title: Illegal Firearm Possession and Witness Tampering after Attack Outside Metro Business Lands Oklahoma City Man in Federal Prison for a Decade

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – ISAEL ANTONIO ORTIZ , 27, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction and witness tampering, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public records, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department responded on October 14, 2024, to a report of an assault with a dangerous weapon. The victim reported that Ortiz struck the victim’s vehicle outside a local business, breaking the driver’s-side window, and then revealed a long-barrel firearm from his pants. After noticing a surveillance camera, Ortiz fled the scene. Officers later located Ortiz at his residence, where they detained him, executed a search warrant, and recovered a firearm. Ortiz was arrested at that time. While in custody, Ortiz repeatedly attempted to influence a witness by making phone calls, sending text messages, and communicating through third parties. Specifically, Ortiz sought to have the witness falsely claim ownership of the firearm and state that Ortiz did not know it was present in the residence. On January 6, 2026, a federal grand jury charged Ortiz with being a felon in possession of a firearm and witness tampering. On February 10, 2026, a federal jury found Ortiz guilty on both counts. At a sentencing hearing on July 27, 2026, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Ortiz to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the need to protect the public and provide adequate deterrence. The court also noted the fact that Ortiz brandished a firearm and has a lengthy criminal history as reasons for imposing the sentence. Public records reflect that Ortiz has felony convictions that include: eluding a police officer in Canadian County District Court case number CF-2018-106; use of a vehicle in discharge of a weapon, drive-by shooting, illegal possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm while in the commission of a felony in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2019-5007; and rioting, second-degree attempted arson, and malicious injury and destruction to property in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2020-2901. This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Laney Ellis and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters are prosecuting the case. SAUSA Ellis is an attorney with the City of Oklahoma City who is assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of a partnership to enhance federal efforts to address and reduce violent crime within Oklahoma City. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Savannah Man Linked to Georgia House Explosion Convicted in Louisiana on Federal Firearm Charge

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

body_text: SHREVEPORT – On July 28, 2026, a federal jury found Caleb Lee Kinsey, 37, of Savannah, Georgia, guilty of Felon in Possession of a Firearm after a two-day trial, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. Kinsey faces a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. According to evidence presented at court, Kinsey had been under separate investigation in Georgia for his suspected involvement in a January 13, 2023, house explosion in Bryan County. Investigators there uncovered evidence linking him and an associate to the incident. Six days after the house explosion, Kinsey approached a police officer in Pollock, Louisiana, and asked if there was a warrant for his arrest. Pollock Police confirmed there was an active arrest warrant from Georgia, and Kinsey responded by admitting there was firearm in his vehicle. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) agents recovered the loaded weapon pursuant to a state search warrant. Law enforcement confirmed that Kinsey had a prior felony conviction in another state, which made it illegal for him to possess firearms. He was then taken into custody. Kinsey is currently under Federal Indictment in the Southern District of Georgia for alleged crimes committed there. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement. ATF investigated this case and coordinated with law enforcement in Louisiana and Georgia. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Moody and William Gaskins with assistance from Legal Assistants Emily Favrot, Stephanie Stewart, and Amanda Morgan. This case was prosecuted as part of Operation Take Back America (TBA), 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 agencies, and coordinates efforts with state and local law enforcement and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTF), ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities . Learn more about PSN at https://www.justice.gov/psn 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 1:23-cr-00044. ### Public Affairs United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Louisiana USALAW-News@usdoj.gov www.justice.gov/usao-wdla Twitter @USAO_WDLA


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts 7 for  Drug Offenses Following Homeland Security Task Force Investigation

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – Following a lengthy investigation by the Louisville Homeland Security Task force, a federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned an indictment on July 22, 2026, charging seven local individuals with conspiring to distribute controlled substances, and one individual with firearm- and methamphetamine-related charges. Six of these individuals have been arrested. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Kuszynski, IRS Criminal Investigation Detroit Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting, Homeland Security Investigations – Nashville, and Chief Paul L. Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. According to the indictment, Michael Morris , Lajuan Sanders , James Moorman , Wayne Allen , Miriam Thompson-Morris , Gary Ross and Jeffery Roberson were all charged with one count of conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of mixture and substance containing cocaine from April 13, 2026, through July 22, 2026, in Jefferson County, Kentucky. Additionally, James Moorman was charged with one count of possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm with the knowledge he had previously been convicted of a felony, specifically: On or about January 23, 1990, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in case number 89-CR-1087, James Moorman was convicted of the offenses of trafficking in a controlled substance cocaine (two counts); On or about September 6, 1995, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in case number 95-CR-0208, James Moorman was convicted of the offenses of illegal possession of controlled substance in the first degree, tampering with physical evidence; On or about October 14, 1996, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in case number 96-CR-2298, James Moorman was convicted of the offenses of trafficking in controlled substance cocaine and illegal possession of a controlled substance cocaine; On or about June 3, 2003, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in case number 01-CR-2060, James Moorman was convicted of the offenses of trafficking in controlled substance in the first degree while in possession of a firearm subsequent offender, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree while in possession of a firearm; On or about June 3, 2003, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in case number 02-CR-1628, James Moorman was convicted of the offenses of trafficking in controlled substance in the first degree cocaine subsequent offender; On or about September 17, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in case number 17-CR-2407, James Moorman was convicted of the offenses of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree heroin two grams or more, trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree cocaine, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon; On or about September 17, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in case number 18-CR-1841, James Moorman was convicted of the offenses of illegal possession of a controlled substance methamphetamine, tampering with physical evidence; and On or about September 17, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in case number 18-CR-3425, James Moorman was convicted of the offenses of illegal possession of a controlled substance heroin, tampering with physical evidence. On July 29, 2026, six of the seven defendants made an initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Jeffery Roberson will make his initial appearance at a later date. If convicted, James Moorman faces a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. If convicted, Michael Morris , Lajuan Sanders , Wayne Allen , Miriam Thompson-Morris , Gary Ross and Jeffery Roberson face a minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “The Louisville Homeland Security Task Force is a national model for interagency cooperation and productivity. Agents from multiple federal agencies working seamlessly with the Louisville Metro Police Department are constantly working long-term investigations against significant drug trafficking organizations for the betterment of our community. It is truly an honor to announce this important indictment and commend the success of our law enforcement partners.” DEA Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott stated, “The DEA, alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, remains committed to pursuing those who profit from trafficking dangerous drugs while fueling violence in our communities. By bringing the full resources of the federal government to bear against career criminals, we are sending a clear message to those who peddle poison on our streets: your days are numbered.” "The men and women of ATF remain steadfast in our commitment to identifying and targeting those who drive violent crime through the illegal use of firearms and narcotics trafficking. Working alongside our partners on the HSTF, we will continue to investigate and dismantle violent offenders and organized criminal groups, ensuring they are held accountable and face the significant federal prison sentences they deserve," said John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Louisville Field Division. FBI Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson stated, "This long-term investigation and subsequent arrest operation demonstrates the HSTF mission in action. By bringing together federal, state, and local partners, HSTF Louisville leverages every available law enforcement authority and resource to enforce the laws of the United States. When we operate with unity, purpose, and integrity, we are stronger together and better equipped to confront the threats facing our communities. FBI Louisville is proud to serve alongside our HSTF partners, whose collective expertise and shared commitment make operations like this possible." "This indictment is the result of the unyielding dedication by the Louisville Homeland Security Task Force. By dismantling this drug trafficking organization, IRS-CI and our law enforcement partners are taking a significant step toward protecting our communities from the dangers of illegal narcotics and violent crime. We remain committed to pursuing those who threaten public safety and to ensuring justice is served," said Robert Kuszynski, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS-CI Detroit Field Office. “Through the close coordination and shared purpose of the Homeland Security Task Force, we are able to bring the full strength of our collective authorities and resources to bear against those who threaten public safety and national security. Every arrest, every victim identified, and every threat disrupted reflects our dedication to safeguarding the American people,” said HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting. LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey stated, "This investigation is another example of what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal law enforcement work together with a shared commitment to protecting our community. I want to thank every investigator who spent countless hours on this case to make our neighborhoods safer." There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by the DEA, ATF, FBI, IRS-CI, HSI and FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Porter and Frank E. Dahl, III, are prosecuting the case with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Adela Alic. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of 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 Louisville comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, and IRS, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: United States Attorney's Office Joining Law Enforcement, Community Leaders and Residents for National Night Out Events in Utah

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah will join their law enforcement partners, neighbors, and communities for National Night Out events in cities across the state. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is proud to participate in National Night Out. These events provide an important opportunity for meaningful interaction, fostering trust, and strengthening relationships within our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah. “We look forward to engaging with residents and working alongside our law enforcement partners as we continue advancing efforts toward safer and stronger communities throughout the state.” National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions of people take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country. National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization. Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe. For more information, visit https://natw.org/ . Below is a list of National Night Out events that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah will be attending, all hosted by local participating law enforcement agencies. Scheduled Events : 1. Riverton City Public Safety Night Monday, August 3, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Riverton City Park 1452 West 12600 South Riverton, UT 84065 2. UPD Night Out Against Crime Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Big Cottonwood Regional Park 4300 South 1300 East Millcreek, UT 84117 3. Woods Cross Police Department’s National Night Out Against Crime Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Woods Cross City Hall (Hogan Park) 1555 South 800 West Woods Cross, UT 84087 4. Ogden’s Night Out Against Crime Thursday, August 12, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Lorin Farr Park 769 Canyon Road Ogden, UT 84404 5. Murray City Police & Fire Safety Fair Monday, August 31, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Murray Park 296 East Murray Park Avenue Murray, UT 84107


title: Egyptian National Arrested and Indicted by Grand Jury After Allegedly Brutally Beating a Man During a Carjacking in Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A U.S. Magistrate Judge found a lawful alien from Egypt an unmanageable risk and ordered him detained during his arraignment and detention hearing this week at the federal courthouse. Last week, a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment charging Gwen Manot Scholl Agake, aka John Agake, 22, of Salt Lake City, Utah, with carjacking after he allegedly attempted to steal a victim’s vehicle and attacked him with a long metal bar causing serious injuries to his face, shoulder, and head. According to court documents, on July 6, 2026, Agake attempted to steal a vehicle and violently attacked the owner of the vehicle who tried to stop him. As alleged, the victim was working on patrol as a security guard at a business when he noticed at 3:20 a.m. a light coming from his parked vehicle. He approached the vehicle and encountered Agake. The victim told Agake to get out of his car and Agake brandished a long metal bar and demanded the keys from the victim. The victim refused and the defendant got out of the car swinging the metal bar, striking the victim in the head and shoulders and again demanding the keys while striking the victim. The victim was able to run away and get inside the business but not before Agake, who was chasing after him, also entered the building. Once inside, the defendant further assaulted the victim, striking him several times in the face and head. While beating the victim Agake continued to demand the keys and yelled “you should have given me the keys” and “you shouldn’t have called the cops.” The victim suffered severe injuries to his head, face, and body. Agake exited the building by breaking out a large window with a metal bar and caused an injury to his arm leaving a trail of blood. The attack, both inside and outside the business, was captured by surveillance video. The victim’s co-worker witnessed the attack on closed-circuit television (CCTV) after the victim managed to radio her. The co-worker quickly called the Salt Lake City Police Department, who quickly responded. Upon SLCPD’s arrival, they followed Agake’s trail of blood, found him hiding at a nearby business on North Temple, and arrested him. According to court documents, Agake is a lawful resident alien who has applied for citizenship, but his application is now on hold due to the indictment. He is subject to removal or deportation after serving a period of incarceration. Agake is charged with carjacking. A jury trial is scheduled for October 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom 7.3 before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated by an FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: United States Attorney Moore Capito Encourages Turn Out for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, 2026

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Moore Capito is encouraging residents throughout the Southern District of West Virginia to join his office, law enforcement, and other community partners for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 . The U.S. Attorney’s Office will participate in National Night Out events at Orchard Manor in Charleston and Ritter Park in Huntington from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m . “National Night Out is a reminder that safer communities are built when neighbors look out for one another,” Capito said. “I encourage West Virginians to join us on August 4 to connect, learn, and stand together in support of our law enforcement and shared safety. Our office will be present in Charleston and Huntington, and we look forward to engaging with families across the Southern District.” Additional National Night Out events are scheduled in the Southern District of West Virginia, including Dunbar, Marmet, and Parkersburg. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions of people take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country. National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization. Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe. For more information, visit https://natw.org/ . 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. A video statement from United States Attorney Moore Capito is located on the office’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xat4PJIV92I . ###


title: Operation Take Back America efforts continue with 251 more cases filed in border enforcement actions

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – The Southern District of Texas has charged another 263 people, including 227 illegal aliens, for immigration and border security-related crimes from July 24-30. The cases include charges against 45 people, 16 of whom are illegal aliens themselves, allegedly involved in human smuggling. A total of 30 criminal complaints were filed for illegal entry, while another 181 illegal aliens face charges of felony reentry after prior removal. Most of those individuals have prior felonies involving narcotics, violent crime, immigration offenses, and more. The remaining cases relate to other immigration crimes and firearms charges. One illegal alien charged with felony reentry is Javier Vega-Maldonado, a Mexican national that authorities allegedly discovered unlawfully in the country near Escobares, despite having been removed Dec. 17, 2021. The criminal complaint alleges he has a prior conviction for possession with intent to distribute. If convicted of illegal reentry, he faces up to 20 years in prison. In addition to the new cases, a previously removed illegal alien with a felony criminal history was sent to federal prison for his ninth unlawful reentry into the United States. Honduran national Luis Alonso Umana has convictions for illegal reentry, driving under the influence of alcohol, assault family violence, and assault family violence with previous conviction. He was ordered to serve 46 months in federal prison. As an illegal alien, he is again expected to be removed from the country following his imprisonment. The cases are referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners. The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigrants, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the Southern District. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal histories, including convictions for human trafficking, sexual assault, and violence against children. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than 10 million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen, and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state, and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Turkey-Based Global Director Of Sham Charity Arrested And Charged With Conspiring To Provide Material Support To Hamas

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Director in Charge of the Counterterrorism Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Jarod Brown, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the FBI, James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced the unsealing of a three-count Complaint charging MOHAMMAD YOUSEF HASNA, a/k/a “Orhan Korkmaz,” a/k/a “Abu al-Baraa,” a Turkish resident, with conspiring to provide material support to Hamas, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization (“FTO”), and related terrorism financing charges. As alleged, HASNA used his senior role at a purported global humanitarian organization to coordinate directly with Hamas’s senior leadership regarding the delivery of funds and supplies to Gaza, and the distribution of those funds and supplies at Hamas leadership’s instructions. HASNA was arrested in the United Kingdom today and ordered detained pending extradition proceedings. “Mohammad Hasna is alleged to have abused his position as the global director of a purported humanitarian organization to raise money and provide funds and supplies to Hamas, a brutal terrorist organization responsible for the murders of dozens of Americans and over a thousand other innocent victims, including as part of the heinous atrocities of October 7,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “Hasna worked closely with Hamas’s senior leadership to deliver supplies, food, funding, and other materials to terrorists under the guise of humanitarian aid. Our arrest of Mohammad Hasna demonstrates our commitment to dismantling Hamas’s illicit global financing networks and the sham charities that support terrorist organizations and their violent aims using the lie of philanthropy.” “The money that flows from sham charities like the one described in the complaint fuels Hamas’s terrorist activities, including the atrocities the group committed on October 7,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Hamas cannot function without injections of money through its illicit financial networks. The National Security Division will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt Hamas’s operations, including through the prosecutions such as this.” “The accused allegedly used a purported humanitarian aid organization to raise funds and provide financing and supplies to Hamas, a ruthless international terrorist organization,” said Assistant Director Jarod Brown of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “According to the criminal complaint, the defendant coordinated his actions closely with a senior leader of Hamas and knew the resources were going to that group rather than to needy non-combatants. The FBI is committed to cutting off funding and other assistance to terrorist organizations and will continue to work closely with our U.S. government and international partners to present a united front against global terrorism.” “Mohammad Hasna allegedly used a charity to funnel millions of dollars in aid to Hamas—a designated terrorist organization responsible for countless terrorist attacks, death, and destruction around the world,” said FBI New York Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force continues to fight for peace by working with our partners to identify threats to the United States and our allies.” According to the allegations contained in the Complaint:(1) HASNA is the global director of a purported international charity registered in the United Kingdom (the “Sham Charity”). In that role, HASNA allegedly provided financing and commodities to Hamas, including by coordinating extensively with individuals at the highest levels of Hamas. In particular, and as alleged, HASNA worked closely with senior Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad (“Hamad”), a member of Hamas’s governing body known as the Politburo and the Minister for the Ministry of Social Development in Gaza (“MoSD”), a putative governmental agency that is controlled by Hamas. Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyya, commonly known as Hamas, is a terrorist organization that was founded in 1987, and has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States since 1997. From its inception, Hamas’s stated purpose has been to create an Islamic Palestinian state throughout Israel by eliminating the State of Israel through violent holy war, or jihad. Hamas also promotes attacks against the United States and its citizens, and over more than two decades, Hamas has murdered and injured dozens of Americans as part of its campaign of violence and terror. On October 7, 2023, Hamas committed its most violent, large-scale terrorist attack to date (the “October 7 Hamas Massacres”) when Hamas sent more than 2,000 armed fighters into farms and towns in southern Israel, where they carried out the massacres of over a thousand people and the kidnappings of 251 hostages. Following the October 7 Hamas Massacres, in its disclosures to UK authorities, the Sham Charity reported that its total gross income nearly doubled from approximately $41.8 million USD in fiscal year 2023, to approximately $81.56 million USD in fiscal year 2024. The Sham Charity represented that it spent approximately $91 million on charitable activities in the fiscal year ending July 31, 2025. Since at least 2023, HASNA and Hamad coordinated the delivery of purported humanitarian aid organized by or allocated to the Sham Charity into Gaza for Hamas’s benefit, repeatedly coordinating the delivery of supplies, food, and other items by HASNA (under the guise of humanitarian aid from the Sham Charity) directly into Hamad’s and Hamas’s hands. In coordination with Hamad and at Hamad’s direction, HASNA allegedly arranged (1) deliveries of cash to Hamad; (2) the procurement of supplies for import to Gaza; (3) transportation of supplies into Gaza by truck from Egypt and elsewhere; (4) deliveries to warehouses controlled by the Sham Charity or by MoSD, according to Hamad’s instructions; and (5) distribution of those supplies to lists of recipients identified by Hamad. As part of this scheme, HASNA and Hamad concealed where the supplies were being delivered or stored, including by misrepresenting that supplies were being delivered to MoSD when in fact they were being delivered to warehouses controlled by HASNA; having supplies delivered initially to MoSD but then redistributed to the actual receiving parties; and taking pictures and videos of the supplies that omitted any signage inside the warehouses that would reveal their location or control. * * * HASNA, 45, of Istanbul, Turkey, is charged with conspiring to provide material support to Hamas, conspiring to finance terrorism, and financing terrorism, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The statutory maximum penalties in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by a judge. Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding efforts of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force and Washington Field Office. Mr. McDonald also thanked the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, our U.K. partners, and the Israeli Security Agency for their assistance with this investigation. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the United Kingdom’s law enforcement authorities provided significant assistance. This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah L. Kushner, Michael D. Lockard, and Juliana N. Murray are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Alicia Cook of the Counterterrorism Section. The charges 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: Florida Woman Sentenced To Two Years In Prison For Orchestrating Multimillion-Dollar Federal Student Aid Loan Forgiveness Fraud Scheme

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Eastern Regional Office (“DOE OIG”), Jamila Davis, and Inspector in Charge of the New York Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Ketty Larco-Ward, announced today that NYDIRA ADAMS a/k/a “Nadira Adams,” a/k/a “Nadira Adams-McMillan,” was sentenced to two years in prison for carrying out a scheme in which she charged federal student loan borrowers to submit documents containing misrepresentations and false statements to the United States Department of Education to take advantage of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. ADAMS’s scheme sought to cause the Department of Education to forgive over $6 million in federal student loan debt based on lies, misrepresentations, and falsehoods. The defendant pled guilty on April 30, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote, who imposed today’s sentence. “Nydira Adams defrauded the Department of Education out of millions of dollars and preyed upon individuals seeking relief from federal student loan debt,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “Through lies, misrepresentations, and false documents, Adams abused the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program—a federal program intended to benefit individuals who dedicate at least 10 years of their careers to public service or non-profit work. And she did so to enrich herself. Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: individuals who swindle the Government and taxpayer-funded programs will be held accountable.” “Nydira Adams thought she could game the system and would not get caught, but she was wrong,” said DOE OIG Special Agent in Charge Jamila Davis. “The OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue those who abuse the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program or any Federal education program for their own selfish purposes. America’s taxpayers and students deserve nothing less.” “Through lying, cheating, and manipulation, Ms. Adams devised a scheme to defraud the Department of Education and her clients by depicting herself as someone who held proprietary information on DOE programs, cheating those who truly needed student loan forgiveness and other assistance from the Department of Education,” said USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward. “Her actions are unconscionable and today’s sentence sends a message, that no matter who you claim to be, when you lie and steal from the public, postal inspectors and their law enforcement partners will be there to bring you to justice for your criminal activity.” According to court documents, statements made in court, and evidence presented during the sentencing: From at least in or about March 2023 through at least in or about January 2025, Adams held herself out as the “Student Loan Default Guru” and operated a business under the same name. In reality, AdAMS used misrepresentations, false statements, and false documents to deceive the Department of Education into forgiving federal student loans issued to borrowers who paid Adams thousands of dollars for her purported services. On multiple occasions, Adams knowingly and intentionally caused applications for Department of Education relief programs to be submitted which contained falsehoods pertaining to the borrowers’ eligibility for the relief programs. Among other falsehoods, ADAMS claimed that one California-based borrower worked full-time at a New-York-based religious institution and falsely represented that another borrower worked full-time for a public school district. Adams’s scheme resulted in an intended loss of over $6 million to the Department of Education. * * * In addition to the prison term, ADAMS, 38, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding investigative work of the DOE OIG—Eastern Regional Office; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, New York; and the Special Agents assigned to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon C. Thompson is in charge of the prosecution.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office to Present Senior Fraud Prevention Seminar in Godfrey

component: USAO - Illinois, Southern

body_text: GODFREY, Ill. – To educate seniors in southern Illinois on the latest scams targeting them online and over the phone, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will present a fraud prevention seminar. The presentation highlights information on online scams, fraud schemes targeting seniors and details on federal cases prosecuted in the Southern District of Illinois. The event will start at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11 at Godfrey Baptist Church, located at 1601 W. Delmar Ave, Godfrey, Illinois. Attendees will receive tips to help detect scams and advice on how to contact law enforcement if they think they may have been victimized by a scam. The event is free and open to the public. However, seating space is limited. Media interested in attending should RSVP in advance to Amanda McQuaid ( Amanda.Mcquaid@usdoj.gov ).


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, community partners to host National Night Out event in East St. Louis

body_text: EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – To strengthen relationships between residents and law enforcement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Illinois, event organizers and police officials are inviting the East St. Louis community to a free event with activities for attendees of all ages to celebrate National Night Out. The event will be held from 5 to 7:30 PM on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 8206 State St. in East St. Louis. Community partners will give out school supplies to students, provide food to families and offer an array of activities like games, police demonstrations, a helicopter landing, and a live DJ. Free school physicals will also be available. This National Night Out is a free event for East St. Louis residents. Participating agencies include Ameren Illinois, ATF, Catholic Urban Programs, the City of East St. Louis, Community Development Sustainable Solutions, Community Life Line, DEA, the East St. Louis Police Department, the FBI Springfield Field Office, Illinois State Police, IRS Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes community partnerships with police and neighborhood camaraderie.


title: Los Angeles Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Selling Fentanyl That Resulted in Fatal Overdose

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A Los Angeles man has been sentenced to life in federal prison for selling fentanyl that caused the death of a Vero Beach man, then continuing to traffic the deadly drug just two days later. U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon imposed the sentence on Alfonso Guerrero, 39, of Los Angeles, after a federal jury convicted him in May 2026 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death and distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. “A tenth of a gram of fentanyl, about the size of a small pinch of salt, was enough to kill David Eller,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “This was not a small drug deal. It was a deadly one. Guerrero sold the fentanyl that killed his friend and, just two days later, was caught carrying more fentanyl for distribution. Today’s life sentence is the consequence of that deadly conduct and his long record of violence and crime. Together with the DEA and our local law enforcement partners, we will trace fatal doses back to the dealers who sold them and hold those dealers fully accountable.” According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Guerrero sold fentanyl in Indian River County. On May 16, 2023, he exchanged 0.1 gram of fentanyl — commonly known as “a point” — for another controlled substance known as “molly.” The drug transaction was captured on a doorbell camera. Hours later, David Eller was found dead inside his Vero Beach home. Investigators recovered drug paraphernalia, including a small piece of burnt aluminum foil that the victim used to receive the fentanyl from Guerrero on the victim’s front porch, near his body. Two days later, on May 18, 2023, Guerrero was arrested and found in possession of additional quantities of fentanyl intended for distribution. Guerrero’s extensive criminal history included documented gang membership and prior convictions for attempted robbery with a firearm in California, aggravated assault in Georgia, and cocaine and fentanyl possession offenses in Florida. U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones, Special Agent in Charge Miles Aley of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, Sheriff Eric Flowers of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office (IRCSO) made the announcement. DEA Miami Field Division and IRCSO investigated the case. The investigation illustrates the close coordination between federal and state law enforcement to identify drug dealers responsible for fatal overdoes and bring them to justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Reiter and Managing Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam McMichael prosecuted 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 numbers 24-cr-14013. ###


title: Broward Teacher Charged with Exploiting Children as Young as Five

body_text: MIAMI – A Broward teacher has been arraigned and ordered detained pending trial on charges related to the sexual exploitation of children as young as five years old. According to court records, Evan Michael Sands, 26, of Tamarac, used online communications to engage in conversations with minors to solicit child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in exchange for in-game currency associated with a popular children’s video game. Sands also allegedly produced and transmitted videos of himself engaging in sexually explicit conduct. A search warrant revealed that Sands distributed CSAM to others using an online communication platform. Sands is charged with enticement of a minor to engage in illicit sexual activity, as well as possession and distribution of child pornography. If convicted, Sands faces a maximum penalty of life in prison for enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and 20 years for possession and distribution of child pornography. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Special Agent in Charge Jose R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami, and Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) made the announcement. HSI Fort Lauderdale and BSO are investigating the case. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim, or who has information related to this investigation, is urged to contact BSO Det. Robert Rausch at (954) 888-1570. Anyone with information regarding child sexual exploitation and abuse is encouraged to call the HSI tipline at 1-866-347-2423. Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Catherine Koontz is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 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.sdfl.uscourts.gov , under case number 26-cr-60174. ###


title: Brazilian National Becomes Sixth Defendant to Plead Guilty in $30 Million Drug-Proceeds Money Laundering Conspiracy

body_text: MIAMI – A Brazilian man has pleaded guilty before a magistrate judge to conspiring to launder the proceeds of drug trafficking, and the district court accepted the guilty plea. On June 1, the district court also accepted the guilty pleas of five co-defendants. According to court documents, Ygor Fokin Saviolli, 35, a Brazilian national; Gabriel Cezar Menezes, 29, a Brazilian national; Omar Aliperti De Mello Correa, 34, a U.S. citizen; Joao Andrade De Mello, 29, a Brazilian national; Tadeu Sebastiane Rabelo Alves Barbosa, 30, a Brazilian national; and Leandro De Avila Goncalves, 42, a Brazilian national, all residing in Orlando, were part of a sophisticated money laundering organization that operated across the United States and spanned several countries. Members of the conspiracy arranged for bulk cash proceeds from the sale of controlled substances to be received by U.S.-based couriers and deposited at banks across the country in order to conceal and return those profits to, among others, the sources of drug supply operating outside the United States. Dozens of pickups across the country were coordinated through WhatsApp message chains that included facilitators and couriers. Saviolli provided upfront funds to facilitate the operations of the money laundering organization and oversaw the receipt and laundering of the bulk cash drug proceeds. Menezes also served as a facilitator, providing direction to and oversight of couriers, and personally picked up bulk cash on multiple occasions. Correa, De Mello, Barbosa, and Goncalves all served as couriers for the money laundering organization, conducting bulk cash pickups in cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Minneapolis, Rochester, and Tampa, among others. During the course of the conspiracy, the organization concealed more than $30 million in cash. “Drug traffickers cannot operate at scale without money launderers who collect, conceal, and return their profits,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “With Ygor Fokin Saviolli’s guilty plea, all six defendants have now admitted their roles in a sophisticated organization that moved more than $30 million in drug proceeds across the United States and abroad. We will continue following the money, dismantling the financial networks behind international drug trafficking, and taking the profit out of poisoning American communities.” Each of the six defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Monique Botero for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorneys James Hepburn and Jessee Alexander-Hoeppner of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section are prosecuting the case. The FBI is investigating the case, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Rochester Resident Office and the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations Brasilia attaché office and Miami Field Office. The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s (MNF) mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations. MNF’s International Unit investigates and prosecutes cross-border money laundering schemes involving transnational criminal organizations, cartels, foreign official corruption and related money laundering affecting the U.S. financial system and prosecutes criminal cases and civil forfeiture matters to recover the proceeds of those crimes. 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-20545. ###


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 115 Border-Related Cases This Week

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 115 border-related cases this week, including charges of bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city). In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here . A sample of border-related arrests this week: On July 24, Wilfredo Rivera-Herrera, a citizen of El Salvador, was arrested and charged with Deported Alien Found in the United States. According to a complaint, Border Patrol agents encountered Rivera entering the United States illegally about half a mile north of the border, east of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. Rivera was previously deported to Mexico in December 2025. On July 28, Mariela De Anda Madrigal, a Mexican citizen, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 40 pounds of fentanyl concealed in the passenger side undercarriage and engine filter box of the 2013 Kia Optima she was driving as she applied for entry to the U.S. at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. On July 30, Adrian Balderas-Zazueta, a Mexican national with a Border Crossing Card, was arrested and charged with Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain. According to a complaint, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered a 15-year-old boy concealed in a non-factory compartment of the dashboard of the van Balderas was driving as he applied for admittance to the United States at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. The boy told authorities he had to ask the defendant for a rag to cover a hot metal pipe he was laying on during transport. The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners. Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Kershaw County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Gun

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Davon Jermaine Mickle, 40, of Kershaw, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on Aug. 19, 2023, the Camden Police Department responded to a shooting near a nightclub. Three victims reported that they were at the nightclub when Mickle began harassing one of them. They saw Mickle walking around the parking lot with an AR-style rifle and then place the rifle in a car. After a short argument with Mickle, the three victims left together. As they were leaving, they saw Mickle run back to the car, return with the rifle, and shoot at their car nearly two dozen times. During the investigation, officers found 23 cartridges in the road near the shooting. The victims’ car had one bullet hole in the bumper. The victims identified Mickle as the shooter, and investigators determined he had an outstanding arrest warrant. Deputies from the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office located Mickle sitting in the driver’s seat of a vehicle at his residence and saw an AR-style rifle in the passenger seat. The police detained Mickle and secured the firearm. The police reviewed surveillance footage of the shooting and observed that the shooter was wearing the same shoes, blue jean shorts and black boxers that Mickle was wearing. Investigators determined the gun in the vehicle was not the same gun used in the shooting, however a gun residue test proved that Mickle had recently fired a firearm. Mickle is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition based upon previous convictions for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of crack cocaine near a school, distribution of crack cocaine 1st, and distribution of cocaine base 3rd. United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. sentenced Mickle to 180 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. 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 . This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, and the Camden Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Man Sentenced to 264 Months in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

component: USAO - Puerto Rico

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On July 28, 2026, United States District Court Judge Pedro A. Delgado sentenced Luis Rolando Rivera Cruz to 264 months (22 years) in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release for child exploitation. Rivera Cruz was indicted on January 16, 2025, arrested on January 29, 2025, and pleaded guilty on December 16, 2025. According to court documents, from May to July 2024, Luis Rolando Rivera Cruz, 54 years old, used a cellular phone, as well as internet instant messaging services, to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a 14-year-old female minor, to engage in sexual activity. Moreover, the defendant transferred obscene material to the minor. “Exploiting children is a heinous crime that inflicts profound and lasting harm. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, together with our law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring that those who prey on minors are brought to justice. We will continue to pursue these offenders with unwavering commitment and hold them fully accountable under the law,” said Héctor Ramírez Carbó, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Child exploitation is not limited to producing images. This 264-month sentence reflects the severity of these crimes and sends a clear message: When a predator begins to deceive, manipulate, or entice a minor through social media or digital platforms, they are already committing an extremely serious crime. HSI San Juan remains vigilant and relentless in identifying, investigating, and bringing to justice those who seek to exploit children. Our priority is to protect minors and hold these predators accountable for their actions,” said HSI San Juan Acting Special Agent in Charge Yariel Ramos. The Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daynelle Álvarez Lora from the Exploitation and Immigration Unit prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico Immigration and Border Crimes Report

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced its immigration enforcement statistics for this month. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies. In the four-week period ending July 31, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico: 112 individuals were charged with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326) 24 individuals were charged with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324) 189 individuals were charged with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325) 49 individuals were charged with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), violation of a military security regulation (50 U.S.C. 797) and Entering Military, Naval, or Coast Guard Property (18 U.S.C. 1382), arising from the newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico. Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1326 had prior criminal convictions for narcotics trafficking, alien smuggling, theft, resisting arrest, grand theft, forgery, weapons trafficking, transportation of stolen property, narcotics trafficking, child molestation, shoplifting, DUI, and prior immigration offenses. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. These statistics represent prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process. Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children. The District of New Mexico consists of 33 counties and shares 180 miles of international border with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Albuquerque and Las Cruces work directly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prosecute immigration-related and other federal offenses.


title: Shiprock Woman Charged in Assault with Metal Pipe

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock woman was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly striking a victim with a metal pipe during an altercation. According to court documents, on July 28, 2026, law enforcement responded to a reported assault at a residence after a victim was transported to the hospital with serious head injuries. Witnesses reported that during an altercation that followed an argument among several individuals who had been drinking alcohol, Desirae Smith , 26, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly struck the victim multiple times with a metal pipe, including blows to the head and arm, attempted to drop a rock on the victim's head after she fell to the ground, and slammed the victim's head against a truck. One witness told investigators he observed the victim bleeding from a large head wound after hearing another individual ask Smith why she was hitting the victim with a pole. Responding officers recovered a metal pipe at the scene that appeared to have blood on it. Medical records showed the victim suffered two large lacerations to the top of her head that required approximately nine staples. During a post arrest interview, Smith denied striking the victim with a pipe and claimed the victim's injuries resulted from falling and hitting a truck during the altercation. Smith is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charge, Smith faces up to 10 years in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Shiprock Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of Minor

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for abusing a minor over a four-year period. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, Brian Begay , 31, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in a pattern of sexual abuse against Jane Doe between 2015 and 2019, beginning when the victim was 12 and continuing until she was 16. In carrying out his abuse, Begay’s conduct involved grooming, threats of harm to Jane Doe and her family, and the use of force against Jane Doe. Begay pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor and abusive sexual contact. Upon his release from prison, Begay will be subject to ten years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.


title: Shiprock Man Charged with Armed Carjacking

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man is facing federal charges for allegedly carjacking an SUV at gunpoint and forcing two occupants from the vehicle before fleeing the scene. According to court documents, on September 28, 2022, Cordalle Landon White , 41, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly carjacked a vehicle at gunpoint in Shiprock, New Mexico. White is accused of approaching two occupants of a parked SUV, pointing a handgun at one victim, threatening to shoot her, and ordering both victims out of the vehicle before driving away in the stolen SUV. Navajo Police Department officers later recovered the vehicle in Cudei, New Mexico and found a loaded handgun inside. During the investigation, one victim identified White in a photo lineup, and DNA evidence recovered from the firearm was later linked to White . White is charged with carjacking and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charge, White faces up to 15 years in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Marshall is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Pena Blanca Man Charged with Child Abuse

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Pena Blanca man is facing federal child abuse charges for allegedly punching and strangling a minor. According to court documents, on April 9, 2026, Jonathan Lovato , 41, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Santo Domingo, held down and punched a minor with a closed fist several times before strangling them and causing them to pass out. Following the incident, the minor escaped the residence and went to the home of a family member, who immediately called law enforcement. Officers arrested Lovato at his residence. The minor was treated at a local hospital before being transferred to Albuquerque due to brain bleeding. Lovato is charged with child abuse and will remain on conditions of release pending trial which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Lovato faces three years in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliot Neal is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Lincoln Woman Sentenced to 25 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Jennifer Suing, 49, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 30, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine actual with two prior convictions for a serious drug felony. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Suing to a total of 300 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Suing’s release from prison, she will begin a 10-year term of supervised release. In February 2025, the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force (LLCNTF) performed three controlled buys on Suing who has previously been known as Jennifer Loving and Jennifer Lovings. All of the buys were performed by a Confidential Informant (CI) in Lincoln. The first buy occurred on February 10, 2025, and the CI purchased approximately 6 grams of methamphetamine from Suing. The final controlled buy occurred on February 26, 2025, and the CI purchased approximately 12 grams of methamphetamine actual. Following the third controlled buy, LLCNTF served a court-authorized search warrant for Suing’s hotel room. During the search of the room, law enforcement found drug paraphernalia, 40 grams of marijuana, and approximately five ounces of methamphetamine, which lab-tested to contain at least 130 grams of methamphetamine actual. Suing had multiple prior convictions for serious drug felonies in which she served more than 12 months’ imprisonment and was released within 15 years of the commencement of this offense. Specifically, she had been convicted for Conspiracy to Distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine actual in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska under case numbers 8:13CR271 and 8:05CR250. This case was investigated by the LLCNTF.


title: Lincoln Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Receipt of Child Pornography

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Nicholas Vollertsen, 41, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 30, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln for one count of receipt of child pornography. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Vollertsen to a total of 84 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Vollertsen’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. Vollertsen was ordered to pay $21,000 in restitution. This case began when several cybertips were made online regarding an online cloud storage company. The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) received a search warrant for the online account. The return contained 111 files of child pornography, which depicted images and videos of prepubescent and pubescent children engaged in sexual acts. After further investigation, law enforcement was able to identify Vollertsen as the suspect for the case. NSP conducted a search warrant at Vollertsen’s residence, where they seized approximately 32 electronic devices. Those devices were extracted and reviewed by law enforcement. At least nine of the devices contained child pornography files. The total number of child pornography files located on Vollertsen’s devices was 189,805. 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to 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. This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.


title: Southlake man sentenced to nine years in prison for $8 million loan fraud scheme

body_text: FT WORTH, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, announced that William Thomas Engle, 68, of Southlake, Texas was sentenced to nine years in federal prison on July 30 for defrauding individuals out of more than $8 million by promising them assistance in obtaining loans for their small businesses. The former attorney was also ordered to pay $8,274,980 in restitution and forfeit a Jeep Wrangler and several pieces of jewelry. “William Engle built an elaborate scheme that preyed on small business owners seeking legitimate financial help,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “These victims were working to build their futures, and instead of the promised support, Engle fed them repeated lies and forged documents while siphoning off millions from them to fuel his own greed. This sentence demonstrates our commitment to protecting the public and holding accountable those who defraud Main Street Americans.” “The sentence imposed in this case is a result of our commitment to hold accountable those who abuse their positions for personal gain,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We encourage the public to thoroughly research investment opportunities and to contact us immediately if they suspect fraudulent activity.” Court documents reflect that from 2020 to 2022, Engle engaged in a scheme to defraud customers by promising them multi-million-dollar loans for their businesses so long as they provided up-front funding in the form of “Good Faith Accounts.” At trial, victims testified that Engle promised them that their funds would be held in secure accounts and would be returned to them regardless of whether the loan was funded. Customers testified that they transferred upwards of $2 million to Engle, expecting their money to be kept in these accounts until their loans were funded. Engle, in turn, sent the customers bank statements purporting to show their funds housed in these secure accounts. Evidence presented at trial showed the bank statements were fraudulent, and Engle had transferred the customer funds to his personal bank accounts. Engle used customer funds to purchase personal luxury items such as a yacht, vehicles, and jewelry. None of the money was ever returned to the victims. Instead, Engle provided the victims with false excuses to explain why the loans had never been funded. Engle used the fraudulently obtained funds to purchase several pieces of luxury jewelry Defendant purchase Rolex with fraudulently received money Yacht also purchased with the money stolen from small business owners Engle was charged in September 2025 with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and transactional money laundering. The defendant proceeded to trial in January 2026, but after two days of testimony from several victims, Engle pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Mark T. Pittman sentenced him to 108 months in federal prison. The FBI’s Fort Worth Resident Agency conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandie Wade from the Violent Crimes Section and Marty Basu from the Fraud Section prosecuted the case.


title: Amarillo man indicted on federal charges after methamphetamine and firearms seized during motel search

body_text: AMARILLO, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, announced that Mason Allan McCarty, 51, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 23, and charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to the criminal complaint filed in the case, it alleges that Amarillo Police Department officers executed a search warrant at the Traveler Motel in Amarillo on June 30. McCarty, the target of the search warrant, was detained, and during the search, officers found approximately 28 grams of suspected methamphetamine in his pocket. Inside the motel room, officers found an additional bag containing roughly 29 grams of suspected methamphetamine, packaged similarly to the methamphetamine found in McCarty’s pocket. Officers also recovered a Bersa .380 caliber pistol and a Ruger .22 caliber pistol from inside the room. As described in the complaint, APD officers arrested McCarty and advised him of his constitutional rights. McCarty, who has multiple prior felony convictions, admitted to possessing both firearms and to distributing about 28 pounds of methamphetamine during the last several months. Federal Law enforcement took custody of McCarty from state authorities on July 13. He remains in custody pending further court proceedings. If convicted, McCarty faces a maximum possible penalty of life imprisonment. The FBI and the Amarillo Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Marie Bell from the Amarillo Branch Office is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Youngstown Man Sentenced to 15+ Years in Prison For Intent to Distribute Cocaine Mailed from Puerto Rico

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: CLEVELAND – A 42-year-old man was sentenced to prison for intending to distribute nearly four and a half pounds of cocaine that was mailed to Ohio from Puerto Rico. Jean Carlos Martinez, of Youngstown, was sentenced to 188 months (15.6 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Bridget Meehan Brennan after he pleaded guilty in April to Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. Martinez was also ordered to serve six years of supervised release after imprisonment. According to court documents, on Jan. 23, 2025, postal inspectors seized a parcel that was mailed from Puerto Rico to Campbell, Ohio, which was suspected of containing cocaine. Investigators then proceeded to deliver it to the intended address. Shortly thereafter, Martinez arrived at the delivery address to collect the package. Martinez later admitted that he planned to distribute the cocaine that was inside the package. During lab analysis of the package’s contents, it was confirmed to be approximately 2003.9 grams of cocaine. This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration-Detroit Division. Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Joines led the prosecution for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Joins Law Enforcement Partners for Family-friendly Event

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: CLEVELAND - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio will join fellow law enforcement partners to participate in “National Night Out Against Crime,” Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, from 4-8 p.m. at Steelyard Commons, 3447 Steelyard Drive, Cleveland, Ohio, 44109. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public. “This event gives families the opportunity to meet the men and women of law enforcement who keep their communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “It’s a way for kids to learn about crime prevention in a fun and educational environment.” Members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office will be available to provide educational materials about key awareness initiatives such as sextortion facing teens and fraud scams targeting the elderly. Additional National Night Out events are planned throughout the Northern District of Ohio. In Akron, activities are planned throughout each of the city’s 10 wards from 4-8:30 p.m. In the Western Division of our District, the Toledo Police Department is sponsoring a community bike riding event from 2:30-4 p.m. As the chief federal law enforcement official in the Northern District Ohio, U.S. Attorney Toepfer coordinates a comprehensive law enforcement strategy for the Northern District of Ohio that involves federal, state and local partners. National Night Out was established in 1984 by the Bureau of Justice Assistance through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization. The event is held on the first Tuesday in August each year and provides communities across the country with the chance to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances such as cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, and more.


title: Canton Man Pleads Guilty to Buying Guns in Ohio to Smuggle to Greece

body_text: CLEVELAND – An 80-year-old man pleaded guilty in federal court to shipping firearms purchased in Northeast Ohio to sell in Greece. George Manuselis, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Greece residing in Canton, pleaded guilty to Smuggling Goods from the United States. U.S. District Judge Dan Aaron Polster accepted his plea on July 30. According to court documents, in April 2022, a firearm recovered in Greece was found to be originally purchased at a legally licensed firearms dealer in Canton. Manuselis was identified as the purchaser. Upon further investigation, agents discovered that several other firearms that were purchased by Manuselis were also recovered in Greece. Manuselis later admitted that he was smuggling the firearms to Greece by secreting them in his suitcase. Manuselis was provided with a warning notice letter about the legal prohibition against straw purchasing, which he signed to acknowledge that he would not purchase firearms for others, nor would he take them out of the country. However, a short time later, authorities were informed that Manuselis was in the process of purchasing another firearm and that he also had a flight to Greece scheduled to leave the same day. Manuselis was later apprehended and taken into custody at John F. Kennedy International Airport before boarding a flight to Athens. Investigators found that Manuselis had, in fact, again purchased multiple firearms—after being served the warning notice—and that he had them in his possession when he was arrested at the airport on his way to Greece. Manuselis is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 10. He faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. As part of his guilty plea, Manuselis agreed to forfeit all of the firearms at issue, including five pistols and approximately 940 rounds of ammunition. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The investigation leading to the indictment was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The prosecution is led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Duncan T. Brown and Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthame l for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Diversity Visa Lottery Winner Found Guilty of Visa Fraud

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Lopez Munongo Makengo, age 36, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), was convicted by a jury today, after a 3-day trial in federal court in Sioux City. Makengo was found guilty of unlawful possession of identification documents and unlawful use of identification documents. The verdict was returned this morning following about 7 hours of jury deliberations. Evidence in the case revealed that in 2014, Makengo, entered the Diversity Visa lottery, and later was granted a Diversity Visa. Makengo then immigrated to the United States in 2016. In 2017, he petitioned for relatives to join him in the United States—including a child born in 2013. In 2022, when the Sioux City Police Department was investigating child abuse and neglect allegations by Makengo, it was discovered by Department of State officials that Makengo had made a false statement on his application to obtain his Diversity Visa. Makengo failed to disclose that he had a child from 2014-2016, despite swearing under oath at the U.S. Embassy in DRC that the contents of his application were true and correct. On his 2017 petition for relatives to join him, however, he admitted that he had a child born in 2013. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Makengo remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Makengo faces a possible maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of up to 3 years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case is being investigated by the United States Department of State – Diplomatic Security Service and the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ron Timmons, Shawn Wehde, and Tim Vavricek. 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. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support 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. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-4010. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Illegal Alien Faces Federal Fentanyl and Firearms Charges after Stockbridge Arrest

body_text: ATLANTA – Rogelio Moises Rosel Dimas, an illegal alien from Mexico, appeared in federal court yesterday to answer a criminal complaint after the alleged discovery of a handgun in his Stockbridge, Georgia home and a hidden fentanyl stash in nearby woods. “Fentanyl and illegal firearms are a lethal combination that gravely threatens the safety of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “My office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold fentanyl traffickers accountable and eradicate this deadly drug from our streets.” “Our mission has always been about protecting people,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Every seizure of fentanyl is an opportunity to prevent tragedy, and every trafficker held accountable makes our communities safer. This case underscores the importance of the strong partnerships that make these investigations possible, and DEA will continue pursuing those who endanger lives as we work toward a Fentanyl Free America.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On July 29, 2026, federal agents conducting a narcotics investigation executed a search warrant at Rosel Dimas’s residence in Stockbridge, Georgia. Inside of the residence, agents found a 9mm pistol, which Rosel Dimas is allegedly prohibited from possessing as an illegal alien. Agents also found over two pounds of fentanyl, allegedly belonging to Rosel Dimas, hidden in the woods near his residence. On July 30, 2026, Rogelio Moises Rosel Dimas, 39, of Mexico, appeared in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. Rosel Dimas was detained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service. Members of the public are reminded that the criminal complaint only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with valuable assistance provided by the Henry County Police Department. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Austin Hall and Kendall Runyan are prosecuting the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Tallahassee Man Sent to Federal Prison for Sending Multiple Threats to Kill the President and Federal Officials

body_text: Tallahassee, Florida – Diego M. Villavicencio, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for two counts of sending interstate threats, one count of impeding or retaliating against a federal official, and one count of threats against the President. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Criminal threats directed at public officials are becoming alarmingly more common, and this must stop now. We have zero-tolerance for such criminality in the Northern District of Florida, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute these violent criminal threats to keep our public officials safe.” Court documents show that the Defendant made multiple online threats of violence directed at President Donald J. Trump, Former Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, and U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell over the course of several months. On September 15, 2025, the Defendant posted on his X account threats directed at Former Chairmain Powell, with one post depicting an image of a red sight and crosshairs pointed at Powell’s head and the text “Jerome. Powell will be shot and killed September 23” (sic), and a second post depicting the same image and the text “Jerome is next.” On September 16, 2025, the Defendant again sent threats via his X account, this time directed toward a Member of Congress. Responding to a post by the Member, the Defendant wrote “I’ll kill you and your family and you won’t do anything about it. Corruption listens to bullets.” The Defendant then sent a direct message to the Member, stating “You are going to be shot and killed on September 24.” On January 25, 2026, the Defendant responded to a post on the online platform 4chan, stating that he would be driving to Mar-a-Lago “to take a couple of shots at trump and some of the other corrupt plutocrats[.]” “Threats of violence against the President and other federal officials are serious crimes and have no place in our society,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to investigate, prevent harm and ensure those responsible are held accountable under the law.” “Protective intelligence is one of the most important tools available to the United States Secret Service. Identifying, investigating, and prosecuting individuals who threaten the life of the President of the United States or other protected officials reflects the seriousness with which we treat every threat,” said Seth Reister, Resident Agent in Charge of Secret Service Tallahassee. “The Secret Service will not tolerate threats, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the Office of the President and all our protectees. The conviction and sentencing in this case demonstrate the dedication and professionalism of our agents, law enforcement partners, and prosecutorial partners in carrying out that mission.” The defendant’s prison term will be followed by three years of supervised release, with the first year on home detention. Special conditions of his supervision include a mental health evaluation and treatment and submitting to computer monitoring by the probation office. The case involved a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Capitol Police, the Federal Reserve Board Protective Service, and the United States Secret Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric W. Welch. This case is part of the nationwide National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 initiative, which is a White House-directed, interagency effort to integrate federal, state, and local partners in protecting First Amendment rights while targeting individuals and organizations engaged in political violence and is led by the investigative and prosecutorial Joint Task Force Vanguard. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .