title: Kansas City Woman Sentenced for Making False Statements to a  Financial Institution and Preparing Fraudulent Tax Returns

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City woman was sentenced in federal court yesterday for her role in two separate fraudulent schemes. Bianca Cobbins, 43, was sentenced by United States District Judge Greg Kays, to 45 months in federal prison, followed by a four-year term of supervised release, for making false statements to a financial institution, as well as aiding in the preparation of false tax returns, resulting in an actual loss of $312,656.00 and an intended loss of $36,128.32. Cobbins was also ordered to pay full restitution to the victims of her crimes. This successful prosecution is one of many federal fraud cases pursued under the leadership of President Donald Trump and through the establishment of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. In December 2019, Cobbins obtained personal information belonging to a victim, including the victim’s legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and credit score. Utilizing this information, Cobbins obtained a fraudulent driver’s license containing the victim’s personal information and a photograph of another individual, Quanisha Capelton. Cobbins and Capelton then utilized the fraudulent driver’s license to apply for a checking account at a local financial institution. After opening the checking account, Cobbins manufactured two fraudulent paystubs. The paystubs falsely indicated that the above-mentioned victim worked for a healthcare company in Kansas City, Mo., and that the victim’s paychecks were directly deposited into the fraudulently opened checking account. Cobbins and Capelton then used the fraudulent driver’s license and paystubs to apply for a consumer loan at the above-mentioned local financial institution as well as other loans at various financial institutions and consumer loan companies. This criminal activity resulted in an intended loss of $36,128.32. Quanisha Capelton was previously charged, convicted, and sentenced to the Bureau of Prisons for her use of the victim’s personal information. In a separate scheme, Cobbins, a professional tax preparer who owned and operated a tax preparation business in Kansas City, Mo., knowingly prepared false federal tax returns for tax years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. In many instances, Cobbins attached fraudulent Schedule C forms to her clients’ returns to fraudulently inflate her clients’ refunds. Specifically, the fraudulent Schedule C forms falsely claimed business profits and/or losses, all to ensure her clients received the maximum amount of earned income credit. In total, Cobbins fraudulently prepared at least 60 false federal tax returns, resulting in an actual loss of $312,656.00. This case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Nicholas P. Heberle. It was investigated by the United States Secret Service, IRS-CI, and the Lee’s Summit, Missouri Police Department. National Fraud Enforcement Division On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired


title: Eunice Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child Pornography; Investigation Linked Defendant’s Address to Chatroom

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: LAFAYETTE – On July 21, 2026, Scott Martel , 36, of Eunice, pled guilty in federal court to Receipt of Child Pornography, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2252A(a)(2). Martel faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the charges. His sentencing is scheduled for October 13, 2026. “Protecting children from sexual exploitation is one of the highest priorities of this Office,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “We will continue working alongside our federal partners to bring offenders who engage in this despicable conduct to speedy justice.” According to court documents, FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) agents began investigating Martel in March of 2025 after identifying communications in a Chatib chatroom that described the graphic sexual acts he intended to commit with minors. These chats connected Martel to his residential address. Agents then executed a search warrant at his home during which Martel acknowledged his involvement in this activity. During the search, agents discovered additional electronic evidence showing that Martel knowingly received illegal images, including of a young child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The investigation established that Martel used multiple online platforms and electronic devices over a period of time to commit these offenses. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott Cassidy, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon. This case was investigated as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. 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, under Case Number 6:26 cr 00095 01. ### Public Affairs United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Louisiana USALAW-News@usdoj.gov www.justice.gov/usao-wdla Twitter @USAO_WDLA


title: Louisville Man Sentenced to 75 Years in Federal Prison for 9 Federal Child Exploitation Charges

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Jefferson County man was sentenced today to 75 years in federal prison after being convicted in March, following a week-long jury trial, of three counts of sexual exploitation of children, two counts of receipt of child pornography, two counts of distribution of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of commission of a felony against a child by a person required to register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul L. Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. Quinnton Dawson, 35, was sentenced to 75 years in federal prison followed by a life term on supervised release. The Court ordered Dawson to pay $3,000 in restitution to the victim. In January of 2022, Dawson was convicted in Jefferson Circuit Court of 25 counts of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor, one count of distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor, and one count distribution of sexually explicit images without consent–first offense pursuant to indictment number 20-CR-002017. Dawson was sentenced to five years in prison but was granted shock probation in May 2022. While released on shock probation, Dawson used his Yahoo email account to send and receive images and videos of child sexual abuse material on July 13 and 15, 2022. In August 2022, using the images and videos he traded on the internet as motivation, inspiration, and a script, Dawson engaged in the production of child pornography when he used an electronic storage device to record himself engaging in sexual acts with a 4-year-old child. United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Nothing can restore the innocence that Dawson stole from these young child victims with his depraved conduct. Fortunately, these victims will never have to worry about being harmed by Dawson again because he will now serve out his remaining days behind bars at a federal prison. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our local and federal law enforcement partners, our Office will continue to seek justice for vulnerable victims and hold child predators to full account under federal law.” Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson stated, "This sentence is a reflection of the FBI's commitment and dedication to protecting our nation's children and to holding accountable those who choose to exploit their vulnerability. We know that we cannot get back the innocence lost, but we hope some semblance of peace is gained knowing Quinnton Dawson will never experience freedom again. Rest assured, FBI Louisville is working hard every single day, alongside our law enforcement partners, to remove child predators from our communities." Chief Paul L. Humphrey stated, "No punishment can undo the harm inflicted on a child, but this sentence ensures a dangerous offender will spend the rest of his life where he belongs: behind bars and off the streets of our community. I want to commend our detectives and federal partners whose relentless work helped bring this case to justice. We will continue working together to aggressively pursue anyone who exploits children." There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the FBI and the LMPD. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danielle M. Yannelli prosecuted the case with the assistance of paralegal Carissa Moss. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and 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: Crestwood Man Sentenced to Over 6 Years in Federal Prison for Narcotics-Related Offenses

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Crestwood man was sentenced on July 20, 2026, to 6 years and 5 months in federal prison for narcotics-related offenses. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Marie Maguire of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, Metro Washington Field Office, and Chief Paul L. Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. Matthew Ryan Elkins, age 41, of Crestwood, Kentucky, was sentenced to 6 years and 5 months for tampering with consumer products, acquiring a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, deceit, and subterfuge and burglary involving controlled substances. The Court also imposed a $15,000 fine and three years on supervised release following his incarceration. Elkins also forfeited his Kentucky nursing licenses. Elkins’ convictions stem from an arrest on March 21, 2024, by LMPD. Elkins, a contract nurse anesthetist for a Louisville pain treatment center, was caught by patrol officers in the act of burglarizing the pain treatment center and removing controlled substances intended for patients. Patients of the pain treatment center were typically palliative care patients, patients with histories of cancer, spinal injuries, brain injuries, failed back surgeries, or other severe diseases. Intrathecal pain pumps were implanted to treat these patients, for whom all other therapies had proven ineffective. The liquid medications in these pumps were refilled periodically using a pre-filled syringe containing pain medicine, bearing the patient’s name and filled according to each patient’s needs. Prior to filling the patient’s pump, the pre-filled syringe was stored in the office safe. Elkins admitted to LMPD officers that he had been removing narcotics from the office twice a week for at least three months. Elkins described how he would remove pain medications from pre-filled syringes (intended for specific patients’ pain pumps), deposit the pain meds into a separate vial, and save them for personal use. After removing the pain medications from the syringes, Elkins would refill them with sodium chloride and place them back in the safe in an attempt to evade detection. As a result, patients received heavily diluted and adulterated medications. Elkins’ actions caused patients to suffer extreme pain, sickness, and other withdrawal symptoms. United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Matthew Elkins abused the trust of his patients and this community by stealing essential medications from vulnerable victims, tampering with their medications to avoid detection, and causing them severe injury. Today’s sentence is the result of seamless cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement and reaffirms our commitment to seek justice for vulnerable victims.” There is no parole in the federal system. The case was investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, Metro Washington Field Office, the Louisville Metro Police Department, and the Kentucky Office of the Inspector General, Drug Enforcement and Professional Practices Branch. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin McKenzie prosecuted the case. ###


title: Rutland, Vermont Man Charged with Attempted Convenience Store Robbery

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: BURLINGTON – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on June 25, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Todd Bussino, age 42, of Rutland, Vermont, with interfering with commerce by attempted robbery. Bussino entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on July 21, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Bussino also appeared on allegations he violated his federal supervised release. Judge Doyle ordered that Bussino be detained pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. According to court records, on June 14, 2026, Bussino walked into a Rutland convenience store while wearing a hat and mask, displayed a box cutter, and demanded the money in the cash register. The cashier told Bussino no and retreated to the store’s office. Bussino attempted to open the register himself, failed, and left the store after stealing a beverage. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Bussino is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Bussino faces up to 20 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the Rutland City Police Department and the FBI. The prosecutor is First Assistant United States Attorney Ophardt. Bussino is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.


title: Burlington, Vermont Man Sentenced to 97 Months for Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: BURLINGTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on July 21, 2026, Stephen Lane, 57, of Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 97 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 15-year term of supervised release. Chief Judge Reiss also imposed a $10,000 assessment to be paid to the Child Pornography Victims Reserve and a $5,000 assessment to be paid to the Domestic Trafficking Victims’ Fund. Lane previously pleaded guilty to distributing a video of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). According to court records, between September 26, 2024, and October 9, 2024, defendant Lane corresponded with an undercover U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) special agent, who purported to be a 13-year-old living in Korea with her family. Lane engaged in messaging through social media websites and internet-based platforms, seeking to have the purported teenage girl produce and send CSAM. Army CID coordinated with the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations, who then executed a search warrant at Lane’s residence on October 10, 2024. A subsequent review of Lane’s electronic devices revealed that Lane was corresponding with multiple people over the internet, seeking media files and/or video chats depicting CSAM involving teenage girls. One of these people indicated they were 17 years old. Lane asked this person to produce CSAM, and during the exchange, sent a 28-second video of a child under the age of 16 exposing herself. Lane was initially charged in Vermont Superior Court. Upon his federal arrest in December 2025, Lane was found to be in violation of his state release conditions, including by using the messaging component of a meditation cellphone application to contact other users who he believed looked like young girls. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, Homeland Security Investigations, and Detectives of the Vermont Attorney General’s Office. The case was prosecuted by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ophardt. Lane was represented by Jessica L. Burke, Esq., and Sara M. Puls, Esq. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and 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: Truck driver admits hauling illegal aliens instead of carrots

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 61-year-old Houston man has pleaded guilty to transporting illegal aliens. Rodney William Gipson admitted that, despite nearly 30 years as a commercial truck driver, he knew or recklessly disregarded the fact he was illegally transporting two dozen illegal aliens in his truck. On Feb. 19, Gipson drove a tractor-trailer to the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint. He claimed he was transporting a load from the Rio Grande Valley to Houston, but a K-9 soon alerted to the rear of the trailer. At secondary inspection, law enforcement discovered 24 illegal aliens hidden inside the vehicle. They also found a cargo document showing the truck was supposed to be hauling a load of carrots. Gipson was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing. Sentencing will be set a later date before U.S. District Judge David S. Morales. At that time, Gipson faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith 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 immigrants, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: New York Man Charged With Arson After Setting Fire At Entrance Of Federal Building

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, and Regional Director of the U.S. Federal Protective Service (“FPS”), Robert D. Sooter, announced charges against ANDREW ARRABACA after he set a fire outside of 26 Federal Plaza, sending flames and smoke up the outside of the building. ARRABACA was arrested yesterday and presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky. “As alleged, the defendant caused a scene of destruction and mayhem by setting a fire at the entrance to a federal building in lower Manhattan which houses thousands of federal employees and receives hundreds of visitors daily,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “I am thankful for the brave, swift response of our law enforcement partners who stopped the defendant before he could cause greater harm. Once again, our bravest ran to the fire. Anyone who commits reckless acts that endanger New Yorkers and federal employees on federal property will be subject to serious federal criminal charges.” “Andrew Arrabaca allegedly attempted to disrupt and harm the individuals and infrastructure of 26 Federal Plaza,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “His alleged acts appear to have been motivated by his anti-Government and anti-ICE beliefs. His unlawful conduct was immediately thwarted by the heroic response of the Federal Protective Service Officers, NYPD Officers, FBI Special Agents, and FBI Police Officers. FBI New York has zero tolerance for violence targeted at federal employees who choose to serve all Americans.” “As alleged in the complaint, Andrew Arrabaca traveled to a government building in Lower Manhattan armed with weapons and explosive devices,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Because of the quick and brave actions of law enforcement, no one was seriously injured, and Arrabaca was taken into custody. This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face and the importance of the NYPD’s work with our federal partners to keep the people of New York City safe.” “The Federal Protective Service is dedicated to safeguarding federal property and ensuring the safety of all who work in and visit these facilities,” said FPS Regional Director Robert D. Sooter. “Our mission is to protect federal buildings, their occupants, and visitors by providing comprehensive law enforcement services. Safety is a top priority; we remain committed to maintaining secure environments that support the vital work of our nation’s government.” As alleged in the Complaint:(1) On the morning of July 20, 2026, ARRABACA set off several fireworks in front of the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building at 26 Federal Plaza and shot a BB rifle in the direction of the building. ARRABACA then poured a bucket of flammable liquid onto the ground outside one of the building entrances and ignited the liquid. The liquid exploded into flames. ARRABACA was captured on video footage shooting the BB gun, pouring and igniting the liquid, and running from the scene, as pictured below in still images from surveillance videos: After setting the fire, ARRABACA retrieved a box of fireworks from a utility wagon that he had wheeled to the area and threw the box into the fire. Law enforcement agents apprehended and arrested ARRABACA just as an explosion sounded from the direction of the fire. ARRABACA was wearing military-style camouflage pants, a belt with tactical pouches containing BB pellets and carbon dioxide cartridges, and a helmet bearing several phrases, including, “Kill yourself.” A cross-body bag containing a knife and matches was concealed under ARRABACA’s clothing, and a New York driver’s license for ARRABACA was recovered from ARRABACA’s person. As pictured below, after ARRABACA’s arrest, law enforcement agents searched the wagon and recovered numerous items, including a BB rifle and a pellet rifle, a machete, two hatchets, a mallet, a hammer, and what appeared to be several fireworks, including a cylindrical, multi-shot consumer firework with a printed label reading “Nuclear Warhead” and a black and yellow radiation symbol. A sign on the wagon bore the phrase “ICE Off Our Streets.” During a recorded, Mirandized post-arrest interview, ARRABACA stated, in substance and in part, that he was motivated to act by anti-government beliefs, including a belief that government authorities were unlawfully harming people, and that he had targeted the building entrance because he previously observed that it was a busy one. At the time of ARRABACA’s actions, the entrances to the Federal Building were guarded by law enforcement officers and/or government-contracted security guards and there were numerous individuals in the immediate vicinity of the Federal Building. As pictured below, some individuals were just feet away from ARRABACA as he poured and lit a flammable liquid, creating a fireball. Multiple individuals were evaluated for injuries, including at least one victim who appeared to have been hit with debris from the fire and/or explosion, resulting in a gash on the back of the victim’s head. * * * ARRABACA, 43, of Poughkeepsie, New York, is charged with destruction of property owned or leased by the United States by means of fire or explosives and causing personal injury or substantial risk of injury, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding response of the FPS and the FBI New York Field Office. Mr. Clayton also praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the NYPD, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the assistance of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section. This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit and General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jane Chong, Samantha Fry, and Varun A. Gumaste are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division. ^ As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the Complaint to date constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.


title: Indianapolis Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison After Threatening to Kill United States Representative

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Shayla Addison, 28, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to two counts of influencing a federal official by threat. According to court documents, on January 15, 2025, beginning at approximately 8:53 a.m., Addison sent five text messages to the campaign phone number of Victim 1, a member of the United States House of Representatives. The messages included explicit threats to kill Victim 1, including statements such as “Come outside b**** we’ll kill you” and “Tread lightly,” among other variations. Minutes later, Addison sent additional messages to Victim 1’s campaign email address, again threatening to kill Victim 1 and stating, “We will kill you and blow that whole building up b**** come outside.” That same day, Addison also posted threatening comments on Victim 1’s Instagram account, including: “Shut up h** I’ll kill you” and “I hope you got mace… cause you gone need it.” By sending the messages, Addison intended to retaliate against Victim 1 on account of Victim 1’s performance of official duties. Addison has a long history of threatening people, including convictions for intimidation and invasion of privacy in three separate cases. In September 2019, Addison repeatedly called the Firehouse Subs restaurant in Hendricks County, Indiana where her ex-boyfriend worked and threatened to “blow up” or “shoot up” the store. The threatening calls continued into the next morning when Addison texted “We will be there at 1:00 p.m. to shoot the store up.” The investigation revealed that the calls began after Addison’s ex-boyfriend announced that he and his new girlfriend were having a child together. Less than three months later, in December 2019, Addison called the same Firehouse Subs restaurant more than 50 times in a single day. Then, in September 2023, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers were dispatched to Addison’s mother’s apartment after Addison threatened to burn down the residence and poured gasoline on the front steps. When officers arrived, Addison was sitting in her car with an open gas can on the front seat. The Federal Bureau of Investigation Indianapolis and United States Capitol Police investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. Chief District Court Judge James R. Sweeney II. “Threats of political violence regardless of where they come from, or who is targeted, are unacceptable and constitute a serious federal crime,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Targeting the safety of elected officials undermines their ability to freely serve the American people. Our office, along with our federal partners, will remain steadfast in putting a stop to these threats before they can come to fruition.” "Threats of violence against elected officials are serious federal crimes that will not be tolerated," said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. "The FBI remains committed to protecting those who serve our communities and investigating individuals who use threats, intimidation, or violence in an attempt to interfere with the work of public officials. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to ensure those responsible are held accountable." U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Olivier, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: Former Non-Profit IT Director Sentenced to Federal Prison for Nearly $550,000 Theft

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Michael Meenan, 60, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release after pleading guilty to wire fraud. He was also ordered to pay $543,521 in restitution. According to court documents, Meenan served as the Director of Information Services for an Indianapolis-based non-profit organization from 1999 to 2021. In that role, he was responsible for purchasing technology equipment using an employee credit card. Starting as early as July 2007, Meenan abused his position of trust by making personal purchases with his company-issued credit card. These unauthorized purchases included DSLR cameras, lenses, Apple and Southwest Airlines gift cards, cycling equipment, and Amazon gift card balance reloads. He then used the reloaded balances to acquire additional photography and cycling items for his personal use. Meenan even posted photos of some of these items on social media. To hide the fraudulent transactions from management and accounts payable staff, Meenan created doctored receipts that falsely described the personal items as legitimate technology purchases. For example, he altered a receipt to indicate he had bought $1,100 worth of “Uninterruptible Power Supply Units (UPS)” for the organization, when in reality he had simply reloaded an Amazon gift card with that amount. In total, Meenan executed approximately 1,173 unauthorized transactions using his employee credit card, resulting in a financial loss of $543,521.13 to the organization. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Indianapolis Field Office investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon. “Nonprofits are especially vulnerable to fraud because they often lack the resources to prevent or recover from financial losses. The defendant, a trusted employee for more than 20 years, stole money meant to support the organization’s mission and betrayed colleagues who had relied on him for decades,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Our SDIN Fraud Task Force—comprising federal prosecutors, special agents, forensic accountants, analysts, and others—is firmly committed to combating fraud and abuse in all forms.” "When individuals entrusted with access to an organization’s resources use that position for personal gain, they undermine the trust placed in them and harm the people and communities those organizations serve," said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. "The FBI is committed to investigating financial crimes and holding accountable those who abuse their positions for their own benefit." U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Wood, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: Federal Grand Jury indicts two Glynn County men for drugs and gun charges

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

body_text: BRUNSWICK, Georgia: The July term of the federal Grand Jury in the Southern District of Georgia has returned indictments for two men for drug distribution and firearms charges. Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced the indictments. Jonathan Shahaad Ruff, aka ‘Slaughter,’ 30, of Glynn County, Georgia, has been indicted for five counts of Distribution of 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine. His co-defendant, Darnell Lamar Pickens , 30, of Glynn County, has also been indicted for Distribution of 50 grams or more of Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. The indictment alleges that Ruff distributed methamphetamine in June and July of 2025 in Glynn County. The indictment further alleges that Ruff and Pickens distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in August 2025 in Glynn County. Pickens is also alleged to have possessed 5 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute in January 2026 in addition to being found in possession of a firearm. Under federal law, it is prohibited for previously convicted felons to possess firearms or ammunition. Both defendants face statutory penalties of 10 years to life in prison for Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine. If convicted, Pickens is also subject to a minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years imprisonment for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. A conviction for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon may result in up to 15 years in prison and each offense may also be accompanied by significant financial penalties and a minimum of 3 to 5 years of supervised release. Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Glynn County Sheriff’s Office, Brunswick Police Department, and local law enforcement agencies. This case is being prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lyle J. Burnham II and Marcela C. Mateo.


title: Oregon Payment Processing Broker Sentenced for $14 Million Dollar Wire Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A payment processing broker who facilitated stealing money from businesses bank accounts was sentenced Monday to three years in prison. Through his scheme, sham merchants stole and attempted to steal $14 million dollars from victims’ bank accounts. According to court documents, Jeremy Todd Briley, 47, of Happy Valley, Oregon, worked as a payment processing broker. Acting on behalf of clients (merchants), Briley identified payment processors in the U.S. for his clients to use in processing charges. Briley’s two largest clients were sham companies that falsely represented that they provided online marketing services to businesses. Instead, they stole from victims by fraudulently debiting their bank accounts, causing over $14 million in unauthorized debits and attempted debits. “Jeremy Todd Briley was not an innocent middleman. He knew these sham companies were taking millions of dollars from victims’ bank accounts without permission, yet he helped them keep the scheme running and worked to hide the fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “This sentence sends a clear message that those who knowingly help fraudsters steal from others will be held accountable.” From February 2017 to December 2023, Briley obtained and maintained payment processing relationships for those sham companies so that they could process fraudulent debits, knowing that the sham companies were fraudulently debiting bank accounts. Despite repeatedly receiving information that the debits processed on behalf of the sham companies were not authorized by the victims, Briley concealed the fraudulent activities of the sham companies in various ways, and he arranged for a payment processor to deceive banks by manipulating return rates on the fraudulent debits. Briley was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $460,000 in proceeds of the fraud. In April 2026, Briley pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones; Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group; and Special Agent in Charge Vincent R. Zehme of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Chicago Region, made the announcement. The USPIS and FDIC-OIG investigated the case. Trial Attorney Daniel Zytnick of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff for the Southern District of Florida handled forfeiture. 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 25-cr-20350. ###


title: Armed Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison in Homeland Security Task Force Investigation

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – An Atlanta, Georgia man was sentenced to 420 months in prison for engaging in a yearslong methamphetamine-trafficking conspiracy, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. According to court documents and evidence presented at a weeklong federal jury trial in October 2025, Kenyatta Lee Frazier, 45, manufactured and distributed tens of thousands of pressed methamphetamine pills throughout Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi between September 2022 and August 2024. The jury reviewed numerous photos and videos of the pills that Frazier took with his cell phones after manufacturing them with an illegal pill press machine. Frazier marketed and sold the pills as “ecstasy” to his various customers. In April 2023, agents arrested Frazier and a coconspirator during a traffic stop in Mobile after they had delivered 2,000 pressed methamphetamine pills to a customer in Mississippi. A court-authorized CCTV recording device installed in the truck in which Frazier was a passenger captured Frazier discussing drug deals, illicit profits, and the quality of his so-called “ecstasy” pills with coconspirators. When agents searched the truck, they found a loaded .380 caliber pistol that Frazier had concealed behind the plastic molding in the floorboard area near where he had been sitting. The pistol had previously been reported stolen out of Pinellas County, Florida. The jury reviewed text messages in which Frazier had shared photos of the same pistol in an effort to sell it, as well as a recorded jail call in which Frazier admitted that he “stuffed” the pistol so that police would not find it. At the time Frazier illegally possessed the pistol, he previously had been convicted of at least eight felonies, including robbery, aggravated assault, firearms offenses, thefts, and drug crimes. In addition to the 420-month prison sentence, Chief U.S. District Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock ordered Frazier to serve a ten-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison, during which time Frazier will be subject to drug testing and treatment. The court did not impose a fine, but Chief Judge Beaverstock ordered Frazier to pay $300 in special assessments and forfeited Frazier’s .380 caliber pistol to the United States. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller and George May prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This prosecution was 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 Mobile comprises agents and officers from, among others, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.


title: Federal, State, Local, and Tribal Law Enforcement Conduct “Operation Black Book” to Take Down Multi-State Cocaine Trafficking Organization as Part of Operation Take Back America

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY, SD – United States Attorney Ronald A. Parsons, Jr. announced at a joint press conference held today in Rapid City, South Dakota, that a multi-agency law enforcement operation has resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals located throughout the Pine Ridge Reservation, Rapid City, and Box Elder, South Dakota, as well as in Colorado, as part of Operation Take Back America, with the goal of protecting our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Black Book is a federal investigation into a multi-state cocaine trafficking organization responsible for importing kilograms of cocaine into western South Dakota, including to communities within the Pine Ridge Reservation. Through the investigation, law enforcement has thus far seized over 37 firearms, more than $61,000, and approximately five kilograms of cocaine intended for distribution in South Dakota. The investigation was spearheaded by the FBI Badlands Safe Trails Task Force (FBI Task Force) in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). The South Dakota National Guard Counter Drug Unit, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and Rapid City Police Department also assisted in the investigation. The FBI Task Force is comprised of investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs—Division of Drug Enforcement, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. The first phase of the operation occurred in Colorado on June 16, 2026, resulting in the arrest of three individuals responsible for supplying the South Dakota drug trafficking organization with cocaine. The second phase of the operation began in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 21, 2026, and continued until the afternoon. By the end of the operation, law enforcement officers arrested 14 targeted fugitives. The arrestees have all been federally indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Some members of the drug trafficking organization face additional federal charges related to financial crimes and firearms offenses for their conduct in furtherance of the drug trafficking organization. The investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be considered. An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. “Today this FBI announced the results of Operation Black Book, with 14 arrests of drug trafficking organization members operating near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in Southwest South Dakota,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “These were subjects allegedly flooding Pine Ridge and surrounding Indian Country with deadly narcotics going unchecked for years - and now they’ll face justice thanks to this sweeping investigation with partners. This op is an example of how this FBI is committing never before seen resources to our Indian Country partners who have been wrongly forgotten for decades. With the launch of Operation Steadfast Promise in April, this FBI’s first of its kind durational campaign to crush violent crime on Tribal Lands, the FBI now has over 400 agents/staff dedicated to working Indian Country, 3 more Safe Trails Task Forces for a total of 29 – all representing the FBI's largest ever commitment, partnering with 575 federally recognized tribes in America. These communities deserve to be remembered and under this FBI, they will be.” “Operation Black Book is the latest chapter in our mission to carry out this Administration’s directive to completely dismantle and eliminate drug trafficking organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “This complex and skillfully executed operation represents law enforcement at its finest.” “Operation Black Book is just one piece of the FBI’s total commitment to tribal communities under this year’s surge of resources to tribal lands called Operation Steadfast Promise,” said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. “Our agents and task forces are in the community and on tribal lands every day working to protect the public from gang members, drug traffickers, and transnational organized crime. Investigations like this prove that our partnerships with state, local, and tribal law enforcement are paying off for public safety.” “Drug trafficking organizations exist to make money. IRS-Criminal Investigation exists to follow the money, and we’re proud to use that expertise to support our law enforcement partners in a joint effort to disrupt and dismantle dangerous drug activity,” said IRS-CI St. Louis Field Office Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. “The DEA will go wherever an investigation takes us, be that a big city or small village, to remove the threatening individuals determined to profit off of the sale of deadly poisons,” DEA Omaha Field Division Special Agent in Charge Dustin Gillespie said. “Today’s operation shows what can be accomplished when law enforcement partners work side-by-side on a cause that benefits our communities.” “These arrests are the result of a strong partnership between law enforcement at the federal, state, tribal and local levels. Together we are taking illegal drugs out of our communities and making our streets safer,” said South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley. “The Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement is grateful for the outstanding collaboration demonstrated throughout this investigation. The partnership between our agents, the Badlands Safe Trails Task Force, the FBI, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, DEA, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe was essential to achieving these results. Our collective efforts reflect a shared commitment to protecting Indian Country and ensuring the safety and well‑being of our communities,” said Deputy Associate Director Tom Atkinson. The following is a list of the defendants arrested in connection with Operation Black Book: Wuttichai Chankaeo – 32 years old; Commerce City, Colorado Joseph Valdez – 49 years old; Westminster, Colorado Amber Bravo – 42 years old; Westminster, Colorado Zeno Rendon – 31 years old; Box Elder, South Dakota Deja Guthmiller – 23 years old; Rapid City, South Dakota Mason Martin – 23 years old; Rapid City, South Dakota Dylan Sanchez – 34 years old; Rapid City, South Dakota Jarrian Ribitsch – 31 years old; Pine Ridge, South Dakota Laci Ribitsch – 32 years old; Pine Ridge, South Dakota Sara Clifford – 33 years old; Rapid City, South Dakota Ryan Jones – 38 years old; Rapid City, South Dakota Caleb Allard – 35 years old; Rapid City, South Dakota Savannah Backward – 31 years old; Pine Ridge, South Dakota Evan Sanchez – 33 years old; Rapid City, South Dakota This effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The FBI’s Operation Steadfast Promise is a comprehensive surge of resources to address a wide range of violent crime threats including gangs and criminal enterprises, violent crimes against children, and fugitive apprehension cases while working to improve public safety in Tribal communities.


title: Hacienda Employee and Business Owner Plead Guilty to Wire Fraud Conspiracy Involving Loss Over $650,000

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On July 20, 2026, Harry E. Mueriel-Falero, a Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (Departamento de Hacienda or “PRDT”) employee pleaded guilty to his intentional participating in a wire fraud conspiracy involving the loss of approximately $665,693 in Puerto Rico tax revenue, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349. Business owner Gabrielle López-Berríos, pleaded guilty to participating in the same wire fraud conspiracy and a conspiracy to bribe a separate Hacienda employee, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666. The defendants were indicted on October 23, 2025, and arrested on October 29, 2025. According to the plea agreement in the case of Harry E. Mueriel-Falero, he knowingly and willfully conspired to commit wire fraud to defraud the PRDT by creating and submitting false information in the tax returns of several individuals and entities to eliminate or reduce tax debts with the PRDT or illegally claim tax refunds. From June 2023 through December 2024, Muriel-Falero was an employee and agent of the PRDT with duties that included physically and electronically accessing and reviewing tax returns and documents related to invoicing and collection of owed taxes. The defendant had privileged access to the PRDT’s online platform, the Internal Revenue Unified System (GenTax/SURI) and was experienced and able to access, monitor, and modify taxpayer information, including creating taxpayer credits, modifying income tax, employee retention tax and sales tax information. As part of the conspiracy, Muriel-Falero corruptly solicited and accepted cash payments and other benefits, in exchange for submitting false information to the PRDT. The false information was submitted to the PRDT for the elimination of taxes owed, evasion of taxes, and theft of funds, with a total approximate loss to the PRDT of $665,693. One of the individuals Muriel-Falero conspired with was defendant Gabrielle López-Berríos, a Puerto Rico resident and business owner. In April 2024, defendant Gabrielle López-Berríos negotiated and paid defendant Muriel-Falero money in cash through Person A to create and submit false information in López-Berríos personal tax returns to eliminate and reduce tax debts with the PRDT resulting in an approximate loss to the PRDT exceeding $11,192. In addition to illegally obtaining personal tax relief through defendant Muriel-Falero, defendant Gabrielle López-Berríos also participated in a bribery conspiracy to obtain illegal tax relief for his companies, G FITNESS & BODY PERFORMANCE LLC and VEEVO LLC. Defendant López-Berríos paid money in bribes and kickbacks through Person A to a separate Hacienda employee in exchange for creating and submitting materially false information into PRDT’s GenTaxSURI system for the elimination of corporate taxes owed, evasion of taxes, and theft of funds. From November 2021 through April 2023, defendant López-Berríos made bribe payments to illegally erase and reduce a tax debt of his companies of approximately $18,671. The sentencing hearing for defendant Muriel-Falero and defendant López-Berríos were scheduled for October 9, 2026, and October 16, 2026, respectively, by District Judge Pedro A. Delgado-Hernández. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie Christine Amy from the District of Puerto Rico’s Financial Fraud & Public Corruption Section is prosecuting the case. This case is part of an ongoing effort to combat public corruption and fraud committed by Puerto Rico Department of Treasury employees. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico announced the indictment of twenty-six individuals and corporations in this bribery and wire fraud scheme in October 2025 and the July 2, 2026 guilty plea of Luis A. Jiménez-Guzmán , an Hacienda employee who admitted to participating in a similar bribery conspiracy involving the loss of approximately $5,000,000. ###


title: Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty to Committing Three Armed Bank Robberies

component: Criminal Division

body_text: According to court documents, from January 9, 2025, to January 25, 2025, Denzel Brishard Jones robbed a bank in North Las Vegas and a bank and a credit union in Henderson. During the three robberies, he brandished an XBG BB-gun to make a display of force that reasonably caused the employees to fear bodily harm. “Violent crime has no place in our community. Armed robberies terrorize innocent employees and bystanders,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Our office will continue to aggressively prosecute anyone who uses a firearm to threaten, intimidate, or steal.” Jones pleaded guilty to three counts of armed bank robbery. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 75 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for October 8, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office made the announcement. The FBI, the Henderson Police Department, and the North Las Vegas Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melinda Brewer is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Vanderwagen Man Pleads Guilty to Assault

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Vanderwagen man pleaded guilty to an assault that left the victim with serious injuries. According to court documents, on March 10, 2025, Larry Begay , 66, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted John Doe with an exercise bar and the assault caused serious bodily injury. Begay pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and faces up to ten years in prison at sentencing. 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 Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.


title: Ten Charged in Grant County Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Ten individuals have been charged in a federal indictment alleging they participated in a Grant County drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl throughout southwest New Mexico between 2023 and 2026. According to court documents, Margarita Encarnacion Dominguez , 43, is alleged to have led a Grant County drug trafficking organization that distributed large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl between August 2023 and June 2026. The indictment alleges Dominguez obtained narcotics from Arizona-based supplier Marco Elias Martinez , 32, coordinated couriers to transport drugs and cash between Arizona and New Mexico, collected payments through wire transfers and electronic payment applications, and redistributed methamphetamine and fentanyl through a network of family members and associates. The indictment alleges Martinez supplied Dominguez with multi-pound quantities of methamphetamine and hundreds of grams of fentanyl for redistribution throughout southwest New Mexico. Investigators allege the two regularly communicated about drug shipments, payments, couriers, inventory levels, and customer demand. On multiple occasions, Dominguez allegedly sent couriers carrying thousands of dollars in cash to Arizona to purchase narcotics, while Martinez coordinated the delivery of methamphetamine and fentanyl to New Mexico. The indictment further alleges that Dominguez relied on several co-conspirators to distribute narcotics and transport drug proceeds. Her son, Danny Joe Muñoz , 26, is alleged to have possessed and distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl obtained through the conspiracy. Her nephew, Joshua Jake Padilla , 33, allegedly sought methamphetamine and fentanyl for redistribution and used cellular phones to coordinate drug transactions. Angelica R’Shae Salas , 32, and Michael Joseph Alirez , 41, allegedly purchased methamphetamine from Dominguez , pooled money to finance narcotics purchases, and made trips to Arizona to retrieve drug shipments on behalf of the organization. According to the indictment, Patrick Flores , 40, acted as a courier and distributor for the organization and, on August 2, 2024, allegedly delivered approximately 3.1 kilograms of methamphetamine and approximately 200 grams of fentanyl to Dominguez . Cynthia Jimenez , 42, allegedly received distribution quantities of methamphetamine from Dominguez and participated in financing additional narcotics purchases. Tania Diaz , 33, a Mexican national illegally present in the United States, is alleged to have assisted with financial transactions and communications related to drug trafficking activities. The indictment also alleges members of the conspiracy discussed buying, selling, and exchanging firearms in connection with narcotics trafficking. In addition, Martinez and Flores are charged with conspiring to obstruct justice after allegedly arranging for the seizure and destruction of Dominguez ’s cellphone to prevent investigators from accessing communications related to the conspiracy. Martinez is separately charged with transmitting interstate threats after allegedly threatening to kill a courier and the courier’s brother following the loss of a narcotics shipment in April 2025. The indictment charges Dominguez with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, multiple counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, distribution of methamphetamine, and multiple counts of using a communication facility to further a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on the most serious charges, she faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison. Martinez is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, multiple counts of using a communication facility to further a drug trafficking crime, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and transmitting interstate threats. If convicted on the most serious drug trafficking charges, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison. Muñoz is charged with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison. Padilla is charged with conspiracy, attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and using a communication facility to further a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on the most serious charges, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison. Salas is charged with conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and using a communication facility to further a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on the most serious charges, she faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison. Alirez is charged with conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and using a communication facility to further a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on the most serious charges, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison. Jimenez is charged with conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted on the most serious charges, she faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison. Flores is charged with conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and related drug trafficking offenses. If convicted on the most serious charges, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison. Diaz is charged with conspiracy and using a communication facility to further a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on the most serious charges, she faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison. In separate but related cases, Joseph De La Torre , 35, is charged with federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses. According to court documents, agents executing a search warrant at his residence on July 16, 2026, recovered methamphetamine, a substance that tested presumptively positive for cocaine and fentanyl, packaging materials commonly associated with narcotics distribution, and a loaded handgun. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today on behalf of the Homeland Security Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Devon Aragon Martinez, Renee Camacho and Judith Crews are prosecuting these cases. 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 Region II CORE 7 is comprised of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Customs and Border Protection – Office of Field Operations (OFO), U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) and Air and Marine (AMO), Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), United States Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Joint Task Force North (JTF-N), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Marshal Service (USMS), Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS), El Paso Police Department (EPPD), New Mexico State Police (NMSP), West Texas / New Mexico High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), Albuquerque Police Department, New Mexico Sixth Judicial District, Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics Agency, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Districts of Western Texas and New Mexico. An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Sheep Spring Man Charged in Stabbing

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Sheep Spring man has been charged in federal court with assault after allegedly stabbing another individual. According to court documents, on July 12, 2026, Justin Brown , 50, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, attended a gathering in Sheep Springs, New Mexico. After arriving, Brown allegedly became aggressive and, during an ensuing confrontation, stabbed another individual in the left forearm and inflicted cuts on the victim's abdomen and back. The victim fled the scene in a vehicle with another adult and four minor children while Brown allegedly attempted to gain access to the vehicle and pursued it as it drove away. Medical records showed the victim suffered a stab wound to the left forearm requiring 16 staples, as well as superficial cuts to the abdomen and back. The investigation further revealed that, earlier in the evening, Brown allegedly threatened another attendee with a box cutter-style knife and sent threatening text messages before the assault. Witnesses reported that a second victim also suffered a cut during the incident. During a post-arrest interview with investigators, Brown allegedly admitted to using a box cutter to stab the male victim and cut a female victim. Brown claimed he acted because he believed the victims were attempting to harm him. Brown is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing. If convicted of the current charge, Brown 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 Amy Mondragon 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: New York Man Admits his Role as Part of International Ring Targeting Cell Phone Shipments for Theft

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: Newark, N.J. – A New York man admitted to engaging in a conspiracy to receive and transport stolen goods causing losses of more than $1,500,000, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. Raimond Cabrera De Leon, 33, of New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Court Judge Jamel K. Semper in Newark federal court on July 16, 2026, to an information charging him with conspiring to receive and transport stolen goods. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Cabrera De Leon was part of an international and nationwide ring involved in the widespread theft of electronic device shipments from FedEx and other carriers. The ring identified valuable packages to steal through two primary means: (1) the creation and use of automated computer scripts to scrape data from the public and customer-facing tracking systems of FedEx and Victim-1, a major U.S. cellular provider; and (2) bribing corrupt Victim-1 employees to provide confidential information about Victim-1 customers, including orders, names, tracking numbers, and delivery addresses. This criminal network operated in layers with some members, referred to as “dispatchers,” obtaining and selling the delivery information and others, referred to as “runners,” purchasing this delivery information and stealing the packages. Cabrera De Leon operated a major “fence” location out of a residential building in the Bronx, New York, where an almost constant stream of people brought stolen devices for sale. The conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the value of the gain or loss, whichever is greater. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited Homeland Security Investigations, New York Field Office, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Pete Gizas, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, the New York City Police Department under the direction of Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor William A. Daniel and Chief Walter Laurencio with the investigation leading to this plea. U.S. Attorney Frazer also thanked the Dominican Republic’s Procuraduría Especializada Contra los Crímenes y Delitos de Alta Tecnología (PEDATEC), (Specialized Prosecutor's Office for High Technology Crimes and Offenses) and HSI’s Newark Field Office for their collaboration in this matter. In 2024, New Jersey experienced a surge of over 400 identified package thefts targeting cellular devices. To combat this threat, Union County Prosecutor’s Office partnered with New Jersey State Police Real Time Crime Center North and FBI Newark to spearhead a task force of investigators from impacted jurisdictions along with federal, state, and county agencies to collaborate on emerging intelligence. Through private sector partnerships, collusive employees were identified. Prospective delivery information was also shared among the task force to proactively identify, surveil, and arrest individuals involved in package theft within New Jersey. The following agencies are credited with contributing: Cranford Police Department, Sparta Police Department, Moorestown Police Department, Barnegat Police Department, Paterson Police Department, Belleville Police Department, Department of Homeland Security-U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations, Port Authority Police Department, Edison Police Department, Woodbridge Police Department, Rahway Police Department, Elizabeth Police Department, Kenilworth Police Department, Plainfield Police Department, Westfield Police Department, Summit Police Department, Linden Police Department, Scotch Plains Police Department, Berkeley Heights Police Department, Union County Police Department, Mountainside Police Department, Hillside Police Department, Fanwood Police Department, Clark Police Department, New Providence Police Department, Roselle Police Department, Roselle Park Police Department, Springfield Police Department, Union Police Department, Wayne Police Department, South Amboy Police Department, Brick Police Department, Wyckoff Police Department, Rutherford Police Department, Carlstadt Police Department, Oakland Police Department, Glen Rock Police Department, Fort Lee Police Department, Montvale Police Department, Little Falls Police Department, Wallington Police Department, Englewood Police Department, Leonia Police Department, Bloomfield Police Department, Fair Lawn Police Department, Closter Police Department, Verona Police Department, Elmwood Park Police Department, Clifton Police Department, Woodcliff Lakes Police Department, Cresskill Police Department, Palisades Park Police Department, Hillsdale Police Department, Franklin Lakes Police Department, Warren Township Police Department, Caldwell Police Department, Fairview Police Department, New Milford Police Department, Bergenfield Police Department, Branchburg Police Department, Wayne Police Department, Paramus Police Department, Jersey City Police Department, Secaucus Police Department, Randolph Police Department, Teaneck Police Department, Middlesex Police Department, Montvale Police Department, Manalapan Police Department, Toms River Police Department, Riverdale Police Department, Morristown Police Department, Dover Police Department, Roxbury Police Department, Montville Police Department, Parsippany Police Department, Denville Police Department, Chatham Township Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, North Brunswick Police Department, New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Trevor A. Chenoweth and Andrew Kogan of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark. 26-159 ### Defense counsel: Sarah Sulkowski, Esq. deleon.information.pdf


title: Louisiana Company Settles Matter Alleging Receipt of Improper CARES Act Loans for Over $2.9 Million

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A company providing inspection, repair and maintenance services based in Harvey, Louisiana, with offices in Hackensack, New Jersey, entered into a settlement agreement with the United States resolving allegations that the company violated the False Claims Act by taking a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to which it was not entitled, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. According to the allegations in the complaint and the contentions of the United States in the settlement agreement: In January 2021, CAN USA, Inc. applied for and received a $2 million PPP loan. Under the eligibility rules in effect at that time, businesses with more than 300 employees were not eligible for PPP loans. Applicants were instructed that the 300-employee limit included employees working for the applicant’s affiliates. In its loan application, CAN USA certified that it was eligible for the loan and that it employed no more than 300 employees. However, CAN USA was not eligible for its loan because, inclusive of employees working for the company’s foreign affiliates, CAN USA had more than 300 employees. After receiving the PPP loan, CAN USA sought and received forgiveness of the total amount of the loan, plus accrued interest. CAN USA fully cooperated in the investigation and resolution of this matter. In accordance with the terms of the settlement agreement, CAN USA will pay the United States $2,916,900. The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties, called relators, to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. In this matter, the relator is receiving $291,690 as the share. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney David V. Simunovich of the Health Care Fraud and Opioid Enforcement Unit in Newark. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Clearwater Metrics LLC v. CAN USA Inc. , Civil Action No. 26-3469 (D.N.J.). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. ### canusa.agreement.pdf Counsel for CAN USA, Inc.: Duris Holmes, Esq., New Orleans, LA Counsel for Relator ClearWater Metrics, LLC: Jason Marcus, Esq., Atlanta, GA


title: Fashion House Enters Settlement for Receipt of Improper Paycheck Protection Program Loan

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A manufacturer and distributor of fashion and leather products with a principal place of business in Mercer County, New Jersey, entered into a settlement agreement with the United States resolving allegations that the company violated the False Claims Act by taking a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to which it was not entitled, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. According to the contentions of the United States in the settlement agreement: In May 2021, Longchamp USA, Inc. (Longchamp) applied for and received a $1,379,972 PPP loan. Under the eligibility rules in effect at that time, businesses with more than 300 employees were not eligible for PPP loans. Applicants were instructed that the 300-employee limit was inclusive of the applicant’s affiliates, including affiliates whose employees were based outside the United States. In its loan application, Longchamp certified that it was eligible for the loan and that it employed no more than 300 employees. However, Longchamp was not eligible for the loan because, inclusive of its affiliates and their foreign employees, it had more than 300 employees. After receiving the PPP loan, Longchamp sought and received forgiveness of the total amount of the loan, plus interest that had accrued. The United States also paid an associated lender processing fee of $41,399. Longchamp fully cooperated in the investigation and resolution of this matter. In accordance with the terms of the settlement agreement, Longchamp paid the United States $1,997,110. The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties, called relators, to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. In this matter, the relator’s share was $199,710. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thandiwe Boylan of the Health Care Fraud & Opioid Enforcement Unit in Newark, with assistance from Trial Attorney Denise Grugan of the Office of Capital Access, U.S. Small Business Administration. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. GNGH2, Inc. v. Longchamp USA, Inc. , Civil Action No. 24-4488 (D.N.J.). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. ### Counsel for Longchamp USA, Inc.: Justin C. Danilewitz, Esq., Philadelphia, P.A. Counsel for Relator GNGH2 Inc.: David Abrams, Esq., New York, NY longchamp.agreement.pdf


body_text: Dominican National Sentenced to 5 Years of Imprisonment for Role in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy CONCORD – Carlo de los Santos Ruiz, a.k.a. “Julio,” 29, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya B. McCafferty to 60 months in federal prison and 4 years of supervised release yesterday, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. In March, Santos Ruiz pleaded guilty to a single-count Information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 or more grams of crack cocaine and 40 or more grams of fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, between July 2024 and June 2025, law enforcement agencies began investigating a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) based in Massachusetts and operating in New Hampshire. During the course of the conspiracy, the DTO trafficked crack cocaine and fentanyl. The defendant led the DTO and operated the various dispatch lines that drug buyers called to order drugs. He also personally distributed drugs on behalf of the DTO. Last June, law enforcement arrested the defendant and one of his co-defendants at the defendant’s home in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Parked near the home was a car used to traffic drugs that contained more than 400 combined grams of crack cocaine and fentanyl. “Granite Staters deserve safe, drug-free communities, and I’m proud of the hard work of our state and federal law enforcement partners on the front lines. By investigating and interdicting traffickers like this defendant, we can take dangerous drugs like crack cocaine and fentanyl off our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of Carlo Santos Ruiz’s conduct and the harm he and his drug trafficking organization inflicted on communities in both New Hampshire and Massachusetts,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “By leading a drug-trafficking organization and personally distributing significant quantities of crack cocaine and fentanyl, he contributed directly to the dangers these drugs pose. The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to dismantle organizations that pump poison into our neighborhoods and ensure those involved with them are brought to justice.” The FBI’s Major Offender Task Force led the investigation. The Manchester Police Department and DEA provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Shannon prosecuted the case.


title: Shots Fired, Drugs Land Wheeling Man in Prison

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A shots-fired investigation has resulted in a lengthy prison sentence for a Wheeling, West Virginia, man, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. Roland N. Copney, 37, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison for a methamphetamine offense. The investigation began in March 2024 after reports of shots fired on Wheeling Island led officers to a South Broadway Street residence linked to Copney. A search warrant executed at the home uncovered nearly 200 grams of methamphetamine, a 9mm shell casing, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. A subsequent search of the property revealed additional methamphetamine, cocaine, two firearms, and more ammunition. Copney has a criminal history that includes domestic violence and assault. “Violent offenders will not be tolerated in the Northern District of West Virginia,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. “Protecting our communities is our highest priority. If you combine drugs and firearms, you will face a lengthy sentence.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Conklin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wheeling Police Department investigated. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.


title: Amarillo man charged with conspiracy to provide firearms to the Sinaloa Cartel and others charged with related crimes

body_text: AMARILLO, Texas — United States Attorney Ryan Raybould announced that a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Texas returned a twelve-count indictment against an Amarillo man for conspiracy to provide firearms to the Sinaloa Cartel and three others charged with related crimes on June 25. Loyd Walter Hall, 27, of Amarillo, is charged with conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances for importation into the United States, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and several counts of providing false material statements to a firearms dealer, and conspiracy to straw purchase and traffic firearms. Jesus Quezada Meza, 30, a Mexican national living in Dumas, Texas, and Omar Velasquez, 44, of Utah, are each charged with conspiracy to straw purchase firearms and conspiracy to traffic firearms. Catlynn Ann Townsend, 29, of Amarillo, is charged with making a false statement in required information kept by a licensed firearms dealer. From 2024 to 2026, Hall and several of his co-conspirators maintained a relationship with a member of the Sinaloa Cartel in Chihuahua, Mexico. Through this relationship, Hall provided firearms, technical know-how, and guidance on evading U.S. law enforcement to the Sinaloa Cartel despite his awareness of the Cartel’s status as a foreign terrorist organization. Hall worked with named and unnamed co-conspirators to accomplish this objective. “Every firearm trafficked from the United States to a cartel strengthens its ability to terrorize communities, secure drug operations, engage in corruption, and commit international fuel theft,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This case highlights my office’s commitment to dismantling all the cartels’ criminal networks. We won’t stop until the cartels and those who aid and abet them are completely eradicated.” “The allegations in this indictment describe not only the illegal trafficking of firearms to a designated foreign terrorist organization, but also efforts to provide the Sinaloa Cartel with guidance on bypassing U.S. firearms laws and avoiding law enforcement detection,” said Brian Garner, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Dallas Field Division. “Individuals who knowingly arm violent criminal organizations and help them exploit our laws threaten the safety and security of communities on both sides of the border. ATF remains committed to working alongside our federal, state, local, and international law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who support transnational criminal organizations.” “Homeland Security Investigations is committed to disrupting and dismantling the criminal networks that threaten our communities and national security,” said HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard. “This indictment demonstrates the strength of our partnerships and our resolve to hold accountable those who traffic firearms and provide material support to violent cartels. HSI will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to ensure that those who endanger American lives face justice.” Each defendant has made an initial appearance in court. If convicted, Hall faces up to a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. Meza and Velasquez each face up to 15 years in federal prison. Townsend faces up to five years in federal prison. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from the FBI and the Amarillo Police Department. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force 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. An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. The outstanding defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: July Federal Grand Jury 2025-B Indictments Announced

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the July Federal Grand Jury 2025-B Indictments. The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence. David Michael Brown. Possession of Child Pornography in Indian Country. Brown, 32, of Mounds, is charged with possessing visual images depicting the sexual abuse of children under 12 years old. The Creek County Sheriff’s Office is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Osborn is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-270 Quentin Robert Cahoon. Drug Conspiracy; Attempted Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Cahoon, 31, of Miami, is charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine from Feb. 2025 through Apr. 2026. Further, Cahoon knowingly attempted to possess methamphetamine for the purpose of distribution. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Miami Police Department, the Wyandotte Nation Police Department, and the Quapaw Nation Marshal Service are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyson McCoy is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-271 Franklin Earl Frazier, II. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country (Counts 1 & 4); Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child Under 12 Years of Age (Counts 2, 3 & 5) (superseding). Frazier, 46, of Bristow, is charged with knowingly engaging in a sexual act with two minor children under 12 years old. He is additionally charged with knowingly causing abusive sexual contact with three minor children under 12 years old. The FBI and the Creek County Sheriff’s Office are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria Luster and Blithe Cravens are prosecuting the case. 26-CR-092 Jonathan Charles Hicks. Carjacking; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Aggravated Eluding a Police Officer in Indian Country. Hicks, 35, a transient and a member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, is charged with taking a motor vehicle from the victim by force and violence with intent to cause death and serious bodily harm. Hicks allegedly Additionally, Hicks is charged with brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and endangering others while eluding a law enforcement officer who was driving a marked official vehicle. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Flesher is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-273 Cody Lane Killion. Carjacking; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Hobbs Act Robbery; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to Crimes of Violence. Killion, 35, a transient and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with taking a motor vehicle from the victim by force and violence with intent to cause death and serious bodily harm. Killion allegedly brandished a firearm during crimes of violence and possessed a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of a felony. Additionally, Killion obstructed interstate commerce by robbery, assaulted the victims with a dangerous weapon, and brandished a firearm during a crime of violence. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Flesher is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-274 Angel Manuel Lopez Castro. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Lopez Castro, 27, a Guatemalan national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in 2019 and twice in 2023. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Osborn is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-272 Francisco Ramon Lopez Leyva. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Lopez Leyva, 43, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been previously removed in 2019 and 2022. Homeland Security Investigations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Osborn is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-275 Samuel Diaz Ramos. Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of a Firearm; Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Diaz Ramos, 35, a Honduran national, is charged with possessing a firearm, knowing he was unlawfully residing in the United States. Additionally, he is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after being removed in 2010. Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Brasher is prosecuting the case. 26-CR-276 Aaron Chase Sanders. Possession of Child Pornography (superseding). Sanders, 28, of Bixby, is charged with possessing visual images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children under 12 years old. Homeland Security Investigations, the Bixby Police Department, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Robert and Matt Cyran are prosecuting the case. 26-CR-117


title: Michigan Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Assaulting a Federal Officer

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: TOLEDO, Ohio – A 29-year-old man was sentenced for a drug offense and for assaulting a federal officer while the officer was performing his official duties. Damarko Amir Kimble, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced to 121 months (10.08 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Jack Zouhary after pleading guilty in April to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer. He was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release after imprisonment. According to court documents, on Oct. 7, 2024, federal officers encountered Kimble at a service plaza parking lot on the I-80/90 turnpike in Sandusky County. Kimble’s rental vehicle had expired registration tags. A K-9 working with the officers alerted to the presence of illegal substances in Kimble’s vehicle. During a probable cause search of Kimble’s vehicle, a backpack was located on the rear floorboard. The backpack contained a plastic bag that officers suspected to be methamphetamine. The substance was later analyzed at a forensic laboratory and confirmed to be 577.7 grams of pure methamphetamine. As the officers attempted to arrest Kimble, he rushed towards one of them and knocked him off his feet, throwing him to the ground. Kimble attempted to flee but was apprehended. The investigation was led by the U.S. Border Patrol Sandusky Bay Station. Assistant United States Attorney Dexter L. Phillips for the Northern District Ohio led the prosecution.


title: Canton Man Sentenced to 15+ Years in Prison For Meth and Heroin Trafficking Operation

body_text: AKRON, Ohio – A 45-year-old man was sentenced to prison for his role in operating a drug trafficking enterprise out of his restaurant and home in Summit County. Jerrick Jermain Daniels, of Canton, was sentenced to 180 months (15.6 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Dan Aaron Polster after pleading guilty in March to: Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition; prior convictions include Possession of Cocaine in 2002 and 2005, Felonious Assault in 2007, and Trafficking in Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Heroin in 2014. Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime Daniels was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release after imprisonment. According to court documents, agents were investigating suspected drug trafficking taking place in Summit County, Ohio, when Daniels was identified as a suspect. In May 2025, federal agents executed a search warrant at his residence located on Navarre Road and at his restaurant on Fremont, both located in Canton. In total, the following items were seized during the investigation: Bond Arms Roughneck .45 ACP handgun Springfield XD-9 handgun with a loaded magazine Smith and Wesson M&P handgun, with an extended magazine Carina RTA 12-gauge shotgun Glock 48 handgun Glock 42 handgun Glock 17 handgun Springfield XD-9 handgun Taurus G2C handgun Two digital scales with residue 156.74 grams of heroin 138.475 grams of pure methamphetamine Packing materials from the narcotics Daniels later admitted possessing the narcotics with the intent to distribute them and that he used the firearms to further his drug trafficking operation. This case was investigated by the FBI Canton Resident Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel led the prosecution for the Northern District of Ohio.