title: Estonian National Pleads Guilty to Exporting Electronics for the Benefit of Russian Military

body_text: BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Andrey Shevlyakov pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit export violations for his role in a procurement network which obtained sensitive electronics for the benefit of Russian military and government contractors. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Rachel P. Kovner. When sentenced, Shevlyakov faces a maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment. The defendant has agreed to forfeit approximately $1.5 million to the government. Shevlyakov was arrested by Estonian authorities in 2023 and was extradited to the United States in August 2025. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division; Jason M. Hudson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Houston; and Ramon Alvarado, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security – Office of Export Enforcement’s Dallas Field Office, announced the guilty plea. “For nearly a decade the defendant operated a foreign procurement network and supplied sophisticated U.S. technology to hostile Russian military actors, undermining U.S. national security and the security of our allies,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates that our Office will vigorously prosecute and hold to account those who aid Russian attempts to illegally procure U.S. technology, no matter who they are or where they reside.” Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Estonian Internal Security Service (KAPO) for their assistance in investigating the defendant’s conduct and securing his arrest and extradition. “Andrey Shevlyakov’s arrest was the result of a spinoff case from a much larger FBI investigation that goes back some 14 years,” stated FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Hudson, “Given the length, complexities and transnational borders involved, this case was extremely difficult, but at the end of the day our team endured and justice prevailed. Shevlyakov’s plea is the result of the FBI’s commitment to national security and relentlessness in preventing our foreign adversaries from illegally acquiring U.S. technologies for their weapons systems – technologies that can one day be used against our own service members.” According to court documents, Shevlyakov engaged in a years-long effort to evade U.S. export controls. The defendant was added to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security’s Entity list (Entity List), meaning he was prohibited from acquiring any items from the United States without the Department of Commerce’s permission. Using multiple shell companies, Shevlyakov deceived U.S. manufacturers and suppliers and acquired sensitive technology and electronics. He then shipped the items to end-users in Russia, including defense contractors and Russian government agencies. Shevlyakov was aware of his prohibited status but flouted U.S. export controls. In one instance, Shevlyakov placed an order with a U.S. company for sensitive electronic components, but the company refused to sell to the defendant and informed him he was on the Entity List. Shevlyakov then canceled his order, only to place it again days later using a different email address and under a false name. Shevlyakov’s scheme caused the illegal export of over $1 million worth of sensitive electronics from the United States. The items he obtained for his Russian customers included low-noise pre-scalers and synthesizers used to conduct high-frequency communications. He also obtained analogy-to-digital converters which are used in defense systems, including avionics, missiles, and electronic warfare systems. He communicated extensively with Russian defense contractors and telecommunications companies about the sensitive items he procured. Shevlyakov traveled extensively between Estonia and Russia to deliver the items he obtained. International border crossing records for the period 2010-2016 show that during that period, Shevlyakov crossed the Estonian border and into Russia over 100 times, many times on same-day trips. Records provided by the Finnish government show that the defendant was stopped by Finnish authorities while trying to smuggle electronics into Russia. Shevlyakov failed to provide a customs declaration, and Finnish border guards searched the defendant’s car and discovered approximately €70,000 worth of electronics hidden throughout the vehicle. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexander Mindlin and Gilbert Rein are in charge of the prosecution, along with Trial Attorney Maria Fedor of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Matthew Jennings, Rebecca Roth, and Emma Tavangari. The Defendant : ANDREY SHEVLYAKOV Age: Tallinn, Estonia E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-490 (RPK)


title: Ex-Marine Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison for Child Porn

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Alexander Douglas Kuhn, age 35, to 40 years in federal prison for Production and Possession of Child Pornography. On November 21, 2025, Kuhn pleaded guilty. “This disgusting pervert will no longer target the young and vulnerable. There is a special place for him in this world, it’s called prison,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “We will continue to hunt down and stomp out all these spiders.” In June 2023, Department of Homeland Security Investigators identified Kuhn on the social media apps of Gridr and Discord. Through online conversations with undercover agents, Kuhn claimed to abuse a 3-year-old child and offered the child up for future abuse. In addition, he asked to sexually abuse a fictional 12-year-old child that an undercover agent pretended to offer. On July 13, 2023, law enforcement officials obtained a federal search warrant for Kuhn’s residence and electronic devices. Six days later, HSI agents and Craven Couty Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Kuhn at his home in New Bern. Kuhn admitted to sexually abusing a 3-year-old child for over a year, taking photos and videos of the child, and sending those to others online. Investigators corroborated Kuhn’s admission, when they located numerous photos and videos of Kuhn sexually abusing the child, and criminal images of other children, on his electronic devices. “This case represents the dedication and resolve of Homeland Security Investigations and our partners to protect children and hold offenders fully accountable,” said Mark M. Zito, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Carolinas. “The actions uncovered were deeply disturbing, and our agents worked tirelessly to ensure the victims received justice and support. We thank NCIS, SBI, and the Craven County Sheriff’s Office for their collaboration throughout this investigation. HSI remains committed to pursuing those who exploit children and bringing them before the law.” This prosecution is a part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Department of Homeland Security Investigations and Craven County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. A copy of this press release is located on our website . Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-CR-00023-D.


title: Former Missouri Police Officer Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Assaulting Handcuffed Man

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A former Northwoods, Missouri police officer was sentenced Thursday to 10 years in prison for the assault of a handcuffed man in 2023. Jurors in April found Samuel Davis, 28, guilty of one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, one count of witness tampering by way of misleading conduct for making a misleading statement to a police dispatcher and one count of falsifying records in a federal investigation for turning off his body-worn camera. “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s crime,” said Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division. “Law enforcement officers are given immense public trust to discharge their vital duties. We will hold accountable those who violate that trust and abuse their authority.” “Civil rights crimes by police erode the public’s trust in law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Thomas C. Albus. “We will continue to hold law enforcement officers to high standards and protect the civil rights of all people.” "Samuel Davis flagrantly violated the law he swore to uphold. The victim complied with officers' commands and was already in handcuffs, yet Davis still chose to beat and tase him," said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. "Every law enforcement officer has a duty to enforce the law while safeguarding the constitutional rights and dignity of every person. Davis' actions betrayed that responsibility and undermined the public trust that officers work tirelessly to earn. That is why the FBI remains steadfast in investigating allegations of excessive force and holding those who abuse their authority accountable." Northwoods police were called to a Walgreens store on the evening of July 4, 2023, about C.G., a man accused of shoplifting and trespassing and someone known to Davis. Davis handcuffed C.G., who was compliant and cooperative, and then placed him in Davis’ police vehicle. Evidence and testimony at the trial showed that instead of taking him to jail, Davis turned off his body worn camera, drove C.G. to an empty field in a desolate area of Kinloch, pepper-sprayed him in the eyes, threw him to the ground and struck him repeatedly in the body and face with his metal baton, breaking his jaw and causing him extreme pain. When Davis spotted a passerby, he shocked the victim with a Taser and threatened to kill him if he returned to Northwoods. He then falsely told his dispatcher that C.G. was not present when he arrived at the Walgreens. When the passerby returned to the scene of the attack, she found C.G., bloodied and crying out for help. Davis beat C.G. because he wanted to scare him and ensure that he would not return to Northwoods, a sentencing memorandum filed by the U.S. Attorney’s office says. The victim was smaller and weaker than Davis, was left in an isolated area and had no cell phone or way to call for help after the beating. Davis “hurt him with almost every tool at his disposal,” then lied to a dispatcher, supervisors, investigators and the jury about the attack, Trial Attorney Taylor Payne of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section said in court Thursday. The FBI and the St. Louis County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Krug for the Eastern District of Missouri and Trial Attorney Taylor Payne of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced in Drug Conspiracy and Federal Gun Charges

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – DESHAWN JONES (“JONES”) , age 44, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on July 21, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute, and possess with the intent to distribute, controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 846, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. United States District Judge Susie Morgan sentenced JONES to 200 months imprisonment, followed by 8 years of supervised release, and payment of a $300 mandatory special assessment fee. According to court documents, beginning at a time unknown, but prior to December 27, 2021, and continuing to on or about November 25, 2024, JONES conspired with others to distribute fentanyl, crack, and cocaine in the Eastern District of Louisiana. On November 25, 2024, JONES possessed with the intent to distribute 40grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl, 28 grams or more of a mixture containing crack, cocaine, and 2 guns, including a Smith and Wesson, Model 67, .38 special caliber revolver, and a DPMS Panther Arms, Model A-15, .223 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities. U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit is in charge of the prosecution. * * *


title: Laurel County Man Sentenced to 28 Years for Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lily, Ky., man, Daniel Hoskins, 56, was sentenced on Thursday to 28 years by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell for two counts of production of child pornography. According to Hoskins’ plea agreement, on June 2 and June 3, 2025, Hoskins produced child pornography with a minor victim while he was incarcerated in the Madison County Detention Center. He instructed the minor to produce child pornography using the detention center’s video jail call system. Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Office; jointly announced the sentencing. The investigation was conducted by FBI, KSP, and Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Blankenship prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Jury Convicts Walnut Ridge Man of Multiple Charges in Methamphetamine Conspiracy

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: JONESBORO—A federal jury has convicted Bobby Scott Glenn of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. The trial, which spanned one day, ended on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, with guilty verdicts for Glenn, 40, of Walnut Ridge. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the verdict. Glenn and his co-defendant, Harry Keith Lane, 71, of Corning, were indicted by a federal grand jury on May 9, 2024, in a three-count Indictment charging Glenn and Lane with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Glenn and Lane were also charged with one count each for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. On June 24, 2026, Lane pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and is currently awaiting sentencing. In January 2024, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) began an investigation into Alex Dillard, a large-scale methamphetamine distributor in the northeast Arkansas area. Dillard, 43, of Jonesboro, was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 6, 2024, in a three-count Indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. Dillard is currently awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty on January 21, 2026, in the separate Indictment to one count of distribution of methamphetamine. The evidence at trial proved that during the late evening on January 17, 2024, Dillard distributed methamphetamine to Glenn, who is on parole with a search waiver on file. On January 18, 2024, investigators located Glenn at his residence in Hoxie and in the home were two minors who were asleep and a man who stated his name was “Keith Mangrum.” Investigators advised Glenn the reason for their visit and instructed the man who stated his name was “Mangrum,” but he was later identified as Lane, to leave the premises. While departing the residence, investigators noticed Lane walking and behaving nervously and concerned that Lane may be in possession of a weapon, investigators searched his person and during the search, Lane removed a methamphetamine pipe from his jacket pocket. Investigators also located in Lane’s jacket sleeve a large bag of methamphetamine and $2,146 in U.S. currency. When questioned by investigators, Lane stated he purchased the methamphetamine from Glenn. At trial, evidence proved that investigators located $3,100 in U.S. currency on top of Glenn’s dresser and after being Mirandized , Glenn admitted that Dillard provided the methamphetamine that was located in Lane’s jacket the day before and that he (Glenn) sold it to Lane for $3,100 just before investigators arrived at his residence. The methamphetamine was confirmed by the HIS laboratory to be 382.06 grams with 70% purity, rendering the remaining substance to contain 269.74 grams of methamphetamine (actual). Glenn was detained following the jury’s verdict and will be sentenced at a later date. Glenn and Lane’s conspiracy charges carry a minimum sentence of 10 years, with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and a minimum of five years’ supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin O’Leary and Amanda Fields. # # # This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available on-line at http://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Wholesale PCP Supplier Sentenced to 120 Months for Violent D.C. Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

body_text: WASHINGTON – Darryl Dacota Riley, Jr., 40, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 120 months in prison in connection with his role as a wholesale PCP supplier in a large-scale narcotics trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “Riley wasn’t just selling drugs in the summer of 2024, he was pumping lethal substances into a neighborhood already reeling from violence and daily fear,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “His operation sat at the center of a zone where families were living through murders, armed assaults, robberies, and break‑ins within steps of his stash house. This sentence delivers accountability for the violence his trafficking fueled, the fentanyl and PCP he chose to sell, and the firearms he kept ready to defend his profit. To every parent and resident of D.C.: we have your back. Drug traffickers will be caught, charged, and face federal prison time.” Riley, also known as "Slice," pleaded guilty on Feb. 12, 2026, before Judge Timothy J. Kelly to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of phencyclidine (PCP), 500 grams or more of cocaine, and 40 grams or more of fentanyl; and to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In addition to the 120-month prison term, Judge Kelly ordered Riley to serve five years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 121-month prison term, followed by five years of supervised release. According to court documents, in the summer of 2024, FBI agents initiated a long-term investigation of a drug trafficking conspiracy centered around the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE. Law enforcement had identified an alleged fentanyl and PCP trafficker in the 2900 block of Knox Place. Over the course of their investigation into the trafficker’s narcotics suppliers, investigating agents determined that Riley was conspiring with members of the drug trafficking operation in the redistribution of cocaine, PCP, fentanyl, among other narcotics. During the conspiracy, five homicides, seventeen assaults with dangerous weapons, five robberies and eight burglaries occurred within 1,000 feet of the conspiracy's primary stash location on Knox Place SE, court papers state. According to court papers, from July 2024 through his arrest in August 2025, Riley served as a wholesale supplier of PCP to a co-defendant who redistributed narcotics from the 2900 block of Knox Place SE. Riley repeatedly supplied bulk quantities of liquid PCP for redistribution, at times traveling to Knox Place to personally deliver the drugs, which he referred to in intercepted calls as the “Deer Park.” On August 26, 2025, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Riley’s residence in the 1900 block of Naylor Road, SE. Over the course of the search, law enforcement recovered more than 930 grams of cocaine and nearly 120 grams of fentanyl, amongst other narcotics, more than $20,000 in cash, and three loaded firearms, including a privately made rifle. Riley has a previous 2012 conviction for attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The investigation was conducted by the FBI Washington Field Office, with valuable assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration – Washington Field Office, and the Metropolitan Police Department. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey and John Crabb of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section. 25cr241


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced After Driving Stolen Truck with Loaded Firearm

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

body_text: WASHINGTON — Christian Malik White, 26, a previously convicted felon residing in Maryland, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 40 months in prison, to be followed by 10 months home confinement, in connection with possessing a loaded firearm and ammunition discovered after he was found in possession of a stolen pickup truck in the District of Columbia, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. White pleaded guilty on Dec. 2, 2025, before Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. In addition to the 40-month prison term, Judge Sooknanan ordered White to serve three years of supervised release, with the first 10 of those months being in home detention. Federal prosecutors had requested a minimum sentence of 57 months in prison. According to court papers, at about 3:15 a.m. on Aug. 29, 2025, Metropolitan Police Department officers on patrol saw a pickup truck with no front or rear license plate parked in the 1800 block of 9th Street NW. White was leaning against the passenger side of the pickup. When officers asked him about the vehicle, White lied about whether he had driven it and whether he had a key to it. Officers determined the truck had been reported stolen out of Maryland and arrested White, finding a key to the truck in his pocket. Inside the pickup, officers found a loaded Glock 19 with a laser sight and a 15-round magazine, along with a second extended magazine loaded with 24 rounds of ammunition, for a total of 39 rounds. The firearm had been reported lost by a District resident in February 2025. White was on probation for a Maryland cocaine distribution conviction at the time of this offense and faces additional probation revocation proceedings in Maryland. This conviction is his fourth felony conviction and third involving a firearm. His prior convictions include serving as a straw purchaser for firearms in 2019, distributing cocaine in 2018, eluding law enforcement and reckless driving in June 2020, and possessing a handgun with a laser attachment in September 2020. The Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington Field Office investigated the case. This case was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tejpal Chawla. Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties, and seek detention for federal firearms violators. Inside the pickup truck was White's Glock 19 Gen4 9mm pistol with laser attachment and a magazine containing 15 rounds. 25cr350 Follow us on X , Instagram , and YouTube Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc


title: Californian Pleads in D.C. to Multi-State PCP Trafficking Conspiracy, Firearm Charge Tied to Interstate Shipments

body_text: WASHINGTON – Michael Anderson Thomas, 50, of Chino, California, pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia in connection with his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that reached across the United States and sold PCP, cocaine, and fentanyl in the 2900 block of Knox Place in Southeast Washington D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Thomas pleaded guilty on July 22, 2026, before Judge Timothy J. Kelly to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of phencyclidine (PCP) and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking conspiracy. Thomas is a convicted felon, with prior federal felony convictions in the Northern District of Alabama and the District of Oregon for controlled substance offenses. Thomas faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison for the drug conspiracy charge and a consecutive mandatory minimum of five years for the firearm charge, for a combined mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison. Judge Kelly scheduled sentencing for Nov. 19, 2026. According to court documents, in the summer of 2024, FBI agents initiated a long-term investigation of a drug trafficking conspiracy centered around the 2900 block of Knox Place, SE. Law enforcement had identified an alleged fentanyl and PCP trafficker in the 2900 block of Knox Place. As the investigation progressed, law enforcement was able to identify sources of supply for both narcotics, including California-based co-conspirators like Thomas. During the conspiracy, five homicides, seventeen assaults with dangerous weapons, five robberies and eight burglaries occurred within 1,000 feet of the conspiracy's primary stash location on Knox Place SE, court papers state. According to court documents, from at least July 2024 through his arrest in August 2025, Thomas conspired with others to distribute PCP in and around the District of Columbia from his operating base in Los Angeles. Thomas's role was to arrange bulk PCP shipments to co-defendant Thomas Wilton Hancock, Jr., for redistribution within the greater Washington, D.C.-Baltimore Metro Area. Beginning in late 2024, Hancock brokered the purchase of 17 gallons of PCP from Thomas, to be delivered to Hancock in March 2025. Payments, transmitted through peer-to-peer platforms, cashier’s check, and cash, were routed to “Never To Late Transportation, LLC,” a shell company Thomas had incorporated with co-defendant Darrell Lamont Smith in Los Angeles, California. From August 2024 to March 2025, Thomas was paid about $170,000 through the company, reflecting a price of $10,000 per gallon. In late-March 2025, Darrell Smith drove a pickup truck carrying 17 gallons of PCP from Los Angeles to Baltimore while Thomas flew to the region to meet the purchaser. On March 26, 2025, Kansas state police stopped the pickup truck, arrested Darrell Smith, and seized the PCP from a lockbox in the truck bed. On Aug. 26, 2025, FBI agents, in coordination with partner law enforcement agencies, conducted a coordinated search and arrest operation at locations in the District of Columbia, Baltimore, and Los Angeles. A search of Thomas's residence in Chino, California, turned up chemical production materials, including chemical precursors for PCP production, in a backyard shed. From Thomas’s home, law enforcement also recovered two firearms, ammunition, about $26,000 in cash, a money counter, and a can sealer. Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the Washington Field Office. The investigation was conducted by the FBI Washington Field Office, with valuable assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Washington Division Office, and the Metropolitan Police Department. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey and John Crabb of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. 25cr241


title: Two Chinese Nationals Plead Guilty to Trafficking Turtles to Hong Kong

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: Kin Keung Ho, of Staten Island, New York, pleaded guilty today for his role in trafficking turtles to Asia. Lihua Owen Ma, also of Staten Island, pleaded guilty to a similar charge on July 1. According to documents filed in court, Ho and Ma were separately charged with exporting multiple species of U.S. native turtles, including eastern box turtles, western box turtles, three-toed box turtles, spotted turtles, and diamondback terrapins. The defendants each pleaded guilty to a Lacey Act felony and admitted they created false labels for the packages without having any of the required permits or declarations. Ho admitted he shipped numerous packages between June 1, 2024, and Nov. 13, 2025. During the plea hearing, the government proffered that Ho shipped approximately 99 packages containing 578 turtles. Ho falsely labeled the contents as containing crystals or stones. Ma acknowledged illegally exporting between May 25, 2021, and May 5, 2023. Stock photo of spotted turtle. Credit: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. These turtles species are prized in the international pet trade, particularly in China. All of the turtles are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to which 185 governments, including the United States and China, are parties. CITES regulates trade in wildlife, fish, and plant species that are or may become threatened with extinction. Stock photo of western box turtle. Credit: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The Lacey Act is the nation’s oldest wildlife trafficking law. It prohibits, among other things, creating false labels for wildlife shipped in international or interstate commerce. The maximum penalty is five years in prison and $250,000 fine, or twice the economic gain or loss. The court will schedule sentencing hearings at a later date. Stock photo of diamondback terrapin. Credit: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and Assistant Director Doug Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement made the announcement. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement in Valley Stream, New York, investigated these cases with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Senior Trial Attorney Ryan Connors and Trial Attorney Rachel Roberts of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section are prosecuting the cases.


title: Oklahoma Businessman Waives $120M Bankruptcy Discharge After USTP Investigation Reveals Undisclosed Assets

component: U.S. Trustee Program

body_text: An Oklahoma businessman waived his bankruptcy discharge of more than $120 million after an investigation by the Department of Justice’s U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) found that he concealed income and financial accounts in his bankruptcy case. On July 1, the Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Oklahoma approved Michael Ray Friday’s voluntary waiver. As a result, Friday remains liable for his debts, and creditors are free to pursue payment from him after the case is closed. “Dishonest debtors undermine the integrity of the bankruptcy system,” said U.S. Trustee Ilene Lashinsky of Region 20, which includes the Western District of Oklahoma. “The debtor in this case misrepresented his financial position and sought to exploit our nation’s bankruptcy laws for selfish gain. The USTP will continue to hold accountable those who attempt to abuse the system.” Friday filed a chapter 7 liquidation case in August 2024, about nine months after a company that had bought his power line construction business obtained a more than $58 million judgment against him. An investigation by the USTP’s Oklahoma City office found evidence of multiple omissions and misrepresentations in Friday’s bankruptcy documents and testimony. Among other things, Friday failed to disclose several financial accounts and about $400,000 in income. Despite Friday’s claims that he was unemployed, his bank accounts showed multiple large cash deposits and withdrawals that he could not explain. He also failed to disclose several expenses, including monthly payments toward his son’s home loan. The USTP also alleged that before he filed for bankruptcy, Friday orchestrated a quick divorce to transfer real estate to his ex-wife and shield it from his creditors. Friday agreed to voluntarily waive his bankruptcy discharge shortly before a trial was scheduled to begin on the USTP’s complaint to deny him a discharge. The USTP’s mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public. The USTP consists of 21 regions with 82 field offices nationwide and an Executive Office in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the USTP at www.justice.gov/ust .


title: Nevada Tax Preparers Indicted for Conspiracy to Defraud the United States and Preparing False Tax Returns for Clients

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging three Las Vegas tax return preparers with conspiracy to defraud the United States and willfully preparing false tax returns for clients. According to the indictment, Jadee Glover owned and operated CashBack Tax Service, a Las Vegas tax preparation business, where Julia Brainerd and Shamoya Perkins worked as tax return preparers. The three allegedly conspired to prepare and file fraudulent income tax returns for clients that in some instances reported completely fictitious businesses and in other instances reported fictitious receipts and expenses for businesses the clients actually owned. Glover, Brainerd, and Perkins allegedly agreed to include false tax credits on client returns based on false assertions that the clients had missed substantial amounts of work at their purported businesses because they had contracted COVID-19 or were providing care to others that had contracted COVID-19. Based on these false claims, the tax returns allegedly generated large tax refunds that clients were not entitled to receive, a portion of which was directed to CashBack Tax Service as tax preparation fees. According to the indictment, Glover, Brainerd and Perkins each willfully prepared and filed a number of false tax returns for clients in this manner. In addition to their work for CashBack Tax Service, Brainerd allegedly prepared false returns for clients of Royalty Tax Services, a Las Vegas tax preparation business she separately owned and operated, and Perkins allegedly prepared false returns for clients of Jewels Tax Services, a Las Vegas tax preparation business she separately owned and operated. If convicted, Glover, Brainerd, and Perkins face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for conspiracy and three years in prison for each count of willfully aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns for clients. They also face a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court 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 First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Regina Jeon and Megan E. Wessel of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 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 Resumes Targeted HSR Merger Review Process

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division announced today that it has returned to implementing targeted Second Request investigations to expedite merger review. The Division is also publishing a model timing agreement in connection with this release. “This Department of Justice is working to eliminate bureaucratic burdens while still preserving the integrity of Second Request investigations, which are aimed at protecting American consumers and affordability,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. “A more targeted process strengthens the Department’s ability to appropriately enforce antitrust laws through focusing its review. This change will allow for quicker and more efficient review of proposed transactions; more effective use of taxpayer resources; and above all, helps the Department do its job to safeguard a competitive marketplace while keeping America open for business.” Under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act, mergers or acquisitions above certain numerical thresholds must notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Antitrust Division prior to consummating a reportable transaction. The FTC or the Division may require the merging parties to submit additional information and documents relevant to the proposed transaction. This is generally referred to as a “Second Request.” Historically, the Division implemented targeted Second Request investigations to reduce administrative burden and focus government resources on the specific aspects of proposed transactions that raise competitive concerns. Under a targeted Second Request investigation, the Division and the merging parties enter into a timing agreement that prioritizes the submission of certain information and documents called for by the Second Request that could resolve the Division’s questions prior to full compliance. In exchange, the Division benefits from receiving information and documents on an efficient schedule with greater certainty on the timing of key milestones to facilitate review. After reviewing this priority information and carefully analyzing potential competitive concerns, the Division may close its investigation, modify the Second Request, or require full compliance with the Second Request. This return to historical practice is part of the Division’s commitment to reducing the burden and costs on merging parties without compromising the Division’s ability to thoroughly investigate transactions that raise potential competitive concerns. Through these efforts, the Division is committed to promoting competition and protecting American consumers without imposing undue costs on the workings of the free market. The Division remains open to good faith negotiations regarding modifications to Second Requests in all cases. The Division will continue to require full compliance in circumstances in which broader information is necessary to reach an enforcement decision.


title: Justice Department Files Complaint Challenging Milwaukee Mask Ban and Identification Requirements for Federal Officers

component: Civil Division

body_text: Today, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the City of Milwaukee, Mayor Cavalier Johnson, City Attorney Evan Goyke, and Chief of Police Jeffrey Norman, challenging their unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal law enforcement officers by prohibiting federal officers from wearing masks and requiring they wear individual identifiers in Milwaukee, Wis., Code of Ordinances§ 105-140. Not only is the law an illegal attempt to regulate the federal government, but, as alleged in the complaint, the law threatens the safety of federal officers who have faced an unprecedent wave of harassment, doxing, and even violence. Threatening officers with prosecution for simply protecting their identities and their families also chills the enforcement of federal law and compromises sensitive law enforcement operations. “State and local leaders cannot tell Federal officers how to do their job,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward, Jr. “And they certainly cannot prohibit them from ensuring their own safety in safeguarding our communities and enforcing federal law. We will never tolerate the doxxing or harassment of federal officers, or any law like Milwaukee’s that enables violent behavior against law enforcement officers and their families.” “Milwaukee’s direct regulation of federal law enforcement operations threatens severe consequences for officers and public safety alike,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Federal Government, not the city, gets to decide which equipment federal agents may or may not wear when performing their official duties.” “Not only is this ordinance an affront to the Constitution, but it jeopardizes the safety of our courageous sworn law enforcement officers,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. “Further, it puts local and federal law enforcement officers at odds with each other when they should be working together on the common goals to enforce the rule of law and keep our communities safe.” Acting Attorney General Blanche has instructed the Department’s Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies, and practices that facilitate violations of federal laws or impede lawful federal operations. Today’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of lawsuits brought by the Civil Division targeting illegal policies designed to thwart federal law enforcement across the country, including in New York, Virginia, Connecticut, New Jersey, California, and Philadelphia. The United States has secured preliminary relief from each court to have ruled on its claims so far.


title: Extradited Canadian American Woman Pleads Guilty for Role as Organizer of Deadly Alien Smuggling Conspiracy

body_text: A dual Canadian American citizen who was extradited from Canada pleaded guilty today for her role in a human smuggling conspiracy that resulted in the deaths of a family, including two children under the age of three, in the St. Lawrence River. “Aliens attempting to enter the United States illegally across the U.S.-Canada border are exposed to a range of dangers at the hands of human smugglers trying to capitalize on the misfortunes and misplaced hopes of others,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Here, in the face of known dangers, the defendant directed her co-conspirators to smuggle a family with young children across the St. Lawrence River on a cold, windy night with limited visibility. The dangers materialized into a preventable and tragic loss of life.” “Alien smuggling preys on vulnerable migrants and undermines the integrity of our nation’s laws,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York. “Since taking office, my team and I have aggressively pursued dozens of defendants for immigration‑related offenses along the northern border. This defendant and their co-conspirators showed a blatant disregard for human life, our laws, and the safety of our communities. We remain unwavering in our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to protect and secure our northern border.” “Human smuggling organizations show a reckless disregard for the safety and well-being of those they transport, often resulting in devastating consequences,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo. “After this smuggling attempt resulted in the death of a family, HSI Massena and our partners conducted a thorough investigation, tracking the conspirators, recovering evidence, and securing extraditions. Protecting vulnerable individuals and dismantling transnational criminal organizations are central to HSI’s mission, and we remain committed to preventing tragedies like this and bringing those responsible to justice.” According to court documents, Stephanie Square, 53, from the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Territory in Canada, was the U.S.-based leader of an alien smuggling organization (ASO), that regularly smuggled aliens across the U.S.-Canada border via the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Reservation. During the week of March 27, 2023, a prolific Canadian smuggler contacted Square to smuggle a Romanian family of four across the St. Lawrence River into the United States. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Square recruited multiple co-conspirators to assist with the smuggling of the family, though one refused to assist due to the high winds on the St. Lawrence River that night. Undeterred by the dangerous weather conditions, Square enlisted one of her regular drivers, Dakota Montour, to transport the family via automobile to Timothy Oakes’ residence on Cornwall Island, a notorious staging area for cross-border smuggling operations. Despite Square’s knowledge of the weather conditions on the St. Lawrence River at that time — including high winds, freezing temperatures, and limited visibility — the defendant insisted the aliens be transported so that she would be paid. The family of four arrived at the Oakes’ residence on March 29, 2023, at approximately 3:35AM, and stayed there until evening. On March 29, 2023, at approximately 9:29PM, Timothy Oakes’ vehicle with a light blue boat in tow, is recorded traveling eastbound away from the Oakes’ residence towards a public boat launch on the tip of Cornwall Island where a different boat pilot, Casey Oakes, picked them up and attempted to take the family across the St. Lawrence River. While in transit, the boat capsized due to severe weather. As a result, the Romanian family and Casy Oakes died. Between March 30 and 31, 2023, AMPS conducted a riverine search and recovered the bodies of the Romanian family of four, including two small children. AMPS also recovered Oakes’ light blue boat. The body of the boat captain, Casey Oakes, was found eight months later. Square pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit alien smuggling, four counts of alien smuggling for financial gain and four counts of alien smuggling resulting in death. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 25. She faces a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Co-conspirators Dakota Montour, 32, and Kawisiiostha Celecia Sharrow, 45, both of the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian reserve, New York, Janet Terrance, 46, of Hogansburg, New York, and Timothy Oakes, 35, from the Akwesasne Mohwak Indian reserve, entered guilty pleas on Jan. 23, 2025, Oct. 8, 2024, March 6, 2025, and May 11, 2026, respectively. Square and co-conspirator Rahsontanohstha Delormier, also known as Storm, 31, of the Akwesasne Mohawk Indian Territory in Canada, were extradited to the United States from Canada in 2025 at the request of the United States. Delormier pleaded guilty on June 26. HSI Massena engaged in an extensive years-long investigation of the case, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, New York State Police, Canada Border Services Agency, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department, Ontario Provincial Police, Sûreté du Québec, St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Cornwall Police Service. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Delormier and Square. The investigation and indictment were supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including HSI and CBP USBP and Office of Field Operations, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 465 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 424 U.S. convictions; and more than 368 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets. Trial Attorneys Lindsey Roberson and Alexandra Skinnion of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case.


title: The Department of Justice Sues Colorado for Providing In-State Tuition to Illegal Aliens

body_text: Today, the Department of Justice sued Colorado for placing illegal aliens over American citizens in clear defiance of Congress’s commands, challenging its state laws that provide in-state tuition and financial aid to illegal aliens. The Department’s complaint alleges that Colorado’s in-state tuition laws unconstitutionally discriminate against U.S. citizens who are not afforded the same reduced tuition rates or scholarships, create incentives for illegal immigration, and reward illegal aliens for breaking our Nation’s laws with benefits that U.S. citizens are not eligible for, all in direct conflict with federal law. “For three decades Congress has made clear that states cannot provide education benefits to illegal aliens unless those same benefits are available to all American citizens,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward, Jr. “By granting illegal aliens in-state tuition, Colorado is violating federal law and subsidizing education for illegal aliens at the taxpayers’ expense. This Department will not cease until President Trump’s promise is fulfilled: illegal aliens will not receive benefits denied to our Nation’s own citizens.” “This is a simple matter of federal law: colleges cannot provide benefits to illegal aliens that they do not provide to U.S. citizens,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This Department of Justice will not tolerate American students being treated like second-class citizens in their own country.” In the complaint , the United States seeks to enjoin enforcement of Colorado statutes that require colleges and universities to provide in-state tuition rates for all aliens who maintain in-state residency, regardless of whether those aliens are lawfully present in the United States. Additionally, the complaint seeks to enjoin Colorado from enforcing those laws to afford financial assistance and scholarships to illegal aliens. Today marks the Department’s 14th lawsuit challenging in-state tuition for illegal aliens. The Department’s efforts have already delivered wins for the American people, as four similar lawsuits in Texas , Kentucky , Oklahoma , and Nebraska have resulted favorable orders permanently enjoining and declaring unconstitutional analogous laws that gave reduced tuition to illegal aliens, including an order from the Fifth Circuit . Lawsuits against other states that similarly put illegal aliens ahead of U.S. citizens are pending across the country in Illinois , Minnesota , Virginia , California , New Jersey , Kansas , Massachusetts , Rhode Island , and Maryland .


title: Dallas Laboratory, Owners, and Investors Pay $24M to Resolve COVID-19 Testing Fraud Allegations

body_text: Magnolia Diagnostics, a clinical laboratory based in Dallas, Texas, and its owners, John Bains and Kelly Bains, have agreed to pay the United States $19.2 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicare for medically unnecessary respiratory pathogen panel testing performed on seniors receiving COVID-19 tests. Magnolia investors will pay an additional $4.8 million to resolve common law claims for unjust enrichment and payment by mistake and claims under the Federal Debt Collection Procedures Act, arising from distributions they received from Magnolia. “The Justice Department is committed to protecting taxpayer-funded programs and holding accountable those who exploit them,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will pursue not only companies that submit false claims and the owners who direct the misconduct, but also investors who receive and retain its financial benefits — especially when vulnerable Americans are exploited for profit.” “My office is committed to tackling healthcare fraud through the use of all available tools, both through criminal prosecutions and, as here, civil investigations. Too many of our healthcare dollars are lost to fraud, waste, and abuse, but civil settlements like this one help recover valuable healthcare dollars for the American taxpayer,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas. “Thank you to my attorneys in partnership with Main Justice in focusing our efforts to recover healthcare dollars. We will continue to use all available tools in this important fight.” “Protecting seniors and safeguarding Medicare are core to our mission,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “As alleged, Magnolia Diagnostics showed reckless disregard for medical necessity, beneficiary well-being, and the law — all to boost its profits during a national public health emergency. Today’s resolution reflects our determination to uncover this kind of misconduct and hold accountable those who put greed above patient care.” The United States alleges that, beginning in April 2020, John Bains and Kelly Bains, acting through Magnolia, devised a strategy to generate significant revenue by requiring senior living communities seeking COVID-19 testing to also obtain expensive respiratory pathogen panels (RPPs). To implement this protocol, Magnolia used prepopulated requisition forms that selected RPP testing and associated diagnosis codes before any individualized clinical assessment occurred. Magnolia allegedly treated provider signatures on those forms as blanket or standing orders authorizing RPPs for all seniors across entire communities or chains of communities, and then used those purported authorizations to perform RPPs on specimens collected during community-wide COVID-19 testing. The United States further alleges that Magnolia performed RPPs for some communities without a purported standing order, and continued performing RPPs after providers and communities demanded COVID-19-only testing, questioned the panel’s medical necessity or clinical value, or stated that they had not authorized RPPs. At times, John Bains allegedly threatened to withhold COVID-19 testing from communities that asked not to receive RPPs. In at least two instances, John Bains allegedly altered a provider-signed requisition form to expand the apparent scope of the provider’s authorization beyond the facility identified on the original form, and then used those altered forms as standing orders to support RPP testing for residents across multiple facilities not covered by the original form. Magnolia also allegedly froze and stored thousands of respiratory specimens, sometimes for weeks or months, before thawing and testing them. Magnolia thereby generated RPP results after they could no longer inform timely treatment, isolation, or infection-control decisions. The United States alleges that, between April 1, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021, Magnolia, John Bains, and Kelly Bains knowingly submitted, or caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare for thousands of RPPs that lacked medical necessity. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the FCA. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at www.oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/ or 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). This year, the Trump Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s False Claims Act enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. False Claims Act matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s False Claims work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The matter was handled by Associate Deputy Attorney General Paul Perkins, Fraud Section Trial Attorney Asha Natarajan, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Stoltz for the Northern District of Texas. The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. Note : Read the Settlement with Magnolia Diagnostics, John Bains, and Kelly Bains here . Read the Settlement with Magnolia Diagnostics Investors here .


title: California Man Indicted in Maine for Sex Trafficking and Related Offenses

body_text: A federal grand jury in the District of Maine returned a six-count indictment today charging Shawn Bonneau, 40, of Fullerton, California, with sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and wire fraud. According to court documents, from January 2016 through December 2023, Bonneau compelled three adult women to perform commercial sex acts in Maine, and elsewhere, for his financial benefit. He also used the electronic mail systems to fraudulently obtain funds from another individual at the same time he was engaging in his sex trafficking scheme. If convicted, Bonneau faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, with a maximum penalty of life in prison, as well as a maximum penalty of lifetime supervised release. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Benson for the District of Maine made the announcement. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England Field Office is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Elizabeth Hutson of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Yereniuk for the District of Maine are prosecuting the case. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org . Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Additional West Virginia Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy Against Inmates’ Rights

body_text: A former corrections officer at the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver, West Virginia, pleaded guilty for his role in a conspiracy in which he and other correctional officers used unreasonable force against inmates, including pretrial detainees, as a form of punishment and retaliation. Nathaniel Pack, 29, pleaded guilty to one count of violating 18 U.S.C. § 241. According to his plea agreement and during the plea hearing, Pack admitted that, beginning in about April 2020, and continuing through on or about March 1, 2022, he and other officers conspired to use unreasonable and unjustified force against inmates they believed or perceived to have engaged in misconduct. As part of this conspiracy, Pack and his co-conspirators would bring the inmates to “blind spots” in the jail – areas that were not captured on surveillance cameras – so that they could assault the inmates without being recorded and thus avoid being held accountable for their actions. Pack admitted that, during the conspiracy, he and others used unreasonable and unjustified force against inmates in “blind spots” on at least seven different occasions. Among those occasions, in November 2020, he and other co-conspirators responded to an incident in which pretrial detainee J.D.H. had been kicking his cell door. After an initial use of force incident in the cell, the defendant and others handcuffed J.D.H. and brought him to an interview room that was a known “blind spot,” where the defendant and others struck and punched J.D.H. about his body while he was handcuffed and not a threat, causing him to suffer bodily injury. In a July 2021 incident, the defendant and co-conspirators handcuffed pretrial detainee D.W.M., who had not been following officers’ verbal commands. The defendant and others brought D.W.M. to a “blind spot” interview room, where they struck him about the face and body while D.W.M. was handcuffed and not a threat, to unlawfully punish him for not following officers’ commands. As a result of these actions, D.W.M. suffered lacerations and bleeding about his head. In January 2022, the defendant brought pretrial detainee H.B. to the “blind spot” interview room, where the defendant struck H.B. in the face to punish H.B. for calling another officer a slur. The defendant and a co-conspirator then brought H.B. to a cell that he knew to be another “blind spot,” where the defendant punched H.B. repeatedly about the face and body while he was handcuffed and not a threat, causing H.B. to suffer injuries to his face. In addition, Pack admitted that on or about March 1, 2022, he responded to a call for officer assistance after pretrial detainee Q.B. attempted to push past an officer and leave his assigned pod. The defendant and co-conspirators restrained Q.B., handcuffed him, and escorted Q.B. to the “blind spot” interview room. While the co-conspirators brought Q.B. into the interview room, the defendant went into the medical unit, where he told staff to wait a few minutes before going to the interview room to evaluate Q.B. The defendant told the staff to wait because the defendant wanted to give the co-conspirators time to use unreasonable force against Q.B. inside the interview room. In addition, Pack admitted that, as part of the conspiracy, he and his co-conspirators prepared false reports in which they denied using unreasonable force and failed to document injuries that inmates sustained during use of force incidents, so that the conspirators would not be investigated or held accountable for their actions. Pack pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn. He will be sentenced on Dec. 4. According to his plea agreement, Pack faces a maximum Penalty of ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Deputy Chief Christine M. Siscaretti of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.


title: Acting Attorney General Blanche Issues Updated Guidance to Strengthen Federal Religious Liberty Protections

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Today, the Department of Justice announced the release of updated guidance on federal protections for religious liberty, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to safeguarding the constitutional rights of religious individuals and organizations. The updated memorandum revises and expands upon the department’s 2017 Religious Liberty Guidelines in the light of significant U.S. Supreme Court decisions issued over the past nine years. “Religious liberty is one of our Nation’s founding principles and a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “It is essential that federal agencies fully respect and protect the ability of all Americans to live out their faith in daily life, including in their interactions with the federal government.” The updated guidance directs all executive departments and agencies to ensure that federal programs, employment practices, contracting, rulemaking, and enforcement actions comply with the Constitution, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) of 1993, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal laws. It emphasizes that religious exercise includes not only belief and worship but also religious conduct in daily life, and that such conduct must be reasonably accommodated whenever practicable and permitted by law. Key updates in the guidance include: Integration of recent Supreme Court precedent. The memo reflects recent judicial decisions clarifying the scope of the First Amendment, RFRA’s broad protection of religious liberty, and the requirement of equal treatment toward religious organizations in government programs. Protection of parental rights. The updated guidance emphasizes the Supreme Court’s recent precedents confirming that the Constitution protects parents’ ability to direct the religious upbringing of their children. Reaffirmation of church autonomy. he guidance highlights constitutional protections that bar government interference in internal religious governance, including employment. Expanded direction for federal agencies. Agencies are instructed to proactively consider religious‑liberty impacts when developing rules and policies, designate officers to review regulatory proposals for compliance, and ensure enforcement actions respect RFRA and other protections. Agencies must also consider religious‑liberty concerns raised by the public during notice‑and‑comment periods. Clarified protections in federal employment. The guidance reaffirms that agencies must follow recent Office of Legal Counsel opinions when accommodating religious expression and practice in the workplace, including scheduling accommodations and workplace religious expression. Safeguards for religious organizations in federal contracting and grant programs. Agencies may not condition an individual’s participation in federal programs on relinquishing their religious character or hiring rights. Religious organizations must be permitted to compete on equal footing with secular organizations. The Office of Legal Policy will continue to assist agencies in reviewing proposed actions for compliance with federal religious‑liberty protections. "The new religious liberty guidance instructs agencies on how to protect one of our most fundamental constitutional guarantees: religious liberty, said Assistant Attorney General Dan Burrows for the Office of Legal Policy. “It helps ensure that federal actions do not discriminate on the basis of religion and furthers the protection of both individual practitioners and religious organizations." The updated guidance is available HERE .


title: Kent, Washington, resident pleads guilty to conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 21-year-old Kent, Washington, resident pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Saed Ali Mirreh was arrested in November 2025 as he prepared to board a plane to Turkey with the goal of crossing into Syria to fight for the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (“ISIS”). Mirreh was originally charged in the District of New Jersey with coconspirator 19-year-old Tomas-Kaan Jimenez-Guzel. Mirreh’s case was transferred earlier this month to the Western District of Washington. U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones scheduled sentencing for October 16, 2026. According to the plea agreement, as early as July 2025, Mirreh began communicating with co-conspirators about traveling to Turkey to ultimately join ISIS as fighters. Mirreh knew ISIS had been declared a foreign terrorist organization. In late October 2025, Mirreh purchased an airline ticket to travel from Seattle to Istanbul on November 16, 2025, to meet other members of the conspiracy and travel onward to Syria. However, on October 31, 2025, members of the conspiracy residing in Dearborn, Michigan were arrested for plotting an attack in the U.S. on behalf of ISIS. Mirreh and coconspirator Jimenez-Guzel moved up their flight to Turkey to November 5, 2025. Mirreh was arrested at his Kent residence on November 4, 2025. Communications between the coconspirators reveal they discussed plans to participate in “jihad,” as well as detailed physical training, weapons, including firearms and improvised explosive devices, and how to avoid detection by law enforcement. Conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Mirreh will not appeal his sentence if it is 20 years or less. Similarly, the government agrees it will not appeal the sentence if it is 20 years in prison. The case is being investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg in coordination with Assistant U.S. Attorney Camila A. Garces of the National Security Unit in Newark, New Jersey and Trial Attorneys John Cella, Patrick Cashman, and James Donnelly of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division.


title: Two Clearfield Men Sentenced to Life in Prison for Targeted Bombing That Killed Woman Over Drug Debt

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Two residents of Clearfield, Pennsylvania, have been sentenced in federal court to life imprisonment on their convictions of conspiracy to maliciously destroy property by explosive or fire and possession of an unregistered destructive device in relation to a targeted bombing that resulted in the death of a woman who owed one of the defendants a drug debt, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentences on Clint Addleman, 49, and Kris Nevling, 49. The defendants were found guilty of the crimes through separate jury trials in August 2025 (Nevling) and March 2026 (Addleman), with the jury also finding Addleman guilty of malicious destruction of property by explosive or fire resulting in death and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Both juries also determined the death of the victim—34-year-old Shanna Carlson, who was also known as Shawna—to be a result of the commission of the conspiring to maliciously destroy property by explosive or fire offense and, in Addleman’s case, the malicious destruction of property by explosive or fire offense. “Clint Addleman and Kris Nevling callously took the life of Shanna Carlson—someone who Nevling later testified in court was among his best friends—in one of the most violent and brutal manners imaginable, all over a small drug debt,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “They were convicted of their crimes by two separate juries. Today’s sentencings ensure that Addleman and Nevling will both spend the rest of their lives in prison for their ruthless, violent conduct. Our office remains resolute in working closely with our law enforcement partners at the local, state, and federal levels to prosecute those who seek to commit such heinous crimes in our communities.” “Kris Nevling and Clint Addleman are brutal murderers,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “Together they staged a deadly explosion to try to hide their crime. Working methodically with our federal, state, and local partners, and applying ATF’s unique forensic tools, we exposed their conspiracy and they now face long sentences in federal prison for their crime.” The evidence presented during the trials established that, in and around early October 2019, Addleman and Nevling aided and abetted one another in the construction and possession of a destructive device—a bomb—which was subsequently concealed inside a package addressed to Carlson using her nickname. At approximately 4:30 a.m. on October 4, 2019, the package containing the bomb was delivered and left outside of the door to Carlson’s first floor apartment in a multi-unit rental property on East Market Street in Clearfield. Later that morning, the bomb detonated inside Carlson’s apartment, killing her and causing a fire that destroyed the building. Trial evidence established that the victim owed Addleman an outstanding drug debt of approximately $1,000. Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon and Samantha A. Stewart and Special Assistant United States Attorney Shaun E. Sweeney prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Clearfield Regional Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecutions of Addleman and Nevling.


title: Jamaican Man Sentenced to 6.5 Years in Prison for Role in International Lottery Scam Targeting Elderly

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of St. James parish in Jamaica was sentenced in federal court on July 21, 2026, to 78 months of incarceration on his conviction of violating federal wire fraud and money laundering laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Troy Williams, 41, of Montego Bay. According to information presented to the Court, from approximately January 2019 to October 2023, Williams conspired to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering by defrauding elderly victims through a lottery scam. As part of the scam, members of the conspiracy called elderly victims and informed them that they had won a lottery but needed to pay taxes and fees to receive their prize. The victims would send the money as directed but never received the prize money. The conspirators used a network of other conspirators and victims, as well as bank accounts opened in victims’ names, wire transfers, purchases of physical goods, and ATM withdrawals in Jamaica to execute and obfuscate their scheme. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from Jamaican authorities and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs in the arrest and extradition of the defendant, for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Williams.


title: Clairton Woman Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison and Ordered to Pay $1.17 Million in Restitution for Repeated Fraud and Supervised Release Violations

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Clairton, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 76 months of incarceration and ordered to pay $1,172,209.80 in restitution to two former employers on her convictions for bank fraud, as well as violations of federal supervised release and a bond order, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on Tracey Smith, 58, on July 21, 2026. According to information presented to the Court, while on federal supervised release for a prior wire fraud conviction for which she was sentenced in February 2023, Smith was hired as a comptroller by a Pittsburgh engineering firm and embezzled company funds for her personal use. As sentencing on those charges was pending, Smith was hired by another company as comptroller and embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars by creating unauthorized checks and misusing a company credit card. Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Bissoon observed that the defendant had a serious criminal history for embezzlement. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory C. Melucci prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Smith.


title: Oklahoma City Man Faces Federal Charges in Fatal Synthetic Opioid Distribution Case

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal indictment has been unsealed, charging COLLIN SHANE KIRBY , 21, of Oklahoma City, with distributing a controlled substance analogue resulting in death, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to the Indictment, Kirby is alleged to have distributed a substance containing N-Propionitrile Chlorphine, a synthetic opioid known as cychlorphine, to another individual on December 12, 2025. The Indictment further alleges that the individual later died after using the cychlorphine Kirby distributed. If found guilty, Kirby faces a minimum of 20 years and up to life in federal prison, as well as a fine of up to $1,000,000. The public is reminded that this charge is merely an allegation, and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Joynes is prosecuting the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Conesus couple arrested, charged with production of child pornography

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Donald Coty, 40, and his wife, Megan Coty, 38, both of Conesus, NY, were arrested and charged by criminal complaint with production of child pornography, conspiracy to produce child pornography, and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years. According to the criminal complaint, in February 2026, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTip that a file containing suspected child pornography was uploaded to Google Photos and a Google Drive Account, by an individual with the username “Don Coty.” The CyberTip was forwarded to the New York State Police (NYSP) and subsequently traced to Donald and Megan Coty. On June 23, 2026, NYSP investigators executed a search warrant at the couple’s Marrowback Road residence, seizing 13 electronic items, including two hard drives, two laptops, six cellphones, LG Cellphone, and three USB drives. An initial review of one of the hard drives recovered 1.3 million image and video files. Of the image and video files reviewed so far, over 174,000 files contained suspected child pornography, including images and videos with two minor victims and the defendants. Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the New York State Police at (585) 398-4100 or crimetip@troopers.ny.gov The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola. The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Illegal Alien from Mexico Charged with Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Carlos Alonso Hernandez Urbina, 38, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States, is facing multiple charges for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and for possessing CSAM involving prepubescent minors, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. “Child sexual abuse material involving prepubescent minors is disgusting,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Those that come to this country illegally to engage in such conduct will serve time in federal prison before being deported.” According to allegations in the indictment, from May to June 2026, in Mecklenburg County, Urbina knowingly distributed CSAM on multiple occasions to five individuals. It is further alleged that from 2024 to 2026, Urbina did knowingly possess and accessed with intent to view CSAM that involved a prepubescent minor and a minor that had not yet attained 12 years of age. If Urbina is convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years prison for each of the five counts of distribution of CSAM in the indictment, and up to 20 years in prison for the charge of possession and access with intent to view CSAM involving a prepubescent minor. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI in Charlotte investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Cervantes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case. The charges against the defendant are allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Armed Illegal Alien from Mexico Faces Multiple Child Sexual Exploitation Charges

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – An illegal alien from Mexico is facing multiple child sexual exploitation charges and a firearms offense, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. A federal grand jury returned a criminal indictment, charging Francisco Rosales Ortiz, 41, with 10 counts of production of CSAM, possession and access with intent to view CSAM, and unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien. According to allegations in the indictment, between June 2025 and March 2026, in Gaston County, Ortiz attempted to, and did, use a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct multiple times for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the sexual abuse. It is further alleged that during that time, Ortiz also knowingly possessed and accessed with intent to view child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The indictment also alleges that Ortiz illegally possessed three firearms, two pistols and a rifle, while being an alien unlawfully and illegally in the United States. “We are not going to stand by while illegal aliens come to our country and exploit our children,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “There are plenty of people in line to legally come to the United States. They should not be forced to the back of the line for someone like Ortiz, who is charged with sexually abusing a child and illegally possessing firearms.” “Homeland Security Investigations is committed to protecting our communities from those who seek to exploit the most vulnerable among us—our children. HSI will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and bring to justice individuals who commit these heinous crimes,” said Mark M. Zito, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Carolinas. “We will use every tool at our disposal to ensure that offenders are held accountable and that our neighborhoods remain safe places for children to grow and thrive.” If convicted, Ortiz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 325 years in prison, which includes 30 years in prison for each count of production of CSAM; up to 10 years in prison for possession and access with intent to view CSAM; and a maximum of 15 years in prison for the firearms offense. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Homeland Security Investigations handled the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Cervantes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case. The charges against the defendant are allegations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Springfield Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Sexual Exploitation of Two Child Victims

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man who sexually exploited two child victims was sentenced in federal court today. Connor Wilson Zacha, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 30 years in federal prison without parole, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Zacha received 30-year sentences for two counts of child exploitation with both sentences running concurrently. Zacha will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life. According to court documents, Zacha, who pleaded guilty on Oct. 14, 2025, used a minor, identified as Jane Doe 1, to produce child pornography from Nov. 1, 2022, to Nov. 15, 2023. Zacha also used another minor, identified as Jane Doe 2, to produce child pornography from Oct. 1, 2023, to April 18, 2024. Zacha’s cellular device contained images of both Jane Doe 1 and 2, and sexually explicit images and videos of Jane Doe 2, including video of Zach and Jane Doe 2 engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Greene County, Missouri Sheriff’s Department. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as 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 the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Mexican National Sentenced for Conspiracy to Fraudulently Obtain Visas for Alien ‘Victims’ of Staged Crimes

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national in the Kansas City area was sentenced in federal court today for his role in helping illegal aliens fraudulently obtain visas permitting them to reside and work in the United States. Jose Luis Morales Salgado, 37, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Judge Beth Phillips to 21 months of imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The Court ordered Salgado to pay a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $61,200 which constituted the illicit proceeds he obtained as a result of his involvement in the conspiracy to commit visa fraud. On March 23, 2026, Salgado pleaded guilty to conspiring to fraudulently obtain immigration visas for aliens. Salgado admitted that immigrants contacted Salgado to arrange for themselves to become “victims” of staged robberies so they could submit applications for U-Visas, which are granted to crime victims. These immigrants, who were either illegally present in the United States or in the United States legally through work visas, paid Salgado thousands of dollars to participate. In exchange, Salgado directed them to the location of a planned staged robbery on a particular day and time. Salgado also admitted that he recruited individuals to pose as robbers during the staged crimes and provided directions to those individuals. Salgado admitted that each robbery involved aliens who told police they had car trouble and pulled over. Soon after stopping, another vehicle would arrive and park next to, or in front of, the purported victim’s vehicle. The robber, wearing a medical mask over their face and brandishing a firearm, would strike the purported victims in the head or face, take their cash, and typically fire two rounds into the purported victim’s vehicle. Investigators with the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department initially identified 11 incidents in which the reported robberies followed this pattern. These cases were linked to each other, based in part, on leads generated from the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN utilized ballistic imaging technology to compare cartridge case markings on the expended cartridges from each crime scene. Detectives determined there was likely one firearm used in the commission of all the robberies. Detectives gathered information from city cameras and license plate readers to identify the vehicles used in the robberies. Salgado instructed the alien “victims” to falsely report to law enforcement officials how the robberies occurred and advised them how to make these false reports in an effort to bolster their applications for U-Visas. The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act was designed to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute certain crimes while also protecting victims of crimes who are willing to help law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. A foreign national is eligible for a U-Visa if he/she was the victim of qualifying criminal activity, suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of the criminal activity, possessed information about the criminal activity, and was likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. According to court documents, a source told investigators the number of purported “victims” involved in the scheme was well over 100. Court documents also indicate that investigators identified 11 robberies involving 33 purported “victims” that occurred as part of the conspiracy between Dec. 29, 2021, and July 13, 2024. Of those 33 immigrants, 18 submitted U-Visa applications falsely claiming to be victims of violent crimes. An undercover federal agent and a law enforcement source met with Salgado on Jan. 22, 2025, and recorded their meeting. The undercover agent made arrangements to pay Salgado $4,000 for a robbery to be staged in order to fraudulently obtain a U-Visa. Salgado told the undercover agent he would “put on a grand show.” Once the plans were agreed upon, the undercover agent paid Salgado $500 with a promise to pay the balance later. The undercover agent met with Salgado again on , Jan. 30, and Salgado was arrested. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations. Operation Take Back America This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.