posed to the public. This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oklahoma City Police Department, and the Moore Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Gridley prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Prior sex offender arrested on new child pornography charges

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, NY — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that James Mitchell, 40, of Gowanda, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt, distribution and possession of child pornography, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years. According to the criminal complaint, on July 19, 2026, the New York State Police responded to Mitchell’s Broadway Road residence in Gowanda, after receiving information that he allegedly possessed child pornography on his cellular phone. The information came from an individual (Informant) who is part of an online organization, not affiliated with law enforcement, performing volunteer activities to identify child abusers on the internet. Law enforcement received information that Mitchell engaged in sexually explicit communications over TELEGRAM (an encrypted communications application) with a person he believed to be a 13-year-old boy. During these conversations, Mitchell discussed plans to meet the 13-year-old to engage in sexual acts in Fredonia and Amherst, NY. Law enforcement seized Mitchell’s cellphone. A subsequent search recovered numerous videos containing child pornography. In addition, investigators located a conversation on Telegram with an unidentified user, during which Mitchell stated: “Lol. I prefere 11+, so most the stuff I have is in the 11-17 range,” indicating that he primarily had a sexual interest in children ages 11 to 17 and that he possessed child pornography depicting 11-to-17-year-old children. Mitchell exchanged approximately 143 videos and/or images depicting child pornography during the conversation. In another conversation, he advised another individual that he had “over 6000” videos of child pornography on a flash drive, but “only like 15 of them are kids and animals.” Mitchell is a Registered Level 1 sex offender in New York and Indiana following a June 25, 2007, conviction in Cattaraugus County Court for Possessing an Obscene Sexual Perform by Child Less Than 16 Years Old. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Evan K. Glaberson. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Guatemalan man pleads guilty to crashing into a Border Patrol vehicle

body_text: BUFFALO, NY — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Ericson Vasquez-Moran, 22, of Guatemala, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to depredation and injury to government property, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. On May 13, 2026, Vasquez-Moran drove his vehicle into a United States Border Patrol vehicle, causing more than $1,000 worth of damage to the government vehicle. He then fled the scene, leading to a high-speed pursuit by law enforcement. Police eventually deployed a spike strip device, disabling Vasquez-Moran’s vehicle. The defendant then fled on foot but surrendered several hours later and was taken into custody. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan W. Fitzgerald. The plea is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato, the Department of Homeland Security Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Acting Field Operations Director Phillip Rhoney, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff David Linder. Sentencing is scheduled for November 11, 2026, before Judge Arcara.


title: Falconer man pleads guilty to production of child pornography shortly after federal trial begins

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Yusef E. Malik Myrick, 27, of Falconer, NY, pleaded guilty to four counts of production of child pornography before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. following opening arguments in his federal jury trial. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum of 30 years, and a $250,000 fine. Between September 2020, and December 19, 2021, Myrick communicated with several minor females on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram, coercing four minor victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purposes of producing visual depictions of such conduct. During the investigation, law enforcement officers discovered that in December 2021, Myrick instructed co-defendant Lily A. Brandow to locate his cell phone, which he hid in their home in an attempt to conceal it from law enforcement. He also instructed Brandow to access and delete several Google accounts and a Snapchat account which he knew were subjects of the investigation and prosecution. On January 31, 2022, during the arrest of Brandow, Myrick’s cell phone was seized and found to contain child pornography. The investigation further determined that Myrick engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with a victim on Snapchat, during which he asked the minor victim to send him a sexually explicit photo. Myrick also accessed the victim’s Snapchat account and posted a video to her public Snap Story, depicting the victim engaged in sexual activity with another known minor. In addition, Myrick engaged in sexual activity with three other minor victims and recorded the activity on his cell phone. He sent the sexually explicit videos from two of the victims to other individuals. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James B. Quattrone; the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster; Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, and the Ellicott Police Department, under the direction of Chief Daniel Ingrao. Additional assistance was provided by the Rome, Georgia Police Department, and the Child Advocacy Program of Chautauqua County. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date before Judge Sinatra. # # # #


title: Two Illegal Aliens from Honduras Sentenced to Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking Following Homeland Security Task Force Investigation

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Olver Anacleto Amador-Calderon, 24, and Alexander Josue Viatoro-Arita, 22, both illegal aliens from Honduras, were sentenced to prison yesterday for trafficking fentanyl, following an investigation by the Homeland Security Task Force, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Amador-Calderon was ordered to serve 14 years in prison, and Viatoro-Arita was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Following the completion of their prison sentences, both defendants will be deported. The defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. “These defendants entered our country illegally and fueled the distribution of deadly fentanyl while armed with stolen firearms. They will serve time in an American prison before they are deported, and we will continue our fight to completely eliminate fentanyl from our community,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. According to filed court documents and court proceedings, in January 2025, Viatoro-Arita sold 24.99 grams of fentanyl to an individual cooperating with law enforcement. Later the same day, investigators arrived at the hotel where the defendants were staying. Investigators searched the hotel room, where they recovered more than 330 grams of fentanyl, approximately $33,000 in cash, and two ledgers documenting drug sales. The ledgers documented approximately $159,400 in drug transactions between December 2024 and January 2025, totaling 11.665 kilograms of fentanyl and just under 3.3 kilograms of methamphetamine. In addition, investigators recovered firearms concealed in the defendants’ waistbands. Amador-Calderon possessed a .380 caliber Titan pistol, and Viatoro-Arita possessed a stolen 9mm Taurus pistol with a partially obliterated serial number. The defendants are currently in federal custody. They will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility. The investigation was handled by the FBI, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, and the Gastonia Police Department. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) is an 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 CORE 23 (Charlotte) is comprised of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Marshal Service (USMS), United States Customers and Border Protection (CBP), United States ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), the Naval Criminal investigative Service (NCIS), the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FIDC) Office of Inspector General (OIG), the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), the North Carolina Insurance Bureau, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Raleigh Police Department, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, the Cary Police Department, the Nash Count Sheriff’s Office, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, the Halifax County Sheriff’s office, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, the Brunswick Count Sheriff’s Office, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, the Wilmington Police Department, the Nags Head Police Department, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS), the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), the Kannapolis Police Department, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the Waxhaw Police Department, the Gaston County Police Department, the Gastonia Police Department, the Huntersville Police Department, the Cornelius Police Department, the Matthews Police Department, the Pineville Police Department, the Stallings Police Department, the Kings Mountain Police Department, the Greensville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), the Cherokee County Sheriff’s office, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) International Airport Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Corrections, the Anderson City Police Department, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston County Airport Police Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Summerville Police Department, the Greensboro Police Department, the Winston-Salem Police Department, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, the Alamance County Sheriff’s office, the Davie County Sheriff’s Office, the Eden Police Department, the Piedmont Triad Internal Airport Police Department, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Districts of North and South Carolina.


title: Alexandria Man Indicted for Murder of Federal Agent, Attempted Murder of Another Federal Agent, and Related Firearm Crimes

body_text: ALEXANDRIA/LAFAYETTE – On August 5, 2026, a press conference was held at the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office to discuss the return of the federal indictment against Clarence A. Frazier , 48, of Alexandria, who is charged with the murder of Deputy U.S. Marshal Drew Hanson and the attempted murder of a U.S. Marshals Service task force officer, along with related firearm crimes. Frazier faces up to life imprisonment or death if convicted. This indictment returned by a federal grand jury follows the U.S. Attorney’s Office charging Frazier by criminal complaint with the murder of Deputy Marshal Hanson. TP During the press conference, U.S. Marshal Brian H. Barber, Rapides Parish Sheriff Mark Wood, FBI Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp, and Rapides Parish District Attorney Phillip Terrell also delivered remarks honoring the life, service, and sacrifice of Deputy Marshal Hanson. Also in attendance were representatives of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Louisiana State Police, and the Alexandria Police Department. According to court documents, Deputy Marshal Hanson was murdered on July 14, 2026, while performing his official duties alongside federal and state law enforcement personnel attempting to apprehend Frazier following his failure to appear in state court on a sexual battery charge. Officers from the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service approached Frazier’s residence to execute lawful warrants. Upon the officers’ entry, Frazier allegedly barricaded himself in a bedroom and opened fire, fatally striking Deputy Marshal Hanson and endangering additional officers on the scene. Hanson was a husband and father of two. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement. The United States Marshals Service, Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Vermaelen, John W. Nickel, and Elliott Cassidy with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Joanne Henry‑Mills and Denise Duhon. 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 6:26‑cr‑00293-01. ### CONTACT: Public Affairs USALAW-News@usdoj.gov United States Attorney’s Office www.justice.gov/usao-wdla Western District of Louisiana Twitter @USAO_WDLA


title: Brooklyn Man Charged with Distribution of Cocaine Base and Cocaine

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: BURLINGTON – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on June 25, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Tyquan Washington, a/k/a “Bones,” 36, of Brooklyn, New York, with distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack cocaine) and a quantity of cocaine. Washington was arrested in New Jersey on June 11, 2026, pursuant to a warrant issued in connection with a criminal complaint filed in 2024 that charged Washington with the same distribution offense. Washington thereafter appeared before a United States Magistrate Judge in the District of New Jersey, where he was detained, and ordered transported to the District of Vermont. Upon arrival in Vermont, Washington was arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle on Monday, August 3, 2026. According to court records, on February 22, 2024, agents with Homeland Security Investigations made a controlled purchase of more than 29 grams of cocaine base and a quantity of powder cocaine from Washington in Burlington, Vermont. Court records also indicate that the government has collected evidence that Washington is responsible for leading a drug trafficking organization that began operating in Vermont no later than 2023. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Washington is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Washington faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years’ imprisonment, and up to 40 years’ imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Arra. Washington is represented by Attorney William E. Kraham.


title: Global Veterinary Drug Distributor Agrees to $100,000 Settlement

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Moore Capito announced today that MWI Veterinary Supply Inc. (MWI) has agreed to pay $100,000 to resolve allegations it failed to identify large oxycodone HCL orders from a Putnam County, West Virginia, veterinarian as suspicious or flag them to authorities, resulting in abuse and probable diversion of these drugs. MWI, also known as MWI Animal Health, is a global distributor of supplies and pharmaceuticals for the veterinary industry based in Boise, Idaho. As a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registrant authorized to distribute controlled substances, MWI is required under the Controlled Substances Act to design and operate a system to identify suspicious orders of controlled substances and to notify the DEA upon discovering such suspicious orders. Federal investigators found that MWI’s internal Diversion Control Program policies required a suspicious order to be investigated by MWI’s Diversion Control Team, including documentation for the reason the order was flagged. The internal policy identified oxycodone HCL as a substance “especially susceptible to diversion” that required additional scrutiny. MWI’s internal policy noted that its Suspicious Order Monitoring System “will fail if individuals clear orders without adequate investigation.” The federal investigation found that between March 8, 2018, and July 10, 2023, MWI filled orders totaling 14,200 dosage units of hydrocodone/acetaminophen at 10 milligrams each, 800 dosage units of oxycodone HCL at 10 milligrams each, and 600 dosage units of oxycodone HCL at 5 milligrams each for Dr. Clara Ann Mason, the Putnam County veterinarian. These orders were determined to be unusual for a veterinary practice, and amount to more than 16 times the national average for medical practitioners. For the years 2021, 2022, and 2023, Mason ordered substantially more hydrocodone/acetaminophen from MWI than any other individual customer. Mason accounted for all oxycodone HCL dosage units filled by MWI for West Virginia veterinarians in 2022 and 2023. On September 13, 2022, MWI’s Suspicious Order Monitoring System flagged Mason’s order that day for 300 dosage units of oxycodone HCL at 10 milligrams each. Federal investigators determined than an MWI representative opened the suspicious order for review and released it the next day without substantial investigation. MWI filled nine subsequent orders for oxycodone HCL from Mason, including one for approximately 1,300 pills, without questioning Mason or doing further due diligence. “The authority to distribute controlled substance requires complete adherence to the law and mandated internal policies to protect our communities against the consequences of diversion and abuse,” Capito said. “This settlement agreement is the result of outstanding work by the Drug Enforcement Administration, our office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement and Health Care Fraud Investigative Specialist Tyler E. Japhet, and Assistant United States Attorney Gregory P. Neil.” “DEA registrants like MWI are obligated to uphold the stringent reporting requirements outlined in the Controlled Substances Act; a failure to do so can result in the diversion of medications that have a high potential for abuse, and endanger our communities,” said Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Louisville Division, which serves Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia. “Hopefully, today’s settlement will serve as a costly reminder that compels MWI to take the threat of drug diversion seriously.” Capito’s office secured a $956,709 default judgment against Mason on July 31, 2025. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers ordered Mason to pay the maximum civil penalties, concluding that she ordered thousands of doses of opioids and other drugs, failed to keep these drugs secured, failed to keep track of these drugs, and apparently fabricated records to cover her failures. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:35-cv-175 (Mason). ###


title: Local man with 56,000 child sexual abuse files sent to prison

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 29-year-old Penitas resident has been ordered to federal prison for receiving and distributing child pornography. Jesus David Gutierrez pleaded guilty Oct. 2, 2025. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Gutierrez to serve 110 months in federal prison and to pay $6,000 in restitution. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Gutierrez was associated with approximately 56,000 files containing child pornography, was involved in the sale of pornography of adult women from the Rio Grande Valley, and was beginning to collect child sex abuse material (CSAM) for future sales. He must also serve five years of supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Gutierrez will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. The investigation revealed a computer associated with a specific IP address in Penitas engaging in downloading and distributing CSAM. On June 3, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence and found Gutierrez hiding in his bedroom closet. He admitted to having CSAM on his cellular phone. Forensic analysis resulted in the discovery of 63 videos and 141 images depicting prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Gutierrez has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. FBI McAllen conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page .


title: Mexican illegal alien pleads guilty in fentanyl conspiracy

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: DAYTON, Ohio – An illegal alien from Mexico pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to participating in a narcotics conspiracy that involved approximately a kilogram of fentanyl being brought to the Dayton area from Philadelphia. He separately pleaded to an immigration offense charging him with eluding inspection of immigration authorities. Luis Gomez-Andres, 27, and Jonathan Salomon-Muguel, 22, of Dayton, were caught traveling with approximately a kilogram of fentanyl they obtained in Philadelphia to bring back to Dayton. According to charging documents, in September 2025, Gomez-Andres was stopped for a traffic violation by law enforcement in Dayton, Ohio, and discovered to be illegally in the United States. Soon thereafter, immigration authorities returned Gomez-Andres to his country of citizenship. Four months later, in January 2026, law enforcement developed information that Gomez-Andres illegally had returned to the United States. Based on that information, federal agents obtained an arrest warrant against Gomez-Andres for a criminal immigration offense and began to search for him in the community. On Jan. 21, 2026, as federal agents continued their search, Gomez-Andres was stopped in a vehicle for a traffic violation in the state of Delaware. Salomon-Muguel was with him. During a search of their vehicle, officers discovered hidden within it a black metal safe containing bulk fentanyl bound for Dayton, Ohio. The narcotics conspiracy in this case is punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Charges remain pending against Salomon-Muguel. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Joseph O. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Newman. Assistant United States Attorney Rob Painter is representing the United States in this case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. # # #


title: Mexican citizen/local bar owner pleads guilty to cocaine, stolen vehicle crimes

body_text: CINCINNATI – A Mexican citizen living in West Chester with an expired visa, who owned bars in Cincinnati and Middletown, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to distribute drugs from the businesses. The defendant also participated in the buying and selling of stolen vehicles. Sergio Velasco-Cortes, 42, also known as Piojo, Gordo, and Bruno, was a member of a drug trafficking organization that distributed kilogram shipments of cocaine throughout the Southern District of Ohio, including the Cincinnati area. He owned and operated Ibiza Restaurant and Lounge in Cincinnati and Bar Bunny in Middletown. In fall 2024, Velasco-Cortes purchased Ibiza from another drug trafficking organization member for $250,000 in cash. Velasco-Cortes admitted to engaging in drug trafficking activity at both bar locations. In December 2024 and January 2025, Velasco-Cortes drove to a mechanic shop in Indianapolis to buy bulk amounts of narcotics to bring back to southern Ohio. The defendant was also connected to a coconspirator obtaining shipments of cocaine from Puerto Rico. The coconspirator delivered drugs to Velasco-Cortes at Bar Bunny in February 2025. When executing search warrants in March and April 2025, agents discovered seven stolen vehicles at Velasco-Cortes’s residence. Several of the vehicles had falsified VINs. Further investigation revealed Velasco-Cortes and others discussed buying, “cleaning,” and selling stolen cars. Velasco-Cortes and five others were charged federally on April 1, 2025. Velasco-Cortes faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Joseph O. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), announced the guilty plea entered on Aug. 4 before Senior U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett. Assistant United States Attorney David P. Dornette is representing the United States in this case. This case 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 Cincinnati comprises agents and officers from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. # # #


title: NFT Startup Founder Charged With Fraud

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Sean S. Buckley, Deputy United States Attorney, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced that TAJ TARSHA, the founder of Few and Far Limited (“Few and Far”), has been indicted for securities and wire fraud for defrauding investors of the crypto startup he founded by making false and misleading statements regarding the use of investor funds and subsequently misappropriating those funds. TARSHA was previously arrested on June 6, 2026. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan. “As alleged, Taj Tarsha raised millions of dollars from investors by promising that their investments would be used to build a marketplace for non-fungible tokens, but he instead breached their trust by stealing those funds for his own personal benefit,” said Deputy United States Attorney Sean S. Buckley. “Investors are entitled to the truth when choosing to make an investment, and this Office and our law enforcement partners will hold business leaders responsible when they lie for their own gain.” “Taj Tarsha is alleged to have concealed fraudulent conduct behind his crypto startup, using investor funds for personal benefit,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “Protecting the integrity of our financial markets is a priority, and the FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to conducting thorough and fact-driven investigations into potential financial offenses.” According to the Indictment:(1) TARSHA was the founder and sole equity owner of Few and Far, a startup that claimed to be developing a decentralized marketplace for non-fungible tokens (“NFTs”). Beginning in February 2022, TARSHA solicited investments in Few and Far through Simple Agreement for Future Tokens (SAFTs), under which investors paid upfront for rights to receive FAR tokens—a proprietary token meant to be integrated into the marketplace—at a later date. The offering materials promised investors that their funds would be used to advance the development of the Few and Far marketplace and the FAR tokens. Through these sales, TARSHA raised over $10 million from the sale of 95 million FAR tokens to at least 67 investors. Almost immediately, however, TARSHA began misappropriating investor funds for his personal use, including gambling at an online casino and purchasing speculative cryptocurrencies. TARSHA also siphoned nearly a million dollars of investor funds under the pretext of legitimate compensation in the form of two bonuses—which he deliberately hid from investors and a co-founder—and a high salary that he acknowledged was unreasonable in light of Few and Far’s lack of product and “zero revenue.” In June 2023, an audit uncovered the misappropriation. TARSHA falsely told investors that the bonuses were tied to predetermined FAR token presales targets and all transactions were done for the benefit of Few and Far, and he claimed all investor funds were still needed to complete the company’s mission. In reality, he had fired nearly all staff and instructed the remaining contractor to do work that merely created the appearance of continued development of the marketplace. For at least another year, he used investor funds for personal expenses, including cryptocurrency purchases, a Miami condominium loan and interior design services, and his DJ hobby. When he finally launched the FAR token in May 2024, it was effectively worthless and soon ceased trading. * * * TARSHA, 34, of Miami, Florida, is charged with securities fraud and wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Buckley praised the outstanding work of the FBI. This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. DiBattista is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment 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 Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact descried therein should be treated as an allegation.


title: Former General Superintendent Of The New York City Department Of Sanitation Charged With Possession Of Child Pornography

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Pete Gizas, and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today that VICTOR ALVELO has been charged with possessing approximately thousands of images and videos depicting child pornography, including images that depict pre-pubescent children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. ALVELO was arrested yesterday and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary Stein in Manhattan federal court. “Victor Alvelo, the General Superintendent of the New York City Department of Sanitation (‘DSNY’), is accused of possessing thousands of images of graphic child sexual abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “Sexual abuse of children inevitably leads to irreparable harm to those innocent and vulnerable victims. Our Office is committed to pursuing justice against those who commit these unfathomable acts. Together with our partners at HSI and the NYPD’s Computer Crimes Squad, we will work tirelessly to detect predators, prosecute them, and protect our community’s children. “As a former senior public official, Victor Alvelo allegedly betrayed the confidence placed in him by the city and the public, even brazenly using his government-branded clothing to store files containing material that no person should ever possess,” said HSI New York Acting Special Agent in Charge Pete Gizas. “Those who seek out and keep child sexual abuse material perpetuate the abuse of children and fuel a predatory market built on their exploitation. HSI New York will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners to identify offenders, pursue justice, and safeguard our community’s children, vulnerable populations, and the public at-large.” “Victor Alvelo allegedly possessed thousands of disturbing images of child pornography, including victims as young as 12 years old,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “The NYPD will be relentless in stopping predators who seek to exploit and harm children. I thank our investigators, including the NYPD’s Computer Crimes Squad, and law enforcement partners for finding this illegal and vile material, and working to hold this perpetrator accountable.” According to the allegations contained in the Complaint:(1) ALVELO served as a General Superintendent of the DSNY until his retirement in or about August 2025. From at least in or about August 2022 through on or about August 3, 2026, ALVELO possessed approximately thousands of images and videos depicting child pornography on devices within his residence. The child pornography files were found in, among other places, a USB flash drive in the front pocket of a jacket bearing DSNY insignia inside ALVELO’s residence. * * * ALVELO, 61, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of possessing child pornography, including images and videos of prepubescent minors and minors who had not attained 12 years of age, 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 HSI, including the Child Exploitation Investigations Team, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the NYPD Computer Crimes Squad. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulena B. Prager is 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 constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Pierce County woman sentenced to federal prison for child pornography

body_text: WAYCROSS, Georgia: A Patterson woman has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after pleading guilty to producing sexually explicit images of a child. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Lisa Godbey Wood and announced by Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Brandy Marie Gill , 43, of Patterson, Georgia, was sentenced to 192 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Production of Visual Depictions of Minors Engaging in Sexually Explicit Conduct. Gill was ordered to pay $5,000 to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance fund and will also be required to register as a sex offender. There is no parole in the federal system. Court documents and testimony show that in August 2025, Gill persuaded a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing material to be distributed electronically. “Every image of child sexual abuse material represents the exploitation and victimization of a real child,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute those who possess, distribute, or produce CSAM.” If you are or have information about victims of child exploitation, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Cyber Tipline at report.cybertip.org or 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). This case was investigated by the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes Unit and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherri A. Stephan and Brad Thompson.


title: South Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Posting Online Threats Against Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Kristi Noem

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A Miami man pleaded guilty Friday to posting online threats targeting Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Department of State Special Envoy Kristi Noem. According to court records, Jon Christopher Enriquez, 47, of Miami, used the social media platform X to post multiple public threats targeting Secretary Rubio and Special Envoy Noem on May 27. The threats were made in three separate public posts over the course of the afternoon. Among other things, the posts threatened that both officials would be executed at specific times. “Threatening to execute public officials is not political speech, it is a federal crime,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “Enriquez used a public platform to issue repeated, specific threats against Secretary Rubio and Special Envoy Noem. Today’s guilty plea makes clear that those who attempt to terrorize public servants or intimidate them through threats of violence will be swiftly identified, prosecuted, and held accountable.” “Threatening a Secretary of State or any senior State Department official is a serious federal offense,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security and Director of the Diplomatic Security Service Nicholas Collura. “Protecting the people who serve this country is our highest priority, and we will not hesitate to act against anyone who threatens their safety.” Enriquez pleaded guilty to three counts of transmitting threats through interstate communications. He faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Diplomatic Security Service is investigating the case, with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the City of Miami Police Department, and the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Y. Carré is prosecuting the case. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 26-cr-20239. ###


title: Oklahoma Inmate Sentenced to Life in Prison for Coercing South Florida Child to Produce Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: MIAMI – An Oklahoma inmate who used a contraband cellphone to sexually exploit and coerce a 12-year-old South Florida child into producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) was sentenced to life in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith imposed the sentence on Jeffrey Allen Holden, 45, after he pleaded guilty to five counts of production of visual depictions involving sexual exploitation of minors and three counts of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. “Even a lengthy prison sentence for rape did not stop Jeffrey Allen Holden from seeking out and sexually exploiting another vulnerable victim,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones. “From his prison cell, he used a contraband phone and a false name to manipulate a 12-year-old child into producing CSAM. His life sentence is a just consequence for conduct that was calculated, predatory, and profoundly cruel.” According to court documents, in October 2024, the mother of a 12-year-old child discovered sexually explicit communications between the child and an individual using the name “Jeremy” on a messaging platform. The communications included text messages, voice recordings, photographs, and videos. Although the child initially told Holden she was 13, she later disclosed that she was 12. After the mother reported the communications to law enforcement, investigators reviewed the child’s cellphone and discovered CSAM exchanged through direct messages between Holden and the victim. Investigators also found that Holden had sent the child sexually explicit photographs and videos of himself and had persuaded the victim to create sexually explicit content. Investigators identified Holden through a photograph he sent the victim. At the time, Holden was incarcerated at the Howard McLeod Correctional Facility in Oklahoma, where he was serving a 25-year sentence for rape. A subsequent search of Holden’s prison cell uncovered a contraband cellphone. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement. FBI Miami investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Camille Smith and Vanessa Bonhomme prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 25-cr-60108. ###


title: Court Sentences Mobile County Man for Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted Felon

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, Ala. – On August 4, 2026, United States District Judge William H. Steele sentenced Andre Jerrard Davis, Sr., to 46 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm after having previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses. According to court documents, on May 14, 2025, officers with the Citronelle Police Department responded to a residence within the city to assist with a theft investigation. Although Davis was present at the scene, he was not involved in the theft investigation. Officers recognized Davis from prior encounters and knew he had prior felony convictions. During their interaction with him, officers observed a firearm protruding from his pants pocket. They removed and secured the firearm, which was identified as a Glock Model 45, 9mm pistol. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms. At the time of the offense, Davis had previously been convicted of seven felony offenses: First-Degree Aggravated Robbery (Hennepin County, Minnesota, October 1, 2001); Check Forgery (Hennepin County, Minnesota, October 14, 2003); Domestic Assault by Strangulation (Ramsey County, Minnesota, April 6, 2005); Voter Registration Fraud (Hennepin County, Minnesota, February 12, 2007); Forgery (Lake County, Indiana, February 6, 2008); Theft—Take/Use/Transfer Movable Property (Ramsey County, Minnesota, April 28, 2016); and Terroristic Threats—Reckless Disregard of Risk (Ramsey County, Minnesota, April 28, 2016). U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the City of Citronelle Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth P. Stepan and George F. May prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Rhode Island Department of Human Services Supervisor  Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Defraud Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

component: Office of the Inspector General

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Rhode Island Department of Human Services (RI-DHS) supervisor has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges stemming from her misuse of her official position to improperly access and exploit the personal information and benefits of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. On August 4, 2026, Nadine Jean Baptiste, 59, of Warwick, admitted to repeatedly accessing SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card information, conducting unauthorized telephonic balance inquiries, and altering PIN numbers associated with those cards. Many of the affected individuals were juveniles, homeless, or incarcerated at the time their information was accessed. In total, EBT cards containing more than $300,000 in SNAP benefits were improperly accessed. It is further alleged that Jean Baptiste and her daughter used fraudulently accessed SNAP benefits to make personal purchases. The investigation began in September 2023 after the Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit received multiple complaints from SNAP recipients through its Fraud Hotline, reporting that they never received the EBT cards issued to them. SNAP cards are typically mailed to a recipient’s address or provided in person at a DHS office, including to homeless individuals who pick them up onsite. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter I. Roklan and Special Assistant United States Attorney John Moreira. The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, and Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit and Program Integrity- Fraud Detection & Prevention Unit. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, Warwick Police Department, Providence Police Department, Woonsocket Police Department, and the Rhode Island Department of Human Services.


title: Massachusetts Man Charged in Federal Court for Exploitation of a Minor

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE – On July 9, 2026, a Massachusetts man was charged federally for allegedly attempting to entice a person he believed to be a 14-year-old female to engage in sexual activity and travelling to Rhode Island to meet her. Jung H. Nam, 35, is charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and possession and receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He made his initial appearance in federal court on the complaint on July 29, 2026. According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, in July 2025, an East Providence Police Detective assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force initiated an undercover online investigation using a social application. The detective, posing as a minor, engaged in conversations with a user later identified as Nam. During these communications, Nam allegedly discussed plans to meet for sexual activity, and thereafter, traveled to Warwick, Rhode Island to meet her. On July 7, 2025, after arranging a meeting in Warwick, Nam arrived at the agreed‑upon location, where he was taken into custody by members of the ICAC Task Force. He was initially charged in Rhode Island District Court, and later, in January 2026, in Kent County Superior Court. Those state charges remain pending. During a state‑authorized search of Nam’s cell phone, investigators located multiple images and videos of CSAM, including of prepubescent minors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Denise M. Barton. The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the ICAC Task Force, and the Rhode Island State Police. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.


title: Cranston Man Charged in Federal Criminal Complaint Arising from ICAC Investigation

body_text: PROVIDENCE – On August 4, 2026, a federal criminal complaint was filed charging Michael Gallo , age 33, of Cranston, in connection with an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Rhode Island Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and the Somerset, Massachusetts Police Department. Gallo is charged with two counts of production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), three counts of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, one count of interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and one count of receipt of CSAM. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, an HSI Special Agent assigned to the ICAC Task Force alleges that between June 2025 and March 2026, Gallo used online communications platforms to attempt to entice multiple minors. The affidavit further alleges that Gallo traveled from Rhode Island to Massachusetts with the intent to engage in illicit conduct with a minor, and that he produced and received CSAM involving multiple minor victims. The affidavit describes separate periods of alleged conduct involving three minor victims. Gallo was taken into custody and is currently being held pending further court proceedings. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lee Vilker. The investigation was conducted by HSI Providence, with assistance from the Rhode Island ICAC Task Force, the Somerset, Massachusetts Police Department, and additional law enforcement partners. A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.