title: New Charges and Rewards Announced for the Capture and/or Conviction of  Senior Leaders of Notorious Mexican Cartel

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Note: Copies of the indictments filed in the District of Columbia can be obtained by clicking on Julio César Montero Pinzón , Carlos Andrés Rivera Varela , Hugo Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán , Ricardo Ruiz Velasco , and Julio Alberto Castillo Rodríguez . A copy of the superseding indictment filed in the Eastern District of New York can be found here . Reward posters of the eight CJNG fugitives can be found in English here and in Spanish here . Today the Department of Justice, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and National Coordination Center (NCC) announced new charges of the most-wanted leaders of Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), one of the most prolific and dangerous drug cartels in Mexico. Alongside the indictments, the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) announced more than $100 million in reward offers for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions of Juan Carlos Valencia González also known as “Pelón,” 41; Audias Flores Silva also known as “Jardinero,” 45; Julio César Montero Pinzón also known as “Tarjetas,” 44; Carlos Andrés Rivera Varela also known as “La Firma,” 40; Hugo Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán also known as “Sapo,” 37; Ricardo Ruiz Velasco also known as “RR” / “Tripa,” 42; Julio Alberto Castillo Rodríguez also known as “Chorro,” 49; and Griselda Margarita Arredondo Pinzón, 36. These new enforcement actions are part of the NCC Homeland Security Task Force initiative to counter the narco-terrorist cartels that endanger the American people. “The American people gave us a mandate to keep this country safe, and we will not rest until it is fulfilled,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Today's unsealing of criminal charges against five high-ranking CJNG leaders marks another decisive step in our campaign to dismantle the cartels that have plagued this country for far too long. With these charges now public, and with more than $100 million in State Department rewards for the capture or conviction of eight CJNG fugitives, this administration will use every tool at its disposal to bring these defendants to justice – no matter where they hide.” “Every day, the Department fights to eradicate CJNG and bring its leaders to justice for the death and destruction they inflict on the American people,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and resolve, we continue to advance our mission to destroy foreign terrorist organizations and prosecute narco-terrorists. We will leave them nowhere to hide.” “Last year, prosecutors in our Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section and International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section obtained a superseding indictment against two senior leaders and a criminal associate of CJNG in connection with a fraud scheme targeting Americans who owned timeshare properties in Mexico,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York. “Thousands of U.S. victims have reported hundreds of millions of dollars in losses attributable to timeshare fraud schemes in Mexico. It is significant that our white-collar prosecutors are teamed with our narcotics prosecutors in this case because increasingly, transnational criminal organizations such as CJNG fund their illicit operations not only through drug trafficking and other forms of street crime, but sophisticated fraud schemes as well. It is our hope that the rewards being announced today will lead to capture of the fugitives so they can face American justice in a federal courtroom. Our prosecutors stand ready to hold them accountable.” “DEA has never been more focused on dismantling CJNG and bringing its leaders, members, facilitators, and corrupt enablers to justice,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “As one of the world’s largest narco-terrorist organizations, CJNG poses a serious threat to the United States and our international partners. Juan Carlos Valencia González is one of DEA’s Most Wanted fugitives, and today’s coordinated actions demonstrate the full weight of the U.S. government behind this effort.” “The FBI, alongside our Homeland Security Task Force partners, will systematically dismantle every piece of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “President Trump has given us the authorities we need to annihilate the drug trade and their criminal enterprise into fraud. This foreign terrorist organization’s complex time share fraud scheme stole hundreds of millions of dollars from U.S. citizens and continues to exploit our nation through widespread drug trafficking, money laundering, and systemic violence. This announcement puts the cartel on notice with the full force of the U.S. government committed to cutting off every source of illicit income that fuels this savage cartel.” “Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación is a violent foreign terrorist organization that threatens the United States through drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, money laundering, fraud, and intimidation,” said HSI Executive Associate Director John Condon. “HSI-led investigations in Arizona and the Carolinas have targeted CJNG’s weapons, money, narcotics, and facilitators. Through the Homeland Security Task Force, HSI will continue working with federal, state, local, and international partners to follow the evidence, follow the money, and dismantle the networks that enable CJNG to harm American communities.” “CJNG’s criminal enterprise has exploited financial systems and defrauded thousands of Americans, fueling violence and narcoterrorism across borders,” said Deputy Chief Gary Shapley of IRS-CI. “IRS-CI is committed to dismantling these networks — tracking illicit proceeds, exposing fraud, and holding cartel leaders accountable. Today’s coordinated action demonstrates the power of U.S. law enforcement partnerships and our resolve to protect the American public from the devastating impact of transnational crime. We will continue to pursue those who threaten our communities, wherever they operate.” “CBP in close coordination with our federal and international law enforcement partners, supported critical actions in support of this investigation,” said Executive Assistant Commissioner Diane J. Sabatino of CBP’s Office of Field Operations (OFO). “CBP officers through targeted inspection and information sharing contributed to the direct action taken against the CJNG drug traffickers and money laundering subjects. This operation reflects OFO’s commitment to disrupting transnational criminal organizations, protecting the public, and helping ensure that those who enable money laundering and fraud schemes are held accountable.” “The Department of State, together with our U.S. law enforcement partners, will continue to safeguard our nation, the American people, and our Hemisphere from the violence and terror inflicted by CJNG,” said INL Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Ambassador Michael C. Gonzales. “We will use every tool at our disposal to hunt down, dismantle, and destroy these ruthless foreign terrorist organizations and defend America from the violence and drugs that have torn apart our families and communities.” CJNG produces and traffics multi-tonnage quantities of drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, into the United States, and uses extreme violence to further its operations. On Feb. 20, 2025, the State Department designated CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization. About a year later, in February 2026, CJNG’s notorious top leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” was killed during a Mexican military operation. According to court filings, Valencia González assumed the role of CJNG’s top leader following El Mencho’s death. Increased Rewards Announced The Department of Justice previously unsealed a federal indictment charging Valencia González with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute cocaine and methamphetamine for unlawful importation into the United States, as well as use of firearms, one of which was a machinegun, during and in relation to the charged drug trafficking crime. Valencia González is El Mencho’s stepson, who reportedly organized numerous crimes of violence as a CJNG leader, in addition to manufacturing, transporting, and distributing tonnage quantities of narcotics. The State Department announced today the newly increased reward of up to $25 million for information leading to Valencia González’s arrest and/or conviction. The superseding indictment against Flores Silva was originally unsealed in May 2026, charging him with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine destined for the United States, use of firearms, one of which was a destructive device, in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime, and money laundering conspiracy. Flores Silva, a high-ranking member of the CJNG, was arrested in Mexico in April 2026. The State Department announced today the newly increased reward of up to $15 million for information leading to Flores Silva’s conviction. If convicted of these charges, which were filed in the District of Columbia, Valencia González and Flores Silva face up to two consecutive life prison terms. New Charges and Rewards Announced The Department of Justice also announced the recent unsealing of criminal charges against five additional senior CJNG leaders. According to court filings, at El Mencho’s direction, Montero Pinzón and Rivera Varela founded and led a group of highly trained and heavily armed sicarios, or hitmen, known as the “Grupo Elite.” The Grupo Elite allegedly acts as the CJNG’s enforcement arm to further CJNG’s drug trafficking operations, including by overseeing CJNG territories and murdering public officials and rival cartel members. As alleged, the Grupo Elite ran infamous training camps, wherein recruits learned weapons handling, such as the use of rocket launchers, .50-caliber machineguns, and rocket-propelled grenades, as well as the use of violence and torture to further CJNG’s objectives. Montero Pinzón and Rivera Varela allegedly had over 1,000 personnel reporting to them and ran the Guadalajara Plaza, one of the most important CJNG territories. The filings allege that Mendoza Gaytán, El Mencho’s godson, procured the majority of the CJNG’s weapons, trained sicarios at CJNG’s training camps, and oversaw operations, including forced recruitment and violent enforcement, across multiple strategic CJNG locations. The court documents further allege that Ruiz Velasco, another close associate of El Mencho and a Grupo Elite leader, oversaw all CJNG operations in several Mexican territories, including drug trafficking, bribery, procurement of weapons, and enforcement. Ruiz Velasco is also allegedly involved in the transportation, importation, and distribution of drugs, including the distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin within the United States and the collection of narcotics proceeds. The court filings allege that Castillo Rodríguez, El Mencho’s former son-in-law, was responsible for various aspects of the CJNG’s operations, including overseeing CJNG operations in Colima, Mexico, collecting drug proceeds, paying for precursor chemicals used by the CJNG to manufacture methamphetamine, purchasing tonnage quantities of methamphetamine from CJNG suppliers, and overseeing the transportation of cocaine and methamphetamine shipments for importation into the United States. The unsealed indictments allege that these five defendants participated in conspiracies to manufacture and distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl destined for the United States for over a decade. The indictments further allege that these defendants used, carried, brandished, or discharged firearms, some of which were semi-automatic weapons, machineguns, and destructive devices, during and in relation to the charged drug trafficking crimes. If convicted of these charges, which were filed in the District of Columbia, all five defendants face up to two consecutive life prison terms. The State Department also announced today a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to Mendoza Gaytán’s arrest and/or conviction; a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to Castillo Rodríguez’s arrest and/or conviction; a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to Montero Pinzón’s arrest and/or conviction; a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to Rivera Varela’s arrest and/or conviction; and a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to Ruiz Velasco’s arrest and/or conviction. Relatedly, the State Department also announced a reward of up to $2 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Arredondo Pinzón, Montero Pinzón’s half-sister. In coordination with Montero Pinzón and Rivera Varela, the three allegedly ran an international fraud scheme organized and controlled by the CJNG, which targeted Americans who own timeshare properties in Mexico. As announced in September 2025, Arredondo Pinzón is charged in the Eastern District of New York with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. A superseding indictment returned in October 2025, also charges Montero Pinzón and Rivera Varela with conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to provide and providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and charges Montero Pinzón with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. If convicted, Arredondo Pinzón, Montero Pinzón, and Rivera Varela face up to 20 years in prison on each count related to the fraud scheme. The timeshare fraud investigation is being investigated by the FBI New York Field Office, Threat Finance Task Force, DEA New York Division, IRS-CI New York Field Office, with support from CBP’s New York Field Office. The narcotics and firearms offenses are being investigated by DEA Bilateral Investigations Unit Los Angeles and HSI. The Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Unit (NDDU) of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Health and Safety Unit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York are prosecuting these cases. The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s (MNF) mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations. MNF’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Unit investigates and prosecutes the top command and control elements of international drug cartels, drug trafficking organizations, and related transnational criminal organizations. The Health and Safety Unit of the Fraud Section works with law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute violations of federal laws designed to protect public health and safety. The unit focuses on corporations and individuals who make and sell dangerous drugs, food, and other consumer products that could cause significant harm to Americans. The Transnational Criminal Organizations Strike Force investigates and prosecutes cartels and transnational criminal organizations by bringing charges that include terrorism, racketeering, and operating a continuing criminal enterprise. DEA’s Bilateral Investigations Unit is an elite group of experienced DEA special agents that are entrusted with handling the most sensitive, expansive, and difficult investigations that target the world’s most violent drug traffickers and terrorists. These cases are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.


title: Nevada Doctor Charged with $95M Wound Care Fraud on Medicare

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: A federal grand jury in the District of Nevada returned an indictment yesterday charging Stephen Dubin, M.D., 74, of Henderson, Nevada, with a $95 million scheme to defraud Medicare by billing for medically unnecessary amniotic wound allografts that he and others applied to elderly Medicare patients. “This indictment exposes a scheme driven by greed, not medicine. As alleged, this provider exploited elderly patients by pushing costly and unnecessary medical procedures, then lied to Medicare to pocket millions of taxpayer dollars,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Schemes like this drain Medicare of resources and impose substantial burdens on the taxpayers who fund it. Let this serve as a warning: any healthcare professional who tries to get rich at the expense of patient care can expect to face the same scrutiny — and the same consequences.” “Healthcare fraud is not a victimless crime; it steals vital resources from elderly and vulnerable citizens who truly need life-saving treatments,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “These defendants prioritized personal greed over patient care by weaponizing complex billing codes for advanced wound care products. As part of the West Coast Health Care Strike Force, our office, alongside our federal law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively dismantle predatory schemes that target public healthcare programs.” “Dr. Duben, as a physician, had a duty to prioritize the well-being of his patients; however, he engaged in unethical practices by prescribing costly, unnecessary allografts at taxpayer expense,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “This betrayal of trust and exploitation of his healthcare position for personal financial gain is both cruel and premeditated. The FBI remains dedicated to collaborating with federal, state, and local agencies to investigate individuals like Dr. Duben and to safeguard federally funded healthcare programs from provider abuse.” “These charges reflect a clear and calculated betrayal of elderly Medicare patients who depend on trusted providers for legitimate care,” said Special Agent in Charge Robb R. Breeden of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS‑OIG). “Schemes like this siphon taxpayer dollars, undermine patient safety, and erode confidence in our health care system. HHS‑OIG, working closely with our law enforcement partners, will continue to identify and hold accountable those who exploit federally funded health care programs for personal gain.” “Fraud involving TRICARE, the healthcare program that provides medical coverage for active duty service members, retirees, and their families, strikes at a benefit earned through service to our nation,” said Special Agent in Charge John Helsing of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s Western Field Office. “As the criminal investigative arm of the Department of Defense’s Office of Inspector General, DCIS is steadfast in protecting TRICARE from individuals who manipulate medical billing for personal gain. The West Coast Health Care Fraud Task Force, working with our federal partners, greatly enhances our ability to detect and dismantle these schemes, ensuring we preserve the integrity of our nation’s military health system.” According to court documents, Dubin, a medical doctor and sole owner of Dubin Medical Consultants, Inc. (also known as Wound MD) caused Medicare to be billed over $95 million for expensive amniotic allografts that he procured through illegal kickbacks and bribes. Dubin allegedly applied these allografts to elderly patients — including vulnerable patients in hospice care — without medical necessity. Medicare paid over $54 million based on Dubin’s false and fraudulent claims. As alleged in the indictment, Dubin received illegal kickbacks, bribes, and rebates from two different allograft distributors. Some of these illegal payments were falsely structured to appear as legitimate “Rebate Agreements” while concealing their true nature and illegal payments. These purported rebates substantially reduced Dubin’s true net cost of acquiring the allografts. Dubin allegedly submitted claims to Medicare seeking reimbursement for the price listed on sham full-price invoices, instead of the actual price he paid for the allografts. Dubin and others allegedly kept as profit the difference between Medicare’s reimbursement and the price paid for the allografts. The indictment also alleges that Dubin received illegal kickbacks from one allograft distributor through payments from a pass-through bank account held in the name of a shell company in exchange for purchasing allografts from the distributor. Induced by these illegal kickbacks, bribes, and rebates, Dubin and his co-conspirators applied allografts without regard to medical necessity, including by applying allografts to infected wounds; to wounds that were not responding to allograft treatment; without first attempting, completing, or confirming conservative wound care treatment as required by Medicare; and in quantities that far exceeded the size of wounds. Dubin allegedly selected allografts that would maximize his profit, not based on the patient’s need. To conceal the lack of medical necessity, Dubin falsified patient medical records to make it appear as though the application of allografts was medically reasonable and met Medicare requirements. Dubin used the proceeds of his alleged offenses to fund a lavish lifestyle, including having multi-million-dollar yachts built for him. Dubin is charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and five counts of health care fraud. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count. FBI, HHS-OIG, and DCIS are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Chris Wenger and Shane Butland of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Oliva for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. On April 30, the Fraud Division announced the formation of the West Coast Health Care Fraud Strike Force , a multi-district enforcement initiative uniting the Division’s Health Care Fraud Section with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Arizona, District of Nevada, and Northern District of California. The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Memphis Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Filing False Returns for Clients

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: A Memphis woman pleaded guilty today to helping prepare false tax returns for clients. According to court documents and statements made in court, Selma Brinson owned and operated a tax preparation business that she used to report false items on clients’ tax returns to generate inflated tax refunds. Among other false items, Brinson reported false fuel tax credits, false claims for residential energy credits and false health savings account deductions on client returns. She received hundreds of thousands of dollars in client fees in exchange for preparing returns. In total, Brinson filed false returns that attempted to defraud the IRS out of more than $5.4 million. Brinson pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting the preparation of a false tax return. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 10 and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Caroline Pearson and Max Willner-Giwerc of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Las Vegas Woman Sentenced to Prison in $5M Refund Fraud Scheme

body_text: A Las Vegas woman was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States by filing false tax returns with the IRS and diverting portions of the resulting tax refunds to herself and her codefendant. According to court documents and statements made in court, Iris Hondermann owned and operated Silver State Tax & Multiservices LLC, a tax preparation business in Las Vegas. An individual close to Hondermann worked for the business and was charged in the same scheme. From approximately 2017 through 2021, Hondermann and her codefendant prepared tax returns for clients that included one or more false items, including business profits and losses, COVID-19 sick and family leave credits, and residential energy credits. “The deliberate falsification of tax records and the theft of funds are severe violations of public trust and federal law,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Our office, alongside our law enforcement partners, remains committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting those who use deceit to enrich themselves at the expense of taxpayers and honest institutions.” “By inserting false information into client tax returns and taking a share of the fraudulent refunds, Hondermann and her codefendant defrauded the government of millions for personal benefit,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown of the IRS Criminal Investigation Phoenix Field Office. “This was a substantial theft from the U.S. Treasury and, ultimately, from every honest taxpayer. IRS CI remains dedicated to identifying schemes that exploit the tax system and holding accountable those who choose to profit through fraud.” Between 2017 and 2021, Hondermann and her codefendant prepared false tax returns with the IRS seeking more than $5 million in refunds that their clients were not entitled to receive. At times, Hondermann and her codefendant also diverted portions of client tax refunds to themselves. From 2017 through 2021, they diverted more than $1.1 million in fraudulent tax refunds to bank accounts one or both of them controlled. Hondermann pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to defraud the United States. Honderman’s codefendant, who admitted to filing false tax returns for clients as part of the same scheme, still awaits sentencing. Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Thomas W. Flynn and Stuart A. Wexler of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section prosecuted the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Justice Department Withdraws Business Review Letter Issued to Proxy Advisory Firm

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: Today, the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division (“Antitrust Division”) is withdrawing a 1987 Business Review Letter (the “1987 BRL” or the “Letter”) issued to Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”). ISS is a foreign-owned proxy advisory firm that advises its clients on how to vote shares their clients hold for thousands of corporate governance questions each year. ISS and Glass, Lewis & Co. LLC (“Glass Lewis”), control more than 90 percent of the proxy advisory market and their clients’ holdings represent a significant ownership stake in the United States’ largest publicly traded companies. As a result of this concentration of market power, ISS and Glass Lewis have tremendous influence in corporate governance matters and, based on their market dominance, shape the policies of America’s largest companies. At the time that the Antitrust Division issued its 1987 BRL to ISS, proxy advising as an industry was in its infancy. The Letter noted that, based on the understanding that ISS “will offer advice only on matters relating to the exercise of voting rights on issues of corporate governance, and that ISS will not provide advice or engage in discussions with respect to the corporate operations or business activities,” the Department of Justice “ha[d] no current intention to bring action under the antitrust laws to enjoin the establishment and operation of ISS.” The 1987 BRL did not address corporate consulting services, which ISS now offers in connection with proxy voting services. ISS’s business model is now in direct conflict with the language in the Letter. ISS is, in fact, now providing advice with respect to corporate operations. In so doing, ISS wields enormous influence over corporate governance issues and policies through its proxy voting services. A Business Review Letter “states only the enforcement intention of the Antitrust Division as of the date of the letter, and the Division remains completely free to bring whatever action or proceeding it subsequently comes to believe is required by the public interest.” While the 1987 BRL stated the Division’s enforcement intention at that time, the Letter is not applicable to ISS’s current business practice of corporate consulting services. These issues were not a part of ISS’s original business model and are outside the scope of the 1987 BRL. Indeed, the representation at the time that ISS would not “provide or engage in discussions with respect to the corporate operations or business activities” may run contrary to ISS’s business model today. The 1987 BRL expressly qualified the Antitrust Division’s enforcement position to exclude services directed at corporate operations or activities. The Department of Justice has since clarified that while antitrust safe harbors for passive investment protect most beneficial corporate governance advocacy, they do not protect the use of commonly held stock in competitors to encourage market-wide reductions in output or other anticompetitive conduct. [1] To be clear, proxy advising is not inherently problematic and the lawful exercise of voting rights pursuant to a proxy advisor recommendation does not raise competition concerns. The Antitrust Division is withdrawing its 1987 BRL because the Letter does not reflect ISS’s current business practices or the Antitrust Division’s view of those practices. Moreover, the concentration of market power in the proxy advisory market raises significant competition concerns. The Antitrust Division has previously recognized potential competitive concerns in the proxy advisory industry. In 2020, the Division filed comments before the Securities and Exchange Commission in a rulemaking process about proxy voting advice. [2] The Antitrust Division is committed to protecting the rights of all Americans, including by promoting competition, reducing barriers to entry, and ensuring full compliance with the antitrust laws in the proxy advisory market. [1] DOJ Press Release, Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission File Statement of Interest on Anticompetitive Uses of Common Shareholdings to Discourage Coal Production ( May 22, 2025; see also Statement of Interest of the Federal Trade Commission and the United States of America, Texas v. BlackRock , No. 6:24-cv-00437-JDK (E.D. Tex.), ECF No. 99 (May 22, 2025), https://www.justice.gov/atr/media/1401251/dl?inline . [2] Comments of the United States Department of Justice, In the Matter of Release No. 34-87457, File No. S7-22-19 Amendments to Exemptions from the Proxy Rules for Proxy Voting Advice, U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (Feb. 5, 2020), https://www.justice.gov/atr/page/file/1243656/dl?inline .


title: Justice Department Sues Pennsylvania Landlord for Sexual Harassment in Housing

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that it filed a lawsuit against Venkatachalam Mani, a landlord in State College, Pennsylvania, for sexually harassing a female tenant and retaliating against her when she refused his advances, in violation of the Fair Housing Act. “The landlord failed to fix a tenant’s furnace despite freezing temperatures because the female tenant refused his sexual advances, forcing her family to move out with no other place to live,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This conduct is illegal. The Justice Department will uphold the rights of female tenants to housing without the threat of sexual harassment by a landlord.” “Attempts to exploit tenants for sexual favors, sexual assault, and retaliation by landlords will never be tolerated in the Middle District of Pennsylvania,” said U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The lawsuit, filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, alleges that Mr. Mani made sexual advances toward a female tenant, including unwelcome sexual touching. After the tenant rejected his advances, Mr. Mani failed to respond to the tenant’s repeated requests for maintenance, including repairing a broken furnace in the middle of winter that eventually caught fire. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages for the tenant and her children and a court order barring future discrimination. The case was referred to the Department after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development received a complaint, completed an investigation, and issued a charge of discrimination. If you are a victim of sexual harassment by another landlord or property manager or have suffered other forms of housing discrimination, call the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination Tip Line at 1-800-896-7743 or submit a report online . More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt . This complaint is part of the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative . The initiative, which the Department launched in October 2017, seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, loan officers, and other people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative, the Department has filed 53 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered approximately $19 million for victims of such harassment.


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement with Connecticut Children’s to End Pediatric “Gender-Affirming Care”

component: Civil Division

body_text: Today, the Department of Justice announced another resolution with a leading children’s medical center arising from the Department’s ongoing national investigation into violations of federal law in connection with the provision of sex-rejecting procedures on minors (otherwise known as “gender-affirming care”). Connecticut Children’s Medical Center has entered into agreements with the Department that entail a commitment not to perform sex-rejecting procedures on minors—including by administering puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to and performing surgeries on children and adolescents. Connecticut Children’s has also agreed to pay a monetary penalty and dedicate an additional $500,000 in medical care for individuals living with the harmful consequences of “gender affirming care.” “The Department of Justice will stop at nothing to protect America’s children,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “This resolution is a reminder to hospitals, medical providers, and pharmaceutical companies that the Justice Department will vigorously enforce federal law, especially where the lives of children are endangered.” Today’s announcement follows similar agreements with Texas Children’s Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. In working towards this resolution, the United States acknowledged that Connecticut Children’s took significant steps entitling it to credit for cooperation with the Department in its investigation. At all times during the investigation, Connecticut Children’s remained cooperative, proactive, and solution-driven, as highlighted by its financial commitment to providing restorative care to the victims who desperately need it. “As with Texas Children’s and Cleveland Clinic before it, I am encouraged when leading institutions like Connecticut Children’s agree to be part of the solution and no longer the problem,” said Brett Shumate, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division. “But while we can be grateful when we arrive at such positive resolutions, we cannot and will not rest in our pursuit of justice for the victims of these discredited practices.” “This resolution reaffirms our unwavering commitment to safeguarding America’s children,” said Ryan Raybould, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. “When unsafe medical practices put minors at risk or violate federal law, the Department will act swiftly and decisively to protect them and hold every institution accountable.” The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch and the Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. The claims resolved by the United States in the agreements are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. Connecticut Children’s has denied all allegations.


title: Canadian Man Pleads Guilty to Hacking U.S. Cloud Storage Provider and Extorting Its Customers for Millions

component: Criminal Division

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


title: Brush Prairie, Washington, man charged with killing Bald Eagle

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Tacoma – A 66-year-old resident of Brush Prairie, Clark County, Washington, was charged today by criminal information with violating federal law by killing a bald eagle, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Benjamin G. Allen is accused of shooting and killing the bird with a shotgun on February 5, 2026. Allen is being summoned to appear in U.S. District Court in Tacoma on September 8, 2026. According to records in the case, officers from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife were called to a property in Brush Prairie regarding a dead eagle with blood around its head. A witness heard a gunshot earlier in the day. Allen kept chickens not far from where the dead eagle was discovered. Special Agents from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service interviewed Allen about the deceased eagle and his actions that day. An exam by a veterinarian revealed the eagle had two shotgun pellets in its brain, causing the death. Allen is charged with a class A misdemeanor for violation of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. He is also charged with a class B misdemeanor for unlawfully killing a migratory bird. Class A misdemeanors are punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. A class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to six months in prison and a $5,000 fine. The charges contained in the information are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being investigated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean H. Waite.


title: West Tennessee Couple Sentenced to Decades in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation Offense

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Jackson, TN – A married couple, who previously resided in Gibson County, Tennessee, was sentenced to prison last week for sexually exploiting a minor in early 2022. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentences today. The investigation in this case revealed that Barry Keith Stephens, Jr., 40 , and Melinda Rachelle Stephens, 36 , transported a minor from Minnesota to Tennessee in January 2022 and committed various sexual acts against the minor in violation of Tennessee law after arriving here. The investigation further revealed that the Stephens’s had committed similar sexually assaultive conduct against another minor in New Mexico in 2008, which resulted in federal convictions of both defendants for possession of child pornography. In May 2023, the defendants were charged in federal court in Jackson with transporting a minor in interstate commerce with intent that the minor engage in sexual activity. Following the defendants’ guilty pleas to this offense, United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Barry Stephens to 264 months of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release, and Melinda Stephens to 180 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Both defendants will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration & Notification Act (SORNA). U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Cases involving repeat violations of child sexual exploitation are heartbreaking and demonstrate the need for significant punishment to incapacitate traveling predators. These despicable sex offenders will now be held fully accountable with decades in federal prison.” “Protecting children from exploitation and abuse is a top priority for the FBI,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “I am proud of the hard work and diligence of the Jackson Resident Agency and our partners involved in bringing these offenders to justice. These sentences should serve as a warning to anyone who exploits children and a strong reminder that the FBI is committed to identifying and holding accountable those who victimize innocent children.” “This case underscores the strength of collaboration and determination demonstrated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and our local, state, and federal partners in holding accountable those who prey on innocent children,” said TBI Director David Rausch. “We trust that this sentence sends a clear message that we will continue to dedicate every necessary resource to identify and apprehend individuals who victimize our most vulnerable citizens.” This case was investigated by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS), the Milan Police Department, and the Lea County, New Mexico Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Josh Morrow and Lauren Delery prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. 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 www.justice.gov/psc . ### For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: NJ man pleads guilty to document fraud

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, NY — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Christopher Hernandez, 31, of Bergen, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to fraudulent production of more than five identification documents, authentication features, or false identification documents, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. On July 7, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant on Hernandez’s iCloud account swishgoat@gmail.com . The account contained fraudulent driver’s licenses, social security cards, U.S. passports, credit cards, and bank cards. These included a fraudulent NYS Driver’s License using the name and other personally identifiable information of Victim 1, a resident of the Western District of New York. On September 16, 2025, as investigators attempted to execute a search warrant at Hernandez’s residence, he attempted to obstruct justice by destroying evidence. After law enforcement successfully entered the residence, they found additional fraudulent driver’s licenses, social security cards, credit cards, and other identification documents, as well as equipment that the defendant used to make false identification documents. In total, investigators seized: approximately 67 debit/credit cards; approximately 15 Social Security cards; approximately nine Passport Cards; approximately one Permanent Resident Alien Card; approximately three MTA Transit Track Safety Certifications; and approximately 106 driver’s licenses from approximately 21 different states. Hernandez used the personally identifiable information of more than 10 individuals to produce the identification documents, authentication features, and false identification documents. In addition, Hernandez admits: In December 2024, he fraudulently obtained a $175,400.80 check that was issued out of a bank account belonging to Victim 2. The check was deposited into Hernandez’s checking account. In October, 2024, he fraudulently obtained a $10,900 check that was issued out of the retirement account of Victim 3 and deposited into his checking account. In April 2024, he fraudulently obtained a $79,500.89 check that was issued out of the retirement account of Victim 4 and deposited into his checking account. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan K. McGuire. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Buffalo Office of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. Sentencing is scheduled for November 17, 2026, before Judge Geraci. # # # #


title: Illegal alien who was convicted of the sexual assault of a child pleads guilty to and sentenced for illegal re-entry

body_text: BUFFALO, NY — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Arlem Bayardo Cabrera-Escoto, 41, of a native and citizen of Honduras, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to illegal re-entry subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction. The defendant was then sentenced to serve five months in prison. After serving his sentence, Cabrera-Escoto will be turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. On April 22, 2026, four illegal aliens were arrested in Depew, NY, as part of a targeted enforcement effort. Law enforcement, who observed four Hispanic males exit a residence and leave in a truck parked at the residence, conducted a vehicle stop shortly after. After questioning, all four admitted that they were in the United States illegally and did not have any immigration documents that would have allowed them to be, enter, or remain in the United States. Law enforcement asked the driver to step out of the vehicle, at which time he attempted to flee on foot and actively resisted arrest. The three passengers, including Cabrera-Escoto, also fled on foot. Cabrera-Escoto was taken into custody a short time later. During processing, it was determined that Cabrera-Escoto is a native and citizen of Honduras illegally present in the United States. In April 2005, Cabrera-Escoto was convicted of 2nd Degree Sexual Assault of a Child, an aggravated felony, and sentenced to 240 days confinement in the State of Wisconsin. In August 2005, he was physically removed from the United States. This case 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 Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Enforcement and Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan W. Fitzgerald. The plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone. # # # #


title: Buffalo man pleads guilty to selling fentanyl involved in an overdose death

body_text: BUFFALO, NY — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Stanley B. Wallace a/k/a Spitz, 36, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to distribution of fentanyl, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years, and a fine of $1,000,000. In May 2022, three individuals drove to a Schreck Avenue residence. One of the individuals went inside and purchased a quantity of blue fentanyl pills from Spitz. That individual then gave the pills purchased from Spitz to the individual, identified as B.B., who drove to the Schreck Avenue residence. After leaving B.B., one of the other individuals consumed one of the pills and then texted B.B.: “…I honestly think are straight fent potent as (expletive) I’m high outta my mind plz don’t sniff a quarter of that strait bro don’t want u to od.” The following day, B.B. was found dead in his Lockport, NY residence. Investigators executed a search warrant at the hotel room where the other two individuals were staying and recovered two blue pills, and two partial blue pills, that tested positive for fentanyl. A search warrant was then executed at the Schreck Avenue residence, where law enforcement recovered drug paraphernalia. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani. The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael Filicetti. Sentencing is scheduled for November 30, 2026, before Judge Sinatra.


title: Buffalo man pleads guilty to cocaine charge

body_text: BUFFALO, NY — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Joseph Cruz Ocasio a/k/a Joe Crack, 38, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1,000,000. On October 16, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at Ocasio’s Weiss Street residence, during which they seized drug paraphernalia, approximately $3,995 in cash, and approximately 872 grams of cocaine. During prior surveillance, multiple individuals were observed arriving at the residence for short periods of time. On one occasion, Ocasio was observed conducting a hand-to-hand transaction. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan DiGirolamo, New York Field Division, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Chief Erika Shields. Sentencing is scheduled for December 11, 2026, before Judge Vilardo. # # # #


title: Bronx man going to prison for bank fraud conspiracy and ID theft

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Edwin Robles, 38, of the Bronx, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, was sentenced to serve 48 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. In January 2025, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, co-conspirator Vance Ashley was recruited by members of the conspiracy to pose as other persons and make unauthorized withdrawals from the other persons’ bank accounts. Ashley agreed to do this in exchange for money. Between January 28 and February 3, 2025, Ashley drove with Robles and co-conspirators Edward Richardson and Michael Herrera, to bank branches in Wilmington, Delaware, Liberty, NY, and Lock Haven, PA, where Ashely used the identifications of other individuals to make, or attempt to make, unauthorized withdrawals from the victims’ bank accounts. On February 5, 2025, the defendants drove to a Northwest Bank branch in Lockport, within the Western District of New York. Ashley made an unauthorized withdrawal of from the account of an individual residing in Erie, PA. Ashley also purchased a bank check using funds from the account. That same day, the defendants drove to another Northwest Bank branch in Williamsville, within the Western District of New York, and again Ashley made an unauthorized withdrawal from an account and purchased a bank check using funds from the account of a victim from North East PA. Also on February 5, 2025, Robles unlawfully used the identification of another person during a felony violation. The total loss amount, including actual loss and intended loss, is $91,300.00. Ashley was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry Chavis and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone. # # # #


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced to 10 Years for Highway Shooting that Injured Two People

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Anil Dabydeen, 41, of Charlotte, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally possessing the stolen firearm he used to shoot at vehicles on I-485, injuring two people, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. “We will use federal statutes to charge federal crimes when individuals act recklessly with firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “No one driving on the highway should be in fear they are going to be shot by a passerby. My office is diligently working to remove felons illegally possessing handguns from our streets and send them to prison where they cannot harm innocent people.” “Taking violent and dangerous individuals off our streets is a critical effort that ATF is proud to be a part of,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “We continue to work with our law enforcement partners to apprehend those that pose the biggest threat to our public safety.” “Violent acts like this have no place in our city, and this case shows what can be accomplished when strong partnerships work together to protect the community. Our officers, federal partners, and prosecutors moved quickly and decisively to hold this offender accountable,” said Chief of Police Estella D. Patterson. “CMPD remains firmly committed to working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ATF and all of our public safety partners to address violent crime, remove dangerous individuals from our streets and ensure the safety of everyone who lives, works, and travels in Charlotte.” According to court documents and the court hearing, on January 8, 2025, at 3:49 p.m., officers with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) were dispatched to I-485 at the South Tryon Street exit after receiving several 911 calls reporting a male operating a white Honda sedan on the highway shooting at passing vehicles. CMPD officers arrived on the scene and located two victims who had been shot. The victims told the officers that they were traveling south on I-485 when their vehicle was struck by gunfire. Both victims were transported to the hospital, and one required surgery because of the injuries sustained. While on the scene, the officers reviewed a video recorded by a witness. The video showed a white sedan stopped on the side of the highway, and an individual, later identified as Dabydeen, walking around the vehicle, brandishing a firearm and pointing it at passing vehicles. Dabydeen had shot the victims’ car three times. While the officers were investigating the incident, they observed a white Honda sedan driving in their direction at a high rate of speed. The vehicle swerved onto the grassy area on the right shoulder of the highway, passing close by the officers. The officers recognized the vehicle as the one observed during the shooting and began to pursue it while the driver fled. Eventually, Dabydeen stopped the vehicle, and he was taken into custody. Officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded Taurus Model G3c, 9mm pistol affixed with a loaded extended magazine. The firearm had been reported stolen. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Dabydeen has a prior felony conviction for Attempted Murder in New York, and he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Dabydeen remains in federal custody. He will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation to a federal facility. The ATF and CMPD led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Spaugh of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte handled the prosecution.


title: Four Individuals Charged with Illegal Re-Entry  After Being Previously Deported

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SRINGFIELD, Mo. – Four individuals were indicted by a federal grand jury in separate cases this week for illegally re-entering the United States after they were previously deported. Honduran National charged with Illegal Re-Entry After Being Previously Deported and Convicted of a Prior Aggravated Felony Offense According to an indictment returned today, Mario Robert Mejia-Valledares, 49, was charged with illegal re-entry by a previously deported alien who had been previously convicted of an aggravated felony offense. On July 27, 2026, Mejia-Valledares was found voluntarily in the United States after being previously deported on January 29, 2010, September 23, 2011, and February 4, 2023. Further, Mejia-Valledares’ aggravated felony offense was because of his conviction in Houston, Texas for discharging a firearm at an occupied dwelling, building or vehicle. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick. It was investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HIS) and the Christian County, Missouri Sheriff’s Department. Honduran National Charged with Immigration Offense Fredy Rolando Rivera-Gonzalez, 31, was indicted today with one count of illegal re-entry by an alien. The indictment alleges Rivera-Gonzalez had been previously deported from the United States on November 6, 2019, from Huntsville, Texas. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), and the Pulaski County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office. Guatemalan National Charged in Indictment with Illegal Re-Entry After Being Previously Deported and Convicted of a Prior Aggravated Felony Offense Yalex Rodas-Rodas, 25, was indicted today by a Federal Grand Jury for illegally re-entering the United States after being previously deported and convicted of a prior aggravated felony offense. On July 3, 2026, Rodas-Rodas was discovered by law enforcement voluntarily and illegally within the United States after having been deported on October 21, 2010, on April 26, 2012, and October 21, 2020. Rodas-Rodas has an aggravated felony conviction for forgery on August 18, 2010, in Jasper County, Missouri. Rodas-Rodas has also been previously convicted of the felony offense of illegal re-entry after being previously deported on April 1, 2012, in the Federal District Court for the Western District of Missouri. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and the Jasper County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office. Mexican National charged with Illegal Re-Entry After Being Previously Deported Lorenzo Castillo-Rivera, 32, was indicted today by a Federal Grand Jury charging him with illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien. On July 20, 2026, Castillo-Rivera was found voluntarily within the United States, specifically Stone County, Missouri, after being previously deported on April 18, 2022, November 14, 2023, and September 18, 2024. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), the Stone County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, and the Reed Springs, Missouri, police department. The charges contained in these indictments are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. Operation Take Back America These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Former Union Officer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzlement

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A 65-year-old former financial secretary of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, Local Lodge 21, has been sentenced to prison for federal charges in the Western District of Missouri. David Scofield of Independence, Missouri, pleaded guilty on November 24, 2025, to bank fraud, embezzlement of labor union assets, and falsification of annual financial report filed by labor union. He was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough. According to information presented in court, for nearly nine years, Scofield used his position as the financial secretary of Local Lodge 21 to steal more than $54,000 from the union. He issued unauthorized checks, made personal payments from the union account, and conducted hundreds of online transactions for his own benefit. He then hid his fraud by falsifying records. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rudolph R. Rhodes IV. This case was investigated by U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards. 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 by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Three Defendants Indicted for Alleged Multi-State Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: Co-conspirators allegedly posed as federal agents to lure victims into converting retirement savings into gold GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that three defendants, two from New Jersey and one from India, were indicted on federal criminal charges related to alleged wire fraud. Christian Jalan Matthews, Taylor Nicole Mitchell-Meeks, and Sudeep Khurana are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for an alleged scheme to defraud victims out of their savings and retirement funds. The indictment charges that the three defendants were part of a plan, along with other bad actors, to convince victims—most of whom are elderly—that their identities or financial accounts were at risk. After luring victims in with false promises of helping them “secure” these accounts, the co-conspirators convinced them to convert their money to gold or other currency. Posing as federal agents, the co-conspirators then set up meetings with the victims where they would hand over their money for apparent “safekeeping.” The indictment alleges that the conspiracy resulted in the fraudulent receipt or attempted receipt of more than $3 million from at least five victims. If convicted, Matthews, Mitchell-Meeks, and Khurana face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. U.S. Attorney VerHey said, “The allegations are that these defendants posed as federal agents to prey on our elders. Well, now they have had the chance to meet some real federal agents, and will get to see how the federal criminal justice system works. I look forward to proving to a jury the full extent of their criminal conduct so that we can get justice for the victims.” “HSI is committed to protecting vulnerable members of our community especially seniors from scammers posing as federal agents,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “We take these schemes seriously and will ensure that our seniors who have worked and saved all their lives don’t have the rug pulled out from under them.” Kent County Sheriff's Office Undersheriff Bryan Muir said, “These criminals deliberately targeted older adults by creating fear and impersonating trusted government officials. Law enforcement will never ask you to withdraw money, purchase gold, or turn over assets for ‘safekeeping', and we urge families to discuss these warning signs before a loved one is targeted. I am especially proud of our Sheriff’s Office team for turning a report into a proactive operation and working with Homeland Security Investigations to protect the victim and catch the suspects as the crime was unfolding.” Homeland Security Investigations Grand Rapids and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office are investigating this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Clint Westbrook is prosecuting it. The charges in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.


title: Lafayette Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Felon-in-Possession Firearm Offense

component: USAO - Louisiana, Western

body_text: LAFAYETTE – On July 29, 2026, United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr., sentenced Thaddaeus W. Paul, 33, of Lafayette, to 96 months in federal prison after his conviction for Felon in Possession of a Firearm. According to court documents, Lafayette Police Department (LPD) officers conducted a lawful traffic stop on January 23, 2025, on a vehicle in which Paul was a passenger. Officers located Paul in the backseat in possession of a satchel bag containing a loaded semiautomatic SCCY CPX‑2 9mm pistol, crack cocaine and marijuana. Paul admitted to knowingly possessing the firearm and ammunition after having been convicted of a prior felony offense punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement. The Lafayette Police Department investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey N. Stelly with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Stephanie Stewart and Tanya Broussard. This case was prosecuted as part of Operation Take Back America (TBA), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s agencies, and coordinates efforts with state and local law enforcement and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTF), ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities. Learn more about PSN at https://www.justice.gov/psn You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 6:25-cr-00328. ### CONTACT: Public Affairs USALAW-News@usdoj.gov United States Attorney’s Office www.justice.gov/usao-wdla Western District of Louisiana Twitter @USAO_WDLA


title: Former Employee of Lafayette Medical Clinics Sentenced for Embezzling More Than $500k

component: Department of Justice

body_text: LAFAYETTE – On July 31, 2026, Brooke Miller Duck (formerly “ Brooke Miller Tauzin ”), 31, a former resident of Arnaudville, was sentenced by United States District Judge Robert R. Summerhays to 22 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $539,451.41 in restitution. Duck previously pled guilty on March 16, 2026, to embezzling more than $500,000 from her medical clinic employer and using the stolen funds for personal expenses and luxury items that included expensive vacations, new cars, and fancy consumer products. “ Brooke Duck has now been held fully accountable for years of abusing her position and exploiting her employers’ trust,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “With this sentence, justice has been delivered not only for the clinics she stole from, but for all honest, hardworking small businesses across Louisiana. Our Office remains committed to protecting those businesses and prosecuting anyone who seeks to take advantage of them.” According to court documents, Duck was employed by two medical clinics with offices in Lafayette and Baton Rouge and had access to the clinics’ credit cards and bank accounts. Between May 2020 and October 2023, Duck used the clinics’ credit cards for unauthorized personal purchases, including a $15,000 payment for a time-share vacation property. She then used funds drawn from the clinics’ bank accounts to pay the credit card balances associated with those purchases. In total, Duck caused $539,451.41 in unauthorized credit card transactions for her personal use and financial gain. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Lafayette Police Department investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement. 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-00096. ### CONTACT: Public Affairs USALAW-News@usdoj.gov United States Attorney’s Office www.justice.gov/usao-wdla Western District of Louisiana Twitter @USAO_WDLA


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office for Western District of Kentucky Joining Law Enforcement, Community Leaders and Neighbors for National Night Out

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky is joining law enforcement partners, community leaders and neighbors at the Louisville Metro Police Department’s National Night Out events across Louisville to promote stronger, safer communities. The office will also host an information booth featuring crime prevention tips and safety resources for families at LMPD’s Eighth Division event at Warren Walker Park in the Douglass Hills neighborhood. United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Our prosecutors have devoted their careers to making our communities safer. National Night Out is an important event for members of our office to build camaraderie with people we serve and to have a lot of fun.” National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions of people take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country. Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe. National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization. For more information, visit https://natw.org/ . ###


title: Statement from United States Attorney Moore Capito on the Passing of Former U.S. Attorney Chuck Miller

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Moore Capito issued the following statement today regarding the passing of former U.S. Attorney Chuck Miller: “Chuck Miller dedicated his life to public service and left a lasting mark on both this office and the people of Kanawha County. We are grateful for his service and the example he set for those who followed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.” - United States Attorney Moore Capito A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. ###


title: Cabell County Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Johnathan Matthew Taylor, 31, of Barboursville, pleaded guilty today to failure to update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). According to court documents and statements made in court, from on or about January 17, 2026, through on or about February 17, 2026, Taylor failed to update his registration after changing his employment. Taylor is required to register as a sex offender following his conviction for traveling in interstate commerce in order to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on August 8, 2019. Taylor was serving a term of supervised release for that conviction at the time of his current offense. Law enforcement officers arrested Taylor on April 2, 2026, following his indictment on his current offense as part of Operation Spring Sweep, a nearly month-long warrant and fugitive sweep led by the U.S. Marshals Southern District of West Virginia Cops United Felony Fugitive Enforcement Division (CUFFED) Task Force that targeted noncompliant sex offenders, individuals wanted for sex crimes, and violent fugitives. Taylor is scheduled to be sentenced on November 16, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Marshals Service and the West Virginia State Police. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage is prosecuting the case. SORNA is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 and provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States. SORNA seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs, in part by requiring registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-34. ###


title: Inmate who ran gun trafficking organization from state prison sentenced in Homeland Security Task Force investigation

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 38-year-old resident of Rock Hill, South Carolina, has been ordered by a federal judge to prison for conspiring to “straw purchase” firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. A straw purchase of firearms involves the illegal purchase of a firearm for or on behalf of others—in this case, dangerous cartel members. Shawn Bisnauth pleaded guilty May 7. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Bisnauth to serve 300 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard that from 2022 through 2024, Bisnauth directed the straw purchasing operation from a South Carolina state prison using a contraband cell phone. In handing down the sentence, the court found Bisnauth responsible for placing firearms in the hands of cartel members in Mexico. The sentence imposed will run consecutively to the remainder of his state sentence. The investigation began in early 2023 when law enforcement identified Bisnauth as a major supplier of firearms to a drug trafficking organization responsible for importing meth, cocaine, and fentanyl from Mexican cartels for distribution throughout the United States. Bisnauth arranged for others in South Carolina to purchase at least eight firearms, including .50 caliber rifles and semiautomatic machine guns. He then directed the firearms to be transported to Texas and exchanged with the drug trafficking organization for narcotics, which individuals in South Carolina then distributed. He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Martin and Tyler Foster prosecuted the case. This investigation and prosecution was 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 U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes these organizations commit, 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 South Texas comprises agents and officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; FBI; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Department of Transportation; IRS Criminal Investigation; Interpol/Department of State, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas leading the prosecution.


title: Perry County man sentenced to 40 years in prison for sexually exploiting 4 minors

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Shannon “Michael” McTighe, 46, formerly of Thornville, Ohio, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 480 months in prison for sexually exploiting at least four minor victims. “McTighe committed horrific hands-on offenses against four young girls and amassed hundreds of thousands of videos and images of child sexual abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Putting this defendant in federal prison for the next 40 years protects these victims from further abuse and online exploitation.” According to court documents, McTighe possessed 300,000 images and videos of child pornography on his electronic devices. The content also included newly created material which depicted McTighe sexually abusing four minor victims to whom he had access. The abuse of one victim began when she was 7 years old. McTighe was arrested by FBI agents in Canton, Ohio, on June 12, 2025. At the time of his arrest, agents recovered numerous digital media devices and three pairs of female juvenile underwear in a safe in McTighe’s residence. His cell phone history included terms like underage, jailbait girls and extremely young. McTighe pleaded guilty in February 2026 to sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the sentence imposed by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood , a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 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. # # #


title: Illegal alien couple sentenced to 10 years in prison for cocaine, gun crimes

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two illegal aliens from Mexico were sentenced in federal court here to 10 years in prison for cocaine and gun crimes. Laura Reyes Esquivel, 49, and Mario Gamino Sanchez, 30, both of Lewis Center, possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possessed a firearm in furtherance of their drug trafficking crimes. Reyes Esquivel was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Sanchez was sentenced last week by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson. According to court documents, in June 2025, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop in which the couple were the sole occupants of the vehicle. Officers discovered more than two kilograms of cocaine and a loaded handgun inside the car. The couple planned to distribute the cocaine in the Columbus area for personal profit. Sanchez and Reyes Esquivel were both charged in June 2025. Sanchez pleaded guilty in December 2025 and Reyes Esquivel in April 2026. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit, announced the sentences imposed. Assistant United States Attorney Sheila G. Lafferty is representing the United States in this case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. # # #


title: Recidivist Westchester County Drug Trafficker Sentenced To 292 Months In Prison For Distributing Fentanyl That Killed A Man, Conspiring To Distribute Crack Cocaine, And Possessing Ammunition

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, announced today that PERRY FREEMAN was sentenced to 292 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas for distributing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a Westchester County resident, conspiring to distribute crack cocaine, and illegally possessing ammunition. On February 11, 2026, FREEMAN pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause. “Perry Freeman, a recidivist drug dealer, sold fentanyl to a victim who died shortly after taking the drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “This Office will not rest until the public is safe and that those who peddle this poison have been brought to justice, as Perry Freeman now has.” According to the charging documents and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings: On or about November 10, 2021, FREEMAN sold fentanyl to his victim, a 37-year-old man. Shortly thereafter, the police responded to a report of a burning car in a parking lot in the Town of Mohegan Lake, New York, approximately a three-minute drive from FREEMAN’s apartment building. They found a Ford Focus on fire; the victim was in the driver’s seat with his foot on the accelerator pedal. After the fire department put the fire out, the victim—who was dead—was pulled out. Investigators determined that the car had caught fire after overheating while the accelerator pedal was depressed for an excessive period of time while the car was in park, i.e. , while the victim was passed out in the driver’s seat with his foot on the pedal. The Westchester County Medical Examiner’s Office, which is part of the Westchester Department of Laboratories and Research, performed an autopsy on the victim. The victim had lethal levels of both fentanyl and norfentanyl (a metabolite of fentanyl) in his blood, and there was some darkening of the victim’s lungs, which indicated smoke inhalation before his death. The victim’s cause of death was certified as both acute fentanyl intoxication and accident. In addition, FREEMAN conspired to distribute crack cocaine over a period of years and possessed five shotgun shells in his apartment despite being prohibited from doing so due to multiple prior felony convictions, including convictions for narcotics offenses in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2022. * * * In addition to the prison sentence, FREEMAN, 40, of Mohegan Lake, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release. Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Yorktown Police Department for their assistance in the investigation. The case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Maimin and Ben Arad are in charge of the prosecution.